Council

Tuesday 21 July 2020 at 10.30am

 

 

AGENDA

 


Council Meeting

21 July 2020

Northland Regional Council Agenda

 

Meeting to be held in the Council Chamber

36 Water Street, Whangārei

on Tuesday 21 July 2020, commencing at 10.30am

 

Recommendations contained in the council agenda are NOT council decisions. Please refer to council minutes for resolutions.

 

Item                                                                                                                                                                                   Page

Housekeeping/Karakia

1.0       apologies (ngĀ whakapahĀ) 

2.0       DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (NGA WHAKAPUAKANGA)

3.0       Public Forum - Petition from Hokianga Environmental Forum                                      6

4.0       Health and Safety Report                                                                                                                          20

5.0       Council Minutes/Action Sheet/Council Working Party and Working Group Updates

5.1       Confirmation of Minutes - 16 June 2020                                                                                          23

5.2       Receipt of Action Sheet                                                                                                                          45

5.3       Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings                                                                   47

6.0       Financial Reports

6.1       Local Government Funding Agency: Becoming a Guaranteeing Member                            49

6.2       $10M Loan Repayment                                                                                                                           57

6.3       Interest Rate for Special Reserves in Surplus                                                                                  62

7.0       Decision Making Matters

7.1       National Environmental Standards - Air Quality                                                                            63

7.2       Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Operational Plan 2020-2021                     73

7.3       Northland Inc. Limited: Statement of Intent 2020-2023                                                          100

8.0       Operational Reports

8.1       Chair's Report to Council                                                                                                                     130

8.2       Chief Executive’s Report to Council                                                                                                 132

9.0       Receipt of Committee Minutes                                                                                                              157  

10.0    Business with the Public Excluded                                                                                                    168

10.1    Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 16 June 2020

10.2    Receipt of Confidential Committee Minutes

10.3    Human Resources Report   

 


 

ACC - Accident Compensation Corporation

ALGIM - Association of Local Government Information Management

AMA - Aquaculture Management Area

AMP - Asset Management Plan/Activity Management Plan

AP - Annual Plan

BOI - Bay of Islands

BOPRC - Bay of Plenty Regional Council

CAPEX - Capital Expenditure (budget to purchase assets)

CBEC - Community, Business and Environment Centre

CCO – Council Controlled Organisation

CCTO – Council Controlled Trading Organisation

CDEM - Civil Defence Emergency Management

CEEF – Chief Executives Environment Forum

CEG - Co-ordinating Executive Group

CEO - Chief Executive Officer

CIMS - Co-ordinated Incident Management System (emergency management structure)

CMA - Coastal Marine Area

CPCA - Community Pest Control Areas

CRI - Crown Research Institute

DHB - District Health Board 

DOC - Department of Conservation

DP – District Plan

E350 – Extension 350 programme

ECA - Environmental Curriculum Award

ECAN - Environment Canterbury

EECA - Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority

EF - Environment Fund

EMA - Employers and Manufacturers Association

EOC - Emergency Operations Centre

EPA - Environmental Protection Authority

ETS - Emissions Trading Scheme

FDE - Farm Dairy Effluent

FNDC - Far North District Council

FNHL - Far North Holdings Limited

FPP - First Past the Post

GE - Genetic Engineering

GIS - Geographic Information System

GMO - Genetically Modified Organism

HBRC - Hawke's Bay Regional Council

HEMP - Hapū Environmental Management Plan

Horizons - Brand name of Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council

HR - Human Resources

HSNO - Hazardous Substances & New Organisms Act 

HSWA - Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

IEMP - Iwi Environmental Management Plan

ILGACE - Iwi and Local Government Chief Executives Forum

IPPC - Invited Private Plan Change

IRIS - Integrated Regional Information System

KDC - Kaipara District Council 

KPI - Key Performance Indicator

LAWA – Land, Air, Water Aotearoa

LEA - Local Electoral Act 2001

LGA - Local Government Act 2002

LGNZ - Local Government New Zealand

LGOIMA - Local Government Official Information & Meetings Act 1987

LIDAR – Light detection and ranging

LTI – Long time injury

LTP - Long Term Plan

MBIE – Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

MCDEM - Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

MFE - Ministry for the Environment

MFL – Māori Freehold Land 

MHWS - Mean High Water Springs

MMH - Marsden Maritime Holdings Limited

MNZ - Maritime New Zealand

MOH - Ministry of Health

MOT - Ministry of Transport

MPI - Ministry for Primary Industries

MSD - Ministry of Social Development

NCMC - National Crisis Management Centre

NDHB - Northland District Health Board

NES - National Environmental Standards

NFT – Northland Forward Together

NGO - Non-Governmental Organisation

NIF - Northland Intersectoral Forum

NINC - Northland Inc. Limited

NIWA - National Institute of Water and Atmosphere

NORTEG - Northland Technical Advisory Group

NPS - National Policy Statement

NZCPS - New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement

NZRC - New Zealand Refining Company (Marsden Point)

NZTA - New Zealand Transport Agency

NZTE - New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

NZWWA - New Zealand Water and Wastes Association

OFI - Opportunity for Improvement\

OPEX – Operating Expenditures

OSH - Occupational Safety & Health

OTS – Office of Treaty Settlements

PCBU - Person Conducting Business or Undertaking

PGF – Provincial Growth Fund

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

RAP - Response Action Plan

RBI - Regional Broadband Initiative

RCP - Regional Coastal Plan

RFI - Request for Information

RFP - Request for Proposal

RLTP - Regional Land Transport Plan

RMA - Resource Management Act 1991

RMG - Resource Managers Group (Regional Councils)

RMZ - Riparian Management Zone

ROI - Return on Investment

RP – Regional Plan

RPMP - Regional Pest Management Plan

RPMS - Regional Pest Management Strategy

RPS - Regional Policy Statement

RPTP – Regional Public Transport Plan

RRSAP – Regional Road Safety Action Plan

RSG – Regional Sector Group

RSHL - Regional Software Holdings Ltd

RTC - Regional Transport Committee

RTO - Regional Tourism Organisation

SIPO - Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives

SITREP - Situation Report

SOE - State of Environment (or) State Owned Enterprise

SOI – Statement of Intent

SOLGM - Society of Local Government Managers

STV - Single Transferable Vote

TAG - Technical Advisory Group

Tier 1 - Site level plan or response for an oil spill

Tier 2 - Regional level plan or response to an oil spill

Tier 3 - National level plan or response to an oil spill

TLA - Territorial Local Authority – City & District Councils

TON – Top of the North (regions)

TTMAC – Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party

TTNEAP – Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan

TMP - Treasury Management Plan

TOR - Terms of Reference

TPK - Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Maori Development)

TUANZ - Telecommunications Users Association of NZ

UNISA - Upper North Island Strategic Alliance

WDC - Whangarei District Council

WHHIF - Whangarei Harbour Health Improvement Fund

WRC - Waikato Regional Council

WSMP - Workplace Safety Management Practices

WWTP - Wastewater Treatment Plant

 

 

 


  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 3.0

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Public Forum - Petition from Hokianga Environmental Forum

ID:

A1332672

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The Hokianga Environmental Forum have requested the attached petition be presented to council requesting the Northland Regional Council publicly notify the resource consent application from the Far North District Council regarding the Ōmāpere-Opononi Wastewater Treatment Plant.

 

Staff have assessed the petition and confirm it meets the requirements of Standing Orders (17.1).

 

The Hokianga Environmental Forum have been invited to present the petition as part of the public forum with up to two speakers allotted up to 5 minutes each to speak (as per Standing Order 15.1).

 

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Hokianga Environmental Forum Petition  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Chris Taylor

Title:

Governance Support Manager

Date:

26 June 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 3.0

21 July 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 4.0

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Health and Safety Report

ID:

A1335501

From:

Beryl Steele, Human Resources Manager

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This report provides an overview of activity in health and safety for the month of June 2020 along with year-end key points.  This month, with being back at Level 1 and there being an increase in field work, incidents have started to increase.

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Health and Safety Report’ by Beryl Steele, Human Resources Manager and dated 3 July 2020, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

 

Incidents are starting to increase again as work resumes.  Staff have also been engaging well with prompts to use the health and safety reporting system.

 

Events of note

There was an instance where an individual was abusive and threatening to a staff member over the phone.  This individual also visited our office, however, staff there at the time did not feel threatened.  The issue has since been resolved.

 

There was a small fire at the Kensington redevelopment.  A hot substance fell onto flammable glue.  The fire was quickly extinguished.  The contractor has taken steps to reduce the risk of it occurring again.

 

Year-end health and safety statistics key points

·        There was a notable decline in reporting when our Health and Safety Advisor left which also coincided with COVID 19, the lockdown and Level 3 (February – May 2020).

·        In general, there has been a decrease in near misses and new hazards being reported so there will be more emphasis and communication placed on reporting moving forward.  This data helps to predict future potential causes for harm and allows us to address them before anything occurs.

·        The late spring, early summer period shows the busiest period in terms of reports made in both years.  This likely reflects the increased activities out in the field during this period.

·        Vehicle accidents / incidents were the highest reported hazard type in 2018-2019, and is the second highest in 2019-2020, behind stress.

 

Issues register

 

Contractor events move higher up the issues table.  Several incidents of speeding were reported backdating a few months – none occurred in June.  Steps are being taken to monitor the contractor.  If it occurs again the contract can be terminated early.

 

A stress survey will be carried out in July to ascertain the causes of stress and identify potential solutions.

 

We are sourcing driver training courses with the assistance of the health and safety representatives.

 

Legislative updates

Nil

 

Notifiable events

Nil

 

Wellbeing Group

The Wellbeing Group’s focus has now moved to what needs to be done to support our staff now that they are back to a ‘normal’ working environment and also looking at what, if anything, we need to do with trialling the new flexible working conditions policy.  The group has also started planning for what wellbeing training and support needs to be done over the next financial year.

 


 

Completed training

Completed June 2020

Pax

First Aid Revalidation

3

Fire Warden & Emergency Procedures

1

Total

4

 

Forecasted training for July 2020

Training forecasted July 2020

Pax

First Aid Revalidation

1

Health and Safety Rep Stage 1

7

Total

8

 

Working priorities for July 2020

Working priorities for July 2020

Reviewing of significant hazard register (SHR) operating documents as per schedule in Risk Register.

Work with relevant groups (fire wardens, health and safety representatives, chemical handlers) to review processes.

Communication on updated contractor management procedure to staff.

Communication on hazard identification and incident reporting.

Monitoring of driving with increased use of council vehicles.

Stress – working with the Stress Group to find out what the issues are.

Finding a suitable driver training course and identifying staff who should attend.

Development of a procedure or plan for addressing speeding (and poor driving).

 

Update on May working priorities

·    Review started on Promapp procedures against the training system (Cognise) and policies to ensure they all align.  This will continue during July.

·    Contractor procedure has been completed but yet to complete the information booklet for contractors on our new procedure and communicate update to staff.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Dave Tams

Title:

Group Manager, Corporate Excellence

Date:

10 July 2020

  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.1

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Confirmation of Minutes - 16 June 2020

ID:

A1334703

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

 

Recommendation

That the minutes of the confidential council meeting held on 16 June 2020 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Council Meeting Minutes 16 June 2020  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Chris Taylor

Title:

Governance Support Manager

Date:

14 July 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 5.1

21 July 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.2

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Receipt of Action Sheet

ID:

A1336926

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

 

Executive summary/Whakārapopototanga

The purpose of this report is to enable the meeting to receive the current action sheet.

 

Recommendation

That the action sheet be received.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Council Action Sheet - July 2020  

Authorised by

Name:

Chris Taylor

Title:

Governance Support Manager

Date:

13 July 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 5.2

21 July 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.3

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings

ID:

A1338069

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings’ be received.

 

Climate Change Working Party                                                                                     (Chair: Cr Amy Macdonald)

The Climate Change Working Party met on 17 June 2020. The topics for discussion included:

Ÿ Climate Change Strategy draft document

Ÿ Climate Change communications strategy

Ÿ Long term plan

Ÿ NRC Carbon Footprint.

Following discussion, the Climate Change Working Party agreed on the following next steps:

Ÿ Take draft strategy to TTMAC and seek approval for MTAG input to strategy

Ÿ Discuss Climate Change Joint Governance Group at next Northland Forward Together group meeting

Ÿ Investigate if we can resolve the timing of the invoicing to enable carbon footprint reporting to be done on a monthly basis.

