Council

Tuesday 15 September 2020 at 10.30am

 

 

AGENDA

 


Council Meeting

15 September 2020

Northland Regional Council Agenda

 

Meeting to be held in the Council Chamber

36 Water Street, Whangārei

on Tuesday 15 September 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       Health and Safety Report                                                                                                                            6

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

4.1       Confirmation of Minutes - 18 August 2020                                                                                     10

4.2       Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings                                                                   23

5.0       Financial Reports

5.1       Financial Report to 31 August 2020                                                                                                   25

6.0       Decision Making Matters

6.1       Governance Omnibus                                                                                                                              28

6.2       Northland Inc. Director Resignation                                                                                                   40

6.3       Establishment of the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party 42

6.4       Hokianga Navigator Role - Request for Funding Contribution                                                  50

6.5       Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Operational Plan 2020–2021                    56

6.6       Request for Approval of Unbudgeted Expenditure for Otiria-Moerewa Flood Modelling and Pre-feasibility Study                                                                                                                                         85

6.7       Request for Approval of Unbudgeted Expenditure for Upgrading the NRC Water Allocation Tool                                                                                                                                                                         87

7.0       Operational Reports

7.1       Chair's Report to Council                                                                                                                        89

7.2       Chief Executive’s Report to Council                                                                                                    92

8.0       Receipt of Committee Minutes                                                                                                              117  

9.0       Business with the Public Excluded                                                                                                    121

9.1       Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 18 August 2020

9.2       Receipt of Confidential Committee Minutes

9.3       Human Resources Report

9.4       Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd - Appointment of Directors

9.5       Commercial Agreement with NIWA   

 


 

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

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Health and Safety Report

ID:

A1356991

From:

Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This report provides an overview of activity in health and safety for the month of August 2020, which in summary we report:

·    Health and safety systems audit and review has begun.

·    The same top five risks remain, with plans to develop action strategies for mitigating these. 

·    There was a decrease in the reporting of hazards and injury/incident related events for the month.

·    The development of action plans for improving the key focuses in the health and safety strategy are completed.

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Health and Safety Report’ by Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor and dated 26 August 2020, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

The health and safety report has been refreshed to better align with governance reporting.  For this month, the new sections in the report provide an outline of what each section will focus on.  Going forward there will be more in-depth descriptions on how each area is tracking.

1.         Health and safety performance

Table 1: Health and safety performance lead and lag indicators

*based on calendar year

2.         Risk management

The top five health and safety risks in the organisation are currently:

1.         Driving

2.         Unknown hazardous substances

3.         Known hazardous substances

4.         Stress

5.         Not implementing controls

As part of the health and safety strategy, action plans are going to be developed to outline the steps for mitigating these risks to their lowest practical point.  This will involve looking at training requirements, current systems, behaviours and attitudes, and then identifying where we as an organisation can improve.

These plans will be progress tracked and key achievements and goals will be outlined in this report.

 

3.         Incidents and hazards

Figure 1: Number of hazard and injury related events for previous 12 months

Figure 1 shows the number of injury/incident and hazard related events reported over the previous 12 months.  Reporting of both incidents and hazards is trending down.

 

Events of interest:

Events of interest will report the commentary for high risk events.

·        Nil

 

 

 


 

Events reported

Figure 2: Top 10 issues for previous 12 months

·        Stress has been removed from figure 3, as that majority of the stress data was gathered from a survey, and not from a health and safety report (which is what this data represents).  Survey results and other proactively gathered data will be discussed in section 1 or with the associated work programme in section 4.

·        There were two vehicle events.  Both involved damage to vehicles, but no people were injured.

·        Of the slip, trip and fall events; one was a hazard and two were classed as ‘no medical treatment injuries’.

 

4.         Health and safety strategy work programme

Leadership

·        The Health and Safety Committee met.  Key priorities identified are to establish a digital risk assessment tool, and to reduce the number of health and safety policies to four key policies which feed into procedures in Promapp. 

Injuries, incidents and hazards

·        As discussed in section 2, action plans will be developed for mitigating the top five risks. After this task, the review of the remaining hazards and their controls will take place. This includes their associated procedures and risk assessments.

Wellbeing

·        The stress survey was undertaken in August and results are currently being analysed.

·        The wellbeing group has been engaging staff to take part in ‘Steptember’.  They have further been assessing the wellbeing needs if we return to COVID level 3, and looking at the impacts on wellbeing that the flexible working trial has had. 

·        A mental wellbeing toolkit is on the Express (intranet) providing staff with a range of resources to utilise.

Communicaiton and engagement

·        A communications plan has been developed to share relevant health and safety updates and critical information to the organisation.

Continous improvement

·        As discussed in section 1, the health and safety audit/systems review will be progress tracked.  This process will allow for any corrective actions, areas for improvement and legal non-conformances to be identified and corrected.

 

5.         Legislation updates

Nil

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Bruce Howse

Title:

Group Manager - Corporate Excellence

Date:

09 September 2020

  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 4.1

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Confirmation of Minutes - 18 August 2020

ID:

A1357505

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

 

Recommendation

That the minutes of the council meeting held on 18 August 2020 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Council Meeting Minutes 18 August 2020  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Chris Taylor

Title:

Governance Support Manager

Date:

08 September 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 4.1

15 September 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 4.2

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings

ID:

A1358892

 

Recommendation

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

 

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

The Working Party met on Wednesday 26 August 2020.  The topics for discussion included:

Ÿ Planning and Policy Work Programme

Ÿ Regulatory Services Update / Work Programme

Ÿ National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020

Ÿ Aquaculture NES

Ÿ Water Services Bill

Ÿ Fast-tracked Consents

Ÿ Regional Plan Update.

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

Ÿ Strategic Policy Specialist to get in touch with TAs and give them a heads-up on implications of the new Freshwater NES

Ÿ GM, Regulatory Services to provide an update on fast-tracked consents to the next Working Party meeting in October

Ÿ GM, Regulatory Services to check with EPA as to whether the names of the nominees for the expert panel are public information, and if so, provide them to the Working Party (Note: this has subsequently been done and the information circulated).

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

The Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party met on Thursday 27 August 2020.  The topics for discussion included:

Ÿ FIF Dune Lakes Herbicide Programme 

Ÿ 2018 - 2019 Annual Report - Regional Pest and Marine Pathways Management Plan  

Ÿ 2020 - 2021 Biosecurity Operational Plan draft.

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

Ÿ Investigate wider distribution of the 2019-2020 Annual Report - Regional Pest and Marine Pathways Management Plan once finalised 

Ÿ Revising wording of several KPIs for the 2020-2021 Biosecurity Operational Plan 

Ÿ At a future TTMAC meeting, discuss the level of provision for Kauri Dieback works in iwi/hapu plan requirements 

Ÿ Updated version of Operational Plan to be submitted to a council workshop.

 

 

 

 

 

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Ben Lee

Title:

GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement

Date:

09 September 2020

  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.1

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Financial Report to 31 August 2020

ID:

A1360026

From:

Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant

 

Executive Summary / Whakarāpopototanga

This report is to inform council of the year to date (YTD) financial result to August 2020.  Council has achieved a YTD surplus after transfers to and from reserves of $2.25M, which is $160K favourable to budget. 

 

Recommendation / Ngā mahi tūtohutia

That the report ‘Financial Report to 31 August 2020’ by Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant and dated 3 September 2020, be received.

 

Report


Revenue

Year to date revenue is $11.09M, which is $2.22M or 25% above budget.

 

Expenditure

Year to date expenditure is $6.99M, which is $39K or 0.5% below budget. 

Note that across council there is a $201K favourable salaries variance predominantly due to the time to complete recruitment of positions identified in the LTP and AP or restored via the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve.  Some of these have associated external funding. 

 


 

Transfers to reserves

For the year to date there has been a net transfer to reserves of $1.85M compared to a budgeted net transfer from reserves of $248K.  This is predominantly due to:

Ÿ $1.56M more than budgeted transfers to externally managed fund reserves representing higher reinvestment of gains than budgeted.

Ÿ $337K lower than budgeted transfers from the Community Investment Fund reserve for IGR funding due to not requiring it this month.

Ÿ $60K higher than budgeted transfers to river reserves predominantly due to lower than budgeted stop bank and river clearance works.  This is a timing issue and the budgets will be rephased to be more consistent with the expected timing of works.

 

Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve initiatives

Ten initiatives have been funded from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve totalling $889K.  This leaves $811K unallocated at the end of August 2020.  The initiatives funded are as follows:

Tangata Whenua capability

$30,000

Modelling of aquifers

$100,000

Enviroschools staff and seminars

$86,565

Pest plant prevention work stream

$110,000

Biodiversity FIF dune lake position

$75,131

Biosecurity marine position

$60,092

Economic policy advisor

$85,701

Kaiarahi Mahere Māori technical advisor

$82,784

BOI harbour modelling

$58,000

ReCoCo obligations

$100,617

Northland Inc. business case assessment

$100,000

Total

$888,890

 

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Bruce Howse

Title:

Group Manager - Corporate Excellence

Date:

07 September 2020

  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.1

15 September 2020

Atta

 

TITLE:

Governance Omnibus

ID:

A1352308

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager and Kym Ace, Corporate Systems Champion

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

Over the past few months a series of events have highlighted the need to update several of council’s governance documents.  This report seeks council’s approval to amend its Standing Orders (in relation to the process for receiving petitions, non-financial conflicts of interest and definitions) and the Elected Members’ Code of Conduct (in relation to conflicts of interest and including a reference to the council’s recently updated Fraud, Dishonesty and Corruption Control Policy).

 

Recommendations

1.         That the report ‘Governance Omnibus’ by Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager and Kym Ace, Corporate Systems Champion and dated 1 September 2020, be received.

2.         That council approve the amendments to Standing Orders in relation to the process for receiving petitions, non-financial conflicts of interest and definitions (as detailed in Attachment One pertaining to Item 6.1 of the 15 September 2020 council meeting agenda); noting that any amendment requires a vote of not less than 75% of the members present.

3.         That council approve the amendments to the Elected Members’ Code of Conduct in relation to Conflicts of Interest and the Protected Disclosures Act 2000, (as detailed in Attachment Two pertaining to Item 6.1 of the 15 September 2020 council meeting agenda); noting that any amendment requires a vote of not less than 75% of the members present.

 

Background/Tuhinga

Amendments to Standing Orders

Two petitions were received in July 2020 with the request that these be presented to council.  This was the first time that the provisions for petitions within Standing Orders had been put into practise. 

The first petition related to a current resource consent application and was presented as part of the Public Forum at the July 2020 council meeting.  This petition highlighted that:

·        It is inappropriate for council to consider a matter relating to live RMA processes (such as resource consent applications and enforcement processes); and

·        All petitions should be presented as part of a public forum or deputation to ensure there are clear processes and conditions in place.

 

Therefore, it is proposed that Sections 15, 16 and 17 relating to public forums, deputations and petitions be amended as detailed in Attachment One.

The second petition did not relate to the roles and functions of the regional council.  Although Standing Order 17.1 states: ‘Petitions may be presented to the local authority or any of its committees as long as the subject matter falls within the terms of reference of the intended meeting’ it did raise the question whether technically council had the ability to transfer the petition (similar to the transfer of requests for information).

The Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) and Local Government Official Information Act 1987 (LGOIMA) are silent on the process for the handling of petitions, so to avoid any doubt a new Standing Order 17.4 Transfer of Petition is proposed as detailed in Attachment One.

The second matter that arose was the release of updated guidance on conflicts of interest by the Office of the Controller and Auditor General (OAG).  This guidance differed from earlier versions which focussed predominantly on financial conflicts of interest and/or created confusion by combining financial and non-financial conflicts of interest.  The new guidance delineates between financial and non-financial conflicts of interest, conflict of roles and predetermination.

While council’s current Standing Orders does address financial and non-financial conflicts of interest, there was room for improvement and better alignment with the advice of the OAG.  Therefore, it is proposed that Standing Order 20.8 Non-financial conflicts of interests be amended, and a new Standing Order 20.9 Predetermination be introduced as detailed in Attachment One:

Lastly it is proposed, for completeness, that the definitions (based on the OAG guidance) of financial conflict of interest, material, non-financial conflict of interest and predetermination be included in Standing Orders (Section 2) and detailed in Attachment One:

It should be noted that any amendment to Standing Orders must be made by the council and by a vote of not less than 75% of the members present (clause 27(3) Schedule 7, Local Government Act 2002).

