AGENDA

Play, Recreation & Sport Committee

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billy Meehan (Chairperson)

Leonie Hapeta (Deputy Chairperson)

Grant Smith (The Mayor)

Brent Barrett

Patrick Handcock ONZM

Zulfiqar Butt

Karen Naylor

Vaughan Dennison

Bruno Petrenas

Lew Findlay QSM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

 

 

 

Play, Recreation & Sport Committee MEETING

 

14 April 2021

 

 

 

Order of Business

 

1.         Apologies

2.         Notification of Additional Items

Pursuant to Sections 46A(7) and 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, to receive the Chairperson’s explanation that specified item(s), which do not appear on the Agenda of this meeting and/or the meeting to be held with the public excluded, will be discussed.

Any additions in accordance with Section 46A(7) must be approved by resolution with an explanation as to why they cannot be delayed until a future meeting.

Any additions in accordance with Section 46A(7A) may be received or referred to a subsequent meeting for further discussion.  No resolution, decision or recommendation can be made in respect of a minor item.

3.         Declarations of Interest (if any)

Members are reminded of their duty to give a general notice of any interest of items to be considered on this agenda and the need to declare these interests.

 

 

 

 

4.         Public Comment

To receive comments from members of the public on matters specified on this Agenda or, if time permits, on other Committee matters.

(NOTE:     If the Committee wishes to consider or discuss any issue raised that is not specified on the Agenda, other than to receive the comment made or refer it to the Chief Executive, then a resolution will need to be made in accordance with clause 2 above.)

5.         Presentation - Manawatu GymSports Incorporated                                          Page 7

6.         Confirmation of Minutes                                                                                     Page 9

“That the minutes of the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee meeting of 24 February 2021 Part I Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.”

7.         Draft Play Policy 2021  (Rēhia Papaioea! Play Palmy, Play!) - deliberations and adoption                                                                                                                            Page 19

Memorandum, presented by Julie Macdonald, Strategy & Policy Manager.

8.         Committee Work Schedule - April 2021                                                            Page 31

9.         Exclusion of Public

 

 

To be moved:

“That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting listed in the table below.

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under Section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

 

General subject of each matter to be considered

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Ground(s) under Section 48(1) for passing this resolution

 

 

 

 

 

This resolution is made in reliance on Section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by Section 6 or Section 7 of that Act which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public as stated in the above table.

Also that the persons listed below be permitted to remain after the public has been excluded for the reasons stated.

[Add Third Parties], because of their knowledge and ability to assist the meeting in speaking to their report/s [or other matters as specified] and answering questions, noting that such person/s will be present at the meeting only for the items that relate to their respective report/s [or matters as specified].

 

 


 

 

 


PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Presentation

TO:                                Play, Recreation & Sport Committee

MEETING DATE:           14 April 2021

TITLE:                            Presentation - Manawatu GymSports Incorporated

 

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Play, Recreation & Sport Committee

1.   That the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee receive the presentation for information.

 

 

Summary

Mrs Kim Fenn, Club Manager, will make a presentation about Manawatu GymSports Incorporated, its achievements and current challenges.

 

 

Attachments

Nil   


 

 

 


PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

 

Palmerston North City Council

 

Minutes of the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee Meeting Part I Public, held in the Council Chamber, First Floor, Civic Administration Building, 32 The Square, Palmerston North on 24 February 2021, commencing at 1.00pm

Members

Present:

Councillor Billy Meehan (in the Chair) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Karen Naylor and Bruno Petrenas.

Non Members:

Councillors Rachel Bowen, Renee Dingwall and Lorna Johnson.

Apologies:

The Mayor (on Council Business) and Councillors Susan Baty, Leonie Hapeta (late arrival), Lew Findlay QSM and Aleisha Rutherford.

Note:     Councillor Renee Dingwall attended the meeting via visual audio link.

Councillor Leonie Hapeta entered the meeting at 1.07pm during consideration of clause 2.  She was not present for clause 1.

Councillor Aleisha Rutherford entered the meeting at 1.17pm during consideration of clause 2.  She left the meeting at 3.52pm during consideration of clause 8. She was not present for clauses 1 and 8.

