Decision digest, Governing Body - Auckland Council

Councillors meet for the Mayor’s report on Auckland’s Long-term Plan, discussions on Ports, Animal Management and other recommendations

Auckland Council‘s Governing Body met today to receive the Mayor’s report on the Long-term Plan 2015 – 2025. The Governing Body addressed the matter of the Ports of Auckland’s planned wharf extension and the need to discuss this further urgently. Additional items today also included recommendations on the Animal Management Bylaw, amendments to delegations relating to alcohol bans on Tupuna Maunga and the establishment of a Rainbow Advisory Panel. The following is a digest of decisions made.

The agenda is available on Auckland Council’s website and minutes will be added once confirmed. This meeting was also webcast on the council’s website and items will be available on demand within 24 hours of the meeting.

Items 1-8 are administrative items, and included public input and extraordinary business held at the end of the meeting.

Item 7: Public Input

Lexie Matheson spoke in support of the establishment of a Rainbow Advisory Panel. Her concern was that various groups within the rainbow community – such as her own transgender group - are not represented. The Rainbow Advisory Panel will allow them to have a voice.

Item 11: The Mayor’s report on the Long-term Plan (LTP) 2015-2025

The Mayor put forward his amended proposals to the draft LTP after considering the feedback from Aucklanders in the consultation. Various different aspects of the LTP were discussed from the levels of rates to dealing with Auckland’s transport challenges and a proposed transport levy to pay for the advanced Auckland Plan transport network.

For more information, please see the attached media release.

Item 12: Report of the Hearings Panel on the proposed Animal Management Bylaw 2015

A report regarding recommendations by the Animal Management Bylaw Hearings Panel was submitted to councillors at today’s meeting. After considering the views of submitters, the panel recommended amendments to the bylaw to make it easier to graze stock on lifestyle blocks and to own different types of animals in rural residential areas, while encouraging responsible animal ownership and minimising impacts on neighbours.

Key changes to the bylaw include changes to the number of poultry and stock depending on the size of a property. Additionally, the bylaw will regulate the ownership of animals using a complaints approach response - important for cats, bee-keeping and riding horses in public spaces. The Governing Body adopted the bylaw which will come into effect on 1 September 2015.

Item 13: Proposed changes to delegations on alcohol bans – Recommendations from the Regulatory & Bylaws Committee

The Governing Body agreed to an amendment to delegations made for alcohol bans (under the Alcohol Control Bylaw) allowing the Regulatory & Bylaws Committee to have decision-making responsibilities on alcohol bans on all Tupuna Manuga over which the Maunga Authority has administering authority.

Item 14: Establishment of a Rainbow Advisory Panel

The Governing Body was asked to agree to the establishment of a Rainbow Advisory Panel. The recommendation from the Community Development and Safety Committee was approved by councillors who felt it was important for council to give a voice to this community. This brings a total of six demographic advisory panels representing Auckland’s communities.

A thorough discussion was held regarding a review of all advisory panels and their effectiveness. A review will be held later this year.

Item 9: Extraordinary Business: Ports of Auckland wharf extensions

Councillors began discussions on the Ports of Auckland’s response to the council regarding the wharf extensions. They were also advised that a future port study is expected within 12 months. This extensive discussion can be viewed live via webcast on the council’s website or available on demand within 24 hours of the meeting.

ENDS

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