Amendments to Elected Members’ Code of Conduct

Regarding conflicts of interest, council’s current Code of Conduct focusses purely on financial conflicts of interest.  It is recommended that this be amended to align with the OAG guidance to include non-financial conflicts of interest, conflicts of roles and predetermination.

It is also recommended that the Code of Conduct be amended to reflect best practise, that when an elected member has declared a conflict of interest the organisation will not provide them with any confidential information relating to the matter.

Regarding protected disclosures, council’s current Code of Conduct does not include reference to the council’s updated Fraud, Dishonesty and Corruption Control Policy, which applies to employees and elected members.  It is recommended for completeness, that this reference be included while other changes are being made to the Code of Conduct.

The proposed amendments are included in Attachment Two.

It should be noted that any amendments to the Elected Members’ Code of Conduct also requires, in every case, a vote in support of the amendment of not less than 75% of the members present (clause 15(6) Schedule 7, Local Government Act 2002).

 

Considerations

1.         Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Amend Standing Orders and Elected Members’ Code of Conduct.

·     Aligns with the OAG guidance/best practice regarding conflicts of interest.

·     An opportunity for improvement and ensures council’s governance documents remain current.

·     Ensures elected members have the best guidance available to ensure they handle conflicts of interest appropriately.

·   None apparent.

2

Do not amend Standing Orders and the Elected Members’ Code of Conduct.

·     None apparent.

·   Misses an opportunity for improvement.

·   Council’s governance documents do not align with the OAG guidance/best practice.

 

The staff’s recommended option is 1.

 

2.         Significance and engagement

This is a purely administrative matter relating to the day to day operations of council.  Hence is deemed to be of low significance.

3.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

The amendments proposed in the paper are to ensure there are clear processes in place for both the handling of petitions and elected members’ conflicts of Interest.  With regard to the latter, it is critical that potential conflicts of interest are handled appropriately to ensure council business is conducted with integrity, impartiality, accountability, trustworthiness, respect and responsiveness.

In order to comply with the Local Government Act 2020, any amendments to Standing Orders or the Code of Conduct must be approved by 75% of members present.

Further considerations

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

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Proposed changes to Standing Orders

Attachment 2: Proposed changes to the Elected Members' Code of Conduct  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Ben Lee

Title:

GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement

Date:

09 September 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.1

15 September 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.1

15 September 2020Attachment 2

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.2

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Northland Inc. Director Resignation

ID:

A1354607

From:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

A Northland Inc. director resigned from the board in May 2019.  This resignation leaves the board with a panel of six directors.

 

It is recommended that council does not recruit for a replacement director for Northland Inc. and that the board remains with six directors. 

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Northland Inc. Director Resignation’ by Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence and dated 20 August 2020, be received.

2.         That council does not recruit for a replacement director for Northland Inc. and that the board remains with six directors. 

 

 

Considerations

1.         Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Do not recruit for a replacement director

Savings in time and money in not having to recruit a replacement and savings in current director fees.  The $18,000 savings in director fees will be a favourable variance to budget.

Potentially this could reduce director skillset and diversity, however the board has previously governed with five directors in the past and the current six directors have sufficient skills and diversity.

2

Recruit for a replacement director

Potentially this could result in an increased director skillset and diversity.

Additional time and money in having to recruit a replacement and director fees.

 

The staff’s recommended option is option 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 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

These matters are of low significance in terms of this matter.

4.         Financial Implications

The $18,000 savings in director fees will be able to be directed to other Northland Inc. activities.

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:

Bruce Howse

Title:

Group Manager - Corporate Excellence

Date:

07 September 2020

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.3

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Establishment of the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party

ID:

A1357591

From:

Darryl Jones, Economist

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This report seeks council agreement to establish the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party (the Working Party) and invite the Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council to each nominate two elected members to be representatives on the Working Party.  It also seeks council’s agreement to continue proceeding along the path towards a joint delivery model for regional economic development with Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council only, i.e. without the participation of Whangarei District Council.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Establishment of the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party’ by Darryl Jones, Economist and dated 27 August 2020, be received.

2.         That council agrees to continue proceeding with the proposal of a joint delivery model for regional economic development as set out in the Mayoral Forum proposal with the participation of Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council. 

3.         That council authorises the establishment of the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party.

4.         That council adopts the Terms of Reference for the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party set out as Attachment One to this report.

5.         That council authorises the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party to serve as the ad hoc committee to recommend to council the appointment of three Northland Inc. directors for the term to commence 1 July 2021.

6.         That council appoint Cr Bain as Chair of the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party and Councillor ________________ as the second council representative. 

7.         That the Council Chairperson not be appointed as ex-officio to the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party.

8.         That council invites Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council to each nominate two elected members to be representatives on the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party.

9.         That council delegates authority to the Chief Executive Officer to update the Terms of Reference for the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party with the names of the elected members nominated by Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council, along with any other minor amendments that may be necessary.

 

Background/Tuhinga

At its meeting on 16 June 2020 council agreed to recommendations put forward by the Mayoral Forum for the delivery of regional economic development services in Northland.  This agreement was given subject to district council approval of the same recommendations /proposal.  The same Mayoral proposal has been agreed to by Far North District Council (FNDC) and Kaipara District Council (KDC) at their meetings on 25 June 2020 and 29 July 2020 respectively.  Whangarei District Council (WDC), at its meeting on 27 August 2020, has decided to not agree to the proposal. 

A major implication of this decision is that the recommended shareholding arrangement for the joint council-controlled organisation would need to change.  Council currently owns all 100 shares of Northland Inc.  The Mayoral Forum proposal envisaged council selling 25 shares at one dollar each to the three district councils so that the four local authorities had an equal shareholding of 25 shares (one-quarter) each. 

Staff endorse maintaining the principle of equal shareholding.  To achieve this, council will have to increase the number of Northland Inc. shares to 120, and then sell 40 shares at one dollar each to FNDC and KDC so that each local authority has an equal shareholding of 40 shares (one-third) each.  Such an arrangement would make it easy for WDC to take up an equal shareholding should it decide later to become a joint owner of Northland Inc.  This would be accomplished by each of the three shareholders selling 10 shares each to WDC, resulting in an equal shareholding of 30 shares (one-quarter) each.  Increasing the number of Northland Inc shares to 120 shares allows any combination of two, three or four local authorities to hold an equal shareholding.  This new shareholding arrangement will be developed as part of the consultation documentation that will be agreed at a later point by council.

One of the recommendations of the proposal was to provide for the district councils to have input into the development of the Northland Inc. Statement of Intent for 2021–2024 and the appointment of directors.  Staff consider that the most appropriate manner to provide for this is to establish a specific Working Party of council. 

The following membership and functions are proposed for the Working Party.  The Terms of Reference are provided as Attachment One to this report. 

Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party

Chair:                                       Cr Bain

Members:                             NRC councillor

District council
representation:                  Two (2) members from each of Kaipara District Council and Far North
                                              District Council

Make recommendations to council on:

·    the appointment of Northland Inc. Limited directors;

·    Northland Inc. Limited’s Statement of Intent 2021–2024; and

·    any other matters relating to the regional economic development service delivery as requested by council.

It is recommended that Cr Bain be appointed as Chair of the Working Party as he is the council appointed shareholder representative for Northland Inc. Limited.  Council is required to appoint a second member to the Working Party.  It is also recommended that the appointment of the Chairperson as ex-officio to all sub-committees and working parties is specifically excluded in this case to ensure an even number of representatives from each of the three councils. 

Council’s policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations states that “An ad hoc committee will be established to consider applications and/or nominations and conduct interviews and make a recommendation on preferred candidate(s) to council.  The ad hoc committee shall normally comprise councillors, including the council’s shareholder representative for the organisation concerned.  Other members may include key stakeholders or any person who has particular knowledge or skills that would be beneficial in the selection process.” 

This paper seeks council approval for the Working Party to undertake the role of the ad hoc committee regarding the appointment of three Northland Inc. directors for the term to commence 1 July 2021.  The term of appointment for four of the current six directors expires on 30 June 2021.  The position held by one of these, Sarah Peterson, will not be reappointed in line with council’s intent to reduce the number of directors back down from seven to five.  The Working Party will follow a process for arriving at a recommendation to council on appointments that is in conformity with council’s policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations. 

For reasons of efficiency and/or expediency, should the Working Party not be able to perform their functions, the council will assume their role and responsibilities.  In line with other working parties of council, the Working Party is required to regularly report progress on their functions to the council. 

 

Considerations

1.         Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Agree to continue proceeding with the proposal of a joint delivery model for regional economic development with KDC and FNDC, and establish the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party

Maintains progress towards a joint delivery model.

An efficient way to provide for district council input into the SOI and directorship process.

Reflects the current situation of council’s 100% ownership of Northland Inc.

There will be some staff time and resources associated with administrating the working party.

2

Agree to continue proceeding with the proposal of a joint delivery model for regional economic development with KDC and FNDC, but delay establishing the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party

Maintains progress towards a joint delivery model.

Provides more time for new council to consider governance structure and who to appoint.

Progress to deliver on the Mayoral Forum proposal may lose momentum and cause unnecessary delays.

3

Agree to continue proceeding with the proposal of a joint delivery model for regional economic development with KDC and FNDC, but do not establish the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party

Maintains progress towards a joint delivery model.

Progress to deliver on the Mayoral Forum proposal will lose momentum and cause unnecessary delays.

Additional staff time and resources will be required to implement the proposal.

4

Don’t agree to continue proceeding with the proposal of a joint delivery model for regional economic development with KDC and FNDC

Releases staff time and resources from implementing the proposal. 

Halts progress towards a joint delivery model, and loss of all the advantages associated with it. 

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1 to agree to continue proceeding with the proposal of a joint delivery model for regional economic development and establish the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party.  A consequence of this decision, Kaipara District Council and the Far North District Council will be invited to nominate two elected members to be their representatives on the Working Party. 

2.         Significance and engagement

This is purely an administrative matter and when assessed according to the council’s Significance Policy is deemed to be of low significance. 

3.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

 The activities detailed in this report are in accordance with the council’s decision making process and sections 76-82 of the Local Government Act 2002. 

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

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Terms of Reference for the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Ben Lee

Title:

GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement

Date:

08 September 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.3

15 September 2020Attachment 1

Document approval

Date

Section amended

Approved By

 

 

As per council resolution

 

 

 

 


 

Terms of Reference

Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party

Membership

The Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party shall be comprised of two (2) councillors from Northland Regional Council (the council) and two (2) elected members from each of Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council (district councils) as follows:

                       

Chair: 

Cr X. XXXXX

Member:

Cr X. XXXXX

District council representation:        

Two (2) members from each of the two (2) District Councils as follows:

Cr X. XXXXX, Far North District Council

Cr X. XXXXX, Far North District Council

Cr X. XXXXX, Kaipara District Council

Cr X. XXXXX, Kaipara District Council

 

Standing orders do not apply.

Quorum

The quorum for meetings of the working party shall be four (4).  District council members count towards a quorum.  Each local authority must be represented by at least one (1) member to constitute a quorum. 

 

Purpose and term

Northland Inc. Limited is currently 100% owned by Northland Regional Council.  The establishment of this working party does not remove or reduce council’s responsibilities as the single shareholder of Northland Inc. Limited.

The working party has been established to assist with the potential transition of Northland Inc. Limited to a jointly owned council-controlled organisation (CCO).  This development is being consulted on by the district councils in their Long Term Plan 2021-2031.

The term of the working party will conclude on 30 June 2021.

 

Vision, mission and areas of focus (Long Term Plan 2018-2028)

Our Northland – together we thrive.  Working together to create a healthy environment, strong economy and resilient communities.

