Waiheke Local Board Plan 2011 - Your voice for your community
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Waiheke Local Board Plan 2011 Your voice for your community
Our Vision
We want Waiheke to be the most liveable place in Auckland. We will achieve this
by balancing economic prosperity, social development and environmental
sustainability. The social, cultural and economic wellbeing of residents of all ages
and cultures is paramount and will be provided for by improved public
infrastructure, amenities and facilities and through community engagement.
Our island setting offers a distinct advantage with its beautiful coastline, beaches,
bush, parks, village character and rural eastern end. We will build on this by
supporting the visitor industry while seeking new opportunities presented by the
natural environment and our maritime setting within the Hauraki Gulf Marine
Park.
The community has a deep desire to conserve and enhance our natural
environment and to preserve those aspects of our lifestyle that make our Islands
attractive places to live and visit. We will retain our unique identity through
practices that protect the environment and waterways. We will continue to
advocate for local decisions to be made locally, in line with the Auckland Council
co-governance model.
Waiheke Local Board Initiatives
To make our vision and priorities a reality , we will focus on a number of
key projects and initiatives over the next three years. Here is a snapshot of
some of the things we propose to do in your local community.
Rakino Island
Investigate upgrade of the Rakino Island Wharf
Develop Rakino Island Community Hall to provide for a range of
community activities
Matiatia
Ensure that no further development is undertaken at Matiatia until a review
of all existing plans has been completed
Creation of the Waiheke Island Great Walk – a round-Island walkway
Stormwater improvements, including the progressive upgrade of essential
stormwater infrastructure, increased service levels and adequate water
testing
2 Continue development and implementation of a suite of signage for
Waiheke Island that reflects the local identity
Enhanced weed management, including increased service levels,
development of an education programme and the continuation of cost -
effective and environmentally safe management practices
Your Local Board Members
Faye Storer (Chair)
p. 09 372 9396
m. 021 285 3355
e. faye.storer@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
31 Pacific Parade, Little Oneroa,
Waiheke Island, Auckland 1081
Jo Holmes (Deputy Chair)
p. 09 372 9936
m. 021 286 5544
e. jo.holmes@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
43 Albert Crescent, Ostend,
Waiheke Island, Auckland 1081
Jim Hannan
p. 09 372 2826
e. jim.hannan@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
40 Okoka Road, Rocky Bay,
Waiheke Island, Auckland 1081
Don McKenzie
p. 09 372 6929
e. d.mckenzie@clear.net.nz
1 Glen Brook Road, Omiha,
Waiheke Island, Auckland 1081
Denise Roche
p. 09 372 6578
m. 027 209 7554
e. denise.roche@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
6 Mitchell Road, Surfdale,
Waiheke Island, Auckland 1081
3Chair’s Message
I am pleased to present the first Waiheke Local Board Plan.
The plan reflects the valuable input made by the community during both the initial
community engagement and the formal submission process.
It is thanks to this input and support that we now have such a sound plan that
clearly reflects the interests and aspirations of the community.
We look forward to working with you to progress these projects and initiatives
that will make our Islands an even better place to live, work and play.
Faye Storer
Waiheke Local Board Chair
4Contents
The purpose of your local board plan....................................................................6
The role of your local board ..................................................................................6
Your voice.............................................................................................................7
Priorities................................................................................................................8
Protecting and enhancing our environment ..........................................................8
Building our local economy .................................................................................11
One world class week or seven stunning day .........................................................
trips – proposed 7 day walk around Waiheke Island...........................................14
Improving our physical infrastructure ..................................................................14
Building a strong community identity...................................................................17
Protecting and enhancing our character .............................................................20
Arts and culture...................................................................................................21
Indicative budget.................................................................................................23
Appendix.............................................................................................................27
5The Purpose of your Local Board Plan
This plan is about Waiheke. It expresses what we, your local board members,
have heard and learnt from you so far. It contains the aspirations and priorities
you have for your community.
This plan sets the framework that will guide our decision-making and actions for
the next three years. We will use this plan to guide:
Our decisions on local activities.
Our input into the regional activities and decisions of the Auckland
Council, including development of regional strategies like the Auckland
Plan.
How we work with other agencies that play a key role in our area (such as
central government agencies and council-controlled organisations).
How we work with other local boards where we share similar interests.
How we work with and support our community groups.
This plan provides us with the framework to represent you. It also provides the
flexibility to cope with change that will happen during the next three years.
During this time we will continue to work closely with all sectors of our
community to understand your ongoing needs, issues, and priorities.
The Role of your Local Board
Local boards were set up to enable decisions to be made democratically for and
on behalf of our communities. We have also been established with the purpose
of promoting social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being for our
current and future communities.
Local boards have a wide-ranging role. We make decisions on local matters,
provide local leadership and work with you to build strong local communities. For
the purposes of this plan, we have broken down our role into four areas:
Lead: We have the decision-making responsibility for a wide range of local
activities.
6Advocate: We act as advocates on your behalf with other Auckland Council
entities, such as Auckland Transport, as well as external agencies, like central
government departments.
Fund: Providing funding to other organisations through community grants and
other funding agreements.
Facilitate: Engaging and working with organisations in the local board area to
represent and promote their interests.