The Mayor (Grant Smith) entered the meeting at 1.27pm during consideration of clause 3. He left the meeting at 2.19pm during consideration of clause 4.  He was not present for clauses 1, 2 and 5 to 8 inclusive.

 

Councillor Susan Baty entered the meeting at 3.12pm during consideration of clause 6.  She was not present for clauses 1 to 5 inclusive.

1-21

Apologies

 

Moved Billy Meehan, seconded Brent Barrett.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1.   That the Committee receive the apologies.

 

Clause 1-21 above was carried 10 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor and Bruno Petrenas.

 

2-21

Presentation - Greasy Chain Charitable Trust

Mr Bob Selden, Chair of the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust, and Dr Steve Stannard, Gravel and Tar Race Director, made a presentation regarding 2021 Gravel and Tar races and associated events.

Mr Selden stated that in 2021 Greasy Chain Charitable Trust organised the Manawatu Cycling Spree with eight events over three days from 22 to 25 January 2021, including Gravel and Tar, and mentioned some minuses and pluses of the project. The Criterium was cancelled due to lack of numbers and the music and food festival at Memorial Park organised by the Council was poorly attended. For next year, they plan to start with Gravel and Tar in late January and spread the other events out during February, aligning with the national cycling month.

Mr Selden explained that the events went very well. One of the highlights was the increase of media coverage including papers, television, Global Cycling Network, and a video showcased on Sky TV. Media coverage and social media engagement with a successful Facebook campaign brought people into the region.

These kinds of events give the opportunity to local juniors to try out their skills and demonstrate what they can do.

Gravel & Tar was one of two events that could be delivered this year, while most of the events have been cancelled worldwide due to Covid-19.

Dr Stannard advised that this has been the 6th edition of Gravel and Tar, with the race concluding successfully and safely.

Dr Stannard added that their events are solidly established in the international cycling calendar and have a very strong reputation. However, this year there were not any international riders due to closed borders.

The presence of New Zealand’s best known professional cyclist George Bennett helped to attack media attention. They plan to livestream the next events.

Finally, Dr Stannard mentioned that one of the barriers was traffic management, which is difficult and very expensive, and thanked Council for its assistance and support.

Councillor Leonie Hapeta entered the meeting at 1.07pm.

Councillor Aleisha Rutherford entered the meeting at 1.17pm.

 

Moved Billy Meehan, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1.   That the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee receive the presentation for information.

 

Clause 2-21 above was carried 12 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Aleisha Rutherford.

 

3-21

Presentation - Netball Manawatu and Manawatu Lawn Tennis Club

Professor Andy Martin, on behalf of Manawatu Lawn Tennis Club, and Mr Chris Gunn, Netball Manawatu General Manager, made a multi-sport presentation about a proposal to upgrade the current facilities at Vautier Park and Manawatu Lawn Tennis Club by covering some of the existing courts.

Professor Martin advised there was an urgent need for indoor multi-sport facilities in Palmerston North. CET Arena cannot satisfy the increasing demand. The proposal would benefit tennis and netball, which cannot be played in the rain, as well as other sports like badminton, volleyball and basketball. Participation in all these sports has increased significantly.

Besides enhancing community sport participation, the proposal would have long term economic impact since secondary school events could be hosted, i.e. volleyball nationals and basketball nationals.

Mr Gunn added that the participation rates in netball had not dropped in the last seven years and it was a growing sport, particularly for years 1 to 6. The proposal would help to create an environment conducive to good play and good experience as well as address health implications, considering that the sun is a concern particularly in the younger years.

The Mayor (Grant Smith) entered the meeting at 1.27pm.

During discussion an additional motion was passed to consider the matter through the ongoing formal process of the Long Term Plan.

 

Moved Rachel Bowen, seconded Brent Barrett.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1.   That the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee receive the presentation for information.

2.   That the Presentation from Netball Manawatu and Manawatu Lawn Tennis Club be referred as a submission to the Long Term Plan.

 

Clause 3-21 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Aleisha Rutherford.

 

4-21

Hearing of Submissions - Draft Play Policy: Rēhia Papaioea! Play Palmy, Play!

 

Moved Billy Meehan, seconded Rachel Bowen.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1.   That the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee hear submissions from presenters who indicated their wish to be heard in support of their submission.