 

The working party will contribute directly to the following areas of focus:

·    A strong regional economy

·    Efficient and effective service delivery

 

Objectives

The objectives of the working party are to:

 

·    Make recommendations to council on the appointment of Northland Inc. Limited directors;

·    Make recommendations to council on Northland Inc. Limited’s Statement of Intent 2021-2024; and

·    Make recommendations to council on any other matters relating to the regional economic development service delivery as requested by council.

 

Responsibilities

The working party is directly responsible and accountable to the council for the exercise of its responsibilities.  Written updates will be provided to council as appropriate. 

 

In carrying out its responsibilities, the working party must at all times recognise that primary responsibility for management of the council rests with the Chief Executive.

 

For reasons of efficiency and/or expediency, should the working party not be able to perform their functions, the council will assume their role and responsibilities.

Role and functions

Council authorises the working party, within the scope of its Terms of Reference, role and responsibilities, to:

1.    General

a)    Subject to operating within approved budget allocation - obtain information it needs from the CEO and/or external party (subject to their legal obligation to protect information);

b)    Request the attendance of any employee, subject to the Chief Executive’s approval, at meetings of the working party or its working groups;

c)    To regularly report progress on its functions to the council; and

d)    Undertake such other functions as may be delegated by council from time to time.

 

2.    Regional Economic Development Service Delivery

For regional economic development service delivery activities:

a)    Provide recommendations to council on the appointment of Northland Inc. Limited directors after following a process that is in conformity with council’s policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations;

b)    Provide recommendations to council on Northland Inc. Limited’s Statement of Intent 2021-2024 in a timely manner that allows council to fulfil its obligations under the Local Government Act 2002; and  

c)    Attend the quarterly workshop sessions between council and the Board of Northland Inc. Limited.

 

3.       No Delegated Authority – Power to Act

The working party has no delegated authority or power to act.

 

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.4

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Hokianga Navigator Role - Request for Funding Contribution

ID:

A1357630

From:

Darryl Jones, Economist

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The purpose of this report is to seek council agreement to provide $10,000 as a one-off funding contribution to the Hokianga Reference Group to support the “Hokianga Navigator” position that they are establishing.  

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Hokianga Navigator Role - Request for Funding Contribution’ by Darryl Jones, Economist and dated 28 August 2020, be received.

2.         That council agrees to provide a one-off funding contribution of $10,000 (plus GST if any) in 2020/21 to the Hokianga Reference Group as a contribution towards the cost of establishing the “Hokianga Navigator” position. 

3.         That council delegates authority to the Chief Executive Officer to allocate this funding from existing budgets and to determine an appropriate payment schedule in consultation with the Hokianga Reference Group.

4.         That council agrees that payment of this funding contribution will only occur once all the necessary funding for the cost of the “Hokianga Navigator” position has been confirmed by the Hokianga Reference Group. 

5.         That council agrees as a condition of funding that a monthly report on the work done by the Hokianga Navigator role be provided to council and Northland Inc. from the Hokianga Reference Group.

 

 

Background/Tuhinga

The Hokianga Reference Group (the Group) was established by Minister Shane Jones in mid-2019 to provide guidance on economic and social matters in the Hokianga.  Cr Justin Blaikie is a member of the Group in a non-council appointed position.  Other members of the Group include Hon John Carter (Mayor, Far North District Council), Eru Lyndon (Regional Commissioner, Ministry of Social Development MSD), Grant Berghan (Northland Principal Regional Advisor, PDU, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment MBIE) and June McCabe (Chair of Te Rawara Asset Holding Company, Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea).

The Group is establishing a Hokianga Navigator Role to support its work.  The primary purpose of the Navigator will be to project manage and coordinate support for selected central government funded projects in the Hokianga.  Over $20 million of funding from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) and COVID-19 economic recovery fund has been allocated to projects within the Hokianga area.  This includes funding for Manea Footprints of Kupe, funding for marae renovation, funding for riparian fencing and planting, and forestry planting through the One Billion Trees programme.

The position description is provided as Attachment One.  The role will be a full time, fixed term contract position for a one-year period. 

The total cost of the role is estimated to be $120,000 (plus GST if any) including remuneration and other expenses.  Council has been requested by the Group to make a funding contribution of $10,000 (plus GST if any) towards the cost of this role.  Staff understand that the remaining portion of the cost will be met by financial contributions from the Far North District Council and central government agencies such as MSD, Te Puna Kokiri and MBIE. 

Considerations

1.         Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Provide $10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of the Hokianga Navigator role

Council participates as a joint agency initiative to support a relatively deprived area of Northland.

Unbudgeted expenditure so reduces opportunity to use funding for other activities.

2

Not provide $10,000 as a contribution towards the cost of the Hokianga Navigator role

Retains funding within council budget.

Council misses out on an opportunity to directly participate in a joint agency initiative. 

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.  Staff recommend that this funding be provided on condition that monthly reporting be provided to council and Northland Inc. on progress being made by the Navigator in fulfilling its role.  One of the outcomes of the role set out in the Position Description is to report monthly to the Hokianga Reference Group and the Hokianga community so this should not be an onerous requirement.  Council should only provide its funding once funding from has been confirmed.   

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. 

3.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

 The activities detailed in this report are in accordance with the council’s decision making process and sections 76–82 of the Local Government Act 2002. 

Further considerations

4.         Community views

The request is being made by the Hokianga Reference Group which was established to provide guidance on economic and social matters in the Hokianga. 

5.         Māori impact statement

There are no known particular impacts on Māori which are different from general public.  Māori make up a relatively high proportion of the population in the Hokianga area. 

6.         Financial implications

This funding is unbudgeted operational expenditure which, subject to approval, will be incorporated into the revised budget and absorbed into council’s bottom line. 

7.         Implementation issues

In order to monitor progress, it is recommended that monthly reporting be provided for the 12-month period that the Hokianga Navigator role is in place.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Hokianga Navigator Role - Position Description  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Ben Lee

Title:

GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement

Date:

08 September 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.4

15 September 2020Attachment 1

HOKIANGA REFERENCE GROUP
POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

POSITION:                    Hokianga Navigator
PROGRAM:                  Hokianga Economic and Social Development “Grow Hokianga.”
REPORTS TO:               Hokianga Reference Group
DATE APPROVED:     

__________________________________________________________________________________

Families growing up in regions expect and deserve quality local education, strong thriving communities and good job opportunities close to home. The Navigator function works in collaboration with the Hokianga community, and the Hokianga Reference Group, to enhance the region’s economic growth and wellbeing potential. This is especially critical during the recovery phase of COVID-19.

The Navigator will be anchored in the Hokianga community and will work to grow jobs, uphold tikanga-driven growth, sustain positive outcomes, and target investment into the Hokianga economy.  In the short term, the Navigator will support C-19 recovery activities by supporting the delivery (project management and co-ordination support) of PGF funded community projects in the Hokianga.  A particular focus will be the development of jobs and training opportunities for local people alongside these projects.

The function will be an important touch point for whānau, hapū, iwi, the wider Hokianga community, funders and regulatory agencies. The Navigator must be an active advocate for enterprise and community development and be well positioned to access all available resources and opportunities to support this.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Area of Responsibility

Tasks

Purpose

·    The primary purpose will be project management and coordination support for selected PGF projects in the Hokianga. 

·    Projects will be those approved PGF projects that require additional project management support to ensure their successful delivery.

·    Community led projects as approved by the Hokianga Reference Group and project owners as required.

Project co-ordination and delivery

The Navigator will be well placed to coordinate across a number of projects, thereby able to inform a pipeline of opportunities for businesses and workers.

·    Facilitate referrals to employment or further training as projects conclude.

·   

Project support functions may encompass:

·    Project planning and implementation support;

·    Coordination of resources and logistics;

·    Connecting projects with stakeholder support, e.g. redeployed workers through MSD;

·    Identify and assist in project risk mitigation,

·    Identify common project risks and propose solution

·    Ensure Health & Safety and other regulatory requirements are observed and highlight any gaps.

Key projects will include those requiring additional Project Management function and support, from the following PGF fund opportunities:

·    Marae renovations

·    Fencing of waterways, riparian planting and stock reticulation

·    Small scale community water infrastructure and storage

 

Reporting

The Navigator will report:

·    weekly to PDU;

·    monthly to the Hokianga Reference Group; and project owners as required.

 

Community Connector

·    Secondary focus on assisting the community to shape their economic aspirations and connect project owners with a support network of expertise, stakeholders and funders.

 

Other Duties

·    Other duties as assigned/required.

 

Outcomes

·    Successful completion of a series of work projects within the Hokianga region.

·    Risks are identified and successfully managed.

·    The Hokianga community, and the Hokianga Reference Group, have been regularly (monthly) updated on progress related to the work programme.

·    Participants on the work projects have been able to gain transferable skills

·    Participants are referred to further training or employment at the conclusion of the work programme.

·    At least one positive media story per month.

 

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

·    Tertiary qualification preferable (business, community development).

·    Previous experience working in rural communities.

·    Hold a Full driver’s license.

·    Be able to provide a Full Criminal Record Check.

 

SKILLS and EXPERIENCE

·    Effective leadership skills

·    Strong communication and relationship management skills are essential.

·    The Navigator needs to possess an awareness of the economic, political, social/cultural and environmental landscape as it pertains communities

·    Project management skills and experience.

·    Financial management skills and experience.

·    Experience in identifying and addressing potential barriers for progressing applications for funding support.

·    Strong understanding in Business/industry/sector knowledge.

·    Understanding of central and local government activities working in Northland.

·    Be able to effectively lead collaboration and bring people together on a journey.

·    Strong critical thinker.

·    An understanding of Maori communities and their unique, traditional and customary values and practices.

·    A good knowledge of reo and tikanga Maori practices and protocols.

 

TERM:

Full time, fixed term, 12 month Contract

HOURS OF WORK:

The minimum hours per week will be 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, however the Navigator may also be required to attend community hui outside of normal office hours, including on weekends. The Navigator will need to exercise his/her common sense to manage the minimum hours around these requirements (for example, taking time-in-lieu for working additional hours, weekends, etc).

SALARY LEVEL:

$00,000 base rate per annum, package will include, mobile device, laptop, printer, and vehicle. TBC

 

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.5

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Operational Plan 2020–2021

ID:

A1358991

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.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Operational Plan 2020–2021’ by Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager and dated 1 September 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.

 

Background/Tuhinga

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.

 

 

 

 

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.         Community views and Māori impact statement

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

5.         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. 

6.         Implementation issues

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

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: 2020-2021 Biosecurity Operational Plan  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Jonathan Gibbard

Title:

Group Manager - Environmental Services

Date:

08 September 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.5

15 September 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.6

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Request for Approval of Unbudgeted Expenditure for Otiria-Moerewa Flood Modelling and Pre-feasibility Study

ID:

A1359241

From:

Joseph Camuso, Rivers & Natural Hazards Manager

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

·    The Otiria-Moerewa Flood Mitigation Spillway is a new initiative designed to reduce flooding in Otiria and Moerewa townships.

·    The Rivers Team is requesting to advance $80,000 from the Covid–19 Reimbursement Reserve for the Otiria-Moerewa Hydraulic Modelling and Pre-feasibility/Geotech study. 

·    The modelling and Geotech study will give council more confidence on feasibility and costs.

·    This project has been identified by council as a priority and is in addition to the list of projects council has identified for the Covid-19 Reimbursement Reserve.

·    At the time of writing this report the reserve balance was $914,074.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Request for Approval of Unbudgeted Expenditure for Otiria-Moerewa Flood Modelling and Pre-feasibility Study’ by Joseph Camuso, Rivers & Natural Hazards Manager and dated 2 September 2020, be received.

2.         That council approve the $80,000 advance to progress the Otiria- Moerewa Modelling and Pre-feasibility study.

 

Background/Tuhinga

The Otiria-Moerewa Floodway Mitigation Spillway’s objective is to reduce flooding in the Otiria and Moerewa areas by diverting the overland flow from the Otiria and Waiharakeke Streams to the Waiharakeke Stream reducing flooding of Otiria and Moerewa.  Phase 1 involves Hydraulic Modelling, spillway options testing and sensitivity analysis along with geotechnical pre-feasibility study and rough order costs.  This will better inform council of the feasibility and costs feeding into the LTP and allowing detailed design to begin in July 2021.

