Agenda of Communities Committee

HUTT CITY COUNCIL

Komiti Hapori | Communities Committee

Meeting to be held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt on

Wednesday 28 April 2021 commencing at 2.00pm.

ORDER PAPER

Public Business

1. OPENING FORMALITIES - KARAKIA TIMATANGA (21/616)

Kia hora te marino

Kia whakapapa pounamu te moana

He huarahi mā tātou i te rangi nei

Aroha atu, aroha mai

Tātou i a tātou katoa

Hui e Tāiki e!

May peace be wide spread

May the sea be like greenstone

A pathway for us all this day

Let us show respect for each other

For one another

Bind us together!

2. APOLOGIES

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

Generally up to 30 minutes is set aside for public comment (three minutes per speaker on items appearing on the agenda). Speakers may be asked questions on the matters they raise.

4. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have

5. Walter Mildenhall Park easement to convey electricity (21/602)

Report No. CCCCC2021/2/104 by the Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner 8

Chair’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

6. 270 Coast Road Easement (21/443)

Report No. CCCCC2021/2/87 by the Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner 12

Chair’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

7. Naming of New Dog Park - Wainuiomata (21/612)

Report No. CCCCC2021/2/105 by the Team Leader Parks 24

Chair’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendations contained in the report be endorsed.”

8. Naenae Projects Update Report (21/568)

Memorandum dated 6 April 2021 by the Strategic Projects Manager 41

Chair’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the report be endorsed.”

9. Director's Report - Neighbourhoods and Communities Group (21/595)

Report No. CCCCC2021/2/13 by the Head of Community Projects and Relationships 45

Chair’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the report be endorsed.”

10. Information Item

Communities Committee Work Programme (21/582)

Report No. CCCCC2021/2/63 by the Senior Democracy Advisor 58

Chair’s Recommendation:

“That the recommendation contained in the report be endorsed.”

11. QUESTIONS

With reference to section 32 of Standing Orders, before putting a question a member shall endeavour to obtain the information. Questions shall be concise and in writing and handed to the Chair prior to the commencement of the meeting.

12. CLOSING FORMALITIES - KARAKIA WHAKAMUTUNGA (21/617)

Whakataka te hau ki te uru

Whakataka te hau ki te tonga

Kia mākinakina ki uta

Kia mātaratara ki tai

E hī ake ana te atakura

He tio, he huka, he hau hū

Tīhei mauri ora.

Cease the winds from the west
Cease the winds from the south
Let the breeze blow over the land
Let the breeze blow over the ocean
Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air.
A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.

Kate Glanville

SENIOR DEMOCRACY ADVISOR

Communities Committee

12 April 2021

File: (21/602)

Report no: CCCCC2021/2/104

Walter Mildenhall Park easement to convey electricity

Purpose of Report

1. To grant Wellington Electricity an easement to convey electricity and establish a Compact Secondary Substation (CSS) in Walter Mildenhall Park.

Recommendations

That the Committee:

(1) agrees to grant Wellington Electricity easement over Walter Mildenhall Park;

(2) notes that public notification is not required if the reserve is not likely to be materially altered or permanently damaged and the rights of the public in respect of the reserve are not likely to be permanently affected; and

(3) notes that once adopted the request will go to the Minister of Conservation for approval.

For the reason to grant Wellington Electricity an easement to convey electricity and construct a Compact Secondary Substation.

Background

2. Currently, Wellington Electricity has a substation located within the Naenae Pool building which services part of the Naenae shopping centre and surrounds. With the redevelopment of Naenae Pool (including demolition of the old building) and the Naenae Spatial Plan, it is required that the substation be relocated to a Compact Secondary Substation (CSS) in Walter Mildenhall Park.

a. The approximate location of the proposed CSS can be seen in Appendix 1 attached to the report.

3. A CSS is used for energy transformation in secondary distribution networks. It transfers medium-voltage electricity to low-voltage electricity for residential use.

a. CSS was implemented in response to the transfer to an underground electricity network.

b. CSS provides a high level of safety for personnel and is inaccessible to the public comprising of concrete or steel fabrication.

4. The current substation in Naenae Pool serves Hillary Court and Naenae Pool, without an alternative to the Naenae Pool substation the transmission of electricity would be significantly hindered.

5. Walter Mildenhall Park is currently classified under the Reserves Act 1977 as Local Purpose Reserve for a Community Centre.

Discussion

6. The location of the CSS is the most optimal location given the proposed developments in the Naenae Spatial Plan and is outside the extent of any demolition works from the pool.

a. The CSS is located near the proposed basketball courts and café in the Naenae Spatial Plan.

7. Officers believe that the reserve will not be materially altered or the public’s rights be permanently affected from the relocation of the substation for the following reasons:

a. Consultation for the Naenae spatial plan to materially alter the park has already been undertaken.

b. The substation only affects a small portion of the park that would likely be otherwise unused.

c. And, the substation already exists within Naenae Pool.

Options

8. Agree to grant Wellington Electricity an easement to convey electricity over Walter Mildenhall Park.

9. Do not agree to grant Wellington Electricity an easement and propose an alternative solution.

Climate Change Impact and Considerations

10. The matters addressed in this report have been considered in accordance with the process set out in Council’s Climate Change Considerations Guide.

Consultation

11. Consultation is not required under s48(3) of the Reserves Act 1977

a. Subsection (2) [public notification] shall not apply in any case where—

i. (a) the reserve is vested in an administering body and is not likely to be materially altered or permanently damaged; and

ii. (b) the rights of the public in respect of the reserve are not likely to be permanently affected—

b. by the establishment and lawful exercise of the right of way or other easement.

