Agenda of Council Meeting

Section	Summary of function delegated	Delegate	Notes
Administration Charges
Section 36	To exercise discretion in respect of the fixing of administrative charges, and remission of administrative charges for a period of up to three years.	Chief Executive Officer where particularly stated, otherwise Group Managers and, in relation to processing of consents applications, the Consents Manager and Coastal and Works Consents Manager	Council charges are fixed by special order and reviewed annually. These charges, and council policies in respect of them, are recorded in the annual schedule of user fees and charges document. The applicant, or consent holder as the case may be, shall be advised in writing of any charges that are fixed differently to the standard charges fixed in the current schedule of user fees and charges. Any remission of standard charges shall similarly be advised in writing, and shall be reviewed every three years or such shorter period as applied to the remission. The general provisions of the current user fees and charges policies and principle shall be applied wherever applicable, in the fixing of non-standard charges and in the remission of charges.
Section 36	Remittance/writing off of fixed charge or fee; or part thereof.	Chief Executive Officer Group Managers.	Refer to council’s User Fees and Charges for procedure.

Section

Summary of function delegated

Delegate

Notes

Section 36

To exercise discretion in respect of the fixing of administrative charges, and remission of administrative charges for a period of up to three years.

Chief Executive Officer where particularly stated, otherwise Group Managers and, in relation to processing of consents applications, the Consents Manager and Coastal and Works Consents Manager

Council charges are fixed by special order and reviewed annually. These charges, and council policies in respect of them, are recorded in the annual schedule of user fees and charges document. The applicant, or consent holder as the case may be, shall be advised in writing of any charges that are fixed differently to the standard charges fixed in the current schedule of user fees and charges. Any remission of standard charges shall similarly be advised in writing, and shall be reviewed every three years or such shorter period as applied to the remission. The general provisions of the current user fees and charges policies and principle shall be applied wherever applicable, in the fixing of non-standard charges and in the remission of charges.

Section 36

Remittance/writing off of fixed charge or fee; or part thereof.

Chief Executive Officer

Group Managers.

Refer to council’s User Fees and Charges for procedure.

Council Meeting ITEM: 7.4

18 June 2019Attachment 1

TITLE:	Alleged Breach of Code of Conduct: Councillor Finlayson
ID:	A1201342
From:	Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The purpose of this report is to update council on the outcome of an investigation by an independent investigator into complaints received from seven individuals alleging breaches of the council’s Code of Conduct by Councillor Finlayson.

The report provides an overview of the procedure followed in the investigation, the findings that have come out of the investigation, and the recommendations that need to be put in place as a result of the investigation.

Recommendation(s)

1. That the report ‘Alleged Breach of Code of Conduct: Councillor Finlayson’ by Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer and dated 11 June 2019, be received.

2. That the council undertake a workshop to collate advice to the incoming council and recommend that the Code of Conduct be reviewed.

3. That council dismiss the complaint against Councillor Finlayson as it relates to the alleged breach of health and safety legislation.

4. That council request the development of a policy on the use of sodium fluoroacetate as a pest management tool for its consideration.

5. That council agree to workshopping the setting of rules around the use of council resource and staff at councillor-initiated events.

6. That council consider the further recommendations of the independent investigator.

Background/Tuhinga

Over the period between 18–24 October 2018, council received four complaints from seven individuals alleging breaches of the council’s Code of Conduct (CoC) by Councillor Finlayson.

The complainants against Councillor Finlayson can be summarised as follows:

- The drinking of water from the Russell State Forest being in breach of health and safety legislation;

- The drinking of the water was a ‘publicity stunt’. This being an inappropriate action to have undertaken;

- The public comments by Councillor Finlayson contained in his newspaper articles are not appropriate for an elected official;

- The complainants consider comments made by Cr Finlayson were aimed at them personally.

In compliance with the process of the CoC as adopted by council on 20 March 2017, I undertook the following actions:

- I advised Councillor Finlayson and the Chair of the complaints.

- I acknowledged receipt of the complaints and advised the complainants that an independent investigator was to be appointed.

- I subsequently, on 12 November 2018, appointed Barrister Paul Sills as the independent investigator.

- I simultaneously advised all the parties of his appointment.

On 26 November 2018 I received the independent investigator’s preliminary assessment which concluded:

‘In my opinion, the allegations against Councillor Finlayson are material – as that test is set out in section 12.4 of the Code. That is, if the alleged breaches are proven they would bring the council into disrepute and/or reflect adversely on the council if not addressed.’

On 28 November 2018 I advised all parties of this finding.

On 3 December 2018 I confirmed to the independent investigator that he was to undertake a formal investigation as set out in Appendix B of the CoC.

On 19 March 2019 I received from the independent investigator the Investigation Report. Having read the report, I conclude that it was incomplete (alleged breaches of the Health and Safety Act had not been addressed) and raised my concerns with the independent investigator. While there was not agreement on the scope of the original brief, it was agreed that he would undertake a separate report as ‘an addendum to my (independent investigator’s) investigation’ to address the concerns I had raised.

On 17 May 2019, council received a LGOIMA request from one of the complaints for ‘all information held by NRC concerning my complaint’.

On 20 May 2019 I received Councillor Finlayson’s written response to the investigation report.

On 9 June 2019 I received the addendum report from the independent investigator.

Independent Investigator’s Report

The full text of the Investigation Report is attached as Appendix 1, supplementary information containing copies of social media and other correspondence is withheld to preserve the privacy of the individuals concerned.

The recommendations as set out on pages 5 and 6 are as follows:

‘I refer to Section 13 of the Code.

Given the findings above of materiality and seriousness, I make the following recommendations for council consideration:

(a) A letter to Councillor Finlayson reminding him of his obligations to separate out his official duties with his personal opinion. Perhaps the opportunity should be taken to remind all members of their obligations in this respect under section 6.2 and 6.3 of the Code.

(b) A request for an apology. This apology could be private and could be made direct to the complainants if the council thought that most appropriate. Conversely, if the council has any concerns about its position – particularly in relation to the drinking of water – the members may need to consider the benefits of a public apology.

I did not consider any other censure to be necessary. I did consider whether Councillor Finlayson should step down from his pest control role, but think that the council is better served making use of his extensive knowledge to continue his work in the area.

The principle point I would like to make regarding the council’s consideration of any appropriate censure is the need to separate public from personal opinion and the consequences that can arise when the lines are blurred.’

Councillor Finlayson’s response

The full text of Councillor Finlayson’s response is attached as Appendix 2.

Councillor Finlayson disputes the allegations as well as the findings of the independent investigator. He also raises a number for concerns about the process followed.

Chief Executive’s advice

Given that this is the first time that a CoC investigation has occurred since the major reset of the CoC adopted in 2017, the process has identified a number of potential flaws or at least areas of improvement that could be considered. It is, however, my view that none of these where fatal to the process in as much as they would not result in council being unable to come to a considered decision. I recommend that council set these aside for the purposes of determining an outcome of the investigation but consider leaving the incoming council with recommendations on potential changes to the CoC.

While it would be inappropriate for me to make direct comment on the veracity of the allegations or the findings of the independent investigator, there are a number of factors which the council should take into consideration in determining the substantive matter of the complaints.

Water quality

The allegation that the ingestion of water from the Russell State Forest post the application of 1080 was a breach of Councillor Finlayson’s health and safety obligations, remains in my mind an important part of the allegations made. The findings of the Investigation Report that ‘in relation to health and safety - is outside the scope of this investigation’ is unhelpful to council in terms of its deliberations on this matter.

At this time the only evidence I have as to the water quality on the day that Councillor Finlayson ingested the water is contained in a letter from the Department of Conservation dated 18 April 2019, Appendix 3 and reports:

‘Samples were taken at known drinking water intakes in the Waikare catchment on 29 September, the day after the completion of the operation (the ‘15-hour’ sampling). The testing was carried out by Landcare Research Ltd and were all negative for the presence of 1080. Another sample, taken at the same time from a disconnected water intake point within the treatment area had a positive sample of 1ppb (parts per billion).’

Further interpretation of the results is contained within the letter but note that the results were below the required human water drinking standards.

The independent investigator’s addendum report, Appendix 4, concludes:

“Given the water results provided by DOC, there does not appear to have been any such risk because the samples tested negative for 1080 by 30 September 2018 (four days before the Councillor consumed the water). In my view, this is sufficient to conclude that there has not been a breach.”

and

“It is my view that there has not been a breach of the health and safety legislation. It follows that the council is not required to notify WorkSafe of any such breach.”

