Council

Tuesday 15 December 2020 at 10.30am

 

 

AGENDA

 


Council Meeting

15 December 2020

Northland Regional Council Agenda

 

Meeting to be held in the Council Chamber

36 Water Street, Whangārei

on Tuesday 15 December 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.

·         In the event of an emergency do not use the lift.

·         Please remember to scan the COVID Tracer 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 - 17 November 2020                                                                                6

4.2       Receipt of Action Sheet                                                                                                                          16

5.0       Financial Reports

5.1       Emergency Services Fund Update - Annual Reporting, Funding Uptake and Engagement and Promotion                                                                                                                                                    19

5.2       Managed Fund Recommendations and Marsden Maritime Dividend Proposal                38

5.3       Financial Report to 30 November 2020                                                                                            43

6.0       Decision Making Matters

6.1       Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan - Annual Report 2019-2020       50

6.2       Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Deed of Funding                                                    135

6.3       Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations                                         175

6.4       Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party - Nomination of New Member           181

 

7.0       Operational Reports

7.1       Health and Safety Report                                                                                                                     185

7.2       Chair's Report to Council                                                                                                                     190

7.3       Chief Executive’s Report to Council                                                                                                 193

7.4       Reporting on Long Term Plan 2018-2028 Performance Measures for Quarter One of the 2020/21 Year                                                                                                                                                              222

7.5       Northland Inc. Limited: First Quarter 2020/21 reporting against Statement of Intent 2020-2023 224

8.0       Receipt of Committee Minutes and Working Party/Group Updates

8.1       Receipt of Committee Minutes                                                                                                          227

8.2       Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefing                                                                   250  

9.0       Business with the Public Excluded                                                                                                    252

9.1       Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 17 November 2020

9.2       Receipt of Confidential Committee Minutes

9.3       Human Resources Report

9.4       Australian Investment Review and Introduction of New Fund Managers into the Long Term Fund

9.5       Sale of Industrial Area Properties

9.6       Hannah Street Whangārei Property Demolition

9.7       Vehicle purchase

9.8       Oruku Landing Conference and Event Centre - Consideration for public consultation

9.9       Appointment of Independent Financial Advisor   

 


 

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

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Confirmation of Minutes - 17 November 2020

ID:

A1391257

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 08 December 2020

 

Recommendation

That the minutes of the council meeting held on 17 November 2020 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Council Meeting Minutes 17 November 2020   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 4.1

15 December 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 4.2

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Receipt of Action Sheet

ID:

A1392146

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 08 December 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 - December 2020   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 4.2

15 December 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.1

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Emergency Services Fund Update - Annual Reporting, Funding Uptake and Engagement and Promotion

ID:

A1388853

From:

Tony Phipps, Group Manager - Customer Services - Community Resilience and Natasha Stubbing, Marketing and Engagement Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Tony Phipps, Group Manager - Customer Services - Community Resilience, on 08 December 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The purpose of this report is to provide an Emergency Services Fund (ESF) update on the uptake of the ESF, the progress with engagement and promotion as well as recipient annual reporting and service performance.

 

Recommendation

1.         That the report ‘Emergency Services Fund Update - Annual Reporting, Funding Uptake and Engagement and Promotion ’ by Tony Phipps, Group Manager - Customer Services - Community Resilience and Natasha Stubbing, Marketing and Engagement Manager and dated 23 November 2020, be received.

2.         That council approves the distribution of the Emergency Services Fund Reserve as at the end of the financial year 2019/20 to the Emergency Services Fund receiptients in direct proporation to the current allocation.

 

Background/Tuhinga

Ratepayers contribute about $12 each a year, creating a funding pool to support organisations whose primary purpose is to save lives that are in immediate or critical danger.

The emergency services funded with this rate over the three-year period to 2021 are:

·        Northland’s rescue helicopter service ($525,000 a year).

·        Surf Life Saving Northern Region ($201,000 a year).

·        St Johns Northern Region ($90,000 a year).

·        Coastguard Northern Region ($84,000 a year).

FUNDING UPTAKE

Table 1 below shows the Emergency Services Fund recipients, annual allocations, funding uptake for (financial year) FY 19/20 and the uptake as at 30 November 2020.

 

Emergency Service Provider

Funding Purpose

Annual Allocation (in each of three years, GST exclusive)

Funding Uptake as at 30 June 2020

(For FY 19/20)

Funding Uptake as at 30 November 2020

(For FY 20/21)

Northland Emergency Services Trust

Operational costs for the air rescue and ambulance services

$525,000

$525,000

$131,250

Surf Life Saving Northern Region

Professional guards at popular beaches outside volunteer paid hours

$201,000

$201,000

$201,000

St John
Northern Region

Partially-fund replacement of Northland ambulances

$90,000

$90,000

$90,000

Coastguard
Northern Region

Operating, support and training costs for Northland units

$84,000

$84,000

$42,000

ESF Reserve

At the end of the FY 2017/18 a reserve balance of $148,736 had accumulated in the Emergency Services Fund due to higher actual rate collection and lower collection costs than budgeted. 

In July 2019, a total amount of $140,406 was paid to the ESF recipients due to the accumulated amount in the reserve fund.  The distribution of these funds was in proportion to the base allocations, and was allocated as follows:

·    NEST - $104,471

·    SLSNR - $1,985

·    St John - $17, 626

·    Coast Guard - $16,324.

As at the end of the FY 2019/20 the ESF reserve was $71,696. It is recommended to distribute these funds in proportion to the base allocations. Approx. amounts to be paid are as follows:

·    NEST - $41,822

·    SLSNR - $16,000

·    St John - $7,174

·    Coast Guard - $6,700

ENGAGEMENT AND PROMOTION

In February 2019, council approved up to $10,000 a year to be used from the ESF reserve to be spent on ESF engagement and promotion.

Communicating and engaging our communities in the range of activities council undertakes is important to ensure ratepayers are informed about where their rates are spent and how they receive value for money for their rates.  Over the past year we have been more proactive in telling the community about our involvement with these life-saving services.  Of note this year, we attended a special unveiling ceremony of a new ambulance in Kaikohe and we shared the news with ratepayers via a story in Our Northland and via social media.

This summer we aim to build on our success from previous years and continue to promote our involvement via a range of channels including radio, social media, print, stories, outdoor, signage at events and promotional boards at the beach.  We are also looking to collaborate with the various agencies where possible to share joint messages.  An example of this is sharing water safety messages from Surf Lifesaving New Zealand on the new Ocean Beach summer bus.

We will provide a report back to council in March or April on the marketing and promotional activities completed during the summer period.

ANNUAL REPORTS AND SERVICE PEFORMANCE MEASURES

As a condition of the ESF grant, each of the recipients are required to report on their financial and service performance measures as well as submit a report on the use of the ESF grant.  This information provided by the fund recipients is summarised below.

Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST)

The Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) is a non-profit organisation that owns and operates

the Northland Rescue Helicopter.

We currently operate a fleet of 3 x Sikorsky S-76 helicopters from our base in Whangārei.  In the twelve-month period to 31/03/2020 we have completed 957 missions, and transported 904 patients

to/from hospitals in and out of our region.

NEST is grateful for the financial support we receive from Northland Regional Council, in the form of

the annual grant under the Emergency Services Fund and the loan facility provided for the purchase

of our new aircraft.

Like most other ambulance operators, we receive only partial funding from the Central Government

health agencies (NASO).  The balance is covered by the community through sponsorship, donations

and grants.  Without the support of our sponsors and the Northland public we would simply be

unable to provide the service as it exists today.

 

In 2019, NEST commenced the new Government NASO contract in a joint venture with the Auckland

Rescue Helicopter Trust (ARHT).  The new joint venture is called Northern Rescue and we have

provided some details on the next page about the JV.

Our two new Sikorsky S-76-C++ helicopters have settled into their work and are performing brilliantly.  The new livery which prominently features the Northland Regional Council’s new logo on the front of the aircraft really stands out!

Surf Life Saving Northern Region (SLSNR)

Surf Life Saving currently plays an important role within Northland.  For the period ending 30 June 2019 SLSNR utilised funding provided by Northland Regional Council (NRC) to deliver weekday lifeguard services across Northland.  This service supported NRC in the achievement of the below strategic priorities.

·    Safe and resilient communities – Surf Lifesaving Services within Northland provide rescue services, education, sport and recreation, community hubs, leadership development, volunteer engagement, learning development and youth programmes that add to the region’s vibrancy and resilience.  Surf Life Saving Clubs are very much part of the community fabric of the coastal zones within the Northland Region, and our members continue to feature as standout community members thanks to the development opportunities provided by Surf Life Saving.

·    Efficient and effective service delivery – For nearly 100 years Surf Life Saving have presented an excellent value proposition to the communities it serves in Northland and the funders and partners who support us.  It is clear and understood that the delivery of the weekday lifeguard service in Northland.

·    Continuous improvement in water quality - Surf Lifesaving Clubs take pride and have a sense of ownership around the coastal natural resources where they are located.  They enhance and support the Mauri of their local coastal environments and ensure communities can enjoy and safely recreate in coastal areas.  SLSNR has a proven record in monitoring water quality and educating the community on water quality through our safeswim partnership.  We believe it would be advantageous for Northland Regional Council to utilise our abilities in this space.