Your Voice
Consulting with our community was an important part of developing this
plan
To assist us with developing our draft plan, we listened to your views at meetings
and gathered information informally through other means. We then went through
formal consultation, where you made written submissions. We held hearings,
considered all submissions fully and then made changes to our plan based on
your feedback.
During this process, we heard some powerful messages from you that
helped shape this local board plan. Here are just a few.
Upgrade for the skate park including a half pipe
Art and community is essential for developing an identity
Continuation of excellent rat-monitoring on Rakino Island by DOC/Council
and volunteers
An overall transport plan for the Island is needed
Treasure the bush and coast
Public transport, including island buses and ferries, should be cheaper
The community needs and wants a swimming pool
Key project is control of erosion
Affordable places to live, work and bring up families
Better weed control
7Priorities
We will focus on a number of priority areas over the next three years to
deliver tangible improvements for our communities. These are shown
below and discussed in more detail in the following pages of this plan.
Protecting and enhancing our environment
Building our local economy
Improving our physical infrastructure
Building a strong community identity
Protecting and enhancing our character
Arts and culture
Protecting and Enhancing our Environment
We will protect and enhance the unique environment of the Hauraki Gulf
Islands.
The natural environment of the Islands and their location in the Hauraki Gulf
Marine Park sets us apart from the rest of the region. It is imperative that the
coastline, inlets, streams, marine environment and air are clean, protected
and enhanced; with water quality monitoring undertaken on a regular basis.
Waiheke Island was declared a nuclear free zone in 1981 and a genetic
engineering free zone in 1999.
Waiheke’s special features include beaches, wetland areas, Whakanewha
Regional Park, other parks and reserves and areas of mature, regenerating and
planted indigenous forests. The coastline is indented by bays and tidal inlets and
the topography is one of undulating hills, dissected by streams leading to coastal
flats and sheltered bays on the south side and exposed bays and picturesque
beaches on the north. Our network of walkways provides a variety of recreational
experiences including stunning views over the waters and Islands of the Gulf and
parts of mainland Auckland and the Coromandel.
Rakino Island has a hilly topography that is mostly in pasture with pockets of
coastal pohutukawa. There are a number of beautiful bays, some with public
access and others accessible only from the water. There is very little public land
on Rakino Island but there is a council-owned wharf, community hall and toilets.
8Natural environment
The natural environment is important to the people who live on and visit the
Islands. Intensive development would be detrimental to both the local community
and the visitor industry. It is desirable that the design and quality of buildings
complement the beauty of nature.
We will enhance our natural vegetation and habitats, including wetlands, and
work to retain native species biodiversity. This will ensure that the Hauraki Gulf
can be enjoyed by future generations. Considering the State of our Gulf Report
2011, the board supports moves to protect marine habitats and ecosystems,
including the investigation of a network of marine reserves in the Hauraki Gulf.
We will support local environmental initiatives and programmes. Partnering with
the community to protect and enhance the environment will develop a strong
sense of community ownership and long-lasting positive relationships. We
acknowledge Mana Whenua aspirations to manage and protect waahi tapu and
sites of cultural significance, noting the co-management arrangements for
Tawaipareira and Rangihoua Reserves and the Matiatia urupa recognition
project.
Stormwater
The protection of the waters of the Gulf is a priority. The Hauraki Gulf is a major
part of the region’s playground. We will take practical steps to manage
unavoidable climate change impacts, including more frequent extreme weather
events that cause flooding, slips and erosion and damage to property.
We aspire to deliver best practice stormwater outcomes including waterway and
wetland enhancement to prevent sedimentation of the Gulf. Restoring waterways
must include education and working with the community to improve identified
areas by removing weeds and rubbish as well as implementing planting
programmes. Where appropriate, we support the installation of swales and rain
gardens, rather than hard surfaces, for stormwater management.
Waste management and minimisation
Waste management is a key issue. Much of Waiheke’s waste is transported to
the mainland to be disposed of in landfill. Our community has a strong desire to
reduce waste and we will promote island-based solutions, with a focus on
reducing, recycling, re-using and renewable resources. We support targets that
reduce waste to landfill and the goal of zero waste.
We will advocate for education programmes on waste minimisation for schools,
businesses and the visitor industry. It is also important that visitors who camp or
use caravans or campervans have access to the appropriate facilities for waste
disposal.
Waiheke Island has over 90km of walkways
9Key project/initiative Our role Est. cost Est. timing
Stormwater improvements, Lead Within existing 1-5 years
including the progressive upgrade budgets
of essential stormwater
infrastructure, increased service
levels and adequate water testing
Improved waste management and Advocate Advocacy* 1-5 years
more island-based sustainable
solutions, such as recycling bins
in villages and key destinations
Enhanced weed management, Lead Within existing 1-5 years
including increased service levels, budgets
development of an education
programme and the continuation
of cost-effective and
environmentally safe management
practices
Wetland restoration/ creation/ Lead $90,000 1-3 years
protection programme
Whakanewha Regional Park Advocate Advocacy* Ongoing
Campground sewage strategy,
including pump-out facilities for
campervans/caravans
Local environmental programmes Lead, Within existing Ongoing
such as wetland restoration, advocate budgets
community gardens and orchards, and fund
weed and pest control and waste
minimisation
Continuation of regional initiatives Advocate Advocacy* Ongoing
on bio-security on the Hauraki
Gulf Islands
Support the creation of a network Advocate Advocacy* Ongoing
of marine reserves in the area
under the board’s jurisdiction
Monitoring of water quality to Advocate Advocacy* Ongoing
ensure ecological integrity
* Advocacy projects are not part of the board’s budget and have generally not
been costed unless they are of a significant scale and are well defined.