 

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party                                                                         (Chair: Cr Jack Craw)

The Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party met on 17 June 2020. The topics for discussion included:

Ÿ Biosecurity Operational Plan 2020/2021

Ÿ LTP Projects

Ÿ Feral Deer

Ÿ Whangarei Predator Free2050 Project Update

Ÿ Kauri Dieback Funding.

Following discussion, the Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party agreed on the following next steps:

Ÿ Talk to Mayoral Forum regarding dog predation

Ÿ TTMAC LTP process to be confirmed and distributed to members

Ÿ Draft a letter to Ministers for deer management co-funding with DOC.

 

Planning and Regulatory Working Party                                                                         (Chair: Cr Joce Yeoman)

The Working Party met on Wednesday 24 June 2020.  The topics for discussion included:

Ÿ Regulatory Services Update

Ÿ NRC Forestry Monitoring Programmes

Ÿ Planning and Policy Work Programme

Ÿ Proposed Amendments to the NES for Air Quality Submission

Ÿ Update on Water Quality Plan Change

Ÿ Regional Plan Appeals


 

Following discussion, the Working Party agreed on the following next steps:

Ÿ Comments on the compliance and enforcement strategy to be fed back to the GM, Regulatory Services

Ÿ Refer the request for information on costings on data loggers to the Land and Water Working Party

Ÿ Report back to TTMAC on compliance monitoring with regard to forestry

Ÿ Comments on the Air Quality Submission to be fed back to the Policy Specialist.

 

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Malcolm Nicolson

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

Date:

14 July 2020

  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.1

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Local Government Funding Agency: Becoming a Guaranteeing Member

ID:

A1337004

From:

Simon Crabb, Finance Manager

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

It is proposed that council becomes a guaranteeing member of the New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) to obtain the borrowing capacity and agility to secure long term, low cost, loan funding in excess of $20M for any large projects that may eventuate.

The potential risk of being a guarantor is that council will guarantee a proportion of the obligations of the LGFA. This proportion is based on a pro-rata of annual rates revenue.  As an indication, as at June 2019, if council was a guarantor its share of the guarantee would be 0.43% (e.g. if the LGFA called $100,000,000 under the guarantee, council would need to contribute $430,000). This

guarantee is enforceable regardless of council having any outstanding borrowings with LGFA.

 

Standards and Poor’s have assessed the chances of the guarantee being called as “extremely low”, with multiple forms of funding available to LGFA before the guarantee is used.

 

An independent analysis of the risk and benefits associated with becoming a guaranteeing member was undertaken by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).  The overall risk:benefit ratio was assessed as low risk with high benefit.  The PwC report is attached as Attachment 1.

 

Council is required to enter into two accession deeds when becoming a guaranteeing member of LGFA. These documents will be reviewed by council’s solicitors to confirm they are of standard form.

 

At March 2020, 66 councils have joined the LGFA with 54 of those councils as a guarantor council.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Local Government Funding Agency: Becoming a Guaranteeing Member’ by Simon Crabb, Finance Manager and dated 7 July 2020, be received.

2.         That council confirms its intention to become a guaranteeing local authority of the Local Government Funding Agency.

3.         That council delegates authority to the Chief Executive to execute the following documents for the purposes of recommendation 2 above:

a.         Security Stock Certificate (in relation to the Equity Commitment Deed);

b.        Security Stock Certificate (in relation to the Guarantee and Indemnity);

c.         Stock Issuance Certificate (in relation to the documents noted at recommendations 3a and 3b);

d.        Chief Executive Certificate, and

e.        Officer’s Certificate.

 

4.         That council authorise Penny Smart, Chair; and Councillor Colin Kitchen, Chair, Audit and Risk Subcommittee, to execute the following deeds for the purposes of recommendation 2. above:

a.         Accession Deed to Guarantee and Indemnity; and

b.        Accession Deed to Equity Commitment Deed.

5.         That council authorises the Chief Executive to take any other steps on behalf of council as the Chief Executive considers necessary or desirable to execute to give effect to recommendation 2 above.

 

Background/Tuhinga

The New Zealand Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) is an AA+ rated council-controlled organisation (CCO) that provides loan funding to the local government sector on terms that are more favourable than commercially available.

On 13 December 2016, council passed a resolution to join the LGFA scheme as a borrower and non-guarantor.  As a non-guarantor member, council can borrow up to a maximum of NZ$20,000,000 in aggregate from the LGFA.

It is proposed that council becomes a guaranteeing member of the LGFA.

Council consulted on becoming a guaranteeing member of the LGFA in the 2018–2028 Long Term Plan.

At the time of writing, council has total borrowings of $14M with the LGFA and the borrowing rate of a 12-year loan for a guaranteeing member is 2.05% per annum. The comparable rate for a non-guarantor member is 2.15%.

Potential risk.

The potential risk to being a guarantor is council guarantees a proportion of the obligations of the LGFA.  All guarantor councils share this risk on a pro-rata basis based on their annual rates revenue. As an indication, as at June 2019 if council was a guarantor its share of the guarantee would be 0.43%. This means if LGFA called $100,000,000 under the guarantee, council would need to contribute $430,000.

The guarantee would be enforceable even if council had no outstanding borrowings.

 

Standards and Poor’s have assessed the chances of the guarantee being called as “extremely low”, with multiple forms of funding available to LGFA before the guarantee is used.

LGFA have never had to call on guarantor councils for any of their obligations.

Council is guaranteeing the obligations of the LGFA only and not other councils.  It is LGFA’s view that if a council defaulted on its debt it would be unlikely to trigger a call under the guarantee.  LGFA would put a Statutory Manager in place and then seek to recover the debt over time through a special rate.  LGFA has plenty of access to liquidity so the fact that a council did not repay a loan would not create a problem for LGFA in terms of managing the cashflow.

Independent Assessment of Potential Risk

Alex Wondergem, a partner at PwC who specialises in Treasury Management and Debt Funding, was engaged by council staff to prepare a summary of the risks of becoming a guaranteeing member. 

The overall risk:benefit ratio of becoming a LGFA guarantor was assessed as low risk with high benefits.  The PwC report is attached as Attachment 1.

Legal Documents

To become a guaranteeing member council is required to enter into the following two deeds:

·    Accession Deed to Guarantee and Indemnity; and

·    Accession Deed to Equity Commitment Deed.

The effect of the Accession Deed to Guarantee and Indemnity is that council will become a guarantor under the Guarantee and Indemnity granted by various local authorities in favour of TEL Security Trustee (LGFA) Limited dated 7 December 2011 (as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time).  The effect of the Accession Deed to Equity Commitment Deed is that council will commit to providing equity to LGFA in certain circumstances.  These deeds will be drafted by LGFA’s solicitors and their final form will be approved by council’s solicitors prior to execution.

The deeds will require execution by two elected representatives. 

The Chief Executive will be required to sign the applicable Chief Executive Certificate, two Security Stock Certificates, a stock issuance certificate and an officer’s certificate.

This report and its recommendations were endorsed by the Audit and Risk Subcommittee in June 2020.

Considerations

1.              Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Become a guaranteeing member of the LGFA

Ability to source longer term debt in excess of $20M (aggregated) will be available to council at a lower cost – providing certainty and savings for the community.

Become a party guaranteeing a portion of the indebtedness of the LGFA should the LGFA not met its obligations.

2

Do not become a guaranteeing member of the LGFA

Do not become a party guaranteeing a portion of the indebtedness of the LGFA.

Council will need to obtain its debt in excess of $20M (aggregated) via trading banks or a private placement. 

These options generally offer shorter term debt whereas longer term intergenerational debt matches closer with infrastructure expenditure.

The borrowing cost of obtaining debt from trading banks or a private placement is typically higher than that sourced from the LGFA - this additional cost will be passed on to the community.

 

The staff’s recommended option is 1.


 

2.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it has previously been consulted on and is in accordance with the approved Treasury Management Policy.

3.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

The activities detailed in this report are in accordance with council’s Treasury Management Policy and the 2018–28 Long Term Plan.

4.         Community views

Council consulted on becoming a guaranteeing member of the LGFA in the 2018–2028 Long Term Plan.  Close to half (46%) of the submitters agreed with this proposal, while 26.5% disagreed with the proposal noting there should be caution when taking on more debt.  The remaining submitters were neutral or selected “no option” to the proposal.

5.         Financial implications

Borrowing in excess of $20M in aggregate can be sourced, at a lower cost as a LGFA guaranteeing member than a non-guaranteeing member.  The financial risk is council guarantees a proportion of the obligations of the LGFA if the LGFA cannot meet its financial obligations

Being a purely administrative matter Māori Impact Statement and Implementation Issues are not applicable.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Pricewaterhouse Coopers Review of becoming a LGFA Guaranteeing member  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Dave Tams

Title:

Group Manager, Corporate Excellence

Date:

15 July 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.1

21 July 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.2

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

$10M Loan Repayment

ID:

A1336103

From:

Simon Crabb, Finance Manager

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

Council currently has total external borrowings of $19.6M made up of four loans with the Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) totalling $9.6M, and one loan of $10M acquired from corporate investors. The corporate loan of $10M taken out in 2015 is set to mature and be repaid on 13 August 2020.

 

It is proposed that the $10M corporate loan is repaid and a subsequent loan of $4.4M is taken with the LGFA.  The borrowing reduction of $5.6M represents the Net Funds held by council that are dedicated to repaying debt.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘$10M Loan Repayment’ by Simon Crabb, Finance Manager and dated 6 July 2020, be received.

2.         That council takes a loan with the Local Government Funding Agency of up to $4,425,837 (inclusive of 2.5% Borrower Notes), maturing in April 2033, at a fixed borrowing cost in the range of 1.95% pa and 2.25% pa.

3.         That $6,283,803 of funding held to repay debt is withdrawn from the Long-Term Investment Fund in accordance with a recommendation from EriksensGlobal.

4.         That $598,994 of borrowed funds is deposited into council’s working capital to reimburse river scheme capex costs incurred in 2019/20.

 

Background/Tuhinga

Council currently has total external borrowings of $19.6M made up of four loans with the LGFA totalling $9.6M, and one loan of $10M acquired from corporate investors.

 

The corporate loan of $10M was taken out for five years in 2015, and is set to mature and be repaid on 13 August 2020.

 

The targeted rates collected to repay the $10M loan were set over a period ranging from 25 to 60 years to provide a level of affordability and intergenerational equity to the affected communities.  The $10M has not been fully recovered yet, and there remains a level of debt owing from the affected communities and still to be collected via future targeted rates.

 

In addition, there has been capital river works of $2,222,953 undertaken during the 2019/20 financial year.  These capital works were funded by targeted rates of $1,623,959 collected in 2019/20 and council’s working capital of $598,994.  The working capital component needs to be reimbursed from debt funding.

 

Council also holds a charitable donation of $548,786 received from Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) in the Long-Term Investment Fund.  These funds are also dedicated to repaying debt.

 

Thus, it is proposed that council’s total borrowings are reduced by $5,574,163 to $13,983,837 on 13 August 2020 as illustrated in Table 1.

 

 

The revised borrowing of $13,983,837 will be allocated as presented in Table 2.

 

¹ The remaining Nest loan will be repaid from the proceeds owing from Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) due in May 2023.

² Values are subject to change slightly upon finalising the year end accounts.

 

All the projects listed in Table 2 have a dedicated funding source that will be collected over time to ensure all of council’s borrowing will be totally repaid.

 

It should be noted that the outstanding amounts pertaining to the river works projects are tracked and recorded in individual reserves within council’s financial information system.

 

The sequence of events required to repay the $10M corporate loan and initiate a new LGFA loan of $4,425,837 (representing a reduction in debt of $5,574,163) is presented in Table 3.

 

³ The withdrawal from the Long-Term Investment Fund (LTF-IIF) of $6,283,803 comprises the historical Targeted River Rates collected to repay debt ($1,922,389), the borrowings allocated to the purchase of Marsden Point rail link properties ($3,812,628), and the NEST Charitable Donation ($548,786).

 

Following the completion of the transactions listed in Table 3, council’s overall borrowings will be $13,983,837, and structured as per Table 4.

 

 

The borrowing rate of the $10M corporate loan being repaid is 3.79% pa.  At the time of writing the borrowing rate of a new loan with the LGFA is 2.15% pa as non-guarantor, and 2.05% pa as a guarantor.  The benefits generated from a lower borrowing rate and subsequent lower project cost are directed back to the community in one of two ways:

1.    Maintaining the targeted rates at current levels and repaying the overall project cost earlier – reducing the burden on future generations.

2.    Reducing the targeted rate and continuing to schedule rate collection and a repayment date as originally planned – preserving equity among generations.

The choice between these two options can be made when calculating and setting the applicable targeted rate in the Long Term Plan.