Legal Considerations

12. Legal instruments will be created upon agreement to provide easement over Walter Mildenhall Park.

Financial Considerations

13. Naenae Pool Project budget has planned for the relocation of the substation.

14. There are associated Department of Conservation fees amounting to approximately $1,200.

Appendices

No.	Title	Page
1 ⇩	Proposed Compact Secondary Substation Location	11

Author: Tyler Kimbrell

Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner

Reviewed By: Marcus Sherwood

Head of Parks and Recreation

Approved By: Andrea Blackshaw

Director Neighbourhoods and Communities

Communities Committee

18 March 2021

File: (21/443)

Report no: CCCCC2021/2/87

270 Coast Road Easement

Purpose of Report

1. To release public notice of the intent to grant vehicular right of way over recreation reserve known as Wood Street Reserve to the landowners of 270 Coast Road in return for establishing pedestrian access along the Wainuiomata River.

Recommendations

That the Committee:

(1) notes that Council has the authority to provide easements over land classified as Recreation Reserve in accordance with s48 of the Reserves Act 1977;

(2) notes that Section 114 Wainuiomata District is classified as Recreation Reserve in GAZ 1986 p 4473; and

(3) agrees to release public notice consistent with the requirements of s119 and s120 of the Reserves Act 1977 for the purposes of granting an easement over Section 114 Wainuiomata District.

For the reasons to formalise existing use of the track along the Wainuiomata River and increase pedestrian access along the River.

Background

2. The owners of 270 Coast Road have ownership of approximately 69.5 hectares of land that includes a portion of the Wainuiomata River and is adjacent to Wood Street Reserve and Leonard Wood Park.

3. The homeowners are lodging resource consent to subdivide and build two dwelling units on the eastern portion of land along the Wainuiomata River, adjacent to Wood Street Reserve - this is identified as proposed Lots 1 & 2 on Appendix 1 to the report.

4. An informal track along the Wainuiomata River has been used by the public for the purposes of travelling between Wood Street Reserve and Leonard Wood Park since at least 1995.

5. The enhancement and maintenance of public access to and along rivers is considered a matter of national importance in the Resource Management Act 1991 s6 (d).

6. A hydro parcel with a previously unknown owner is located within the boundaries of the proposed easement; this has been resolved in the land status report prepared by RMAC Services Ltd. in November 2020. It is attached as Appendix 2 to the report

7. The granting of easements is subject to s48 of the Reserve Act 1977; public notice and consent from the Minister of Conservation are required. An administering body must make the decision to begin the process and confirm the land involved is reserve and vested in the administering body.

8. An indicative drawing of the Rights of Way can be seen in Appendix 4 attached to the report.

Discussion

9. While it appears that the section of 270 Coast Road adjacent to Wood Street Reserve and the connection to Leonard Park Reserve are a part of the reserve network, both sections are privately owned and have been used as public land since at least the 1990s. The owners have previously allowed public use of the area and are now seeking to utilise the land for residential purposes.

a. If the situation persists without a formal agreement the land could be closed off from the public, restricting pedestrian access along the river.

10. Granting of the easement in return for public access along the Wainuiomata River will increase recreation opportunities in the local area and promotes the following strategies.

a. The Draft Wainuiomata Reserves Review identifies improving access as one of the top 5 recommendations. Within the “improving access” recommendation it identifies that HCC should “Encourage subdivision design that facilitates connectivity to parks and reserves” and “explore connection opportunities from Wainuiomata valley floor tracks to existing reserves.” The pedestrian right of way aids in fulfilling that recommendation.

b. Establishing local opportunities for recreation has been identified by NZ Recreation Association as an important element within a community, especially during times where travel is limited.

c. Formalising access along the Wainuiomata River promotes Parks and Recreation’s Reserve Strategic Directions key strategy of creating connected reserves and natural areas.

d. Creating more opportunities for walking promotes healthy living and opportunities to get outside and play.

e. Access and linkages play a large role in the Wainuiomata Development plan. The location of the proposed easement is within the boundaries of the “major waterway/ ecological corridor” identified in the Wainuiomata Development Plan.

11. The previously unknown hydro parcel was found to be a part of Certificate of Title WN23D/308- the title associated with 270 Coast Road in Deposited Plan 13551 from 1946. The details of findings are in a report completed by RMAC Services Ltd. in November 2020, attached as Appendix 2 to the report.

12. Officers believe that the vehicular right of way, while altering current conditions of the land, will not detract from the useable space of Wood Street Reserve. The location is near to the boundary of the park and a stormwater drainage gully so the site would currently be considered less than optimal for open space play.

13. The easement locations can be seen in Appendix 1 to the report. The easement width of 1.5m is enough to comply with the Standards New Zealand Tracks and Outdoor Visitor Structures requirements for a “walking track” which requires a minimum width of 0.75m and a maximum width of 2m.

a. The potential track surface is relatively flat with little elevation rise or drop. ±3m over approximately 320m of track.

14. The current path that extends through Wood Street Reserve and 270 Coast Road will be re-established along the proposed pedestrian easement.

a. Current access to the river is limited near Leonard Wood Park. This pedestrian easement would be a step forward in providing additional opportunities to connect Wainuiomata.

Options

15. Approve the release of public notice for the purpose of granting vehicular right of way over Wood Street Reserve in return for a pedestrian right of way for the purposes of accessing a track along the Wainuiomata River.

