CHAPTER 3.6 Regional parks

Transcription

1 124 This section discusses how the ARC will look after the regional parks network, ensure that park users needs are met, plan for the purchase of new parkland, and undertake capital works on regional parks. It includes the following LTCCP activities: 1. Looking after our regional parks 2. Auckland Botanic Gardens 3. New regional parks 4. Farming in regional parks 5. Mt Smart Stadium 6. Visitor services Long-Term Council Community

2 125 The regional parks activities contribute to the following community outcomes: Recreational and leisure opportunities that offer a range of experiences for all Open spaces and green places, now and for the future Aucklanders caring for and enjoying the natural environment Auckland s special places are respected and conserved The diversity of native species and habitats is protected and restored Community health and well-being is supported by a healthy environment where people have access to appropriate healthcare The needs of women are recognised and addressed The significant place of tangata whenua is acknowledged and their role as kaitiaki is recognised Influence on the four well-beings: Environmental Social Cultural Possible significant negative effects: Economic The minimal resources for planning and developing new parks over the life of the plan put meeting public expectations at risk. The funding forecast for maintenance and renewals is considered the minimum to meet service levels and satisfy public demand. The viability of self-funding business units (the Farm Business Unit and Mt Smart Stadium) is reliant on revenue which cannot be guaranteed due to the variables of commodity prices and stadium patronage. Key Issues Key considerations for the provision of open space include the appropriate rate of development and opening of new parks, and maintaining levels of service on existing parks. Funding is required to provide, facilitate and manage a range of recreational opportunities for the regional community, and to ensure that park facilities and services are developed and maintained to meet visitor demand. Buying regional parkland is a particularly important responsibility of the ARC. We must plan now for the needs of current and future generations by acquiring land to provide recreational open space and to protect our landscapes, native bush, wetlands and wildlife. It is especially important to acquire coastal land to maintain public access to the coastline. Regional parkland, including the extensively forested Waitakere and Hunua Ranges, contains significant conservation and cultural heritage values. Conservation programmes undertaken on regional parks include endangered species conservation, habitat restoration, historic heritage and archaeological site protection and restoration, and weed and pest control programmes. A large proportion of this work is undertaken by our dedicated ranger service. (Refer Natural Heritage Conservation and Biosecurity sections on pages for details of conservation projects on regional parks). What we want to achieve We will actively seek to purchase and acquire more parkland and will bring forward funding programmed in the LTCCP to achieve this earlier than previously forecasted. We will allocate any budget for acquisition of new parks, not spent in the Annual, towards achieving this goal. Provision of further urban regional parks will be a priority, as will working with other agencies towards providing public open space on Auckland s waterfront. We will look after our park settings and facilities (including walking tracks, roads, buildings, signs, picnic areas, campgrounds, carparks, arrival areas and green assets) so that visitors can safely enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities and the environment as a whole, and increase their physical activity. We will increase our efforts to maintain walking tracks in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland, with particular emphasis on minimising track surface erosion. We will continue to provide events and visitor services on regional parks. Our park facilities will be managed so that their natural and cultural heritage features are preserved. facilities will be, where possible, examples of environmental best practice, and relevant to all sectors of the community. Implementing the regional parks safety and security strategy and the bylaws will continue to be priorities. We will also ensure high-visibility ranger patrols on parks remain a priority. Auckland Regional Council

