Decision digest | Governing Body

14 December 2017

Wynyard Basin confirmed as council’s preferred America’s Cup base location

Auckland Council’s Governing Body today confirmed the Wynyard Basin option as its location preference for negotiation with the Crown and Emirates Team New Zealand for the 2021 America’s Cup.

Mayor Phil Goff says, “Most New Zealanders, from all walks of life and from all parts of our community, want to see the America’s Cup raced in New Zealand.

“It’s a matter of pride. We saw that earlier this year when more than 90,000 people come out in our city to celebrate Emirates Team New Zealand returning home with the cup.

“The Government estimates between 4,000 and 8,000 jobs will be created in bringing the America’s Cup to our region. This is a chance to showcase Auckland to the world in a unique way – through top sportsmanship, high quality technology and with the stunning backdrop of Auckland’s harbour.

“Today’s decision to confirm the Wynyard Basin option as the preferred location is based on timing, cost and legacy, and it paves the way for resource consent lodgement in the New Year.

“Wynyard Point is a valid alternative option for consideration and we have received strong professional advice from officials on both locations. This has also been shared with Minister Parker.

The council’s preference will be shared with the Government to inform its decision-making in the coming weeks. Minister Parker has indicated the Government’s intention to also consider the Wynyard Point option.

The Governing Body also noted that there is no funding available for a hosting agreement and that investment in necessary infrastructure is the extent of the council’s contribution.

Next steps

Today’s decision will be referred to the Government (Cabinet) to inform its decision-making and council staff will develop a resource consent application for the Wynyard Basin option for lodgement in January 2018.

The following is a digest of further 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 are available on demand.

Items 1-9 were administrative items. There was no public or local board input.

Item 11: Governance options for the accommodation provider targeted rate

Following approval of the accommodation provider targeted rate in June, as part of the Annual Budget process, the Governing Body asked staff to report back on a proposal to introduce alternative governance arrangements of ATEED that includes greater participation for commercial accommodation providers.

The Governing Body today approved the recommendation to appoint a director with accommodation sector expertise to fill a future ATEED board vacancy. It also made provisions for a sub-committee on visitor attraction and major events activities, which also includes representation for accommodation provider targeted rate payers.

Item 12: Finalise the process for the review of representation arrangements

The Governing Body approved the process to conduct its review of representation arrangements in 2018. Councillors Casey, Cooper, Newman and Walker and local board members Shane Henderson, Richard Northey, Angela Dalton and Phelan Pirrie were appointed to a Joint Governance Working Party which will develop the council’s proposal and hear public submissions.

Item 13: Health, Safety and Wellbeing update

The Governing Body received an update on the council’s health, safety and wellbeing performance, as reported to the Audit and Risk Committee earlier in the month.

Oliver Sanandres, Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing, highlighted the downward trend in the lost time injury frequency rate and the council’s focus on workplace violence as the highest area of critical risk.

Item 14: Changes to committees

Mayor Phil Goff presented his changes to committee membership and signalled his intention to create a Value for Money Committee. Councillor Richard Hills takes up the position of Deputy Chair of the Planning Committee, Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore becomes Deputy Chair of the Regulatory Committee and is confirmed as Chair of the Strategic Procurement Committee.

ENDS

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