I therefore recommend that the complaint against Councillor Finlayson as it relates to the alleged breach of health and safety legislation be dismissed.

Organisational values

Throughout the term of the council, governance has clearly articulated its expectation that the organisation live its values statement of:

Strong, decisive leadership

One high–performing team

Customer focussed

Integrity – honest and open

Transparent and accountable.

A high bar has been set and councillors, management and staff have been held to account for meeting it. It is therefore my view the Councillor Finlayson has an obligation to demonstrate the leadership he did, at the same time clearly articulating his beliefs in the full knowledge that there were members of the community that held an opposing view. In this respect he was living the values of this organisation and this should be held to his credit.

As the independent investigator did not have this context, it appears that it has not been taken into account in coming to his findings.

Council policy

A key finding during the investigation was that while the organisational practice when using toxins was clearly understood by staff, the council had no policy position on the use of sodium fluoroacetate (1080).

The lack of a clear policy position left Councillor Finlayson having to articulate his views instead of being able to present the council’s position. The development of a policy was my responsibility and I failed to identify that this had not occurred. This failure resulted in me not being able to adequately support Councillor Finlayson in his engagement with the community on this matter and I offer my sincere apologies to Councillor Finlayson for not providing the expected level of support.

The visit to the Russell State Forest by Councillor Finlayson was not an officially sanctioned event and was a personal engagement between a councillor and his constituency members, the provision of staff support at the event could have created the perception that it had been sanctioned by the council. Again, I accept full responsibility for this uncertainty created.

I therefore recommend that council consider adopting a policy on the use of sodium fluoroacetate.

I further recommend that a workshop be held to set and/or clarify the use of council resources, in particular the attendance of staff at councillor-initiated community engagement events.

Section 6.2 and 6.3

I note for completeness that I have accepted the recommendation of the independent investigator and on 29 May 2019 held a workshop with councillors which covered LGOIMA, CoC and Communications Policy responsibilities.

Considerations

1. Options

The key decision at hand is whether council makes a determination to impose a penalty or not, or some other form of action. The following options table reflects this.

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Make a determination immediately.

The appropriate, if any, measures can be put in place and all parties have ‘closure’ on the matter.

No identified disadvantage.

Let the matter lie on the table.

Council could request any further information it deems necessary to make a decision.

Further extends the timeframes before a resolution is found.

Reputational damage as the council would not be acting in terms of its own Code of Conduct.

The recommended option is Option One.

2. Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision does not trigger council’s Significance Policy. This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities (or dismisses the fact there has been prior public interest) but that council is able to make decisions relating to this matter without undertaking further consultation or engagement.

3. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

This report is in accordance with council’s Code of Conduct which states that ‘On receipt of the investigator’s report the Chief Executive will prepare a report for the council, who will meet to consider the findings and determine whether or not a penalty, or some form of action, will be imposed.’ ‘The council will consider the Chief Executive’s report in open meeting, except where the alleged breach concerns matters that justify the exclusion of the public’.

The recommendations included in the report are of an administrative matter; hence Community Views, Māori Impact Statement, Financial Implications and Implementation Issues are not applicable at this time.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Letter from independent investigator ⇩

Attachment 2: Councillor Finlayson's response ⇩

Attachment 3: Letter from Department of Conservation ⇩

Attachment 4: Addendum report from the independent investigator ⇩

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:	Malcolm Nicolson
Title:	Chief Executive Officer
Date:	11 June 2019

PDF Creator

Council Meeting item: 8.2

18 June 2019

TITLE:	Chief Executive’s Report to Council
ID:	A1196506
From:	Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer

Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer and dated 31 May 2019, be received.

8.2.1 Highlights

Predator Free Northland (PF2050)

The completed bid to Predator Free 2050 Ltd is being submitted on 5 June 2019. The bid focuses on the four eradication zones identified in the Expression of Interest (EOI) (Whangarei Heads, Cape Brett, Russell, and Purerua) and the adjoining areas identified as suppression/buffer zones, and urban pest control areas.

Northland EA / PA Summit

The second EAs & PAs of Northland Summit was held on 24 May 2019 at the ASB Leisure Centre. This event is organised by a team of four Northland EAs/PAs – with my Personal Assistant being the overall coordinator for the Summit.

This was another highly successful day with 38 attendees representing 16 different organisations throughout Northland. There has been a lot of very positive feedback about the day, with attendees saying that it was even better than last year.

2019 Environmental Awards

The inaugural 2019 Northland Regional Council Environmental Awards was a huge success, with 93 nominations received from across Northland in the eight categories. The awards, designed to recognise and celebrate kaitiakitanga in action, highlighted the ‘can-do’ attitudes and remarkable contributions large numbers of Northlanders from all walks of like are making to help our environment thrive.

Guests representing the 39 finalists shortlisted in the eight award categories attended the celebration and announcement of the winners at Barge Showgrounds Event Centre on 23 May.

The event was the culmination of an extensive process involving many NRC staff, planning and advertising the nomination process, receiving and judging applications and organising the celebration. This teamwork resulted in a great night with Chairman Bill Shepherd noting, “What started out to be a recognition and celebration of kaitiakitanga in action as practised by our community groups, ended up with some fantastic feedback coming right back from those groups to our staff who work with them and provide them with a huge amount of support to carry out their mahi”.

NRC staff also provided live coverage of the Environmental Awards ceremony. The updates included the announcement of winners as they happened at the event and a series of Facebook live videos showcasing the highly commended and winners for each award category. Overall, the coverage reached more than 134,000 people with more than 6,000 engagements.

There has been a lot of positive feedback from the community on the awards and appreciation for having their work acknowledged. From here, further work will be done to showcase the winners, highly commended and finalists in an eight-page spread in the Northern Advocate on 26 June. Video footage will be captured to highlight the mahi of the winners and to honour the work that they do. It is hoped that these awards will become an annual event.

8.2.2 CEO’s Office

Current Legal Proceedings

Department	Description	Status
Consent decision appeal	To construct a boardwalk as part of a coastal walkway in Back Bay, Mangawhai Estuary	A hearing of the appeal has been scheduled for 15 July 2019 in Auckland.
Consent decision appeal	Seventeen groundwater takes for horticultural irrigation at Houhora, Motutangi, and Waiharara	The Court has allowed until 6 June 2019 for comment from parties on conditions. The Court will then make a final decision or provide further directions.
Consent decision appeal	Replacement consents for, and new consents for an expansion of, Doug’s Opua Boat Yard in Walls Bay, Ōpua.	Awaiting the Court’s decision on the applications.

8.2.3 Corporate Excellence

Fraud Declaration

I am not aware of any fraud nor am I investigating any incidence or suspected incidence of fraud at this time.

8.2.4 Regulatory Services

CONSENTS IN PROCESS

During May 2019, a total of 51 Decisions were issued. These decisions comprised:

• Moorings	6
• Coastal Permits	8
• Air Discharge Permits	1
• Land Discharge Permits	9
• Water Discharge Permits	4
• Land Use Consents	10
• Water Permits	5
• Bore Consents	8

The processing timeframes for the May 2019 consents ranged from:

• 1,959 to 2 calendar days, with the median time being 33 days;

• 1,286 to 2 working days, with the median time being 20 days.

Forty applications were received in May 2019.

Of the 108 applications in progress at the end of May 2019:

• 32 were received more than 12 months ago (most awaiting further information);

• 28 were received between 6 and 12 months ago (most awaiting further information);

• 48 less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

The following commissioner was appointed in May 2019 for one consent hearing:

· Mrs Sharon McGarry for consents associated with Beach replenishment works at Matapōuri Beach. The hearing is scheduled for 23 July 2019.

Consents Decisions and Progress on Notified Applications in Process, Objections and Appeals

The current level of notified application processing activities at the end of May 2019 is (by number):

• Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month	1
• Progress on Applications Previously Notified	4
• Hearings and Decisions	3
• Appeals/Objections	3

NATURAL RESOURCES

• NRC attended the Environmental Data SIG (ED SIG) meeting in mid May 2019. The Environmental Monitoring and Reporting working group (EMAR) presented on the current issues with environmental data management. It wants high quality data to be readily available that can be easily used by public/external customers. The ED SIG is to provide EMAR with a summary of the work done, and what is needed across four areas by 30 June 2019:

• Environmental data brokering system and supporting registers and vocabulary services.