10Building our Local Economy
We will work to facilitate business and local employment opportunities that
are complementary to the character and lifestyle of our Islands.
The economy of our Islands is predominantly driven by tourism, with the key
employment sectors being accommodation and food services, retail and a rapidly
growing horticulture sector including viticulture and olive growing. In the summer
months, the population of Waiheke Island can swell to more than 40,000 as
visitors flock here to enjoy the open space, sandy beaches, walkways, cafe
society, award winning restaurants, boutique vineyards and olive groves.
We recognise the potential that working remotely can offer residents in providing
genuine lifestyle choice as well as reducing our reliance on travelling to the city
for employment. The roll-out of ultra-fast broadband is imperative to the future
economic wellbeing of the community. We also value our rural areas and will
work to ensure that our traditional rural industry is enhanced with a focus on
developing innovative business practices.
Visitor industry
Waiheke Island has natural characteristics that encourage tourism and niche
markets. The protection, preservation and enhancement of the natural
environment are important to the economic future of the Hauraki Gulf Islands. We
are aware of our reliance on tourism and will support the visitor industry.
However, it is important to ensure that the growth of the visitor industry does not
adversely impact on our residential island lifestyle.
We embrace the concept of the Auckland Council eco-city and will work to
ensure that environmental protection, economic development and prosperity co-
exist.
Local businesses are the backbone of our community and we will continue to
support the village centres by improving their look and amenity. We will work to
maximise tourism opportunities by expanding and improving the Waiheke Island
walkway network; supporting better cycling routes; creating bridleways, and
through the development of a round-Waiheke Island walk. Island ratepayers
include a significant number of property owners who have baches or holiday
homes and occupy them for varying lengths of time throughout the year.
Coupled with the visitor population there is, therefore, a greater demand and
pressure on the public infrastructure and facilities than is reflected by the resident
population numbers. Public facilities, such as public toilets, rubbish and recycling
bins and bus shelters should be of a standard that can cope with increased
pressure during peak holiday periods. The same applies to the maintenance of
11public areas. We will work to provide a quality visitor experience, which also
benefits local residents.
Transport
Fast ferry services to and from the Auckland Central Business District have both
encouraged economic growth on Waiheke Island over the past two decades (in
2009, there were 2,039 people employed in 1,191 businesses on the Island) and
created a significant commuter population (approximately 1,200 people commute
to the mainland for work).
However, the relatively high cost of ferry services adversely affects residents and
commuters and may become a major problem if fares continue to rise. It also has
the potential to impact on visitor numbers with negative consequences for the
local economy and employment. However, the introduction of the New Zealand
Goldcard free travel system has boosted the number of older people travelling
to Waiheke Island.
We will advocate to Auckland Transport about the high costs of ferry services,
which are due to the lack of subsidies for the privately owned services. We will
advocate for the introduction of a subsidy as we recognise the effect increasing
fares have on the local community, visitors and the local economy.
We want to see Waiheke public transport services (ferry and bus) included in the
Auckland Transport integrated ticketing scheme. In order to encourage increased
bus patronage we will advocate for a series of linking, cross-island, feeder routes
for smaller buses.
We will advocate, in the interests of local and regional development, for transport
links and adequate wharves to provide better access to and around the Hauraki
Gulf Islands. We will also advocate for improved ferry passenger facilities,
including enhanced passenger comfort and security at the Downtown Ferry
Terminal; maintaining Britomart as the principal transport hub, thus assuring
continued accessibility and connectivity to and from the Central Area Wharves.
The Auckland waterfront is the front door to the islands of the Hauraki Gulf and
needs to reflect the maritime and gulf experience. It is also the gateway to the
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, which should be recognised in signage, design and
environmental solutions.
We acknowledge the prosperity brought to Waiheke by our relationship with the
city and will actively work to preserve and enhance this.
Approximately 8,500 permanent residents
Up to 35,000 visitors during peak times
2,039 Employees
1,191 businesses
12Key project/initiative Our role Est. cost Est. timing
Better management of public Lead $887,000 1-3 years
facilities and public areas
during peak visitor periods
Further development and Lead $2,750,000 1-10 years
marketing of Waiheke’s
walkway network and
associated bridle paths
Creation of the Waiheke Lead $650,000 1-5 years
Island Great Walk – a round-
island walkway
Development of cycleways Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
on Waiheke and support for
the National Cycleway bid
Acquisition of more regional Advocate *Advocacy 1-3 years
park land to extend the
regional network and to
provide additional camping
facilities for visitors to
Waiheke Island
Investigate providing two to Lead $105,000 1-3 years
three remote campsites
associated with the ‘Waiheke
Island Great Walk’
Upgraded or new Auckland Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
Council service centre in
Ostend
Improved ferry passenger Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
facilities, including enhanced
passenger comfort and
security at the Downtown
Ferry Terminal and
maintaining Britomart as the
principal transport hub, thus
assuring continued
accessibility and connectivity
to and from the Central Area
Wharves
* Advocacy projects are not part of the board’s budget and have generally not
been costed unless they are of a significant scale and are well defined.
