Our Council
A note from North Shore City Council Chief Executive John Brockies

On 10 December the third Auckland governance bill was tabled in Parliament. This very significant piece of legislation is 184 pages long. Issues covered include:

The transfer of assets to the new council and associated entities The transfer of staff Preparation for elections Transition arrangements for planning, rating etc The relationship between council and local boards Arrangements for management of transport, water and wastewater Provision for the development of a spatial plan for Auckland  Provisions for Maori Provisions for Pacific and ethnic advisory panels Governance of Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs)

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide has told us that there will be a period for public submissions and Select Committee hearings for this bill.  The consultation process is likely to be announced before Christmas.  If so, we will put the information on the council website.

The Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill
The Bill makes many references to previous Auckland legislation and to the Local Government Act. These can all be accessed via the council website.

As background to the bill, you may want to read recent Cabinet documents and decisions. A summary from Minister Rodney Hide can be read here, and the full documents are available on the Department of Internal Affairs website. These papers help explain the thinking behind the establishment of the new governance structure.

Last but not least - along with our councillors, community board members and staff, I wish you all the best for the holiday season. Our next edition of this newsletter will be distributed in the week of 20 January 2010.

John Brockies
Chief Executive

What's Happening
Local Government Commission boundary submission
On 11 December the North Shore City Council made our submission to the Local Government Commission proposal on electoral boundaries for the new Auckland Council. The submission and Mayoral media release are available here.

Gear up for more consultation next year!
We expect that over the next few months the Government will be asking for feedback on the following issues:

• January 2010 - The third Auckland Bill has been tabled in Parliament and there is expected to be a public submission period followed by select committee hearings. The timing of the consultation process is likely to be announced before Christmas. The Bill is expected to be finalised and passed into law by May 2010. More
• Early 2010 - Minister Paula Bennett is expected to release a discussion paper on the Auckland Social Policy Forum. More
• Early 2010 - Minister Rodney Hide has announced that he will release proposed changes to the Local Government Act. This is expected to involve a public submission and Select Committee process.
• Early 2010 - the Auckland Transition Agency has told our council that early in the New Year they intend to publish a discussion document on CCOs (Council Controlled Organisations) for consideration and feedback.
  

Watercare Services Transitional Chief Executive announced
Watercare Services Ltd has announced the appointment of Mr Ian Parton as Transitional Chief Executive. Mr Parton was previously Deputy Chairman of Watercare.

Our Community
Meetings and events
If you have a meeting or event you would like us to put on the council website please email actionline@northshorecity.govt.nz. The council publicises these independent events because of our commitment to public debate and discussion about the transition process.

Do you want a council representative at your meeting?
We have recently had several highly productive meetings about transition issues with groups that have a business or community relationship with the council. Please contact Actionline, phone (09) 486 8600 or email actionline@northshorecity.govt.nz if you wish to have a council representative attend your meeting in the New Year.

Where to find more information
Some useful websites. More
Media links. More

Our Council
A note from North Shore City Council Chief Executive John Brockies Welcome to this update on the changing face of local government in Auckland.

Working towards the new council
As our local community groups come to grips with the coming changes, they are consolidating their sector groups. For example many of the arts groups have begun meeting regularly to consider the impacts and opportunities that will come with the reforms. Several groups that have a business or community relationship with the council have asked for a council representative to discuss the transition process. We are happy to attend these meetings. Contact Actionline, phone (09) 486 8600 or email if you wish to have a council representative attend your meeting.

Major conference on the North Shore - register now for 20 November
North Shore community groups are hosting a major conference on social issues in the new ‘super city’ environment. Speakers include Government Ministers and other major players in the social policy sector in Auckland. There will also be a Mayoral debate. Several councils throughout the region are supporting this community led initiative. More

Latest survey results
An online survey of 1,091 people gave our councillors an overview of community views as they prepared their submission for the Local Government Commission. The full results and media release can be read here.

Staffing becoming clearer
On 2 November 2009, the Auckland Transition Agency released a discussion document that will help to shape the administration of the new Auckland Council. Given the information we have received to date it is difficult to gauge the impact on jobs with any certainty. Our commitment is to do our best to ensure that all external stakeholder relationships are effectively transferred to Auckland Council.