All values presented in this report are subject to change slightly as the year end accounts are finalised and reviewed.

This report and its recommendations were endorsed by the Audit and Risk Subcommittee in June 2020.

 

Considerations

1.                                     1.         Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Repay the $10M corporate loan with:

funds held to repay debt and the funding received from a new LGFA loan.

Provide the community the benefit of securing a lower borrowing rate.

Complies with the objective of council’s financial strategy to collect and hold targeted rates to repay loans when they fall due.

Aligns the overall level of external debt to the balance owing on council’s infrastructure projects and the NEST loan.

 

The disadvantage of locking in a borrowing rate until April 2033 is that council will not benefit should borrowing rates decline in the future.

2

Repay the $10M corporate loan with:

funds held to repay debt and the residual funding withdrawn from council’s investments (i.e. no new loan taken).

Maintain borrowing capacity for future debt funded projects.

To recover the gains foregone on the investment withdrawn as residual funding, an internal rate of borrowing would apply at a higher rate than can be secured from the LGFA – ultimately disadvantaging the community.

3

Repay the $10M corporate loan with:

100% LGFA loan funding (i.e. do not utilise surplus rates collected and earmarked to repay debt).

Retain a higher balance of investment in the Long-Term Fund in an endeavour to generate greater investment gains.

Aligns the overall level of external debt to the balance owing on council’s infrastructure projects and the NEST loan.

 

Does not conform with the objective of council’s financial strategy to collect, hold and use targeted rates to repay loans when they fall due.

Funds held in the Long-Term Fund are subject to volatility.

 

 

The staff’s recommended option is 1 to comply with the prescribed approach in council’s financial strategy.

2.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it is provided for in council’s 2020/21 Annual Plan and is in accordance with the approved Treasury Management Policy.

3.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

The activities detailed in this report are in accordance with council’s Treasury Management Policy, the 2018–28 Long Term Plan and the 2020/21 Annual Plan.

4.         Financial implications

The benefits generated from a lower borrowing rate and subsequent lower project cost are directed back to the community in one of two ways:

1.         Maintaining the targeted rates at current levels and repaying the overall project cost earlier – reducing the burden on future generations.

2.         Reducing the targeted rate and continuing a repayment date as originally scheduled – preserving equity among generations.

The choice between the two options can be made when calculating and setting the applicable targeted rate in the Long Term Plan.

Being a purely administrative matter, Community Views, Māori Impact Statement, and Implementation Issues are not applicable.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Dave Tams

Title:

Group Manager, Corporate Excellence

Date:

15 July 2020

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.1

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Interest Rate for Special Reserves in Surplus

ID:

A1333488

From:

Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This report proposes changing the interest rate applied to reserve balances in excess of $50,000 surplus

·    from 5% as budgeted in the LTP

·    to the Short-Term Fund (STF) Investment objective of the 90-day bank bill rate plus 3% per annum.  Set at 1 July of each financial year starting from 1 July 2020.

This has been endorsed by the Audit and Risk Subcommittee and is coming to council for the first time.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Interest Rate for Special Reserves in Surplus’ by Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant and dated 29 June 2020, be received.

2.         That council approve the use of the 90-day bank bill rate plus 3% per annum to calculate the interest attributable to special reserves with balances in excess of $50,000, reset annually on 1 July starting from 1 July 2020.

 

Background/Tuhinga

In council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) it specifies a budgeted internal interest rate of 5% for reserves in surplus (or in credit) of $50,000 or higher.

This paper recommends that the rate used instead be matched to the STF Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives (SIPO) investment objective of the 90-day bank bill rate plus 3% per annum.  For the 2019/20 financial year, this would equate to 4.6% (1.6% + 3%).  For the 2020/21 financial year we expected this to equate to 3.25% (0.25% + 3%).

This rate will be reset on 1 July of each financial year starting from 1 July 2020.

The Audit and Risk Subcommittee endorsed the recommendations in this report going to full council at the 24 June 2020 meeting.

The reserve balances in excess of $50,000 surplus as at the end of May 2020 are:

·    Kāeo River Reserve

·    Sporting Facilities Reserve

·    Hātea River Reserve

·    Waipapa Kerikeri River Reserve

·    Far North Transport Reserve

·    Emergency Services Reserve.

 

 

Considerations

1.         Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Approve the application of 90-day bank bill rate plus 3% per annum when calculating the interest attributable to special reserves with balances in excess of $50,000 starting at 1 July 2020

In line with expected returns from where the cash is held.

Slightly lowers interest being gained by unspent reserve funds.

2

Leave the interest rate at the LTP rate of 5%

Surplus reserves receive marginally more money for surplus balances that can be used on later works.

Encourages rating and holding of funds rather than doing the work the money was collected for.

 

The staff’s recommendation is option 1.

2.         Significance and engagement

The specifying of internal interest rates is considered to be of low significance because it is part of council’s day to day activities.

3.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

 Council’s decision to apply interest at a specified rate to surplus reserve funds is consistent with council’s policy and legislative requirements.

4.         Financial implications

Lowering the interest gained by reserves in surplus would have a negative impact on the affected special reserves and a positive impact on council’s net surplus after transfers to reserves.

Further considerations

Being a purely administrative matter Community Views, Māori Impact Statement, and Implementation Issues are not applicable.

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Dave Tams

Title:

Group Manager, Corporate Excellence

Date:

15 July 2020

 

TITLE:

National Environmental Standards - Air Quality

ID:

A1335632

From:

Michael Payne, Policy Specialist

 

Executive Summary | Whakarāpopototanga

The Ministry for the Environment is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to National Environmental Standards for Air Quality.  This paper provides an overview of the proposed amendments.  A draft submission has been appended to this item for council’s consideration.

 

Recommendations | Tūtohutanga

1.         That the report ‘National Environmental Standards - Air Quality’ by Michael Payne, Policy Specialist and dated 3 July 2020, be received.

2.         That council approve the draft submission attached, pertaining to Item 7.1 of the 21 July 2020 council agenda (subject to any amendments directed by council).

3.         That the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to make any necessary minor drafting, typographical, rounding or presentation corrections and to sign the submission on behalf of council prior to it being lodged with the Ministry for the Environment.

 

Background | Tuhinga

The Government is seeking feedback on its proposed amendments to some provisions of the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality.  The aim of the amendments is to better control the release of fine particles into our air.

The proposed amendments also include controls on mercury emissions.  These amendments are intended to help meet New Zealand’s obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Particulate matter

Particulate matter (PM) is a collective term for solid and liquid particles suspended in the air and small enough to be inhaled.  PM varies greatly in structure and chemical composition, depending on where it comes from.  It also varies in the harm it can cause.

PM comes from human activities and natural sources.  It is often classified according to its size because size determines how PM interacts with the environment and human body.

Ÿ PM10 has a diameter of 10 micrometres (µm) or less.

Ÿ PM2.5 has a diameter of less than 2.5 µm and is a subset of the PM10 range.

Exposure to particulate matter can cause disease and premature death from respiratory and cardiovascular causes, cause lung cancer, and exacerbate asthma and emphysema.  These fine particles are mainly created by human activities. 

Research shows that particles in the air smaller than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5) are more hazardous to people’s health than coarse, larger particles (particles in the PM2.5-10 range) (World Health Organization, 2013).  In New Zealand, the main source of PM2.5 is burning wood and coal for home heating during winter.

The key changes proposed for the NES for particulate matter are:

Ÿ Introducing PM2.5 as the primary regulatory tool to manage ambient particulate matter and establish both a daily and an annual standard for PM2.5 (fine particulate matter).

Ÿ Retaining the PM10 standard for managing potential issues for coarse particulates.

Ÿ An air shed would be considered “polluted” if it exceeds a specified PM2.5 threshold.  This is currently determined based on a PM10 threshold.

Ÿ All new domestic solid-fuel burners (fireplaces, etc.) installed on properties less than 2 hectares will need to meet a stricter emissions standard.  All burners that are currently on the market are already designed to meet the new standard. 

Mercury emissions

New Zealand signed the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2013 but has not yet ratified it.  To address the obligations under Articles 5(6) and 8 of the Convention, and take one of the steps to ratify the Convention, we propose two amendments to the NESAQ:

Ÿ Prohibit the use of mercury in certain, listed processes.  These have not been carried out in New Zealand, and they are not likely to be as technology has improved, removing the need for mercury.

Ÿ New activities involving emissions of mercury to air are required to obtain resource consent.  The intention is for councils to consider the need to apply international best practice guidance to manage the emission of mercury to air.

Considerations

1.         Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Lodge a submission with the Ministry for the Environment

The Ministry is aware of Northland Regional Council’s views and the impact of the proposed changes on Northland.

Nil

2

Do not lodge a submission with the Ministry for the Environment

Nil

The Ministry is not aware of Northland Regional Council’s view on the proposed changes or the potential costs and benefits to Northland.

The staff’s recommended option is that council adopt Option 1 – lodge a submission on the proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality.

2.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it has previously been consulted on and provided for in council’s Long-Term Plan and/or is part of council’s day to day activities.  This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, 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

The decision is consistent with policy and legislative requirements, and no significant corporate risks are identified under the Risk Management Policy.  


 

Further considerations

Community Views, Māori Impact Statement, Financial Implications and Implementation Issues

Being a purely administrative matter, Community Views, Māori Impact Statement, Financial Implications and Implementation Issues are not applicable.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Submission - Proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Jonathan Gibbard

Title:

Group Manager - Strategy, Governance and Engagement

Date:

15 July 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.1

21 July 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.2

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Operational Plan 2020-2021

ID:

A1336293

From:

Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The attached draft Operational Plan has been prepared as a requirement of the Biosecurity Act 1993 section 100B and should be read in conjunction with the Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan 2017-2027 (hereafter referred to as the Pest Plan).   It includes all species listed in the Pest Plan and describes how biosecurity programmes will be implemented during the 2020/2021 financial year.

A scan of past Operational Plans from Auckland Council, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Wellington Regional Councils was undertaken as part of the review of Northland’s current plan and in preparation for the revised 2020/2021 plan.  Section 100b does not set any specific requirements or standards for these plans and there is wide variation on their content and style between regions.  In some instances, performance measures are set out in the Pest Plan rather than the Operational Plan and in other cases measures of success are reported using a spreadsheet rather than report style.  All have indicators of operational progress, performance measures or an evaluation of project delivery.

The Northland Operational Plan aims to be concise and accurately reflect the content of the Pest Plan.  Reviews of the Operational Plan can be undertaken during the year, and staff believe this will be important as new government funding becomes clearer and the extent of current programmes of Predator Free 2050 and wilding conifers are confirmed.

Section 100b also establishes that the Operational Plan will be completed within three months of the end of the financial year.  The councils surveyed above do not have plans prepared for 2020/2021 and Northland Regional Council is the first to consider the implementation of an Operational Plan for 2020/2021.

 

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Operational Plan 2020-2021’ by Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager and dated 6 July 2020, be received.

2.         That council approve the Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Operational Plan 2020-2021.

3.         That council authorises the GM Environmental Services to make any necessary minor drafting, typographical, rounding, or presentation corrections to the Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Operational Plan 2020-2021.

 

 


 

Considerations

1.         Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Council approves the whole Operational Plan

Implementation of the rules and activities can proceed under the revised plan.

Nil

2

Council may request amendments on the grounds that the Operational Plan is inconsistent with the Pest Plan

Improved consistency with the Pest Plan is achieved.

The process for their confirmation by council will cause delays in implementation.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.

2.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 100b this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against the council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because the pest plan has previously been consulted on.  This decision concerns its implementation and is provided for in council’s Long Term Plan and is part of council’s day to day activities.  This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, 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

 The Operational Plan is consistent with the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 1993, section 100b and is consistent with the Pest Plan.  This decision is an operational matter and assessed as a minor administrative matter to council.

Further considerations

4.         Financial implications

Budget for implementation is allocated as part of the current Long Term Plan and Annual Plan.  Significant additional funding from Predator Free 2050 and Wilding Conifer programme is predicted to be funded via external agencies during the year and decisions on new government funding for additional biosecurity projects in Northland have not been finalised.  Regular review of the Operational Plan will be undertaken as additional and external funding allocations are confirmed. 

5.         Implementation issues

There are no barriers to implementation of the current plan at this stage.

Being a purely administrative matter, Community Views and Māori Impact Statement are not applicable.

