What is going on with Auckland Council This Week

A Committee of the Whole and two Sub-Committees are meeting this week to discuss some important issues about Auckland and/or the Council Controlled Organisations (CCO’s).

Auckland Development Committee

Agenda: http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2015/04/AUC_20150416_AGN_5975_AT_WEB.HTM

Nothing too heavy on the agenda for the Auckland Development Committee this time around. The usual City Centre Integration Group update is being presented and no doubt both the City Rail Link start and updates on Precinct Properties downtown development will come up for debate. The Central Wharves Strategy is still being refined and any updates on that should be presented as well on Thursday

Unitary Plan Sub Committee

Agenda: no point as it is all in closed session.

That said the sub committee being in closed session is still an important one to watch especially if you have submitted to the Unitary Plan. The Unitary Plan Committee decides what position the Council will take into mediation for the Unitary Plan Hearings. The three topics up for mediation decision are:

• Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan submissions – council position for mediation and hearings – Outstanding Natural Features, Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Outstanding and High Natural Character Areas, Volcanic Viewshafts and Height Sensitive Areas                                                                                                                           
• Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan submissions – council position for mediation and hearings – Transport                                                                                                 
• Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan submissions – council position for mediation and hearings – Healthcare Facility Zone               

The Transport topic is the one I am most interested in as it is one of six topics I submitted on to the Unitary Plan. Parking and Parking Minimums which should be nice and controversial but hey, I want a 21st Century Auckland not a 1960’s Auckland. Mediation for Transport (and parking) is next month with the Hearings on the matter in July.

CCO Governance and Monitoring Committee

Agenda: http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2015/04/COU_20150414_AGN_5941_AT_WEB.HTM

This Committee this month is big one as the CCO’s are both reporting performance AND giving their next three yearly Statement of Intents (SOI). This is the only Committee that can “compel” a CCO (within legislation) to do something on behalf of the Governing Body. Note: Port of Auckland is not a CCO it is a full commercial company overseen by Auckland Council Investments Limited (ACIL).

No doubt Port of Auckland will come up today via discussing ACIL although with the Future Port Study being prepared I would think it was a good idea to hold fire as it were until CEO Stephen Town presents the scope of the study in due course.

I will not be at any of the Committees this week so no live Tweeting folks.