·    A strong economy - Having strong, sustainable lifesaving services based at key locations within the Northland region allows local tourism-based businesses to promote a safe recreation environment and usage of one of the key assets to the region and is understood as a key driver to coastal residential property sales.  Surf Life Saving services and events also contribute significantly to visitor numbers attracting tourism as well as competitors and their families staying and spending money in the region.

The NRC funding provided to SLSNR ensures the delivery of a lifeguard service in Northland which includes weekday cover, 24/7 aquatic search and rescue services, aquatic community education, sport and recreation activities, leadership development, training volunteers and participation in youth programmes.

With the help of the NRC funding we have been able to undertake aquatic search and rescue activities with other emergency partners, sadly in 2018-2019 there has been seven fatal drownings in Northland with a yearly average of six fatalities in the last 10 years.  In the last 12 months we are seeing an increase in aquatic emergency assistance in Northland due to an increase in community coastal activities like rock fishing, bathing and boating.  The rate of fatal drownings per 100,000 in Northland is 3.91 where Auckland, with a larger population, has a fatal drowning rate of only 0.63.

St John Northern Region

Between 01 January 2019 – 31 December 2019, ambulance officers responded to 27,270 incidents in Northland and 20,326 were transported to the most appropriate treatment centre.

In June 2019 and June 2020, the Northland Regional Council helped to fund two St John Ambulances. It has made a significant difference in the community, to date.

·    Vehicle 980 based in Kerikeri started service in June 2019

·    Vehicle 258 based in Kaikohe started service in June 2020

The table shows locations and number of incidents attended by your vehicles.

As a charity, we are very grateful to Northland Regional Council for its generous, continued support of St John Services in the region.

The funds have enabled St John to ensure we can provide emergency medical response to all those in need.

Coastguard Northern Region

Coastguard operates nine units, including Northland Air Patrol, across Northland.  Between them, they operate and maintain 13 rescue vessels and one fixed wing aircraft.  Each unit is an independent society and registered charity.  Crewed entirely by volunteers, they provide year-round Search and Rescue (SAR) and Coastguard services to Northland residents and visitors.

Coastguard takes a multi-pronged approach to saving lives at sea that includes:

·    Emergency response: rescue vessels, SAR aircraft, and trained crew, operating independently or centrally coordinated by Coastguard or Police.

·    Communications: Coastguard-owned VHF and UHF communications network enables incident management coordination and public boating safety services such as weather forecasting, Nowcasting, and trip and bar crossing services.

·    Education: Educating boat owners and users to maximise their enjoyment and minimise their risk.  Promoting boating safety messaging, information and highlighting risks to Northland’s marine users.

·    Old4New in 5 communities between Marsden Point and Houhora.

Outcomes

Tragically, Northland has seen a significant increase in preventable drowning fatalities, from eight in 2018, to 16 in 2019.  A further 17 Northlanders were hospitalised in drowning-related incidents.  This places Northland second highest in preventable drowning statistics nationwide, both in real terms and in relation to population.

Coastguard Northland’s year in review:

 

 

Coastguard’s role as a lifesaving and community safety organisation is not limited to prevention of drowning, but includes the full range of maritime activity and provision of assistance to police with land-based activities.

Northland Regional Council’s Emergency Services Fund assists Coastguard with the purchase of equipment and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (overalls, wet weather gear, sea boots, caps and beanies) for volunteers; medical equipment (oxygen kits and oximeters); volunteer training and assessment; repairs and insurance.

Security of funding enables Coastguard to plan more effectively and maximise the value of funding received.

The full 2020 Annual Report for each of the four recipients can be found at the links provided below.

 

Northland Emergency Services Trust
Not available on website. Please see Attachment 1.

 

Surf Life Saving Northern Region

http://www.lifesaving.org.nz/about-us/slsnr-annual-reports

 

St John Northern Region

https://www.stjohn.org.nz/News--Info/Our-Performance/Annual-Reports/

 

Coastguard Northern Region

https://annualreport2020.coastguard.nz/annual-report

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: NEST Annual Report 2020   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 5.1

15 December 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.2

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Managed Fund Recommendations and Marsden Maritime Dividend Proposal

ID:

A1390888

From:

Simon Crabb, Finance Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 08 December 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

At their meeting on 25 November 2020, the Investment and Property Subcommittee endorsed the following recommendations for council approval:

 

·    That the CEO is authorised to withdraw any excess Long Term Fund gains in Quarter 3 of the current financial year.  Note: The intention is to hold these funds in reserve and utilise them in the 2021/22 (next) financial year to reduce the rating burden on the community.

 

·    That the Investment and Property Subcommittee Terms of Reference is amended to authorise the Subcommittee to approve all future withdrawals from the Long-Term Fund, subject to withdrawals being in accordance with the advice of council’s Independent Investment Advisor (EriksensGlobal).

 

·    That the council’s Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives is amended to reflect council’s intention to transition away from unethical investments over the next five years.

 

In addition, staff propose that any interim Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) dividend received in March 2021 is held in reserve, and then utilised in the 2021/22 (next) financial year to reduce the 2021/22 rating increase by:

1.    replacing the foregone revenue of $256K stemming from reduced cruise ship numbers in 2021/22;

2.    setting aside up to $589K to be released as economic development funding in 2021/22;

3.    setting aside any residual interim dividend to be drawn on as a funding contribution towards the Enterprise System to reduce future borrow and the consequential interest.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Managed Fund Recommendations and Marsden Maritime Dividend Proposal’ by Simon Crabb, Finance Manager and dated 27 November 2020, be received.

2.         That the CEO is delegated authority to withdraw any excess Long Term Fund gains in Quarter 3 of the current financial year in line with a Eriksens Global recommendation, and place into Term deposits.

3.         That any interim Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) dividend received in March 2021 is held in reserve and utilised in 2021/22 to contribute towards the IGR funding requirement, the shortfall in cruise ship revenue, and the financing of the new Enterprise System and held in the Short Term Fund.

4.         That the Investment and Property Subcommittee terms of reference is amended to reflect the subcommittee’s “delegated authority to approve all transfers between the Long-Term Fund and Short Term Fund, subject to the withdrawals being in accordance with the advice of council’s Independent Investment Advisor and reported to the next council meeting”.

5.         That the Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives is amended to reflect council’s intention to transition away from unethical investments over the next five years.

 

Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1A

Withdraw (and set aside as 2021/22 funding) any excess managed fund gains in Q3 of the current financial year

Protect the gains generated throughout the year, and have these gains secured in term deposits and reserved for council’s 2021/22 working capital requirements, in effect reducing the 2021/22 region wide rating requirement.

Confirm and incorporate any surplus gains and the consequential rating reduction into the Final 2021 Long Term Plan.

Earn a lower rate of return, due to holding the withdrawn monies in low returning term deposits.

1B

Do not withdraw any excess gains in Q3 of the current financial year

Potentially earn a higher rate of return by recapitalising the gains back into the Long-Term Investment Fund.

Have an exposure to the risk of losing any gains due to market volatility and the opportunity to use gains as a lever in the 2021 LTP to reduce the rating requirement.

 

 

 

 

2A

Place any Marsden Maritime Holding Limited interim dividend into reserves to be used in the next financial year

Unbudgeted dividend revenues received in 2020/21 are secured in term deposits and reserved for council’s 2021/22 working capital requirements, in effect reducing the 2021/22 region wide rating requirement.

Confirm and incorporate any surplus dividends and consequential rating reduction into the Final 2021 Long Term Plan.

 

Current year unbudgeted dividend revenue is not available to fund any potential new projects in the current financial year (2020/21).

2B

Do not place any Marsden Maritime Holding Limited interim dividend into reserves to be used in the next financial year

Dividends will produce a surplus in the current year and be available to fund any potential new projects.

Forego the opportunity to use any surplus dividends as a lever in the 2021 LTP to reduce the rating requirement.

 

 

 

 

3A

Amend the Investment and Property Subcommittee Terms of Reference

Efficiency of enabling the Investment and Property Subcommittee to manage withdrawal of gains from the Long-Term Fund and reduce the risk of time delays having a negative impact on investment returns and values.

Council members not attending Investment and Property Subcommittee meetings may lose clarity or understanding around investment discussions and decisions.

3B

Do not amend the Investment and Property Subcommittee Terms of Reference

Full council maintains vision and understanding on the decisions made to withdraw funding from the Long-Term Fund.

Risk losing gains and/or investment capital due to the time delay associated with waiting for a council approval.

 

 

 

 

4A

Amend council’s Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives to reflect council’s intention to transition away from unethical investments

Capture and record council’s desire to move to an ethically responsible managed fund investment portfolio.

The returns associated with ethical investments may be lower than currently achievable, requiring an alternative revenue stream to be identified to maintain council’s current level of operating revenue.

4B

Do not amend council’s Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives to reflect council’s intention to transition away from unethical investments

Maintain the current fund managers and investments contributing to the existing targeted return benchmark.

Do not hold an approved council resolution to record council’s desire to move to an ethically responsible investment portfolio.

 

The staff’s recommended options are 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A.

 

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. But the removal of investments in fossil fuels will signal Council commitment to addressing the impacts of Climate Change.

 

2.         Financial implications

Holding funds in term deposits is a low risk - low return investment option.  The opportunity cost associated with a term deposit is the forgone gains that the investment could have earnt in the Long-Term Investment Fund.  As an indication if $1m was held in a term deposit for six months at a rate of 1.25%pa it would generate approximately $33K less than if invested in the Long-Term Fund (assuming the one year average continues at 7.8%).  However, investment strategies carry different risk profiles and are subject to different return volatilities.  The returns from managed funds can fluctuate over a given time and historical returns do not necessarily form the basis for forecasted returns.