 

Project

Brief details

Engineers Estimate

Phase 1

Modelling options testing and sensitivity analysis

$45,000

Geotechnical pre-feasibility and rough order costs

$35,000

 

Total

$80,000

 

 

 


 

Considerations

1.         Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Approve budget advance

Better understanding of the feasibility and costs of the project.  Project fast-tracked, construction December 2022.

Less funds for other council projects.

2

Don’t approve budget advance

More funds available for other council projects.

Reputational risk for Council.  

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.

2.         Significance and engagement

This decision does not trigger council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

3.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

There are no significant risks associated with the proposal.

Further considerations

4.         Community views

The team is working collaboratively with the Otiria Marae and the community to find solutions to the longstanding flooding issues for Otiria and Moerewa.

5.         Māori impact statement

The Otiria Marae and townships of Otiria and Moerewa are adversely affected by flooding.  This flooding has negative impacts on cultural sites of significant and the community.

6.         Financial implications

General funds will be used for this project. 

7.         Implementation issues

This will require cooperation from Kiwi Rail and FNDC.  Both are engaged with this project.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Jonathan Gibbard

Title:

Group Manager - Environmental Services

Date:

09 September 2020

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.7

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Request for Approval of Unbudgeted Expenditure for Upgrading the NRC Water Allocation Tool

ID:

A1360659

From:

Jason Donaghy, Natural Resources Monitoring Manager

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The water allocation tool requires a significant upgrade to enable the system to operate on the latest Windows platform.

 

The tool is critical to implementing the NPS-FM and NESFW regarding:

·   Avoiding over allocation;

·   Protecting ecosystem health; and

·   Informing decisions on community water supply resilience.

 

The required work has been costed at approximately $40k.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Request for Approval of Unbudgeted Expenditure for Upgrading the NRC Water Allocation Tool’ by Jason Donaghy, Natural Resources Monitoring Manager and dated 7 September 2020, be received.

2.         That council approve the $40,000 advance to progress the upgrade of the Water Allocation Tool.

 

Background/Tuhinga

The council has developed a Water Allocation Tool (Tool) to spatially represent the existing indicative level of allocation and minimum flow regimes across Northland catchments and mapped aquifers.  The Tool was initially developed in 2013 and is a series of ArcGIS models and Python scripts.  This Tool needs to be updated to enable it to operate in the council’s current Windows platform.

 

The Tool has been designed to meet the freshwater quantity accounting requirements of the NPS-FM 2020 and to inform the council of areas where there are high levels of allocation and alternative lesser minimum flows set by consent conditions.  The outputs from the Tool are used by council’s Consent, Planning and Science staff to indicate areas where there may be potential pressures and allocation issues, and to assist in prioritising future work programmes.  The Tool was also available on our website to enable consultants and members of the general public to work out water allocations within catchments.  The required work has been costed at approximately $40k.

 

 


 

Considerations

1.                                     Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Approve budget advance

Provide accurate and timely information on the current allocation in Northland’s catchments.

Less funds for other council projects.

2

Don’t approve budget advance

More funds available for other council projects.

Reduced customer service.  Water allocation assessment/calculations will need to be done manually by staff, which is time consuming and an inefficient use of resource compared with having an automated method to do those calculations.

 

The staff’s recommended option is option 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 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

These matters are of low significance in terms of this matter, although not having the Tool means that meeting the requirements of the NPS-FM and NESFW become more labour-intensive.

4.         Financial implications

The costs of upgrading and operating the Tool will balance out, if not reduce, the costs of calculating water allocation.

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:

Colin Dall

Title:

Group Manager - Regulatory Services

Date:

09 September 2020

  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.1

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Chair's Report to Council

ID:

A1356974

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 August 2020.

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Chair's Report to Council’ by Penny Smart, Chair and dated 26 August 2020, be received.

 

Strategic issues

Covid resurgence

While it was disappointing to go back to level 2 last month it was by no means surprising.  NRC lead Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) along with the now well-honed collaboration of other agencies once again became active.  Providing great service, guidance and resources where necessary and required.

 

Three Waters Review

Over the past three years, central government has been considering solutions to challenges facing delivery of three waters services to communities i.e. drinking water, wastewater and storm water.

 

This has seen the development of new legislation and the creation of Taumata Arowai, the new Water Services Regulator, to oversee and enforce a new drinking water regulatory framework, with an additional oversight role for wastewater and stormwater networks.

 

The government has indicated that its starting intention is public multi-regional models for water service delivery to realise the benefits of scale for communities and reflect neighbouring catchments and communities of interest. There is a preference that entities will be in shared ownership of local authorities.

 

This will potentially mean big changes to how local government operate and are funded, largely dependent on how and where the multi agencies are configured. 

 

Proposal to overhaul the Resource Management Act

There is further change for Local Government in the latest review of the Resource Management Act.

 

Rather than trying to amend the Resource Management Act, an independent review panel says it is best to repeal it and start again.

Under the review the current Act would be replaced with two new pieces of legislation - a Natural and Built Environments Act and a Strategic Planning Act.


 

The report also proposes another piece of legislation called the Managed Retreat and Climate Change Adaptation Act.  Another proposal is the setting up of a National Māori Advisory Board to advise central and local government on resource management from the perspective of mana whenua.

 

Meetings/events attended

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

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

o   Kensington Crossing blessing and commissioning of redevelopment project.

o   Meeting with David Broome from New Zealand Infrastructure Commission.  The GM – Corporate Excellence and Strategic Projects and Facilities Manager also attended.

o   David Cochrane, Councillors Yeoman, Robinson and Craw – Marine Pathways Management Plan.

o   UNISA Mayors and Chairs meeting.

o   Ministers Mahuta and Little – Crown funding for treaty settlement co-governance outcomes in the Kaipara.

o   Andrew Carvell and Murray McCully, Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust, and NRC staff –consenting strategy going forward.

o   Northland Mayoral Forum hosted by Northland Regional Council.

o   Local Government New Zealand Regional Sector meeting.

·        Regular Mayors and Chair catch up meetings.

·        Murray Jagger, Chair, Marsden Maritime Holdings – director appointment process.

·        Justine Smith and Allan Prangell, Department of Internal Affairs; and Sheryl Mai, Mayor, Whangarei District Council – Three Waters Reform.

·        Te Taitokerau Northland Economic Action Plan Advisory Group.

·        Des Subritzky – Dargaville office.

·        Steven Finlay, GM Investment, Infrastructure and Governance Group, Local Government New Zealand.

·        Attended the Local Government New Zealand AGM with Councillor Stolwerk;

·        Northland Mayors/Chair meeting.

·        Refining NZ – Northland Transition Forum – Naomi James, CEO and staff from Refining NZ; Murray Reade, Northland Inc.; Steve Smith, Chamber of Commerce; Sheryl Mai, Mayor, Whangarei District Council; Jason Smith, Mayor, Kaipara District Council; and John Carter, Mayor, Far North District Council.

·        Interviews for Marsden Maritime Holdings directors – Councillors John Bain and Rick Stolwerk; Murray Jagger, Chair, Marsden Maritime Holdings; and Benoît Marcenac, Marsden Maritime Holdings Director, were on the interview panel.


 

Correspondence

During August I sent out the following correspondence:

Date

Addressed To

Subject

03.0820

Hon Damien O’Connor

Minister of Biosecurity

Follow up letter following meeting with Minister O’Connor on 30 July 2020 re Kauri Dieback

04.08.20

Hon Andrew Little

Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations

 

Hon Nanaia Mahuta

Minister for Local Government

Joint letter from Mayors of Auckland Council, Kaipara and Whangarei District Councils, and Chair, Northland Regional Council – Crown funding for treaty settlement co-governance outcomes in the Kaipara

17.08.20

Jesse Mishell

Request from budding collector

31.08.20

Tanya Filia

Ngāti Kaharau me Ngāti Hau ngā hapū

Disappointment at treatment of hapū by council

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.2

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Chief Executive’s Report to Council

ID:

A1358459

From:

Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer and dated 31 August 2020, be received.

 

7.2.1   Highlights

Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Board

The Beach Management Plan has been adopted by the Board with an acknowledgement by Board members of the plan and the work that has been undertaken by council staff and contractors to produce such a high-quality document reflective of iwi historical accounts and the significance of the pathway of the rangatira Tōhe. 

The public consultation programme was also adopted to outline the activities for the public consultation and engagement on the draft Beach Management Plan.

Established through Treaty of Waitangi settlement legislation, the eight-member Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Board (the Board) has an even split of iwi and local government members and was tasked with developing a management plan for the iconic beach.  The Board represents one of the first co-governance arrangements for Tai Tokerau and the approval of the draft plan and consultation marks an important planning milestone for this region.

Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe / 90 Mile Beach itself, is a special place with a unique history and is steeped in cultural and spiritual significance for tangata whenua.  The draft plan sets out how we can all protect and preserve this taonga.  The draft plan was put together by the Board on behalf of the community and sets out where we want to be in the future and provides direction on how we will get there.  Key proposals included in the draft plan include doing more to protect and preserve the beach from inappropriate use and development, preserving and enhancing resources for present and future generations, recognising the importance of the resources of the beach for Te Hiku o Te Ika iwi / hapū and ensuring continued access to their mahinga kai, and recognising and providing for the spiritual, cultural and historical relationship of Te Hiku o Te Ika iwi / hapū with the beach.

Along with Te Rautaki o Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe / Draft Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Beach Management Plan, four reserve management plans were approved.  The Board, as part of consultation on the draft beach management plan, will also seek public feedback on the draft Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Kōhangatī ki Waīkanae (Beach Site A), Waīmāhuru ki Hukatere (Beach Site B), Hukatere ki Waīmoho (Beach Site C), and Waīmoho ki Waīmimihā (Beach Site D) Reserve Management Plans.

In light of the risks associated with COVID-19, the Board have had to consider the safety of our community.  Instead of holding traditional kanohi ki te kanohi or face-to-face hui or community meetings, public will be able to meet with Board representatives (staff or board members) to discuss the plan and to give feedback at appointment only public drop-in sessions to be scheduled at the Te Ahu Centre in Kaitāia.  An online social media campaign (including livestreams with key board members) will also support the consultation process and is being managed by Te Hiku media.

Key dates:

 

Tasks

When

2019

Initial public engagement

July – September 2019

Summer engagement programme  

December 2019 – January 2020

2020

Initial direction from Board on content of dBMP

February 2020

Prepare dBMP and supporting report

February - April 2020

Board considers dBMP and supporting report for formal public feedback

May - August 2020

Approve dBMP and supporting report

21 August 2020

Seek public feedback on draft BMP

14 September – 9 October 2020 (gap between consultation and hearings to accommodate amendment to hui and drop-in times)

Hearing

Friday October 2020 (potentially via zoom)

Deliberations

November 2020

2021

Finalise BMP

October - November 2020

Approve BMP

December 2020 (December Board meeting)

7.2.2   CEO’s Office

Fraud Declaration

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

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)

Previous Cultural Induction day was cancelled due to COVID-19.  An alternative date for this induction is being scheduled for the week commencing 14 September 2020.

Proposed Regional Plan Appeals

Appeals to the Environment Court on council’s decisions on the Proposed Regional Plan

Various mediations held.  Hearings for unresolved matters scheduled based on topics.  One hearing started to date - mangroves (adjourned due to change in COVID level in Auckland)

Economics

Seeking summary judgement from the High Court on money owed to council by REL loan guarantors

All documents submitted from parties. Awaiting decision of Judge.

7.2.3   Corporate Excellence

Cyber Security

Council (NRC) has progressively been addressing information security concerns across its technology footprint.  To date council has undertaken several tactical security measures to improve and manage the security posture. 

The current approach focuses on addressing immediate issues, tactical security measures need to be incorporated into an overarching security risk framework to ensure key risks are not being missed and to ensure the most appropriate spend.

Given the increase in cyber related activity, a high-level risk assessment is being conducted, with the production of a risk-management framework and component parts the output.  This work is well underway and, when complete, will provide a clear road map of actions and improvements to manage the risks identified.