16. Do not approve the release of public notice; this would restrict the public’s access to the existing walking track.

Climate Change Impact and Considerations

17. The matters addressed in this report have been considered in accordance with the process set out in Council’s Climate Change Considerations Guide.

Consultation

18. Public notice will comply with s119 and s120 of the Reserves Act 1977 and give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Legal Considerations

19. The granting of this easement over recreation reserve is consistent with the provisions of the Reserves Act 1977 s48 (1)(b).

20. A legal instrument for granting the easement will be created upon successful resource consent application.

Financial Considerations

21. There are fees of approximately $250 associated with advertising in the local newspaper.

22. All other fees will be met by the applicant.

Appendices

No.	Title	Page
1 ⇩	270 Coast Road Draft Scheme Plan	16
2 ⇩	RMAC Services LTD Hydro Parcel Review	18
3 ⇩	Gazette Notice 1986 p4473	21
4 ⇩	270 Coast Road Indicative Easement	23

Author: Tyler Kimbrell

Parks, Reserves and Recreation Planner

Reviewed By: Marcus Sherwood

Head of Parks and Recreation

Approved By: Andrea Blackshaw

Director Neighbourhoods and Communities

Communities Committee

14 April 2021

File: (21/612)

Report no: CCCCC2021/2/105

Naming of New Dog Park - Wainuiomata

Purpose of Report

1. To consider a proposal for the naming of the new dog park at Wainuiomata

Recommendations

That the Committee:

(1) receives and notes the information contained in the report;

(2) notes that the dog park at Wainuiomata is in its final stages of construction;

(3) notes that the naming of the dog park as Les Dalton Dog Park is guided by the Naming Policy 2018 and that the proposal satisfies the requirements of this policy;

(4) notes the support from the Wainuiomata Marae community and Dog Park Steering Group for the proposed name;

(5) approves the naming without formal consultation; and

(6) approves the naming of the new dog park as Les Dalton Dog Park.

For the reason that the process and requirements of the Naming Policy have been met.

Background

2. Council has invested in the development of a dog park in Wainuiomata. The park is the first of its kind for Lower Hutt and as such, can be considered a high profile site with city-wide significance in terms of type of park.

3. The park is in the final stages of development with a public opening scheduled for 15 May 2021.

4. The dog park is located on the western fringe of the Wainuiomata Mountain Bike Park. It currently has no official name and is referred to as the Wainuiomata Dog Park.

5. Any naming of a park, certainly of significance as in this case is governed by Council’s Naming Policy 2018. This is attached as Appendix One. The policy outlines the process and matters to consider when reviewing a naming proposal.

6. A steering group with membership including Council officers and community representation proposed the name for the Park. This was submitted through the Mayor who in turn, as provided for under the Policy delegated review of the proposed name to Council officers for consideration and review. The name proposed is Les Dalton Park.

7. With guidance from Council’s Kaitātari Tumuaki Māori, direct consultation was also undertaken with Wainuiomata Marae and the marae community.

Discussion

8. The development of the dog park has been a project initiated with significant community input over many years. The opening is the culmination of their efforts and Council’s commitment to the concept and project.

9. The steering group was established to oversee design and its implementation, and then look to transition to a “friends of” group to assist with establishing protocols and rules for the Park. Officers will continue work on establishing the “friends of” group.

10. The park’s location is reasonably travel accessible for most dog owners. It is a park specifically for dogs and their owners and a first of its kind in Lower Hutt. The park is of local and citywide significance and the decision on what the park is called is now under consideration.

11. Naming a reserve or park is important. It is an opportunity to reflect Maori history, associate character and history with a site, reflect landscape, flora and fauna, as well as an opportunity to publicly recognise and honour people that have made important and significant contributions to the City.

12. The proposed name, Les Dalton Dog Park is in recognition of the significant and outstanding contribution Mr Dalton has made to the City. Mr Dalton worked as a Council officer in the Animal Control industry for 43 years starting with the Wainuiomata County Council until amalgamation in 1989, when he continued as Manager of Animal Control with Hutt City Council. During his tenure, Mr Dalton introduced 35 dog exercise (off lead) areas in Lower Hutt. He was president of the NZ Institute of Animal Control Officers for 13 years and is recognised nationally in his field of expertise. A Wainuiomata resident, Mr Dalton was passionate about establishing a dog park in the city and it is through his advocacy, passion and tenacity that the current dog park development is a reality. Mr Dalton passed away in 2020 and did not get to see the creation of the dog park.

13. The general process for naming a park of significance under the Naming Policy is:

a. A proposal is submitted to the Mayor. This is then delegated to the Chief Executive to undertake due diligence.

b. Mana Whenua and other local organisations, the Council has a Memorandum of Understanding with, are advised of the proposed name. Direct consultation has been undertaken with the marae community.

c. Council’s Chief Executive (or delegate) decides, in consultation with the Mayor, whether the proposal has merit. A report is then prepared for Council’s consideration. This is the stage we are at now.

d. If a name is supported, the Naming Policy provides a framework to determine a move forward. In this case, it is proposed that the name is adopted.

14. Naming of the park after Mr Dalton is consistent with historical naming of parks in Wainuiomata, where the likes of the Richard Prouse Park, Frederick Wise Park and Hugh Sinclair Parks are named after families and individuals.

