Council

Tuesday 20 October 2020 at 10.30am

 

 

AGENDA

 


Council Meeting

20 October 2020

Northland Regional Council Agenda

 

Meeting to be held in the Council Chamber

36 Water Street, Whangārei

on Tuesday 20 October 2020, commencing at 10.30am

 

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

 

Item                                                                                                                                                                                   Page

1.0       Housekeeping/karakia

Key Health and Safety points to note:

·         If the fire alarm goes off – exit down the stairwell to the assembly point which is the visitor carpark.

·         Earthquakes – duck, cover and hold

·         Visitors please make sure you have signed in at reception, and that you sign out when you leave. Please wear your name sticker.

·         The toilets are on the opposite side of the stairwell.

·         Do not use the elevator in the event of an emergency.

·         Remember to scan the Covid QR code.

2.0       apologies (ngĀ whakapahĀ) 

3.0       DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (NGA WHAKAPUAKANGA)

4.0       Council Minutes and Action Sheet

4.1       Confirmation of Minutes - 15 September 2020 and 24 September 2020                               6

4.2       Receipt of Action Sheet                                                                                                                          15

5.0       Financial Reports

5.1       Adoption of the 2019/20 Annual Report                                                                                          17

5.2       Financial Report to 30 September 2020                                                                                         194

5.3       Regional Rates Collection - Update to 30 September 2020                                                    198

6.0       Decision Making Matters

6.1       Health and Safety Report                                                                                                                     203

6.2       Independent Financial Advisor Recruitment                                                                                209

6.3       Māori Representation: Māori Constituencies                                                                              211

6.4       2021 Meetings Calendar                                                                                                                      243

6.5       Request for approval of unbudgeted expenditure to be funded from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve                                                                                                                                                       247

6.6       Kaimahi for Nature                                                                                                                                 253

6.7       Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Strategy                                                                       292

7.0       Operational Reports

7.1       Chair's Report to Council                                                                                                                     296

7.2       Chief Executive’s Report to Council                                                                                                 298

7.3       Northland Inc. Limited: Annual Report for the Year Ending 30 June 2020                        323

8.0       Receipt of Committee Minutes and Working Party/Group Updates

8.1       Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings                                                                 346

8.2       Council River Working Group Updates                                                                                           347  

9.0       Business with the Public Excluded                                                                                                    348

9.1       Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 15 September 2020

9.2       Human Resources Report

9.3       Commercial Tenant Rent Relief   

 


 

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: 4.1

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Confirmation of Minutes - 15 September 2020 and 24 September 2020

ID:

A1370843

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on date 14 October 2020

 

Recommendation

That the minutes of the council meeting held on 15 September 2020, and the extraordinary council meeting held on 24 September 2020 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Council Meeting Minutes 15 September 2020   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 4.1

20 October 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 4.2

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Receipt of Action Sheet

ID:

A1369954

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on date 14 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakārapopototanga

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

 

Recommendation

That the action sheet be received.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Council Action Sheet - October 2020   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 4.2

20 October 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.1

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Adoption of the 2019/20 Annual Report

ID:

A1369859

From:

Simon Crabb, Finance Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on date 12 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The Annual Report for the 2019/20 financial year is attached as Attachment One.  The final formatting and layout of this documents is still being performed.

The independent member of council, Geoff Copstick, has performed a review of the 2019/20 Annual Report and has provided a written report summarising his observations, attached as Attachment Two.

Deloitte has issued clearance and prepared a report (refer Attachment Three) on the matters arising from their audit.  The Deloitte engagement partner, Peter Gulliver, presented this report to the Audit and Risk Subcommittee on 6 October 2020. Following the Deloitte presentation, the Audit and Risk Subcommittee endorsed a recommendation that council adopt the 2019/20 Annual Report.

The final signed audit opinion will be released upon council’s adoption of the 2019/20 Annual Report, and Deloitte receiving the signed letters of compliance and representation.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Adoption of the 2019/20 Annual Report’ by Simon Crabb, Finance Manager and dated 1 October 2020, be received.

2.         That the council's audited Annual Report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2020 be adopted pursuant to section 98(3) of the Local Government Act 2002.

3.         That the Chief Executive Officer and the Chair be authorised to sign the 2019/20 Annual Report compliance statement and letter of representation, and the letters of representation in relation to the; 2019/20 debenture trust deed, 2019/20 stock register report, and the 2019/20 Summary Annual Report.

4.         That the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to make any minor editorial and presentation changes to the 2019/20 Annual Report and Summary Annual Report if required.

5.         That the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to approve the release of the 2019/20 Summary Annual Report pursuant to section 98(4) of the Local Government Act 2002.

 

 

Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Adopt the 2019/20 Annual Report

Facilitate the adoption and public availability of the 2019/20 Annual Report and 2019/20 Summary Annual Report within the statutory timeframes set out in the LGA 2002.

None

2

Do not adopt the 2019/20 Annual Report

The 2019/20 Annual Report can be amended if required.

A special council meeting would need to be held before 31 October 2020 to adopt a revised 2019/20 Annual Report and comply with the Local Government Act 2002.

 

The staff’s recommended option is 1.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

This decision will have no impact on the ability of council to protectively respond to the impacts of climate change now or in the future.

2.         Community views

Being a purely administrative matter council can make decisions relating to this report without undertaking further consultation or engagement.

3.         Māori impact statement

This report relates to an administrative matter and therefore does not have a direct impact on Māori.

4.         Financial implications

If any significant changes are required to the 2020 Annual Report or the 2020 Summary Annual Report, Deloitte would need to be re-engaged to review the changes and potentially charge additional audit fees.

5.         Implementation issues

Paragraph 98(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 stipulates that an Annual Report must be adopted by resolution within 4 months after the end of the financial year which it relates.  In council’s case this deadline is 31 October 2020. Should the 2020 Annual Report not be adopted at the 20 October 2020 council meeting, then an extraordinary council meeting would be required prior to 31 October 2020 to adopt the 2020 Annual Report and comply with Paragraph 98(3) of the Local Government Act 2002.

 

6.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it has previously been consulted on and provided for in council’s Long Term Plan and/or is part of council’s day to day activities.  This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tāngata whenua and/or individual communities, but that council can make decisions relating to this matter without undertaking further consultation or engagement.

 

 

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

The recommendations in this report are consistent with sections 98 and 99 of the Local Government Act 2002 regarding the timeframes for adoption and public availability of the Annual Report and the requirement for an audit report to be included in both the full Annual Report and Summary Annual Report.

Background/Tuhinga

2019/20 Financial Result

Council posted a total comprehensive revenue and expense surplus for the 2019/20 financial year of $5.38M.  At the August 2020 council meeting, the draft net surplus after transfers from/(to) special reserves presented to council was $40K.

The movement from the draft result to the total comprehensive revenue and expense reported in the 2019/20 Annual Report is explained in Table One.

Table One

2019/20 DRAFT net surplus after transfers to reserves
reported to council in August 2020

40,311

Add back the transfers to Special Reserves as these do not form part of the statutory reporting format

2,787,233

Add back the transfer to reserves approved by council in August as they do not form part of the statutory reporting format:

 

-       COVID-19 Reinstatement Reserve

1,700,000

-         Opex Reserve

467,695

Add back non-cash gains/(losses) on the revaluation of council’s assets:

 

-          Investment properties and vested assets

    1,149,349

-          Owner occupied land and buildings

394,411

-          Carbon credits

156,267

-          NEST loan interest

43,775

-          Infrastructure assets

(1,253,564)

-          Forestry holdings

(107,000)

Total Comprehensive Revenue and Expense -
as reported in the 2019
/20 Annual Report

$5,378,477

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: 2019/20 Annual Report

Attachment 2: 2019/20 Annual Report - Geoff Copstick Commentary

Attachment 3: 2019/20 Annual Report - Deloitte Audit Report   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 5.1

20 October 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 5.1

20 October 2020Attachment 2

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 5.1

20 October 2020Attachment 3

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                                                             item: 5.2

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Financial Report to 30 September 2020

ID:

A1371755

From:

Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant

 

Executive Summary / Whakarāpopototanga

This report is to inform council of the year to date (YTD) financial result to September 2020.  Council has achieved a YTD surplus after transfers to and from reserves of $4.10M, which is $280K favourable to budget. 

 

Recommendation / Ngā mahi tūtohutia

That the report ‘Financial Report to 30 September 2020’ by Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant and dated 6 October 2020, be received.

 

Report


Revenue

Year to date revenue is $18.13M, which is $3.79M or 27% above budget.

 


 


Expenditure

Year to date expenditure is $11.73M, which is $401K or 3.5% above budget. 

Note that across council there is a $302K 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. 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.2

20 October 2020

 

Transfers to reserves

For the year to date there has been a net transfer to reserves of $2.30M compared to a budgeted net transfer from reserves of $810K.  This is predominantly due to:

Ÿ $2.09 M more than budgeted transfers to externally managed fund reserves representing higher reinvestment of gains than budgeted.

Ÿ $609K lower than budgeted transfers from equalisation reserve for general funding.  This funding was not taken due to the additional dividend income.

Ÿ $152K lower than budgeted transfers from the Covid-19 reinstatement reserve.

Ÿ $76K higher than budgeted transfers to the transport reserves.

 

Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve initiatives

Eighteen initiatives have a funding commitment from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve totalling $1.22M.  This leaves $476K unallocated at the end of September 2020.  The committed initiatives 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

Campaigns & engagment coordinator role

$40,000

Building reconfiguration (capital works)

$106,000

Biodiversity contractors

$30,000

Planning & Policy BAU - for LTP contract work

$10,000

Building recongfiguration

$29,000

Otiria-Moerewa Flood Modelling and Pre-feasibility Study

$80,000

NRC Water Allocation Tool

$40,000

Total

$1,223,890

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence,

Title:

Group Manager - Corporate Excellence

Date:

13 October 2020

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.3

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Regional Rates Collection - Update to 30 September 2020

ID:

A1372734

From:

Simon Crabb, Finance Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on date 14 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The three district councils administer the collection of the regional council rates on our behalf.  The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the collection of this year’s current rates and the rate arrears owing to the regional council by each district council.

 

The three district councils collected a total of 33% of our annual rate strike in Q1 of the 2020/21 financial year (Q1 2019/20: 32%).

 

The three district councils also collected a total of $476K of our rates arrears in Q1 of the 2020/21 financial year equating to 8.2% of the opening rate arrears balance (Q1 2019/20: $399K, 7.9%).

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Regional Rates Collection - Update to 30 September 2020’ by Simon Crabb, Finance Manager and dated 8 October 2020, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

Far North District Council (FNDC)

The Far North District Council (FNDC) collected 25.3% of our annual rate strike in Q1 of this financial year (Q1 2019/20: 25.3%). 

The FNDC also collected 4.4% ($194K) of their related opening rate arrears balance during Q1 (Q1 2019/20: 4.7%; $182K), resulting in a closing rate arrears balance (excluding current year rates) still to be collected of $3.87M.  Māori freehold land (MFL) accounts for $2.73M of this balance.

Attachment 1 is the revenue and collections report provided by FNDC outlining the actions they have in place to collect outstanding rate arrears. 

 

Kaipara District Council (KDC)

The Kaipara District Council (KDC) collected 27.5% of our annual rate strike in Q1 of this financial year (Q1 2019/20: 28.2%). 

The KDC also collected 12.2% ($99K) of their related opening rate arrears balance during Q1 (Q1 2019/20: 16.8%; $137K), resulting in a closing rate arrears balance (excluding current year rates) still to be collected of $792K.

 

Whangarei District Council (WDC)

The Whangarei District Council (WDC) collected 40.1% of our annual rate strike in Q1 of this financial year (Q1 2019/20: 38%). 

The WDC also collected 30.1% ($183K) of their related opening rate arrears balance during Q1 (Q1 2019/20: 24.8%; $81K), resulting in a closing rate arrears balance (excluding current year rates) still to be collected of $421K

When rates are received from the district councils they are deposited into council’s Short Term Investment Fund.  When council receives a lower level of rating revenue, it can result in a reduced level of returns derived from the Short-Term Investment Fund.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Far North District Council - 2020-21 Q1 Revenue and Collections Report   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 5.3

20 October 2020Attachment 1

CMEETING:                 FINANCE COMMITTEE – NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL

 

Name of item:            REVENUE AND COLLECTIONS QUARTERLY REPORT as at 16 September 2020.

 

Author:                          Margriet Veenstra, Manager - Transaction Services

 

Date of report:               24/09/2020

 

Executive Summary

 

The purpose of the report is to provide quarterly reporting to Northland Regional Council on action taken to collect current rates and rate arrears, and to provide information on how collection is tracking against targets.

 

 

1)         Background:

 

This document has been prepared to highlight the actions taken by Far North District Council for the collection of the Northland Regional Council’s rates and to reduce the monies outstanding. This report is prepared as at the end of the first quarter of the financial year 2020/21.

 

 

2)         Discussion and options

 

The information has been identified for General Title and Maori Freehold Land rates and water accounts. The total arrears balance for General Title rates has been reduced by 34% and Maori Freehold Land rates was reduced by 2% since 31 July 2019.

 

General Title arrears update:

Key actions that have been completed since the start of the rating year:

·    Between the 24th and 27th of August, debt management contacted approximately 100 rate payers who missed the 1st Instalment only and were due to incur penalties.

·    Between the 7th and 16th of September, they reviewed 256 accounts of properties with mortgages who have a payment arrangement in place and contact those who’s payments were no longer in line with rates easy pay.

·    From the 17th of September, they started contacting all rate payers who qualified for crisis rating relief and offer a suitable payment plan from the 1st of October once the rating relief resolution expires.

 

We are also preparing for active recovery of arrears from the 1st of October 2020.

·    Proceed with accounts on hold for legal action for arrears with an external law firm.

·    Policy for approval by council of next actions post default judgment from the courts.

·    Council legal team to commence legal proceedings for 10 accounts.

 

Additionally, to the above, we will also the commence mortgage demand process for General Title properties. Section 62 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 enables councils to recover unpaid previous year’s rates from the mortgagee if the property owner is in default.