Council Property Update

The Kensington Crossing tenancies are being progressively completed and will be handed over from now through to December 2020.  All the medical precinct businesses will likely be operational this year and convenience restaurant businesses by February 2021.

The Kaipara Service Centre Head Contract tender has been awarded to Canam Commercial Limited.  Their test piling occurred in mid-August and determined that the depth to firm foundations was as expected and construction can proceed.

Formal monthly meetings of the Project Control Group for the NIWA Kingfish RAS facility are occurring with the Project Manager and Designer having been engaged by NIWA.

Forest Management Plan Summary For 2019/20 Year

All Mt Tiger Forest Management Plan targets were achieved for the 2019/20 financial year.  There was no harvest for the 2019/20 year and therefore no revenue.  The last harvest was 2018/19 and the next harvest (very small area) is in 2023. 

The forestry holding was valued at $3,257,000 as at 30 June 2020, a value decrease of 3.2% mainly as a result of lower valuation log prices.  Council holds 17,460 NZ Units (ETS) valued at $560,466 ($32.10 per Unit), representing a 12-month non-cash revaluation gain of 39%. 

7.2.4   Regulatory Services

Consents in Process

During August 2020, a total of 61 decisions were issued.  These decisions comprised:

Ÿ Moorings                                                                   2

Ÿ Coastal Permits                                                     13

Ÿ Coastal Discharge Permits                                  0

Ÿ Air Discharge Permits                                           0

Ÿ Land Discharge Permits                                     20

Ÿ Water Discharge Permits                                     1

Ÿ Land Use Consents                                                1

Ÿ Water Permits                                                       13

Ÿ Bore Consents                                                       11

The processing timeframes for the August 2020 consents ranged from:

Ÿ 573 to 3 calendar days, with the median time being 28 days;

Ÿ 381 to 1 working days, with the median time being 20 days.

Thirty-two applications were received in August 2020.

Of the 96 applications in progress at the end of August 2020:

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

Ÿ 5 were received between 6 and 12 months ago (most awaiting further information from the applicant);

Ÿ 37 less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

No commissioners were appointed in 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 August 2020 is (by number):

Ÿ Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month                    2

Ÿ Progress on Applications Previously Notified                                                       6

Ÿ Hearings and Decisions                                                                                                 1

Ÿ Appeals/Objections                                                                                                        2

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 – 31 August 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 Discharge

19

19

0

0

0

0

Bore Consent

3

1

2

0

0

0

Coastal Air Discharge

2

2

0

0

0

0

Coastal Discharge

27

20

2

3

1

1

Coastal Permit

31

22

5

4

0

0

FDE – Discharge permit

93

57

0

24

11

1

FDE – Permitted activity

33

26

0

2

4

1

Land Discharge

86

54

5

4

1

22

Land Use Consent

88

33

1

0

0

54

Water Discharge

84

58

5

7

5

9

Water Permit

55

26

0

0

0

29

Water Take

111

47

50

5

0

9

Total

632

365

70

49

22

126

Percentage

 

57.8%

11.1%

7.8%

3.5%

19.9%

Year to date

1,080

685

148

83

26

138

Percentage

 

63.4%

13.7%

7.7%

2.4%

12.8%

Coastal

The majority of consents monitored during the reporting period related to coastal structures and coastal discharges (treated municipal sewage, boat maintenance and other industrial discharges).  The refinery quarterly discharge sampling was also undertaken.

 

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

Ÿ Water use

We have received about 90% of the annual water use records for the past year.  All outstanding records will now incur a late fee as per the new charging policy and it is hoped that this will encourage consent holders to submit their records on time.

Ÿ Wastewater

The long-standing issue at the old Tangiteroria Tavern has been resolved.  The property owners have installed a system fit for purpose and samples taken from the stormwater overflow system confirm that the system is working effectively.

Ÿ Air monitoring

With the Hi-Can spraying season upon us, we are receiving more calls to the Hotline reporting incidents of spraying and spray drift.  The use of Hi-Can is currently under review by the EPA.  I have spoken to the CEO of the EPA and received an assurance that the local community will be consulted as part of the process.

Ÿ Forestry and Earthworks

With the return of COVID-19 meeting restrictions, the much-anticipated forestry liaison group meeting had to be cancelled.  In lieu of a meeting, a newsletter was put together by our Environmental Monitoring Officer – Land & Water, that included information on the agenda items along with compliance statistics.  The newsletter has been well received by the industry and supporting agencies.

Staff continue to monitor the progress on the clean-up of the more serious land slips that occurred in the region through the recent flooding events.  Some of the land that has slipped is still unstable and moving, so it may be some time before the issues are fully resolved.  In all cases that we are aware of, the issues are being managed by the landowner / manager in a pro-active manner.

Ÿ Waste and Contaminated land management

Twelve incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and 20 enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to.  490kg of hazardous waste was disposed of during the reporting period.

InterGroup Limited has applied for resource consents on behalf of the Whangarei District Council for the clean-up of the Sustainable Solvents site at Ruakaka / Bream Bay.

Farm Dairy Effluent (FDE) Monitoring

FDE inspections commenced on 27 July 2020.  A total of 804 farms will be visited by the contractor or NRC staff before Christmas - 25 less farms than last year.  To date 141 farms (~18%) have been visited and reported on.  Comparisons of this season’s results so far with those for last season are given in the tables below.

CONSENTED FARMS

Full Compliance

Moderate Non-Compliance

Significant Non-Compliance

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

61

125

28

39

11

25

61%

66%

28%

21%

11%

13%

Six hundred and nine consented farms will be visited this season.


 

 

NON-CONSENTED FARMS

Full Compliance

Moderate Non-Compliance

Significant Non-Compliance

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

32

62

4

14

5

16

78%

67.5%

10%

15%

12%

17.5%

One hundred and ninety-five farms operating under the permitted activity criteria will be visited this season.

Drought Recovery Grant – partial reimbursement of transport costs

NRC is administrating funding of $250,000 to help Northland livestock owners mitigate animal welfare issues, subject to set criteria.

The grant has been live since 1 July 2020 and we have received 51 applications so far (13 in July and 38 in August).  Funds allocated so far:

 

July

August

Total

Far North

$11,748

$20,907

$32,655

Whangārei

$12,365

$66,919

$79,284

Kaipara

$20,771.56

$34,577.33

$55,348.89

Total

$44,884.34

$122,403.30

$167,287.64

The funding is available until November, after which any remaining funds will be returned to MPI.

Environmental Incidents

There were no environmental 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:

Nature of Offence

Infringement Notice

Abatement Notice

TOTAL *

No. Offences

No. Notices

No. Offences

No. Notices

No. Offences

No. Notices

Burning & smoke nuisance

0

0

5

6

5

6

Farm dairy effluent

6

6

13

14

13

20

Hazardous substances, spills & refuse

0

0

2

4

2

4

Other water discharge

0

0

4

4

4

4

Sediment

0

0

1

2

1

2

TOTAL

6

6

25

30

25

36

*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.  The farm has a poor history of compliance with regional rules for animal effluent disposal.  The defendants pled guilty to a total of 14 charges on 23 July 2020.  Sentencing is scheduled for 18 September 2020 in the Whangārei District Court.

Ÿ Sand dune removal – Tokerau Beach

Charges were 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.  Guilty pleas were entered by the individual on 22 May 2020, with the charges against the company withdrawn.  The individual has requested to participate in the restorative justice process, this has been agreed and directed by the Judge, and we are awaiting a date to be set.  The next court appearance will be 23 September 2020 to monitor the restorative justice process and to set a sentencing date.

Ÿ Timber treatment plant

Charges were filed in the Whangārei District Court on 12 March 2020 against 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.  Not guilty pleas were entered on 29 May 2020.  Further charges were filed on 8 July 2020 and the two sets of charges have been joined together.  The case has been adjourned until 18 September 2020 for entering of pleas in the Whangārei District Court.

Ÿ Earthworks without erosion and sediment controls – Totara North

Charges were laid in the Kaitāia District Court on 20 July 2020 against an individual for earthworks undertaken without controls, and work within a watercourse and the riparian management zone.  There are six charges against the individual.  The summons was served on the defendant and the first court appearance is scheduled for 7 October 2020 in the Kaitāia District Court.

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.  Court assisted mediation was held on 25 August 2020 in Kerikeri resulting in an agreement being reached between the parties.


 

HYDROLOGY

Rainfall

Ÿ August 2020 is the third wet month for Northland in a row and the fourth for the eastern areas.

Ÿ Rainfall across the region was between 60mm at Pouto Point and 380mm at Waimamaku (south of Hokianga). 

Ÿ Rainfall for most areas, including Bream Bay Eastern Hills, Bay of Islands, Kaeo and the Awanui Catchment, received rainfall of a similar or higher magnitude to typical for August, with the Hikurangi swamp area being the hotspot (180% of typical August rainfall).

 

A close up of a map

Description automatically generated

River Flows

Ÿ River flows for August have been near typical for the month Bream Bay and the Kaihū catchment, and above normal for the remainder of the region.

Groundwater

Ÿ The rain over the last three months has done a good job at replenishing Northland’s aquifers.  Groundwater levels are near typical for this time of year at all groundwater systems except Mangawhai, but even this aquifer is higher than it was this time last year.

Weather Forecast

Ÿ The long-range forecast from August to October is for near normal rainfall for Northland.  The potential for the development of La Niña conditions over the next three months remains, and if it does develop, then the occurrence of rain bringing north-easterly winds could continue being frequent, as they have been since June (NIWA).

Hydrology Projects

Ÿ A new Hydrology Officer has started in Kaitāia.

Ÿ The Waiarohia at Lovers Lane recorder has been shifted to the opposite side of the walkway to make way for the new Civic Centre and cycleway.

Ÿ Flood gauging at the Tirohanga river on 11 August.

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE

Air quality and carbon emission

Ÿ Ambient PM10 monitoring results for July 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 The mobile PM10 monitor has been moved to Mairtown, Whangārei from Kawakawa.  The first month’s result from this site will be presented in next month’s report.

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.  Since April 2020, council’s monthly CO2-e emission is lower than 2019 emission - clearly, the effect of COVID-19.  Vehicle use is our biggest contributor of CO2-e (80%) followed by air travel (10%).  Contributions from vehicle and air travel to CO2-e emission in 2019 was 65 and 23 percent respectively.

Freshwater Ecology

Ÿ NRC macroinvertebrate indices have been recalculated for the upcoming LAWA update to meet the requirements of the newly released NPS-FM 2020 which stipulate the use of national methodologies (Stark and Maxted 2007, Clapcott et al 2017).  Formerly NRC has used macroinvertebrate indices developed specifically for Northland (Stark 2014).  More than 50% of Northland sites score poorly using the national indices and fall into the D attribute bands below the bottom line.

 

Land management/policy initiatives should help with this to a degree over time (fencing, planting, nutrient management, etc) however there is a fundamental problem with the Macroinvertebrate Community Index (MCI) for Northland.  It was first developed in the Taranaki in 1985 and is now used nationally.  Unfortunately it does not take into account regional differences.  For example, some of the higher scoring insect larvae which help boost the MCI scores are not as abundant in our warm climate.  As an example, stoneflies which prefer cool, bouldery streams are not well represented in Northland.  Just as beech trees don’t grow in Northland, and mangroves and puriri trees don’t grow in Southland, some aquatic invertebrates don’t thrive in our climate.  Hence even some of our reference sites, in almost exclusively native bush catchments, do not always score well.  It is well recognised that the current index needs revising and the draft macroinvertebrate National Environmental Monitoring Standards (NEMS) will be recommending further work in this area.

 

The Northland Specific Index was a Northland specific derivative of the MCI - using this index roughly 15% of sites would fall into the ‘D’ band.

 

Ÿ Review of current periphyton monitoring sites is underway as part of the network review.  The aim is to ensure representative sites regionally and within each Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) and to ensure that each site has associated flow data available with the aim to progress model development for the setting of nutrient limits in the upcoming Proposed Regional Plan Change.

There are 13 FMU’s .  Currently 10 of these are monitored for periphyton.

Monitoring Network Review

Ÿ LTP new initiatives to implement the outcomes of water quality monitoring network review for rivers and lakes have been drafted with focus on recently released National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) and national consistency by following the National Environmental Monitoring Standard (NEMS).   

