Vladimir Lennon is quoted as saying โThere are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen.โ
This could well be applied to the Rakino Rate Payers Association and the hall where something finally seems to be happening after decades of the same old, same old, trust me I know what Iโm doing.
Perhaps the turning point was when Barbara proposed; in the absence of leadership from the Chair, a motion whereby those present at the Easter meeting voted to retain the hall or seek alternatives for the existing structure.
Certainly not a majority vote, but voted by those who could be bothered to attend the meeting which should be a wake-up call to everyone.
There is no point complaining if you canโt be bothered getting involvedโฆandโฆ. accepting in a democracy the majority reaches a decision and those who dissent retire with dignity. We have the opportunity to influence change now. Grasp that opportunity. Get involved. What is being talked about by the Association isnโt particularly inspirational. Iโm not sure the Association has a handle on the complexities that present.
The Rakino Hall serves two functions;
- Transport
- Community
Fortunately, our civic leaders have provided the frame work for each;
In the case of transportation, the following documentation defines the way in which passenger capacity, functionality and operability is to be achieved in ferry Terminal design to meet customer expectations.
Rakino seems to fit into category one and as such this is what we might expect (copied with all spelling errors left as they appear);
4.1 Terminal Type 1 Unstaffed rural, suburban or urban wharf Type 1
Terminals are relatively low patronage Terminal locations but with the potential to grow over time. This potential growth shall be factored into the space planning of the Terminal design. Type 1 Terminals shall: โข Provide full mobility access โข Provide canopy, enclosed gangway or other suitable shelter structure for waiting passengers โข Provide accommodation for at least 50 people with at least 10 seated 03 04 TYPE 1 TYPE 2 TYPE 3 DESCRIPTION REQUIREMENTS 7 Ferry terminal design โข Provide boarding platforms a minimum of 2 metres wide and 3 meters deep at standard freeboard heights of (900mm 1400mm, 1800mm) to provide near level boarding to the current ferry fleet and standard vessels specified under PTOM โข Provide adequate fendering and mooring systems to allow design size vessels to safely berth in all weather conditions โข Provide marine-grade non-slip surfacing resistant to scuffing by vessel gangways โข Provide a safe passanger environment, fenced and gated to the fullest extent posisble to prevent accidential or unauthorised entry to water โข Provide liferings and emergency ladders โข Provide LED lighting to provide a safe level of brightness at all times โข Provide full CCTV coverage for operational and passanger safety puposes โข Provide a Public Adress system for customer service and safety announcements โข Provide Emergency Help Points connected to the Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) โข Provide Passanger Information Display screens (PIDS) showing real time service information โข Provide AT WiFi connectivity โข Provide for advertising screens to beinstalled by ATโs advertising partners โข Provide AT HOP card validators (where AT HOP is utilised on services using the facility) โข Provide Terminal name sign easily visible from land and water, Terminal location map and wayfinding signage to/from Terminal โข Provide suitable shore supply for vessel layover incl. ducts and pipework for wash-down and multi-type/volt power connection(s) โข Provide suitable storage facilities to meet ferry operator requirements โข Provide litter and recycling bins โข Provide timetable and customer information boards โข Provide safety compliance signage โข Provide cycle storage for a minimum of 10 cycles โข Provide landside connections including shelter for bus services (where they are provided) โข Provide car drop off point โข Provide a means of closing the Terminal to public access after the last ferry service of the day.
In the case of community structures our civic leaders have provided this inspirational framework;
Community Facilities Network Plan (aucklandcouncil.govt.nz)
We are told;
Community facilities are an important part of realising the vision for Auckland to become the worldโs most liveable city. They contribute to building strong, healthy and vibrant communities by providing spaces where Aucklanders can connect, socialise, learn and participate in a wide range of social, cultural, art and recreational activities. These activities foster improved lifestyles and a sense of belonging and pride among residents. The Community Facilities Network Plan (the network plan) provides a road map for how Auckland Council will invest in community facilities over the next 20 years
Toilets at the Hall
The Chair disclosed that AT was to upgrade the hall toilets; something I had not been aware of.
He suggested that exercise should be deferred pending a decision on the hall.
That makes perfect sense and suggests that AT recognizes (in part) its responsibility for Rakinoโs transportation function.
A logical conclusion
Surely Rakino should simply give a fulsome thank you to our civic leadersโฆ. we like what youโre saying and are happy to accept what you are offering.
Surely the cost should be borne by both Council and AT despite the confused distinction.
Surely any structure should be fit for purpose and inspirational but cost effective.
Surely any structure should become iconic within the Gulf, just as a simple phone box has become.
Surely everyone on Rakino should be coming up with ideas on what this new structure should look like and what function it should provide?
