Local elections are almost upon us. What are the roles we’ll be electing people to?
Many of us know a little about the role of Auckland Councillors, but less about what our local board does for us. Richard Northey ONZM is coming to the end of a term as a local board representative on the Waitematā Local Board.
In this role, and previous roles, Richard has been part of decisions which make life better for people on bikes today. Bike Auckland taps into his experience about what local board members actually do – and how they can help people on bikes.
It’s almost time to vote for local board members – but what do they do?
Local boards make decisions on local matters. They inform and advocate on behalf of the concerns of locals, including by participating in the meetings and gatherings of local groups and organisations. They also advocate to the Governing Body of Auckland Council on region-wide and national issues.
How important is that?
Very. The quality, values and composition of Local Boards is crucial because of the many issues they can influence. For example, they can decide on improved and expanded facilities and services in parks, community centres, libraries, and pools, as well as providing grants for community organisations and events.
There are a total of 21 local boards in Auckland, and each has between five and nine elected members.
We love to get around by bike. Can local boards make that easier for us?
Local boards have a strong voice, but not the final decision on what happens in the road corridors: bus lanes, cycle lanes and paths, footpaths, street furniture and road safety measures.
All local boards have a relatively small budget they can put towards local transport projects. We can use this to create cycleways, and in the Waitematā Local Board we did this to connect Great North Road and Motions Road.
We can also advocate for and support Auckland Transport cycling projects. The Great North Road cycleway would not have happened without the long-term support and advocacy of the Waitematā Board.
We can help Auckland Transport by suggesting small scale projects and quick wins such as where additional bike parking should be installed.
Let’s look at some examples. You helped the Grey Lynn Bike Hub become a reality. What was involved?
We had no bike hubs in Waitematā at the start of our local board term. We were keen so we looked for a suitable location for about two bike hubs. Auckland Transport suggested that a bike hub could be located in Grey Lynn Park. The Local Board agreed, gave landowner approval for it, and paid part of the cost for it. It’s very useful for local families to get cycling, and it’s right next to the pump track. There’s also the Queens Wharf Bike Hub in the city centre.
You also advocated for Project WAVE, the cycleway through the Viaduct area of downtown Auckland, connecting the Nelson Street and Quay Street cycleways. What did it take to make this happen?
A cycle network is only as good as the sum of its parts and connections. There was a missing link between the bottom of Nelson Street to Quay Street. Auckland Transport proposed a safe, protected cycleway in this area. But it was a highly contested space with offices, residences, restaurants and bars – there was some nervousness. A working group was set up with representatives of each group, transport experts, Local Board Member Alex Bonham representing our Board and an independent chair. They worked out how to deliver the best overall outcome taking everyone’s needs into account
Board members took part in a lot of public meetings with Auckland Transport and local businesses and residents to progress Project WAVE. Initially there was a lot of suspicion and opposition from people at the meetings. It was often led by outsiders who are fiercely opposed to anything that they thought might disadvantage car drivers, particularly cyclists. The opposers included former Mayor John Banks. In a meeting, they claimed that fewer than 10 cyclists used the area daily. 13 cyclists rode past during the meeting!
Project WAVE has proved a very popular piece of cycleway, because it makes the whole system work better.
Will my single vote make a difference?
The vote in most Council wards and local board areas is evenly balanced: there are candidates who want to return to an age prioritising drivers and those seeking to store their cars for free on the streets. And there are candidates who want real transport options, including transport modes that have low emissions. Those are the candidates who support safe cycling and active transport.
Even a small number of votes can change the composition and values of the local board. So, your vote definitely counts.
How do I make sure my local board knows what my community needs?
Apart from voting, you can make your voice heard in a number of ways.
Your local board can benefit from hearing your experience of the local area. You can email or ring your local representatives. You’ll find their contact details on the Auckland Council and local board websites.
With prior arrangement, you can also send a deputation or speaker to a local board or Council committee meeting to share information on a given topic. At our meetings, which are typically monthly, we set time aside for members of the public to speak to us on relevant topics. They provide a valued point of view and inform our decision-making.
Check you’re registered to vote – with the correct up-to-date address, so you can receive your voting papers.
This article relates to our ongoing campaign: Bikeable Auckland