Options

15. As noted above, the Naming Policy establishes a process to guide decisions on assessing proposed and determining names, in this case, for a park. There are two clear options:

a. Confirm the proposal – It is proposed for the name to be made public at the public being held in mid-May, as a part of the opening/blessing ceremony.

b. Decline the proposal –Declining the proposal requires a new process to commence, the consequence of which is a formal name will not be in place for the park opening.

Climate Change Impact and Considerations

16. The matters addressed in this report have been considered in accordance with the process set out in Council’s Climate Change Considerations Guide.

Consultation

17. With guidance from Council’s Kaitātari Tumuaki Māori, he advised that direct consultation with Mana Whenua would not be appropriate in this instance. Instead, direct consultation was undertaken with Wainuiomata Marae and the marae community. Informal consultation also took place through the Steering Group (made up of community representatives and Council) for the Dog Park project. They have demonstrated strong support for the proposed name.

18. The family of Les Dalton have been consulted and are happy to proceed with the name Les Dalton Dog Park.

19. If Council chooses not to adopt the proposed name, it can decide to do further consultation. Noting that this will not be achieved prior to the opening of the Dog Park.

Legal Considerations

20. There are no legal considerations at this time.

Financial Considerations

21. There are no financial considerations at this time.

Appendices

No.	Title	Page
1 ⇩	Naming Policy 2018	28

Author: Aaron Marsh

Team Leader Parks

Author: Janet Lawson

Reserves Asset Manager

Reviewed By: Marcus Sherwood

Head of Parks and Recreation

Reviewed By: Andrea Blackshaw

Director Neighbourhoods and Communities

Approved By: Helen Oram

Director Environment and Sustainability

Our Reference 21/568

TO: Chair and Members

Communities Committee

FROM: Allen Yip

DATE: 06 April 2021

SUBJECT: Naenae Projects Update Report

Recommendation

That the Committee receives and notes the information.

Purpose of Memorandum

1. To update the Committee on the progress and management of the Naenae Projects (pool and town centre development) since the last report in March 2021.

Project Update

2. Following completion of the Quantitative Risk Analysis, the Long Term Plan Subcommittee agreed with the Project Board’s recommendation to include the new project cost estimate of $68M to be included in the draft Long Term Plan (LTP), along with the original $54M option. This is currently out for consultation with submissions to close in May 2021, and the decisions on the options adopted will be made in late June 2021.

3. The new project cost estimate factors in escalating costs in construction resulting from global supply chain disruption, increased demand for skilled labour, potential site issues that may be discovered during construction (including allowing for potential asbestos removal), and the inclusion of improved technology that would support Council’s sustainability objectives in reducing the operating costs of the new facility. The original cost estimate would deliver a pool with lower levels of facility and services.

4. The project’s focus at this stage is:

a. Project Planning and documentation

b. Procurement of the specialist services and demolition contractors

5. The procurement process for the Multi-Disciplinary Design Team commenced in February 2021, with an appointment expected by mid-April.

a. This was done by a selected tender process due to the specialised nature of the project and the limited number of firms that would meet the qualification standards.

b. We received three very good quality responses.

c. Following an initial evaluation all three were interviewed

d. The assessment criteria included:

i. Methodology

ii. Capability & Capacity

iii. Innovation & Sustainability

iv. Price

e. Following this process, we have been able to identify a preferred respondent. Negotiations are currently underway, but expect to conclude by the mid-April 2021, with an appointment able to be announced by the end of the April 2021.

6. Other project procurement activities include:

a. Appointment of a Heritage Architect (Ian Bowman)

b. Invitations for Registrations of Interest for Quantity Surveyor

c. Invitations for Requests for Proposal for Asbestos Survey

d. Advance Notice for Demolition Contractors issued to market

7. The project team are looking to programme physical works on site, the first being the relocation of an electricity substation that is currently housed within the pool. This substation services the pool and Hillary Court. It must be moved before the main demolition work commences. The project team and Wellington Electricity are working together to progress this.

8. The Naenae Community Advisory Group (CAG) held its initiation meeting on 11 March 2021. The group were given an update on the project, and discussed and agreed on some aspects of how they will operate. The next meeting in April 2021 will focus on the spatial plan. The group is establishing its own Facebook page as a mechanism for communication with the wider community.

9. The Naenae Projects information on all websites has recently been updated to reflect the current project status and, with work on design getting underway, will now be updated regularly.

10. Once the timeline has been confirmed with the Multi-Disciplinary Design Team, a physical timeline will be erected on the pool hoardings, and displayed at Naenae Library. In late April we will be producing the first Project update newsletter, which will feature a new project name chosen by the Community Advisory Group. The first edition will be delivered to households in Naenae, and people will be able to subscribe for future updates through the Have Your Say site.

Financial considerations

11. The Long Term Plan/Annual Plan Subcommittee noted that the Project Board’s preferred option was for a capital investment cost of $68M for Naenae Pool. However this will not be confirmed as the project budget until the conclusion of the LTP consultation process.

12. The project budget has a significant influence on the design process, so this this uncertainty will be factored in when the design process commences in late April 2021.

Risk

13. Project risks are presented to the Audit and Risk Subcommittee every eight weeks. The key risks at this stage are::

a. While the project budget will be certain when the LTP consultation process is complete, but the uncertainty around project cost will remain. The risk will be reviewed as each new phase of the project brings more certainty.

b. Uncertainty about ground conditions and contamination, which will not be known until testing is able to be done. The project team has prioritised the demolition which will allow the testing. The risk based approach to costing will ensure sufficient provision to address this.