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: 2020-2021 Biosecurity Operational Plan - draft 2 (as at 08-07-2020) (A1294694)  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Bruce Howse

Title:

Group Manager - Environmental Services

Date:

14 July 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.2

21 July 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.3

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Northland Inc. Limited: Statement of Intent 2020-2023

ID:

A1337058

From:

Darryl Jones, Economist

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The purpose of this report is to present to council Northland Inc. Limited’s (Northland Inc.) final Statement of Intent (SOI) for 2020–2023.  The Northland Inc. Board has chosen to incorporate almost all changes and additions suggested by council following the review of the draft SOI 2020–2023 in March/April 2020.  Under section 65(2) of the Local Government Act (LGA) 2002 council must agree to the SOI, or if it does not agree take steps to require the SOI to be modified.  Officers recommend that council agree to the SOI 2020–2023 as attached. 

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Northland Inc. Limited: Statement of Intent 2020-2023’ by Darryl Jones, Economist and dated 7 July 2020, be received.

2.         That council agree to Northland Inc. Limited’s Statement of Intent 2020-2023 as set out in Attachment 3 pertaining to Item 7.3 of the 21 July 2020 council agenda.

 

Background/Tuhinga

In February 2020, Northland Inc. provided a draft SOI 2020–2023 for council’s consideration.  Council discussed the draft SOI at a workshop on 17 March 2020.  The draft SOI was formally received at the council meeting on 21 April where council agreed to delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in consultation with council Chair and Deputy Chair, to provide feedback to Northland Inc. on the draft in line with the recommendations in the report.  A written formal response was sent to Northland Inc. on 30 April 2020 (Attachment 1). 

Council had a further opportunity to discuss the SOI at the quarterly council/Northland Inc. workshop held on 2 June.  It was originally intended to hold this discussion at the quarterly workshop scheduled for 24 March, but this workshop was cancelled due to the initiation of the COVID-19 lockdown. 

Following the 2 June workshop, Northland Inc. provided a revised draft to council for further input given the significantly altered economic environment in which Northland Inc. would be operating in during 2020/21 due to COVID-19 which had occurred since the original draft SOI was prepared.  This additional opportunity was not required by legislation.  An email response was provided back to Northland Inc. on 26 June (Attachment 2).

Council received a Northland Inc. Board approved final version of the SOI 2020–2023 (Attachment 3) on 30 June 2020, the deadline required by Schedule 8(3) of the Local Government Act 2002.  Staff have reviewed the SOI and confirm that it complies with the requirements of Schedule 8 of the LGA 2002. 

Staff have also reviewed the final SOI against the comments provided by council.  All the questions, changes and additions suggested by council have either been taken on board and incorporated into the final SOI, or have been answered, for example, during the 2 June workshop discussion or in the letter from Northland Inc. accompanying the SOI (Attachment 4).  While reference is made to COVID-19 in the Context section of the SOI, further commentary around the impact and consequences of COVID-19 pandemic would have been useful to support the changes made to the work programmes in the Nature and scope of activities section. 

Northland Inc. has separately advised council that they are dropping two of the current key performance indicators (KPI): the client satisfaction for Māori businesses KPI as they have consistently not been able to gather the data/evidence from clients; and the RTO Net Promotor Score KPI as there is now a reasonably significant cost to receive this data whereas previously we were able to access this for free. 

As shareholders of Northland Inc., council has a requirement under section 65(2) of the LGA 2002 to agree to the SOI, or if it does not agree, to take practicable steps to require a modification to the SOI.  Under clause 5 of Schedule 8, the shareholders of a council-controlled organisation may, by resolution, require the board to modify the SOI by including or omitting any provision or provisions of the kind referred to in clause 9(1)(a) to (i), and any board to whom notice of the resolution is given must comply with the resolution. 

Northland Inc. Board members and staff will attend the council meeting.

Considerations

1.         Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Agree to Northland Inc.’s SOI 2020–2023 as set out in Attachment 3. 

Allows Northland Inc. to begin operating in 2020/21 without uncertainty.

Don’t get all the changes requested by council incorporated into the SOI.

2

Not agree to Northland Inc.’s SOI 2019–2022 as set out in Attachment 3 and formally request additional modifications.

Get further changes requested by council incorporated into the SOI.

Creates unnecessary antagonism with Northland Inc. given that council requests to date have either been incorporated within the SOI or answered separately.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1, that council agrees to the SOI 2020–2023 received from Northland Inc. as set out in Attachment 3.  Northland Inc. has chosen to incorporate council’s comments into the final SOI or have provided a response to those not incorporated. 

2.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it has previously been consulted on and provided for in council’s Long Term Plan 2018–2028 and previous decisions of council to set up Northland Inc. Limited as its council controlled organisation.  They are part of council’s normal operations.  This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, but that council can make decisions relating to this matter without undertaking further consultation or engagement. 

3.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

 The decision is consistent with policy and legislative requirements, and no significant corporate risks are identified under the Risk Management Policy.  

Further considerations

4.         Community views

The community have not been specifically consulted with regard to the Northland Inc. SOI.  While there was no new initiative proposals relating to Northland Inc. in council’s proposed Long Term Plan 2018–2028, it did outline the policies, objectives and KPIs for Northland Inc.  A number of submitters made comments supporting council’s involvement in economic development through Northland Inc.  However, concerns were raised by other submitters about the level of funding provided to Northland Inc. 

5.         Māori impact statement

Māori have not been specifically consulted with on the development of the latest Northland Inc. SOI.  A specific spending allocation on Māori Economic Development (MED) is provided within the SOI.  As stated in the letter, this is expected to be spent predominately on building organisational capability for Te Reo and Te Ao Māori to embed MED across the organisation.  At its meeting on 9 July, the Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) discussed this SOI and options for future engagement with TTMAC, including input into future SOIs. 

6.         Financial implications

An annual allocation of funding to Northland Inc. for operational expenditure is set out and provided for in council’s Long Term Plan 2018–2028.  For 2020/21, the annual level of operational funding is $1,365,266 (plus GST).  This funding stream is allocated from council’s Investment and Growth Reserve (IGR), and is paid quarterly on receipt of an invoice from Northland Inc. 

In addition to operational funding, the criteria and procedures for the allocation of funding from the IGR (IGR criteria) provides the Board of Northland Inc. the delegated ability to allocate up to $300,000 per annum for project development.  However, due to the impact of COVID-19 on council revenue, this was removed for 2020/21 at the extraordinary council meeting on 6 May 2020. 

Northland Inc. also receives IGR Enabling Investment funding from council for projects that it is responsible for delivering.  It currently receives funding for two such projects: Extension 350 (a six-year programme worth $832,600 in total ending 2021/22) and extended regional promotions ($200,000 per annum for three years ending 2020/21).  Funding for these projects, and any future project allocations, are made by specific council decision in line with IGR. 

7.         Implementation issues

Northland Inc. is responsible for implementing its SOI.  Council does not provide any direction to Northland Inc. on how its operational funding is spent across the four work programmes.  It is up to the Board of Northland Inc. to prioritise the allocation of its operation funding across the work programmes.  Council receives a report each quarter from Northland Inc. on progress made in achieving the performance measure targets.  

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Letter from council to Northland Inc. providing comments on their draft SOI 2020-2023

Attachment 2: Email from council to Northland Inc providing additional comments on their draft SOI 2020-2023

Attachment 3: Northland Inc. Limited Statement of Intent 2020-2023

Attachment 4: Letter from Northland Inc. accompanying final SOI  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Jonathan Gibbard

Title:

Group Manager - Strategy, Governance and Engagement

Date:

14 July 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.3

21 July 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.3

21 July 2020Attachment 2

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.3

21 July 2020Attachment 3

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.3

21 July 2020Attachment 4

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.1

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Chair's Report to Council

ID:

A1332865

From:

Penny Smart, Chair

 

Purpose of Report

This report is to receive information from the Chair on strategic issues, meetings/events attended, and correspondence sent for the month of June 2020.

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Chair's Report to Council’ by Penny Smart, Chair and dated 1 July 2020, be received.

 

Strategic issues

$100 million for Kaipara Moana

Certainly, the standout event this past month for NRC and Northland is the Central Government’s money for the remediation of the Kaipara Harbour and surrounding catchments.  The immediate as well as long-term impacts of this funding for ‘at pace and at scale’ remediation is what Tangata Whenua, communities and councils have been working towards for a number of years.  It is very heartening that it has now been achieved.  There is a lot of work ahead; however, I am sure that given the overall goal the necessary support and mahi required will be evident in bucket loads.

More Central Government monies to come

Indications as I write are looking good for more Central Government monies coming into Northland in the form of Shovel Ready Infrastructure and Environmental Employment Ready projects.  It is great to see such opportunities opening for Northland.

A number of the projects receiving funding, NRC will have a role in.  As a council we are all looking forward to working with Tangata Whenua, communities and agencies to have them progress and achieve their goals.

Busy with business as usual

Councillors have been keeping busy this last month with Working Party and Subcommittee meetings and workshops.  We also had some facilitated Change and Resilience training and a facilitated Strategy Planning Day.  Both were worthwhile and learnings will be well used over the coming year with both post COVID-19 impacts and Long Term Plan decisions.

 

Meetings/events attended

During this period, I attended the following meetings/events/functions:

·        Meetings attended with the council’s CEO, Malcolm Nicolson:

o   Hapu blessing of Kaipara Service Centre site.

o   Sod turning ceremonies at Puketona and Kawakawa intersections with NZTA staff and Hon Shane Jones.  Councillors John Bain and Rick Stolwerk also attended.

o   Regional Sector virtual meeting with Mayors and CEOs.

o   Catch up meeting with Murray Jagger, Marsden Maritime Holdings.

o   Hon John Carter and Shaun Clarke, Far North District Council - funding discussion Hokianga Reference Group.

o   Discussions with Geoff Henley – next strategy day.

o   Laura-Kate Petersen, MPI; Sheryl Mai, Mayor, WDC; GM – Environmental Services, Bruce Howse; and Farm Monitoring Manager, Rachael Anderson – MPI funding.

o   David Cochrane and Jonathan Slater, Simpson Grierson – MMH directors.

o   Trevor Griffiths and Ben Tomason, Griffiths and Associates; Mayor and CEO, Whangarei District Council; Mark Binns, Chair Crown Infrastructure Partners – Oruke Landing.

·        Regular Mayors and Chair catch up meetings.

·        COVID-19 climate response – regional council/central government.

·        Steven Finlay, Local Government New Zealand – CEO’s performance review.

·        Catch up meeting with Sarah Petersen, Northland Inc.

·        Meeting with MPI, district council mayors, Rural Support Trust, Fonterra and Federated Farmers – MPI funding.

·        Peter Miskimmin, Sport NZ - update on sport and active recreation funding initiatives.

·        Meeting with Trustpower, Northland Mayors and Steve Macmillan, Northpower – TPM.

·        Trevor Griffiths and Ben Tomason, Griffiths and Associates; Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Whangarei District Council; Stephen Smith, North Chamber – Oruke Landing.

Correspondence

During June I sent out the following correspondence:

Date

Addressed To

Subject

02.06.2020

Hon Shane Jones

Minister of Forestry, Infrastructure and Regional Development

Increasing drought resistance in Northland rural areas

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.2

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Chief Executive’s Report to Council

ID:

A1334342

From:

Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer and dated 30 June 2020, be received.

 

8.2.1   Highlights

Te Tai Tokerau Worker Redeployment Package

Ÿ NRC Rivers & Beaches Vegetation Clearance and Clean-ups

Ÿ A contract was awarded to Johnson Contractors  to undertake $200,000 of tree / vegetation clearance and rubbish clean ups

Ÿ Ten plus sites have already been identified for clean-up in various locations in the mid-north and Hokianga areas - forward work for the month will focus on this

Ÿ Johnson Contractsors will work with MSD to employ ten people for up to 3.5 months for this work, starting on 6 July

Ÿ Traffic Management Plans and Road Corridor Access Request will be arranged with FNDC

Sea Cleaners Update

Ÿ Had a busy month cleaning up Northland’s waterways and collected 63,450 litres of marine debris

Ÿ With these stats Sea Cleaners have reached a milestone of 1,042,510 litres collected in total from Northland with 8,406 volunteer hours

8.2.2   CEO’s Office

Council Property Update

Ÿ The total commercial tenant rent and outgoing relief extended over the Alert Level 3 and 4 periods was approximately $63,500 + GST.  The total rent relief for subtenants on ground leases over the Alert Level 4 period was approximately $13,900 + GST.  The process and decisions have now closed

Ÿ Kensington Crossing’s GP medical tenancy has been successfully handed over and the official opening of the greater redevelopment is planned for Monday 3 August 2020

Ÿ The Kaipara Service Centre Head Contract tender has been awarded to Canam Commercial Limited, involving 75% local subcontractor content by value.  Test piling is to begin in July 2020 and project commitment is contingent on the results

Ÿ The transfer of Marsden Point Rail Link properties from council to full Kiwirail ownership has settled with the Flyger Road poplar nursery being retained by council

Current Legal Proceedings

Department

Description

Status

Consent decision appeal

Replacement consents for, and new consents for an expansion of, Doug’s Ōpua Boat Yard in Walls Bay, Ōpua.