• National Environmental Monitoring Standards

• National Environmental Monitoring Quality Assurance processes.

• Environmental Data Management System (ReCoCo project)

• The ED SIG is working on a tool to quantify/standardise resourcing calculations to operate stations to the National Environmental Monitoring Standards (NEMS).

• All councils agreed that the regional sector information portal needs to be improved in terms of functionality and user coverage.

• A national training session for all councils will be run in July 2019 regarding the use of drones to capture flow data.

HYDROLOGY

Rivers / Rain Situation

May 2019 was another drier than typical month, with rainfall recorded across the region averaging around 50mm, while we would expect around 140mm (note that there may be slightly more for the month as these figures were generated on 31 May). Monthly rainfall has now been consistently below expected for the previous 11 months. Accordingly, average river flows for May have been below average and water levels in groundwater systems, (except Aupōuri) are below average.

River flows are expected to increase over the next week or so as Northland receives some rain with low pressure weather systems moving across the country between May 31 and June 5. Further details of current river and rainfall conditions, as well as a more detailed forecast, will be available in the next hydrology Climate Summary.

Hydrology Projects

· A very worthwhile workshop was held by CDEM on 22 May. The goal was for controllers to gain an understanding of:

· areas in Northland prone to flooding,

· the hydrology flood warning system, and

· insight into the work the River Team is undertaking to decrease flood risk, particularly in Kaitāia.

· One of our hydrology officers, Robert Tasker, shared his long experience with hydrology in Northland.

· The Kāeo River recorder at the fire station has been upgraded with a new, more reliable sensor and a new data logger. A barometric pressure sensor has been installed at the Opouteke River recorder to complete the installation of continuous dissolved oxygen measurement equipment there.

NATURAL RESOURCES DATA

· KiEco (a biological database) was installed 29 May to better manage our ecological data. NRC has also initiated a national group to achieve some commonality with other councils where possible and also learn from each other’s experience on how to configure and get the most out of KiEco.

· The LAWA water quality and quantity data annual refresh for 2019 was released at the end of May. Key timeframes are spread from June to September 2019, including annual refresh of lakes, rivers, “can I swim water quality” and water quantity data.

· MfE/EMAR groundwater data request – review and correction of data and feeds are required. The expected “go live” for the groundwater module is September 2019.

· Survey123 – good progress has been made on the configuration and design forms for electronic data collection in the field.

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE

Update from SWIM SIG

· The ecosystem health framework will be adopted and incorporated in MfE freshwater reforms which, along with additional attributes and monitoring and reporting requirements, will translate into changes to the national direction objectives and framework under the NPS-FM.

· Other directives from central government will include changes around environmental reporting. MfE is willing to have feedback from a SWIM sub-group.

· A few councils have explored “microbial forecasting” models with varying level of success.

· New National Environmental Monitoring Standards (NEMS) are under development, including for periphyton and macroinvertebrates. SWIM is looking at developing a cross-council auditing system for NEMS.

· Some development in the citizen science area with NIWA and the national advisory group has finalised a new freshwater quality assessment kit, a revamp of the old Shmak kit.

Attendance at the national wananga around mātauranga Māori

· Most councils were represented.

· High level principles will be drawn from the two-day session.

· SWIM to have more Māori representation at meetings.

Coastal

· A joint monitoring programme with Ngāti Rehia - Te Awa o Takou Water Monitoring Programme commenced in June. The project will involve monthly water quality sampling of one site in the Takou Estuary and another site in the terminal reach of the Takou River.

· The aim of the programme is to build a better understanding of the water quality in Te Awa o Takou. There is also a strong desire from Ngāti Rehia and council that the information from the monitoring programme informs initiatives in the catchment in order to improve the water quality and the health of Te Awa o Takou. The programme also intends to build capacity and capability within Ngāti Rehia to undertake water quality monitoring

Freshwater quality / Freshwater ecology

· The review of the NIWA report analysing the first three years of our periphyton monitoring data has been completed. The final report is expected to be completed in early June. This work will be essential in informing a proposed plan change in 2021. Critical to this is understanding the role of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) in driving periphyton growth and to derive appropriate in-stream nutrient concentrations and limits/criteria for Northland rivers.

· Our fish monitoring programme is expected to be completed by the first week in June. This includes 15 RWQMN/priority catchments sites and five randomly selected sites and follows the NZ National Fish Monitoring Protocols (Joy et al, 2013).

Air quality

· Ambient PM10 monitoring results for April 2019 for the Whangārei and Marsden Point airsheds and Kaikohe show that compliance was met with the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NESAQ). PM2.5 monitoring results for Whangārei were within the Ambient Air Quality Guideline value.

· A suitable air monitoring site in Kawakawa township has been found. The power connection for the installation of the PM10 monitor is currently being arranged.

· Energy and Technical Services (Energy TS) Limited has begun work to track council’s carbon emissions.

Coastal / Water Quality Field Operations

· Coastal water quality sampling of the Whangārei, Bay of Islands and Kaipara harbours and southern estuaries (Mangawhai, Waipū and Ruakākā) was carried out.

· The monthly river water quality, priority catchment, and periphyton sampling programmes were undertaken, as well as the quarterly lakes monitoring.

· Water quality equipment was deployed on the new maritime wave rider buoy in the outer Bay of Islands, which was commissioned this month.

· The Quarterly Sustainable Coastlines Litter Survey was conducted at Hātea River (the old BMX track). A total of 621 items (750 m²) were collected, compared to 1,446 items collected in February (1,000 m²).

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 – 31 May 2019 (and year-to-date figures) are summarised in the following table and discussed below.

Classification	Total	Full compliance	Non-compliance	Significant non-compliance	Not exercised during period
Air discharges	46	33	5	4	4
Coastal permit	184	106	69	1	8
Discharge permit	154	91	31	7	25
FDE – Discharge permit	1	0	0	0	1
Land use consent	125	77	2	0	46
Water permit	183	158	16	0	9
Total	693	465	123	12	93
Percentage		67.1%	17.7%	1.7%	13.4%
YTD	9110	7111	1010	317	672
Percentage		78.1%	11.1%	3.5%	7.4%

Coastal

· The majority of consents monitored during the reporting period related to coastal discharges (treated municipal sewage, industrial and boat maintenance facilities), dredging, marine farms and other coastal structures.

Hazardous substances

· Eight incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and 27 enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to.

· Four sites were added to the Selected Land Use Register.

· 420 kg of hazardous waste was disposed of.

Water, Waste, Air and Land Use Compliance Monitoring

During the month of May compliance staff attended:

· a tour of the main Wastewater Treatment Plant in Whangarei. The tour was informative and gave our staff an appreciation of the compliance requirements first hand.

· a quarterly RMA Northland Forestry Development Group meeting, which included a talk from the industry on preparation of management plans specific to the NES-PF.

· a workshop with the Kerikeri Kiwifruit Growers Association on spray drift and gave a presentation on the relevant regional rules / requirements for agrichemical spraying.

Ongoing training of Armourguard officers continued in May on how to interpret the regional rules relating to smoke and odour, along with how to use the reporting app correctly. This training was well received and we are looking to send several staff on a ‘train the trainer’ course to assist with future training sessions.

Environmental incidents

· One incident was reported during the reporting period which resulted in a significant environmental impact. This was in relation to the discharge of sediment fill from forestry road earthworks to a waterway in the Far North which resulted in formal enforcement action.

ENFORCEMENT

Abatement notices, infringement notices and formal warnings

The following enforcement actions were taken during the period:

	Enforcement Order		Infringement Notice		Abatement Notice		Total
Nature of Offence	No. Offences	No. Notices	No. Offences	No. Notices	No. Offences	No. Notices	No. Offences	No. Notices
Burning & smoke nuisance	0	0	1	1	5	5	5	6
Hazardous substances, spills and refuse	0	0	1	1	0	0	1	1
Illegal activity in coastal marine area	0	0	0	0	19	20	19	20
Illegal take, dam or diversion of water	1	1	0	0	2	2	2	3
No offence	0	0	0	0	1	1	1	1
Other water discharge	0	0	1	1	1	2	1	3
Sewage	0	0	1	1	4	4	5	5
Total	1	1	4	4	32	34	34	39

Other Enforcement

· Dumping and burning of demolition waste, Kaikohe

Charges have been laid against two companies and one individual (associated with one of the companies) and a land owner for the dumping and burning of demolition waste near Kaikohe. The land owner has indicated that he will enter guilty pleas at the next court date on 20 June 2019.