·    From the 1st of November, councils can notify a bank, as mortgagee, that a property owner has not paid his or her previous years’ rates, and demand that the bank pay them instead.

·    The bank must be given three months’ notice that the property owner is in default and after that period, councils can demand payment from the bank

·    Final demand for payment must be issued and paid in the rating year the mortgage demand notice is sent.

·    It is standard practice for the terms and conditions of property loans to include a reference to a bank's right to recover money from customers once the bank has paid the arrears. Typically, it will recover the money from the customer by debiting the amount to his or her account.

 

Debt management process for this rating year is as follows:

 

·    Between the 1st of October and the 20th of October, debt management will proactively call owners of properties with only last years rates in arrears or a balance less than $1,000 to offer payment arrangements to avoid mortgage demand.

·    Three months’ notice letter is sent to the banks and the owners of 300 properties with the highest arrears’ balances on the 20th October 2020.

·    Owners are invited to contact debt management to make payment arrangements to avoid final demand in three months.

·    Payment arrangements must be in line with rates easy pay to clear the arrears and current rates.

·    For those properties where no payment is received or payment arrangements have dishonoured, final demand for payment will be issued to the bank after the three months’ notice period has passed on the 20th of January 2021.

·    Debt management will proactively contact owners of all remaining properties between the 20th of October and the 1st of February 2021 to offer payment arrangements to avoid mortgage demand.

·    Three months’ notice letter is sent to the banks and the owners of all remaining accounts with an arrears balance and without a payment arrangement by the 20th of February 2021 with final demand to be issued on the 20th of May 2021, if arrears have not been cleared or no payment arrangement has been made.

 

 

For the total number of General Title rates and water accounts marked as ‘Debt recovery action to commence’:

·    These are properties where there is no mortgage, no payments have been received and the owner has not contacted council to discuss payment options.

·    27% of these accounts have arrears of more than 2 rating years.

70% of these accounts have received final demand letters from council

FNDC legal team will commence registering the debt against these properties and commence filing for debt recovery through the courts.

Debt management will send final demand letters to the remaining 30%.

·    73% is for accounts with up to two years rates arrears.

Debt management to commence calling.

If no contact is made, demand letters will be sent.

 

Debt management have occasional communications with the Te Hono team regarding payment of rates arrears for Maori Freehold Land.

 

Collection Data

 

An analysis of the arrears, by collection status, is included in the following table. Arrears are the debt outstanding as at the end of the first quarter of the 2020/21 financial year.

 

 

 

 

 

Council’s remission policies

 

Council’s remission policies are designed to recognise the unique nature of the Far North with its significant areas of unoccupied Maori freehold land. Overall the policies address issues of financial hardship and the protection of areas of land with particular conservation or community values. The following table shows the instance of remissions for each policy and the financial impact of these remissions.

 

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.1

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Health and Safety Report

ID:

A1369631

From:

Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor

Authorised by Group Manager:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on date 12 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

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

·        A change in the top five risks with ‘contractors’ moving on to the list and ‘known hazardous substances’ moving off the list.

·        The risk mitigation plan for driving is now in place and implementation has begun.

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

·        The stress group is reviewing potential actions from the stress survey results.

·        The Worksafe Safe+ internal auditing tool will be initiated in October.

Recommendation

That the report ‘Health and Safety Report’ by Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor and dated 1 October 2020, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

1.         Health and safety performance

Table 1 Health and safety performance lead and lag indicators

*based on calendar year

Table 1 summarises the key lead and lag indicators for the past quarter.

2.         Risk management

The top 5 health and safety risks in the organisation are currently:

1.         Driving motor vehicles

2.         Stress

3.         Not implementing controls

4.         Unknown hazardous substances

5.         Contractors

Risk updates

·        A mitigation plan for driving has been developed. It includes online and practical driver training, better use of E-road to monitor driving behaviours and developing a driver fatigue guide for staff. See attachment for the deep dive into driving.

·        Mitigation plans for the other four risks are yet to be developed. A deep dive will be shown each month as related to the top risks.

·        The ‘known hazardous substances’ risk has been lowered and has now dropped off the top 5. This is because we have been undertaking monthly checks on HSNO inventories for the past 9 months with no issues/incidents having occurred. This has now meant that contractors move up the list.

·        An upcoming risk is the potential for a ‘yes’ in the legalisation of cannabis referendum. In preparation for this, we have planned an information session for managers on what the impacts of this will mean for health and safety at work.

 

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 reported

Figure 2: Top 10 issues for previous 12 months

·    There were no vehicles related incidents this month for the first time since Level 4 lockdown in May.

 

Events of interest:

·        A high stress incident was reported on behalf of a worker as their workload had greatly increased as a result of another worker being on extended medical leave. The workload has been reviewed with tasks re-distributed as well as regular check-ins with the worker. We will continue to monitor

 

4.         Health and safety strategy work programme

Leadership

·        The stress survey results have been interpreted and the OMT stress group is finalising the report, its recommendations and action plans.

·        The decision was made for staff to not use anything listed on the Travel Accident Investigation Commissions Watchlist. This currently includes a specific model of helicopter and is recognised in the risk register.

Communication and engagement

·        The health and safety spotlight on Express was initiated in September. It was designed for sharing key news and it covers three key ‘need to know’ topics each month.

Wellbeing

·        The wellbeing committee is looking into Mental Health 101 sessions for customer facing staff, wellness presentations for the rest of the staff, and another activity challenge to follow on from Steptember.

Injury, illness and hazards

·        Training/ competency requirements for roles are being reviewed with managers to ensure that workers have the right training and skill to do their jobs safely.

Learning and development

·        Training/ competency requirements for roles are being reviewed with managers to ensure that workers have the right training and skill to do their jobs safely.

·        The Worksafe audit tool ‘Safe+’ is now set up to begin in mid-October. This will evaluate our health and safety performance based on worker perception.

 

5.         Legislation updates

The CoPTTM (Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management) has changed its training requirements to write and review traffic management plans. This means our current STMSs will need to either upskill or we will need to outsource this task. We are currently investigating options.

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Health and Safety risks deep dive - Driving   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.1

20 October 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.2

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Independent Financial Advisor Recruitment

ID:

A1366308

From:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The term of the current Independent Financial Advisor ends on 31 December 2020.

Given this, it is recommended that council undertake a competitive recruitment process for an Independent Financial Advisor.  The proposed process and timeframes are:

·    Role advertised 21 October;

·    Applications close 11 November;

·    Shortlisting complete 18 November;

·    Interviews in week of 30 November – 4 December; and 

·    Report to council meeting 15 December with recommendation of appointment.

 

It is recommended that the interview panel to be comprised of Councillors Stolwerk (Chair of Investment & Property Subcommittee), Kitchen (Chair of Audit & Risk Subcommittee) and Chair Smart.  The reason for recommending these councillors is due to their Chair roles on the respective subcommittees and Chair Smart being an Ex-Officio member on both subcommittees.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Independent Financial Advisor Recruitment’ by Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence and dated 22 September 2020, be received.

2.         That council commences a recruitment process for an Independent Financial Advisor.

3.         That Councillors Stolwerk, Kitchen and Chair Smart be appointed to shortlist and interview applications for the Independent Financial Advisor role. 

 

Considerations

1.         Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Undertake a competitive recruitment process for an Independent Financial Advisor

Test the market and recruit the best possible candidate for the role.

Nothing material.

2

Do not undertake a competitive recruitment process for an Independent Financial Advisor and undertake a direct appointment

Avoid having to go through the recruitment process, immaterial time and cost savings.

Are not able to test the market and may not find the best possible candidate for the role.

 

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

 Not applicable.

Further considerations

4.         Community views

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

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Bruce Howse

Title:

Group Manager - Corporate Excellence

Date:

13 October 2020

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.3

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Māori Representation: Māori Constituencies

ID:

A1367147

From:

Linda Harrison, Organisational Project Manager; Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori and Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services

Authorised by Group Manager:

Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on date 08 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The Local Electoral Act (LEA) 2001 provides for the establishment of Māori constituencies and is part of a suite of legislative provisions put in place by the Crown, with the aim to increase Māori representation and participation in local authority decision making.

Following the 2019 elections, the incoming council indicated that they wanted to re-visit the issue of Māori representation / Māori constituencies.  Following this decision in March 2020, council held six workshops to better understand the full range of views in relation to the establishment of Māori seats both within a local government and Northland context.  The matters covered at these workshops are summarised below:

•        Explanation of legislative requirements and timeframes;

•        Opinions and insights from a range of guest speakers with direct experience and/or a particular interest in Māori representation;

•        Opinions and aspirations of key Māori leaders in Te Taitokerau;

•        Aspirations and recommendations of the tāngata whenua caucus of Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC); and

•        Consideration and analysis of the full range of options available for greater Māori participation and representation within the Northland context.

This report provides more detailed background information on this matter, including: 

•        An analysis of Māori representation / participation options, including their advantages and disadvantages - refer Attachment 1.  

•        Advice provided by the tāngata whenua caucus of Te Taitokerau Maori and Council Working Party - refer Attachment 2.

•        A list of the workshop topics and attendees - refer Attachment 3.

•        A summary of statutory deadlines and considerations – refer Attachment 4.

This report concludes, based on feedback received during the workshop process and analysis attached to this report, that it is appropriate and necessary to recognise Northland’s significant Māori population and the aspirations of tāngata whenua by establishing dedicated Māori seats at the council table where the important decisions are made for Northland, Te Taitokerau. 

Māori representation in council governance is viewed as an important expression of council’s commitment to tāngata whenua, ensuring council is reflective of the communities it serves and a reflection of the desire to improve the future growth and development of Te Taitokerau (as encapsulated in council’s vision statement “Ko tatou o Te Taitokerau – Ka whai hua tātou” | Northland, together we thrive). 

This change will strengthen the existing Māori / council partnership and support and enable council to better reflect Māori values, issues, priorities and aspirations as they relate to council roles and functions.  The majority of feedback received by council supported the establishment of Māori seats as a positive step forward that will ultimately improve the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of all Northland – for all Northlanders. 

Should council wish to proceed with the establishment of Māori constituencies, a formal decision to this effect must be made by 23 November 2020.  The establishment of Māori constituencies would also require a review of representation arrangements, which refers to the number of councillors and respective constituency names and boundaries.  It should be noted that it is only the decision to establish Māori constituencies that is required by 23 November 2020.  The subsequent representation review proposing the actual new constituencies, names and boundaries, does not have to be done until 31 August 2021.  It will then be followed by a period of public consultation before a final decision is made by the Local Government Commission by 11 April 2022.  These decisions would then apply to both the October 2022 and 2025 elections. 

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Māori Representation: Māori Constituencies’ by Linda Harrison, Organisational Project Manager; Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori and Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services and dated 24 September 2020, be received.

2.         That pursuant to section 19Z of the Local Electoral Act 2001, council resolves to establish Māori constituencies for the 2022 and 2025 local body elections.

3.         That staff be directed to undertake the required statutory process to establish Māori constituencies including notification of the public’s right to demand a poll and development of an Initial Representation Arrangements Proposal by 31 August 2021.  This will be followed by public consultation, development of a Final Representation Arrangements Proposal and subsequent appeals / objections process.

 

Options

 

Option 1:

Council may choose to retain the status quo and have no Māori constituencies for the 2022 elections.

 

Advantages

Disadvantages

No change to current constituencies.

 

Continued frustration and disenfranchisement of some parts of the Māori community at the continued lack of Māori representation around the council table.

No additional budget required to establish Māori constituencies.

 

No certainty that there will be Māori representation on regional council through local body elections.  The council currently has no Māori councillors.

 

A continued lack of Māori representation increases the likelihood that council decision making does not reflect the views and outcomes sought by Māori.

 

Statutory considerations

Should council choose the status quo option and a valid demand for a poll was received, then council would be required to conduct a poll, the outcome of which is binding for at least the next two elections.  A valid demand for a poll on Māori representation can be made at any time, but to be effective for the 2022 triennial elections, it must be received by 28 February 2021 and the poll held by 21 May 2021.  The estimated cost of conducting a poll of $240,000 must be borne by the council.

 

Option 2:

Council may resolve to establish one or more Māori constituencies for the 2022 elections.

 

Advantages

Disadvantages

Improved depth of council decision making capability that is more representative of Northland’s unique iwi and hapū landscape.  This enables a diversity of thinking that assists in identifying opportunities and mitigating risk.

Will require flow on changes to current constituency boundaries and probably the number of elected members.

Strengthened relationships pre-treaty settlement – confirming regional council commitment to Māori – will likely result in a stronger future relationship with Māori which is good for all of Northland.

Additional (unbudgeted) expenditure required to conduct a representation review ahead of the required six-year period.

Certainty that Māori, and Māori views as tāngata whenua of Te Taitokerau, will be represented in regional council decision making.

Has the potential to bring about an adverse reaction in some sections of the Northland community that oppose the establishment of Māori seats.

 

Showing leadership in Northland and across Local Government New Zealand with respect to Māori representation.

 

Sends a strong signal on this council’s commitment to fair representation and equality in Northland.

 

 

Statutory considerations

For this to take effect for the 2022 triennial elections, the resolution must be made by 23 November 2020.  If a resolution is made to establish Māori constituencies then public notice is required by 30 November 2020, advising of the resolution and the right for five percent of electors to demand a poll on resolution.  If a valid demand for a poll is received by 28 February 2021, council would need to conduct a poll by 21 My 2021.

 

The actual determination of the number of Māori constituencies would form part of the Representation Arrangements Review to be undertaken next year and no later than 31 August 2021.  This review includes a process of public notification of council’s proposed representation arrangement and provides for public submissions and hearings.

 

Option 3:

Council may at any time resolve to hold a poll on Māori representation and let the wider community make the decision.

 

Advantages

Disadvantages

Will provide an opportunity for the wider community to provide its views to council ahead of any decision.

A poll will cost approx. $240,000, and to date the majority[1] of polls undertaken by other councils, no matter what the Māori population, have not supported the establishment of Māori constituencies.

 

Is likely to have a divisive affect on the community.

 

Some may consider this option as showing weak leadership by the council given the likely outcome is known.