No further update.

Consent decision appeal

Replacement discharge consents for East Coast Bays Wastewater Treatment Plant (Taipā)

First day of Court assisted mediation has been set down for 13 July 2020.  An additional day of mediation is likely to be scheduled in August 2020.

8.2.3   Corporate Excellence

Year-end Draft Accounts

The Finance team are currently working hard towards completing the 2019/20 year-end draft accounts for audit review, hence there is no financial report included in the July 2020 council agenda.  These draft annual accounts will be presented to the August council meeting.  Deloitte will be onsite from 24 August until early September completing their review of the final accounts, which are set to be given audit clearance and be adopted by council at the council meeting on 19 October 2020.

Fraud Declaration

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

Cyber Security

There was a significant reduction in the number of security events detected during June, from thirty in May to ten in June.  This is a direct result of most staff now returning to working from the office where all internet traffic is monitored by the firewall.  The ten events for June were all categorised with a severity of low.

A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) was launched against a council website that is hosted alongside the council’s website on Sunday 5 July 2020.  The result of the attack was to overload the server processor (CPU) hosting the websites.  The graph below whows the CPU usage shooting from the normal 5 – 10% range to 100%.

The impact was that the website was partially unavailable until the attacks were completely blocked and additional DDoS protection software was implemented on Monday 6 July.  Normal operation of the website was restored by Tuesday 7 July.

8.2.4   Regulatory Services

COASTAL / WATER QUALITY FIELD OPERATIONS

Ÿ All routine monthly water quality and ecological programmes were undertaken, including:

Ÿ Four coastal water quality sampling runs 

Ÿ Nine river water quality, priority catchment and periphyton sampling runs

Ÿ Five continuous freshwater quality stations validated

Ÿ Council’s two automated sediment samplers at Hātea River and Otaika River were triggered by high turbidity within the river on multiple occasions.  The automated samplers take samples through the course of a storm event to calculate sediment loads from these catchments.

Ÿ Nine lake level sensors were moved this month following the lake levels dropping below current sensor limits during the past summer.  

Ÿ Staff continued to undertake inanga spawning site mapping during the spawning season.  

HYDROLOGY

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Rainfall

Ÿ June 2020 was a wet month for Northland and the second month in a row with above normal rainfall on the east coast catchments of Northland

Ÿ A high number of rain days were recorded, typical of June, with only one day of the month recording no rain in any part of the region

Ÿ The bulk of the rain fell as a low moved east from the Tasman and across Northland on 24 June with north-easterly winds and showers/rain particularly on the east coast.  A second front from the same system delivered more rain to Northland on 26 June

Ÿ The SPI index for Northland still shows that the region is extremely dry when considering conditions over a longer period

For the first half of 2020 Northland has received -23% to -50% less rainfall than typical for this period.  But we are in a much better position than for the first half of 2019 with many areas receiving nearly double the rainfall in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.  The exceptions are the Awanui catchment, Dargaville, Ruawai and the Pouto Peninsula which have recorded similar dry conditions in 2020 as they did in 2019.

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River Flows

Ÿ River flows were in a much healthier state compared with last month.  All rivers are currently flowing above Mean Annual Low Flows and have been for most of the month, since the weather event at the end of May and beginning of June.

Ÿ Monthly flow statistics hadn’t been reviewed at the time of reporting, but it appears that flows for the month will be normal or above normal.

Weather Forecast - Long Range

Ÿ The low-pressure systems that have brought rain to Northland for the second half of May and through June are likely to continue through July, but the region may receive slightly less rainfall than normal for the month.  August and September are forecast to be unusually dry and there is a chance that these dry conditions may extend into October. 

Monthly anomalies (deviations from normal)

Jul-20

Aug-20

Sep-20

Kaitāia temperature anomaly (Celsius)

0.4

0.3

0.1

Kaikohe temperature anomaly (Celsius)

0.4

0.3

0.1

Whangārei temperature anomaly (Celsius)

0.4

0.3

0.1

Dargaville temperature anomaly (Celsius)

0.4

0.3

0.1

Kaitāia rain anomaly (mm)

-5%

-24%

-27%

Kaikohe rain anomaly (mm)

-9%

-17%

-29%

Whangārei rain anomaly (mm)

-6%

-14%

-25%

Dargaville rain anomaly (mm)

-4%

-28%

-26%

Circulation anomaly (NZ)

ridge over Northland

High pressure blocking over NZ

Wind anomaly (Northland)

W

variable (under the high)

Hydrology Projects

Ÿ Flow data processing for the steady state modelling project continued through June and was completed by the end of the month.

NATURAL RESOURCES DATA

Ÿ LAWA: detailed timelines and review steps have been released for the “Annual Refresh 2020” for rivers, lakes and groundwater. The main tasks have to be completed in July and August 2020.

Ÿ The Natural Resource (NR) Data Team is processing a number of large data requests linked to the drought analysis, Regional Water Quality Model (steady state and contaminant loads for NPS-FM) and the Aupōuri aquifer model update 2020.

Ÿ At a national level, the “Data Mobility (Electronic Field Capture) Working Group” was formed as part of RECOCO projects to improve New Zealand’s environmental data. The NR Data Team is reviewing the current hydrology electronic field forms to align them with the national templates. Further changes and additional sections are required to make the forms suitable for NRC’s purposes.

Ÿ The NR Data Team is working with the online services team to update the platform for displaying environmental data on the council’s website.

Ÿ The water use reporting season has begun, and an increasing number of records are now received via the online water meter system and telemetry.  The NPSFM, released on 28 May, highlights that water users with consents to take more than 5 litres per second have to install a unit on their water meters to electronically record water use and then transmit this data to councils at high frequency.  NRC already has systems in place to receive water use records real-time.

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE

Freshwater

Ÿ NR Science staff were mostly busy with the review of our existing monitoring networks for river and lake water quality.  The networks are being reviewed against the monitoring objectives listed in the Proposed Regional Plan and the NPSFM.  Integration of these networks with our other monitoring networks (hydrometric, freshwater quantity, coastal, consents and compliance) are being considered, together with other key regional and national initiatives, is also being considered. 

Ÿ Several scenarios are being tested to reach a balanced and optimum network size which would enable council to have a better understanding of the current state of Northland’s water resources and implement national policy with greater efficiency.

Freshwater Ecology

Ÿ Good progress was made during June on the first stage of research into the ecological impacts of the 2020 drought. 

Ÿ Massey University is working to establish the background condition of ecological communities prior to evaluation of SOE 2020 drought data. This will help establish current state and trends, eg. some sites may have already been exhibiting declines or improvements in ecological health prior to the 2020 drought.

Ÿ This will facilitate analysis of the drought 2020 SOE data when it is available in August.

Air Quality

Ÿ Ambient PM10 monitoring results for May 2020 for the Whangārei and Marsden Point airsheds and Kawakawa township show that compliance was met with the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality.  Ambient PM2.5 monitoring results for Whangārei were within the Ambient Air Quality Guideline value.

Ÿ Progress was made on the air quality monitoring network review.

Ÿ An Envirolink grant project report from NIWA has been received.  The report:

Ÿ Ranked Northland’s five airsheds from potentially highest to lowest concentrations of PM2.5: Whangārei, Kaitāia, Dargaville, Kerikeri and Marsden Point.

Ÿ Provided a high-level assessment of potential hotspot locations suitable for air quality monitoring sites (to comply with National Environmental Standard for Air Quality).

Ÿ Recommended that Mairtown in the Whangārei airshed would be a better location for particulate monitoring than council’s current location at Robert Street.

Ÿ As recommended by the NIWA report, we are currently looking for a suitable PM10 monitoring site in Mairtown, Whangārei to relocate the mobile PM10 monitor from Kawakawa.  The current plan is to monitor PM10 from Robert Street and Mairtown for a year and compare the results.  If Mairtown PM10 concentrations are higher than Robert Street, we will relocate the Robert Street monitors to Mairtown.

Ÿ Council’s CO2-e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emission is presented in the graph below.  The graph shows a comparison of council’s monthly emission of CO2-e between 2019 and 2020.  The effect of lockdown can be seen with reduced emissions in April and May.  The graph is based on live data and numbers for last few months and are subject to change as we are yet to receive power bills and some fuel card invoices for April and May.

Ÿ Elevated CO2-e emissions in February 2020 are associated with increased fuel consumption.  The increase could be the result of increased activity, and mileage, associated with the drought response.  Council’s fuel consumption is shown in the second graph.

 

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Marine

Ÿ eCoast has completed a hydrodynamic model of the Whangārei Harbour that can be used as a tool for assessing the impact of stormwater discharges on water quality in the harbour. 

Ÿ A year-long stimulation of stormwater discharges was also undertaken to assess the dilution of contaminants over a range of mixing zones. 

Ÿ The model outputs have been used to produce a table of dilutions at four mixing zones (10m, 20m, 30m and 50m) for one- and two-year return interval rainfall events.  These tables can now be used by the Consents team when assessing consent applications and when setting consent limits for stormwater discharges into the Whangārei Harbour.

Surface Water Quantity

Ÿ The meteorological drought maps (below) indicate that in June 2020, most Northland areas ranged from mildly to moderately wet, while the Rotokakahi and Dargaville areas were very close to normal. However, the accumulated dryness over the past 24 months, from July 2018 to
June 2020, remained at severe to extreme levels region wide.

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Ÿ Hydrological drought indication maps for June 2020 will be delivered in July after data processing has been completed.

Consents in Process

During June 2020, a total of 84 decisions were issued.  These decisions comprised:

Ÿ Moorings                                                                   7

Ÿ Coastal Permits                                                     33

Ÿ Air Discharge Permits                                           1

Ÿ Land Discharge Permits                                     11

Ÿ Water Discharge Permits                                     0

Ÿ Land Use Consents                                              13

Ÿ Water Permits                                                       11

Ÿ Bore Consents                                                         8

The processing timeframes for the June 2020 consents ranged from:

Ÿ 172 to 3 calendar days, with the median time being 32 days;

Ÿ 100 to 3 working days, with the median time being 20 days.

Fifty-five applications were received in June 2020.

Of the 121 applications in progress at the end of June 2020:

Ÿ 54 were received more than 12 months ago (most awaiting further information from the applicant);

Ÿ 9 were received between 6 and 12 months ago (most awaiting further information from the applicant);

Ÿ 58 less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

The following commissioners were appointed in June 2020:

Ÿ Dr Rob Lieffering for consents associated with coastal structures and dredging.  The hearing is scheduled for 3 August 2020.

Ÿ Mr David Hill and Mr Peter Callander for consents associated with 24 groundwater takes from the Aupōuri aquifer.  The hearing is scheduled for 31 August 2020.

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

The current level of notified application processing activities at the end of June 2020 is (by number):

Ÿ Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month                    1

Ÿ Progress on Applications Previously Notified                                                       8

Ÿ Hearings and Decisions                                                                                                 0

Ÿ Appeals/Objections                                                                                                        2

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 - 30 June 2020 (and year-to-date figures) are summarised in the following table and discussed below.

Classification

Total

Full compliance

Low risk

non-compliance

Moderate non-compliance

Significant non-compliance

Not exercised during period

Air discharges

73

46

9

4

3

11

Coastal permit

183

116

19

16

2

30

Discharge permit

222

132

35

17

8

30

Land use consent

102

63

11

5

0

23

Water permit

163

94

44

18

1

6

Total

743

451

118

60

14

100

Percentage

60.7%

15.9%

8.1%

1.9%

13.5%

Full year

9,403

7,051

952

591

257

YTD

Percentage

75.0%

10.1%

6.3%

2.7%

5.9%

Coastal

The majority of consents monitored during the reporting period related to coastal structures, dredging and coastal discharges from treated municipal sewage, industrial and boat maintenance facilities.

Water, Waste, Air and Land Use (WWALU) compliance monitoring

Ÿ General

Two compliance officers attended the Hikurangi Swamp Scheme meeting in late June.  No matters discussed at the meeting required follow-up by the council.