14. A risk workshop is scheduled to be held with the commencement of the first design phase. This will be run by AECOM (project managers and engineers to the project) and include members of the Multi-Disciplinary Design Team and Council officers.

Climate Change Impact and Considerations

15. The matters addressed in this report have been considered in accordance with the process set out in Council’s Climate Change Considerations Guide.

16. While all Council projects will be delivered in a way that supports Council’s Guidelines, the cost option chosen may have an impact on the actual Environmentally Sustainable Design and Innovation options.

17. Sustainability and impact on the environment will be a key driver in the design process.

Consultation

18. The two investment options for the project are part of the LTP consultation process.

Legal Considerations

19. At the conclusion of the LTP process the Project Board will seek delegated authority to make project decisions that are within the agreed project budget and scope.

20. Where decisions are required outside this, the Board will report to the Communities Committee, and on risks to the Audit and Risk Subcommittee.

Appendices

There are no appendices for this report.

Author: Allen Yip

Strategic Projects Manager

Approved By: Andrea Blackshaw

Director Neighbourhoods and Communities

Communities Committee

12 April 2021

File: (21/595)

Report no: CCCCC2021/2/13

Director's Report - Neighbourhoods and Communities Group

Purpose of Report

1. To provide the committee with an update from the Neighbourhoods and Communities Group.

Recommendation

That the report be received and noted.

Overview and highlights

2. Work is continuing in the Neighbourhoods and Communities team to consider how we deliver on Council’s new strategic direction and priorities. This was due to be discussed at a briefing with Councillors on April 7 where we would be seeking feedback on our thinking to date.

3. We require new ways of working, both within Council and with the community, to deliver on the priority of Connected Communities and to achieve the objectives of re-setting the way we engage and work with communities and having ‘One Council team’ delivering better integrated services.

4. In the meantime we’re starting to work this way wherever possible, including at our community hubs and libraries. In this report you can read about some of the work they are doing to better integrate services, both Council’s and others’, in some neighbourhoods, and also the work we’re doing to capture the voice of the Moera Community.

5. A great example of our shift towards ‘One Team’ and being better connected is the repositioning of the Hutt City Libraries’ weekly staff newsletter (now called He Pitopito Kōrero) to communicate with a wider group of teams who engage with the community. This has been a very effective communication channel for library staff, and now it is informing and connecting a much bigger group of frontline staff.

6. A move to COVID-19 alert Level 2 in February 2021 meant a change in operating modes at our facilities, reducing numbers and activities that could take place in some. Staff handled each move quickly and effectively, with the only issue being some difficulties experienced with crowd control at our summer pools on one hot Saturday.

7. An undoubted recent highlight was having the Walter Nash Centre host the region’s first COVID-19 Community vaccination clinic for managed isolation facility and frontline health workers – a great contribution to ensuring our neighbourhoods and communities thrive.

8. This report includes an update on the work programme of the Parks and Reserves team, and additionally, as requested, an update on Community Panels and our work in Neighbourhood Support.

Connected Communities

9. Work is underway at Koraunui Stokes Valley Hub to further strengthen relationships across community and local agencies, with the aim of ensuring people are better connected to the support they need.

10. One recent case is a good example of the impact this can make. A customer presented at Koraunui with ongoing unacceptable behaviour and was excluded from entering space for 2 weeks. Upon their return, they met with Ops Manager and shared their complex background. Connections were made and support provided by staff, City Mission and Government agencies which led to the customer getting his birth certificate and bus ticket back to their whanau in Whakatane, where they will be supported by agencies on their arrival.

11. Local connections made through regulars at Koraunui Hub provided our staff with an opportunity to enable The Wellington Health & Happiness Association (WHHA) to provide a Lunar New Year event that captured the essence of wellbeing – dances, performances, drumming, master calligrapher, tai chi and also shared with the local community how to make dumplings. Post this event, a local community leader involved with the WHHA now runs weekly free Tai Chi classes.

12. A new pilot has been set up in Wainuiomata with a local community group who is based out of the Hub. Officers now provide them fortnightly updates on what’s happening across Council and will follow up with them on any feedback received.

13. As outlined earlier, Walter Nash Centre hosted the regions first Community COVID Community vaccination clinic for managed isolation facility and frontline health workers. The clinics ran smoothly and staff at our facility did a great job supporting both those running the clinics, and the local community.

14. In Naenae, we continue to run taste testers for weaving, Maori movement, clay and selfie workshops, which have proven popular with the community.

15. In Moera, we have work underway to capture the voice of the community. By working with the Chair of the Petone Community Board, we have connected with 15 people who work, live and volunteer in the community to start this conversation. These people were from local business, Council, church and community groups, elected officials and educators. They represent the grass-tops of the grassroots of Moera. An informal discussion was held where we discussed the challenges and opportunities currently facing Moera as well as to enable a relationship to be built by council officers with this community. These conversations are ongoing, with a range of opportunities identified by the group being explored.

Community Funding

16. We were invited by the Department of Internal Affairs to have a presence at the Maori Providers Hui hosted by Kokiri Marae, to provide information on Council community funding. This was a great opportunity to connect and build relationships with providers groups and leaders.

Community Funding Panels Update

17. Community Funding Panels were established by Council on 26 May 2020 for the triennium. There are four across the city (Eastern, Central, Western and Northern) and they are fully funded from rates.