2.   That the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee note the Procedure for Hearing of Submissions, as described in the procedure sheet.

 

Clause 4-21 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Aleisha Rutherford.

 

The following persons appeared before the Committee and made oral statements in support of their submissions and replied to questions from Elected Members.

Jennifer Olsson (6)

Mrs Jennifer Olsson spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments:

·    Suggested that the Council install a basketball hoop for the children of her community (Halswell Crescent), pointing out that it would make a big difference to the ability of these children to play.

·    In relation to point 14 of the Council’s guidelines, Mrs Olsson questioned what the scope of the term ‘community’ was.

·    There are communities where there is a need to provide tools to kids, for example Westbrook, Highbury and Awapuni.

Memorial Park Sports Trust Board (3)

Ms Sandy Nimmo spoke to the Memorial Park Sports Trust Board’s submission and made the following additional comments:

·    Mentioned operational matters with respect to the policy as currently written, and obstacles and challenges that Memorial Park Sports Trust Board was facing regarding the delivery of activities at Memorial Park due to the ongoing construction works. Ms Nimmo clarified that they wanted to help but they would not be able to do so until the works are finished and the equipment storage area is more accessible.

·    The definition of ‘play’ in the Policy should include motivation and opportunity, in accordance with Sport New Zealand’s definition of play which mentions ‘intrinsically motivated, spontaneous, personally directed, and freely chosen’.

·    Excellent move for Palmerston North to have a Play Policy.

Dr Heather Knox (5)

Dr Heather Knox spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments:

·    The Council can have a big impact in actively promoting and enabling play. Promotion is important.

·    There is a gap in promoting play by showing concrete examples and providing ideas, especially for parents on how to get out and play. This gap is being filled to some extent by initiatives from individuals or groups, such as the Facebook Page Palmerston North Parents, Palmy Dirty 30, Palmy Rocks and Manawatu Family Microadventures, but it is not a cohesive programme and, generally, parents have interest in this for a certain period of time and then move to other kinds of things when children get older.

·    PNCC website already has information about parks and playgrounds but upgrading it could be helpful. Communication channels should be used more to promote play, inform more and share experiences, for example through blogs, photo competitions (which can be highly encouraging to share photographs), etc.

·    The Council or relevant authority should take responsibility for marketing the spaces that we already have to the Palmy community and also to people who come to visit the city.

The Mayor (Grant Smith) left the meeting at 2.19pm.

Palmy Dirty 30 (4)

Mrs Katherine Parlane spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments:

·    The final version of a policy should be more definitive in its definition of ‘free play’ in order for it to translate into action. For her, free play is providing children with open ended nature-based play opportunities, where imagination aids play, problem solving stimulation, and parallel or collaborative play with other children, spaces with proper amount of risk, surrounded by nature rather than fencing; and also be free of charge.

·    Suggested that Council: (i) keep engaged with parents who use the parks and reserves often, (ii) actively promote play and (iii) be creative in providing play spaces.

·    Children need to explore surroundings and have access to nature and interesting resources. A cool shady natural space will hold the attention of a child far longer than a playground.

·    Supporting free play by non-traditional nature-based venues and activities will ensure our children grow up in a vibrant green city that grows adult creative thinkers who are Palmy Proud.

·    Thanked the Council for developing a policy that supports children’s right to play.

Sport Manawatū (1)

Ms Whitney Le Comte, Regional Play Lead, and Mr Brad Cassidy, General Manager Partnerships, spoke to Sport Manawatū’s submission and made the following additional comments:

·    Acknowledged Council’s job related to the policy so far.

·    Sport New Zealand has created Aotearoa Play System establishing the 7 principles of play. Principle 3: everybody is responsible to provide play opportunities to tamariki; and principle 4: developing and creating different types of play and varied environments for play.

·    The policy should contribute by encouraging the community to have self-sustainability to promote play.

·    Within Aotearoa Play System, Palmerston North is highly regarded.

·    Sport Manawatū supports active play. Suggested that active play be encouraged through the policy and the Active Community Plan.

Jessica Thompson (2)

Mrs Jessica Thompson spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments:

·    Highlighted the importance of sun safety and the risk of melanoma due to sun exposure.