13One World Class Week or Seven Stunning Day Trips –
Proposed 7 Day Walk Around Waiheke Island
Walking for about four hours each day would make the circuit a seven-day
walk, with each day being distinctly different
Day 1: Coastal walking with magnificent views of the Hauraki Gulf and
clifftop mansions. An amazing introduction to the best the Island has to
offer.
Day 2: Urban estuaries from neighbourhood shops to picturesque
estuaries and sea views. A combination of grassroots Waiheke and
coastal landscapes.
Day 3: Serious bush walking with lots of hills and great views.
Day 4: Meander through shady, unspoiled coastal broadleaf forest
then discover vineyards and the secluded settlement of Orapiu.
Day 5: A country road with history lessons, the ‘Bottom End’ finishing
at Stoney Batter historic reserve.
Day 6: Big landscapes, vineyards and views, rural Waiheke Island.
Day 7: Northern Bays and Baches, back to Oneroa and then on to
Matiatia.
Improving our Physical Infrastructure
We are aware that the physical infrastructure of the islands needs to cater
for both permanent residents and increasing visitor numbers.
The roads within the board’s jurisdiction are a mix of sealed and unsealed, many
of which are steep and narrow with limited visibility. This can create road safety
issues, especially for visitors who are not familiar with driving in such conditions.
The ability to move goods and services is dependent on roading infrastructure as
is the bus service. It is crucial the system is maintained to a high standard and
roads are sealed as budget permits. In line with Auckland Transport’s
engagement strategy with local boards we expect to receive early notification of
all roading and stormwater upgrades and projects on Waiheke.
It is also important that the pedestrian, cycling and bridle path networks are well
maintained and expanded in order to encourage residents and visitors to use
alternative methods of transport where possible instead of always being reliant
on motor vehicles. Encouraging more walking and cycling has many benefits for
our community, such as reducing congestion, improving safety, reducing
14emissions, promoting accessibility and community cohesion and improving public
health.
We will advocate to Auckland Transport for a high level of maintenance and
improvements to the public transport infrastructure to make Waiheke Island
walking and cycling friendly, including the concept of shared usage of the roading
space. For pedestrian safety we will support at least three categories of
pedestrian access such as curb and channel, boardwalk and 'green pathways'
(roadside verge which requires regular mowing and vegetation cut back to cater
for pedestrian use).
Transport terminals and connectivity
Matiatia and Kennedy Point are our main passenger transport hubs and the
community is concerned with their future development. Any changes to these
areas will have a lasting impact on residents and visitors alike. Therefore, it is
essential that both are preserved as terminals with adequate parking and public
transport connections. We will ensure that Auckland Transport is aware of the
community’s interest and we will review all plans for Matiatia.
Accessibility
We aspire to create an environment that is accessible for people of all ages and
abilities with public transport facilities and services that can be accessed by
everyone. We want to encourage bus patronage and will advocate for buses to
accommodate pushchairs, trundlers, cycles and luggage. We will work to ensure
that people can get on and off at bus stops easily and safely.
Increased use of public transport, combined with walking and cycling, aligns well
with the character of our Islands.
We will advocate to Auckland Transport for safety and infrastructure
improvements to the network, such as the Travelwise for schools programme
and for the development of an accessible public transport plan. We are reliant on
the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to transport residents to Auckland Hospital when
medical emergencies arise. These emergencies have been increasing in
frequency with approximately 225 trips to Waiheke Island in 2010.
We acknowledge the important service the Westpac Rescue Helicopter provides
for the community and we will advocate for a new permanent concrete helipad on
Waiheke Island.
15Key project/initiative Our role Est. cost Est. timing
A new permanent concrete Advocate $220,000 1 year
helipad on Waiheke Island for the
rescue helicopter which enables
GPS installation
Upgrading roads to cope with Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
increased volumes and weight of
traffic
Improvements to Waiheke’s Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
roading, pedestrian, cycling and
bridle path network, including new
seals and new footpaths
Ensure that no further Lead and Within existing 1-3 years
development is undertaken at Advocate budgets
Matiatia until a review of all
existing plans has been
completed
Ensure that both Matiatia and Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
Kennedy Point are preserved as
transport terminals with adequate
parking and public transport
connections
Review the trial 12-month closure Lead and Within existing 1 year
to vehicular traffic of The advocate budgets
Esplanade
Support the Travelwise Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
programme for Waiheke’s schools
Waiheke accessible transport plan Advocate *Advocacy 1-5 years
is developed and implemented
Ensure that bus stops on Waiheke Advocate $100,000 1-10 years
Island are accessible for everyone
Investigate additional recreational Lead Within existing 1-3 years
boat ramps for Waiheke and budgets
Rakino Islands
Improved roading maintenance for Advocate *Advocacy 1-5 years
Rakino Island and seal extensions
when possible
Investigate upgrade of the Rakino Advocate *Advocacy 1-3 years
Island wharf
Investigate 24 hour all-weather Advocate *Advocacy 1-3 years
helipad for Rakino Island
* Advocacy projects are not part of the board’s budget and have generally not
been costed unless they are of a significant scale and are well defined.