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

 

3.         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.

4.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

Council’s Statement of Investment Policies and Objectives, and the Investment and Property Subcommittee Terms of Reference are recommended to be updated to reflect the recommendations of the Investment and Property Subcommittee.

Background/Tuhinga

Withdraw any excess Long Term Fund gains in Quarter 3 of the current financial year

The budgeted gains required as general funding for the current 2020/21 financial year ($1.7M) were entirely withdrawn and protected in term deposits in September 2020.

 

To reduce the rating burden in the next financial year (2021/22) it is proposed that any or a portion of the surplus managed fund gains generated between September 2020 and March 2021 are withdrawn, invested in term deposits, and attributed to the Equalisation Reserve.  Then, in 2021/22 these gains can be transferred from the Equalisation Reserve and allocated towards the cost of the Enterprise Solution. Effectively this would reduce the rating requirement necessary to finance the overall cost of the Enterprise solution.

 

By undertaking these transactions in Q3 of this financial year it allows the funding and the consequent reduction of the 2021/22 rating requirement to be confirmed and incorporated into the Final 2021 Long Term Plan.

 

 

Place any interim Marsden Maritime Holdings dividends into reserves

In the same manner as outlined with excess gains, it is proposed that any current year surplus dividends are taken to reserve and then utilised next year to reduce the 2021/22 rating requirement.

 

The full year budgeted MMH dividend revenue for the current year is $1.5m (based on 6.75 cents per share).

 

Council receives two dividend payments from MMH during each financial year. 

·    a final dividend payment in September; and

·    an interim dividend payment in March.

 

The actual dividend received in September 2020 was $2.05M (9.25 cents per share) – which more than achieved the full year budget. Therefore, any interim dividend received in March will be non-budgeted/surplus revenue.  As an indication, last financial year council received an interim dividend of $1.5M (6.75 cents per share).

 

The placement, in order of priority, of any surplus MMH interim dividends into reserves is:

1.    $256K into the COVID-19 Reinstatement Reserve, held for funding the 2021/22 revenue shortfall arising due to the reduced number of cruise ships.

2.    Up to $589K into the IGR Reserve, held as funding for 2021/22 economic development.

3.    Remainder into the Equalisation Reserve, held as funding to smooth the impact of the Enterprise System.

 

By undertaking these transactions in Q3 of this financial year it allows the funding and the consequent reduction of the 2021/22 rating requirement to be confirmed and incorporated into the Final 2021 Long Term Plan.

 

Amendment to the Investment and Property Subcommittee terms of reference

In November 2020, the Investment and Property Subcommittee was delegated the authority to withdraw the gains budgeted as general funding from the Long-Term Investment Fund.

The recommendation presented in this report proposes the Investment and Property Subcommittee are delegated the authority to approve ALL withdrawals from the Long-Term Investment Fund - subject to these withdrawals being in accordance with the advice of council’s Independent Investment Advisor.

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                                                             item: 5.3

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Financial Report to 30 November 2020

ID:

A1392727

From:

Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant

 

Executive Summary / Whakarāpopototanga

This report is to inform council of the year to date (YTD) financial result to November 2020.  Council has achieved a YTD surplus after transfers to and from reserves of $4.24M, which is $340K favourable to budget (October 2020: $319K favourable to budget).

 

Recommendation / Ngā mahi tūtohutia

That the report ‘Financial Report to 30 November 2020’ by Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant and dated 3 December 2020, be received.

 

Report


Revenue

Year to date revenue is $26.07M, which is $4.09M or 18.6% above budget.


 


Expenditure

Year to date expenditure is $20.28M, which is $931K or 4.8% above budget. 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.3

15 December 2020

 

Note that across council there is a $467K favourable salaries variance (YTD October 2020 $384K favourable variance) predominantly due to the time to complete recruitment of positions identified in the LTP and AP or restored via the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve.  Some of these have associated external funding.

 

Transfers to reserves

For the year to date there has been a net transfer to reserves of $1.54M compared to a budgeted net transfer from reserves of $1.28K.  This is predominantly due to:

Ÿ $1.89M more than budgeted transfers to externally managed fund reserves representing higher reinvestment of gains than budgeted.

Ÿ $554K lower than budgeted transfers from equalisation reserve for general funding.  This funding was not taken as it was replaced by the additional dividend income.

Ÿ $312K lower than budgeted transfers from the Covid-19 reinstatement reserve as projects, works, and positions aren’t occurring as soon as planned. Any savings in these projects will be added back to the reinstatement reserve schedule when the value of them is known.

 

Capital Expenditure

Capital expenditure of $774K is below the YTD budget of $1.05M due to the timing of capital projects expenditure compared to as budgeted. This is predominantly in the area of targeted rate funded flood works and is expected to be at caught up later in the financial year.

 

Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve initiatives

Twenty three initiatives have a funding commitment from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve totalling $1.52M.  This leaves $184K unallocated at the end of November 2020.  The committed initiatives are as follows:

Projects removed from the 20/21 Annual Plan

 

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

Northland Inc. business case assessment

$100,000

Campaigns & engagement coordinator role

$41,392

Building reconfiguration (capital works)

$106,000

Biodiversity contractors

$30,000

Planning & Policy BAU - for LTP contract work

$10,000

Offsite storage of consents files (building reconfiguration)

$17,000

Internal Audit BAU

$27,000

Total AP projects reinstated

$961,665

 

 

New projects approved by council

 

BOI harbour modelling

$58,000

ReCoCo obligations

$100,617

Otiria-Moerewa Flood Modelling and Pre-feasibility Study

$80,000

NRC Water Allocation Tool

$40,000

Climate change advisor

$57,511

Storage facility security fence (capital works)

$65,000

Enterprise system advance

$55,000

Fan worm eradication

$98,000

Total new projects

$554,128

Grand total

$1,515,793

 

 

Work Programmes, Salaries and Projects removed from, or reduced in, the 2020/21 Annual Plan to remedy the deficit arising from the impact of COVID‐19. Listed in no particular order.

Description of Programme Position or Project

 Estimated Amount/Value

Approved/Removed/No decision

Tangata whenua capability and capacity

 $30,000                           

Approved

Modelling highly allocated aquifers

 $100,000                       

Approved

Enviroschools staff and seminars

 $86,385                                

Approved

Off‐site storage of consent files

 $17,000                                 

Approved

Pest plant prevention

 $110,000                              

Approved

Project costs associated with Northern Wairoa and lakes projects (Biodiversity contractors)

 $41,854                               

Approved at $30,000.

Conferences and training

 $25,000                                 

Removed

S17a reviews

 $20,890                                 

No decision

Long Term Plan costs

 $10,000                                 

Approved

Communications – casual staff and promotions

 $15,000                                 

Removed

WNW Catchment Group

 $35,352                                 

No decision

Lab testing costs

 $100,000                             

No decision

Citizen panels

 $10,000                                

No decision

Backup staff

 $10,000                                

Removed

FIF Dune Lake Position

 $75,131                                 

Approved

Biosecurity Marine Position

 $60,092                                 

Approved

FIF Wairoa position

 $80,897                                

No decision

Junior hydrology officer

$69,000 Operational Exp.
$4,700 Capital Exp.

No decision

National wells database

 $20,000                                

Removed

Freshwater accounting system

 $100,000                              

No decision

Māori engagement, Environmental awards extension and Intern

 $68,880                                 

No decision

Coastal water quality consultants

 $7,231                                  

Removed

Reg Services lab testing costs

 $7504                                  

Removed

Reg Services mobile device purchases

 $3,000                                  

No decision

Maritime teams overtime budget

 $15,000                                

Removed

NIWA Kingfish legal fees

 $10,000                                

No decision

Economic Policy Advisor Position

 $85,701                                

Approved

Environmental Science Reporting Officer Position

 $81,894                                

No decision

Kaiarahi Mahere Māori ‐ Māori technical advisor position

$101,000 Operational Exp. $82,784
$4,700 Capital Exp.

Approved. Reduced to $82,784.

Northland Māori representation on national committee 'Te Maruata'

7000

Removed

Data asset management

75000

Removed

Campaigns and engagement coordinator position

$40,000 Operational Exp.
$4,700 Capital Exp.

Approved

Technology upgrades

 $200,000                             

No decision

Far north poplar and willow nursery manager position

 $70,322                                

No decision

Eastern Bays Hill country staff

 $82,206                                

Removed

Painting of Water Street building, vehicle costs

 $104,004                             

Approved.  Redirected this to  Union East fencing @ $65,000

Internal Audit

 $27,000                                 

Approved

IT Consultants and other Corporate Excellent BAU

$15,000
$61,210.

Approved. $10,000 approved for LTP contract work.

Water Street Reception and Ground Floor Meeting Rooms Renovation and fit out:

$105,663 Capital Exp.

Approved

OTHER ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO 2020/21 Annual Plan to remedy the deficit arising from the impact of COVID‐19.