18. Each Community Funding Panel has the following elected members assigned:

· Eastern Community Funding Panel – Cr Mitchell (Crs Rasheed and Dyer Alternates)

· Northern Community Funding Panel – Cr Sutton (Crs Shaw and Briggs Alternates)

· Western Community Funding Panel – Cr Milne (Crs Edwards and Cr Dyer Alternates)

· Central Community Funding Panel – Cr Bassett (Crs Hislop and Briggs Alternates)

19. Each Commnity Funding Panel approves allocations from two funds: Community Engagement Fund (total varies but less than $10k pa) and Community Asset Fund ($114k per triennium). Following is a summary of the status of projects from the previous triennium which are yet to be completed:

PANEL	PROJECT	STATUS
Western	Public access way between Crestview Grove and Park Road Meadowbank	$16.7k was allocated – this is still awaiting a response from the landowners and completion of their Resource Consent application. The landowners have indicated that they may be in a position to respond in about two months.
Central	Changing Places Toilet	$100K was allocated to this project by the previous panel, however this proved insufficient funding for a new facility. The new panel has decided not to contribute further money to the project. The Parks and Reserves team is currently scoping the redevelopment of an existing facility in Petone to see if it can meet some of these needs.
Eastern	Skateboard facility in Naenae	$52k was allocated - This has been put on hold until completion of the spatial plan and in particular the possible site for a supermarket. Options will be presented to the panel shortly for consideration. This work will also be connected to the new Naenae Community Advisory Group

20. As the Central Community Funding Panel decided not to progress the Changing Places Toilet, it has $214,000 available for allocation under its Community Assets Fund for the remainder of the triennium.

21. The Community Funding Panels are all at different stages with regards to allocating their respective Community Asset Fund.

· Eastern are brainstorming ideas and working on a process to capture ideas from the community.

· Northern are collating ideas and costings of potential projects which include (but not limited to) reinstatement of Speldhurst Park toddlers playground, and water fountain installs throughout the ward.

· Western are brainstorming ideas together and focusing on enhancing the western hills tracks.

· Central has identified a list of possible projects, and this is currently being reviewed by the relevant officers before formal checklists are submitted.

22. Once Community Funding Panels confirm which projects they want to progress formally, internal checks are completed by officers with Director oversight. This is to ensure strategic alignment of projects and better Council oversight in particular around risk and ongoing costs. Projects require Director approval to enable them to be progressed and where projects are not approved, there will be a conversation with the relevant Community Funding Panel to explain the rationale.

City Safety

23. Plunket no longer holds the contract to install child restraints and the contract they held was not transited to a new provider, leaving a significant gap. A number of staff across Council have now been trained as certified child restrain technicians and last month they worked alongside Police to inspect and modify 19 car restraints (Safe City Ambassadors and trained Hub staff assist at the HCC and Police sites).

24. A Volunteer Appreciation event was held at Lower Hutt Police Station to celebrate the collective efforts of volunteers that work across the City Safety portfolio (CCTV, NSG and Community Patrols).

25. Maori Wardens are re-establishing themselves across our hubs, and there is a great effort from both wardens and staff to engage with one another. We will also be supporting the mahi of the Family Harm Prevention Collective, using communication channels when appropriate and potentially providing space for staff.

Neighbourhood Support

26. Work is underway to establish a trust to oversee Neighbourhood Support (NS) in the Wellington Region. Cr Brown will be one of the Trustees of the new group which is currently working to establish a trust deed and determine potential funding sources.

27. Since 2018, both Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council have funded and delivered NS with no direct funding or support from Neighbourhood Support New Zealand (NSNZ). Wellington, Porirua and Kapiti Councils currently do not provide a NS support function.

28. We will continue to work with the new regional body to understand how its work can be integrated with our own. Our future approach to this will be included in a review of City Safety which will come to Council later this year.

29. Lower Hutt currently has 203 NS groups, comprising 2047 households. In the last 2 years approximately 150 new households have joined. We support these groups and households in a number of ways including provision of a bi-monthly newsletter, face to face meetings with coordinators, provision of resources, attending and assisting with events, helping establish groups through community hui and engaging Police to support groups, individuals and events.

30. Our increased presence in Wainuiomata post safety concerns in late 2020 has resulted in local community leading two Neighbours Day Aotearoa events; 25 business have joined Neighbourhood Support (NS) and four new support groups have been formed. Neighbours Day Aotearoa events were also held in Manor Park (led by WREMO) and Kelson (led by Kelson Community Association)

31. WREMO launched an Emergency Community hub in Manor Park, the launch promoted WREMO and NS kaupapa, building resilient, connected and safer communities.

32. From April, we will be moving the focus of our Neighbourhood Support efforts from Wainuiomata to Naenae, with support/collaboration from Council Officers, Police and WREMO advisers. Staff in Wainuiomata Hub will continue to connect community members to and advocate for establishing Neighbourhood Support Groups.

Youth Council

33. We are continuing work on a potential new approach to youth engagement. As you will be aware, Youth Council was placed on hold with support from its members in mid-2020. This enabled officers to complete a youth engagement pilot where the aim was to try to do things differently, favouring a ‘many to many’ approach, whereby Council leads an engagement strategy that meets young people where they are, connecting with education providers, social services, employers, iwi and youth services across the Hutt Valley.

34. Seven workshops were held during this initial phase, taking place at Wainuiomata High, St Bernard’s College, Taita College, Vibe Youth Advisory Group and Manaaki Ability Trust. Participants discussed the role of Council, what rangatahi value in our community and how they currently and wish to interact with Council.