16Building a Strong Community Identity
We will work to create a sense of belonging in the community that supports
innovation, creativity, productivity, and self-sufficiency.
A strong sense of community is one of the most highly valued aspects of our
lifestyle. It is reinforced by a high degree of participation in community events,
issues and forums. We want to keep the community engaged by working
together to plan an exciting future for our Islands. We can do this by encouraging
residents to get involved in community activities and by providing public facilities.
The Board will work with Mana Whenua and local iwi to exercise our respective
roles and responsibilities under the Treaty of Waitangi.
We recognise the important role volunteer groups play in fostering the character
of our Islands and we will support and encourage the creative endeavours of
local people. These include groups focusing on social services, arts, education,
business, environment, sport and transport as well as residents and ratepayers
groups. We want to see our community groups working together through
networking and information sharing as this encourages community collaboration.
Community facilities
It is important to ensure that residents have access to a network of community,
educational, health, arts and culture, sport and recreation facilities and services
that support individual and community wellbeing and quality of life. We
acknowledge the efforts and achievements of many generations of individuals
and local organisations in developing the current facilities which our people
enjoy.
The provision of social infrastructure supports the development of community
identity and distinctiveness. We will support facilities and amenities that
strengthen community cohesion and artistic expression, including marae
facilities.
We will lead a review of council facilities (land and buildings) with a view to
establishing a ’community facility‘ for use by groups that have a governing
structure and work for the benefit of the community, and premises for other
community driven activities.
We will work to ensure that the Rakino Island Community Hall is maintained and
developed to provide for a range of community activities and investigate the
options for upgrading the public toilet.
17Community resilience
A resilient community is one that can fend for itself. Local food production is an
important component for ensuring self sufficiency. We will support local
community programmes such as community gardens and orchards as well as
local energy efficiency and alternative energy generation initiatives.
Youth
The future of Waiheke is dependent on its young and we will focus on promoting
positive youth development and providing access to appropriate recreational and
leisure facilities. These will give young people the opportunity to take part in a
wide variety of pursuits. We also want to develop new youth facilities.
Open space
The natural environment plays a vital role in the community’s sense of place and
belonging. Open space, such as walkways, tracks, parks, reserves and barbeque
and picnic areas are highly valued by our community. These allow for active and
passive recreation and provide access to the coastline and beaches. They
protect natural landscapes, flora and fauna and add to the liveability of our
Islands. We are committed to the ongoing acquisition and development of open
space and will look to add to our network when opportunities for strategic
acquisitions arise. Under the legacy Auckland City Council the Waiheke walkway
and reserves network was expanded using financial contributions rather than
rates. This is the preferred funding mechanism of the board.
Sport and recreation
Sport and recreation activities are fundamental to the health and wellbeing of our
community and provide positive health, economic, social and cultural outcomes.
We will advocate for improved facilities for active recreation on Waiheke, such as
sandcarpeting the third field at Onetangi Sports Park and the field at Ostend
Domain.
In line with an expressed community preference, we will investigate the feasibility
of a community swimming pool in the medium term. We will also support efforts
by sports groups to improve their facilities, such as an 18-hole golf course.
18Key project/initiative Our role Est. cost Est. timing
Review of council facilities Lead Within existing 1 year
(land and buildings) to identify budgets
possible locations for a
’community facility’
Investigate the feasibility of a Lead $50,000 1-5 years
swimming pool (possibly with
squash courts and health
facilities) in the medium term
Open space acquisition and Lead $3,000,000 1-10 years
development – including
walkways, tracks, parks,
reserves and barbeque and
picnic areas
Redevelopment and staged Lead Within existing 1-3 years
improvements to the budgets
Tawaipareira Skatepark
Investigate the development of Lead Within existing 1-2 years
a youth to work programme Budgets
Development of an affordable Advocate *Advocacy 1-10 years
housing strategy for Waiheke
Island, in conjunction with
national and regional initiatives
and within the existing
Waiheke Island rural-village
structure
Ensure that the local events Lead $200,000 1-10 years
budget is maintained and
enables the delivery of an
increased number of local
events
Develop Rakino Island Lead $50,000 1-3 years
Community Hall to provide for
a range of community activities
Purchase of additional local Lead Within existing 1-10 years
park and reserve land and budgets
access ways and easements
over private property to extend
the Waiheke walkway and
reserves network
* Advocacy projects are not part of the board’s budget and have generally not
been costed unless they are of a significant scale and are well defined.
19Protecting and Enhancing our Character
We recognise the importance of maintaining the character of the Islands.
The Waiheke Island lifestyle is unique within the Auckland region and nationally,
as it provides an opportunity for island living near a large city. The western end of
Waiheke Island, where residential development is concentrated, is focused
around small village centres separated by larger lifestyle blocks and open park
land. The eastern end is largely rural in character with some large areas of native
bush. The protection of existing land use patterns is fundamental to creating
'liveable' communities on Waiheke Island and the other islands in the area. By
'liveable' we mean cohesive, resilient communities that are safe to live in and that
people are proud of. It includes a productive high value economy and a quality,
visually attractive environment with lifestyle and transport choices.