3 126 Access to parks for those with limited mobility will continue to be improved across the regional parks network. We will complete reviews of the regional parks and Auckland Botanic Gardens management plans. The existing management plans were originally prepared with the regional community in 2002 and 2001 respectively. They have been key influences on our management of regional parks since their adoption. We will also prepare a management plan for the Mt Smart (Rarotonga) Domain, with input from the regional community. Through a collaborative effort with the public and other agencies, we will continue to proactively manage the impacts of motorised recreation on coastal areas, including Muriwai Beach. The recent initiative to provide bach accommodation on regional parks has proved to be very successful. The offer will be further enhanced through the addition of more baches in coming years. The ARC intends to support the Rugby World Cup in a number of ways, and has offered Mt Smart Stadium as a venue for team training. We may also support the tournament by providing opportunities for ancillary events and campervan parking on regional parks. We will work with local councils and the community to establish resource management designations over the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland and new regional parks. The designations will clarify the types of works the ARC needs to undertake in order to maintain its service to the regional community on regional parks. It will also lead to efficiency improvements in respect to resource management processing of the ARC s activities on parks. At the Auckland Botanic Gardens, we will conserve rare and endangered plants, maintain plant collections, and showcase garden design ideas suitable for the Auckland environment. The biennial Stoneleigh Sculpture in the Gardens event will once again be held at the gardens, along with other events. We will continue to manage Mt Smart Stadium as an attractive venue for international sport, entertainment and community events. A special committee has been established to govern the stadium and its operations. (Refer to activity 5). Our responsibilities We own and/or manage regional parks on behalf of the Auckland region s people, mostly under the Local Government Act 2002 and the Reserves Act We manage a network of 26 regional parks, covering approximately 41,000 hectares, ranging from sandy beaches, farmland and bush wilderness areas, to the Auckland Botanic Gardens and Mt Smart Stadium. We provide for the use, enjoyment, maintenance, protection, preservation and enhancement of the regional parks network for the benefit of everyone in the Auckland region. Regional parks meet a range of individual recreation and entertainment needs, and are also home to many conservation initiatives. Assets required by this group of activities The assets relating to regional parks are grouped into buildings, recreational structures, roads and car-parks, tracks, fences, utilities and green assets. The maintenance, renewal and development of these assets has been managed in accordance with the Advanced Asset Management Following recent evaluation, a summary of the 10-year expenditure programme and service levels are outlined throughout this section of the LTCCP. The depreciation costs included in the income statement that follows also includes the overhead costs allocated across all ARC activities. What this will cost 14% Key financial assumptions This is 14% of the ARC s total rates The total rate requirement for the Activity Group for 2009/10 is $21.399m. The debt servicing cost associated with bringing forward, to, the $13.9 million park acquisition currently forecast for the financial year will be offset by a reduction in regional park capital development expenditure from the financial year. The rationale for funding of this group of activities is contained in the Revenue and finance policy funding profiles by activity in Chapter 6. The following table is further broken down into the cost of services statement for the six activities that make up the regional parks group: Looking after our regional parks (LTCCP activity 1), Auckland Botanic Gardens (LTCCP Activity 2), New regional parks (LTCCP Activity 3), Farming on regional parks (LTCCP activity 4), Mt Smart Stadium (LTCCP Activity 5), and Visitor services (LTCCP Activity 6) Long-Term Council Community

4 127 Prospective income statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands Rates 21,399 23,135 24,715 25,489 27,073 27,504 27,742 29,491 29,664 30,180 Service fees Facilities 5,830 6,081 6,869 6,732 6,935 7,187 7,396 7,605 8,142 8,366 Grants and subsidies Investment ,121 1,181 1,261 Sundry operating Merchandising Farming 961 1,007 1,036 1,101 1,128 1,157 1,186 1,228 1,262 1,305 Revenue 29,761 31,301 33,830 34,660 36,603 37,328 37,873 40,022 40,849 41,725 Human resources 10,029 10,287 10,598 10,832 11,095 11,378 11,670 12,046 12,377 12,776 Professional services , Technical services Contracted services 1,139 1,101 1,360 1,226 1,235 1,234 1,274 1,298 1,341 1,369 Farming cost of sales Materials Printing and office supplies Fuel and power Repairs and maintenance 4,833 4,587 4,796 4,864 4,839 5,029 5,083 5,194 5,409 5,427 Communications Information services Occupancy ,020 Grants and subsidies Interest and bank charges 4,194 5,471 6,496 7,392 8,533 8,364 8,160 9,647 9,442 9,228 Other ,012 1,043 1,063 Internal expenditure recovery Merchandising cost of sales Vehicle Depreciation 3,501 3,611 3,747 3,927 4,030 4,049 4,216 4,353 4,492 4,622 Expenditure 29,798 31,141 33,399 34,705 36,175 36,574 37,115 39,359 40,086 40,566 Net surplus/(deficit) (37) (45) ,159 Auckland Regional Council