 

 

Utilisation of Community Investment Fund Capital in lieu of Investment income – as Economic Development funding

 $1,700,000                    

 

Utilisation of Community Investment Fund Capital in lieu of Investment and general income – as General funding

 $200,000                        

 

Utilisation of Infrastructure Investment Fund Capital in lieu of Investment and general income – as General funding

 $250,000                        

 

Utilisation of Equalisation reserve as General funding

 $150,000                        

 

Reduction in Economic Development Project Development budget

$300,000

Approved at $100,000

 

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence,

Title:

Group Manager - Corporate Excellence

Date:

09 December 2020

  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.1

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan - Annual Report 2019-2020

ID:

A1388850

From:

Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on 03 December 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The Biosecurity Annual Report 2019-2020 is a statutory requirement of the Biosecurity Act.  The attached report highlights the significant work undertaken by the Biosecurity team, in partnership with tangata whenua and community groups, and despite the delaying effects on operational projects that Covid-19 has had, many targets have been met and over $2 million was granted by external funding agencies for biosecurity activities.  However, as a consequence of Covid-19, there is an overall under expenditure of approximately $474,000.

 

Recommendations

1.         That the report ‘Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan - Annual Report 2019-2020’ by Don McKenzie, Biosecurity Manager and dated 23 November 2020, be received.

2.         That council adopts the Biosecurity Annual Report as the record of actions undertaken during the 2019-2020 year and in accordance with the objectives of the Pest Management and Marine Pathway Management Plan 2017-2027.

3.         That the Biosecurity Manager be delegated authority to make any minor design, editing, grammatical or accuracy amendments, prior to the Annual Report being published.

 

Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Council determines not to adopt the Annual Report

Provides an opportunity for changes in the way data is presented or other significant edits.

Delays production of a final copy for wider community and agency distribution.  Further extends the delay in meeting the statutory deadline of November.

2

Council adopts the report

The report can be distributed to community and agency networks immediately.

Nil

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 2, that council adopt the Biosecurity Annual Report.  It is staff intention that the Annual Report and the results, once adopted by council, will form the basis for greater public engagement and promotion of the work council and our communities do.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

This decision is a statutory requirement concerning reporting and will have no direct impact on the environment.

2.         Community views

This decision is unlikely to have any impact on external agencies, Māori and other interestgroups however may be interested in the content and have a view on the progress being made on the performance measures.

3.         Māori impact statement

This report relates to a council administrative matter and therefore does not have a direct impact on Māori.  Any potential impacts of future related decisions will be addressed in the relevant reports.

4.         Financial implications

There are no financial implications of this decision and the Annual Report has been produced using current resourcing.

The preliminary financial statement shows that the total biosecurity budgeted expenditure for 2019-2020 was $6,734,916.  This was an operational surplus due to Covid-19 of 6.6% or $474,049 as at 30 June 2020.  The lockdown of contractors and suppliers during Covid-19 meant that some targets for the year were not met, particularly in pest plant activities.

5.         Implementation issues

While this decision concerns reporting on operational matters, as indicated above, it is intended that council will seek to communicate these results as broadly as possible so that our community has a good understanding of the work being undertaken.

 

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

This decision is consistent with the requirements of section 100b of the Biosecurity Act 1993.

Background/Tuhinga

Northland Regional Council is the management agency responsible for developing and implementing the Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan 2017-2027 in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 1993 (hereafter referred to as the Pest Plan).  The Pest Plan is a combination of the eradication or effective management of specified pests (or groups of pests), and a marine pathway plan is designed to prevent and manage the spread of harmful marine organisms via boat hull fouling within Northland coastal waters.

An Operational Plan is prepared and reviewed annually as a requirement of the Biosecurity Act 1993 (section 100B).  It describes how the Pest Plan will be implemented for a given year.  Council has a statutory requirement under the Act to report on progress in implementing the Pest Plan by the end of November.  Unfortunately, this year the Biosecurity Annual Report has been delayed due to Covid-19 and staff shortages in the Biosecurity team.  While council should always strive for total compliance with statutory requirements, in this particular case, there are no statutory consequences for the late adoption of an Annual Report on an Operational Plan.

This Annual Report on the Operational Plan 2019-2020 (attached) is the second produced under the 10-year Pest Plan.  The report notes progress made against aims, objectives and key performance indicators contained in the Operational Plan and expands on these where appropriate. 

Summary of results

Data shows that Covid-19 had a direct impact of project and programme delivery with a lower number of public enquires being received, 5,100 for the year compared with 6,836 in 2018-2019.   In addition, approximately 23% fewer predator traps were provided to Northlanders for the year.  Diver survey of hulls however were able to be maintained as this work fell outside the main Covid-19 period and data from the marine programme shows that 2,048 vessel hulls were surveyed – 48 more than the target of 2,000 for the year.  Strong partnerships were also forged with a wide number of stakeholders, including Northland Rugby, to help build awareness of kauri dieback.  Staff were also able to continue to train the public in weed workshops and in NZQA credits for pest management.

Council was also awarded over $2 million of external funding during the year for work including the removal of wilding pines, control of Manchurian wild rice and Predator Free 2050.

Staff awards

Despite the effects of Covid-19 there were also some remarkable achievements including our Partnerships and Strategy Manager, Kane McElrea, being awarded two national awards.  Kane won the coveted emerging leader category at the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards in November 2019, in recognition of his work in forging sustainable communities and iwi-led biosecurity programmes, particularly to help protect Northland's kiwi.  Following this in May 2020, Kane was also awarded the Brookfield’s Emerging Leader of the Year Award from the Society of Local Government Managers.  This recognises Kane as someone under the age of 35 whose work has positively influenced community-based pest control initiatives.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan - Annual Report 2019-2020   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.1

15 December 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.2

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Deed of Funding

ID:

A1389214

From:

Penny Pirrit, Northland Regional Council Management Representative and Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services

Authorised by Group Manager:

Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on 03 December 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

Earlier this year the Crown, as part of its Jobs for Nature fund, approved a grant of $100M over six years to the Kaipara Moana Remediation programme. A deed of funding is required to secure the funding and includes the year one programme of work. The deed was signalled in the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Memorandum of Understanding signed on 9 October 2020 (the MOU) by Kaipara Uri, Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council and the Crown.

Staff from Kaipara Uri, Auckland Council and Northland Regional Council have worked with the Ministry for the Environment to ensure that the deed reflects the unique partnership governing the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme; the complexity, number and duration of the projects that make up the programme; and legal requirements that govern the councils that are party to the MOU.

The proposed deed of funding which is attached to this report now better reflects the right level of accountability and processes necessary to satisfy the Crown there will be processes in place that show how the grant has been spent to achieve the agreed outcomes of the programme whilst ensuring that the administration of these processes do not overwhelm the main on- the- ground delivery focus of the programme.

The Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee cannot itself sign the deed of funding, as the Joint Committee is not a legal entity and cannot enter into contractual arrangements.

This impacts the wording of the deed of funding in two ways. Firstly, all member parties to the MoU are required to sign the Deed and secondly a ‘recipient’ or banker (to hold the grant funds on behalf of the Joint Committee) must be identified from one of the member parties.

The Joint Committee, however, has discussed the proposed Deed and at its meeting on the 16 November resolved to endorse it in principle (as the Deed was still in draft form) and to recommend to the parties who signed the MoU that they sign the Deed of Funding as soon as practicable so as to enable access to the grant funds. The Joint Committee also resolved to indicate its support for the Northland Regional Council being identified in the Deed as the ‘recipient’/banker of the grant funds.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Deed of Funding’ by Penny Pirrit, Northland Regional Council Management Representative and Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services and dated 24 November 2020, be received.

2.         That the Proposed Deed of Funding in Attachment One to this report be approved by Council (subject to minor amendments).

3.         That the role of the Council as the recipient/banker in the proposed Deed be approved.

4.         That the Chair and the Chief Executive Officer be delegated the authority to negotiate any minor amendments to the proposed Deed of Funding that may arise prior to final signing of the Deed, provided those amendments do not materially change council’s obligations under the Deed.

 

Options

Purpose of the Deed

It is standard practice that when the Crown provides grant funding to a programme or project that a deed of funding is agreed between the Crown’s representative (in this case the Ministry for the Environment (MFE)) and the recipient(s) of the grant.  A deed formally outlines the term of the grant, rights and obligations of the parties and, in particular the financial and delivery accountabilities of the recipient(s), reporting requirements and processes to resolve any concerns the Ministry may have over performance. A deed provides clarity to the recipient(s) receiving the grant on their obligations and accountabilities while providing MfE with robust processes to ensure public funds are used to achieve the outcomes the funds were provided for.

Options Analysis

For the Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee to receive the $100m grant from the Crown, member parties have no option but to enter into a deed of funding.

There are various options for what that deed indicates in terms of obligations and processes. The original draft of the Deed received from MfE was in the format of the standard deed used with all grant recipients which was drafted to cover community groups with few formal practices in place. The wording, therefore, was considered inappropriate for the scale of the programme and for the parties responsible for the programme’s governance and delivery. It was considered that the Deed should reflect:

1.         The unique partnership arrangement spelt out in the Memorandum of Understanding.

2.         The partnership accountability for ensuring the programme is governed well and outcomes are delivered.

3.         The scale and complexity of the programme over the six-year programme.

4.         Recognition that some projects will be multi year.

5.         The robust obligations and audit requirements that local government is required to meet under the Local Government Act.

6.         A balance between adequate reporting to satisfy Crown the funds are being used appropriately vs too onerous reporting that would divert funds from being spent on actual project delivery to paying for additional full-time reporting resources.