·    There are cost barriers in relation to access to sunblock. Many families cannot afford it.

·    Council has the ability to impact people’s lives.

·    Requested Council use this opportunity to help look after children and families.

Cancer Society of New Zealand Manawatu Centre Inc (11)

Mrs Kerry Hocquard spoke to the Cancer Society’s submission and made the following additional comments:

·    The vision of being physically active, sun-smart and smokefree makes really good sense.

·    More than 353 Kiwis died from skin cancer in 2015 and New Zealand men have the highest melanoma death rate in the world. Everybody has a part to play in trying to reduce these numbers.

·    The Council’s role is crucial in shaping our social and physical environments, our public spaces, our recreation and sports facilities, our community events, also in the promotion of events, shade planning, sun-smart practices and role modelling.

·    The Council commitment to shady play spaces shows that health and safety is important to our community.

·    Milverton Park, Esplanade and Takaro Park are good examples of shady and sun-smart environments. However, Farnham Park is not.

·    Questioned about the shade planning in the proposed development at Memorial Park.

·    As the city grows and high density living is increasing, there is a need to complement this with accessible, family-friendly green spaces. Places that allow for people to be sun-smart and physically active, with playgrounds that are safe, provide shade, are attractive and offer interesting experiences. This contributes to the physical and mental wellbeing of the community.

·    Recommended that shade audits be conducted for outdoor spaces with an equity lens used, and that playgrounds be located adjacent to an existing shade canopy.

·    This is a time for our Council to continue building on sun-smart and smokefree commitments previously made.

 

5-21

Draft Play Policy: Rēhia Papaioea! Play Palmy, Play!' - Overview of Consultation Activities and Submissions

Memorandum, presented by Julie Macdonald - Strategy & Policy Manager.

 

 

Moved Billy Meehan, seconded Leonie Hapeta.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1.   That the memorandum titled ‘Draft Play Policy: Rēhia Papaioea!  Play Palmy, Play! – Overview of Consultation Activities and Submissions’ presented to the Play, Recreation and Sport Committee on 24 February 2021 be received for information.

 

Clause 5-21 above was carried 12 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Aleisha Rutherford.

The meeting adjourned at 2.59pm.

The meeting resumed at 3.11pm.

 

6-21

Progress report:  Sport Manawatū - Six month report (1 July to 31 December 2020) to Palmerston North City Council

Memorandum, presented by Julie Macdonald, Strategy & Policy Manager, and Mr Brad Cassidy, General Manager Partnerships - Sport Manawatū.

Councillor Susan Baty entered the meeting at 3.12pm.

 

Moved Vaughan Dennison, seconded Karen Naylor.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1.   That the Committee receive the memorandum titled ‘Progress report: Sport Manawatū - Six-month report (1 July to 31 December 2020) to Palmerston North City Council’ and dated 24 February 2020.

 

Clause 6-21 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Aleisha Rutherford.

 

7-21

Confirmation of Minutes

 

Moved Vaughan Dennison, seconded Karen Naylor.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1.   That the minutes of the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee meeting of 16 December 2020 Part I Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.

 

Clause 7-21 above was carried 12 votes to 0, with 1 abstention, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor, Bruno Petrenas and Aleisha Rutherford.

Abstained:

Councillor Susan Baty.

 

8-21

Committee Work Schedule

In discussion it was agreed that the item on the Work Schedule related to Memorial Park was already completed since the report was presented to the 21 December 2020 Council meeting (clause 151-20). It was also agreed to retain an update report on Memorial Park on the Work Schedule to review the progress on the implementation, which will be referred to the Infrastructure Committee Work Schedule.

 

Councillor Aleisha Rutherford left the meeting at 3.52pm.

 

 

Moved Rachel Bowen, seconded Karen Naylor.

The COMMITTEE RESOLVED

1.   That the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee receive its Work Schedule dated February 2021.

2.   That the Chief Executive provide a final implementation Report for the Memorial Park Upgrade.

 

Clause 8-21 above was carried 12 votes to 0, the voting being as follows:

For:

Councillors Leonie Hapeta, Brent Barrett, Susan Baty, Rachel Bowen, Zulfiqar Butt, Vaughan Dennison, Renee Dingwall, Patrick Handcock ONZM, Lorna Johnson, Billy Meehan, Karen Naylor and Bruno Petrenas.