John Brockies
Chief Executive

What's Happening
Local Government Act review
The Minister of Local Government Rodney Hide has announced more detail on the reforms to the Local Government Act. He has made it clear that he wants to see councils keep rates rises to a minimum and focus on ‘core services’ such as roading, water and sewage infrastructure. He expects to introduce new legislation to Parliament late this year or early next year. More

What's next?
The Local Government Commission will release its draft boundaries on 20 November. Public submissions will close on 11 December. The final decisions on the new boundaries are due on 1 March next year. More

Our Community
Meetings and events
You are invited to attend any of the following meetings and seminars. Please follow registration procedures where applicable.

Conference: Passing Go: Social wellbeing in the new Auckland Council. Register now to secure your place at this important communtiy led conference on 20 November. More

Regional Arts Sector Meeting: The second in a series of meetings of arts sector organisations across the region to consider impacts, implications and opportunities arising from the Auckland transition. The date is not yet confirmed, but if you would like to know more, follow the link to register your interest with the Creative People's Centre. More

Community meeting: The Auckland Council and what it means to you on Monday 7 December from 12noon - 2pm. Taitamariki Hall, Auburn Reserve, Auburn Street, Takapuna. Speaker: Dr Grant Hewison from Kensington Swan lawyers. More

Where to find more information
Some useful websites. More
Media links. More

Our Council
A note from North Shore City Council Chief Executive John Brockies
Welcome to this update on the changing face of local government in Auckland.

As I have mentioned previously, we are working closely with the Auckland Transition Agency (ATA) as it manages the transition to the new Auckland Council and its related entities. The Auckland Transition Agency website contains a very good outline of the transition process as they see it.

Discovery - a stocktake of the existing councils, what they do and how they do it - is now complete. The next step is the design phase. The ATA, with the assistance of specialist staff from all eight councils, has begun to plan the structure of the new Auckland Council. Once that process is well underway, the ATA will be able to begin the delivery phase - ie it will start putting together all the activities and tasks required to ensure the new Auckland Council is up and running on 1 November next year.

Running parallel to the development of the new Auckland Council is the development of two other separate organisations - the Auckland Transport Agency to manage transport, and Watercare to provide water supply and wastewater services for all of Auckland. All this carries a substantial workload. In our council alone over 140 staff have been involved in collecting and collating information for the ATA, Watercare and the transport agency working group. There is no doubt that still more staff will be involved in the design phase which follows.

Meanwhile, throughout this transition process, we strive to continue to maintain quality service to our North Shore community. Please contact me via Actionline on (09) 486 8600 or email Actionline if you feel there are areas of service that we could improve on.

John Brockies
Chief Executive

New transport entity begins to take shape
Work has begun on shaping a new transport agency for Auckland, which is expected to launch at the same time as the new Auckland Council. Its purpose is to plan, develop, deliver and maintain an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable transport system which supports the Auckland Council's overall strategic direction. The planning and development phases will involve all existing councils in greater Auckland as well as other organisations which have a stake in Auckland transport issues. More

What's Happening
Preserve established communities says council submission
On October 16, the North Shore City Council made a submission to the Local Government Commission. This sets out the council's recommendations for the boundaries for the new local boards and for the Auckland Council electoral wards. The submission emphasised the need to:

- Retain existing communities of interest
- Retain local political representation
- Preserve existing local services.

North Shore community boards have also made submissions.

The Local Government Commission will release its draft boundaries on 20 November. Public submissions on that draft will close on 1 December. The final decisions on the new boundaries are not due from the Commission until 1 March next year. More

Our Community
Meetings and events
You are invited to attend any of the following meetings and seminars. Please follow registration procedures where applicable.

Conference: Passing Go: Social wellbeing in the new Auckland Council. Register now for the full-day conference on 20 November 2010 in the Harbour Function Centre on the North Shore. More

Community meeting: The Auckland Council and what it means to you on Monday 7 December from 12noon - 2pm. Taitamariki Hall, Auburn Reserve, Auburn Street, Takapuna. Speaker: Dr Grant Hewison from Kensington Swan lawyers. More

Regional Arts Sector Meeting (advance notice): This is the second in a series of meetings of arts sector organisations across the region to consider impacts, implications and opportunities arising from the Auckland transition. It will be held on Wednesday, 11 November starting at 7pm at TAPAC - 100 / 102 Motions Rd, Point Chevalier. More

Where to find more information
Some useful websites. More
Media links. More

Our Council
Trimming trees on your property
Changes to the laws around trimming non-scheduled trees / vegetation on your property came into effect on 1 October 2009. Property owners in most Auckland urban areas may now carry out trimming of trees / vegetation on their private property, without a resource consent. Not all urban zoned properties are covered by the new rules, so property owners need to check with their council as to where the new rules apply. If you are unsure whether you need a consent to trim a tree on your property, or you are unsure if your property is regarded as urban or rural, please contact Actionline on (09) 486 8600. More