35. These workshops provided us with some valuable information which will help us enhance our engagement with youth, and we remain connected to all the participants and will be working with them to capture their voice through the LTP process.

36. There will be a further update on Council’s new engagement approach once the new engagement team is in place, including how we will be capturing our youth voice in the future.

Libraries

37. In support of our Te Pātaka digital workplace journey we expanded the libraries license to access LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) to include all Council staff. This will allow Office 365 training, which is part of the LinkedIn Learning content offering, to be made available to the whole organisation without additional cost.

38. Work continues to increase community after-hours access to Naenae Library, though this has been delayed due to additional considerations coming to light during planning. This includes re-scoping of wiring work required and assessing the suitability of on-site toilet facilities being made available to the public.

39. On the people front, there has been significant staff movement as we move staff into secondments, acting roles, and continue to fill vacancies. Most recently Philip Casey’s illness and resignations in our Office Management team have been challenging. We have two staff retiring after extensive length-of-service: Avril Hooper after 41 years, and Moira Connolly after 29 years.

40. The passing of former Hutt City Libraries colleague Guy Stapleton was a shock and has been challenging for the wider libraries community to work through.

Museums

41. We have been running a number of public programmes both in person and online which have been generating significant interest from local, national and international communities. “Decolonising Your Puku – Indigenous Food Sovereignty” was a webinar livestreamed on zoom in conjunction with The Dowse exhibition “From the Ground Up” and had over 7,200 views.

42. We have also run fully subscribed programmes such as seniors tours, behind the scenes collections tours, floor-talks for Terminus and The Most Dedicated exhibitions– attended by over 70 people on both occasions, quilt making workshops and digital game design workshops.

43. The Dowse 50th programme is now underway particularly with the opening of The Most Dedicated: An Aotearoa Graffiti Story. There has been significant national media coverage including television, radio and print. There has also been increased interest from Māori media and audiences and very positive responses across the board from senior members of the community and many young couples and families. A couple of complaints have been received and there has been subsequent correspondence with the Director of the Dowse, the Mayor and councillors.

44. The exhibition has been supported by a street art festival facilitated by the community arts advisor which also includes the final component of the street art mentoring programme with nine local rangatahi that has also been part of this programme.

45. Monday closures at The Dowse have generally been received well but some work needs to be done in terms of ongoing communications to our audiences. There appears to be no negative impact on visitation to Petone Settlers Museum due to the permanent closures on Mondays and Tuesdays.

46. Schools and community group visits are being facilitated on closed days through both facilities with increasing interest for our education programmes with all available sessions currently booked to capacity. We have had over 1500 school children through our programmes for term one. 160 people attended our largely Naenae focussed community workshops.

47. Some remedial work is being undertaken by the Museums team on Petone Settlers Museum displays, alongside new displays being developed.

48. As part of the work being done on Council’s public art collection – work is underway to launch a mobile app that will allow community and visitors to the Hutt to explore these works for themselves. This app, called City Art Walks, is an existing platform developed for Tauranga by Supercut Projects.

49. Little Theatre bookings are starting to increase after over a year of closures and remedial work. We are also partnering with other art organisations such as Kia Mau Festival and Toi Whakaari.

50. As indicated in the previous report we are currently working with the Dowse Foundation on a stakeholder event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Dowse which will be held at the Events Centre on Friday 25 June 2021.

Parks & Recreation

Pools + Fitness

51. Attendances across all swimming pools for January and February 2021 have been an improvement on last year but are still tracking 4% behind target due to restrictions from alert level 2 events. Attendances at summer pools have been pleasing being only 5% down on last year despite a reduction in operating hours.

52. Our five swimming pools all successfully gained Recreation Aotearoa Poolsafe accreditation again this year following external audits in February. No material issues were noted.

53. Our aquatic facilities have experienced an increase in unruly and aggressive customer behaviour this summer which may be due in part to anxieties caused by COVID. Increased staffing and security measures have been implemented where appropriate. Pool staff also attend de-escalation and aggressive customer training each season.

54. 750 cans of food were collected by the Fitness Suites and distributed to the Salvation Army as part of the February member’s promotion.

Recreation

55. During March we hosted Hillary Court Play Days with schools – 260 total students attended from Rātā Street School, Naenae Primary School, and St Bernadette’s school discussing places they like to visit, things they like to do, and what they would put on their dream playground. This engagement fits within the broader context of our Naenae Play Plan and informs the next steps of the spatial plan.

56. Bikefest was a joint project between Hutt City, Upper Hutt and Greater Wellington Regional Councils which was held across the Hutt Valley to promote cycling and active transport in a variety of ways. The campaign engaged 2,900 residents across the calendar of events.

57. Bike the trail, as the centrepiece of Bikefest, was rain affected but ran smoothly and was overwhelmingly well received. 1,000 residents attended the event.

Accessible Playgrounds

58. Officers have been working to improve accessibility of playgrounds through the renewals and maintenance programme, with a focus on inclusive play, as promoted by industry best-practice. As standard, inclusive items are used where possible and access to the playground is considered as part of the landscaping scheme. We are also making minor improvements where identified such as installing ramped access to loose fill areas surfacing and ensuring adequate seating with arm-rests.

Parks and Reserves

59. We are continuing to work with Waka Kotahi NZTA on the Ngā Ūranga to Pito-one section of the Te Ara Tupua shared path which will be built on the harbour’s edge from Ngauranga to Honiana Te Puni Reserve in Petone.