Ÿ Water use

Recovering groundwater systems and stream base flows has eased staff workloads, although staff were still responding to enquiries from people who were aggrieved that their water supply ran out through the drought.  Staff are now turning their minds to preparing a regional drought response management plan, particularly for managing more severe droughts, using what we have learnt over the past eight months.

Ÿ Wastewater

No major issues have been identified during wastewater treatment plant inspections that were undertaken post lockdown. 

A visit to the former Tangiteroria Tavern site was made in June.  The property owners have installed an irrigation system to address longstanding wastewater discharge issues.  The system received approval from the KDC building team.  Water quality sampling will be undertaken in the near future to assess the effectiveness of the system.

Ÿ Forestry and Earthworks

Forestry and earthworks operators continue to make up for lost time and our officers have been in high demand to approve work on sites prior to the weather window for earthworks closing.  There have been some concerns raised by the general public about some development sites in built-up areas in Whangārei, however, follow-up investigations have not found any major issues arising from those sites.

There are several small-scale forestry contractors operating in Northland that do not currently participate in the Northland RMA Forestry Group.  These contractors have, in some instances, been found to be doing work that falls outside the NES-PF rules and which is also not covered by our regional plan rules.  We will be encouraging these contractors to participate in the RMA Forestry Group to facilitate good forestry work practices throughout Northland.

Ÿ Waste management

Four incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and eighteen enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to.  Two sites were added to the Selected Land-use Register (SLR).  Four hundred kg of hazardous waste was disposed of during the reporting period.

Two quotes were received by hazardous substance disposal experts to assist with the proposed changes to the hazardous waste disposal programme.  Once a supplier has been chosen, the new collection regime will be publicised to advise the public of the changes.

Environmental incidents

There were no incidents recorded during the reporting period that resulted in a significant environmental impact.

ENFORCEMENT

Abatement notices, infringement notices and formal warnings

The following enforcement actions were taken during the period:

 

Infringement
Notice

Abatement
Notice

Total*

Nature of Offence

No. Offences

No. Notices

No. Offences

No.  Notices

No.  Offences

No.

Notices

Burning & smoke nuisance

0

0

3

4

3

4

Illegal activity in coastal marine area

0

0

1

1

1

1

Sediment

0

0

1

1

1

1

Total

0

0

5

6

5

6

*An infringement notice and an abatement notice may be issued for the same offence.  This means that in the above table, Column 5 (Total No. Offences) is not necessarily the sum of Column 1 (Infringement Notice No. Offences) + Column 3 (Abatement Notice No. Offences).

Other Enforcement

Ÿ Farm dairy effluent – Pūrua

Charges were laid against a farm owner and his company, as well as the farm manager and his company, for offences which occurred in August 2019.  There are five charges against each of the four defendants.  The farm has a poor history of compliance with regional rules for animal effluent disposal.  Disclosure was provided to the defence lawyers on 5 March 2020.  The first appearance date in the Whangārei District Court has been adjourned to 23 July 2020.

Ÿ Sand dune removal – Tokerau Beach

Charges have been laid against two parties – an individual and his company for offending which occurred in July 2019.  The alleged offences include the removal of a sand dune at Tokerau Beach.  There are four charges against each of the two defendants.  Disclosure was provided to the defence lawyer on 2 March 2020.  The first appearance date in the Kaitāia District Court was on 22 May 2020.  Guilty pleas have been entered by the individual, with the charges against the company being withdrawn.  Sentencing is scheduled for 23 July 2020 in the Whangārei District Court.


 

 

Ÿ Timber treatment plant

Charges were filed in court on 12 March 2020 for a company and an individual for discharges from a timber treatment processing plant.  The plant has a history of poor compliance with resource consent conditions.  Disclosure was completed on 2 April 2020.  Not guilty pleas were entered on 29 May 2020.  The next court date is scheduled for 23 July 2020 in the Whangārei District Court.

Ÿ Earthworks without erosion and sediment controls – Totara North

Council arranged for the installation of erosion and sediment controls under section 330 of the RMA.  A decision on prosecution is pending legal advice.  Recovery of council’s costs will be sought under the relevant RMA provisions (either in conjunction with a prosecution or separately).

Ÿ Abatement notice appeal – open burning, Orongo Bay

An abatement notice issued in May 2020 for burning of prohibited materials has been appealed by the alleged offender.  All parties have agreed to court assisted mediation, which has not yet been scheduled.

Ÿ Water Shortage Directions (WSDs)

Recent rainfall has taken the pressure off the water supplies.  There were no WSDs in effect by the end of the reporting period.

8.2.5   Environmental Services

land management

Farm Plan and Environment Fund Update

Farm Environment Plans 2019/2020

Environment Funds 2019/2020*

FEPs Commenced 2019/20

FEPs Completed 2019/20

No of Environment Funds Granted

Amount Granted

133

158

147

$1,010,755*

*This includes MfE fund proportion of Hātea projects

With the end of the financial year the time to complete the environment fund projects has ended and a reconciliation of the final figures will be done over July.

Waimā Waitai Waiora – Freshwater Improvement Fund

Objective

Status

Te Kawa Waiora

Ÿ Interviews conducted via Zoom during COVID-19 restrictions have led to the appointment of two fixed term documentary and oral researchers

Ÿ COVID-19 restrictions have restricted hui wananga associated with the project, set to begin in September

Farm Environment Plans

Ÿ 55 Farm Environment Plans (FEPs) have been completed, exceeding the 40 FEP annual KPI

Landowner grants

Ÿ Tender for planting 65,000 native plants across six sites has closed and contract has been awarded

Ÿ Planting will begin 13 July

Communication and engagement

Ÿ Video series – on track

Ÿ Signed contract in place for web page development - due late September

Water quality monitoring

Ÿ Signed contract in place with Manaaki Whenua for mātauranga monitoring app development

Ÿ Six new monitoring sites have been established to further monitor mātauranga, feeding information into app development

Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities

Milestones

Status

Research

Coastal erosion buffers

A research plan has been approved by MPI and a coastal erosion tool utilising remote sensing and LiDAR data is in development.

Mature poplar / willow

A research plan has been approved by MPI and poplar has been milled into a range of products for treatment and mechanical testing.

Farm Environment Plans

 

All 112 plans (100%) have been completed in the 2019 - 20 year.  There was a $55k favourable variance this year on staff wages.

Stakeholder Engagement

 

A project engagement strategy has been approved by MPI.  Promotional material is in development including a ‘planting hub’ on the NRC website. 

Land Treatments

Retirement fencing

$84k fully allocated covering 15km of fencing with 97ha of land retired, which is 129% of the 75ha target.

Contractor capacity development

A list of contractors interested in planting work has been prepared.  Contractor training is delayed until next financial year due to COVID-19, resulting in a $15k underspend. A proposal to reallocate the $15k will be submitted to MPI in September.

Hātea Catchment Project

The deed variation to extend this project to 30 September 2020 has been signed by NRC.  The largest milestone for the project was reported in mid-June, with a total NRC spend of $100,132 and MfE spend of $132,498.

Total action completed so far:

Ÿ Fencing                20.2 km

Ÿ Plants                   18,000

Ÿ Troughs               31

Flyger Road Nursery

Harvest completed successfully and all poles delivered.  In total, 4,500 poles were allocated to 59 properties across the region. Nursery planting material is currently being processed and collected in preparation for planting to begin on 13 July.  Irrigation materials have arrived, and new irrigation lines will be developed over the next three months in preparation for dryer months.

Far North Afforestation Hub Partnership with Te Rarawa

The Land Management team are working with Te Rarawa Commercial Entity, Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea Trust to setup and support an afforestation hub (Kahutia-a-Nuku) in the Far North.  The hub is funded through a 1BT partnership grant between the Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea Trust and Te Uru Rakau.

The purpose of the hub is to develop 1BT Direct Landowner grants on behalf of landowners wishing to retire and plant areas of marginal hill country and consequently improving water quality outcomes.

The intention is for NRC to support the hub, through a Short Form Contract, providing support as detailed below:

Ÿ Provision of access to systems and software required for the completion of 1BT Direct Landowner Grant applications and the management of data including mapping software.

Ÿ Provide mentoring support for the Hub ‘Project Developer’ role with specific focus on regional rules, good forest design, land use capability and good land use practices.

Ÿ Provision of workspace in council’s Kaitaia office for the ‘Project Developer’ role.

The Hub concept has many parallel objectives to the Northland Regional Council’s existing Land Management programme (improved water quality, soil conservation and climate mitigation) and is an opportunity for council to partner with iwi to extend the level of Land Management Services available to landowners in the Hokianga – Kaitaia area. 

biodiversity

FIF Dune Lakes Project

Objective

Status

Aquatic weed and pest fish control

Ÿ Lake Rototuna was netted with no rudd caught.  The lake will continue to be netted every six months for three years to confirm whether rudd have been eradicated. 

Ÿ Organisation for the herbicide operations in the Far North is progressing.  A meeting was held with helicopter operators and all relevant documents sent through for final planning.

Ÿ Dates for NIWA to undertake a pre-operation submerged plant covers have been booked for early September. 

Ÿ A Monitoring Plan peer reviewed by NIWA for the three herbicide treatment lakes was submitted to EPA to fulfil permit conditions. 

Ÿ The Quarter 3 report and invoicing was approved by MfE.

Sediment and nutrient mitigation

Ÿ A visit was made to Kai Iwi Lakes as part of pre-planning for sediment mitigation actions.

Ÿ Staff also updated the Taharoa Domain Board Meeting on these plans.

Māori Lakes Strategy

Ÿ All iwi partners were contacted this month and plans discussed for next year.

Ÿ Staff assisted Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust with maps and photos for their Dune Lakes Restoration Plan.

Fencing

Ÿ Nil

Lakes

Annual submerged weed surveillance at Kai Iwi Lakes, which had been delayed by COVID-19 was undertaken. No weeds were detected.

An aerial survey, joint funded by the Department of Conservation, of Poutō lakes was undertaken to look for any additional lakes with possible submerged weeds.  This followed the discovery on a remote lake infested with hornwort and egeria.  A second lake was identified from the air with possible hornwort and has been since confirmed by a snorkel survey.  NRC and DOC are now planning to undertake control operations in both lakes.  An iwi representative accompanied the team on the aerial survey.

LIDAR processing has been completed for the lakes sub-catchments, which will be used for on-going planning.


 

E-funds for Lakes and Wetlands

There has been a good return on E-funds to year-end considering the situation with COVID-19, with six completed and signed-off.  However, three were withdrawn, including two for lakes and one for a top wetland.  These will be re-applied for in the 2020-21 round.

CoastCare

NRC CoastCare has been working with Tane’s Tree Trust on a three-year indigenous coastal forest buffers project.  The second year of planting began with the Northland trial sites, north of Waipapkauri - 1,460 trees planted in June, 680 of which were put in at a planting day with Kaitāia Intermediate School.  The trees were provided by Summit Forestry and the NRC Environment Fund and grown at local nurseries, including the Bushlands Trust nursery in Kaitāia. 

biosecurity PArtnerships

Kiwi Coast

Kiwi Coast worked with council biosecurity specialists, Department of Conservation staff, and community group members to assist with translocation of Northland brown kiwi from the Motuora Island kiwi creche in the Hauraki Gulf.

Eighteen drought affected kiwi were rescued, with six going into the Marunui Conservation Area (Piroa – Brynderwyn High Value Area), eleven into the Pukenui Western Hills Forest, and one into the Whangārei Heads High Value Area. 

Beach Girl, one of the rescued Motuora Island kiwi
 released in the Maranui Conservation Project
.

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Predator Free Whangārei

A funding acknowledgement for the Predator Free Whangārei project was planned by council staff and held at Barge Park, Whangārei on Friday 10 July.  This celebration of the project was attended by Hon Eugenie Sage, Minister of Conservation, Hon Shane Jones, Minster of Regional Economic Development and project partners.  This presented an opportunity to publicly announce the creation of the project and celebrate with the community.

wilding conifer control

Wilding conifer control work funded from the Ministry for Primary Industries COVID-19 allocation is proceeding apace, with 80% of the works complete.  The remaining works are expected to be completed by the end of August.  The projects are based in the Far North, Kaihū and Whangārei areas.

rivers

Long Term Plan Projects

Rivers

Comments

Awanui

JNL Spillway is 95% completed.  Archaeology authority, resource consenting, detailed design work and landowner engagement is progressing well.  We expect to lodge resource consent 3 July. 

Kerikeri-Waipapa

Design work is complete and resource consent is expected to be lodged by mid-July. 

NATURAL HAZARDS

Work Streams

Status

Comments

Awanui and Kerikeri Flood Model

100%

The updated flood maps are live on NRC Web page.