 

The meeting finished at 3.54pm

 

Confirmed 14 April 2021

 

 

 

Chairperson


 

 

 


PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Memorandum

TO:                                Play, Recreation & Sport Committee

MEETING DATE:           14 April 2021

TITLE:                            Draft Play Policy 2021  (Rēhia Papaioea! Play Palmy, Play!) - deliberations and adoption

Presented By:            Julie Macdonald, Strategy & Policy Manager

APPROVED BY:             David Murphy, Acting General Manager - Strategy and Planning

 

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Council

1.   That Council adopts the Play Policy 2021 (Rēhia Papaioea! Play Palmy, Play!), included as attachment 1 to the memorandum titled ‘Draft Play Policy 2021 (Rēhia Papaioea! Play Palmy, Play!) – deliberations and adoption’ presented to the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee on 14 April 2021.

 

 

1.         ISSUE

1.1       Council’s aspiration in the Active Community Plan 2018 is for Palmerston North to be the most active community in New Zealand. The Plan identified a need for a policy that outlines Council’s commitment to provide for a range of play opportunities for all ages. As a result, a draft Play Policy was developed to guide decision-making and commitment to provide a range of play opportunities in several operational areas of Council.

1.2       The proposed Play Policy takes the high-level direction in the Active Community Plan down to a level where more specific guidance will enable staff to effect changes in the approach to the provision and management of play spaces in Palmerston North. It will enable Council to invest in play for better strategic outcomes.

1.3       The revised Play Policy is included as attachment 1.

2.         BACKGROUND and previous council decisions

2.1       The policy development process took place over 2019 and 2020 and involved reviewing national and international literature, scanning Council’s play-relevant plans, strategies, and frameworks as well as an extensive pre-policy drafting community engagement process.

2.2       On 25 March 2020 Council approved the proposed Play Policy 2020 for consultation. Consultation was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and began on 7 December 2020, with written submissions closing on 18 January 2021.

2.3       During the consultation period Council’s social media channels promoted the opportunity to make a submission on the proposed play policy:

 

Social media channel

Reach

Engagements

Facebook post – 7 December 2020

2,645

160

Facebook post – 4 January 2021

5,721

287

 

Engagements refer to how many people interacted with the post such as liking, sharing, commenting, clicking on the photo, or clicking on the link to the website.

 

2.4       By the close of the consultation period, 11 submissions were received, and seven people indicated they wished to be heard. An overview of consultation activities and submissions was received by the Play, Recreation and Sport Strategy Committee on 24 February 2021. Seven submitters spoke to the Committee in support of their submission on the proposed policy.

2.5       Ihi Aotearoa Sport New Zealand has commended Palmerston North City Council on its leadership in developing a play policy for the city. Staff presented at the Play, Recreation and Sport Conference in 2020 and a national workforce hui in Christchurch. Staff will continue to participate in national policy and implementation initiatives to further support play.

3.         analysis of submissions

A summary of submissions is included as attachment 2. Key themes from the submissions are noted below, along with recommendations for changes to the draft play policy.

3.1       Overall direction of the proposed play policy

Key themes from submissions:

·    General support for the direction with ten submitters supporting the overall direction and one submitter unsure.

·    The policy aligns with Sport New Zealand’s play principles and Sport Manawatū’s regional play framework.

·    Concerns about how the policy will be implemented and how it will influence Council’s decision-making.

·    The policy demonstrates leadership.

·    The policy needs to connect to Council’s associated health-related policies, strategies and plans.

Recommendations in response to submissions:

- No changes to the overall direction of the policy are proposed.

- A wording change to guideline 11 in the proposed policy is recommended to ensure that the Council’s health-related policies such as the Sun Protection Policy 2010 and the Auahi Kore Smokefree and Vapefree Policy 2020 are considered alongside other policy goals.

- Preparation of an implementation plan is also recommended and is added to the evaluation and monitoring section of the proposed policy.

- Minor wording changes are recommended for clarity.