 

Auckland Council agreed to undertake the work required to provide alternative drafting for relevant parts of the draft deed. This work was done and provided to MFE for feedback. MFE indicated they were comfortable with the proposed alternative approach. Further engagement between MFE, council staff, and Kaipara Uri (senior advisor) has helped further refine the drafting.

It is now considered that the Deed more appropriately reflect the partnership arrangement of the MoU and the processes needed to ensure transparency and robustness in how the use of the grant funds are used and reported on.  Minor amendments to the attached Deed are still being negotiated.  These are mainly around programme key performance indicators and reporting obligations.  It is anticipated that these negotiations will be completed by the 15 December and a final version can be tabled at the council meeting for ratification.

The draft Deed was workshopped with council on Wednesday 2 December.  While further amendments to the Deed can be proposed, this will require further negotiations with all parties and will further delay the signing of the Deed and progressing the programme of works. 

It is staff recommendation that the Deed of Funding as attached to this report be approved by council, with delegation to the Chair and Chief Executive Officer to negotiate any minor amendments that do not materially change council's obligations, and to sign the Deed.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

The Kaipara Moana Remediation programme seeks to make a significant impact on the health of Kaipara Moana through long term sustained and integrated catchment remediation at a scale not previously seen in Aotearoa. While there is a key focus on reducing the annual 700,000 tonnes of sediment flowing into the Kaipara Moana the programme also looks to provide skills and job opportunities to Kaipara Uri and local communities. A ten-year programme requires around $300 million to achieve the outcomes sought and accessing the Crown grant of $100 million is key to the programme’s success.

2.         Community views

The Kaipara Moana Remediation programme is supported by Kaipara Uri and many groups around the Kaipara Moana who have been actively engaged in remediation activities e.g. Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group, landcare groups, farmers, landowners.

3.         Māori impact statement

The Kaipara Moana Remediation is a partnership between Kaipara Uri (Ngā Maunga Whakahi o Kaipara Development Trust, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, and Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust), Northland Regional Council, and Auckland Council) which has been ratified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 9 October2020.  The MOU recognises that “Kaipara Moana is of great traditional, cultural, historical, spiritual and economic importance to Kaipara Uri, and that the well-being of Kaipara Mona is intrinsically liked with the well-being of Kaipara Uri. Kaipara Uri have sacred rights and responsibilities as kaitiaki of Kaipara Moana.”  The success of the programme and delivery of its outcomes is paramount to Kaipara Uri.

It must be acknowledged however, that the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme covers the entire Kaipara catchment and that there are hapu and iwi whose rohe include parts of the Kaipara catchment, who are not Kaipara Uri, and are not part of this partnership.  This has been, and will continue to be, an issue of contention and one which will need to be actively addresses by programme partners as this programme proceeds.   Council should continue to advocate for a solution that provides appropriate recognition for those hapu and iwi and their ability to participate in the programme moving forward.

4.         Financial implications

The key financial implication of the Deed relates to the requirement for Auckland Council and Northland Regional Council indicating how they will co-fund the programme through their respective Long-Term Plans, in combination with other contributions (i.e. landowners, industry association, philanthropic) to the total of $100 million in order that the grant funds are released for Years two-six of the programme.

This obligation will require the two councils to consult on how much of that $100m will come from council sources (rates, debt, user charges) and how much will come from third parties. This means that individual projects that the Joint Committee approve in the annual work plans (starting with the Year One Plan) should be clear on how any costs will be funded (i.e. a percentage indication of whether Crown, council or third party funds).

Another financial implication is that until the Deed is signed and the Year One work plan approved, Auckland Council and Northland Regional Council are funding projects that require an immediate start from within their year 1 financial contribution to the programme.

5.         Implementation issues

One of the key outstanding issues, that will be critical to the successful implementation of the remediation programme, will be the establishment of the operational delivery vehicle (the organisation to support and deliver the programme).  Currently, there is an interim arrangement where a combination of council staff and contractors are supporting the programme however this is not a long term solution and the Joint Committee is currently receiving advice on operational delivery structures.  The three main options being considered include a business unit within either NRC or AC, a Company or a Trust.  The Joint Committee will be considering final recommendations on this structure at its February 2021 formal meeting.

 

Another implementation issue, specific for NRC, is if NRC is confirmed as the recipient/banker of the Crown grant, council will need to put in place financial and reporting processes to meet the obligations, in the Deed, of the recipient. Work is already underway to determine what those processes entail.

 

6.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, the decision (i.e. recommending to member parties to sign the Deed) arising from this report is considered to be of low significance when assessed against Northland Regional Council’s significance and engagement policy.  This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, but that the joint committee is able to make these decisions without undertaking further consultation or engagement.

The indication in the Deed of a condition of continued funding for years two -six of the programme is that Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council must identify how the matching $100m will be co-funded is significant which is why both councils will be engaging with their communities on that matter as part of the 2021 Long Term Plan process.

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

As with all legal documents that commit signatories to certain obligations and outcomes there is an element of risk to each member party and the ‘recipient’ in signing the Deed. 

 

Considerable effort has gone into negotiating the terms and conditions of the Deed, and legal advice has been sought to clarify council obligations.  Council staff are satisfied that the obligations contained within the Deed are appropriate and within council’s ability to deliver on.

As the programme moves forward, it will be critical that council, through our staff and councillor representatives on the Joint Committee, assuring ourselves that approved projects meet the objectives and outcomes of the programme and that for each project there is clarity on how the project is funded (i.e. from Crown, council or third-party funds).  In particular, that the Joint Committee and staff are vigilant that the grant is used in the manner set out on Part C Clause 2.7 of the Deed. 

The Deed sets out that the Northland Regional Council be the recipient/banker of the grant funds.  In fulfilling this role, it is critical that council puts in place robust practices to meet its financial and reporting obligations.  Staff are already looking at this and are confident that robust financial systems and processes will be put in place to meet these obligations. 

As has been highlighted elsewhere in this report and in a previous report relating to the Kaipara Moana Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council has an obligation to secure $100 million funding to match the Crown’s $100 million over the 5 year period.  It will be important to keep this obligation front of mind as the programme proceeds to ensure this funding model is met.

Further analysis of the content of the Deed, risks and mitigation are outlined throughout this report.

Background/Tuhinga

Parties to the Deed

The wording of the deed of funding normally used by MfE is structured around a single ‘recipient’ for the Crown funds, who would carry all the responsibilities and obligations (and liabilities) under the deed. This did not fit with the partnership approach taken in developing the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme, nor the principles of partnership set out in the MOU. It is considered inappropriate for one of the member parties to carry all liabilities when decision-making on the annual work plan and other key matters was to be undertaken collectively by the Joint Committee.

Therefore, the Deed (as attached) has been structured so that all member parties sign the Deed, and the Joint Committee (on which all member parties have representatives), is accountable for the overall governance of the Kaipara Moana remediation programme; and the appropriate utilisation of the grant monies in the delivery of that programme.

As there is no single recipient of the grant a ‘recipient’ (or ‘banker’) of the funds is required to provide a place for the funds to be deposited and to provide appropriate accounting and reporting of the funds use. The ‘recipient’ should be one of the member parties.

The Deed requires the ‘recipient’ to establish and maintain a separate reserve account which can only be used for the purposes of receiving and distributing the grant (Part B Special terms clause 11). How the ‘recipient’ distributes the funds from the grant is determined by the Joint Committee through its adoption of annual work plans.

The Deed proposes that the Northland Regional Council become the recipient. Council has the accounting and financial systems in place required to meet these obligations and is responsible for a greater proportion of the Kaipara Moana catchment than Auckland Council.

The Deed also recognises that the term of the Joint Committee is finite and that it will cease to exist once the Kaipara Moana Body is established through treaty settlement legislation. At that time the Deed will expire, and a new Deed of Funding will be agreed between the Crown and the Kaipara Moana Body (KMB). Any unspent grant funds held by the ‘recipient’ will be transferred to the KMB.

Accountabilities under the Deed

The Deed requires the Joint Committee[1] to:

1.         Prepare and approve an Annual Work Plan which:

a.         Details the programmes activities and deliverables for that year.

b.        Details the budget and funding sources, including amounts, for all activities.

c.         Details amount of grant funding required in the first and second six months of the year.

d.        Details any statutory permissions or consents needed to undertake any of the activities.

e.        Details any aspects that are materially different from previously approved annual work plans.

2.         Carry out the programme and complete the deliverables set out in each Annual Work Plan

3.         Prepare and submit to MfE an Annual Report which:

a.         Compares the programme activities undertaken for the previous financial year against those set out in the applicable annual work plan.

b.        Provides an analysis of budget versus expenditure including detailed information on how funds from the Crown grant, Member Parties and any third parties have been used for specific projects and deliverables.

c.         Includes an update of health and safety issues in relation to the programme activities.

d.        Addresses any issues raised by MfE.

e.        Provides a change control register which captures any significant changes to the programme (from the applicable annual work plan) agreed between MfE and the Joint Committee.

f.         Is provided to MfE within four months of the end of each financial year.

4.         Include within the Annual Report an Audit Report which:

a.         Is prepared by an independent auditor who is a chartered accountant.

b.        Considers, in respect of the grant funding received for the previous financial year, compliance with the terms and schedules of the Deed, appropriate use of the grant funding, and any other reasonable matter raised by MfE.