60. Work is also underway on Public Consultation on a Reserve Management Plan for Williams Park in Eastbourne.

61. We continue to work in partnership with the Runanga on a Kaitiaki agreement for Te Whiti Park.

62. Recently the Mayor, Councillors and staff were among around 100 people who attended an event hosted by the Eastbourne Historical Society for the unveiling of a plaque at Greenwood Park, in honour of Dora Greenwood. Dora Greenwood purchased the seafront section in the 1940s to be used as a children’s playground. At the event, members of the Greenwood family handed a copy of the original deed for the park to children from neighbouring San Antonio School, who then gave it to the Mayor for safe keeping. The park is managed by Council’s Parks and Reserves team.

63. The following is an update on Parks projects scheduled for completion this financial year.

20/21 Annual Plan

Completion

General Scope

April - Status

Bell Park Development

Jun-21

Construction of an all-weather multi-use court

Work to commence in April. Construction period of 10 weeks. Expect completion in June.

Wharves Refurbishment

Apr-21

Complete structural replacement Days Bay and emergency works at Petone.

Days Bay in pack down mode. There will be a formal opening of the new wharf on April 23^rd.

Emergency works on Petone Wharf will be completed this week however we are still awaiting the detailed condition assessment of the whole wharf before re-opening. We expect to receive this report by April 8.

Valley Floor Review Implementation	Jun-21	Naenae Park - Proposal to construct an all-weather walking track around the perimeter of the park and a pedestrian bridge linking Waddington Drive with the park	Tender award late March. Work scheduled for 10 week construction period. Could be some risk re timeframes for bridge supply.
Toilets Upgrade		Scoping of upgrade works (Point Howard and Beach St toilets)	Awaiting preliminary design from architects. This information will inform scope of works.
Te Aroha Matauranga facility - Te Whiti Park	Jul-21	Construction of multi-use facility adjoining HCC facility at Te Whiti Park	Tender closed 22 March. Evaluation to commence first week of April. Carry over of part of project funding likely at end of financial year.
Playgrounds		Playground replacements at:	Purser Gr and Taieri Cres have been completed. Matuhi Playground equipment has been ordered (8-10 week delivery). Moera install scheduled for May.
		· Taieri Crescent, Kelson
		· Purser Grove, Epuni
		· Matuhi St, Tirohanga
		· Moera Reserve
Hutt Valley Tennis – Mitchell Park	TBA		Budget to be carried over to 21/22. Awaiting approval from DOC to proceed with reserve revocation process.
Demolition of Fraser Park Grandstand	May-21	Demolition of grandstand and reinstate site	Demolition to commence in April to avoid tournaments scheduled in March. Approx 2-3 week programme
Dog Park - Wainuiomata	Apr-21	Creation of a dog park in Waiu Street Reserve land, Wainuiomata	On schedule for completion in April
Skate Parks	TBC	Naenae – construction of wooden half-pipe	Awaiting design considerations for Pool and supermarket.
	Jun-21	Wainuiomata – improvement to existing surface	Working with Love Wainuiomata and skaters on scope. Works should start mid April.
	Jun-21	Wainuiomata – improvement to existing surface

Healthy Families Hutt Valley

64. We are continuing to support a number of Council projects, including:

· working with the Transport team on the Auaha Evolving Spaces projects including Knights Road Connection, Jackson Street Project and Play Streets projects.

· delivering on our kai focus through our relationship and action with Kōkiri Marae Health and Social Services’ Pātaka Kai, building community food share prototypes for Pomare and Taitā communities and working with Common Unity on a Hutt Valley Food Resilience Network.

· implementing smokefree town centres which will be completed by April 2021. Smokefree signage across town centres will be rolled out.

· supporting our Active in the Hutt team to roll out play projects and support community play days across the city.

· Promoting the water only kaupapa – partnership with Wellington Rugby League on healthy clubs initiatives including swimming pool player of the day programme.

Climate change Impact and considerations

65. The draft Long Term Plan 2021/23 includes a number of initiatives which will lessen the environmental impact of our work including a budget allocation to transition our community facilities from gas to electricity.

Appendices

There are no appendices for this report.

Author: Melanie Laban

Head of Community Projects and Relationships

Author: Karl Chitham

Museums Director

Author: Shane O'Connor

Acting Head of Libraries

Author: Marcus Sherwood

Head of Parks and Recreation

Approved By: Andrea Blackshaw

Director Neighbourhoods and Communities

Deputy Mayor T Lewis (Chair)

Mayor C Barry	Cr D Bassett
Cr J Briggs	Cr K Brown
Cr B Dyer	Cr S Edwards
Cr D Hislop	Cr C Milne
Cr A Mitchell	Cr S Rasheed
Cr N Shaw (Deputy Chair)	Cr L Sutton

Description	Author	Cycle 3 14 July	Cycle 4 15 September	Cycle 5 17 November	Pending
Work Programme	Committee Advisor	x	x	x
Director’s Report, including the following for cycle 3: · Update on Council’s approach to graffiti; · Update on community art work programme; · Update on Naenae activation fund; · Update on Community Funding Panels; · Update on Parks and Reserves work plan	A Blackshaw	x	x	x
Archives Update – current projects and activities, plans for future growth *	L Allot	x
Community Funding Review – review options and recommendations (includes updates on existing funds)	M Laban/J Pritchard	x
Naenae Projects Update	A Yip	x	x	x
Neighbourhoods and Communities approach update	A Blackshaw				x
Approach to the provision of sport and recreation facilities and grounds	M Sherwood				x