Success in Sustainability – the Auckland Sustainable Cities Programme International Conference on Sustainability Engineering and Science February 2007: Jocelyn Watkin (Manukau City Council)

Auckland Sustainable Cities Programme (ASCP) Sustainable Development Programme of Action for NZ (SDPOA) launched by central government January 2003 4 key initiatives: Sustainable Cities, Water Allocation, Energy, Investing in Child & Youth Development Purpose of SDPOA: To make sustainable development meaningful To make real progress on a suite of complex issues AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME A regional partnership with the Sustainable Development Programme of Action

AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME ASCP – Who was Involved? ASCP- a partnership initiated by all councils in the Auckland region, Auckland region Mayoral & CEO Forums, and Ministers Steering group appointed April 2003 - all 8 local authorities/12 central govt agencies, plus LGNZ for a three year period. 1000’s people in the 14 projects across 6 work strand areas AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME A regional partnership with the Sustainable Development Programme of Action

Why central government involved? Partnerships and participation Environmental pressures/limits Innovative solutions/best information Long term implications of policy Global perspectives AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME A regional partnership with the Sustainable Development Programme of Action

Why Auckland region local government involved? LGA 2002 – the need for a sustainable development approach Population pressures on Auckland region Traffic congestion Skills shortage/impacts of immigration Driver for economic development Partnership/ collaboration with stakeholders Raising awareness of the region with central govt AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME A regional partnership with the Sustainable Development Programme of Action

ASCP Steering Group Objectives Central/Auckland region local government working together 2003 - 2006 Prioritise & shortlist theme/work areas 03-04 Agree on scope and resourcing by June 2004 Six work strand areas were selected with deliverables in 14 different projects Complete the ASCP by June 2006 AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME A regional partnership with the Sustainable Development Programme of Action

ASCP Workstrands Auckland Sustainable Cities Programme Sustainable Communities Transport & Urban Form Regional Child & Youth Development Urban Form Design & Development Auckland Regional Settlement Strategy Urban Centres & Economic Performance AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME A regional partnership with the Sustainable Development Programme of Action

AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME ASCP – Key Successes Sustainable development outcomes across all 14 projects Partnership outcomes – greater engagement, collaboration, capability and opportunities for local and central government to work together Successful model developed Full evaluation process and report Springboard for future joint work / further funding locked in Website/further information available: www.sustainableauckland.govt.nz “Success in Sustainability” booklet AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME A regional partnership with the Sustainable Development Programme of Action

ASCP – Key Lessons Learned There will be inevitable tensions – these take time to overcome Ensure expectations are discussed and managed Dedicated funding and resources required, particularly for project managers/co-ordinators Required throughout the process, not just at the beginning: Strong and senior leadership Committed and resourced staff/participants More flexible accountability for multi- agency funded contracts Communication strategy and action/risk management More support and training AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME A regional partnership with the Sustainable Development Programme of Action

STARTing on the Next Path START = Sustaining the Auckland Region Together ASCP identified need to build a vision and a long-term sustainability framework - LTSF (10, 20, 50 … years) using a process called START to: Build resilience and better cope with change Improve alignment/efficiencies across the region Prioritise major decisions/investments Respond to legislative drivers Progress to date: Mandate for LTSF achieved in May 2006 Draft LTSF achieved in November 2006 Final LTSF for councils’ endorsement in August 2007 AUCKLAND SUSTAINABLE CITIES PROGRAMME A regional partnership with the Sustainable Development Programme of Action