5.         Prepare and submit a Six-Monthly Report which:

a.         Includes updates on expenditure against budget to date and provides a projection for the following six-month period.

b.        Includes reporting on agreed metrics.

c.         Raises any issues or risks that require discussion and/or action from MfE before the next annual report.

d.        Is provided to MfE within two months of the 31st December each year.

6.         Keep MfE informed of any issues that may affect delivery of the programme.

7.         Provide a remedial plan if MfE considers that here has been a breach in any of the obligations under the Deed.[2]

The Deed requires the Recipient (the banker) to:

1.         Submit (via the Joint Committee) an audit report prepared by an independent auditor (independent from the recipient and the recipient’s related entities) to be included in the Annual Report.

2.         Set up and maintain for the duration of the Deed a reserve account representing the accumulated balance of the grant. The reserve account can only be used for the purposes of receiving and distributing the grant.

3.         Include an interest calculation on its monthly closing balance in that reserve account and any interest calculation shall be notified in each annual report.

4.         Keep accounts, that meet generally accepted accounting practice, and other records which enable prompt and accurate verification of how the grant has been or will be used. Such records are to be maintained for at least 7 years after the expiry date of the Deed.

The Deed requires MfE to:

1.         Consider any annual report and six-monthly report submitted to it by the Joint Committee.

2.         Within 20 working days of receiving a report either accept the report or request modifications to the report (and give reasons why modifications are required).

3.         Work with the Joint Committee to resolve any disagreement over requests for modifications to reports.

4.         Consider the annual work plan submitted by the Joint Committee.

5.         Within 20 working days of receiving the annual work plan either accept the work plan or requests modifications (and give reasons for the modifications).

6.         Work with the Joint Committee to resolve any disagreement over requests for modifications to the work plan.

7.         If there is a disagreement to be worked through, MfE will still release grant money for those projects in the work plan that are not in contention so to ensure continuity of projects.

8.         Issue a notice to the recipient, a member party or the Joint Committee if it considers one or more of them have breached any of its obligations under the Deed.

9.         Review any Remedial Plan provided by one or more of the other parties which addresses the breach and either approve the plan or advise of amendments required.[3]

10.       Payment of grant funding as per the agreed annual work plan and process set out in the Deed.

Payment of the Grant

The Deed indicates an initial grant amount of $12million dollars for the 202/21 Financial Year. The Deed also acknowledges that subject to meeting specified conditions (re performance and provision of a matching $100 million) MfE will pay the balance of the $100 million grant over the following five years.

A key issue for the programme is to ensure that the Deed recognises that some projects will continue over a number of years and so funding needs to be ongoing (it doesn’t stop while an annual work plan is approved). 

Part B Special Terms Clause 4.4 indicates that the recipient may hold, and the Joint Committee may use grant funding unspent in respect of a financial year in the following financial year.

The Deed indicates that the funding for each financial year is the amount set out in annual work plan to be paid by MfE.

Apart for this current financial year, the funds will be paid by MfE in two instalments. The first will be paid within 10 working days of the annual work plan being provided to MfE while the second will be paid on the 1 January of the relevant financial year. Both payments are subject to Auckland Council and Northland Regional Council committing to co-fund the programme through their respective Long-Term Plans, in combination with other contributions (i.e. landowners, industry association, philanthropic) to the total of $100 million.[4]

For the current financial year (i.e. until 30 June 2021), all of the grant money identified for this year, $12million, will be paid once the annual work plan for this year is adopted and agreed on with MfE.

Reduction or Termination of Grant

The Deed outlines the circumstances when MfE may reduce, suspend or withhold the grant funds.  All but one of the circumstances apply to either failure to comply with the obligations set out in the Deed or where MfE believes the performance of the programme is unsatisfactory (after following the remedial plan process). The exception is if the Deed is terminated before the Kaipara Moana Body is established, that the ‘recipient’ is to pay back any unspent funds it holds back to MfE within 20 working days.

 MfE may be entitled to terminate the Deed if:

1.         The ‘recipient’ or the Joint Committee fails to properly or promptly perform any of its obligations under the Deed, including any misappropriation of all or part of the grant.

2.         The Joint committee fails to achieve any programme activity in a way MfE considers material.

3.         An Insolvency Events occurs in relation to the ‘recipient’.

4.         It believes the Joint Committee is in financial difficulty to the extent that it reduces the Joint Committee’s ability to meet its obligations.

5.         It reasonably considers the actions of the Joint Committee is bringing the Crown into disrepute or has become undesirable in relation to the Crown’s objectives for the grant.

6.         There is successful enforcement action against the ‘recipient’.

Liabilities

The Deed contains specific clauses on the liability of the ‘recipient’ and individual member parties if the audit (required as part of the annual report) reveals misappropriation or material discrepancies in accounting or how the funds have been spent. The party(ies) responsible for the misappropriation or material discrepancy is required to repay the affected grant funds and is subject to any other rights or remedies MfE is entitled to under the terms of the Deed and at law.

The Deed also requires all the member parties to have public liability insurance.

Other matters

The Deed provides for any costs of the programme that have been incurred by the Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council, since the 9th October (the MOU signing date) and the commencement date of the Deed, to be included as either part of their individual contribution to the co-funding of the Project or  repaid out of the Grant funds. If the later occurs, then neither council can claim those cost as part of their contribution to the $100M.

The Deed addresses intellectual property rights in two ways. Any intellectual property rights owned by a party prior to the commencement date of the Deed remains the property of that party.  Any intellectual property rights developed by the Joint Committee remains the property of the Joint Committee and will be treated in accordance with the MOU.

The Deed recognises that at some stage Te Roroa may sign the MOU and therefore wish to become a party to the Deed as a member of the Joint Committee. If that occurs all the parties will enter into a variation of the Deed.

The Deed also provides for MfE to appoint a representative to be present at meetings of the Joint Committee as an observer who cannot vote but can talk to any matter if the Chair of the Joint Committee agrees. Such a representation by a MfE officer is not unusual in situations where MfE has a significant interest in the delivery of a programme. Not only does it mean MfE will be kept regularly informed on the programme issues and outcomes (i.e. the content of the annual and six-monthly reports and the annual work plans should therefore be of no surprise to MfE when they are formally submitted), it also serves to strengthen relationships between MfE and the Joint Committee.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: DRAFT Kaipara Moana Remediation Deed of Funding - 24 November 2020   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.2

15 December 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.3

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations

ID:

A1391002

From:

Linda Harrison, Organisational Project Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 27 November 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

Under section 57 of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA),  the council must adopt a policy that sets out the process for the appointment of directors to council organisations.  The current policy has been reviewed and updated for purposes of clarity and transparency.  Although this policy is included in the supporting information of the council’s Long Term Plan, it can be updated at any time. 

 

This policy applies to the council organisations of:

             Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd;

             Northland Inc. Ltd; and

             Regional Software Holdings Ltd.

 

The revised policy is included as Attachment 1.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations’ by Linda Harrison, Organisational Project Manager and dated 27 November 2020, be received.

2.         That the revised Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations be adopted, with the Chief Executive authorised to make any minor editorial changes if required.

 

 

Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Adopt the revised policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations

Clear and transparent policy publicly available.

Need to replace the existing policy.

2

Do not adopt the revised policy

No change to the existing policy required.

Existing policy not as clear as it could be leading to possible misunderstandings.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

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

2.         Community views

There are no known views on this matter from the community that would have a material bearing on this decision.

3.         Māori impact statement

There are no known impacts on Māori in relation to adopting this policy that are different to those of the general public.

4.         Financial implications

The are no financial impacts from adopting this revised policy.

5.         Implementation issues

Council will need to provide a copy of the updated policy on the appointment of directors to all council organisations prior to any new directors being appointed.  A copy should be published on the council’s website and included in the supporting documentation of the next Long Term Council Community Plan for ease of reference.

 

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 is a part of council’s day to day legislative obligations.

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

 The revised policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations meets the requirements of section 57 of the Local Government Act 2002.  Updating this policy is consistent with all relevant legislative requirements.  Updating this policy is considered to have a positive impact on council’s risk management profile due to the changes being focused on increased clarity and transparency.

Background/Tuhinga

Nil

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.3

15 December 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.4

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party - Nomination of New Member

ID:

A1391576

From:

Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 08 December 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The purpose of this report is to advise and seek endorsement from council of the representative Anamaera Kake on behalf of the membership for the hapū collective Te Waiāriki, Ngāti Takapari, Ngāti Korora onto Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC).

 

In line with the Terms of Reference for TTMAC, nominations received for representatives from hapū not currently represented on the working party will be presented to council for ratification following consultation with the working party Co-Chairs.  Such nominations must be accompanied with documentation, to the satisfaction of the co-chairs, that the nominee has formally been mandated by hapū to represent them on the working party.

 

TTMAC’s Co-Chairs have received and accepted the membership request from Te Waiāriki, Ngāti Korora, Ngati Taka Iwi Trust, and are satisfied that the nominated representative, Anameara Kake, has formally been mandated by hapū to represent them on TTMAC.

 

The Co-Chairs took into account that Te Waiāriki, Ngāti Korora and Ngāti Taka Iwi Trust were previously ratified members when TTMAC was initially established in 2014.

 

For TTMAC non-elected members this will result in 18 of 21 positions being filled, leaving three vacant seats. Three of these are iwi seats and will remain available for Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Kuri and Ngāi Takoto until such time as they decide to allocate their seat to a hapū within their iwi boundary and rohe.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party - Nomination of New Member’ by Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori and dated 1 December 2020, be received.