· Enforcement Order – Paihia wastewater treatment plant

Following a pre-hearing settlement conference held on 4 March 2019, the Environment Court issued Enforcement Orders against FNDC on 20 March 2019. The orders set out milestones to complete an upgraded WWTP. FNDC met the first milestone on 5 April 2019, by notifying NRC and the Court of its resolution approving funding for the upgrade. The next milestone is due by 26 July 2019, when FNDC must notify NRC and the Court of the final design for the upgraded WWTP.

· Farm dairy effluent – Waipū

Charges have been laid against a Waipū farmer for offending which occurred in July and December 2018. The offences related to discharges of untreated effluent from breakages in irrigation lines. Guilty pleas to all charges were entered on 18 April 2019. Sentencing is scheduled for 14 June 2019.

· Farm dairy effluent – Maungakaramea

Charges have been laid against a farm owner and his company as well as the farm manager for offences which occurred in September 2018. Adjourned until 19 June 2019.

· Farm dairy effluent – Maromaku

Charges have been laid against a farm owner, his company and a farm manager for offences which occurred in September 2018. Adjourned until 19 June 2019.

8.2.5 Environmental Services

Land Management

Environment Fund Update

Land Management staff are currently signing off completed projects with June being the last month for farmers to complete their projects for the current financial year. To date, from the general efund, $704,740 has been signed off from $1,189,942 of allocated funding.

Farm Environment Plans (FEP) – 2018/19

This financial year 149 FEPs have been commenced covering 23,570 hectares and 91 FEPs completed totalling 9,439 hectares. LTP targets will be met by the end of June.

Nursery Expansion and Harvest Update

Pole harvest commenced at Flyger Rd nursery. An estimated 5000 poles have been allocated with planting plans and agreements sent out to 62 land owners. Delivery of poles will commence on 4June, aiming to have all poles delivered mid-June to enable early planting and improve survival rates.

Hill Country Erosion Fund – Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities

We are in the final stages of contract negotiations and the contract has progressed to the Director of MPI for signing. We are intending to commence recruitment of the four staff funded through this project in June.

Hill Country Erosion Fund Boost Year Fund

The NRC land team hosted a National Afforestation Hui for all land managers from almost every region in New Zealand. An intensive two-day mini conference focussed on past, present and future good afforestation practice, and on how regional authorities can best share and collaborate for effective outcomes on the land. These experiences will feed into the HCEF Boost Year Final Report, to be delivered to MPI 30 June 2019.

Northern Wairoa Project

The project team are in the process of getting sign off planting projects for this winter. This includes five sites that will host community planting days, spread across this catchment. These plantings are being funded by the Million Metres crowd funding campaign for the Northern Wairoa Project.

BIODIVERSITY

FIF Dune Lakes Project

A joint operation with the Department of Conservation using Waikato University’s electrofishing vessel surveyed the pest fish rudd in Lake Rototuna and grass carp in Lake Swan, both in Poutō. Also participating were Fish & Game, Northtec and Te Uri o Hau. The fishing indicated that Lake Rototuna is close to being free of rudd.

Biodiversity Plans

Five biodiversity plans have been completed in the last month covering 103 hectares of land, including an island, wetlands, significant natural areas of bush and riparian margins.

Poutō Catchment Group

A section of fence around the shores of Lake Humuhumu was completed. Plants have been ordered for a planting day at Lake Kanono on June 26.

CoastCare

Dune planting has started for the year with planting days at the base of Mangawhai sandspit, Ruakākā wildlife refuge and at several other sites. Weed control work has also been undertaken at several sites in preparation for planting.

Biosecurity

Biosecurity Partnerships

· Tutukākā High Value Area (HVA) Highlights

· Species enhancement and Kiwi Monitoring: Tutukākā HVA is preparing for the National Kiwi Listening Survey over 23 listening sites.

· Kauri Dieback Protection: Work along the Te Araroa Trail has started with a contractor beginning to re-route trail around a sensitive grove of kauri on private land.

· Predator control: A trapping workshop was held at Ngunguru school to initiate their new trap library.

· Weed control: Weed surveys are continuing and permanent research plots are underway. Moth plant continues to be a priority species in key areas as does small pullable pampas, ginger, and tobacco weed. Just over 60 hours of community volunteer hours were spent on weed work this month in the HVA.

· Western Northland Community Conservation Funding Area Highlights

· Pupu Rangi Nature Sanctuary: A mustelid trap network is now complete.

· Te Toa Whenua CPCA: Has been signed off and we are working with Department of Conservation to secure more funding for this project.

· Kaitiaki Kiwi Waipoua CPCA: Has also been signed off and traps are on the ground. Council funding has also been allocated to a dotterel protection project. The Waipoua Forest Trust and Native Forest Restoration Trust have upgraded traps along the Marlborough Rd and SH12 by way of funding from council.

· Wekaweka Landcare / Native Forest Restoration Trust: This project is well underway. The Department of Conservation and Kiwis For Kiwi have funded track cutting and Native Forest Restoration Trust will fly traps in over the next 2 months.

· Prospective CPCA: Talks continuing with Whirinaki and Waiotemarama groups about a CPCA which would cover 1000 ha.

· Opara Kiwi Preservation Area: Consultation about extending the current trapping network is ongoing and if agreed will create an exciting project with significant conservation benefits.

· Mid North High Value Area Highlights

· Advocacy: Stella Kake has been contracted to advocate kiwi protection, pest control and kauri dieback in 28 schools and marae throughout the High Value Area.

· Trapping: Has been expanded into two new areas. The Upokorau and Summit CPCA’s totalling 2,700 ha on private farm and forestry blocks between Puketi Forest, Takau Bay, and Patterson’s Farm on Pureora Peninsula. The HVA has employed a contractor to do the initial set up of these traps and the land owners are paying for ongoing servicing.

· Piroa-Brynderwyns High Value Area Highlights

· National Kiwi Listening Survey: The group is preparing for the upcoming survey.

· Trapping: Professional trappers have installed new traps, now totalling 700 traps over 20,000 ha of private land in the Piroa-Brynderwyn area.

· Trapper of the Year Awards: Were held at the Waipu Boating club with 30 attendees.

· Moth Plant Pod Bounty: A bounty campaign is being run at Waipu and Mangawhai primary schools for moth plant pods.

· Kiwi Coast Partnerships Highlights

· National Kiwi Listening Survey: Kiwi Coast has run three training evenings (Waipu, Taupo Bay, and Totara North) to upskill new groups keen to get involved.

· Pataua North Kiwi Release: The capture and transfer of ten kiwi from Motuora island into the kiwi link CPCA at Pataua North was done on 4 May. It was a great collaborative team effort with council biosecurity staff, Department of Conservation, Kiwi Coast, Pataua North Landcare, iwi and hapu working well together to catch and release 10 kiwi into the predator-controlled area. The event was covered by One News on the 6 pm Sunday news, with an estimated 946,000 viewers. Excellent exposure for community-led kiwi recovery, Kiwi Coast, and council to the rest of the nation. The footage can be viewed at https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/surge-in-northland-kiwi-numbers-offers-new-hope-survival-national-icon-v1.

Community members and Department of Conservation staff carry boxed kiwi to the beach on Motuora Island for transfer to Pataua North.


Boxed up kiwi ready to be transferred to Pataua North	Biosecurity Officer Rolf Fuchs demonstrates kiwi handling at the Pataua North Kiwi Release. Photo credit Ann Stewart.

KAURI DIEBACK

Kauri Protection Fencing Fund

$64,400 of the $77,000 fencing fund from the kauri dieback programme has already been allocated to 10 landowners with a total of 2.42 km of fence protecting 438.8 ha of bush. The remaining funds are planned to be allocated to three more landowners.

Ground Truthing

Staff are continuing to ground truth potential kauri dieback sites. Results to date are presented in Table 1.

Biosense has been established as a contractor to ground truth ~140 aerial surveillance sites located in Kaipara and Whangārei Districts. Council staff have contacted landowners prior to contractor engagement which began on the 23^rd April 2019. Biosense have now sampled over half of the sites and aim to be completed in the next few weeks (weather dependent).