Coastal erosion hazard mapping

99% complete

New coastal erosion assessments and updates completed, and draft report and maps delivered

75% complete

Auckland University is mapping Northland historic shorelines and erosion risk. Now due Sept

Coastal flood hazard mapping

Kaipara Project is 99% complete

Coastal flood model for the Northern Kaipara Harbour complete. Draft report and maps being peer reviewed.

Regional coastal flood project - 65% complete

Region-wide coastal flood hazard assessment progressing as expected. Report and maps expected end July

Region-wide flood mapping

Design storm project - 50% complete

Project to develop area-specific design storm rainfall characteristics to improve the accuracy of flood models

Hydro-enforced DEM project - 80% complete

New hydro-enforced digital elevation model – priority catchments delivered and final draft deliverables due July 11

Region-wide flood model – tender assessment phase

14 submissions for region wide river flood model received; project to be awarded early July for immediate start

CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE

Climate Adaptation Te Taitokerau (Regional joint adaptation group)

·    Adaptation Planning

Cost estimates for adaptation planning costs for NRC and TA’s have been developed (70% complete). Work on alignment of LTP programs to fund adaptation planning program between councils is underway.

·    Regional Climate Adaptation Strategy

Components of strategy to be delivered September 2020. Components being developed by NRC staff include a Regional risk assessment (60% complete) and Adaptation Options Framework (70% complete). Consultants working on GIS climate risk analysis (80% complete). 

·    Region-wide Governance

Draft ToR for inter-council joint committee being consulted on with Iwi/hapū at each council. Recommendation and paper to be presented at Aug CE forum 

Climate Change Strategy

NRC climate change strategy proposal presented to climate change working party and discussed with TTMAC on 9 July

Northland Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Capture

The new LiDAR data set is now being used widely throughout council and the Northland community.  A LiDAR presentation at the June Engineering New Zealand event was attend by 54 engineers and interested parties.


 

8.2.6   STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement

KAIPARA MOANA REMEDIATION PROGRAMME

On 5 July 2020 central government announced a $100 million contribution to remediate the Kaipara Moana.  Staff are working with Ministry for the Environment, Auckland Council and Kaipara Uri to prepare for formalising the funding.  This includes preparing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and the details for establishing a joint governance committee to oversee the programme.  An extraordinary council meeting is scheduled for 29 July 2020 where council approval will be sought for signing the MOU and to establish the joint governance committee.

PROPOSED REGIONAL PLAN

The ‘Appeals Version’ of the Proposed Regional Plan has been updated to incorporate all provisions that were subject to the 14 consent orders received from the Environment Court last month.  The appeals version can be viewed here: https://www.nrc.govt.nz/media/16350/proposed-regional-plan-updated-appeals-version-june-2020.pdf.

The council continues to negotiate with appeal parties in order to try and resolve those appeal points that remain unresolved.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project

Update

Future developments/ reporting

Resources Enterprise Limited (REL)

At the hearing on 23 June, defendants raised new evidence which the judge gave them until 1 July to submit.

Work with lawyers to review latest evidence and prepare response.  Decision will not now be made until August at the earliest. 

Northland Water Storage and Use

Finalise funding agreement with the Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust, prepare legal documents to novate current contracts and agreements.

Support transition of the project from council to the Trust. 

Manea Footprints of Kupe

COVID has resulted in a six week delay in finishing the building shell (now estimated mid-August) with opening now scheduled for mid-December.  Trust is altering strategy to focus on education and domestic tourism.

Awaiting milestone to make final payment. 

Hundertwasser Art Centre (Whangārei)

Following the additional $4.5M PGF funding allocation, WAMT has withdrawn additional funding request from council. Completion still expected to be May 2021. 

Awaiting milestone to make final payment. 

Te Hononga / Kawakawa Hundertwasser Park Centre

Building shell to be completed by end of June, with fit out to occur after.  Hundertwasser Non-profit Foundation sign off for the visitor experience images and captions.

Awaiting milestone to make final payment. 

Twin Coast Cycle Trail (TCCT)

Contact FNDC and MBIE to discuss arrangements for closing out project. 

Awaiting milestone to make final payment. 

 


 

Investment and Growth Reserve – Project Development funding by Northland Inc.

Three Project Development funding allocations were made in 2019/20 together totalling $143,334 out of a potential budget allocation of $200,000. 

Ÿ Feasibility phase of the Northland Water Storage and Use Project ($84,334)

Ÿ Mokau Pa amphitheatre visitor experience ($35,000)

Ÿ Literature review phase of resilient pasture project ($25,000)

Other Work Undertaken

Ÿ Northland Inc. / Council quarterly workshop held on 2 June.

Ÿ Co-ordinate and provide second round of council comments on draft Northland Inc. Statement of Intent 2020-2023 (see agenda item 7.3). 

Ÿ 27th issue of Northland Economic Quarterly released 7 July and available online at www.nrc.govt.nz/economicquarterly.

Ÿ Joint CCO development – begin process to progress this with other councils.

ONLINE CHANNELS

Most popular content on Facebook – A post congratulating Patukeha and Ngati Kuta Hapū as the winners of the Te Tohu Matua Supreme Award, at our 2020 Whakamānawa ā Taiao Environmental Awards.  The post reached almost 10,000 people and had over 1,000 engagements.

*Engaged – number of people who ‘reacted’, commented or shared the post

Key Performance Indicators

*Feb-20

Mar-20

Apl-20

May-20

Jun-20

WEB

 

 

 

 

 

# Visits to the NRC website

35,500

30,300

25,100

27,900

33,800

E-payments made

12

8

5

6

5

# subscription customers (cumulative)

1,176

1,171

1,182

1,210

1,221

SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative)

 

 

 

 

 

# Twitter followers

1,515

1,523

1,525

1,517

1,159

# NRC Facebook fans

9,976

9,553

9,599

9,627

9,713

# NRC Overall Facebook Reach

327,700

172,300

60,300

75,400

201,900

# NRC Engaged Daily Users

23,500

14,900

6,529

5,164

12,000

# CDEM Facebook fans

18,000

17,900

18,000

18,000

18,100

# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach

404,200

161,900

172,800

114,300

72,300

# CDEM Engaged Daily Users

42,500

20,600

19,200

11,800

5,817

# Instagram followers

1,103

1,137

1,163

1,172

1,193

* February 2020 - Significant increase in usual Facebook reach and engagement due to the number of posts communicating key messages about drought management.

ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION

Project Pest Control Skills Courses

From 18 – 23 June, two Project Pest Control skills courses were held at the Rayonier Matariki Forest in Glenbervie.  Seventy senior students from Kamo, Otamatea, Pompallier, Renew, Ruawai, Tauraroa, Whangārei Boys’ and Whangārei Girls’ High schools attended. 

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Crs Bain and Craw officiated at the NCEA-based courses centred on biosecurity and biodiversity.  Council’s Biosecurity and Enviroschools teams joined with CanTrain NZ and local industry representatives to deliver the training.

School Communities Facilitated

During June, Enviroschools facilitators carried out 35 specific supports with Enviroschools communities.

MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT

Whakamānawa ā Taiao - Environmental Awards

The winners of the Northland Regional Council Whakamānawa ā Taiao - Environmental Awards were announced at a virtual ceremony on Thursday 18 June.  Videos were produced for each category with an NRC Councillor announcing the winner and highly commended places.  Facebook viewers could tautoko the winners by liking, sharing and commenting on the announcement videos.

The winners of the 2020 Whakamānawa ā Taiao - Environmental Awards are:

Ÿ Environmental action in the community - Friends of Rangikapiti

Ÿ Environmental action in pest management - Bream Head Conservation Trust

Ÿ Environmental action in education - Portland School – Te Kura o Tikorangi

Ÿ Environmental action in water quality improvement - Dragonfly Springs Wetland Sanctuary

Ÿ Environmental action in industry - United Civil Construction Limited

Ÿ Environmental leadership  - Ian Wilson and John Dawn

Ÿ Kaitiakitanga - Patukeha Hapū and Ngati Kuta Hapū

The Te Tohu Matua Supreme Award went to Patukeha Hapū and Ngati Kuta Hapū.

A small ceremony will be held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday 21 July where this year’s winners can come together to share their success and receive their trophies and certificates.  A four-page media spread on the awards will feature in the Advocate on Wednesday 29 July.


 

Environmental Leaders Fund

A total of 48 applications were received from Northland schools requesting a total of $90,957.  This was significantly up on the 27 applications submitted in 2019.  This year the fund was extended to include Early Childhood Education centres, and six applications were received from this sector. 

The full $20,000 ELF fund was allocated to 21 schools receiving funding for native planting and riparian restoration projects, fencing, shadehouse and nursery construction, and SHMAK kits for water quality monitoring.  A total of $4,255 worth of trapping hardware from the Biosecurity fund was granted to six schools doing pest control projects.

A further $10,372 was allocated from Toimata Foundation funding to supplement worthy projects that would have missed out on receiving funds this year.

Funds will be paid to recipients from the 2020/21 budget.

MĀORI ENGAGEMENT

Te Whāriki Core Cultural Competency Framework

Te Whāriki Level 1 workshops will be re-established in July aligned with Mātariki event focussed on the core values of whanaungatanga and building relationships across council staff whilst taking the opportunity to provide learning of Mātariki and it’s significance to Māori.  Cultural support and advice has been provided at a number of events including Predator Free Announcement with Ministers Jones and Sage, Environmental awards presentations, ceremony at Kaipara hosted by Te Kuihi, Te Roroa and Te Uri o Hau.

IHEMP Funding

A total of seven applications received for the next financial year totalling $80,650 with $20,000 to allocate demonstrates the demand from hapū for this opportunity.  Final IHEMP submitted by Ahipara Takiwa in June endorsed by Te Rarawa Runanga.

Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē

The first face to face meeting was held in June post-COVID with the four iwi representatives in attendance signalling an important milestone for the Board and the commitment by iwi to lead and support the development of the beach management plan; including newly appointed Board member Rick Witana for Te Aupouri and Wallace Rivers for Ngāi Takoto. 

Our team are involved in several projects and strategies across the organisation and are providing Māori technical advice and leadership as listed below:

Ÿ Regional Fresh Water Strategy and the incorporation of Te Mana o te Wai with the input and advice of the Maori Technical Advisory Group and Te Taitokerau Maori and Council Working Party.

Ÿ Māori Engagement Wilding Pine Project – Te Rewa Rewa (Whenua Māori – Whanau Led) and supporting the bio-security team to build relationships with hapū, iwi, Māori landowners and industries is progressing well and a positive pilot for other Māori landowners.

Ÿ Continued investigation and discovery of council models across the country to inform a consistent approach of Mātauranga Māori to council programmes of works and operations

Ÿ Responding to resource consent issues being raised by hapū and how we can work to improve our responses when challenged by hapū and iwi regarding council policies and processes.  A project being developed with MTAG to address these questions and inform better decision making.


 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION (LGOIMA) REQUESTS

Month

LGOIMA requests
received 2018/19

LGOIMA requests
received 2019/20

July

15

15

August

20

22

September

7

16

October

5

29

November

10

11

December

9

12

January

11

14

February

15

21

March

9

13

April 

12

12

May

19

13

June

11

15

TOTAL LGOIMA REQUESTS RECEIVED

143

193

LGOIMA requests not responded to within 20 working days*

1

18

*       REQ.599577- Request for council to seriously consider the validity of the Marine Pathway Management Plan levy.  This correspondence was not originally registered as a LGOIMA when it was received.

8.2.7   Customer Service – Community Resilience

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Telephone Inbound Call Statistics & Enquiries

 

June 2020

Total 2019/20

Target

Call volume via Customer Services

2,295

26,736

 

Conversion rate

98.4%

98.1%

> 95%

Average wait time

6 sec

5 sec

 

Calls answered in under 30 sec

97.6%

96.8%

> 90%

Call volumes are almost back to normal.  As usual, biosecurity-related enquiries made up 20% of all calls, maritime and consents 10 % each, and the balance is spread across the other departments.

Satisfaction Monitoring

•    Feedback Cards, Compliments and Complaints

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

Compliments received

Total

Service provided by a specific person / people

·    CityLink driver - Millie

1

Overall service

·    Consents

·    Maritime

·    Transport – Total Mobility

3

Quality of Information

·    Land Management

1

Total compliments recorded

5

The compliments for the Maritime and Total Mobility related to those teams continuing to provide service through the lock-down, often going above what was expected.