5 128 Prospective capital expenditure statements for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands (excluding Mt Smart) Land 17, , , Land improvements 1,326 1,713 1,663 1,663 1,663 1,663 1,663 1,663 1,663 1,663 Bridges, structures and dams Buildings 1, t and equipment Roads Total capital expenditure 21,298 3,818 3,605 3,660 19,362 3,657 3,661 24,412 3,666 3,670 This comprises of: Renewals 2,068 2,303 2,284 2,339 2,333 2,336 2,340 2,341 2,345 2,349 Developments 2,018 1,515 1,321 1,321 1,321 1,321 1,321 1,321 1,321 1,321 New parks 17, , , Total capital expenditure 21,298 3,818 3,605 3,660 19,362 3,657 3,661 24,412 3,666 3,670 Funded by: Rates (Current year) 3,747 3,818 3,605 3,660 3,654 3,657 3,661 3,662 3,666 3,670 Rates (Prior years) Borrowings 17, , , Total capital expenditure funding 21,298 3,818 3,605 3,660 19,362 3,657 3,661 24,412 3,666 3,670 Mt Smart Stadium Buildings t and equipment Total capital expenditure funding Funded by Rates Borrowings Total capital expenditure funding Long-Term Council Community

6 129 LTCCP Activity 1: Looking after our regional parks What we plan to deliver Landscapes and facilities on regional parks will be maintained and developed to meet visitor needs in a way that is sensitive to the values of the land and surrounding area. We will provide for the maintenance of walking tracks, roads, buildings, signs, picnic areas, campgrounds, car-parks and arrival areas in regional parks through the implementation of the Regional Parks Advanced Asset Management We will continue to address visitor safety and security, through the appropriate design and provision of facilities on regional parks. We will also ensure that the regional parks property portfolio, which includes baches, lodges and commercial leases and licenses, is managed and promoted in a way that provides a wide range of opportunities to the regional community. We will complete reviews of the regional parks and Auckland Botanic Gardens management plans and will develop a management plan for the Mt Smart (Rarotonga) Domain. We will also seek resource management designations over the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland and new regional parks acquired recently and in the term of this LTCCP. The ARC will continue to undertake a collaborative programme with users and other agencies to manage the impacts of motorised recreation in coastal areas, including Muriwai Beach. Levels of service Performance measures Baseline Targets We will manage the countryside regional parks so they preserve and enhance elements of the natural and cultural essence of the region. 1 RP 1. Number of native trees planted on regional parks. Note: Revegetation is important in achieving our conservation goals including restoration of forest, wetland and riparian habitats, and increasing the diversity of native flora and fauna on parks. 80,000 trees in 2009/10 80,000 trees annually. /11 /12-19 This level of planting has proven to be a successful contributor to meeting our conservation goals. THIS IS A NEW MEASURE RP 2. Proportion of historic heritage on regional parks (built and archaeological) in a good or fair condition, based on an assessment of physical condition, integrity, and restoration activity. To be established in 2009/10 To be determined We will manage the countryside regional parks facilities and settings so they offer the opportunity for quality outdoor experiences in natural surroundings. 2 RP 3. Percentage of countryside park ARC visitor service standards met (Visitor services standards include safety standards). 90% in 2009/10 > 85% /11 > 85% /12 > 85% - 19 > 85% THIS IS A NEW MEASURE RP 4. Visitor satisfaction with country-side regional park settings. To be established 2009/ /10 > 85% /11 > 85% /12 > 85% - 19 > 85% Auckland Regional Council