Table 1: Kauri Dieback Ground-Truthing Results 2018/2019

Month	No. Sites / Properties Inspected					No. Samples Taken	Sample Results
Month	Surveyed	Positive	Priority 1	Priority 2	Landowner Requests	No. Samples Taken	Positive	Negative	Pending
October	5	3	0	2	3	17	6	11	0
November	11	1	3	2	6	38	2	36	0
December	11	4	8	3	0	44	10	34	0
January	15	2	7	3	5	40	6	34	0
February	1	0	0	1	0	2	0	2	0
March	7		0	1	6	14			14
April	2		0	0	2	4			4
May	3		0	0	3	6			6
YTD Total	55	10	18	12	25	165	24	117	24

Management Plans

Kauri dieback management plans continue to be developed for all disease positive sites, as well as those that are identified as medium – high risk. All site occupiers receive advice and a basic management plan about how to best protect their kauri and forest from kauri dieback and other diseases.

Cleaning Stations

Two barrel and grate cleaning stations are being erected at A.H Reed Memorial Park in Whangārei. Further barrel and grate cleaning stations will be provided to Whangārei forest track areas and elsewhere in Northland. Both the Waipu and Whangarei Men’s Shed are assisting with building the cleaning stations.

Pig Hunters

Council staff will continue to liaise with DOC staff over the coming weeks to unify their efforts at raising kauri dieback awareness to hunters. The council is also providing prizes at pig hunting competitions to promote positive hygiene messaging and pig eradication. The re-installation of hunting sows for prizes is also to be implemented this season in attempts to reduce wild pig numbers in Northland.

MARINE BIOSECURITY

Hull Surveillance Programme

The programme has been running since October 2018 and is almost completed, with only 50 remaining vessel hulls to inspect in Tutukaka Marina. These will be completed before the first week of June.

In May, 188 vessel inspections were undertaken in Whangārei Town Basin Marina, Marsden Cove Marina, Bay of Islands Marina, and Whangaroa Marina, bringing the total number of vessels surveyed to date to 1,975. During May, there were 11 incidents of Mediterranean fanworm found on hulls in Marsden Cove (seven vessels) and Ōpua (four vessels). Inspection results are shown in Table 2.

Table 2: Hull Surveillance Programme Results (1/5/19 – 27/5/19)

2018/2019 Hull Surveillance Programme Results (1/5/19 – 27/5/19
Number of vessels surveyed	188
Total year to date	1,975
Number of Vessels with Marine Pests Found in Surveillance
Vessels detected with fanworm (Sabella)	11
Vessels detected with Styela sea squirt	18
Vessels detected with Japanese kelp (Undaria)	0
Vessels detected with Australian droplet tunicate (Eudistoma)	8
Vessels detected with Pyura sea squirt	0
Pathways plan compliance for the month *	49% of vessels

* If the vessels surveyed were to move to a new designated place then 49% would be compliant with the pathways plan rule.

Ōpua Fanworm Incursion

On 7 June, council will be hosting a workshop gathering several external experts along with council and Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) staff to determine the best next management steps. Participants will include scientific experts in the field of marine pest incursions, local specialist divers, experts in local conditions and area. The communication plan has continued with a message broadcast on the Russell Radio regularly for four weeks. The Ōpua Marina also conducted their annual piles clean-up in mid-May and had asked divers to remove any remaining fanworm.

Hutchwilco Boat Show

The Marine Biosecurity Team attended the Hutchwilco Boat Show for the first time during 16 - 19 May as part of the Top of the North Marine Biosecurity Partnership. The stand was manned by Auckland, Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty council biosecurity staff. The team greeted approximately 2,000 visitors who were keen to learn about marine pests and how to reduce the risk of spreading marine pests. Staff promoted the message of the “Clean below, Good to go” label.

Kaipara Harbour Marine Pest Survey

Between 14 - 23 May, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) conducted marine pest surveys as per a collaborative project under a Charter Agreement between Auckland Council, NRC and MPI. The last marine pest survey in Kaipara was done by NIWA in 2006. All stakeholders were informed via an email letter. The results will be analysed, with a report to be produced before the end of September. These results will be used to engage with stakeholders and iwi of the Kaipara and inform management for marine pests.

Northland Marina Operator Meeting

On 1 May, council organised a Northland Marina Operators that was attended by the managers and other representatives of seven out of the eight marinas in Northland. Council staff presented preliminary results of the Hull Surveillance Programme, and the group discussed challenges and opportunities around clean hulls. The participants also discussed the Ōpua Sabella incursion and the results of the latest dive survey.

Another meeting is planned for 13 June to discuss further ways to improve the implementation of the Marine Pathway Plan.

Inter-Regional Marine Pathway Plan Consultation Closed

The public consultation for the Inter-Regional Marine Pathway Plan (IRMPP) closed on 24 May. An IRMPP consultation report is in preparation and a draft will be presented to the Top of the North Marine Biosecurity Partnership (NRC, Auckland Council, Waikato Regional council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council and MPI) during June.

The group will then review the report and meet on 27 June in Auckland to agree on the next steps. The final report will be available before the end of June, so each region can provide the results to their Council.

FRESHWATER PESTS

Pest Fish

Surveillance netting was undertaken at a reported koi site near Kaikohe, outside of the progressive containment zones, in partnership with DOC. Only goldfish were recovered, and the site is considered likely free of koi. Staff have been working closely with the Department to develop a centralised data management and planning tool for pest fish work in Northland.

PEST PLANTS

Eradication Plants

Control work undertaken for chocolate vine, yellow flag, mickey mouse plant, and batwing, with the autumn control round 95% completed for the Kamo sites, with the exception of the grid search of Kamo reserves, for which a contract has been scheduled for June. A total of 29 adult plants were found, many at known sites which indicates that more intensive search work is required.

Three new salvinia sites were located and reported through to MPI for control.

Detector Dogs

Conservation Dog Wink and his handler John Taylor visited 22 – 25 May, to trial the dog at Northland spartina sites. Volunteer dog handlers also accompanied the team into the field to see Wink in action and understand the types of challenging environments they may be working in. While there were some specific limitations to the dog’s abilities, there was enough potential in what was observed to continue to efforts to develop a local handler and dogs, and officers will continue discussions with the Biosecurity Dog team at Auckland Council, and DOC.

The opportunity was also used to run a further detector dog training workshop held with the local dog handlers who are training their dogs on either batwing or spartina. This was a great opportunity for them to learn from and be motivated by the expert. John ran through some exercises with batwing and spartina plant material and most of the dogs picked it up immediately. Currently we have four volunteer handlers and dogs training for Batwing and two for spartina.

John Taylor and detector dog Wink (centre) with trainee dog handlers.

PROGRESSIVE CONTAINMENT PLANTS

Manchurian Wild Rice

30 hectares of rice grass were aerial sprayed by helicopter for the Pukehuia working group, and an additional three areas too big to do initial control by ground methods. Some landowners also took the opportunity to have some of their sites sprayed while the helicopter was in the vicinity.

Sustained Control work

The roadside pest plant initiative is on target, with 89% of the work completed, and the remainder scheduled. The NZTA re-evaluation of the traffic management requirements for all ‘mobile’ works on the highway network will have an impact on planning for work on the State Highway network in 2019/20.

RIVERS

River Contract Works

Priority Rivers	Work	Status	Comments
Awanui	OpEx	100% complete	Mid-Awanui stop-bank re-alignment.
Awanui	CapEx	100% complete	Te Ahu stopbank stabilization works and grade control.
Awanui	CapEx	100% complete	Bell’s Hill Benching
Kaihū	OpEx	100% complete	All proposed works completed.
Kāeo	OpEx	100% complete	All proposed works completed.
Minor Rivers	OpEx	100% complete	All funding committed.

LTP Projects

Rivers	Comments
Awanui	Bell’s Hill Benching and the Te Ahu Rock Armouring have been completed. An event to acknowledge and celebrate this year’s achievement is scheduled for 19 June. The next phases of the works are progressing. Preliminary Scheme design results have been received. New staff now on board to undertake property acquisition and easement process.
Matangirau	A Kaeo Working Group meeting is scheduled for 5 June at the Matangirau Marae. We will present the flood mitigation options to the community, at which time we hope to advance flood mitigation options.
Kawakawa - Taumarere	A second consultation Hui was held on 6 April at the Otiria Marae and follow up sites visits with concerned locals. We have applied for Archology Authority to progress the works; however, work will not commence this season. We expect this work to start November 2019.
Whangarei	Resource Consent has been approved for the Woods Road floodwall. Tender process complete and contract awarded (Barfoote Construction). Pre-start site meeting scheduled for 7 June 2019. Possession of site scheduled for 10 June 2019.
Panguru	A second hui is scheduled for mid-June. Archaeological and Resource Consent consultants selected and respective processes underway.