 

Statutory constraints

To be effective for the 2022 triennial elections, the council must make the resolution to hold a poll by 28 February 2021 and undertake it by 21 May 2021.  Polls held after this date are effective for the 2025 triennial elections.

 

Staff recommendation:

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 2 - resolve to establish one or more Māori constituencies for the 2022 elections.

It is considered appropriate and necessary to recognise Northland’s significant Māori population with dedicated Māori seats at the council table where the decisions are made.  Māori representation in council governance is viewed as an important expression of council’s commitment to tāngata whenua, ensuring council is reflective of the communities it serves and a reflection of the desire to improve the future growth and development of Te Taitokerau (as encapsulated in council’s vision statement “Ko tatou o Te Taitokerau – Ka whai hua tātou” | Northland, together we thrive). 

This change will strengthen the existing Māori / council partnership and support and enable council to better reflect Māori values, issues, priorities and aspirations as they relate to council roles and functions.  This will ultimately improve the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of all Northland – for all Northlanders. 

A summary of the range of options available for greater Māori participation and representation within the Northland context is included as Attachment 1.  This evaluates both the options already used by council as well as some options currently not used that may further enhance Māori / council partnership.  The views of tāngata whenua gleaned from the workshop conversations are also noted.  The key advantages identified within this analysis for establishing Māori seats are highlighted below:

a.         Having guaranteed Māori seats would ensure an informed Māori world view is brought to council decision making that non-Māori cannot provide.  This would help ensure the council more fully appreciate the Māori perspective, values and issues of importance when making decisions that affect a significant proportion of the Northland population.

 

b.         Would strengthen Māori / council relationships pre-treaty settlement, confirming council’s commitment to Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  This will likely result in a significantly stronger future partnership with Māori and more effective use of future resources which is good for all of Northland.

 

c.         Establishing Māori seats would send a strong signal that NRC is listening to Taitokerau iwi and hapū, and is open and willing to progress the partnership.  It sends a strong signal on this council’s commitment to fair representation and equality in Northland.

 

d.         Shows leadership in Northland and across Local Government New Zealand with respect to Māori representation.  2020 is already seeing a sea change in councils proposing to introduce Māori seats ahead of the next elections in 2022 – a national trend that is likely to continue.

 

e.         Puts council in a strong position and aligns council with the central government direction of travel that clearly has stronger Māori representation in future central government thinking on regional governance models and partnerships.

 

It is important to note that governance representation is different to participation.  Participation provides an opportunity for Māori to provide advice into a decision-making process, while governance representation provides Māori a direct avenue for Māori representatives to make governance decisions.

 

Considerations

1.         Community views

National context

New Zealand is one of the world’s most stable democracies.  We have had a form of proportional representation since 1996 and governments are generally formed via coalitions. Past and present governments have shown commitment to strengthening the Māori/Crown relationship.

Te Ao Tūmatanui ‒ Strengthening the Māori/Crown relationship

The current Government has provided numerous examples of its commitment to improving services and outcomes for Māori and strengthening the Crown’s relationship with Māori.  One such example is the proposal for significant public service reforms.  It is proposed that this would include a prominent stand-alone clause within the Public Services Act 2020 that is clear about the expectations of the Public Services in relation to the Crown’s Treaty partner and contains guidance to support the public sector in building its capability.  The changes will support:

·        engagement, participation of and partnership with Māori;

·        delivering services that are responsive, accessible and work for Māori and whanau;

·        improving workforce composition and capability;

·        collective responsibility for a culturally competent public service that delivers with and for Māori;

·        Māori being supported in leadership and decision-making roles;

·        recognising the responsibility of the Public Service; and

·        including Crown Agents – to enable/support the Crown to fulfil its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi.

In addition, explicit provisions in the Public Services Act 2020 will strengthen and clarify the Public Service Commissioner and chief executives’ collective responsibilities for developing cultural competence and capability, for supporting Māori leadership within the Public Service Commission (previously the State Services Commission).

Public servants will also be expected to work collaboratively and engage meaningfully with Māori in the design of policies, programmes and services.  Chief executives will be accountable to the Commissioner for upholding their responsibilities to support the Māori/Crown relationship.[2]

Northland context

The following observations are made on the likely impact of the national landscape at a regional level:

·        Central Government are clearly indicating, through their policy and legislative settings and fund allocation, their support for Māori to have a role at a governance level;

·        Te Taitokerau will remain financially dependent on central government;

·        Should the public service reforms be enacted, future central government funding will likely be subject to the provisions outlined above;

·        Māori leaders and governance structures will hold significant relationships with central government and have the potential to influence central government for the benefit of all Te Taitokerau;

·        New Zealand’s largest iwi, Ngāpuhi, remain in a pre-treaty settlement position and are likely to become more influential regionally and nationally post settlement;

·        Where iwi and hapū who have received compensation for major treaty breaches, they have gone on to become a driving force in many areas that overlap with local government statutory roles and functions; and

·        Northland Regional Council has a unique opportunity to create strong enduring relationships with Māori in a pre-treaty environment now.

 

While council has not specifically sought the full range of community views on this matter, workshop discussions with Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party, Iwi Chief Executives and Iwi Chairs (Te Kahu o Taonui), and leaders from councils who have already established Māori seats all support the establishment of Māori constituencies as the preferred way forward.  This view remains unchanged from past conversations with tāngata whenua in previous representation reviews when council declined the opportunity to establish Māori constituencies.

Should the council resolve to establish Māori seats, the wider public will get the opportunity to share their views as part of the public consultation process taken into consideration by the Local Government Commission when the final decision is made in 2022.

 

2.         Māori impact statement

In September 2010 the Human Rights Commission published a report on Māori Representation in Local Government – The Continuing Challenge (www.hrc.co.nz).  In summary, the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission report include:

·        Iwi should discuss whether or not they want Māori seats on their local or regional council;

·        Discussions should take place between councils and iwi on Māori seats and Māori representation prior to the next representation review;

·        Councils should support the Māori choice; and

·        There should be further national discussion on improvement provision for Māori representation.

 

In considering this matter, council sought the views and feedback from Te Kahu o Taonui (Iwi Chairs and CEOs (TKoT)) and Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party members (TTMAC).  In addition to verbal feedback, TTMAC Māori members prepared a report outlining their analysis and recommendations (please refer to Attachment 2).

Māori leaders from both forums (TTMAC and TKoT), were unequivocal and unanimous in their call for council to establish dedicated Māori seats.  The prevailing view is that the council’s current relationship with Māori is more about participation rather than representation and that representation is what is needed to take council’s relationship with Māori to the next level.   Furthermore, they consider that Māori constituencies are not a race-based selection, but rather a Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi and legislative outcome that is both appropriate and necessary to deliver equity and unlock the potential of Northland as a whole.

3.         Financial implications

There are no significant financial implications of establishment of Māori constituencies unless council, or 5% of electors, request a poll to be conducted.  If a poll is to be conducted it is estimated to cost approximately $240,000 of unbudgeted expenditure. 

Should Māori constituencies be established:

1.    Minor unbudgeted expenditure will be required to progress the representation review, however its anticipated that this can be accommodated within existing budgets.

2.    There will be a small increase in the cost of running elections due to the added administrative complexity.  The additional cost is currently estimated at approximately $20,000.

It is also worth noting that should Māori constituencies be established, and council increases the number of members, that the remuneration package does not increase, but simply needs to be divided amongst an increased number of councillors.

4.         Implementation issues

Should council decide not to establish Māori constituencies and retain the status quo there are no perceived statutory implementation issues for council to consider.  Council will, however, need to consider carefully the potential negative impact such a decision is likely to have on its current relationship with Māori.  Should council decide not to implement Māori seats then it is recommended that council should consider further the alternative options to increase Māori representation (as summarised in Attachment 1).

Alternatively, should council resolve to establish Māori constituencies then there are a number of issues that will need to be worked through between now and 31 August 2021. 

In particular, council will need to determine the optimum number of total councillors and then apply the legislative formula to determine the number of Māori and general councillors (Schedule 1A of the LEA 2002).  If this calculation is applied to the current total number of councillors (being nine), then two of these seats would become Māori seats and there would be seven general seats.  Should council wish to increase the number of councillors to eleven, then there would be three Māori seats and eight general seats.  All constituency boundaries would need to be re-drawn in either of these scenarios.

Council will also need to determine the boundaries of Māori constituency(s).  Local authorities are required to consider the general requirements of sections 19U and 19V of the LEA relating to fair and effective representation arrangements, and must ensure that:

·        the number and boundaries of constituencies will provide effective representation of communities of interest within the region;

·        the constituency boundaries coincide with mesh block boundaries;

·        constituency boundaries coincide with the boundaries of one or more territorial authority district in so far as is practicable; and

·        the electors of every constituency receive fair representation (plus or minus the 10 percent rule).

 

In addition to the above requirements, in determining the number of constituencies and boundaries of Māori constituencies the provisions of section 6 to Schedule 1a of the LEA apply and council must also have regard to:

·        the boundaries of any existing Māori electoral districts; and

·        communities of interest and tribal affiliations.

 

If the council resolves to establish more than one Māori constituency, careful consideration will therefore need to be given to the boundaries of those constituencies to ensure the legislative requirements are met in terms of the plus or minus 10 percent rule, and also to minimise splitting tribal areas.

 

5.         Significance and engagement

While the decision to provide for Māori constituencies is considered significant, the decision sought by this report is one step in a longer legislative process under the Local Electoral Act which provides specific provision for community engagement and input into the decision at a later stage in the process.  In addition, the process to date has included engagement with bodies established to represent Māori interests.  For these reasons, council is able to make this decision without undertaking further community engagement at this time.

6.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

 Recognition of the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi, its place and that of Māori in council processes, is a key part of the local government legislative framework.

Sections 19Z to 19ZH of the LEA 2001 provides for the establishment of Māori constituencies.  This option is part of a suite of legislative provisions put in place by the Crown, with the aim to increase Māori representation and participation in local authority decision making. 

Instead of prescribing Māori representation (Māori seats), the Crown has provided the legislative mechanism (through the LEA) to provide for Māori representation but left the actual decision to respective local authorities and their communities to decide whether to have specific Māori seats on council.

Furthermore, under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) council is required to recognise and include tāngata whenua issues, interests and values, providing a basis for the engagement and participation of Māori with three main sections central to achieving this purpose:

Section 6 relates to matters of national importance that are to be recognised and provided for.  This includes a requirement for local government to recognise and provide for the “relationship of Māori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, waters, sites, wāhi tapu and other taonga” (s.6(e)).

Section 7 includes additional matters to which “particular regard must be given”. This requires local government to have particular regard to “kaitiakitanga”.

Section 8 where “all persons exercising functions and powers under the RMA, in relation to managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources shall take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi).”

The Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) also charges council with the responsibility to promote opportunities for Māori to contribute to its decision-making processes ensuring they “foster the development of Māori capacity to contribute to decision making processes, and take into account the relationship of Māori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral land, water, sites, wāhi tapu, valued flora and fauna and other taonga.” (s.77(1)(c).

The decisions sought in this report meet the Local Electoral Act 2001 requirements, and in particular section 19Z.  The decisions are also compliant with council’s decision making requirements as specified under the Local Government Act 2002.

 

Background/Tuhinga

The Local Electoral Act (LEA) 2001 requires council to undertake a representation review every six years.  Council last undertook a representation review in 2018, so is technically not required to do another one until 2024 – applicable to the 2025 election.  However, a council may undertake a representation review at any time. 

Following its decision in March 2020 to reconsider Māori constituencies, council held six workshops to better understand the full range of views in relation to the establishment of Māori seats within both a local government and Northland context.  The matters covered at these workshops are summarised below:

•     Explanation of legislative requirements and timeframes;

•     Opinions and insights from a range of guest speakers with direct experience and/or a particular interest in Māori representation;

•     Opinions and aspirations of key Māori leaders in Te Taitokerau; and

•     Consideration and analysis of the full range of options available for greater Māori participation and representation within the Northland context.

A list of the workshop topics and attendees are included as Attachment 3. 

Should council wish to introduce Māori seats in the 2022 election, there are a range of statutory deadlines and considerations included as Attachment 4.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Summary of Māori representation / participation options

Attachment 2: Māori representation – Recommendation from TTMAC tāngata whenua

Attachment 3: List of the workshop topics and attendees

Attachment 4: Statutory deadlines and considerations   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.3

20 October 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.3

20 October 2020Attachment 2

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.3

20 October 2020Attachment 3

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.3

20 October 2020Attachment 4

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.4

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

2021 Meetings Calendar

ID:

A1367521

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on date 13 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The report:

 

·    Has been prepared following council undertaking its governance structure review; the outcome of which was to retain the current structure with a few refinements; and on this basis

·      Presents for council’s consideration the proposed meeting calendar for 2021.

 

Recommendations:

1.         That the report ‘2021 Meetings Calendar’ by Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager and dated 25 September 2020, be received.

2.         That the programme of meetings for 2021, as detailed in Attachment One pertaining to Item 6.4 of the 20 October 2020 council meeting agenda, be adopted.

 

Option A:

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Adopt the proposed 2021 meeting schedule

·   Councillors have a schedule to work to and are able to plan their commitments in advance.

·   Having a schedule in place manages the expectations of the public, council officers and other interested parties.

·  None apparent.  The calendar is a fluid document and can always be amended if required.

2

Do not adopt the proposed 2021 meeting schedule

·   None apparent.

·   Neither council, council officers or the public have a schedule to work/refer to.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1 that council adopt the meeting schedule.

 

Considerations

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

 

1.         Significance and engagement

The scheduling of meetings is part of normal day to day operations of council, hence when assessed against council policy is deemed to be of low significance.

2.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

The Local Government Act 2002, Schedule 7, Clause 19, refers to the calling of meetings, and requires that a ‘local authority must hold the meetings that are necessary for the good government of its region or district’.