7 130 Levels of service Performance measures Baseline Targets We will manage the countryside regional parks facilities and settings so they offer the opportunity for quality outdoor experiences in natural surroundings. 2 RP 5. Visitor satisfaction with countryside regional park facilities. 93% in 2009/10 > 85% /11 > 85% /12 > 85% - 19 > 85% RP 6. Reviews of parks management plans are completed within scheduled timeframes. 2009/10 Completion of review of Regional Parks Management and development of Mt Smart (Rarotonga) Domain Management. /14 Completion of a review of Auckland Botanic Gardens management plan. Cross references to other performance measures: 1. Please also refer to measures contained in the Natural heritage and Cultural heritage activities found earlier in this chapter. (Measures NH2, NH3, NH4, CH2 and CH4) 2. Please also refer to measures contained in Activity 6 (Visitor Services) of this group of activities. (Measures VS2 and VS3). What this will cost Financial assumptions Park asset maintenance budgets are largely based on historic maintenance budget levels, with increased service levels funded for new initiatives, including acquisition of new regional parks, bach maintenance, and an enhanced track maintenance programme in the Waitakere Ranges regional parkland. Maintenance budgets do not cover the full forecast maintenance needs of ARC s park assets, meaning there is a degree of deferred maintenance assumed in the maintenance budgets provided to Council. Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands Looking after our regional parks Revenue 4,028 3,412 3,669 3,843 4,056 4,224 4,384 4,580 5,071 5,237 Expenditure 15,033 14,934 15,664 15,923 16,119 16,530 16,977 17,428 18,044 18,378 Net cost of services 11,005 11,522 11,995 12,080 12,063 12,306 12,593 12,848 12,973 13,141 Reserves (268) (370) (219) (245) (145) (110) (236) (241) (286) (208) Rating requirement 10,737 11,152 11,776 11,835 11,918 12,196 12,357 12,607 12,687 12, Long-Term Council Community

8 131 LTCCP Activity 2: Auckland Botanic Gardens What we plan to deliver Landscapes and facilities at the Auckland Botanic Gardens will be maintained and developed to meet visitor needs. We will provide for the maintenance of paths, roads, buildings, shelters, signs, amenity areas and carparks through the implementation of the Regional Parks Advanced Asset Management We will continue to host and provide quality events at the Gardens and will, once again, in collaboration with Manukau City Council, host an annual Botanic Garden Festival to fill the event gap left by the Ellerslie Flower Show. Stoneleigh Sculpture in the Gardens will also be staged from the 2009/10 financial year over the summer period biennially. The upkeep of the extensive range of plant collections and Huakaiwaka, the award-winning visitor centre, will remain priorities, as will the implementation of safety and security initiatives. We are undertaking a project to improve the water quality of the Gardens lakes. Levels of service Performance measures Baseline Targets We will manage the Auckland Botanic Gardens as a place for people of the region to enjoy recreational activities and learn about gardening and botany. 1 BG 1. Percentage of Auckland Botanic Gardens visitor service standards met (Visitor service standards include safety standards). 84% in 2009/10 > 75% /11 > 75% /12 > 75% - 19 > 75% BG 2. Visitor satisfaction with Auckland Botanic Gardens facilities. 98% in 2009/10 > 85% /11 > 85% /12 > 85% - 19 > 85% THIS IS A NEW MEASURE BG 3. Visitor satisfaction with Auckland Botanic Gardens settings. To be established in 2009/ /10 > 85% /11 > 85% /12 > 85% - 19 > 85% THIS IS A NEW MEASURE BG 4. Number of people attending Auckland Botanic Garden education programmes. To be established in 2009/10 To be determined Cross references to other performance measures: 1. Please also refer to measure VS3 in activity 6 (Visitor Services) of this group of activities. Auckland Regional Council

9 132 What this will cost Financial assumptions Auckland Botanic Gardens asset maintenance budgets are based on historic maintenance budget levels. Maintenance budgets do not cover the full forecast maintenance needs of the ARC s Botanic Gardens assets. There is therefore a degree of deferred maintenance assumed in the maintenance budgets provided to Council. Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands Auckland Botanic Gardens Revenue Expenditure 4,300 4,440 4,590 4,739 4,858 4,962 5,080 5,217 5,362 5,521 Net cost of services 4,083 4,182 4,298 4,418 4,508 4,608 4,710 4,809 4,935 5,069 Reserves (88) (107) (77) Rating requirement 4,142 4,280 4,435 4,557 4,702 4,834 4,939 4,721 4,828 4, Long-Term Council Community