3.2       Proposed policy objectives

Key themes from submissions:

·    The policy should empower communities to take their own leadership for play opportunities.

·    Support for the policy approach that acknowledges that play is not limited by age.

·    Council should actively promote play and develop a communications plan.

·    Concern that creative expression in public spaces is not actively encouraged in the City beyond festivals.

Recommendations in response to submissions:

- Submission points raised on the policy objectives have been considered and are reflected in proposed changes to the policy guidelines (see section 4.2 of this report).

- Minor wording changes to some objectives are recommended for clarity, including clarification of the objectives relating to traditional forms of play.

3.3       Proposed policy guidelines

Key themes from submissions:

·    The guidelines reference ‘play spaces’, however, play opportunities should be encouraged anywhere at any time (therefore there is a need to clarify the terminology).

·    Need to explore how the policy will impact on voluntary groups/organisations and how Council will support accessible and safe play spaces.

·    “Free play” should include nature play as well as no-cost play.

·    Support for formalising an approach to play streets.

·    The upkeep of places to play is important to maintain them to standard and ensure safety.

·    Include spaces where people can feel comfortable being creative and expressive by providing surfaces/spaces/technical resources needed for safe movement (e.g. stages, rubberised/sprung surfaces, a Dance-o-mat).

Recommendations in response to submissions:

- A definitions section has also been added to the proposed policy to assist with interpretation of terms used in the policy (refer section 4.1 of this report).

- There are proposed changes to the policy guidelines to reflect submission points (see section 4.2 of this report).

- Minor wording changes are recommended for clarity.

3.4       Other feedback

In addition to comments on specific sections of the policy, the following comments were received:

·    How the policy links to the review of the Active Community Plan.

·    Suggestion to use natural materials in play development projects.

·    Query if a shade audit of the community parks and reserves been conducted yet under the Council’s sun protection policy (2010).

·    Query about council’s commitment to planning of play spaces in high deprivation areas.

·    Request for the Hokowhitu Lagoon to continue to be available for play (specifically for canoe polo).

·    Provision of water fountains/drink bottle re-fill stations, and edible landscapes at play spaces.

·    Consideration for play spaces to be accessible to public and active transport.

·    Consideration that children are protected from marketing of unhealthy products.

·    Call to apply a health impact lens to policy development processes.

Operational matters have been referred to staff to follow-up directly with submitters, where appropriate.

 

4.         Proposed changes to the Policy as a result of consultation

Several changes to the proposed policy are recommended in response to the submissions (see attachment 1).

4.1       Proposed definitions section

A new definitions section is proposed:

Play - is activity for enjoyment and recreation that is freely chosen for fun, creativity and personal challenge.

Play space – areas where people can play, including playgrounds, and public spaces.

Public spaces – An outdoor area that is open to or used by the public that is under the control of the Palmerston North City Council, and including, but not limited to, reserves, parks, riverbanks, roads and verges.

Play champion – a person who has a passion for play and recognises its contribution to well-being.

Free play – unstructured and spontaneous play that has no cost.

Pop-up play – temporary play opportunities.

Play street –  where safe neighbourhood play is enabled by the community through temporary street closures.

Submitters identified some uncertainty about the terms used in the proposed policy, and particularly how Council is defining ‘play’ and ‘free play’.  The definition of ‘play’, for the purposes of this policy, is deliberately broad to encompass a wide range of play and active recreation activities.  This is because the policy applies to a wide age range with the overall aim of encouraging people to be more active. This definition of ‘play’ is different to Sport New Zealand’s play definition that focuses on children.

‘Free play’ has also been defined to reflect the dual meaning of the word ‘free’ that refers both to unstructured play types and play that does not cost.

Other definitions for ‘play space’, ‘public spaces’, ‘play champion’, ‘pop-up play’, and ‘play street’ have been added to this section to clarify terms used in the proposed policy to assist with its interpretation (as shown in attachment 1).

 

 

 

4.2       Proposed changes to the policy guidelines

Changes to the following policy guidelines (shown in red) are recommended in response to submissions:

(Council will:)

1.   Advocate for and actively promote play.

7.   Grow a network of play champions in the community and support them to lead local play opportunities.

9.   Provide play spaces that are safe, inclusive, accessible and comply with council’s health-related policies.

10. Provide play spaces that are designed to engage people of different ages, stages and needs.

13. Provide play spaces for a wide range of play types that challenge, allow for discovery, creative expression and movement, and offer an element of surprise.