 

Background/Tuhinga

Council reviewed its current governance structure in a workshop on 23 September 2020.  There was general agreement that overall the governance structure was fit for purpose, however there were three opportunities for improvement:

·    Livestreaming of meetings to be restricted to council only; given this function was un-resourced and could not be adequately supported;

·    That the Planning and Regulatory Working Party change to quarterly meetings and, due to the synergies of membership and work programmes, its agendas be prepared in conjunction the Water and Land Working Party; and both working parties to meet on the same day.

·    That the Terms of Reference (TOR) for working parties be refined to be more strategically focussed (Note: The Executive Leadership Team are currently reviewing the TOR and will be presented in due course for council ratification).

 

The Local Government Act 2002, Schedule 7, Clause 19, contains general provisions for the calling of meetings.  In particular there is provision [Clause 19(6)] for the local authority to adopt a schedule of meetings that:

 

·        may cover any future period that the local authority considers appropriate; and

·        may be amended.

 

Previously council has found that setting an annual schedule of meetings has been an efficient way to plan for meetings listed for that period.

Note that the meetings schedule is a fluid document, with the flexibility to change, add and delete meetings as required to ensure maximum efficiency.  Councillors will be informed in advance of changes to the calendar, with as much notice as possible. 

It is also important to note that several new subordinate bodies are coming ‘on line’ including the Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee, the Joint Climate Change Committee and the Regional Economic Development Service Deliver Working Party.  As the meeting rotation for these are confirmed they will be incorporated into the meeting calendar.

 

 

 

The 2021 meeting calendar has been prepared on the basis that Tuesdays and Wednesdays continue to be ‘council days’ with meetings scheduled according to the following:

MEETING TYPE:

FREQUENCY:

Council

·    To meet the third Tuesday of the month.

 

Investment and Property Subcommittee, and the Audit and Risk Subcommittee

·    To meet quarterly.  These have been scheduled on the same day due to synergies of membership.

 

Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (CDEM) and Regional Transport Committee (RTC)

 

Climate Change Working Party and Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party.

·    To meet quarterly and to be held, where possible, on the second Wednesday of the month to avoid TLA commitments.

·    The Climate Change Working Party and Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party to meet on the same day as CDEM due to membership and for efficient use of councillor time.

 

Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC)

·    Continue to be held on the second Thursday of the month to provide consistency for Māori representatives.  Monthly commitments alternate between formal meetings and on marae hui.

 

Planning and Regulatory Working Party and Water and Land Working Party

·    To meet quarterly and on the same day due to synergies of membership and focus areas.

 

 

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Proposed 2021 Meetings Calendar   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.4

20 October 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.5

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Request for approval of unbudgeted expenditure to be funded from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve

ID:

A1369199

From:

Matt De Boer, Natural Hazards Advisor and Phil Heatley, Strategic Projects and Facilities Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on date 13 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The Rivers and Natural Hazards Team is requesting to advance $85,000 from the Covid–19 Reinstatement Reserve to hire a full-time Climate Change Advisor position for the remainder of the 2020/21 financial year.

·    Climate change is a priority work area for council, but currently no dedicated staff have been allocated.  The work programme is predominantly managed by the Natural Hazards Advisor position in the Rivers and Natural Hazards team.

·    The position is a priority LTP new initiative and this request brings forward the potential position by approximately six months.

·    The role will enable council to progress a work programme for climate change adaptation and mitigation and alleviate pressure on the Natural Hazards Advisor position.

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

 

The Property Team is requesting $65,000 from the Covid–19 Reinstatement Reserve to construct a security fence at the Union East Street storage facility during the 2020/21 financial year.

·    $94,000 was budgeted for programmed painting of council’s Water Street offices and now sits in the Covid–19 Reinstatement Reserve.  Recent washing and treatment of the building has since revealed that painting will not be required for several years.

·    Staff instead wish to use $65,000 of these funds for the provision of a security fence at Union East Street.  The current fence is inadequate and the potential for theft of trailers and other stored equipment is high, being a low profile and uninhabited area of Whangārei outside business hours.

 

At the time of writing this report the reserve balance was $469,110.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Request for approval of unbudgeted expenditure to be funded from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve’ by Matt De Boer, Natural Hazards Advisor and Phil Heatley, Strategic Projects and Facilities Manager and dated 29 September 2020, be received.

2.         That $85,000 of unbudgeted expenditure from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve be allocated to support the hiring of a full-time Climate Change Advisor position.

 

3.         That $65,000 of unbudgeted expenditure from the Covid–19 Reinstatement Reserve be allocated to construct a security fence at council’s Union East Street storage facility.

 

 

Options Natural Hazards and Climate Change Advisor

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Fund a full-time Climate Change position ($85,000)

Enables the progression of climate change projects and relieves pressure on current staff.

Less funding available for other projects.

2

Do not fund the position.

More funding available for other projects.

Delays in the delivery of key climate change projects until additional staff resource is secured through the LTP.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1 - ‘Fund a full-time Climate Change position’.

 

Options Union East Street security fencing

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Reallocate funding for Union East Street security fencing ($65,000)

Funding is available due to painting not required at Water Street.

Immediate protection of council property.

Security fencing can be installed immediately before the business vicinity is vacated over summer leaving equipment unobserved and exposed.

Less funding available for other project options.

2

Consider funding for Union East Street security fencing in the 2021–31 LTP

Protection of council assets.

 

Protection is delayed.

Project will compete with other priorities.

3

Do not fund Union East Street security fencing

Funding available for other projects.

Council property remains at risk.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1 - ‘Reallocate funding for Union East Street security fencing’.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

The Climate Change Advisor position will increase the ability of council and the region to proactively respond to the impacts of climate change by progressing a climate change-focussed work programme across council departments, Northland councils and government agencies.

 

There are no impacts in regard to the Union East Street security fencing.

2.         Community views

The 2019 residents survey report results show that 84% of residents think that climate change is a significant issue facing Northland, and 55% think it is extremely important.  However, nearly a third of participants (29%) think NRC are responding ‘not well at all’.  This new position will enable council to take a more proactive approach and is likely to be supported by the community.

 

There is unlikely to be significant community views in regard to the Union East Street security fencing.

3.         Māori impact statement

Climate change is a priority issue for Māori, and we have received ongoing support for the existing climate change adaptation programme from TTMAC, MTAG and other hapū representatives from around the region.  Allocating additional resources to climate change at NRC will enable council to respond to the needs of hapū and iwi to plan for climate change.

 

There is unlikely to be significant Māori views in regard to the Union East Street security fencing.

4.         Financial implications

Funding for both requests will be allocated from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve.

 

Climate change is currently resourced from within existing Natural Hazards staff time and operational budget.  An additional $105,000 of operational funding was allocated to Natural Hazards in the 2019/20 Annual Plan for climate change projects.  As anticipated, this has been spent or is already allocated to hazards mapping and climate change risk assessment projects.

 

$94,000 was budgeted for programmed painting of council’s Water Street offices and this now sits within the Covid Reinstatement Fund.  However, painting will not be required at this time.  The Strategic Projects and Facilities Manager has applied for $94,000 in the 2021–31 LTP for painting in the 2024/25 financial year.  Therefore, $65,000 of that set aside for Water Street building painting could be redirected to fund the construction of security fencing for Union East Street.

 

5.         Implementation issues

There are no anticipated implementation issues of significance.

6.         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 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 these decisions without undertaking further consultation or engagement.

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

The proposed role will assist NRC to comply with recent and upcoming legislative changes including the Zero Carbon Act, the development of the National Adaptation Plan, RMA updates re GHG emissions (2020), and proposed RMA reform re climate change adaptation and managed retreat.

The role will also assist NRC to better understand and address climate change risks identified in councils corporate risk register

 

There is no significant policy, risk management or legislative compliance issues in regard to the Union East Street security fencing apart from the proposal reducing the risk to council of stolen council equipment and assets.

 

Background/Tuhinga - Natural Hazards and Climate Change Advisor

Climate change is a priority

Climate change is a key priority for our councillors, evidenced by the establishment of a working party for climate change and support for the development of a climate change strategy.  Climate change is a priority for tangata whenua, given the significant exposure and vulnerability of Māori cultural assets and communities to climate impacts such as flooding, sea level rise and drought.  Climate change is also a key priority for our communities, highlighted by both public perceptions (such as NRC’s 2019 customer survey) and the exposure of private and community assets to climate risks.

Current situation - NRC

Council staff have been progressing work on climate change within the capacity of their current positions.  However, to date there has been no dedicated role or operating budget allocated to the climate change work programme, resulting in stretched resources, compromised work programmes and additional stress on staff.  While it is recognised that climate change needs to be embedded across the organisation, there is a need for additional specialist resources to coordinate and drive the work programme.

Around 50% of the Natural Hazards Advisor position is now spent on climate change adaptation work, leaving a shortfall in the natural hazards work program, with a large workload potentially creating a high stress situation.  Given the wide range of impacts of climate change there is need for a comprehensive and aligned approach to programme development across multiple work programmes including biodiversity, biosecurity, hazards/CDEM and land/water.

Current situation - Region-wide

Regional alignment between councils in a response to climate change is essential and NRC is playing a leading role in coordinating and developing strategic relationships between the four Northland councils.  The joint staff working group Climate Adaptation Te Taitokerau, currently chaired by NRC’s Natural Hazards Advisor, has made good progress but requires ongoing commitment and support. NRC staff are coordinating the development of the regional climate change adaptation strategy, including the drafting and analysis for regional climate risk assessments.  As Northland councils begin the process of adaptive pathways planning, additional resourcing will be required.  Support of the proposed joint standing committee on Climate Change Adaptation will also be the responsibility of NRC staff.

 

 

Current situation - National

Significant changes are occurring at legislative, legal and policy levels.  However, NRC staff have limited capacity to maintain a current overview and adequately represent Northland in consultative processes.  Examples of national climate change issues and opportunities include:

·    Office for the Auditor General: using recommendations from the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosure, OAG has made requests for details on climate risks and liabilities to be reported by councils at appropriate levels (e.g. in the LTP).

·    Climate Commission (Zero Carbon Act and National Adaptation Plan): requirement for input and opportunities for influence, reporting requirements for councils in the near future.

·    Adaptation planning to mitigate risks for communities – currently national guidance only but may potentially become mandatory.

·    RMA reform: consideration of greenhouse gas emissions in regional planning instruments and consents (comes into force December 2021).

·    RMA reform and the proposed Climate Change Adaptation and Managed Retreat Act.

·    Emissions trading scheme: agriculture to be included from 2025, potential impacts on land management programmes.

·    Ongoing climate change case law and research on legal liability for councils.

·    Opportunities for improved regional sector coordination.

·    Opportunities for involvement in national research programmes and considering results of relevant research.

·    Investigating opportunities for external funding.

 

Process

Natural hazards proposed an LTP new initiative (‘Climate Change – Adaptive Pathways Planning’) that includes a full-time position in year one of the LTP.  The proposal was recommended as high priority by ELT.  The proposed role in this paper brings this position forward into the current financial year, enabling the immediate progression of the climate change work programme.

Without additional support, existing roles covering the climate change work programme will find it hard to maintain the momentum that has been developed, and expectations may need to be lowered over the next six months. 

 


 

Background/Tuhinga - Union East Street security fencing

Union East Street – current post and wire fencing

 

The Union East Street storage facility has been highly successful, kept tidy by departments and is not at capacity.

 

However, the current fencing comprises only of widely spaced timber posts and wire netting and entry for any trespasser is straightforward.  Furthermore, the fencing has deteriorated with loose mesh and crooked posts.  Staff have raised concerns about the potential for theft of trailers and equipment stored outside, particularly given that outside business hours it is a low profile and uninhabited area of Whangārei.

 

The intention is to provide an effective security fence to protect property.  An automatic gate is to be included in order to address specific health and safety issues; firstly, the crash incident risk with larger vehicles, boats and trailers protruding out onto the road while the gate is being manually unlocked, and secondly the risk for staff having to leave their vehicle when retrieving or returning equipment alone after hours or in the dark.  These risks have been matters raised by council’s Health and Safety Specialist in the past.

 

The alarm is currently monitored, although it is only activated if the buildings are accessed, and CCTV is being considered as part of the security package.

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.6

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Kaimahi for Nature

ID:

A1370531

From:

Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services

Authorised by Group Manager:

Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on date 08 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The Kaimahi for Nature funding recently announced by Government provides a $200 million fund that aims to reach workers before they become unemployed – giving businesses battling COVID-19 an opportunity to temporarily redeploy their staff into environmental projects in their region. 

 

Kaimahi for Nature will be delivered through regional alliances made up of at a minimum the Department of Conservation, the Crown’s Treaty partners and regional councils.  For Taitokerau, the Treaty partners will be represented by a delegate of representatives from Te Kahu O Taonui (TKoT - Iwi Chairs Forum).

 

It is understood the Kaimahi for Nature fund will been distributed by the Crown across regional alliances based on the percentage of businesses in a region taking up the wage subsidy scheme and on the deprivation index for each region.

 

The alliance Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Deed of Funding will set out the specifics around the Kaimahi for Nature funding. 

 

The purpose of this paper is to provide background information to the Kaimahi for Nature programme and seek council’s approval to become a partner in the regional alliance and sign the attached proposed MOU.

 

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Kaimahi for Nature’ by Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services and dated 2 October 2020, be received.

2.         That the Chief Executive Officer is authorised to negotiate and approve further amendments to the draft Memorandum of Understanding provided the amendments do not materially change council’s obligations and the Regional Alliance partnership approach.

3.         That council support Northland Regional Council becoming a partner to the Kaimahi for Nature Regional Alliance and authorise the Chairperson and/or Chief Executive Officer to sign the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of council.

 

Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Support the Kaimahi for Nature Programme by joining the regional alliance and signing the proposed MOU

Provides an opportunity to strengthen the partnership between DOC and TKoT and support job creation through environmental remediation projects.

There are a number of council projects that are unlikely to receive funding through the LTP process and the Kaimahi for Nature funding stream provides another opportunity to progress these initiatives.

Will require already stretched staff support to participate in the regional alliance.

2

Do not support the Kaimahi for Nature Programme, don’t join the regional alliance, and don’t sign the proposed MOU

Will not put any additional strain on already stretched staff resources.

Council misses an opportunity to further strengthen the partnership with DOC and TKoT.