10 133 LTCCP Activity 3: New regional parks What we plan to deliver New parkland is needed to cope with the diverse recreational demand of the region s growing population, and for the demands of future generations. It is also a key mechanism for protecting significant landforms, the coast, natural ecosystems, historic heritage values, and for providing recreational access to natural places. We will continue to investigate and respond to new opportunities for acquiring land for regional parks, in order to enhance the recreation and conservation values of the Auckland region. The ARC plans to acquire additional regional parkland for the region s current and future generations and has allocated funds on a triennial basis from 2009/10 to purchase new parkland. Levels of service 1 Performance measures Baseline Targets We aim to secure appropriate regional park land in perpetuity to meet the needs of current and future generations, with a focus on acquiring a range of natural settings that are representative of the Auckland region and that provide a range of opportunities for outdoor recreation. NP 1. Total hectares of new regional parks acquisitions. NP 2. Regional community satisfaction with the provision (location and distribution) of regional parkland. 8 hectares added in Total since 2006 is hectares 84% in 2009/10 Increase on total /11 hectares annually / /10 > 90% /11 > 90% /12 > 90% - 19 > 90% THIS IS A NEW MEASURE NP 3. Hectares of regional parkland per head of population in the region. Ratio of 0.03:1 in 2008/ Maintain current level Cross references to other performance measures: 1. Please also refer to measure VS 4 in activity 6 (Visitor Services) of this group of activities. What this will cost Financial assumptions New parks purchased during will be land-banked, with minimal operational cost, for the duration of this plan. Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands New regional parks Revenue Expenditure 3,128 4,158 4,955 5,559 6,700 6,604 6,503 8,046 7,924 7,790 Net cost of services 3,120 4,148 4,944 5,546 6,686 6,590 6,488 8,029 7,906 7,771 Reserves ,074 1,200 1,259 1,411 1,498 1,709 Rating requirement 4,058 5,112 5,888 6,414 7,760 7,790 7,747 9,440 9,404 9,480 Auckland Regional Council

11 134 LTCCP Activity 4: Farming in regional parks What we plan to deliver will be farmed in a manner that will generate an economic return, within an environmentally sustainable management approach. The ARC will maintain farmed areas to conserve the countryside landscape and provide accessible recreational and education opportunities for park visitors. New regional parks will, where appropriate, be integrated into the regional park farming operation, and sustainable farming methods will be implemented to demonstrate environmental best practice. We will continue to support the farm education programme at Ambury Regional Park. Levels of service Performance measures Baseline Targets Our farming operations will contribute to the management of countryside regional parks, be an example of sustainable farming practices, and provide farm settings for the public to experience. F 1. Percentage of farming visitor service standards met (Visitor service standards include safety standards). F 2. Visitor satisfaction with farm settings as places for recreation. 92% in 88% in 2009/10 > 85% /11 > 85% /12 > 85% - 19 > 85% 2009/10 > 85% /11 > 85% /12 > 85% - 19 > 85% F 3. Green house gas emissions (CO 2 equivalent) per stock unit CO 2 equivalent tonnes in 2009/10 Annual reduction on previous year s result /11 /12-19 What this will cost Financial assumptions Revenue projections are based on commodity market indicators (meat and wool) for. Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands Farming in regional parks Revenue 1,003 1,097 1,128 1,219 1,248 1,280 1,312 1,365 1,402 1,451 Expenditure ,028 1,169 1,181 1,218 1,272 1,344 1,401 1,479 Net cost of services (28) (139) (100) (50) (67) (62) (40) (21) (1) 28 Reserves (28) Rating requirement Long-Term Council Community