Complaints received

Total

Standard of service provided

·    Incident response

·    Citylink - Bee cards (5x)

·    Citylink - bus fumes

7

Disagree with decision or process

·    Consents (2x)

2

Staff / contractor behaviour or attitude

·    Monitoring

1

Disagree with cost / value for money

·    MPMP Levy

1

Total complaints recorded

11

The rollout of Bee cards was disrupted by lock-down and the need to minimise cash handling under Level 2 meant there was a rush to register passengers.  This has caused a few teething issues that have been promptly resolved by the transport team.

Of the other complaints, all have either been resolved or are in the progress of seeking resolution.

Post COVID-19

All service centres are open and have appropriate protocols to minimise transfer of infection including sanitation stations, scanning codes, and structural social distancing.

Resident Survey

The survey period has closed, and results are currently being collated by the research company.  There were two cohorts surveyed; cohort one selected at random from the electoral roll, and cohort two being people who have self-selected through on-line promotion of the survey. 

The number of questionnaires returned by cohort one is down on previous years, but we have had good response from cohort two.  The report is expected to be available by 31 July.

CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

National CDEM  

The national response to COVID-19 has formally transitioned into recovery with the Welfare sector response arrangements having transferred to the national led and supported Caring for Communities, whilst arrangements have now been put into place to ensure that all foreign nationals have the ability to access assistance once all other avenues have been exhausted.  

The Northland CDEM Group has now formally transitioned the COVID-19 Welfare arrangements to the Regional Caring for Communities Governance Group lead by MSD.

Through the COVID-19 response support was provided to iwi, foodbanks, community groups and various agencies who all provided services to whanau and people in communities.  The majority of support related to household goods and services and some emergency accommodation.   Central government provided access to funding, and the CDEM Group distributed $1.7m to support the various groups.       

Whilst COVID-19 continued there was also still demand in some areas of Northland for assistance to provide water for tanks, predominately in the Far North and Hokianga.  Since 11 March over 300 deliveries of tank water have been made and 115 tanks cleaned.  Central government is providing reimbursement for this drought relief work.

As a consequence of having to respond to the drought and provide emergency water, either through commercial tankers or through the defence force, the Northland CDEM Group is partnering with iwi, Te Puni Kokiri, the Public Health Unit, Department of Internal Affairs, councils and private providers to ensure that clean healthy water is accessible during droughts.   The group has identified several potential beneficiaries and is working to prioritise work and access funding.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is continuing to work through their restructure in line with the Emergency Management System Reforms (EMSR).

NEMA have developed a new emergency management information and communication system for use by CDEM Groups across the country during a response phase.  The new facility is based in the Microsoft Teams software and was partially utilised during the COVID-19 response.

Northland CDEM Group Activities 

The Northland CDEM Group Joint Committee and Coordinating Executive Group met for their quarterly meetings on Wednesday 17 June.  The Northland CDEM Group is supporting regional recovery efforts through the Northland

The Northland CDEM Group Plan is currently being reviewed and is due to be finalised by December 2021.  The plan sets the Northland CDEM vision, strategic goals and priorities for the next five-year work programme and considers national strategies, plans and changes in legislation.

The Northland CDEM Group became aware through public reports that a new Fire Standard for building fire alarms sound almost identical to the tsunami siren network.  A media release has been distributed to inform the public and this issue adds to the priority to upgrade the tsunami siren network.

The Northland CDEM Group responded to the earthquake and tsunami event on 19 June from a 7.4 magnitude earthquake in the Kermadec Island Region.  The final notification was of a No Threat to New Zealand. 

The Youth in Emergency Services programme this year was to be held in Mangawhai in May, it has been postponed until 2021. 

The annual review and renewal of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) for shared Civil Defence Emergency Management services is currently underway for the 2020/2021 year with Far North, Whangārei and Kaipara District Council.

REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLANNING

Government Policy Statement (GPS)

NZTA have advised that there is the potential for a delay in the release of the GPS 2021/2031.  Should this eventuate, there may well be a delay in the finalisation of the Regional Land Transport Plan 2021/2027 and Regional Passenger Transport Plan.

Regional Land Transport Plan 2021/2027 (RLTP) and Regional Passenger Transport Plan (RPTP) – Investment Logic Mapping Workshop

An Investment Logic Mapping (ILM) workshop, run by an independent facilitator, was held on 10 June 2020 following the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) meeting held on the morning of the same day.

This workshop, attended by the RTC elected representatives and their support managers, discussed and agreed on the following:

Ÿ Regional land transport related “Problem”: -

Ÿ Poor state of the infrastructure;

Ÿ Regional remains heavily dependent on road transport but demand levels changing;

Ÿ Road safety; and

Ÿ Unsealed roads.

Ÿ The “Benefits” of addressing the Problems: -

Ÿ Enabling economic growth

Ÿ Greater regional resilience

Ÿ Contributing to a reduction in social deprivation; and

Ÿ Reducing environmental impact.

Once the weighting of the above have been agreed, they will drive the direction of the draft RLTP and RPTP.

Regional Land Transport Plan 2021/2027 (RLTP) and Regional Passenger Transport Plan (RPTP) – Progress Report

Whilst every effort is being made to ensure that the draft RLTP and RPTP are compiled and submitted to the RTC for approval for release for public consultation within the scheduled time period, NZTA have indicated that there may be delays in the release of Arataki (10 year state highway plan), State Highway Activity Management Plan and the Transport Agency Investment Plan.  These documents form an important part of the both the RLTP.

In addition, the NZTA are in the process of revamping their Transport Investment Online (TIO) computer programme.  This is the programme where all funding requests are downloaded for inclusion in the National Land Transport Programme.  The same incident occurred during the 2018/2021 RLTP process and created unnecessary delays in loading the required information.

As in the case of the late release of the GPS, the delayed release of the above document and the revamp of TIO, staff will be under considerable pressure to meet the deadlines set.  These have not been changed to accommodate the above.

The Transport Special Interest Group continue to work on a nationally consistent method for the compilation of an RLTP.  Whilst this work has progressed well, delays outside of our control may result in the implementation of the proposed process being delayed to the 2021/2027 three-year review.

Passenger Transport Administration

Bus Link stats for May 2020 (revenue ex GST)

Actual

Budget

Variance

Year/Date Actual

Year/Date Budgeted

City Link Passengers

14,448

36,888

-22,440

281,181

319,040

CityLink Revenue

$13,349

$49,799

-$36,450

$354,387

$430,704

Mid North Link Passengers

101

156

-55

1,643

1,674

Mid North Link Revenue

$333

$780

-$447

$6,120

$8,370

Hokianga Link Passengers

35

78

-43

570

846

Hokianga Link Revenue

$341

$1,017

-$676

$5,434

$11,032

Far North Link Passengers

159

621

-462

4,523

6,831

Far North Link Revenue

$382

$1,552

-$1,169

$10,723

$17,077

Bream Bay Link Passengers

0

24

-24

460

246

Bream Bay Link Revenue

0

$86

-$86

$2,803

$886

 

Bus Link stats for June 2020

(revenue ex GST)

Actual

Budget

Variance

Year/Date Actual

Year/Date Budgeted

City Link Passengers

33,552

30,010

3,542

314,549

349,050

CityLink Revenue 

$30,194

$40,514

-$9,960

$388,521

$471,218

Mid North Link Passengers

166

156

10

1,809

1,830

Mid North Link Revenue

$604

$780

-$176

$6,725

$9,150

Hokianga Link Passengers

39

78

-39

609

924

Hokianga Link Revenue

$478

$1,017

-$539

$5,912

$12,049

Far North Link Passengers

 

593

 

 

7,424

Far North Link Revenue

 

$1,483

 

 

$18,561

Bream Bay Link Passengers

47

24

23

507

270

Bream Bay Link Revenue

$315

$86

$229

$3,117

$972

*Far North Link Stats were unavailable at the time of the report and CityLink were based on provisional reports 

With the severe financial impact on all contracted services due to no fares being charged on the instructions of the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Health, the NZTA will be reimbursing lost farebox revenue.  These reimbursements will be based on the farebox revenue recovered for the same period last year.  NZTA will also be covering all additional cleaning costs incurred during this period.

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 Budgeted Expend

Monthly Variance

Year/Date Actual Expend

Year/Date Budgeted Expend

Annual Variance

May 2020

1,632

$17,905

$25,000

-7,095

$191,579

$275,000

-$83,421

Total Mobility Free Fares

Total Mobility free travel continued through the month of June 2020 regardless of the country moving to Level 1.  This resulted in a dramatic increase in travel.  The total trips for June 2020 were 4,360.  For the same period last year, a total number of 2,779 trips were undertaken.  Full fares will be introduced from 1 July 2020.

Freedom Companion Driving

Freedom Drivers became an approved Transport Operator during lock down, however their first trips operated were in June.  They offer a similar service to Driving Miss Daisy.  They have one wheelchair hoist vehicle, which brings the number of wheelchair capable vehicles on the scheme to six.

ROAD SAFETY UPDATE

Road Trauma Update: 2020 Year to date road death statistics

National        144 deaths compared to 193 at the same time in 2019

Northland    15 deaths compared to 15 at the same time in 2019

Road safety promotion messaging is continuing through Northland MediaWorks, NZME radio networks including print and digital platforms. These messages target key regional issues being restraint use, impairment, distractions and speed and fatigue.

Northland Police have signalled concerns that impaired driving is on the rise again and some of the levels detected are very high. A new dedicated team is being created to operate in the Far North which is one of the hotspots.

Ride Forever (R4E) Rider Monthly Training Update

There have been 240 motorcycle riders trained through the ACC initiated R4E training courses held in Northland during the 12 months ending June 2020.  The participant numbers were updated monthly:

Ÿ Bronze course                 61

Ÿ Silver course                  112

Ÿ Gold course                      67

MARITIME

Nineteen incidents were received over the month of June, most minor in nature comprising of Aid to Navigation light failures, mooring incidents and derelict vessels.  There were two minor oil spills and a vessel grounding.

Two counts of positive feedback received for maritime over the month of June.  Our Maritime Cadet was mentioned by name with thanks from a well-known and usually challenging member of the public.  The team also received thanks from the police for assistance during the shutdown.

Whale Rock buoy and the wave rider buoy were pulled for servicing and refurbishment and are scheduled to be re-installed.  Rolling regimes of maintenance to Aids to Navigation, surveying, mooring tagging and routine field work assisting other departments is ongoing.

The sector light in the Bay of Sslands failed due to an electrical fault.  The replacement part is still under test in Finland, as the original manufacturer Vega no longer exists.

The maritime team completed contracted work on the Bream Bay power station buoys and accepted and completed a new contract to service the Portland Beacons using the work vessel Waikare.

Work is ongoing with the review and update to Northlands T2 Regional oil spill response plan.

Joint self-assessments are close to completion for both Whangārei and Bay of Islands SMS, awaiting final input from other harbour stakeholders.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 9.0

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Receipt of Committee Minutes

ID:

A1334990

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

 

Recommendation

That the unconfirmed minutes of the:

·        Investment and Property Subcommittee – 27 May 2020; and

·        Audit and Risk Subcommittee – 24 June 2020

be received.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Investment and Property Subcommittee Minutes 27 May 2020

Attachment 2: Audit and Risk Subcommittee unconfirmed minutes 24 June 2020  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Chris Taylor

Title:

Governance Support Manager

Date:

15 July 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 9.0

21 July 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 9.0

21 July 2020Attachment 2

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                        ITEM: 10.0

21 July 2020

 

TITLE:

Business with the Public Excluded

 

Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to recommend that the public be excluded from the proceedings of this meeting to consider the confidential matters detailed below for the reasons given.

Recommendations

1.              That the public be excluded from the proceedings of this meeting to consider confidential matters.

2.              That the general subject of the matters to be considered whilst the public is excluded, the reasons for passing this resolution in relation to this matter, and the specific grounds under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution, are as follows:

Item No.

Item Issue

Reasons/Grounds

10.1

Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 16 June 2020

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

Receipt of Confidential Committee Minutes

The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, as stated in the open section of the meeting.

10.3

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).

3.              That the Independent Financial Advisors be permitted to stay during business with the public excluded.

Considerations

1.    Options

Not applicable. This is an administrative procedure.

2.    Significance and Engagement

This is a procedural matter required by law. Hence when assessed against council policy is deemed to be of low significance.

3.    Policy and Legislative Compliance

The report complies with the provisions to exclude the public from the whole or any part of the proceedings of any meeting as detailed in sections 47 and 48 of the Local Government Official Information Act 1987.

4.    Other Considerations

Being a purely administrative matter; Community Views, Māori Impact Statement, Financial Implications, and Implementation Issues are not applicable.