Council misses an opportunity, as an alliance member, to seek funding for projects that are unfunded through the LTP.

3

Support the Kaimahi for Nature Programme, however seek amendments to the MOU prior to signing

Same advantages as with Option 1, however council gets to seek amendments to the MOU.

Same disadvantages as with Option 1 however it will also delay the establishment of the regional alliance and there are some time critical projects awaiting confirmation of funding.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1. 

A copy of the proposed MOU is provided as Attachment 1 and further background information to the Kaimahi for Nature funding and regional alliances is provided in Attachment 2.

The proposed MOU is currently being considered by member parties respective governance bodies and there is the potential for some amendments sought following this process.  In order to enable the efficient and timely establishment of the Regional Alliance, it is recommended that council delegate:

1.    The Chief Executive Officer the authority to negotiate and approve any amendments to the proposed MOU providing those changes are of a non-material nature, including to the Regional Alliance partnership approach and council’s obligations.

2.    Authority to sign the MOU to both the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer so that council can sign the MOU at the same level (governance or management) as proposed by other member parties.

 

 

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

The Kaimahi for Nature funding provides a unique opportunity for regional alliance members to partner and collaborate on environmental projects that have not been able to secure funding to date.  

2.         Community views

The establishment of the Kaimahi for Nature funding by the Government is primarily in response to COVID-19 and the economic impact of this event.  This programme is intended to provide job creation through environmental programmes and is envisaged to be viewed as positive and supported by Northland’s communities.

3.         Māori impact statement

A corner stone to the Kaimahi for Nature programme and the governance structure, as advanced through the regional alliance, is a partnership approach with the Crown’s Treaty Partners.  To that end, the Department of Conservation have engaged with Te Kahu O Taonui to establish the regional alliance.  As is outlined in the attached MOU, Te Kahu O Taonui will nominate representatives to sit on the regional alliance.  In addition, it is proposed that one of the iwi authorities will become the “bank” for the regional allocation of the Kaimahi for Nature funding.

4.         Financial implications

There are no immediate financial implications from council joining the regional alliance and signing the MOU other than council staff time commitment.  Financial implications for council will be considered on a case-by-case basis for any support council provides or any projects council may seek funding for.

It is proposed that one of the iwi authorities of Te Kahu O Taonui will become the “bank” for the regional allocation of the Kaimahi for Nature funding.  The exact quantum of funding that will be allocated to Northland from the national $200 million is yet to be confirmed.  It is understood the Kaimahi for Nature fund will be distributed by the Crown across regional alliances based on the percentage of businesses in a region taking up the wage subsidy scheme and on the deprivation index for each region.

 

5.         Implementation issues

There will likely be a number of implementation challenges as this programme proceeds given its ambitious goals and untested processes.  Some of the initial key challenges include:

 

1.    How to ensure the governance structure and operational processes that surround the allocation of this fund is efficient and effective and not overly burdensome.  If this is not the case, the programme has the potential to put considerable additional pressure on existing staff resources which are already under strain delivering BAU and “standing up” current externally funded projects.  It is recommended that council will need to be strategic and selective in the degree of support provided and the projects it seeks to gain funding for.

 

2.    How to efficiently identify those businesses who are under pressure as a result of COVID and align their staff with those potential job opportunities through environmental projects funded by the Kaimahi for Nature fund.

 

3.    How to manage the expectations of community groups and key stakeholders who wish to apply to the Kaimahi for Nature funding.  Given only alliance members can apply for funding, there is likely to be a significant increase in community groups and other key stakeholders wishing to partner with alliance members to progress their projects and gain funding.  Alliance members will need to consider this issue and how this can be best managed going forward.

 

6.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s significance and engagement policy because it has previously been consulted on and provided for in council’s Long Term Plan and/or is part of council’s day to day activities.  This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, but that council is able to make decisions relating to this matter without undertaking further consultation or engagement.

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

 Council participation in the regional alliance is consistent with council’s legislative role and functions and policy settings.  Some initial risks have been identified in other parts of this report around staff resourcing and managing public expectation, however, these can be managed as the alliance proceeds.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Kaimahi for Nature MoU

Attachment 2: Kaimahi for Nature kete   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.6

20 October 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.6

20 October 2020Attachment 2

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.7

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Strategy

ID:

A1371764

From:

Colin Dall, Group Manager - Regulatory Services

Authorised by Group Manager:

Colin Dall, Group Manager - Regulatory Services, on date 13 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

Council’s approval is sought for the attached Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Strategy.

The purpose of the Strategy is to provide overarching direction on how the Northland Regional Council’s plans to meet its compliance monitoring and enforcement (“CME”) responsibilities under the Resource Management Act 1991 (“the RMA”) and the outcomes it is seeking to achieve.

Drafts of the Strategy were provided to both the Planning and Regulatory Working Party and Executive Leadership Team (“ELT”) for their consideration and feedback.  The ELT considered that it was appropriate that the Strategy be approved by the council and be published on the council’s website.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Strategy’ by Colin Dall, Group Manager - Regulatory Services and dated 6 October 2020, be received.

2.         That council approves the Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Strategy set out in Attachment 1 pertaining to Item 6.7 of the 20 October 2020 council meeting.

 

Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Approve CME Strategy

Gives the public a concise and simple (transparent) explanation of how the council meets its RMA compliance monitoring and enforcement responsibilities and the outcomes it is seeking to achieve.

None

2

Do not approve CME Strategy

None

There is no council approved overarching strategy explaining how the council meets its RMA compliance monitoring and enforcement responsibilities and the outcomes it is seeking to achieve.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

Having a Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Strategy should facilitate positive environmental outcomes.

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.

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

 

Background/Tuhinga

The council has statutory responsibilities under the RMA to:

·   Monitor and enforce the resource consents it grants and the rules in its regional plans.

·   Respond to reports (complaints) of breaches of the RMA and take appropriate action to address breaches where established.

·   Enforce the observance of national environmental standards and other regulations promulgated under the RMA.

The action the council takes to meet these responsibilities is set out in a range of documents including manuals, activity management plans, procedures and protocols.  However, currently there is no overarching document that “tells the story” in a concise and simple manner how the council meets these responsibilities and the outcomes it is seeking to achieve.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Compliance Monitoring & Enforcement Strategy   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.7

20 October 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.1

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Chair's Report to Council

ID:

A1368934

From:

Penny Smart, Chair

Authorised by Group Manager:

Penny Smart, Chair, on date 13 October 2020

 

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 September 2020.

 

Recommendation

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

 

Strategic issues

Councillor involvement in consent decisions

Councillors on a semi regular basis receive requests from ratepayers for them to become involved in consent decisions.

NRC policy is to not appoint councillors to resource consent hearings.  It is considered Best Practice among councils that councillors are not in any way part of the decisions on resource consents.  The role of Governance is to set the policy in the first instance, through our Regional Policy Statement and Regional Plan.  It is best for councillors and the community that there are independent and transparent decisions being made without any political influence.  If councillors were to also make decisions on resource consents, there would be a clear Conflict of Interest and crossing over of roles.

The above equally applies to whether or not a resource consent application is publicly notified, has limited notification, or is non-notified.

The Resource Management Act 1991 does provide a consent authority (council) the power to review the conditions of a resource consent that it has granted under specific circumstances, however, importantly it does not provide a council the power to:

a)    Review and change (quash) a decision that it has made on notification of a consent application after a consent has been granted.  That can only be done by the High Court when determining judicial review proceedings.

b)    “Retract” a resource consent it has granted, except where the resource consent has been exercised in the past but has not been exercised during the preceding five years.  This is documented specifically under section 126 of the Act.

 

The consent holder may object to the consent authority and/or appeal the cancellation of the consent to the Environment Court.

Appeals on the NRC Proposed Regional Plan for Northland is currently going through either facilitated mediation or the Environment Court process.  The Regional Plan was notified in 2017.  The Regional Policy Statement will undergo a five-year review starting mid-2021.

 

 

Meetings/events attended

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

·        Regular Mayors and Chair catch up meetings.

·        Zoom meeting with Ministry of Health, National Emergency Management Agency, and Department of Internal Affairs – Update on COVID-19.

·        Spoke at the Maungaturoto Rotary meeting.

Correspondence

During September I sent out the following correspondence:

Date

Addressed To

Subject

15.09.20

Gavin Carroll

Financial Controller/Company Secretary

Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd

Nomination of Directors for Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd

15.09.20

Nicki Wakefield

Administrator

Te Mana Motuhake ā Rohe o Whangārei

Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.2

20 October 2020

freshwater ecology

 

 

TITLE:

Chief Executive’s Report to Council

ID:

A1368303

From:

Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer

Authorised by Group Manager:

Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer, on date 14 October 2020

 

Recommendation

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

 

7.2.1   Highlights

Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme

The Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme is an ambitious ten-year $300 million project that aims to remediate ongoing environmental degradation by halving sediment loss from land to the Kaipara Moana (harbour).  On Friday 9 October Northland Regional Council, Auckland Council, government, Te Uri o Hau, Ngā Maunga Whakahī o Kaipara, and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua signed a Memoran-dum of Understanding (MOU) at Waihāua Marae, Arapaoa committing to the programme.   

Government has committed to $100 million for the first six years.  The Crown’s $100 million funding for the first six years of the programme is contingent on matched funding from councils, landowners and potentially other sources.  Auckland Council and Northland Regional Council will consult on how council funding will be found through their respective Long-Term Plan processes

The programme is predicted to create around 300 new jobs; 200 for direct farm work such as fencing streams and wetlands, establishing water reticulation systems, preparing and planting land, weeding, and hill country stabilisation, and another 100 in the rural sector for nurseries, fencing manufacture, and farm advisory services.

Minister for the Environment David Parker signed the agreement on behalf of the government. Joining them at the signing were Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage and guests representing numerous community, conservation, hapū and marae groups, as well as the agricultural sector and philanthropic organisations.

As well as the MOU signing, the day also saw the first meeting of a joint governance committee, made up of six Kaipara Uri representatives and six council representatives (three from Auckland Council and three from Northland Regional Council).  The committee will oversee a yet-to-be established entity charged with delivery of the ten-year Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme.  The committee will be chaired by Tame te Rangi, with Penny Smart as deputy chair.

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Kauri Dieback Provincial Growth Fund Project

Council has been successful in receiving $2m funding from the Provincial Growth Fund aimed at preventing the spread of kauri dieback through building tracks and boardwalks on public (ie. district council and Landcorp) and private land along the Te Araroa Trail.  It is estimated that this project will see 14 jobs created in Northland.

7.2.2   CEO’s Office

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)

Cultural Induction day and site visit held on 14 and 15 September 2020.  Awaiting details on the next formal mediation date.

Regional Plan appeals

Environment Court hearings on provisions relating to land-use and disturbance activities, and mangroves have been held with decisions of the Court expected by end of 2021.  This includes consideration as to how the new National Environmental Stanadards and associated regulations which are now operative impact on regional plan appeals.

Mediation and informal dialogue continues on remaining plan provisions under appeal as directed by the Court

Economics

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

Court has granted council’s application for summary judgement that council is owed monies by the guarantors.  Arranging for costs to be awarded and judgement sealed.

7.2.3   Corporate Excellence

Fraud Declaration

As a result of a staff car being broken into on First Avenue, a council credit card was unlawfully taken and used without authorisation at several Whangārei retail outlets.  The total amount of the unauthorised spend was $202.  The police and the BNZ have been notified.  The BNZ is currently undertaking an investigation and indicating the $202 will be re paid back to council.

Council Property Update

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

The Kaipara Service Centre piling is complete apart from two piles.  Earth works and civil works are at early stages with powerline undergrounding occurring over October 2020.  The project is currently 12 days ahead of schedule.

The NIWA Kingfish RAS Facility Project Manager and Designer have been engaged by NIWA and the Engineering and Electrical consultants are to be engaged this month.

No incidents or accidents to report; the only site activities to date have been topographical survey works.

7.2.4   Regulatory Services

COASTAL / WATER QUALITY FIELD OPERATIONS

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

Ÿ four coastal water quality sampling runs. 

Ÿ nine river water quality, priority catchment and periphyton sampling runs. 

Ÿ validation of six continuous water quality stations (five freshwater and one coastal).

An eDNA sample was collected at Puapua Creek, Tinopai to assist in an ongoing Citizen Science Project.  This involves analysing for DNA shed by organisms, both within the creek's water and surrounding catchment.  The collected DNA is then compared with a library to identify what organisms are present, including fish, mammals and invertebrates.

HYDROLOGY

Rainfall

Ÿ September 2020 was a dry month, with most of Northland receiving less than 60mm of rain and Northland averaging just over 50mm for the month.

Ÿ Purerua Peninsula in the northern Bay of Islands recorded the least amount of rain with only 11.6mm, just 9% of the long-term median for the area.

Ÿ Waimamaku at Weka Weka Road recorded 139.5mm and Tutāmoe 107mm of rainfall, the only two sites that exceeded 100mm.

Ÿ The regional average of median rainfall was 39%.  Poutō Point rarely gets the highest rainfall, but in September 2020 it had the highest percentage of the median at 76%.

 

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River Flows

Ÿ Most Northland river flows for September are between 20% to 60% of normal mean flow due to the low rainfall for the month.

Groundwater

Ÿ A dry September resulted in decreased groundwater levels in most of Northland’s aquifers.  The Taipā, Russell, Ruawai and Mangawhai aquifers were below their normal September groundwater level, while the remaining aquifers across the region were close to normal.

Weather Forecast

Ÿ NIWA outlook: 

For northern New Zealand, including Auckland, a drier than normal start to the three- month period is likely, but developing north-easterly winds could introduce more moisture in November or December.  Soil moisture and river flows are equally likely to be below normal.

Ÿ Metservice outlook:

There is a clear signal for highs to become strongly established over New Zealand, in between bursts of spring westerlies, during October. This leads to a drier than normal prediction for most regions of the country, which is of particular concern for the north and east of the North Island

Ÿ Typically, when a dry month of 10 to 20mm of rainfall strikes in spring/summer, the rivers in the dry catchments react and recede more quickly than normal.