NATURAL HAZARDS

Work Streams	Status	Comments
Priority Rivers Flood Hazard Maps for Waipu and Paparoa	100%	Letters to the landowners affected by the flood maps were mailed out on 10 May. Final flood maps Issued and published 16 May.
Awanui Flood Model	90%	DHI has completed two model calibration runs, with only one remaining. Both calibration runs are being peer reviewed. Second round of comments/suggestions from peer reviewer have been received and being incorporated in the model. This is the most complex part of the modelling work. Once the calibration is complete and reviewed, DHI will start design storm runs.

Work Streams

Status

Comments

Priority Rivers Flood Hazard Maps for Waipu and Paparoa

100%

Letters to the landowners affected by the flood maps were mailed out on 10 May. Final flood maps Issued and published 16 May.

Awanui Flood Model

90%

DHI has completed two model calibration runs, with only one remaining. Both calibration runs are being peer reviewed. Second round of comments/suggestions from peer reviewer have been received and being incorporated in the model.

This is the most complex part of the modelling work. Once the calibration is complete and reviewed, DHI will start design storm runs.

Northland LiDAR Capture

LiDAR capture is very close to completion. Final processing of the results is likely to be completed in December. Capture was at 92.3% as at 27 May 2019. Crews are now focussing on infill of missing sections where cloud cover prevented capture on previous missions. RPS has indicated batch processing of captured data has now commenced. NRC liaising with LINZ to discuss QA/QC process and hosting of deliverables. NRC QA/QC team also assembled, ready for next phase of process.

8.2.6 STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement

PROPOSED REGIONAL PLAN

The council’s decisions (excluding GE/GMOs) were notified on 4 May 2019. There is a 30 working day appeal period (Monday 17 June is the cut-off date for appeals.) An item will be presented to the July council meeting providing an overview of the appeals and proposing a process for how council will be involved in resolving appeals. At the time of writing one appeal had been received.

COUNCILMARK

The council completed its self-assessment for the CouncilMARK performance excellence programme in late April. Assessors undertook a site visit on 14 - 15 May where individual and group interviews were held with Council, ELT, OMT, staff and external stakeholders. It is anticipated that a draft report will be received in July.

DISTRICT PLANNING

Whangārei District Council

The Whangārei District Council has released a draft Whāngarei District Growth Strategy. This sets out how the district responds to growth and how it will continue to grow and develop over the next 30 years. It includes actions to ensure that planning, infrastructure investments and decision making is coordinated. Feedback on the draft strategy closes 24 June 2019. Staff have worked with the district council to provide input into the preparation of the strategy and will assess the need for further feedback.

Urban and Services Plan Changes

Whangārei District Council has released a suite of ‘Urban and Services’ Plan Changes (submissions close 03 July 2019) as part of their rolling review of their District Plan. The plan changes can essentially be broken down into three major sections: Urban, District Wide and Green Space zoning.

The Urban Area plan changes include new Living and Business Zones as well as special purpose zones and precincts. The District Wide Plan Change package includes subdivision, strategic direction, transport, earthworks, signs, lighting and a three waters management chapter. The Green Space zoning includes a conservation zone, open space zone and sport and active recreation zone. Staff are still assessing the plan changes to determine whether to lodge a submision.

NATIONAL INITIATIVES

Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill

The government released the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill late May 2019. This bill:

· sets new greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets (net zero for all greenhouse gases except biogenic methane by 2050; biogenic methane to be reduced by 24-47% below 2017 levels by 2050)

· sets out a series of five year emissions budgets to progress toward the 2050 targets (and emissions reduction plans)

· establishes an advisory Climate Change Commission to advise government and monitor progress

· establishes requirements for National Climate Change Risk Assessments and National Adaptation Plans.

Submissions on the bill close 16 July 2019. Staff are in the process of assessing the bill and will circulate a draft submission for consideration by council.

Changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

The government has signalled changes to the ETS, largely to assist in meeting the targets in the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill (the changes will be delivered through this bill). The changes include adjustments to the provisions for forestry and to establish the NZU auction system, phase out the fixed NZU price and implement other administrative changes.

Kāinga Ora Bills

This is a two stage piece of law that will establish a new Crown agency that will be responsible for implementing much of the Government’s housing and urban development agenda. The first stage (the Homes and Communities bill) disestablishes the Housing New Zealand Corporation and assigns its roles to a new agency, Kāinga Ora. The KiwiBuild Unit, which is currently part of the Ministry for Housing and Urban Development, will also become a part of Kāinga Ora.

The second stage will make Kāinga Ora responsible for delivering urban development of all sizes and proposes conferring significant powers to:

1. produce a development plans for development projects that outlines how the development will be undertaken and set out resource management planning rules;

2. override, add to, or suspend land use rules in the district plan, regional plan and regional policy statements;

3. issue resource consents, and undertake compliance and monitoring of consents;

4. remove, change or replace, or put in place designations for infrastructure; and

5. act as a heritage protection authority.

This second stage (which will have implications for local government) is anticipated to be introduced later in 2019.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project	May update	Future developments/ reporting
Extension 350	Nothing new to report	Continue receiving progress reporting and invoicing as per funding agreement
Resources Enterprise Limited (REL)	Continuing to wait for March interest payment and update on new potential investor.	June interest payment due next month.
Hundertwasser Art Centre (Whangārei)	Receipt of report for April 2019. The project had encountered some construction problems that in turn elevated the financial risk of the project. However, construction has now resumed and a new WAMT CE has been appointed.	Expect the second payment of $500,000 (due at 50% completion) to be delayed pending the resolution of these issues.
Manea Footprints of Kupe	Fine tuning funding agreement between with the Te Hua o Te Kawariki Trust.	Meeting with Trust representatives mid-May to discuss funding agreement.
Northland Water Storage and Use	Completion of conditions precedent to receiving funding, and progress made on drafting first RFP and employment of Project Development Manager.	Waiting for signed funding agreement to begin implementation.
Kawakawa Hundertwasser Park Centre (Te Hononga)	Nothing new to report.	Awaiting receipt of progress report and second invoice.
Extended Regional Promotion	Nothing new to report.	Next report due August 2019 for second sixth months 2018/19.
Twin Coast Cycle Trail (TCCT)	Nothing new to report.	Awaiting further progress report on remaining four easements to complete funding commitment. Maybe Q4.

Other Activties

· Keynote presentation in the Northland Labour Market to Education 2 Employment (E2E) event, 31 May 2019.

· Work with other councils in developing regional economic development paper for Mayoral Forum.

ONLINE CHANNELS

Most popular post on Facebook

A video of Korotangi Kapa Kingi, designer and carver, of the Te Tohu Matua (Supreme Award) for the inaugural Environmental Awards. Korotangi explains the meaning of the design and how the carving reflects the whakatauāki - Toitu te whenua, Toitu te moana, Toitu te tangata (If the land is well, if the sea is well, the people will thrive.)

Key Performance Indicators	Jan-19	Feb-19	Mar-19	Apl-19	May-19
WEB
# Visits to the NRC website	24,800	24,500	28,000	26,100	25,200
E-payments made	4	3	6	4	5
# subscription customers (cumulative)	1,167	1,173	1,179	1,191	1,176
SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative)
# Twitter followers	1,416	1,428	1,430	1,439	1,444
# NRC Facebook fans	7,611	7,816	7,968	8,130	8,515
# NRC Overall Facebook Reach	87,800	168,100	219,300	189,900	267,900
# NRC Engaged Daily Users	5889	11,700	27,000	8,314	16,200
# CDEM Facebook fans	16,500	16,500	16,600	16,700	16,700
# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach	14,800	43,800	31,900	45,400	15,400
# CDEM Engaged Daily Users	1,051	4,925	2,132	2,710	1,172
# Instagram followers	663	689	712	736	755

MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT

2019 Northland Regional Council Environmental Awards

Please see highlights section of the CEO work report.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION (LGOIMA) REQUESTS

Month	LGOIMA requests received 2017/18	LGOIMA requests received 2018/19
July	7	15
August	10	20
September	16	7
October	15	5
November	12	10
December	14	9
January	12	11
February	14	15
March	12	9
April	14	12
May	15	19
June	18
TOTAL LGOIMA REQUESTS RECEIVED	159	132
Total LGOIMA requests not responded to within 20 working days*	15	1*

In May there were no LGOIMA requests that were not responded to within 20 working days.The nature and complexity of LGOIMA requests are placing substantial pressure on staff resourcing.