We will advocate for the continuation of rating remission and postponement
policies (including for covenanted land), rates relief for farmland and
accommodation grants towards the rates on resident and ratepayer-owned halls.
There is a strong desire to maintain and enhance the character of the Islands as
contained in the documents 'Essentially Waiheke' and 'The Rakino Way'1. We
expect that local decisions will be made locally and that the principle of
'subsidiarity’ will apply, with any decisions of the local authority made at the
lowest level possible.
Waiheke Island has a number of significant archaeological and heritage features,
such as the Stoney Batter World War II tunnels and gun emplacements and a
number of waahi tapu sites. Motutapu Island also has World War II gun
emplacements, tunnels and bunkers that remain accessible. Motuihe Island has
buildings that were originally constructed as a quarantine station but were used
as an internment camp during World War I and became a naval training base
during World War II. We value our heritage and recognise the importance of
protecting it from development.
Rakino Island residents (both permanent and bach/holiday home owners)
welcome its isolation and privacy. Pohutukawa, Woody and West Bays provide a
haven for yachts and boats during peak holiday periods. With its small size, low
residential population and limited public ferry service, Rakino Island has few
opportunities for economic growth.
1
See http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/documents/waiheke/default.asp and
http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/council/documents/rakino/development.asp for further
information.
20Signage
It is important that local signage is appropriate for a tourist destination in a semi-
rural coastal setting. The 'one size fits all' regional signage approach does not fit
with the character of the Islands. We will develop a signage suite that promotes
Waiheke Island and is in keeping with our character, including signage for our
villages, parks and reserves and the walkway and bridle path networks.
Key project/initiative Our role Est. cost Est. timing
Continue development and Lead Within existing 1-3 years
implementation of a suite of budgets
signage for Waiheke Island
that reflects the local identity
Work with the governing body Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
and Auckland Transport to
promote the principle of
'subsidiarity' with respect to
local issues including local
regulatory activities and local
transport decisions
Review of 'Essentially Lead To be costed 1-3 years
Waiheke' and 'The Rakino
Way'
Continuing upgrade of and Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
increased accessibility to those
heritage sites that are
controlled by the Department
of Conservation
* Advocacy projects are not part of the board’s budget and have generally not
been costed unless they are of a significant scale and are well defined.
Arts and Culture
We acknowledge our proud history of artistic and cultural innovation,
which contributes greatly to local character, employment opportunities and
the visitor experience.
The artistic and cultural elements of Waiheke are a central feature of our identity
and the Island community. The arts have been a major draw-card to Waiheke for
several decades with small galleries, sculpture gardens, festivals, writers’
workshops and performances increasing every year. Waiheke’s attraction to
21some residents and visitors is enhanced by the opportunities for participation in a
variety of arts, cultural and literary activities.
Arts and culture are integral to the health and wellbeing of the community and
should be accessible to all citizens. We will promote and support programmes
which enrich our community while creating opportunities for enterprise and
employment.
Art facilities
The Artworks complex was established in 1991 and serves as an arts and
cultural hub. It features a public library, community art gallery, theatre, artists'
studios, cinema, radio station, music museum and performance space, café and
restaurant. We will continue to support the development of Artworks as an arts
and cultural precinct that serves the community and provides a place for the
exchange of ideas and community participation in a range of activities. We aspire
to develop a new arts complex, for all the arts, on this site, in the longer term. We
will continue to add to the community’s sculpture collection.
We will explore ways to raise the profile of arts and culture for our community
and visitors. We will also support local performing arts activities such as theatre,
music and Maori performing arts.
Key project/initiative Our role Est. cost Est. timing
Implementation of the new Lead Within existing 1-2 years
standalone, single storey budgets
Oneroa Library on the
Artworks site
Upgrade of the Artworks Lead To be costed 1-3 years
courtyard to complement the
new library development
Support for arts programmes Lead $200,000 1-10 years
and training to enhance
cultural and artistic
expression
Regional funding for the Advocate *Advocacy Ongoing
Community Art Gallery
Investigation into a new arts Lead Within existing Ongoing
complex for Waiheke Island budgets
* Advocacy projects are not part of the board’s budget and have generally not
been costed unless they are of a significant scale and are well defined.
22Indicative Budget
Section 20 of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act requires an
indicative budget for the following three financial years to be included in Local
Board Plans. This indicative budget is required to be based on estimated funding
set out in the Auckland Council’s current Long Term Plan, covering the period
from 1 November 2010 to 30 June 2019. It is also required to show how any
expenses that exceed that funding level are proposed to be met from one or
more local revenue sources.
The indicative budget for the three years from July 2012 to June 2015 is set out
on the following pages. When reading this budget, it is important to note that the
local board’s actual budget will look quite different over the next three years for a
number of reasons.
This is an indicative budget only. It does not contain all of the detailed
projects or activities that the local board may seek to implement over the
next three years. These will be developed as part of the local board
agreement that is incorporated in Auckland Council’s annual plan each
financial year.
It has also been developed in a unique situation. The new council
structure is still bedding in, decisions have not yet been made on long
term direction through the Auckland Plan, and policies, such as the
funding policy for local boards, have not yet been developed. Auckland
Council continues to work to refine how costs are attributed and allocated
to local boards. Many of these issues will not be resolved until Auckland
Council’s 2012-2022 Long Term Plan is adopted in June 2012.