12 135 LTCCP Activity 5: Mt Smart Stadium This activity contributes to the Destination Auckland One programme of action. What we plan to deliver The ARC will continue to promote, develop, maintain and operate Mt Smart Stadium as an attractive venue for international sport, entertainment and community events. The stadium consists of two separate venues, one primarily for football and large outdoor entertainment events, and the second for athletics and other activities. Each offers comfortable and secure facilities to accommodate a wide range of events and activities. The Council has established a new Special Committee to have direct governance oversight of the stadium and its operations. The Special Committee, consisting of four ARC elected members and two independent appointees, have been delegated responsibility for oversight of Mt Smart, including responsibility for the preparation and recommendation to Council of any changes to the business model for Mt Smart, the scope of activities undertaken at Mt Smart, the Mt Smart Management (under the Reserves Act), and the designation for the stadium under the Resource Management Act. We will implement a prudent programme to diversify and enhance sports, entertainment and community event opportunities to maintain the economic sustainability of the stadium operation and its relevance to the regional community. Mt Smart Stadium has been offered as a venue for team training during the Rugby World Cup. Levels of service Performance measures Baseline Targets We will manage the Mt Smart Stadium as a place for the people of the region to enjoy and participate in sports and entertainment events. MS 1. Number of community events at Mt Smart Stadium. MS 2. Visitor satisfaction with Mt Smart Stadium. 295 in 88% in 2009/10 > 300 /11 > 300 /12 > > /10 > 85% /11 > 85% /12 > 85% - 19 > 85% THIS IS A NEW MEASURE MS 3. Regional community awareness of Mt Smart Stadium as a regional facility. To be established in 2009/10 To be determined What this will cost Financial assumptions Mt Smart Stadium revenue and expenditure has been projected on the assumption that expenditure will be very tightly controlled and revenues will begin to improve in including receipt of naming rights income after the Rugby World Cup. Mt Smart Stadium will be utilised as a training venue during the Rugby World Cup. Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands Mt Smart Stadium Revenue 3,070 3,353 3,978 3,737 3,823 3,912 4,009 4,119 4,224 4,342 Expenditure 3,764 4,024 4,509 4,594 4,585 4,536 4,543 4,559 4,567 4,579 Net cost of services Reserves (694) (671) (531) (857) (762) (624) (534) (440) (343) (237) Rating requirement Auckland Regional Council

13 136 LTCCP Activity 6: Visitor services What we plan to deliver We will provide for a diversity of experiences on regional parks by providing services at visitor centres (Arataki in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland and Huakaiwaka at the Auckland Botanic Gardens), interpretation, community and education programmes, and special community events. The ARC will continue to provide event and camping sites, picnic areas, baches and lodges throughout the regional parks network, as well as a high standard of information and reservation booking services. We will continue to address visitor safety and security through the ongoing provision of a ranger service on regional parks. We will continue to work in partnership with the wider community, through managing the extensive regional park volunteer programmes, and continuing to develop partnerships with various communities, businesses and other organisations. Levels of service Performance measures Baseline Targets We seek to generate a high level of awareness of the regional park network and promote the extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation, overnight stays (in baches, lodges and camping grounds) and special events. VS 1. Regional community awareness of the regional parks network. THIS IS A NEW MEASURE VS 2. Utilisation of bookable accommodation; utilisation of bed nights/capacity of bed nights. 81% in To be established in 2009/ /10 90% /11 90% /12 90% % To be determined. THIS IS A NEW MEASURE VS 3. Delivery of the following events across the regional parks network on an annual basis: - Ambury Farm Day - Botanic Garden Festival Successful delivery of scheduled events. The delivery of the following events on a biennial basis: - Sculpture in the Gardens - Omana Children s Day We will seek to ensure that the services provided about and on parks are accessible and equitable, including those provided by park rangers. VS 4. Number of parks visitors proportional to regional population growth. Ratio of 3.75:1 in 2006/ /10 Maintain current level (ratio 3.75:1) /11 Based on 2006/07 visitor numbers / Statistics New Zealand 2006/07 /12 population estimate (most recently available data) (5,272, / 1,394,000) (rounded to nearest 0.25). We will provide opportunities for the people of the region to participate in the protection and enhancement of the regional parks. VS 5. Number of active regional parks volunteers. 2,902 in 2009/10 > 2,000 /11 > 2,000 /12 > 2, > 2, Long-Term Council Community

14 137 What this will cost Financial assumptions Budget assumes no major changes in service levels. Activity prospective cost of services statement for year ending 30 June - dollars in thousands Visitor services Revenue Expenditure 2,598 2,627 2,653 2,721 2,732 2,724 2,740 2,765 2,788 2,819 Net cost of services 2,562 2,591 2,616 2,683 2,693 2,684 2,699 2,723 2,745 2,775 Reserves (100) Rating requirement 2,462 2,591 2,616 2,683 2,693 2,684 2,699 2,723 2,745 2,775 Auckland Regional Council

