4. Consultation and communication strategy

4.1 Plan overview

This CCP has been prepared to provide a communications framework to ensure appropriate communication and consultation with the community, stakeholders, affected parties and affected in-proximity parties during the Mt Eden Enabling Works.

This CCP will set out the processes and protocols used by the Link Alliance during the works to:

Inform the community of construction progress and future construction activities and constraints that could affect them. Provide early information on key Project milestones. Obtain and specify a reasonable timeframe (being not less than 10 working days), for feedback and inputs from directly affected and affected in-proximity parties regarding the development and implementation of the CEMP and sub-plans (DWPs and MPs). Respond to queries and complaints including but not limited to:

Who is responsible for responding to feedback and inputs; How responses will be provided; and The timeframes within which responses will be provided.

4.2 Consultation and communication approach

The purpose of this CCP is to describe the processes and protocols relating to how the Link Alliance will:

Manage and deliver communication and consultation with the community, stakeholders and affected parties and affected in proximity parties during the enabling works. Undertake stakeholder relationship activities (including the Mana Whenua Forum, Local Board engagement and engagement with the media). Comply with the requirements and responsibilities set out in the CRL designation and A2N resource consent conditions and the overarching CRLL Communication and Consultation Plan for the CRL project.

This CCP will ensure:

The public, including affected in proximity and directly affected parties, and are well informed of the Project. They will know about construction works progress and any constraints that could affect them. Disruptions are minimised. There is ‘one face’ for the Project. Both CRLL and Link Alliance maintain a positive reputation and support amongst the stakeholder groups. Information is provided early on key project milestones. A framework is provided to obtain feedback and input from directly affected and affected in proximity parties. That queries and complaints are responded to quickly and appropriately. Stakeholders, including the media, pedestrians, motorists, adjacent residents and businesses, are positively engaged.

All parties involved in the Project understand their responsibilities and can collaborate and quickly respond to stakeholder concerns.

4.3 Key project messages

The key messages to be communicated to affected parties, stakeholder and wider audiences throughout the CRL works are:

CRL is integral to meeting Auckland’s growth and subsequent transport demand. Completing the CRL will provide faster, more frequent travel for all Auckland rail users. Disruption during construction will be managed to ensure Auckland keeps working. The CEMP and sub-plans developed for the works reflect unwavering commitment to safety, environmental sensitivity, cultural matters and community well-being.

The following messages are particularly relevant to the Mt Eden Enabling Works:

The Mt Eden Enabling Works are required prior to commencement of tunnel boring and the construction of the Mt Eden Station works. Designation and regional resource consents will be complied with and sub-plans implemented to ensure CRL is constructed with as little disruption as possible. Access will be maintained to all properties during the works. In the event that short-term and temporary impacts on property access are required, the Link Alliance will engage with the affected parties prior to the works being undertaken. Works will be undertaken in accordance with the CEMP and sub-plans, prepared in accordance with the designation and resource consent conditions.

The hierarchy of the key messages and the communication methods will be defined by the audience (e.g. local / regional / national) and its relationship to the project.

4.4 Expected outcomes

The following is a summary of expected outcomes as a result of an effective CCP:

Strong relationships with key stakeholders. Positive interaction with affected parties and affected in proximity parties. Robust information received to inform the CEMP and the DWPs. Effective CLGs. Informed community. Informed road users. Informative and useful online presence. Positive media coverage. Reduced misinformation.