Timely reminder to register for Tsunami evacuation alerts
The recent tsunami threats are a timely reminder that people in low-lying areas should register with North Shore City Council's tsunami warning system. If you live in one of our city's coastal areas and would like to register for phone alerts, please contact Actionline on (09) 486 8600. More

Managing stormwater
The heavy rains of spring are a good reminder of the steps we can take to manage stormwater on our properties. There are a number of devices that can help you manage rainwater and some have benefits for the environment and your pocket. For instance, using rainwater from a rainwater tank can save you money on water costs. Other devices include rain gardens, detention tanks, and pervious paving. More

Towards A New Auckland email updates
Towards a New Auckland is our fortnightly email newsletter providing updates on the changes to local government in Auckland. You can subscribe online. More

What's On
Champ Wag 'n Walk
The Champ Wag 'n Walk will take place this Saturday (17 October 2009) at the Milford Reserve. Spruce up your pooch, stretch your legs, and take in the fresh air by joining North Shore City's dog lovers on a fun 3km walk. It's a day full of entertainment, with something for everyone - including your dog. You don't have to own a dog to enjoy the Champ Wag n Walk, take part in the 3km fun walk and help us support the SPCA Auckland. Register today at www.wagnwalk.co.nz

Passchendaele: 'The Belgians Have Not Forgotten' Exhibition
A series of memorable events has been held in North Shore City this month, to remember the 92nd Anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. Be sure to get along to the free exhibition on show now at Fort Takapuna, open 10am - 4pm daily until November 15. More

Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series
The Sovereign New Zealand Ocean Swim Series is back this summer with two exciting Auckland events supported by North Shore City Council. The series, which includes six events around New Zealand, starts with the Sovereign Harbour Crossing, from Bayswater to Auckland at 10.30am on Saturday 21 November 2009. To enter, visit: www.oceanswim.co.nz

Our Neighbourhood
Risk Wheel returns to North Shore streets
A recent national TV advertising campaign featuring a creepy looking man and his spinning risk wheel is being brought to life on the North Shore, to remind local drivers that ‘Bad Calls Can Be Deadly’ at intersections. Five North Shore intersections have been selected for attention in this campaign, on the basis of their high crash and injury record as well as high level of red light running. Over the last five years there have been more than 3,500 intersection crashes on the Shore alone, the equivalent of around 14 per week, with many causing injuries as well as some tragic fatalities. More

Northcote liquor ban area extension
The Northcote liquor ban consultation is for a proposed 24 hour liquor ban for the public areas of Northcote Central. Have your say on this consultation before Friday 23 October. More

Road closure alerts
Be aware of road closures across North Shore City for works or special events. Closures around the city and advice on alternative routes are listed online in advance. More

Our Council
A note from North Shore City Council Chief Executive John Brockies
Welcome to our second fortnightly update on the changing face of local government in Auckland.

When I am out and about, I am often asked just how we will be able to transfer the myriad of functions and relationships of the existing North Shore City Council to the new Auckland Council. For example, will our council’s relationships with businesses and the community be retained in the new structure? And how will the work that our council carries out be continued beyond November 2010?

My response is that the Auckland Transition Agency (ATA), which was set up by the Government to drive the transition process, is working with all eight councils to ensure that the transition is as comprehensive and smooth as possible. Under the guidance of the ATA, we have compiled a detailed dossier of what we do and how we do it - and how much it all costs. This information has been passed on to the transition agency, which will assess it before beginning in earnest to plan the structure of the new organisation.

To take just one example, all eight of the councils which are due to be amalgamated are providing comparable information on their parks and how they are managed. From that information, the common practice will be established, and key deliverables for day one of the new council will be outlined. Consideration will be given to improvements over time.

The ATA has asked all eight councils for a huge range of information, not only about how we do our work. There are also questions about how we relate to our community groups and how we assist them with grants and otherwise, and about our commercial suppliers and business relationships.

Obviously, such a major change as we are now entering into will result in a shift in the way things are done, and some of these changes may mean new ways of working. However I can assure you that we are working every day to ensure that we can carry over to the new organisation all the things that are important to you, our North Shore residents.

We will endeavour to keep you updated via this newsletter. You may also wish to check our council website.

If you wish to discuss anything in this newsletter, please get in touch with our staff via Actionline, or phone (09) 486 8600. Alternatively, contact any of our councillors or community board members.

John Brockies
Chief Executive