Ÿ Soil temperatures are 2-3 degrees above normal, soil moisture deficits are currently higher than normal.  Given westerly winds are predicted over October 2020, it is likely the current downward trend will continue through October unless a spring storm hits the region.

NATURAL RESOURCES DATA

Ÿ The LAWA website went live on 25 September 2020. The new “Rivers Topic National Picture Summary” was published on 4 October 2020.

Ÿ The ecological database (KiEco) is still under construction and is expected operational by
February 2021.

Ÿ The NR Data Team is working with the Online Services team and web developers to update the platform for displaying environmental data on the council’s website.

 

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE

Air quality and carbon emissions

Ÿ Ambient PM10 monitoring results for August 2020 at Robert Street, Mairtown (Whangārei) and Marsden Point stations show that compliance was met with the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality.

Ÿ Ambient PM2.5 monitoring results for the Robert Street station were within the Ambient Air Quality Guideline value.

Ÿ The mobile BAM PM10 monitor was deployed to Mairtown in early August 2020.  Comparison of daily PM10 concentrations between Mairtown and Robert Street sites is presented in the graph below.  Out of 27 days monitored in August, the Mairtown monitor showed higher daily averages than the Robert Street monitor on 14 days and similar averages on six days.

Ÿ Council’s CO2-e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions in 2019 and 2020 to date are presented in the graph below.  Since April 2020, council’s monthly CO2-e emissions have been lower than 2019 emissions, indicating and attributed to the effect of COVID-19 restrictions.  The graph is based on live data and therefore figures for last few months are subject to change.

Ÿ Graphs showing consumption of council’s major contributors to CO2-e (vehicle, air travel and electricity) between 2019 and 2020 are also presented in the graphs below.

 

 

Freshwater Ecology

Ÿ The first stage of the drought project contracted to Massey University (Death et al, September 2020) has been finalised following the internal review by the Science Team. 

Ÿ The Stage 1 report has mainly focussed on state and trend of the river ecosystem health by looking at the long-term annual macroinvertebrate data collected from over 60 monitoring sites.  The report has also undertaken some preliminary analysis of the drought impacts on river invertebrate communities.

Ÿ An in-depth analysis of the 2019 - 2020 drought impacts on river ecosystem health will be undertaken in Stage 2 of this project, which is expected to be completed by June 2021.

Freshwater Quality

Ÿ Water quality modelling work:

Ÿ The water quality steady state report by Land & Water Science (LWS) for Northland rivers and streams was finalised and its findings will be presented to the Water Steering Group by the end of October 2020.  LWS is now working on water quality loads for Northland rivers based on their steady state model outputs.  The GIS based water quality loads model will be delivered by mid-October 2020.

Ÿ NIWA is close to completing the CLUES calibration process of nitrogen, phosphorous and
E. coli loads for Northland rivers.  The Science and Policy & Planning teams, together with the council’s Economist, are working closely to develop some scenarios that can feed into the CLUES scenario model to assess the water quality loads under different land management interventions over time.  The scenarios will also consider the policies and standards in the NPS-FM2020.

Ÿ Lakes microplastic study:

Ÿ Studies on microplastics in the freshwater environment are scarce compared with the marine microplastics research.  The council has volunteered to participate in a global lake microplastics study known as GALACTIC (or GlobAl LAke miCroplasTICs) which is being coordinated by NIWA for NZ contributors. 

Ÿ Staff assisted in sampling for microplastics in Northland’s two outstanding and high value dune lakes, Lake Taharoa and Lake Ngatu.  The samples will be analysed overseas with NIWA to present the finding to NRC in early 2021.  The project has huge support from the local iwi associated with these two lakes.

 

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Trawling plankton in Lake Taharoa for
microplastic sampling

Filtering the water sample from the plankton net

Marine

Ÿ NRC has initiated a project with NorthTec, Whitebait connection, WDC, FNDC and KDC to try and estimate how much plastic and litter is reaching Northland’s estuaries and coastline each year.  Litter traps have been installed on stormwater catch-pits around the region.  NorthTec will audit the contents of the traps every three months to estimate how much plastic is washed into the sea.  The project aims to identify some high-risk land uses such as playgrounds, car parks, supermarkets and fast food premises to enable targeted mitigation and education.

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Litter trap being installed at the council’s
Water Street office carpark

Plastic and litter on a stormwater grate in
Whangārei City

·     In September 2020, NRC was approached by a group of local researchers, NIWA and Ngāti Kuta to support a project to survey the ecology of the Ipipiri platform in the Bay of Islands.  The platform has been identified as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) in the Proposed Regional Plan for Northland as it contains among the most biodiverse soft sediment biogenic habitat in New Zealand, including nationally rare (or little reported) red-algal turfs and subtidal seagrass. 

·     NRC agree to provide in-kind support for the survey and to assist with some of the laboratory and field costs.  One of the outcomes of the survey will be a baseline assessment of this important SEA.  The survey will also hopefully provide the council with a useful template on how to survey ecologically important subtidal habitats.

Consents in Process

During September 2020, a total of 59 decisions were issued.  These decisions comprised:

Ÿ Moorings                                                                   3

Ÿ Coastal Permits                                                       3

Ÿ Coastal Discharge Permits                                  2

Ÿ Air Discharge Permits                                           1

Ÿ Land Discharge Permits                                       4

Ÿ Water Discharge Permits                                     0

Ÿ Land Use Consents                                              29

Ÿ Water Permits                                                       10

Ÿ Bore Consents                                                         7

The processing timeframes for the September 2020 consents ranged from:

Ÿ 522 to 2 calendar days, with the median time being 28 days;

Ÿ 106 to 2 working days, with the median time being 20 days.

Thirty-five applications were received in September 2020.

Of the 104 applications in progress at the end of September 2020:

Ÿ 55 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 44 less than 6 months.

 

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

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

Ÿ Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month                    0

Ÿ Progress on Applications Previously Notified                                                       6

Ÿ Hearings and Decisions                                                                                                 4

Ÿ Appeals/Objections                                                                                                        2

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 – 30 September 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

14

13

1

0

0

0

Bore Consent

11

10

1

0

0

0

Coastal Air Discharge

2

2

0

0

0

0

Coastal Discharge

13

12

0

1

0

0

Coastal Permit

77

49

23

5

0

0

FDE – Discharge permit

151

112

0

30

7

2

FDE – Permitted activity

55

50

0

4

1

0

Land Discharge

47

38

4

3

0

2

Land Use Consent

32

28

2

0

0

2

Water Discharge

23

22

0

1

0

0

Water Permit

23

20

1

1

0

1

Water Take

109

53

49

6

0

1

Total

557

409

81

51

8

8

Percentage

 

73.4%

14.5%

9.2%

1.4%

1.4%

Year to date

1,719

1,132

230

159

51

147

Percentage

 

65.9%

13.4%

9.2%

3.0%

8.6%

Coastal

The majority of consents monitored during the reporting period related to coastal discharges (treated municipal sewage, boat maintenance facilities and other industrial) and coastal structures, which included all boat sheds in Whangārei Harbour.  Of these, approximately 10% had issues relating to building matters that were referred to the Whangārei District Council as the building consent authority under the Building Act 2004.

 

 

 

Water, Waste, Air and Land Use (WWALU) Compliance Monitoring

Ÿ Water use

Approximately 97% of the annual water use records for this year have been received.  Staff are currently considering what enforcement actions to take in relation to the outstanding records.  Late fees were charged to consent holders that provided records after the required deadline, as per the council’s User Fees and Charges 2020/21 policy.

Ÿ Wastewater

The Whangārei District Council (WDC) has engaged a suitably qualified person to start a programme of intensified sampling and testing at the Hikurangi Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).  The Hikurangi WWTP has some long-standing issues with water quality and the WDC plans to address these over a three-year period.  More detailed timeframes are being put together by WDC, and NRC will be monitoring progress closely.

Ÿ Air Monitoring

Spray drift complaints continue to be received requiring staff to spend a large amount of time educating property owners and spray operators on the details of our regional plan rules regarding managing sensitive areas and avoiding off-target spray discharge.

Ÿ Forestry and Earthworks

With the return to COVID-19 Level 1, the forestry liaison meeting has been able to be scheduled for November.

The large slip at Ha Ha Road (Opotiki) has been cleared but will require further stabilisation work once the ground dries out.  The large number of slips in the Glenbervie and Mt Tiger forests are still being worked on and monitored closely.

Ÿ Waste and Contaminated Land Management

Seven incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and 14 enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to.  One site was added to the Selected Land Use Register (SLR).  No hazardous waste was disposed of during the reporting period.

Staff have been busy preparing the new programme for Hazardous Waste Collection that is rolling out in November.  The new programme will be publicised via a media release, printed flyers and email distribution across available networks.  The first amnesty day will be held on 17 November 2020 and will require additional staff to assist with directing people and chemicals.

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 418 farms (~52%) 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

204

219

76

79

29

53

66%

62%

25%

23%

9%

15%

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

84

89

14

19

11

22

77%

68%

13%

15%

10%

17%

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 66 applications so far (13 in July, 38 in August and 15 in September).  Funds allocated so far:

 

July

August

September

TOTAL

Far North

$11,748.19

$25,336.60

$26,976.69

$64,061.48

Whangārei

$12,364.59

$72,179.88

$16,599.83

$101,144.30

Kaipara

$20,771.56

$40,503.47

$7,690.20

$68,965.23

Total

$44,884.34

$138,019.95

$51,266.72

$234,171.01

Environmental Incidents

One environmental incident was reported which resulted in a significant environmental impact.  In mid-July the Russell Wastewater Treatment Plant was inundated with stormwater from a localised storm event, resulting in UV treated wastewater from the wetland ponds overflowing to a natural wetland and then to the coastal marine area.  The discharge was notified by Broadspectrum, which has provided a follow-up report on the discharge.

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 and smoke nuisance

1

2

13

16

13

18

Dead stock

1

2

0

0

1

2

Earthworks/landuse

0

0

2

3

2

3

Farm dairy effluent

11

13

14

14

18

27

Hazardous substances, spills and refuse

0

0

2

5

2

5

Illegal activity in coastal marine area

0

0

1

1

1

1

Other air discharge

0

0

1

1

1

1

Other water discharge

1

1

2

2

2

3

TOTAL

14

18

33

42

38

60

*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

Sentencing was completed on 18 September 2020 in the Whangārei District Court.  Shepherd Farms Limited was fined $27,200, Philip Farms Limited $33,600 and Mr Philip $3,000.  Mr Shepherd was convicted and discharged.

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 requested to participate in the restorative justice process, which has been agreed to and directed by the Judge.  The next court appearance will be 2 November 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.  Evidence is to be filed by 6 November 2020.

Ÿ Earthworks without erosion and sediment controls – Totara North

Six 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.  The summons was served on the defendant and the first court appearance is scheduled for 7 October 2020 in the Whangārei District Court.

7.2.5   Environmental Services

land management

Environment Fund

Seventy-seven Environment fund applications for the 2020/2021 financial year were approved under delegated authority on 2 October 2020, totalling $508,471.34.  Eight SHaRP fencing projects totalling $39,220.30 were also approved. 

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 Two sites have been chosen as coastal planting pilots.

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 plan is being developed for the planting and fencing grants.

Land Treatments

Retirement fencing

Ÿ E-fund 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.

biodiversity

FIF Dune Lakes Project

Objective

Status

Aquatic weed and pest fish control

Ÿ The aquatic herbicide operation went ahead from 8 – 10 September at Lake Ngatu with assistance from Ngai Takoto and their Kaitiaki Rangers.

Ÿ In total 6,995 litres of Aquathol K aiming to eradicate the pest oxygen weed lagarosiphon was delivered by airboat using trailing hoses over an area of around 54ha within the target rate of 3 ppm.

Ÿ Monitoring and diver survey undertaken since has shown no by-kill with beds of lagarosiphon already starting to collapse. 

Sediment and nutrient mitigation

Ÿ An onsite meeting held with Department of Conservation and Far North District Council on 8 September to progress sediment mitigation plans for Lake Ngatu.

Ÿ The contract with FNDC was drafted and is awaiting sign off and landowner approval from DOC.

Maori Lakes Strategy

Ÿ Planning for the next hui was discussed at a meeting with far North Iwi

Fencing

Ÿ Fencing is underway to move a section of fence back from the edge of Lake Ngatu.

Lakes

Ÿ The annual Lakes Ecological Monitoring programme with NIWA divers and scientists was moved to spring and shortened to four days because of travel restrictions due to COVID-19.  A total of six lakes were monitored by divers using LakeSPI (Submerged Plant Index) and seven waterbodies/wetlands were surveyed by reconnaissance, including four that have not been visited before.

Ÿ A new population of black mudfish was discovered in one of the wetlands.

Ÿ Unfortunately, two lakes had to be dropped from the list due to access issues and wet conditions.

Ÿ The three lakes scheduled for herbicide treatment through the FIF Dune lakes project had their pre-treatment baseline surveys.  This has prompted a rethink of treating Ngakeketo and Waiparera in the Far North, due to significant spread of Egeria oxygen weed, which cannot be eradicated with herbicide and will dominate both lakes if the other weeds, targeted by herbicide are removed.

Ÿ At a meeting with Far North Iwi and NIWA scientists, iwi agreed to support a decision not to treat these two lakes and for NRC to investigate using the herbicide to treat lakes further south.  This will need to be progressed through FIF project partner MfE.

CoastCare

Ÿ In August and September CoastCare dune planting took place at Long Beach, Russell; Ruakākā; Taipā; Ahipara; Karikari Peninsula (Rangiputa, Puwheke, Ohungahunga Bay, Waikato Bay, Patia Bay and Whakaroaro Bay), Hukatere, Poutō and Baylys Beach.

Biodiversity Technical Advice

Biodiversity staff provided threatened species technical advice to consent staff for the consent application for a proposed wharf at Mangawhai, and expert advice to the hearing for this application (APP.040213.01.01).

biosecurity incursions and response

Pest Plants

·    Wilding Conifer Control – Lake Taharoa Stage 1

Stage 1 of the wilding conifer control at Lake Taharoa has been completed with contractors completing a final sweep of the area to locate any untreated trees.