8.2.7 Customer Service – Community Resilience

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Telephone Inbound Call Statistics

	as at May 2019	Target
Call volume	2,539
Conversion rate	97.3%	> 95%
Average wait time	6 sec
Calls answered in under 30 sec	97.3%	> 90%

Stage one of the implementation of a new (contact relationship management) CRM has commenced with customer services staff recording enquiries into an online database. Recording information while managing calls is a new skill requiring a gradual implementation plan to ensure call response performance levels are maintained. When fully implemented this new system will give us the ability to case-manage enquiries right through to customer satisfaction survey and will provide valuable information on frequent enquiries so these can be more efficiently managed.

Satisfaction Monitoring

· Feedback Cards, Compliments and Complaints

Feedback cards have been included with compliments and complaints, as appropriate.

Compliments received - May	Total
Overall Service	4
Service provided by a specific person · M Payne, Policy & Planning · R Fuchs, Biosecurity	2
Quality of Information	1
Other - complimenting CDEM Forum	3
Total compliments recorded	10

The compliments for the CDEM Forum were from representatives of WDC and NZ Police following this popular and successful event on 1 May.

Complaints received - May	Total
Standard of service provided	5
Lack of information or communication	1
Total complaints recorded	6

Four of the complaints related to bus services, two of which were for services running early. The remaining complaint was from a customer who had not received a response to voice mail messages. All complaints except one have been resolved and the outstanding complaint is also close to resolution.

Customer Service Centre (CSC) Enquiries

Across all three Customer Services Centres approximately 20% of calls relate to matters under the jurisdiction of other organisations, mostly district councils. Except for Kaitāia, which has had a huge number of rodent enquiries, calls for other organisations outstrip Biosecurity enquiries which is the department within NRC that receives the largest number of enquiries.

Other Activity - Surveys - external

The annual Residents’ Survey period closed on the 17 May. In addition to the invited participants, 327 additional residents choose to take part in the on-line version of the survey. Participants were given the opportunity to win one of three $50 Prezzie cards. This draw was conducted by the research company and the prizes have been sent to the winners. The survey results will be available in July.

CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Warnings and activations

There have been no MetService weather-related warnings or watches during the month of May.

National Tsunami Advisory

At 1.14 am on Wednesday 15 May MCDEM issued a National Advisory – Large Pacific Earthquake being assessed. The advisory related to an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 recorded near New Britain region, Papua New Guinea at a depth of 10 km. At 1.32 am MCDEM issued a National Advisory – No Tsunami threat to New Zealand. The Duty Officer, Duty Controller and 8 CDEM Group staff all responded to the initial notification within minutes. It should be noted that the national Tsunami Advisory and Warning plan threshold for issuing notifications for an event in this area is for an earthquake of magnitude 8 and above with a depth of less than 100 km.

CDEM Group and Coordinating Executive Group (CEG)

The next CDEM Group and CEG meetings are scheduled for 17 June.

Emergency Management System Reforms

Officials from the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management will meet with Northland CDEM Group representatives on 17 June to review the alignment of work programmes aimed at implementation of the various key stands of work that MCDEM have identified with the group work programme.

The Northland CDEM Group already has in place some of the identified activities ahead of the review and has been working to deliver those areas of work that are relevant to the region. Progress is being made on Iwi engagement and scoping marae preparedness.

Service Level Agreements

The 2019/20 CDEM Service Level Agreements (SLA) between the Northland Regional Council and the three district councils are in the process of being finalised. Updated work programmes and budget allocations have been included for the 2019/20 year.

Youth in Emergency Services (YES) Programme

This year’s Youth in Emergency Services Programme, held in the Whangarei District commenced on Saturday 4 May at the Onerahi Fire Station. Fifteen young people nominated by a variety of schools and agencies participated in what is the seventh YES programme to be coordinated in Northland. The final exercise was held in the Parua Bay area and involved a motor vehicle accident and a sandbar party gone wrong. Over 70 personnel attended including Skyworks and Northland Rescue Helicopters.

The graduation dinner is to be held in Onerahi on Friday 7 June, where the participants will be presented with a framed certificate, personalised t-shirt and photo book. This will bring the total number of YES graduates in Northland to 115.

Kaitaia Evacuation Plan

The Flood Evacuation Plan for Kaitaia has been completed and a desktop exercise has been carried out with the Group Controllers, Northland Regional Council hazards specialists, hydrology and Emergency services.

Controllers development programme

A second full day field trip and workshop was held on 22 May with Controllers, Duty Officers, River Management and Hydrologists travelling by bus to Kaitaia. The purpose of enhancing the understanding for controllers of the flooding risk for central/eastern Northland and Kaitaia catchment, as well as familiarisation of stakeholders with the draft Kaitaia Community Evacuation Plan. The day concluded with a table top exercise focusing on the Awanui river, with participants from the CDEM team, controllers, NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Department of Conservation, Northland Regional Council staff and FNDC infrastructure staff.

TRANSPORT

Regional Land Transport Planning

· National Land Transport Fund

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) have recently advised all approved authorities that due to “the highest ever pressure on funding allocation” funding allocation, restrictions are to put in place in order to address this issue.

At this time, there would appear to be no negative financial impact on the subsidies received by the Northland Regional Council.

· 2021/2027 Regional Land Transport Plans

NZTA will be holding a number of workshops around the country in preparation for the 2021/2027 National Land Transport Programme. These workshops are directed toward:

· The NZTA 10 Year Master Plan;

· Changes to the Investment Decision Making Framework;

· Streamlining of the Business Case Approach; and

· Compilation of a Regional Land Transport Plans.

· Draft National Road Safety Strategy

At the time of compiling this report, the Draft National Road Safety Strategy had not been released for public comment.

A Regional workshop to agree on the road safety issues and remedial outcomes sought has been scheduled for 12 June 2019. It is proposed that the agreed regional outcomes will form the basis of a regional submission on the Draft National Road Safety Strategy.

Passenger Transport Administration

Total Mobility

Total Mobility (TM) figures are reported one month in arrears, due to the required information being unavailable at the time of the agenda deadline.

	Total Clients	Monthly Actual Expend	Monthly Budget Expend	Variance	Year/Date Actual Expend	Year/Date Budgeted Expend	Variance
April	1,485	$18,281	$25,000	-$6,719	$177,348	$260,000	-$72,652

St Johns meeting in Kerikeri – 7 May 2019

NRC staff attended a meeting in Kerikeri organised by St John’s. The focus of the meeting was the lack of suitable disability related transport in the mid north and the far north. St John’s shared their Stepping Forward plan for the future, 2018 – 2023, and the expansion on their Community Health Shuttles.

The meeting was advised that the NRC was undertaking a study for the “Investigation into the Needs and Availability of Total Mobility/Disability Transport Services in Northland”. A paper on this investigation was tabled at the February 2019 Regional Transport Committee Meeting for their approval.

CCS meeting – 15May 2019

NRC staff are working with CCS senior management from the Auckland office, in an effort to create more awareness around Total Mobility in the Whangārei district.

Total Mobility Working Group Meeting – 23 May 2019

TM agencies and transport operators had a full agenda, which included the TM awareness campaign and the new re-design of the TM brochure.

Operational Statistics

As shown below the pax numbers have improved on CityLink. This is highly commended and proves the high price elasticity of demand and cross elasticity with fuel prices.

April 2019 (revenue ex GST)	Actual	Budget	Variance	Year/Date Actual	Year/Date Budgeted
City Link Passengers	26,698	20,124	6,574	264,953	253,092
CityLink Revenue	$35,438	$40,736	-$5,298	$471,269	$504,546
Mid North Link Passengers	166	414	-248	1,775	4,140
Mid North Link Revenue	$630	$2,660	-$2,030	$6,415	$26,354
Hokianga Link Passengers	42	54	-12	328	378
Hokianga Link Revenue	$461	$625	-$164	$4,086	$4,772
Far North Link Passengers	525	593	-68	5,602	6,256
Far North Link Revenue	$1,344	$1,484	-$140	$13,198	$15,640

On 6 May 2019, the Government amended the Employment Relations Act 2000 to allow drivers on contracted public transport services to have a 10 minute break every two hours of driving.