15 138 Capital works on regional parks What we plan to deliver Infrastructure throughout the regional parks network will continue to be developed and replaced through the implementation of the Regional Parks Advanced Asset Management 2005 and the Regional Parks Management Capital works, which are undertaken to enhance safety, accessibility and visitor experiences on regional parks, include constructing and upgrading roads, tracks, fences, buildings, utilities, interpretation, and security and safety equipment. We will ensure capital works on regional parks are carried out according to the rules of district and regional plans and demonstrating environmental best practice. Capital expenditure for the first three years of this LTCCP will be focused on the following areas of work: Northern regional parks Tawharanui, Atiu Creek, Pakiri, Mahurangi, Scandrett, Wenderholm, Shakespear, Long Bay, Te Arai. 2009/10 Replace and upgrade assets to ensure levels of service for park visitors are maintained, including resealing the Long Bay south ground car-park. Continue to upgrade cottages and houses, including the Schiska house, to enable continued use for public accommodation. Begin construction of a predator proof fence at Shakespear Regional Park, in conjunction with Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated, in order to establish a mainland island for flora and fauna. Continue to upgrade and develop farm assets, including fences, stockyards and stock shade and shelter, so we can farm regional parks in an effective way. /11 and /12 Continue to replace and upgrade buildings, tracks, roads and car-parks, fences, recreational structures, and green assets to ensure levels of service for park visitors are maintained. Complete construction of a predator proof fence at Shakespear Open Sanctuary, in conjunction with Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated. Southern regional parks 2009/10 Undertake the first year of a three year redevelopment of the Hunua Falls arrival zone in the Hunua Ranges Regional Parkland. Undertake development works on regional parks along the south east coast of Auckland to provide suitable overnight accommodation for a kayak/waka trail between Omana and Waharau regional parks Long-Term Council Community

16 139 Implement the first stage of the Omana Regional Park link in the Beachlands to Maraetai pathway by constructing short sections of pathway to link with the Manukau City Council entrances at the eastern and western boundaries of the park. Upgrade and develop farm assets, including fences, stockyards and stock shade and shelter, so we can farm regional parks in an effective way. Replace and upgrade assets to ensure levels of service for park visitors are maintained, including upgrading walking and mountain bike tracks in the Hunua Ranges Regional Parkland, and undertaking works on buildings at Ambury Regional Park. /11 and /12 Continue to replace and upgrade buildings, tracks, roads and car-parks, fences, recreational structures, and green assets to ensure levels of service for park visitors are maintained. Western regional parks 2009/10 Design and obtain consents for a new track to link Exhibition Drive with the Arataki Visitor Centre in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland. Undertake major deferred maintenance on buildings and facilities at Stedfast Park in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland. Upgrade and develop farm assets, including fences, stockyards and stock shade and shelter, so we can farm regional parks in an effective way. Replace and upgrade assets to ensure levels of service for park visitors are maintained, including upgrading walking tracks, structures, buildings and water supplies in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Parkland, and at Te Rau Puriri Regional Park. Undertake staged developments at Muriwai Regional Park following extensive erosion, including works on the southern car-park and development of northern car-parking areas. /11 and /12 Continue to replace and upgrade buildings, tracks, roads and car-parks, fences, recreational structures, and green assets to ensure levels of service for park visitors are maintained. Auckland Botanic Gardens 2009/10 In collaboration with the Potter Trust, undertake stage two of the Potter Children s Garden development, and construct a new toilet, complete with green roof, for garden visitors. Replace and upgrade assets to ensure levels of service for visitors are maintained, including upgrading walking paths and plant displays, and the Edible Garden. Continue with work to improve the quality of the gardens waterways, by establishing a vegetated pond to filter water before it reaches the lakes. Prepare detailed designs to reflect the gardens master plan, which was developed in the previous year, in order to guide future development and planning of the gardens. /11 and /12 Continue to replace and upgrade buildings, tracks, roads and car-parks, fences, recreational structures, and plant collections to ensure levels of service for gardens visitors are maintained. Mt Smart Stadium 2009/10 In order to provide a venue of the standard required to be a match and/or training venue for the Rugby World Cup, upgrade the general amenity, functionality, service levels and accessibility of the stadium s west stand particularly in respect to the changing rooms, media facilities and drug testing facilities. /11 Replace stadium seating as part of an ongoing programme to maintain levels of service for stadium visitors. In order to provide a venue of the standard required to be a match and/or training venue for the Rugby World Cup, undertake a project to extend the stadium s main field. /12 Replace stadium seating as part of an ongoing programme to maintain levels of service for stadium visitors. Auckland Regional Council