Guideline 1 is amended to include more emphasis on the active promotion of play as part of Council’s advocacy role. Council already promotes play through its communication channels, however, there is always potential to continuously improve promotional activities. These activities will be captured in a proposed implementation plan.

Guideline 7 picks up on the need for Council to provide a supportive role to the community play champions so that there are localised responses to identified play needs.

Guideline 9 is amended to reflect the comments made about ensuring that the City’s play spaces are safe, and to ensure that the Council’s health-related policies such as the Sun Protection Policy 2010 and the Auahi Kore Smokefree and Vapefree Policy 2020, are considered in the context of this policy.  As the play policy delivers an action in the Council’s Active Community Plan, these policies are already taken into account, but identification here reinforces Council’s commitment on these issues. It is noted that the Sun Protection Policy is due for review.

Guideline 10 is amended to ensure Council’s play spaces are designed to engage the broad needs of people and communities.

Guideline 13 is amended to capture the physical, and potential performance aspects of some types of play.

Amendments to the guidelines are reflected in the proposed policy (attachment 1).

4.3       Proposed changes to the policy evaluation and monitoring section

New policy guidelines (shown in red) are recommended in response to submissions:

 

1.   An implementation plan will be developed.

2.   Progress towards implementing the Play Policy will be monitored and reported to Council annually.

3.   The policy will be reviewed in 2024.

As previously noted, submitters queried how the proposed policy will be implemented. Staff propose to report annually on progress of policy implementation to ensure momentum is maintained. This will also reinforce the Council’s commitment to have an active community facilitated through providing a range of play opportunities.

There is a review timeframe recommended as an addition to the policy. As the policy development process was interrupted, it is proposed to carry this out a review in three years’ time.

This amended section is shown in the proposed policy (attachment 1).

5.         discussion

5.1       Responses to the consultation on the proposed Play Policy reflect an overarching shift in direction of Council.  If adopted, the proposed policy will have a significant influence on how the Council delivers its services, as well as on what is being delivered.  There may be additional programmes proposed in future that give further effect to the policy.  Initially, however, implementation will begin with the consideration of the policy provisions in the early stages of all service delivery planning.

6.         next steps

6.1       Once the policy is adopted staff will:

·    Notify submitters of the changes made to the proposed policy.

·    Carry out internal promotion of the policy.

·    Publish the policy on Council’s website.

·    Develop an implementation plan that will cover the next three financial years.

·    Continue to work with Sport Manawatū, Ihi Aotearoa Sport New Zealand and community play champions.

·    Report back to this Committee on implementation.

7.         Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide?

If Yes quote relevant clause(s) from Delegations Manual

No

Are the decisions significant?

No

If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?

No

Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?

No

Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?

No

Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these actions?

Yes

Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?

No

The recommendations contribute to Goal 2: A Creative and Exciting City

The recommendations contribute to the outcomes of the Creative and Liveable Strategy

The recommendations contribute to the achievement of action/actions in the Active Citizenship Plan

The action is: Develop a ‘Play Policy’ that outlines Council’s commitment to provide for a range of play opportunities for different age groups

Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being

The Council, through its Active Community Plan 2018, identified a need to develop a policy that outlines Council’s commitment to provide for a range of play opportunities for different age groups. Without policy that offers guidance to reverse declining rates of play and addresses the issues identified through research and community engagement, there are concerns that individual and community well-being, due to being less active through play opportunities, will be impacted.

 

 

Attachments

1.

Play Policy 2021

 

2.

Summary of submissions - proposed Play Policy

 

    


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PALMERSTON NORTH CITY COUNCIL

 

Committee Work Schedule

TO:                                Play, Recreation & Sport Committee

MEETING DATE:           14 April 2021

TITLE:                            Committee Work Schedule - April 2021

 

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Play, Recreation & Sport Committee

1.   That the Play, Recreation & Sport Committee receive its Work Schedule dated April 2021.

 

 

Attachments

1.

Committee Work Schedule April 2021

 

    


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