Staff have made some minor adjustments to the existing timetable and provided an area for drivers to have a tea/coffee break at the Rose Street Terminus. At this time, indications from the bus company is that there will be no additional costs incurred.

Road Safety Update

The current year to date Northland road deaths stands at 12, and nationally at 160.

Key advertising themes by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for May 2019 centred on ‘Speed & Young Drivers’.

Speed - The Problem

Every week, 12 people on average are seriously injured or killed in a speed-related crash. However, a substantial portion of society does not see the connection between speed and related injuries. Their perception is that the consequences of speeding are trivial.

Many people still habitually speed on the open road and around urban streets, ie. driving faster than the traffic around them, frequent overtaking, tailgating, curve-cutting and high speeds.

The Campaign

The campaign launched on 19 May 2019 on television, radio, outdoor (billboards), print and digital channels such as video-on-demand, YouTube and Facebook. The television advertisement can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/qw4vltJk9c8.

Regional Road Deaths Statistics – 2019 & 2018 Comparison Year-to-Date:

Location	YTD 2019	YTD 2018
Far North	5	9
Whangarei	4	9
Kaipara	3	2
Northland	12	20
National	160	162

Maritime

The month of May saw the last cruise ship of the season.

The Deputy Harbourmaster attended a meeting with Holcim regarding a previous incident at Portland. He also attended a meeting with the Taharoa Domain committee to discuss enforcement on the Kai Iwi Lakes. Both Harbourmaster and deputy attended simulations at the new Northport simulator assessing proposed changes to the navigational channel at Marsden Point for increased tanker sizes. Both also attended a meeting with all parties involved in bringing a cement barge to Portland to ensure safety systems were optimum.

Technology improvements are progressing with the installation and commissioning of the wave-rider buoy off the Bay of Islands. Integration of the data onto the NRC website is still being implemented. The buoy will provide live sea and weather data. Hydrographic survey gear has now been installed on the council vessel Ruawai, and commissioning of the equipment will commence shortly.

The six-weekly Whangārei harbour safety meeting and the six-monthly Bay of Islands harbour safety meeting were held. The internal reviews of the safety systems have been completed, and documents updated. A joint review will be completed at the next Whangārei Safety meeting.

The Hokianga consultation was completed, and recommendations discussed with council. Feedback on the plans will be provided to all submitters.

Rolling maintenance of ATON is on-going.

Discussions on a new initiative to roll out boating education has commenced, with funding applications to WatersSafe NZ and Maritime NZ.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

[1] As a result of this recommendation, staff will need to review the process of issuing remissions to ensure that a clear statement is made about the three year review period.

8/5/2019	LTI	Low	Walking outside, changed direction mid stride to avoid obstacle and tripped on concrete. Impacted left arm, left side and right knee.
9/5/2019	INC	Low	Employee hit bollard protecting fuel pump at gas station. Driving slowly so no injury - damage to the vehicle trunk
16/5/2019	DPI	Low	Employee rolled ankle going down stairs at training course, elevated and strapped. Rolled again at home.
28/5/2019	HAZ	Medium	High pressure hose at Union East is not restrained and flicks into the air, potential to hit the operator.

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Approve and adopt the Operating Costs Reserve Policy as presented to council	An Operating Costs Reserve provides assurance and stability over the delivery of council’s mission, work programmes, employment, and day to day operations.	The returns associated with secure liquid assets are typically lower than the returns generated if funding remained in Managed Funds (however this does reflect the fact that secure liquid assets (e.g. term deposits) carry less risk and why they are aligned to the proposed policy).
2	Do not pursue this policy any further	None	Remain at risk to a volatile economy and its implications on council’s managed fund returns and detrimental impact on a funding source relied upon to fund work programmes.

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Approve updates to delegations as recommended for accuracy and clarity, as included as Attachments 1 and 2 to this report.	Delegations will accurately reflect staff setup and will provide certainty around timeframes for review of remissions.	None
2	Do not approve updates to delegations.	None	Policy mismatch between delegated job titles and current job titles, lack of certainty around timeframes for review of remissions.

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Status quo – do nothing	Staff know current systems and have found ways to work around.	High risk – only a matter of time before it fails again, out-dated technology, costly to maintain, does not meet needs.
2	Shared services with Auckland Council (AC)	Supports collaboration, less procurement costs.	Significant gaps in AC service offering, no track record = low confidence they can deliver quality service, 12 month implementation delay, highest costs (SAP), political risks with Northland TLAs.
3	Syndicated procurement	Lower procurement costs, shortest (12 month) implementation time, another regional council of a similar size = compatibility and lower risk, supports collaboration, lowest costs.	Need to adopt WRC base systems and processes but can adjust as necessary.
4	NRC commence procurement alone	Purpose built to completely match NRC needs, test market for best offer as at now, high ownership of NRC staff, latest technology.	Longest implementation time (18-24 months), high costs, no collaboration, isolated and solely responsible for ongoing development and maintenance.

Date	Addressed To	Subject
06.05.19	Klaus Kurz	Governance questions relating to the Marine Pathways Management Plan and Marine Biosecurity Charge
10.05.19	Carl Mather	Poison spraying
10.05.19	Craig Joiner Rawene Area Residents’ Association	Letter of support – Application to the Nature Heritage Fund to Purchase Land
14.05.19	Mr and Mrs N and M Milna	Acknowledging receipt of their letter regarding comments on GE.
21.05.19	Shayne Waldron Honeymoon Valley Landcare Trust	Letter of support – Application to the Nature Heritage Fund to Purchase Land
24.05.19	Shayne Waldron Honeymoon Valley Landcare Trust	Letter of Support – Application to the Nature Heritage Fund to Purchase Land
24.05.19	Owen Douglas	End of life tyres
28.05.19	Harry Burkhardt Chair Ngāti Kuri Trust Board	Letter of support for Ngāti Kuri and the Te Haumihi Project
31.05.19	Mayor Sheryl Mai Whangarei District Council	Whangarei District Council lack of support for public transport

TITLE:	Presentations - GIS Civil Defence ALGIM Award
ID:	A1194774

Name:	Dave Tams
Title:	Group Manager, Corporate Excellence
Date:	11 June 2019

TITLE:	Health and Safety Report
ID:	A1198631
From:	Beryl Steele, Human Resources Manager

TITLE:	Confirmation of Minutes - 21 May 2019 and 4 June 2019
ID:	A1198166
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Name:	Chris Taylor
Title:	Governance Support Manager
Date:	11 June 2019

TITLE:	Receipt of Action Sheet
ID:	A1199892
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

TITLE:	Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings
ID:	A1197713

Name:	Jonathan Gibbard
Title:	Group Manager - Strategy, Governance and Engagement
Date:	11 June 2019

TITLE:	Financial Report to 31 May 2019
ID:	A1199659
From:	Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant

TITLE:	Operating Costs Reserve Policy
ID:	A1199369
From:	Simon Crabb, Finance Manager

TITLE:	Appoint Councillors to Environmental Leaders' Funding Panel
ID:	A1199331
From:	Kim Wall, Events and Engagement Coordinator

TITLE:	Enterprise IT System Indicative Business Case
ID:	A1199960
From:	Linda Harrison, Organisational Project Manager

TITLE:	Update to Delegations
ID:	A1197578
From:	Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant and Kyla Carlier, Corporate Planning Manager

TITLE:	Project Plan for Implementing the Water Quality Planning Requirements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management
ID:	A1198403
From:	Ben Tait, Policy Specialist

TITLE:	Chair's Report to Council
ID:	A1197869
From:	Bill Shepherd, Chairman

TITLE:	Northland Inc. Limited: Reporting Against Statement of Intent - Quarter Three 2018/19
ID:	A1199132
From:	Darryl Jones, Economist

TITLE:	Receipt of Committee Minutes
ID:	A1199889
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Item No.	Item Issue	Reasons/Grounds
10.1	Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 21 May 2019	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, as stated in the open section of the meeting -.
10.2	Human Resources Report	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons s7(2)(a).