Water Quality Modelling Work

Ÿ The final draft report on Northland's steady state water quality model by Land & Water Science has been reviewed internally.  The report has attempted to provide a deeper understanding of “how” and “why” variation in water quality occurs by building a spatial linkage between landscape attributes, in combination with land use, and the dominant processes specific to Northland region.  The report has also been externally peer reviewed by the leading water quality modeller Dr Ton Snelder and will be finalised by the beginning of September 2020.

Ÿ The work on calculating catchment loads for various water quality contaminants by Land & Water Science is on progress.  Currently, the water quality loads at 31 SoE sites have been calculated by integrating river flow and using a range of methods, which needs to be extended to calculate the loads in unsampled areas. 

Ÿ NIWA is currently in the process of calibrating Northland specific customised CLUES model for Total nitrogen, Total phosphorous, and E.coli.  CLUES land use layer has now been updated for 2017 using Agribase and LCDB5.  NIWA's water quality load model is due by the end of this year.

Ÿ CLUES scenario models of future water quality loads by applying various mitigation scenarios is currently on hold until this baseline scenario is derived.  NRC is currently working with other consultants to map the current land management mitigations so that NIWA can make a baseline scenario to relate that to current water quality loads.  Once the baseline mitigations are mapped, NIWA will apply mitigations following rules (eg. conservation planting in pasture on steep slopes) or according to maps (eg. apply mitigation X to particular FMUs or river segments).

Ÿ NIWA is undertaking a lake dynamic modelling as a trial in Northland using Lake Omapere as a case study.  This work is funded by the MBIE Strategic Science Investment Fund.  NRC is contributing to this project by supplying the monthly discrete and continuous water quality monitoring data together with the lake level data and flow data at the lake outlet at Utakura Stream.  

Marine

Ÿ Sediment sampling has been conducted at sites located in ‘in-water hull cleaning zones’ in Doves Bay, Ōpua Basin and Matauwhi Bay, in the Bay of Islands.  This sampling has been undertaken to monitor for any impact of the new in-water hull cleaning rules in the Proposed Regional Plan for Northland.  The sediment will be analysed for heavy metals and the contaminants diuron and isoproturon, which are herbicides used in antifouling paint.  The results will be compared against ‘control’ sites located outside of the ‘in-water hull cleaning zones’.

Ÿ Winter sampling for micro plastic has been carried out at ten beaches throughout Northland and at Lake Taharoa.  Shellfish samples have also been collected at four sites.  This research is part of a national project “Aotearoa Impacts and Mitigation of Microplastics Project”, which aims to collect baseline data about the levels of microplastics in different environments, so that we can better understand the risks that they pose, from ecosystem health to primary industry. 

Groundwater and Water Allocation

Ÿ Focus has been on undertaking technical assessment and preparing statement of evidence associated with the environment court appeals on allocation limits and minimum flows.  

Ÿ Quotes to upgrade the Water Allocation Tool (Tool) have been received and will be reviewed in the first week of September.  This upgrade will provide more efficient reporting of the current state of allocation and minimum flows / levels of Northlands water bodies.  The efficiency of the current Tool has been impacted by the Windows 10 upgrade.

7.2.5   Environmental Services

land management

Farm Environment Plan (FEP)

The Land team received the decision from Council that they will not start new FEPs.  Work is underway on how the team support the existing FEPs still in progress.

Environment Fund Update

Staff are currently reviewing Environment Fund applications for the 2020/2021 financial year, with the bulk of applications being approved under delegated authority on 2 October 2020.  We expect at that point to allocate most of the budget.

Waimā Waitai Waiora – Freshwater Improvement Fund

Objective

Status

Te Kawa Waiora

Ÿ The Research Committee has been meeting regularly and has included a change in membership.  Good progress made to date on key documents.

Ÿ The introduction, description of the study area and the section titled ‘a tangata whenua view of rivers’ of the master document are in their first iteration.

Farm Environment Plans

Ÿ Two FEPs completed this financial year. 

Ÿ With council’s recent decision to cease FEP development, delivery of this KPI is currently being discussed with MfE. Instead of delivering whole FEPs we hope to include all other plans we develop to count toward this project deliverable i.e. planting plans, soil con plans, fund applications.

Landowner grants

Ÿ Nil landowner grant funding spent this financial year, but the planting of 130,000 native plants across 8 sites is almost completed.

Ÿ Delivery mechanisms of landowner grants was discussed at the last partnership hui.  This year we want to give the partners opportunity to identify and deliver ecological restoration works within their respective rohe.

Communication & engagement

Ÿ Video series – is 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 Seven new monitoring sites have been established to further monitor mātauranga, feeding information into app development.

Ÿ Monitoring of these sites has begun, and work is being carried out by Iwi partners. 

 

Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities

Milestones

Status

Research

Coastal erosion buffers

Ÿ A research plan has been approved by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and a coastal erosion tool utilising remote sensing and LiDAR data is in development.

Ÿ A search is on for a coastal planting pilot.

Mature poplar/ willow

Ÿ 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

 

Ÿ Land management is no longer preparing FEPs. MPI is aware of this and will amend the milestone.

Ÿ NRC has proposed substituting FEPs for project implementation plans to support the delivery of land treatment milestones.

Ÿ The SHaRP implementation plans will consist of planting, fencing prioritisation and soil conservation plans and be more targeted to soil conservation compared to the more generalised FEPs.

Stakeholder Engagement

 

Ÿ A project engagement strategy has been approved by MPI.

Ÿ Promotional material is in development including a ‘planting hub’ on the council website.

Ÿ A communications plans is being developed for the planting and fencing grants.

Land Treatments

Retirement fencing

Ÿ Efund applications for $121k are being prepared for a DA in October

Contractor capacity development

Ÿ A list of contractors interested in planting work has been prepared. 

Ÿ A contractor training programme is in development and will be delivered in November if COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. 

Whangārei Urban Awa Project

Ÿ Recruitment is underway, with interviews planned for the week beginning 31 August.

Ÿ Draft project work programme and first year work plan are with MFE for approval.

Hātea Project

Ÿ Four final planting projects will be completed by 15 September, in time for whole project completion by 30 September.

Ÿ The flooding in July caused significant damage in the catchment, with some previously-funded fencing and planting projects damaged.  Landowners have been re-establishing fences.

Ÿ The stakeholder-designed sign that was erected at Otuihau reserve in September last year was washed away in the floods and hasn’t been recovered.  We will work with WDC parks department to replace the sign at a site further away from the river.

Flyger Rd Nursery

Ÿ The final stage of the current LTP nursery expansion is almost complete, with an extra 20,000 poplar and willow pegs planted across 2.8ha.

Ÿ Irrigation is currently being established within the new block and will hopefully be operational with the next month or two.  

biodiversity

FIF Dune Lakes Project

Objective

Status

Aquatic weed and pest fish control

The airboat operation to eradicate lagarosiphon oxygen weed on Lake Ngatu will commence between 8 - 9 September.  Logistical planning and communications are almost complete with landowners, water takers, agencies and tourism operations advised.

Ÿ Grass carp removal at Roto-otuauru (Poutō) is scheduled in October with other pest fish work intermittently spaced throughout summer.

Sediment and nutrient mitigation

Ÿ Planning continues for sediment mitigation earthworks including swales, sediment traps and constructed wetlands at Lakes Ngatu and Rotokawau with work scheduled for October.

Māori Lakes Strategy

Ÿ Ongoing

Fencing

Ÿ Almost completed, waiting for one stretch of fencing for Lake Ngatu which is underway.

General

Ÿ Discussions are still taking place with iwi regarding herbicide operations for Northland dune lakes.  MfE have not yet reported back about 2019-20 end of year reports or end of year invoicing.

Lakes

Ÿ As requested by the Kai iwi Lakes Dune Lakes Galaxiid Working Group, DOC, Te Roroa and NRC staff met to discuss appropriate fish monitoring methods to be undertaken since trout releases stopped.  The group felt it was important to capture any shifts in galaxiid population dynamics over the summer.

Ÿ Lake Egg (Poutō) which was discovered to be infested with the serious invasive submerged weed, hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) was surveyed by NRC staff last month to determine ecological values, depth and appropriate boundary regions of the lake as part of a planned eradication programme. 

Ÿ NRC staff recently met with Patuharakeke Trust Board members and Bream Bay Coast Care Trust at Ruakaka Dune lake to plan out a school’s dune lake education day in November. An onsite education day was requested at a recent community meeting.

CoastCare

Ÿ Nothing to report

 

BIOSECURITY INCURSIONS & RESPONSE Sika in Russell Forest

Several Automated Listening Devices were set up in Ngaiotonga and surrounding areas during May (the roar), and analysis is nearly complete.  To date three devices have picked up and recorded Sika calls.

 

Location of recorded Sika calls in the Russell Forest during the “roar” (May 2020)

Engagement

A workshop was held at council to gauge support for a Russell Forest sika eradication, with overwhelming support from experts from the Department of Conservation, and community representatives from Ngāherehere tāngata ki te whenua, Te Roroa and Ipipiri Conservation Trust.

BIOSECURITY PArtnerships

Predator Free Whangārei

Council staff, Department of Conservation staff and community conservation project leads hosted a successful Predator Free Whangārei Open Day at McLeod Bay Hall this month.  Approximately 80 residents visited the open day to learn more about the programme and have their questions answered.  This is the first of many opportunities for residents and landowners to learn more about the programme objectives and how to participate in this ambitious and exciting mahi.

Predator Free Bay of Islands

Staff are continuing to progress the development of another Predator Free project in the Bay of Islands, in collaboration with the Department of Conservation, iwi/hapū, community groups and organisations.  Additional funding for this project will be secured through Predator Free 2050 Ltd and other project partners.

Predator Free Kaipara

Staff are continuing the early development of a landscape scale predator free programme within the Kaipara catchment and peninsulas in partnership with the Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group, Auckland Council, Department of Conservation and other project partners. This project is in the early initial stages and is developing a strategy to progress in a more collaborative manner.

EnviroSchools Project Pest Control

Staff assisted the training of 71 students at EnviroSchools Project Pest Control assessment workshop on 29 – 30 July at Rayonier Matariki Forest, Glenbervie, Whangārei.  Eight schools attended over the two days, including Otamatea High School, Pompallier Catholic College, Renew School, Whangārei Boys High School, Whangārei Girls High School, Kamo High School, Ruawai College and Tauraroa Area School. 

Piroa Brynderyn High Value Area

All seven monitored kiwi translocated into Maranui during the drought have been health checked and are doing well and put on considerable weight since translocation.

 

 

 

Marunui volunteer helping
with
the monitoring of recently
 translocated kiwi
in Brynderwyns.

Whangārei Heads High Value Area

Before and after…  Covid-19 had a silver lining for Parua Bay privet control.  Many landowners got into action
controlling privet infestations during the Level 4 lockdown, and the results of their efforts are now very visible.

MARINE BIOSECURITY

Hull Surveillance Programme

No hulls were checked between 25 July and 25 August as staff did not receive any requests for high-risk vessels requiring urgent assessment.  Tenders are currently being received by commercial dive companies for the 20/21 season, which will start in October to coincide with vessel owners getting ready for the boating season over the warmer summer months.

Table 1:  Hull Surveillance Programme Results (26/07/2020 – 25/08/2020)

Hull Surveillance Programme Results

Total this period

Total YTD

Pathways Plan Compliance

 

 

Number of vessels surveyed this period

0

20

% Pathways Plan Compliance*

N / A

40%

Vessels found with Marine Pests

 

 

Sabella spallanzanii (fanworm)

0

0

Styela clava (clubbed tunicate)

0

0

Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp)

0

0

Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate)

0

0

Pyura doppelgangera (sea squirt)

0

0

*    This is the percentage of vessels surveyed that complied with the acceptable level of ‘light fouling’ as defined in the Marine Pathway Plan.  Note: actual compliance is higher given not all these vessels will move from one designated place to another.

rivers

Long Term Plan Projects

Rivers

Comments

Awanui

The Resource consent is being limited notified to approximately 104 affected landowners.