 

 

Contractors and staff from Northland
Regional Council and Kaipara District
Council celebrate completion of Lake Taharoa wilding conifer control stage 1.

MARINE BIOSECURITY

Hull Surveillance Programme

No vessels were opportunistically surveyed this month by NRC staff so the year-to-date total of 20 hulls surveyed remains unchanged.  The Hull Surveillance contract for 2020-2021 was signed following a successful tender by Marine Environmental Field Services and divers are due to begin in October.

rivers

Long Term Plan Projects

Rivers

Comments

Awanui

We anticipate the resource consent decision for full scheme upgrade will be made in October.  The dry weather allowed a re-start to work at JNL that was delayed due to Covid.

Kerikeri-Waipapa

Landowner engagement is progressing, and we have lodged resource consent.

Matangirau

Design has been completed and landowner engagement is progressing.

Otiria/Moerewa

A hui was held with the Otiria Marae Committee to better inform spillway alignment options.  Ongoing talks with Kiwi Rail continue.

Natural Hazards 

Work Streams 

Status 

Comments 

Coastal erosion hazard mapping 

99% complete 

New coastal erosion assessments and updates complete, final report and maps due October.

Coastal erosion research

95% complete 

Auckland University is mapping Northland historic shorelines and erosion risk.  Currently overdue – estimated completion is the end of October

Rangaunu harbour hydrodynamic coastal flood mapping

Planning phase 

Coastal flood model for the Rangaunu harbour - detailed quote to be received

Region-wide coastal flood mapping

95% complete 

Final maps and deliverables due Oct 9th

Region-wide river flood mapping 

25% complete 

Awanui and Whangārei models complete, all catchments prepared

Whangārei river flood model

Planning phase

Re-run of Whangārei model planned - quote received

Public release of new coastal hazard maps

Planning phase

New coastal hazard zones (10 new coastal erosion zones plus coastal flood hazard zones for entire coastline) and communications plan to be presented to council late 2020

Climate Change Response 

Work Streams 

Status 

Comments 

NRC Climate Change Strategy

Draft complete

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 - Adaptation Strategy

In development

Climate Risk Assessment 1 - Risk descriptions - 90% complete

Climate Risk Assessment 2 - Coastal risk spatial analysis - 90% complete

Strategy due 2021

Joint Standing Committee on Climate Change Adaptation

Planning

All four councils have endorsed ToR. Inaugural meeting planned late 2020.

Northland Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

The new LiDAR data set is now being used widely throughout council and the wider Northland community with great reviews.  NRC is working with LINZ for public portal data access.

MĀORI ENGAGEMENT

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

Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Board

The public consultation programme has begun with a number of activities planned for the public consultation and engagement on the draft Beach Management Plan.  It has been a busy month kicking off in September with the final round of consultation on the draft Te Oneroa a Tōhe beach management plan to be completed on 11 October 11 2020.

Consultation began on the draft Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe beach management plan on Monday 14 September, as well as the four draft reserve management plans.

Media documents that have been released to date:

Ÿ media release 1 (issued 09.09.20)

Ÿ Northland Age public notice (to be published 15.09.09)

Ÿ Te Hiku Media advertising radio booking schedule

The website https://www.teoneroa-a-tohe.nz/ has undergone a refurbishment for consultation and is now live with these changes and updates.

A livestream hosted by Te Hiku Media featured three of the four Iwi representatives informing public of the background and history of the Board and the purpose of the beach management plan.  To date this has 2.8k views online and has been a successful platform to highlight the work achieved by the Board:  https://www.facebook.com/TeHikuMedia/videos/380076343012155

A number of post consultation board meetings will be required to consider feedback prior to approving the final plan on 3 December 2020.

Te Whāriki Core Cultural Competency Programme

Below is an outline of the outputs to date with positive results and comments flowing in from staff and council as to the learning outcomes being achieved across the organisation.  A reflection of the skill and competency of the Kaiārahi Tikanga Māori to deliver a programme that is specific to the needs and aspirations of the council:

Ÿ Four Level 1 workshops delivered so far

Ÿ Three workshops unable to be delivered due to the COVID-19 lockdown

Ÿ Three Level 1 workshops remaining for 2020 (ending December)

Ÿ Eighty-one staff have completed Level 1 to date

Ÿ One hundred and sixty staff members are expected to have completed Level 1 by December, with three further workshops scheduled for early 2021

Māori Representation

Council has chosen to undertake a process to consider Māori constituencies prior to the 2022 elections.  The final workshop presenting the full range of options analysis was presented to council to inform their formal decision on October 2020.  Please refer to the detailed paper included within this agenda (Item 6.3).

Iwi and Local Chief Executive’s Forum

A meeting of the Iwi and Local Chief Executive’s Forum was hosted by Te Runanga o Whaingaroa on 8 September 2020.   A comprehensive discussion identified the following priorities to progress:

Ÿ While housing remains a key priority, COVID-19, flooding and the drought have seen a need to review the action plan

Ÿ For iwi, key issues of concern are based around Wai, Whenua, kāinga and Kai with education, health, employment all part and parcel of these issues

Ÿ Other key issues raised from the floor were; economic development/recovery, alternative energy solutions and better synergies planning for the re-emergence of COVID-19

Ÿ Agreed that there needed to be some tangible gains, therefore, a need to prioritise the issues

Ÿ Whilst water resilience was front of mind right now, water quality and quantity were also a key risk for the region

Ÿ It was noted that COVID-19 had thrown groups together but the learning was the need for better cohesion between ILGACE and response to the needs of Te Taitokerau

7.2.6   STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project

Update

Future developments / reporting

Twin Coast Cycle Trail (TCCT)

Final invoice received and paid.

Project closed. 

Extension 350

Annual Report received. Provided feedback into E350 project evaluation proposal. 

Council has two more years of funding commitment, ending 30 June 2022

Extended Regional Promotions

Report for the year ended June 2020 received.

Council has one more year of funding commitment, ending 30 June 2021

Other Work Undertaken

Ÿ Northland Economic Quarterly – 28th issue completed and distributed.  Annual section reviewed the latest housedhold income data while the Spotlight section again covered the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on consumer spending, employment and Jobseeker Support recipients.

Ÿ Joint economic development initative – work to align October district council decision making with September council resolution, including establishment of Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party.

ONLINE CHANNELS

Most popular content on Facebook: Post about Summer Internship opportunities for students. This was followed by a video about Dragonfly Springs Wetland Sanctuary that was produced as part of the Environmental Awards programme to celebrate the winners.

*Measured by engagement – number of people who ‘reacted’, commented or shared the post

Key Performance Indicators

May-20

Jun-20

Jul-20

Aug-20

Sept 20

WEB

 

 

 

 

 

# Visits to the NRC website

27,900

33,800

48,900

36,100

29,396

E-payments made

6

5

31

12

11

# subscription customers (cumulative)

1,210

1,221

1,238

1,247

1,260

SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative)

 

 

 

 

 

# Twitter followers

1,517

1,519

1,529

1,531

1,536

# NRC Facebook fans

9,627

9,713

9,767

9,843

9,880

# NRC Overall Facebook Reach

75,400

201,900

106,500

207,700

74,00

# NRC Engaged Daily Users

5,164

12,000

7,950

10,100

5,229

# CDEM Facebook fans

18,000

18,100

20,800

21,100

21,200

# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach

114,300

72,300

518,000

254,100

86,900

# CDEM Engaged Daily Users

11,800

5,817

92,200

30,600

5,764

# Instagram followers

1,172

1,193

1,203

1,220

1,241

NOTES:
July - increase in visits to the website was due to the flood event, 17 July 2020.
Sept – decrease in Facebook reach & engagement due mostly to being one FTE down in Online Services team
this month, therefore, not as many proactive campaigns were delivered.

ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION

Catchment Planting Day

On 1 September, 80 Kokopu School students with accompanying teachers and whanau planted 950 riparian plants – six species – around a dam and wetland area on a farm in the Mangere Catchment. 

NRC Land Management and Enviroschools ran the event, with Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group members in attendance.

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Enviroschools Bronze Celebrations

On 3 September, due to COVID-19 restrictions, Hurupaki Kindergarten held a private Enviroschools Bronze celebration.  They are proudly displaying their new Enviroschools sign in time for kindergartens to attend a day learning about pest management, bush skills and other sustainable practices.

On 7 September, Cr Kitchen took part in Waiharara School’s Enviroschools Bronze celebration.  The school is renowned for its prolific vege gardens and ongoing pingao planting mahi.

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WaiFencing Assessment Day at Rangiputa

On 24 September, the final WaiFencing day for 2020 was held on Rangiputa Station, Karikari Peninsula.  Over 40 senior students from seven secondary schools carried out practical assessments and handed in their theory papers.  Unfortunately, the afternoon weather prevented the fencing off of a waterway, however, Kaitāia College and Kaitāia Abundant Life School students will return to complete the job.  Pāmu (Landcorp) fencers supported Can Train NZ and Enviroschools in running this event.

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Leon & Jarrod from Pamu's Rangiputa Station
introduced tech fencing

WaiFencing students take care of bio-control

Enviroschools Communities Facilitated

During September, Enviroschools Facilitators held specific interactions with 39 school and early childhood communities.

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

12

October

29

 

November

11

 

December

12

 

January

14

 

February

21

 

March

13

 

April 

12

 

May

13

 

June

15

 

TOTAL LGOIMA REQUESTS RECEIVED

193

54

LGOIMA requests not responded to within 20 working days*

18

5

*       REQ.605217 – Request for information in relation to Northland Regional Council’s COVID-19 wage subsidy application.  The staff member allocated the LGOIMA request did not flag the request when it was received, and consequently it was not included in any work plans.  The request has since been completed (Corporate Excellence).


 

7.2.7   Customer Service – Community Resilience

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Telephone Inbound Call Statistics & Enquiries

 

September 2020

Target

Call volume via Customer Services

2,457

 

Conversion rate

97.0%

> 95%

Average wait time

6 sec

 

Calls answered in under 30 sec

95.3%

> 90%

For this first quarter, inbound volumes have exceeded the same month last year by 8%.  One-third of the requests received were for biosecurity or consents.  Fewer maritime requests than normal were received, which is probably a reflection of the time of year. 

Satisfaction monitoring

Feedback cards, compliments and complaints

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

•    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

·    Consents – K McGregor

·    Land Management – S McKenzie

2

Overall service

·    Consents

1

Total compliments recorded

3

 

Complaints received

Total

Issue has occurred repeatedly for me

·    Citylink

1

Disagree with decision or process

·    Citylink

1

Staff / contractor behaviour or attitude

·    Citylink

1

Disagree with cost / value for money

·    Total Mobility

1

Total complaints recorded

4

One complaint received concerned drivers not enforcing masks on buses, which is not the drivers’ responsibility and the issue was unable to be resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.  Two other bus related complaints were about drivers parked over/close to driveways.  In one of the instances it had happened repeatedly, but Ritchies had not been informed.  One Total Mobility customer queried his ride cost, which was found to be correct.

•    Residents’ Survey

The results of the 2020 survey have been published on the NRC website.  The open text responses have been invaluable in determining issues of important and service improvements.

CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

The Minister of Civil Defence has proactively released a Cabinet Paper outlining proposed changes to the CDEM Act 2002 to improve New Zealand's future response to natural disasters and other emergencies.  The changes are aligned with the Technical Advisory Group review outcomes and recommendations but have been slightly delayed in their adoption due to several emergencies over the last couple of years. 

Changes include: 

Ÿ clarifying roles and responsibilities 

Ÿ enabling an approved provider to issue warnings and be protected from civil liability 

Ÿ identifying the NZ Emergency Management Assistance Team (EMAT) in legislation and protecting its members from civil liability 

Ÿ protecting volunteers from civil liability when acting under the direction of someone performing functions and duties or powers under the Act 

Ÿ enabling a controller or recovery manager to operate nationwide 

Ÿ allowing CDEM Groups (Joint Committee) to meet via audio or video meetings during an emergency  

Ÿ providing that any CDEM Group can be a statutory administering authority, but have the regional council member act in that role as default 

Ÿ providing that the National CDEM Strategy does not expire until it is replaced 

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have appointed a new National Controller - Roger Ball, who has a wide experience within local government and as a Group Controller for the Nelson Tasman CDEM Group for many years. 

Northland CDEM Group 

The Northland CDEM Group Joint Committee and the Coordinating Executive Group (CEG) met on 8 September.

The Northland CDEM Group completed the region’s CDEM COVID-19 resurgence plan for alert Level 2, 3 and 4.  The All of Government response required all CDEM Groups to submit their COVID-19 resurgence plans through NEMA by 18 September. 

Presentations on behalf of the CDEM Group Long Term Plan (LTP) priorities and funding requirements have been made to the four councils in Northland.  The two priority projects for funding are a regional Multi-Agency Coordination Centre and the upgrade of the region’s Tsunami Siren Network. 

Tsunami Siren Network Testing

The Northland tsunami siren network was tested at the start of Daylight Savings on Sunday 27 September at 10.00am.  The testing is undertaken bi-annually to ensure the network is in good working order; a comprehensive advertising media campaign was released in the lead up to the test. Maintenance and repairs are carried out by Top Energy or Northpower respectively.   This test was the first for 12 months since the scheduled test in March 2020 was cancelled at the direction of the National Controller.

The Tutukaka Marina conducted a Tsunami Evacuation Drill on Monday 14 September 2020.  The Marina has a yellow strobe light which is manually activated to warn mariners of tsunami conditions in the Marina.  The drill went as planned. 

Coordinated Incident Management System (CIMS) training course were held in Kaitāia, with representatives from Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, Far North District Council and the Department of Conservation attending.  CIMS Planning and Intelligence function training was also delivered in Whangārei. 

Group Controllers professional development training was held on Friday 25 September and involved an external consultant providing feedback on self-reflection, leadership insights and a 360-degree review.  All appointed Controllers for the Group participated.

Work Programme, Portfolio and Responsibilities 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 CDEM Group has also commenced planning for the coming summer with the lessons learnt from the drought earlier this year informing the planning process.  (The Group plan review is also continuing with the timeline for milestones having been amended to take into consideration the responses in the past 9 months.)