2.         That council confirms Te Waiāriki, Ngāti Takapari and Ngāti Korora hapū membership and their representatives Anamaera Kake and proxy Aorangi Kawiti as non-elected representatives on Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party.

 

Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Council endorse the recommendations

Follows the process outlined in the Terms of Reference.

Membership is mandated by a hapū that is well established and has shown ongoing commitment to engaging with council.

TTMAC seats reduce and council unable to accommodate other requests for new membership.

2

Council does not endorse recommendations

Time to consider other options or information.

Decision is inconsistent with the Terms of Reference for TTMAC.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1, to endorse the recommendations for new membership.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

There are no environmental impacts related to this decision.

2.         Community views

             No community views have been sought on this decision.

3.         Māori impact statement

The recommendations of this decision take into account the implications that directly impact Māori and reflect an approach that is consistent with TTMAC purpose and Terms of Reference.  This hapū collective was previously represented on TTMAC when it was initially established and has been endorsed by current TTMAC membership.

4.         Financial implications

There are no financial implications as full TTMAC membership has been accounted for in existing budgets for the non-elected members of TTMAC.

5.         Implementation issues

             There are no known implementation issues associated with this decision. 

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.  Tangata whenua engagement and consultation is ongoing with TTMAC in regards to iwi and hapū membership and representation.

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

This report and recommendations are consistent with the TTMAC Terms of Reference and Appointed Members’ Policy:

“Ngā mema| Membership

The working party will comprise up to 30 members in total consisting of:

Nine elected members (councillors) and twenty-one appointed iwi and hapū members from Taitokerau Māori (one representative per iwi and hapū).

To ensure regional representation from the twenty-one appointed iwi and hapū members from Taitokerau Māori, these positions will be filled based on the geographic representation outlined in Appendix 2.  In order to maintain the ability to provide geographic representation in TTMAC, should a position not be filled within a geographic area, that position will remain vacant and available to be filled in the future by iwi and/or hapū whose rohe overlaps that mapped geographic area.

Iwi representation will include one member from each of the following ten Iwi Authorities:

·    Ngāti Kuri Trust Board

·    Te Rūnanga Nui O Te Aupōuri

·    Te Rūnanga O NgāiTakoto

·    Te Rūnanga-a-Iwi O Ngāti Kahu

·    Te Rūnanga O Te Rarawa

·    Te Rūnanga O Whāingaroa

·    Te Rūnanga A Iwi O Ngāpuhi

·    Ngātiwai Trust Board

·    Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Whātua

·    Te Roroa

 

Should one of the above iwi decide not to fill their position, they may choose to endorse a hapū and hapū representative to fill their position.  Priority will be given to the following tāngata whenua groupings who have previously had a representative on the working party, in recognition of their early and ongoing commitment to this relationship and kaupapa listed below:  

·    Ngāti Hine

·    Te Whakapiko Hapu

·    Ngāti Manu

·    Hokianga O Ngā Hapū[5]

·    Ngāti Rēhia

·    Te Uri o Hau

·    Te Waiariki

·    Ngāti Kororā

·    Ngāti Takapari

·    Ngāti Kuta, Patukeha

·    Te Parawhau

·    Ngati Tara

·    Te Whakaminenga O Te Hikutu Hapū-Whānau[6]

·    Patuharakeke

Should one of the above tāngata whenua groupings not take up a position on TTMAC, and a position still be available within a geographic area (as mapped in Appendix 2), then that position can be filled by another hapū within that geographic area.

Nominations received from hapū not currently represented on the working party will be presented to council for ratification following consultation with the working party co-chairs.  Such nominations must be accompanied with documentation, to the satisfaction of the co-chairs, that the nominee has formally been mandated by hapū to represent them on the working party.

The following procedure will be followed once working party membership reaches 30 and a nomination is received from hapū not currently represented on the working party:

1.            Priority will be provided for one member from each group as indicated above.

2.            The working party will seek to achieve as wide and even representation as possible.

3.            Once full representation is achieved from all priority groups listed above, then new membership is only available by attrition.

Iwi/hapū can nominate an alternate/proxy representative to act on behalf of an absent primary representative. “

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil  


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.1

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Health and Safety Report

ID:

A1391223

From:

Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor

Authorised by Group Manager:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 01 December 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This report is to inform the council of the activity in health and safety for the month of November 2020.  An overview/summary of the activities include:

·        The Safeplus results show a need for improvement in the area of worker engagement.

·        The risk ‘Dealing with aggressive people’ moves into top 5 risks in replacement of ‘Unknown hazardous substances’.

·        The number of incidents reported remains the same and the number of hazards reported has increased.

·        Mental health training is being organised for staff to assist in dealing with members of the public.

Recommendation

That the report ‘Health and Safety Report’ by Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor and dated 30 November 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.

Identified in table 1 are audit corrective actions as identified from the Safeplus assessment. The issues identified are general areas for improvement which will be taken to the Health and Safety Committee at their next meeting to discuss the actions required.  The areas that the organisation will look at are:

1.         How its resourcing and supporting workers and their representatives to get involved in health and safety.

2.         Involving workers and their representatives when deciding how health and safety risks are dealt with.

3.         Reviewing how successful it is at managing risks and wider health and safety, with the workers and their representatives.

 

2.         Risk management

             The current top five risks are:

1.         Driving motor vehicles

2.         Extended work hours/stress

3.         Contractors

4.         Not implementing controls

5.         Dealing with aggressive people

 

Risk updates

·        Driver training is underway for drivers at council.  Further to this, daily monitoring of E‑Road is being completed to identify speeding drivers and address issues as they occur.

·        The stress survey action plans are still in progress.  Tasks currently underway include:

o   Key staff are booked to attend mental health training in December and February.

o   The Organisation Management Team (OMT) members from the ground floor have been tasked with planning the best layout and seating options for the area.

o   An identified team with concerns is working to build certainty with future planning and more team meetings. 

·        The risk score of ‘Unknown hazardous substances’ has been decreased and moves off the top 5.  This is due to the successful implementation of amnesty days, and not accepting substances at reception.

·        Not implementing controls is regarding the Traffic Management Plan not being correctly adhered to, as well as risk assessments not being correctly completed to protect staff. New risk assessment forms and digital tools are being worked on to help staff. 

·        The risk ‘Dealing with aggressive people’ moves up into the top 5 as its residual risk score has been increased following recent events (outlined below).

 


 

3.         Incidents and hazards

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

Events reported

Figure 2: Top 10 issues for previous 12 months

Events of interest

·        An aggressive member of the public threatened a staff member and verbally abused them during a routine activity.  This person is known to council but has no history of being aggressive.  The staff member has been offered support services but ensured us they are not feeling emotionally harmed from the event.  This is still under investigation.

·        A second aggressive customer threatened a staff member for leaving an inspection notice on their property.  The aggression was over the phone during an out of hours call.  The staff member managed to de-escalate the situation and gather enough details for the manager to call back on Monday and resolve the issue regarding the notice.  The worker was also offered support services but indicated they were fine.

 

4.         Health and safety strategy work programme

Leadership

·        The Health and Safety Committee has shown high interest in improving driving behaviours, particularly with speeding.

·        Managers are now being involved to speak personally with staff identified as speeding within a week of it occurring.

Communication and engagement

·        The Health and Safety Committee members are being encouraged to ensure health, safety and wellbeing is an agenda item for all team and group meetings.

Wellbeing

·        Mental health 101 training sessions are now being organised for staff.  This will assist staff dealing with members of the public and people within the organisation who may experience mental health issues or illnesses.

Injury, illness and hazards

·        The health and safety risks are being transferred into Promapp.

·        Risks and their controls are also being discussed at team meetings through committee and representative members to assist in reviewing the risk profiles.

Monitoring and reporting

·        The health monitoring programme, which has been delayed due to COVID-2019 is currently being reviewed in preparation for early 2021.

Learning and development

·        Training requirements for roles are continuing to be identified with managers.

·        The health and safety management training has resumed to upskill managers.

·        We are looking into organisation wide entry level health and safety training about ‘The Why’ for risk management and health and safety at council.

Continuous improvement

·        The Safeplus online has been completed with the report currently being written to take to the Health and Safety Committee in December 2020.

 

5.         Legislation updates

Nil

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.2

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Chair's Report to Council

ID:

A1391195

From:

Penny Smart, Chair

Authorised by Group Manager:

Penny Smart, Chair, on 08 December 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 November 2020.

 

Recommendation

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

 

Strategic issues

Christmas Message

As we near the end of 2020 it is with great pleasure that I wish all constituents a very merry and safe Christmas and New Year.

 

It has certainly been an interesting, productive and challenging year.

 

In Tai Tokerau we have been able to work to our strengths and find strength in numbers.

 

A huge thank you to everyone who has given their time and energy to ensure that Tai Tokerau does indeed thrive.

 

Special thanks and acknowledgement to our CEO and all NRC staff, they are second to none in their commitment and work ethic and a real pleasure to work with.  Their ability to keep going and put the environmental, economic, social and cultural needs before their own is very much appreciated and a real inspiration.

 

Thanks also to NRC councillors who have also shown huge commitment to their roles and worked exceptionally well as a team.