Kerikeri-Waipapa

Detailed design is complete and landowner engagement is progressing   

Matangirau

Modelling is completed and landowner engagement is progressing

Otiria/Moerewa

We are engaging with KiwiRail and the community to identify a spillway alignment.

NATURAL HAZARDS

Work Streams

Status

Comments

Coastal erosion hazard mapping

100% complete

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

90% complete

Auckland University is mapping Northland historic shorelines and erosion risk.  Due September 2020.

Coastal flood hazard mapping

Kaipara Project is 100% complete

Coastal flood model for the Northern Kaipara Harbour complete.  Peer review 50% complete. 

Regional coastal flood project
 – 90% complete

Initial draft maps received; report and remainder of maps expected early September

Region-wide flood mapping

Design storm project – 100% complete

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

Hydro enforced DEM project 
– 100% complete

New hydro-enforced digital elevation model
– deliverables received 

Region wide flood model
– 10% complete

Consultants now preparing models, with focus on selected catchments

Notification via media release of new coastal hazard zones (10 new coastal erosion zones plus coastal flood hazard zones for entire coastline) planned for October.

17 – 18 July 2020 Flood Response 

The Rivers team undertook a comprehensive flood level survey across Northland to provide valuable data for the Region’s flood model. 

Climate Change Response

NRC Climate Change Strategy

No further progress. Strategy to be discussed and developed with the Maori Technical Advisory Group (a subgroup of the Te Taitokerau Maori and Council Working Party). 

Climate Adaptation Te Taitokerau

Ÿ Adaptation planning

All Northland councils are preparing LTP funding bids to resource a coordinated adaptation work program beginning 2021.  Scope of programme for each district will be dependent on resources made available.

Ÿ Regional climate adaptation strategy

Components being developed by NRC council staff include a Regional Risk Assessment (70% complete) and Adaptation Options Framework (80% complete), GIS climate risk analysis (90% complete).  Components due October 2020, with full strategy compiled early 2021.

Ÿ Joint Intercouncil Climate Change Adaptation Committee

FNDC and NRC have endorsed the draft ToR.  WDC approved at workshop early August, yet to be formally endorsed.  Proposal going to KDC council meeting early September.

Northland Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Capture 

The new LiDAR data set is now being used widely throughout council and the Northland community.  Council is also discussing additional deliverables with RPS Group, the consultants delivering the LiDAR project, including buildings and road centrelines. 

MĀORI RELATIONSHIPS

Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu “Referring to the tiniest piece of pounamu that still has significance”

Te Whāriki Core Cultural Competency Programme

This continues to be a successful way to develop the organisational wide understanding of our commitment to engagement with tangata whenua in a real and meaningful way and includes monthly tikanga and te reo Māori workshops with councillors for their respective roles and responsibilities.  Meetings have been held with Northland Inc to support their organisational development and build their cultural capabilities to improve partnerships with Māori.

Māori Representation

Council has chosen to undertake a process to consider Māori constituencies and wards prior to the 2022 elections which is not required until the next elections.  Guest speakers from diverse backgrounds have been invited to share their personal and professional experiences so councillors are able to get a sense of what other councils have done, insight into the view of tangāta whenua and an analysis of options to be considered regarding Māori representation.

Te Kawa Waiora Research

Te Kawa Waiora is a programme of work located within the Waimā, Waitai, Waiora Project.  It is an initiative with research designed to enable the meaningful engagement of iwi/marae communities to generate outcomes of benefit to those communities and to the health, wellbeing and mauri of the Wairoa River.  Its purpose is to enable iwi/marae of the river to conduct research concerning issues of importance to them and as the basis by which their contribution to raising the health, wellbeing and mauri of the river can be achieved.

Research has begun with face to face interviews being held with kuia and kaumatua and archival research from key Māori researchers that are reporting back their findings supervised by Dr Charles Royal.  A series of hui wānanga will be held across the Wairoa River and its tributaries for Te Kawa Waiora Research Project.  The hui wānanga will be facilitated by Charles Royal, Research Lead; and supported by Celia Witehira, Project Manager and Hineamaru Davies-Lyndon, Oral History Researcher to understand the views of iwi, hapū, whānau and marae communities along the river and its tributaries regarding the river in history and what they believe needs to be done now.

7.2.6   STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement

NATIONAL INITIATIVES

Action for Healthy Waterways

Following its decisions in June 2020, the government has released a suite of RMA instruments to deliver its ‘Action for healthy waterways’ package.  These include:

Ÿ Changes to the RMA to establish a new freshwater planning process (Section 80A) and requirements for farm environment plans (Section 217A -  217M)

Ÿ A new National Policy Statement for Freshwater (NPSFM) with new compulsory values for threatened species and mahinga kai, direction to avoid loss of streams and wetlands and 22 attributes to be managed to improve freshwater values.  It also strengthens direction on Mana o te Wai.

Ÿ New National Environmental Standards (NESFW) which imposes controls on ‘high risk’ farming activity (such as intensive winter grazing, feedlots, agricultural intensification and fertiliser use) and restrictions on activities that affect wetlands and fish passage in rivers.

Ÿ Stock exclusion regulations requiring certain classes of livestock be excluded from lakes, rivers and wetlands within set timeframes.

The NPSFM, NESFW and stock exclusion regulations come into force on 3 September 2020.  Staff are still assessing the instruments and implications for council.  A workshop to brief council will be scheduled in September.  More information is available here: https://www.mfe.govt.nz/action-for-healthy-waterways

National Risk Assessment

The government has released the first National Risk Assessment required under the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Act 2002.  This sets out national level climate change risks grouped into five ‘domains’: natural environment, human, economy, built environment and governance.  It identifies the ten most significant risks that require urgent action.  The risk assessment will inform the National Adaptation Plan due in August 2022.  More information is available here: https://www.mfe.govt.nz/climate-change/assessing-climate-change-risk

 


 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project

Update

Future developments/ reporting

Resources Enterprise Limited (REL)

Final documents submitted to High Court. 

Waiting for decision of judge. 

Twin Coast Cycle Trail (TCCT)

Waiting for final invoice from FNDC 

 

Te Hononga

Opening date set for Friday 9 October.  Final invoice and conditions associated with milestone due to be received.

Make final payment to Kawakawa Hundertwasser Park Centre Trust.

Other Work Undertaken

Ÿ Joint economic development initiative – development of work programme to implement proposal via inter-council officers forum.

Ÿ Water Storage Options: Northland Region – co-ordinated council response to report being prepared by GNS Science for the Provincial Development Unit (PDU) of MBIE. 

Ÿ Northland Walking and Cycling Strategy – hosted inter-council/NZTA meeting to provide update on projects, central government funding and LTP 2021-2031 developments.

Ÿ Draft agenda item for September ILGACE meeting on economic development, including documenting central government funding allocations in Northland.

Ÿ Presentation to Northland Branch of the NZPI on economic challenges and opportunities in Northland.

ONLINE CHANNELS

Most popular content on Facebook:  Photos of a recent hui at NRC with feral deer eradication experts from across Aotearoa and locals, to learn about and plan for best practice mahi in Te Taitokerau, beginning with Sika deer in the Russell ngahere.  The post reached over 10,000 people and engaged with more than 100.

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

Key Performance Indicators

Mar-20

Apr-20

May-20

Jun-20

Jul-20

Aug-20

WEB

 

 

 

 

 

 

# Visits to the NRC website

30,300

25,100

27,900

33,800

48,900

36,100

E-payments made

8

5

6

5

31

12

# subscription customers (cumulative)

1,171

1,182

1,210

1,221

1,238

1,247

SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative)

 

 

 

 

 

 

# Twitter followers

1,523

1,525

1,517

1,519

1,529

1,531

# NRC Facebook fans

9,553

9,599

9,627

9,713

9,767

9,843

# NRC Overall Facebook Reach

172,300

60,300

75,400

201,900

106,500

207,700

# NRC Engaged Daily Users

14,900

6,529

5,164

12,000

7,950

10,100

# CDEM Facebook fans

17,900

18,000

18,000

18,100

20,800

21,100

# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach

161,900

172,800

114,300

72,300

518,000

254,100

# CDEM Engaged Daily Users

20,600

19,200

11,800

5,817

92,200

30,600

# Instagram followers

1,137

1,163

1,172

1,193

1,203

1,220

NOTE: July - increase in visits to the website was due to the flood event, 17 July 2020.

ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION

Dune Lakes Education Day near Cape Reinga

On 31 July, a ‘Getting to know your dune lake day’ was held at Lake Ngakeketo, near Te Paki.  Enviroschools and Biosecurity teams worked with Te Ahu Tū Roa in learning and action around pest and native fish, water quality testing, tuna and dune lakes plants.  30 adult community members accompanied 90 students from Te Kao, Ngataki, Te Hapua schools and the Te Hiku Noho Taiao.

Enviroschools Waifencing Skills Workshop held in the Far North

On 27 August, Cr Colin Kitchen opened the Far North WaiFencing workshop held at Pamu’s Rangiputa Station on the Karikari Peninsula.  43 senior students and their teachers, from seven secondary schools – including Te Kotahitanga E Mahi Kaha Trust - attended.  Kaitaia-based Land Management Advisor Peter Nowell gave a presentation regarding the necessity of fencing stock out of waterways and the students learnt skills in fence construction, temporary electric fencing, fence repair and identification of fencing tools.  The accompanying assessment workshop, on 24 September, will culminate in fencing off a waterway.

Enviroschools Early Childhood Teacher Cluster Meetings

On 27 August and 1 September, the first ever cluster meetings for Enviroschools early childhood (ECE) teachers were held in Kerikeri and Whangārei, respectively. Judy Crooks, ECE Enviroschools Facilitator led the meetings about connecting whanau to their Enviroschools journey, tools for planning environmental actions and a sharing of exciting mahi already happening in the different centres. 

Enviroschools Communities Facilitated

During August, in addition to the events mentioned above, Enviroschools facilitators had specific interactions with over 40 school and early childhood communities.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

During August and early September, our Community Engagement team has been supporting engagement with the community that will feed into the development of council’s Long Term Plan 2021-2031.

We asked people to join the conversation and share what’s important to them for our region’s future, at pop-up stalls at markets, a Business After 5 (BA5) event and through an online engagement tool.  While our planned market schedule was interrupted by COVID-19 restrictions, the stalls at the two markets we were able to attend proved really popular with people, and the online campaign has continued to have good levels of engagement too.

A report on the early engagement will be developed and made publicly available on our website in the next few weeks.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION (LGOIMA) REQUESTS

Month

LGOIMA requests
received 2019/20

LGOIMA requests
received 2020/21

July

15

25

August

22

17

September

16

 

October

29

 

November

11

 

December

12

 

January

14

 

February

21

 

March

13

 

April 

12

 

May

13

 

June

15

 

TOTAL LGOIMA REQUESTS RECEIVED

193

42

LGOIMA requests not responded to within 20 working days*

18

4

*    REQ.604808 – Request information on council’s fanworm programme.  The CEO took over management of this LGOIMA but realised on the due date that more technical input was required from the Biosecurity team.  Working between everyone’s schedules it took a couple of days to finalise (CEO/Environmental Services).

*    REQ.599781 – partial transfer of MBIE DOIA 1920-1747.  Staff were unable to respond within 20 working days because they were waiting for confirmation from third parties from whom they were seeking agreement to release information.  It took many prompts to get confirmation (Strategy, Governance and Engagement).

7.2.7   Customer Service – Community Resilience

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Telephone Inbound Call Statistics & Enquiries

 

August 2020

Target

Call volume via Customer Services

2,413

 

Conversion rate

96.0%

> 95%

Average wait time

6 sec

 

Calls answered in under 30 sec

94.5%

> 90%

The Customer Services team are taking over inward mail and email processing from the Information Management team.  This is putting pressure on resources during the training and implementation period.  The flow-on effect has been of detriment of the conversion rate, which has dropped slightly for the second month in a row.  While current performance is acceptable against industry standards, it will be monitored closely.