CDEM Group Plan Review Update 

The review is still on track to be completed by September 2021.  The updated timeline is contingent upon resources being available for normal business and many need to be revised if there are subsequent events requiring responses.

Costs during response and reimbursement from Central Government

During the recent drought and COVID-19 response central government made available funding to support communities and whanau.   These appropriations were additional to the arrangements outlined in the CDEM National Plan and separate to the funding provided to Northland under the Mayoral Relief fund for the recent storm event and the MPI funding for farm relief.   Throughout the drought and COVID19 responses funding and services have been provided – mainly for water delivers and support to community agencies to provide household goods and services – in line with the criteria laid out in the appropriations.  The COVID19 appropriation amounted to $30m nationally and the Drought Support $10m nationally. 

Both appropriations come with strict policy guidance on how they can be used.  Each appropriation also requires that the council bears the initial cost and then lodges a claim for reimbursement with NEMA.   Throughout the drought and to ensure cash flow during the COVID 19 response a total of 9 separate claims for reimbursement were submitted for a total amount of $2m of those claims, 7 have been now paid to a total value $1.75m.  The mayoral relief fund of $30,000, provided by Central Government for disbursement after the July flooding emergency has now been fully committed.

REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLANNING

Government Policy Statement for Transport 2021

The Government released their finalised Government Policy Statement on Transport 2021 (GPS) on 17 September 2020.  Aside from some relatively minor changes to the funding ranges, the finalised GPS remains largely unchanged from the Draft GPS.

Regional Land Transport Plan 2021/2027 and Regional Public Transport Plan

With there being no material changes to the finalised GPS, the work undertaken on the “Strategic Front End” of both the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) and the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP) remains unchanged.

Staff will continue to work at having the Strategic Front End of both documents completed during October 2020.  Staff have also commenced work on the funding application spreadsheets for the RLTP.

At this time, it is planned to have a draft copy of both the RLTP and RPTP presented to the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) at their December 2020 meeting and have the final drafts to the February 2021 meeting for formall approval to release both documents for consultation in March 2021.

A progress report will be presented to the Regional Transport Committee at the 14 October 2020 meeting.

Passenger Transport Administration

BusLink 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 August
(revenue ex GST)

Actual

Budget

Variance

Year/Date Actual

Year/Date Budgeted

City Link Passengers

30,174

 32,030

 -1,856

 57,239

61,361

CityLink Revenue

 $36,620

 $43,241

-$6,621

$71,762

$82,837

Mid North Link Passengers

 144

168

-24

297

324

Mid North Link Revenue

$552

 $840

 -$288

 $1,090

 $1,620

Hokianga Link Passengers

101

78

23

183

156

Hokianga Link Revenue

 $531

 $1,017

-$486

 $992

$2,034

Far North Link Passengers

364

667

-303

808

1366

Far North Link Revenue

 $878

$1,667

-$789

$1,933

 $3,415

Bream Bay Link Passengers

32

24

8

96

54

Bream Bay Link Revenue

$209

$86

$123

 $639

$195

 

COVID 19 – Alert Level One Public Passenger Transport Restrictions.

Alert Level 1 came into force for all regions except Auckland at 11:59pm Monday 21 September 2020.

It is now not a requirement to wear a face mask on public transport, but it is still encouraged.  All COVID-19 health related posters remain in place on all buses.

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 and vehicle.  This is to assist the Ministry of Health in contact tracing if required.  All Northland Regional Council contracted passenger services are continuing these tracing methods, on board cameras, registers, QR codes and electronic tickets.

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

Waka Kotahi will continue to subsidise farebox revenue loss resulting from loss of passengers due to COVID-19 to the end of December 2020 where it will be reviewed.

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

Aug 2020

1,663

$18,815

$25,000

-$6,185

$42,374

$50,000

-$7,626

Client trips have remained below pre-Covid numbers due to a reluctance to travel, particularly amongst the elderly.  This trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

 

Total Mobility Co-ordinator Group Meeting

A National Total Mobility meeting was held on Tuesday 15 September 2020.  This meeting covered the following subjects:

Ÿ Ridewise 2 Total Mobility Electronic Ticketing System;

Ÿ Service Provider Driver Training;

Ÿ Inter-regional Services and Drivers;

Ÿ Monitor Clients Usage on Scheme;

Ÿ National Consistent Total Mobility card; and

Ÿ The request for continued free travel as provided under levels 3 & 4 of COVID-19 lockdown.   

ROAD SAFETY UPDATE

Road Trauma Update: 2020 Year to date road death statistics

National        232 deaths compared to 256 at the same time in 2019

Northland    21 deaths compared to 23 at the same time in 2019

Fatalities this year

Far North

Whangārei

Kaipara

Northland

National

Local roads

4

6

2

12

 

State highways

4

5

0

9

 

TOTAL

8

11

2

21

232

Ride Forever (R4E) Rider Training numbers have continued to grow since 1 July 2020.  There have been 21 riders attending these training and competency courses:

Ÿ Bronze Course             8

Ÿ Silver Course              10

Ÿ Gold Course                 3

As the summer riding season approaches, the training organisations are seeing more registrations.

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. 

Planning is continuing for Road Safety Week 9-15 November 2020 with the ‘Step Up for Safe Streets’ theme.  A bus back has been designed and fitted on a City Link bus to help promote the week.

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 September & October have been Motorcycling, Distractions, Alcohol, Young Drivers.

The Northland Freight Group is planning several truck education & health stops for November. One will be held at Northport at the scaling sheds targeting logging trucks and a much larger event will be held at Uretiti on SH1 targeting the full range of heavy freight vehicles.

 

Driver Reviver/Fatigue Stops 2020/2021 Campaign

The Driver Reviver/Fatigue Stop planning has been taking place with road safety partners and this seasons dates have been set.  With the excellent support from Fulton Hogan, the Traffic Management Plan has been completed and approved for the five dates these Reviver Stops will be operating:

Ÿ Friday 23 October 2020           Labour Weekend

Ÿ Friday 18 December 2020

Ÿ Friday 29 January 2021           Anniversary Weekend

Ÿ Friday 5 February 2021           Waitangi

Ÿ Thursday 1 April 2021              Easter

MARITIME

Seventeen incidents were received during the month of September.  The incidents for the month were made up mostly of abandoned and derelict vessel disposals, however, notification of one serious incident was received involving a vessel capsize and the rescue of four people from the water.  Maritime staff also assisted Police with access to and recovery of two separate and unrelated deceased live-aboard residents discovered on their vessels in the lower Hatea river.

The opening weekend to scallop season coinciding with the reduction of COVID-19 alert levels in Auckland resulted in large numbers of recreational vessels and divers on the water in Whangārei Harbour.  On-water bylaw and education patrols were carried out.

A Safety Ambassador has been contracted for the summer to cover the Far North, a key focus of the summer safety campaign.  The ambassador will target remote areas working closely with communities and harbour wardens to improve recreational boating safety in these communities.

The Harbour Master, Deputy Harbour Master and the Marine Manager attended a meeting with the Minsistry for Primary Industries, Customs and NZ Police regarding on water patrols over the summer.  The aim is to achieve tighter collaboration across organisations to assist with on water education, enforcement and complainace.

The council vessel Ruawai has had replacement engines fitted in time for summer, the previous engines having completed 1400 hours in just under five years.

Project work has commenced in collaboration with Northport and other stakeholders regarding the review and upgrade of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) in the upper harbour.  The sections of the channel under review include the Shell cut through to Portland Channel.

The Bay of Islands simulator model is ready for use.  The simulator is going to be a useful tool to assist with training, feasibility study and risk assessment.  It is anticipated that the simulator will also allow the pilots with licenses for the Bay of Islands to maintain currency in the absence of cruise vessels.  It is the intention at some point to invite any interested councillors, the Group Manager and CEO to attend a demonstration.

Hydro survey work around the region is ongoing, routine maintenance of AtoN is on going.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.3

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Northland Inc. Limited: Annual Report for the Year Ending 30 June 2020

ID:

A1368943

From:

Darryl Jones, Economist and Simon Crabb, Finance Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on date 14 October 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

Northland Inc. Limited’s (Northland Inc.) Annual Report 2019/20 conforms to the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002.  Northland Inc. reported a surplus after tax of $17,247 in the 2019/20 financial year compared to a budget surplus of $768 (2018/19: $11,185 surplus compared to a budget surplus of $289), producing a closing equity position at 30 June 2020 of $150,903 ($133,656 as at 30 June 2019).  In addition, 11 of the 16 performance measures set out in Northland Inc’s Statement of Intent 2019–2022 have been achieved.

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Northland Inc. Limited: Annual Report for the Year Ending 30 June 2020’ by Darryl Jones, Economist and Simon Crabb, Finance Manager and dated 29 September 2020, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

As required under section 67 of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA), Northland Inc. has provided council with a copy of their Annual Report for the year ended June 2020 (Attachment 1).

 

Staff have reviewed the Annual Report and confirm that the requirements of the LGA in relation to the content (i.e. sections 68 and 69) have been met, e.g. performance reporting against the Statement of Intent (SOI), audited consolidated financial statements, and an independent auditor’s report.

 

In terms of reporting against the key performance indicators (KPI) set out in Northland Inc’s SOI 2019–2022, the results are set out on pp. 3-4 of the Annual Report.  Northland Inc. achieved 11 of the 16 targets.  The five KPIs not meet were: Number of inward delegations hosted, Visitor spend from target markets, Value of industry investment in regional promotion activity, RTO Net Promotor Score and Client Satisfaction for Māori Businesses.  The COVID-19 crisis and policy response were the key reasons for the first three not being achieved.  The fourth one is no longer available.  The fifth was not achieved as the sample size of those who responded was considered too small to provide a meaningful result.

 

Northland Inc. reported a surplus after tax of $17,247 in the 2019/20 financial year compared to a budget surplus of $768 (2018/19: $11,185 surplus compared to a budget surplus of $289), producing a closing equity position at 30 June 2020 of $150,903 ($133,656 as at 30 June 2019).

 

The audit report prepared by Deloitte gave an unqualified opinion that the financial statements and KPI reporting presents fairly the performance of the company and complies with legislative and standard accounting practices. 

 

Representatives from Northland Inc. Limited will attend the council meeting to comment on the report and answer any questions.

 

Northland Inc. has yet to set a date for its Annual General Meeting. 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Northland Inc. Limited Annual Report 2019/20   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.3

20 October 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.1

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings

ID:

A1371144

From:

Sally Bowron, Strategy, Governance and Engagement Team Admin/PA

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on date 14 October 2020

 

Recommendation

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

 

 

Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) (Co-Chairs: Cr Robinson; Rudy Taylor)

The TTMAC Working Party met on 10 September 2020.  The topics for discussion included:

·        Māori Elected Members on Council

·        Northland Inc Update      

·        Long Term Plan 2021-2031          

·        Overview of the government’s action for healthy waterways package (August 2020)

·        Tāngata Whenua Water Advisory Group       

·        Regional marae-based hui          

 

Following discussion, the TTMAC Working Party provided advice on the following next steps:

·        That the following recommendation and a supporting paper from the TTMAC tāngata whenua caucus be presented to council to inform their decision at October’s council meeting:

“That the TTMAC Maori Caucus seeks that the Northland Regional Council resolves to establish Māori constituencies for the 2022 local body election to support and grow existing participation and relationships with Te Taitokerau Māori and to enable compliance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”

·        That the council write to the new Chair of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) and the new Prime Minister to request that the government remove sections 19ZA to 19ZG of the Local Electoral Act 2001 (LEA) that allows for polls on the establishment of Māori wards or constituencies. These provisions do not apply to other wards and constituencies and marks them as unfair to Māori and inconsistent with being Treaty partners

·        That a maximum six-member tāngata whenua subgroup, with economic development or other relevant expertise, be established to work with Northland Inc on input into their annual Statement of Intent and overall economic development strategy

·        That Co-chairs work on prioritising agenda items by fitting them within the agreed six priority areas, allowing TTMAC to work more effectively within the available time.

·        That staff come back to TTMAC before the end of the year around council decisions on the Long-term Plan.

·        That TTMAC tāngata whenua members be asked for their feedback on the purpose of regional hui and how meetings were managed through the COVID-19 restrictions.

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.2

20 October 2020

 

TITLE:

Council River Working Group Updates

ID:

A1372742

From:

Leah Porter, PA/Administrator Environmental Services

Authorised by Group Manager:

Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on date 13 October 2020

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Council River Working Group Updates’ be received.

 

Whangarei Urban Rivers Working Group (Chair: Cr Jack Craw)

The Whangarei Urban Rivers Working Group met on 8 September 2020. The topics for discussion included:

·        July 2020 Rain event

·        Budget Overview

·        Works Programme 2019/2020 & 2020/2021

·        Blue Green Network Updates

Following discussion, the Whangarei Urban Rivers Working Group agreed on the following next steps:

·        Approach WDC to ensure eradication of willows in Hatea River between Whangarei Falls and Whareora Road Bridge

·        Talk to Consents Team regarding process and notification to iwi

·        Further investigation and modelling to be undertaken for identified flood risk areas

 

Awanui River Working Group (Chair: Cr Colin Kitchen)

The Awanui River Working Group met on 25 September 2020. The topics for discussion included:

·        Budget overview

·        Works Programme

·        Awanui River Restoration

·        Awanui Scheme Upgrade

·        Shovel ready Project Update

Following discussion, the Awanui River Working Group agreed on the following next steps:

·        Further discuss the lease or purchase of the Dunn St property.

·        Contact DOC & FNDC for confirmation of newly appointed representatives

·        Contact FNDC regarding contamination and storm water issues.

   


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                          ITEM: 9.0

20 October 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 - 15 September 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

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).

9.3

Commercial Tenant Rent Relief

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.

 



[1] Wairoa District Council poll in 2019 supported the establishment of Māori seats after the same poll was unsuccessful in 2016.  This is the only successful council poll on Māori representation undertaken to date.

[2] https://ssc.govt.nz/our-work/reforms/