8. Recommendations

Feedback received as a result of the process outlined above, has been analysed to understand areas where Link Alliance can improve during the 2020/2021 construction period. Feedback received highlighted the following key themes:

Loading Zones for businesses near construction areas

Feedback received highlights issues in relation to loading zones being occupied by construction vehicles and members of the public, compromising service access for businesses. It is recommended that the Link Alliance:

 Ensure contractors are parking in line with the Transport Access and Parking Delivery Work Plan (TAPDWP) prepared for the Aotea Main Works. Frequently notify all contractors (through regular construction briefings or otherwise) that parking in loading zones dedicated to adjacent businesses, is off limits.  Undertake regular audits of the construction site to ensure compliance.  Highlight a contact number for the public to call advising of non-compliance with respect to loading zones, to ensure this non-compliance can be tallied.  Speak with Auckland Transport and advise they enforce any non-compliant loading zone parking.  Work with Auckland Council and Auckland Transport to co-ordinate messaging (map and written dialogue) advising changes to bus routes, general traffic routes and loading bays impacted by the construction works which alter the transport environment.

Wayfinding and business promoting signage

Feedback received indicates that promotional business signage, and wayfinding signage has been inadequate and confusing at times It is recommended that the Link Alliance:

 Undertake regular audits of wayfinding and promotional business signage to ensure it is relevant, up to date, and maximises visibility and legibility through construction zones.

Communications on upcoming works

Feedback indicated that communication to stakeholders about upcoming works has been insufficient at times.

It is recommended that the Link Alliance:

 Implement a milestone tracker to provide the community with a good understanding of the construction works, and when major changes are anticipated to occur.  Provide an explanation when mitigation measures suggested by the community are not practical.  Continue to provide the affected community with detailed localised works notifications and information about potential impacts from proposed construction activities using engagement tools, including, in person, on the phone, works notification emails, station newsletters.

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As the works at Aotea Station progress, Link Alliance is constantly reviewing its communication tools and practices to ensure all members of the community are informed and are heard. It is also acknowledged that some of the community’s concerns are outside of the scope of the Link Alliance, and the Link Alliance is committed to being more transparent about this scope to ensure its responsibility is clear.

Mitigation and monitoring

Continue to implement and monitor measures outlined within the DWPs and Management Plans prepared for the Project.  Of particular relevance is the issue of dust and noise/vibration - Link Alliance will provide additional information on window washing and when this can be undertaken.  Ensure adjacent business owners are made aware in advance of noisy or high vibration works, when practicable.

Community Liaison Group

Feedback received indicated that the CLG attendance list may not be representative of the community being impacted by the construction works.  Review the attendance list of the CLG to ensure it is representative of residents, businesses and wider community impacted by construction works.  Ensure the CLG event is held at a location within the affected community.

The need for greater transparency in the Annual Review process

Feedback received indicated that the Annual Report review process has been ambiguous. Clarity about the purpose of the Annual Report, and how feedback received can influence future mitigative actions for the following years construction period, would provide readers with a clearer understanding of the level of impact the project is having on the community and to what degree the mitigation measures put in place by the Link Alliance are working. This can help shape mitigation measures put in place during the following years construction period. It is recommended that the Link Alliance:

 Identify to the public when the Annual Report will be written.  Implement an SIBD focused meeting / presentation with CLG attendees, seeking feedback specific and relevant to the Annual Report.  Prepare an Annual SIBD survey which will be distributed to the CLG.  Undertake consultation with the CLG to obtain their feedback –‘What mitigation has worked, and what can the Link Alliance do to further mitigate the disruptive impacts being experienced due to construction activities?’.  Clarify what is counted as a ‘complaint’, as feedback received indicated that the statistics outlined within the Annual Report is inaccurate and misleading.  Include a section on ‘concerns’ which records a summary of issues raised by the community that may not meet the formal definition of a complaint.  Clarify what is within the scope of the Link Alliance - what is the Link Alliance able to influence, and what can they not influence?

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