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

·    Biodiversity – J Byrd

·    Compliance Monitoring – N Bull

2

Overall service

·    Consents

·    Consent & GIS

2

Quality of Information

·    Consents

1

Total compliments recorded

5

 

Complaints received

Total

Standard of service provided

·    Citylink

1

Disagree with decision or process

·    Citylink

1

Staff / contractor behaviour or attitude

·    Rivers

1

Disagree with cost / value for money

·    Citylink

1

Total complaints recorded

4

All Citylink complaints relate to the transition to the new Bee Card.  All have been quickly resolved.  The remaining complaint is still open.  One complaint from last month was resolved, but a satisfactory resolution was unable to be found for the other complaint.

•    Residents’ Survey

In the main randomised survey, our performance has continued to improve for ten of the twelve service-related questions, with more people be satisfied and fewer reporting dissatisfaction. However, in the open survey, which has been only run for the two years, the satisfaction rating for service has dropped slightly across most measures. The open text responses are being analysed for insight into areas for improvement.

CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

COVID-19 Resurgence and Planning

Late on 11 August, the Prime Minister announced a COVID-19 resurgence in Auckland and the alert levels would change to AL3 for Auckland and AL2 for the rest of the country. 

The response to the COVID-19 resurgence is based on the national ‘stamp it out’ plan and the legislative mandates being used are the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act, Section 11 and Section 70 of the Health Orders.  Any declarations for a state of emergency are to be managed nationally.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) immediately called for CDEM Groups to begin their COVID-19 resurgence planning.  CDEM Groups are expected to:

Ÿ Alert Level 1 / 2      COVID-19 resurgence response planning and coordination

Ÿ Alert Level 3 / 4      Response Coordination and emergency welfare response

Planning guidance documents were distributed to CDEM Groups, these included the Regional Leadership and Coordination COVID-19 Resurgence Plan and the COVID-19 CDEM Welfare Resurgence Planning Guidance.  The documents outline the All of Government (AOG) structure and improved arrangements for a COVID-19 resurgence response.

The Northland CDEM Group activated their Group Emergency Coordination Centre on Wednesday 12 August and commenced the coordination of resurgence planning and response activities across the region.  In line with the objectives of the AOG response and actions required from CDEM Groups, the Northland CDEM Group undertook response coordination including the following:

Ÿ Regular briefings with partners and key stakeholders

Ÿ Liaison with NZ Police, Waikato and Auckland CDEM Groups on border management issues.

Ÿ Liaison with Welfare Coordination Group members.

Ÿ Liaison with Northland Lifelines Group members.

Ÿ Production of action plans for the coordination of response activities and provision of welfare at Alert Levels 2, 3 and 4.

Ÿ Regional contingency and forward planning for the next six months.

Ÿ Development of an Information Collection Plan to support the Intelligence function.

Ÿ Production of CDEM response guidance documentation provided to the Whangarei, Kaipara and Far North district Councils outlining response escalation procedures.

Ÿ Identification and training of council staff across the region.

One of the key changes in the national structure is the inclusion of a Regional Leadership Group (RLG) for each CDEM Group.  The Northland CDEM Group are working alongside the existing and expanded Northland Social Wellbeing Governance Group as the RLG for the region.  The CDEM Group are also engaged with regional governance through the Northland CDEM Group Joint Committee.

Resurgence planning for the Group Emergency Coordination Centre (GECC) is well underway.  In Alert Level 2 the Northland CDEM team are assigned to all Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) function manager roles, with some assistance from NRC staff as and when required.

Should the move to Alert Level 3 or 4 be announced, further NRC staff have been identified as able to assist with the response and they will be contacted and tasked accordingly.  Rosters and operational schedules have been developed and will be implemented if needed.

Far North Tornado

On 20 August a small tornado damaged property in and around the Pukenui area in the Far North.  Roofs were lifted, caravans and cabins were flipped, and many trees were toppled.  Power was lost for a period.  A multi-agency response occurred involving Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Top Energy and CDEM.  No injuries were reported. 

CDEM Group Work Programme & Plan Review

The Northland CDEM Group work programme, staff portfolios and responsibilities have again been reviewed due to continued response activities being undertaken; COVID-19 resurgence planning requirements and recent staff performance reviews. 

Projects have been prioritised to align with group priorities and provide for further responses to emergencies, including COVID-19 resurgence response if required. 

The Northland CDEM Group plan review timeline has been realigned to the recent response activities.  The group plan is still scheduled for completion by the end of September 2021

Northland Tsunami Siren Testing 

The Northland tsunami siren network will be tested at the start of Daylight Saving on Sunday 27 September 2020 at 10.00 am.  The scheduled test on Sunday 5 April 2020 was cancelled at the direction of the National Controller, therefore, the last date the tsunami siren network was tested was Sunday 29 September 2019.

REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLANNING

Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) / Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP)

Whilst work continues with both these Plans, Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have stated that due to the late release of the finalised Government Policy Statement, potentially following the national elections, along with several NZTA workstreams running behind schedule, the entire process has been moved forward by two months.

This will result in the regions funding applications having to be downloaded into the NZTA Transport Investment Online computer system by 30 June 2021 and not 30 April 2021 as originally planned.

The National Land Transport Programme will now be formally released on 1 September 2021 and not 1 July 2021.


 

Passenger Transport Administration

*Bus Link figures are reported one month in arrears, due to the required information being unavailable at the time of the agenda deadline.

Bus Link stats for July
(revenue ex GST)

Actual

Budget

Variance

Year/Date
Actual

Year/Date
Budgeted

City Link Passengers

 27,065

 29,331

 -2,226

 27,065

29,331

CityLink Revenue

 $35,657

 $39,597

-$3,940

$35,657

$39,597

Mid North Link Passengers

 153

 156

-3

153

 156

Mid North Link Revenue

$537

 $780

 -$243

 $537

 $780

Hokianga Link Passengers

  43

78

-35

43

78

Hokianga Link Revenue

 $465

 $1,017

-$552

 $465

$1,017

Far North Link Passengers

 444

699

-255

 444

699

Far North Link Revenue

 $1,055

$1,748

-$693

$1,055

 $1,748

Bream Bay Link Passengers

64

 30

34

 64

30

Bream Bay Link Revenue

 $430

$108

$322

 $430

$108

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

July 2020

1,658

$23,559

$25,000

-$1,441

$23,559

$25,000

-$1,441

COVID-19 – Alert Level 2 Public Passenger Transport Restrictions – Bus and Total Mobility Services

All public passenger transport services in New Zealand must have tracing methods in place that will allow for the recording of passengers on every trip on every vehicle. This is to assist the Ministry of Health in contact tracing is required.

All Northland Regional Council contracted passenger services have had had tracing methods in place for some time now. These include on board cameras, registers, QR codes and electronic tickets.

As of Monday 30 August 2020, the use of “face coverings’ by both passengers and drivers became mandatory. It is important to note that the responsibility for the use of a face coverings on public transport lies with the individual passengers and NOT with the driver, council staff or council contracted security.

Bus drivers have been provided with packs of face masks and on request will provide a passenger with one.

Council staff have been actively monitoring the situation and will continue to do so.

ROAD SAFETY UPDATE

Road Trauma Update: 2020 Year to date road death statistics

National        203 deaths compared to 231 at the same time in 2019

Northland    18 deaths compared to 20 at the same time in 2019


 

 

Fatalities this year

Far North

Whangārei

Kaipara

Northland

National

Local roads

4

4

2

10

 

State highways

3

5

0

8

 

TOTAL

7

9

2

18

203

Police / Waka Kotahi crash snapshot of Northland deaths 2020 year to date

3 January

SH 1, Waipu

Head on crash

49yo M

26 January

Kaitāia

Car vs tree

44yo M

23 February

Whananaki North Road

Ute vs tree

35yo M, 12yo F, 5yo M

3 March

SH 10, Mangonui

Car vs ute

34yo F

13 March

SH 1, Hukerenui

Car vs SUV

66yo F, 63yo F, 57yo F

26 March

Oakleigh-Paparoa Road

Ute vs bank

34yo M

6 April

Brooks Road, Waipu

Car vs tree

66yo M

19 April

Moerewa

Car vs parked car

18yo F

15 May

Mangawhai

Motorcycle (offroad)

52yo M

17 June

Kaitāia

Motorcycle (offroad) – no helmet

17yo M

26 June

Wheki Valley

Car vs truck

43yo F

29 July

SH 1, Okaihau

Car vs culvert – no seatbelt

26yo F

6 August

SH 1, Hikurangi

Ute vs pedestrian

45yo M

29 August

Kaitāia

Car vs road barrier

F

A new emerging issue on Northland roads being investigated is crashes involving power poles.  Both Northpower and Top Energy have raised concerns about this increasing issue.  At this stage travel speed appears to be the causative factor.  This new item will be added to the updated Northland Road Safety Issues 2015-2019 crash data reference document as part of an on-going monitoring process.

Ride Forever (R4E) Rider Training numbers have been very low in recent months because of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions.

The annual Motorcycle Awareness Month (MAM) has been postponed.  Several large motorcycle rides are planned in Northland later in the year when the weather will hopefully be more settled and COVID-19 restrictions allow.  Riders at these events and club members will be targeted for signing up for R4E training.

Road safety promotion work continued to be centred around supporting Police with road safety promotional messaging for motorists recognising safe driving practices and promoting seatbelt wearing.

Key messaging continues to target – RIDS -Restraints, Impairment, Distractions, Speed along with Fatigue, Driver Behaviour and planning journeys.  This regional messaging was also further supported by Waka Kotahi NZTA national road safety campaign messaging.  Advertising themes for July and August have been Alcohol, Safe Vehicles, Speed, Seatbelts.

The Northland Road Safety website is continuing to be updated as Government Agencies change names, logos and release new road safety strategies and action plans.

The Northland Freight Group is planning several truck education & health stops for later in the year when lower restrictions allow.  One will be held at Northport at the scaling sheds targeting logging trucks and a much larger event will be held at Uretiti on State Highway 1 targeting the full range of heavy freight vehicles.

MARITIME

Seventeen Incidents were received over the month of August.  Almost all incidents were relating to moorings and AtoN, with one grounding and an incident involving a commercial fishing vessel break down.

Maritime assisted with the location of a loading ramp which detached from the Ōpua – Okiato vehicle ferry and was subsequently recovered by divers.

Another large derelict vessel has been disposed of.  The maritime team are taking the opportunity to concentrate on a backlog of derelict and abandoned vessels, with several more lined up for disposal this winter.

The simulator model for the Bay of Islands is close to being ready for use, options are being explored to maintain pilot licence currency for the Bay of Islands in the event we do not see a return of cruise vessels this season.  Pilot procedures and manuals are being updated to account for recent changes in the maritime rules.

Hydro survey work around the region is ongoing; routine maintenance of AtoN is ongoing.

The Hātea channel annual dredging was completed, just before a major rain event.  Subsequent post dredge surveys indicate some movement of sediment but overall the channel is improving.  The Harbourmaster met with Whangarei District Council to agree a renewal of the agreement for funding for this project.

The Waikare work vessel received its annual out of water hull clean and antifoul.

The maritime team have been working closely with Marsden Point stakeholders over changes to operations caused by COVID, and future proposed and possible changes in regard to different size and type of vessel operations.

The recreational boating safety initiatives are being actively planned for summer, with some $80k of funding from the FED fund managed by Maritime NZ.  Plans are focusing on a safety campaign in the upper Far North remote communities, and the continued roll-out of a school safer boating program.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.0

15 September 2020

 

TITLE:

Receipt of Committee Minutes

ID:

A1358807

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

 

Recommendation

That the unconfirmed minutes of the Investment and Property Subcommittee held on 26 August 2020 be received.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Investment and Property Subcommittee 26 August 2020 unconfirmed minutes  

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Chris Taylor

Title:

Governance Support Manager

Date:

08 September 2020

 


Council Meeting  ITEM: 8.0

15 September 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                          ITEM: 9.0

15 September 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

9.1

Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 18 August 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.

9.2

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 -.

9.3

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).

9.4

Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd - Appointment of Directors

The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities s7(2)(h).

9.5

Commercial Agreement with NIWA

The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities s7(2)(h) and the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations) s7(2)(i).

3.              That the Independent Council 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.