This indicative budget is based on the levels of service for the local board
area set out in the current Long Term Plan for the 2010/11 year and
carried forward into the Local Board Agreement for the 2011/2012 year.
Any proposed variations are noted in this plan. These levels of service set
out the standard to which local services will be provided. The starting point
is that levels of service reflect those delivered by the former Auckland
councils.
While the Local Government (Auckland Council) Act requires the local
board to identify how any expenses in excess of the estimated available
funding are proposed to be met from one or more local revenue sources, it
is not known at this stage whether any additional funding will be required.
However, if there is a shortfall, it is likely to be funded through a mix of
sources. This could include local revenue sources and possibly also
some non-local sources, such as general rates and development
contributions. The way these and other funding sources will be used will
23only be confirmed once the Revenue and Financing policy and Local
Board Funding policy have been adopted.
The local board’s actual budget for each year, including how it is funded,
is subject to agreement with Auckland Council’s governing body as part of
the negotiation of the annual Local Board Agreement.
242012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015
Proposed Proposed Proposed
$000 Baseline Change Baseline Change Baseline Change
plan plan plan
Operating Expenditure Activities
Community activities
Local Community Development Programmes - - - - - -
Local Community Facilities 423 423 438 438 451 451
Local Community Grants, Information and Advice - - - - - -
Local Community Safety Programmes - - - - - -
Local Library Facilities and Services 356 356 365 365 376 376
Total community activities 779 - 779 803 - 803 827 - 827
- - -
Lifestyle and culture activities - - -
Local Arts Programmes - - - - - -
Local Arts Facilities 20 20 40 20 20 40 20 20 40
Local Arts Grants and Advice - - - - - -
Local Events 33 20 53 34 20 54 35 20 55
Local Parks 1,045 282 1,327 1,097 296 1,393 1,149 309 1,458
Local Recreation Programmes - - - 50 50 - -
Local Recreation and Leisure Facilities 85 85 84 84 83 83
Local Recreation Grants and Advice - - - - - -
Total lifestyle and culture activities 1,182 322 1,504 1,235 386 1,621 1,287 349 1,636
- - -
Economic activities - - -
Local Business Area Planning and Infrastructure - - - - - -
Local Street Environment and Town Centres 784 784 822 822 857 857
Total economic activities 784 - 784 822 - 822 857 - 857
- - -
Planning and regulation activities - - -
Local Boards Plans and Agreements 141 141 145 145 150 150
Total planning and regulation activities 141 - 141 145 - 145 150 - 150
- - -
Environmental activities - - -
Local Environmental Programmes - 30 30 - 30 30 - 30 30
Total environmental activities - 30 30 - 30 30 - 30 30
- - -
Governance activities - - -
Local Governance and Advocacy 740 740 759 759 781 781
Total governance activities 740 - 740 759 - 759 781 - 781
Total operating expenditure allocated to local
3,626 352 3,978 3,764 416 4,180 3,902 379 4,281
board
- - -
252012/2013 2013/2014 2014/2015
Proposed Proposed Proposed
$000 Baseline Change Baseline Change Baseline Change
plan plan plan
Capital Expenditure Activities - - -
Communities activities - - -
Local Community Facilities 447 - 447 463 50 513 477 - 477
Local Community Safety Programmes - - - - - -
Local Library Facilities and Services - - - - - -
Total community activities 447 - 447 463 50 513 477 - 477
- - -
Lifestyle and culture - - -
Local Arts Facilities - - - - - -
Local Events Facilities - - - - - -
Local Parks - 660 660 - 810 810 - 1,010 1,010
Local Recreation and Leisure Facilities - - - - - -
Total lifestyle and culture activities - 660 660 - 810 810 - 1,010 1,010
- - -
Economic activities - - -
Local Street Environment and Town Centres - - - - - -
Local Business Area Planning and Infrastructure - - -
Total economic activities - - - - - - - - -
Environmental activities
Local Environmental Programmes - - -
Total environmental activities - - - - - - - - -
Governance activities
Local Governance and Advocacy - 30 30 -
Total governance activities - - - 30 - 30 - - -
Total capital expenditure allocated to local board 447 660 1,107 492 860 1,352 477 1,010 1,487
- - - - - - - - -
Total gross expenditure (excluding depreciation) 4,073 1,012 5,085 4,256 1,276 5,532 4,379 1,389 5,768
Definitions for LBP budget tables
Baseline: This is the Local Board’s budget contained in the current Auckland Council Long-term Plan, covering the period from 1 November 2010 to 30 June 2019
Change: These are changes proposed to the baseline budget by this Local Board Plan
Proposed Plan: This is the proposed indicative budget for the Local Board, including the proposed changes from the Local Board Plan
26Appendix
About the Waiheke Local Board area
The Waiheke local board area covers Waiheke and Rakino Islands and other
islands within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park area, such as Ponui, Pakatoa,
Rotoroa, Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motuihe, Motokorea (Browns Island)
Karamuramu, Pakihi, and a number of smaller islands. Waiheke and Rakino
Islands are the most populated and are popular holiday and visitor destinations.
Some Islands are privately owned and others are public reserves, owned and
managed by the Department of Conservation or Auckland Council.
Waiheke Island is the second largest of the Hauraki Gulf Islands (after Great
Barrier). It is also the most populated with approximately 8,500 permanent
residents and an additional 3,400 who come to second or holiday homes on the
Island. Waiheke is the most accessible offshore island in the Gulf, due to regular
passenger and vehicle ferry services and some air links. The main settlements
are Oneroa, Blackpool, Surfdale, Palm Beach, Ostend, Onetangi and Rocky Bay
(Omiha). There is a small area of residential subdivision at Orapiu on the eastern
part of the Island.
The main passenger port of Matiatia at the western end of Waiheke Island is
about 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. Kennedy Point is the main
vehicle ferry port, with ferries taking from 45 minutes to 1.25 hours to access Half
Moon Bay. There are also some vehicle services to Wynyard Wharf, downtown
Auckland. Orapiu Wharf at the eastern end of Waiheke Island is 21.4km from
Coromandel and has limited passenger services.
Rakino Island has a small resident population of approximately 16 persons,
which increases when bach and holiday home owners visit their properties. It is
also a popular mooring place for yachts. Public ferry services to Rakino Island
are minimal and most people have their own vessels. Public facilities on Rakino
Island are limited but include the wharf, community hall and toilets.
There is little public land on Rakino Island and only a few bays have public
pedestrian access. The public wharf is at the south end of Sandy Bay, and a
barge access ramp is at the western end of Sanford Way in Home Bay.
Ponui Island is privately owned and sits between the eastern end of Tamaki Strait
and the Firth of Thames, forming the southern entrance to the Waiheke Channel.
Also known as Chamberlin's Island, it has a very small number of residents. At its
northern end, North Harbour (also known as Chamberlins Bay) is a popular
overnight cove with boaties.
27Pakatoa is a small, privately owned resort island situated 3km off the east coast
of Waiheke Island and some 45km from Auckland. The name means to `flow with
the tide'. The Island is 24ha and does not exceed 60m in height.
Rotoroa Island is to the east of Waiheke Island and covers 82ha. The Island was
purchased by the Salvation Army in 1907 to establish an alcoholic rehabilitation
facility, which was disestablished in 2005. In February 2008 Rotoroa Island was
leased by Neal and Annette Plowman, who formed the Rotoroa Island Trust and
subsequently the Island has undergone a significant transformation.
Over 20,000 pine trees were felled and chipped with almost 400,000 plants,
sourced from local seed, propagated and planted on the Island. A state-of-the-art
exhibition centre now showcases the Island's history while heritage buildings
such as the jail, chapel and schoolhouse have been restored. New amenities
such as changing sheds, showers, toilets and barbeques have been installed and
a predator eradication programme introduced.
Rangitoto Island is a large island reserve of 2,311ha with a wonderful volcanic
landscape that supports over 200 species of moss, plants and trees including the
largest pohutukawa forest in the world. Rising to a height of 260m the circular
island presents the same uniform appearance and is visible from most parts of
the mainland. It is situated about 8km northeast of Auckland, is connected to
Motutapu Island by a causeway and is administered by the Department of
Conservation. There are approximately 10 different walks around the Island and
from the summit there are magnificent views of the Hauraki Gulf, the Waitemata
Harbour and Auckland.
Motutapu Island is administered by the Department of Conservation. It is situated
15km northeast of Auckland and is a farmed reserve within the Hauraki Gulf
Marine Park. Motutapu has World War II gun emplacements and tunnels and
bunkers and on the north side in Administration Bay there are old military
barracks.
Motuihe is a small island of 179ha, administered by the Department of
Conservation. It lies between Motutapu and Waiheke Islands some 11km
northeast of Auckland. Purchased by the Crown in 1872, it was a quarantine
station for many years.
During World War I, the station was used as an internment camp and became a
naval training establishment from 1940 to 1963. The Island then reverted from
farmed land, to a pest free recreational reserve and historic place. With attractive
swimming beaches on either side of the narrow isthmus, Motuihe offers sheltered
conditions in any winds and is very popular for day visitors during summer
months.
28Motukorea (Browns Island) is a low volcanic hill of 60ha at the mouth of the
Tamaki River and is owned by Auckland Council but administered by the
Department of Conservation. While camping is not permitted, day visitors are
welcome to explore the volcanic cones and historic sites. The coastal margin,
particularly on the southern side, is a nesting habitat for the endangered New
Zealand dotterel.
Karamuramu Island is a 7.5ha island located to the south of Ponui Island and is
owned by McCallum Bros Limited. Karamuramu Island is a regionally significant
producer of a red hard greywacke rock known as jasper, which is used in the
road construction and building industry. The quarry based on Karamuramu Island
has been in operation since 1908.
Pakihi Island is also owned by McCallum Bros Limited. Quarrying of red chert
rock started on Pakihi Island in 1906 and continued until 1927 after a quarry
which had been established on adjacent Karamuramu Island in 1908 took over
production. A lone wharf pile off the southwestern side of Pakihi Island was the
only remnant of the Pakihi quarry still visible from the sea in 2006 (subsequently
claimed by the sea)
Auckland Council disclaims any liability whatsoever in connection with any action
taken in reliance of this document or for any error, deficiency, flaw or omission
contained in it. Adopted in October 2011.
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