 

2021 will be a very busy year.  While there is much to do, I am confident that NRC will perform to our normal high standards of delivery and service.  We have our Long Term Plan to consult on and finalise as well as the Regional Plan completion.

 

There are a number of important pieces of central government legislation that councils have been tasked to accommodate as well as the Kaipara Moana Remediation project which will begin in earnest.

 

Please be safe and enjoy the summer break while looking out for each other and our awesome environment here in Tai Tokerau.

 

Our Northland – Together we thrive.

 

Meetings/events attended

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

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

o   Future naval base study.

o   UNISA Mayors and Chairs meeting.

o   Tangi for Rudy Taylor.

o   LGNZ Zone One meeting in Dargaville.

o   NorthlandǀForward Together Strategic Planning Workshop, Dargaville.

o   Regional Software Holdings AGM.

o   Meeting with Minister Parker in Wellington.

o   LGNZ Regional Sector meeting in Wellington.

o   Northland Mayoral Forum, Far North District Council.

·        Regular Mayors and Chair catch up meetings.

·        Marsden Maritime Holdings annual meeting of shareholders.

·        Westpac Northland Business Champions 2020.  Councillors Macdonald, Craw and Kitchen also attended.

·        Graeme Osborne – Taitokerau Northland Destination Management Plan.

·        Oruku Landing development meeting with Ben Tomason and Barry Trass, Northland Development Corporation.

·        Mayors and Chair only session at Far North District Council prior to Northland Mayoral Forum.

Correspondence

During November I sent out the following correspondence:

Date

Addressed To

Subject

04.11.20

Chris Jenkins

Chair

Te Hiku Conservation Board

Keeping Northland deer free

04.11.20

Tania McInnes

Chair

Northland Conservation Board

Keeping Northland deer free

11.11.20

Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern

Hon James Shaw

Hon Kelvin Davis

Hon Andrew Little

Hon David Parker

Hon Nanaia Mahuta

Hon Damien O’Connor

Hon Stuart Nash

Hon Peeni Henare

Hon Grant Robertson

Kiri Allan MP

Building back better by working collaboratively together for Te Taitokerau

16.11.20

Emily Henderson MP

Congratulatory letter on being elected MP for Whangārei

23.11.20

Hon Michael Wood

Minister of Transport

Building back better by working collaboratively together for Te Taitokerau

25.11.20

Hon Nanaia Mahuta

Removing the poll for Māori wards and constituencies

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.3

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Chief Executive’s Report to Council

ID:

A1391237

From:

Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer

Authorised by Group Manager:

Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer, on 09 December 2020

 

Recommendation

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

 

7.3.1   Highlights

UNDERWATER SURVEY OF THE BAY OF ISLANDS

·    The NIWA and Ngāti Kuta underwater survey in the Bay of Islands, supported by the NRC, was completed.  The survey focused on four study areas in the semi-sheltered waters located between the central Islands of the Eastern Bay of Islands and the Rāwhiti Channel, which are thought to contain some of Northland’s best-known examples of algal turf beds, subtidal seagrass and rhodolith beds. 

·    Extensive beds of turf algae around the islands, extending to depths of 12m were observed during the survey.  NRC staff will work help to analyse the data and complete a baseline assessment and map of the habitat.

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The deployment of a drop camera to survey the ecological communities of the Eastern Bay of Islands

SOLID WASTE

Following the progression and debate on solid waste, the Northland Mayoral Forum has recently highlighted it as an emerging priority.

Hātea Awa Litter Clean-up

A total of 22 NRC staff, together with representatives from Sea Cleaners and WDC (including
Councillor Connop), undertook the annual Hātea awa litter clean-up.  The clean-up covered an area from Kissing Point up to Hātea Drive.  As in previous years, the majority of litter collected consisted of plastics, while an increase in building waste was observed also. 

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Reducing the Environmental Impact of Plastic

In August 2020 the Ministry for the Environment released a discussion document seeking feedback on their proposals to manage certain plastics to reduce their environmental impact.  Following feedback from ELT and Councillors, staff made a written submission to the Ministry.  In summary, the submission supports the Ministry’s proposal, but seeks that it cover a wider range of plastics and that action be taken earlier.   

Emerging Contaminants

A media release (on 10 November 2020, NZ Herald) about the microplastic survey at two of our dune lakes (Lake Ngatu and Lake Taharoa) for the purpose of contributing to an international lakes microplastic survey was well received by the community. The media release was followed by a Radio NZ interview of the council’s Freshwater Scientist.

7.3.2   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)

Court mediation set down for week of 8 February 2021.

REL

High court judgement has been sealed and letters of demand sent to guarantors.

Further steps to try and recover the money owed to council as appropriate including bankruptcy proceedings.

7.3.3   Corporate Excellence

Cyber Security - Unbudgeted Expenditure

During the COVID-19 lockdown, an additional layer of computer security was required to manage the increased risk of staff working in a decentralised and distributed configuration outside of our private network (LAN).  In the new world, NRC devices are connected directly to the public internet before connecting to the secured NRC systems.  This introduces an increased risk of malicious content being transferred to our internal network and systems.

The software was offered at no cost for a four-month period through lockdown to manage this risk to provide data protection and defence against threats via the internet.  This offer has now expired and as the FWA trial is continuing for a further six months, we now need to pay for the licences in use (177 devices).

The cost for the remainder of the current financial year is $40,297.59 and I have approved unbudgeted expenditure to cover this.

Fraud Declaration

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

Council Property Update

The Kensington Crossing base build is contracted to be completed mid-December 2020, this will be challenging but it is in the interests of the contractor that the target be met. Various fitouts will continue into the new year.

The Kaipara Service Centre foundations are now being poured.  The project is currently 20 days ahead of schedule, which provides some cushion should unforeseen circumstances arise.

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7.3.4   Regulatory Services

Consents in Process

During November 2020, a total of 56 Decisions were issued.  These decisions comprised:

Ÿ Moorings

2

Ÿ Coastal Permits

9

Ÿ Coastal Discharge Permits

0

Ÿ Air Discharge Permits

0

Ÿ Land Discharge Permits

2

Ÿ Water Discharge Permits

0

Ÿ Land Use Consents

29

Ÿ Water Permits

5

Ÿ Bore Consents

9

The processing timeframes for the November 2020 consents ranged from:

Ÿ 96 to 1 calendar days, with the median time being 32 days;

Ÿ 58 to 1 working days, with the median time being 20 days.

Thirty-nine applications were received in November 2020.

Of the 93 applications in progress at the end of November 2020:

Ÿ 53 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 35 less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

No commissioners were appointed in November 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 November 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

 

Coastal & Water Quality

All routine 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 Six continuous water quality stations (five freshwaters and one coastal) were validated.

Ÿ Quarterly water quality sampling at 27 lakes. 

Ÿ Summer cyanobacteria sampling at five lakes. 

Natural Resources Data

Ÿ LAWA: The overall bacterial risk results and recreational monitoring audit files have been reviewed. Data was published in early November ready for the swim season over the summer months.

Ÿ The ecological database (KiEco) is still under construction and the freshwater macroinvertebrate and periphyton programmes are expected to be operational by December 2020.  Summer students are assisting with compiling phytoplankton data.

Ÿ Final testing is underway for the electronic sampling forms to assist with the collection of coastal, river, groundwater and recreational data, which will be operational  from December 2020.

Hydrology

Rainfall

Ÿ Rainfall for November 2020 was above normal for most of the region and slightly below normal for Kaitāia and the upper Northern Wairoa Catchment.

Ÿ Despite a relatively wetter than normal November, Spring rainfall was still well under what was expected.  Bream Bay is looking particularly dry at around 55% for Sept-Oct-Nov.  The Pouto Peninsula is the only area above the expected rainfall (114% at Pouto Point), although that was only due to some heavy falls in early November.  The rest of the region is well under 100% with a regional average of 71% for Spring.  The Bryderwyn gauge averaged 56% during Spring, making it the driest rain gauge (percentage-wise).  Draffin Road and Cape Reinga scored the least on total Spring rainfall with 147mm.

 

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Forecast

NIWA predicts the continuation of La Niña conditions through to February 2021 or beyond.   Frequent north-easterly rain systems are likely to continue while La Niña conditions prevail.  Typically, above average soil moisture and river flows would accompany above average rainfall, however, there is a high likelihood of very high temperatures this summer.  These heatwave conditions can increase evapotranspiration and decrease soil moisture and runoff to rivers/groundwater.

 

Temperature (%)

Rainfall (%)

Soil moisture (%)

River flows (%)

Above average

80 Ÿ

40 Ÿ

30

35

Near average

15

35

45 Ÿ

40 Ÿ

Below average

05

25

25

25

Ÿ indicates the most likely scenario

River Flows

River flows have benefited from rain through November.  Median November flows at most stations were near normal or above normal. 


 

Groundwater

Groundwater levels are typically on the decline at this time of year. The rain throughout November has slowed the rate of this decline in most groundwater systems. Mangawhai and Taipā are low for this time of year, while other systems are okay or slightly below typical levels.

Area

Status (October 2020)

Aupōuri

OK

Taipā

Below average

Russell

slightly below average

Kaikohe

slightly below average

Ruawai

OK

Whangārei

slightly below average

Mangawhai

Below average

Marsden - Ruakākā

OK

Hydrology Projects

Ÿ A new flow recorder has been installed in the Ngunguru River at Coalhill Lane following the decommissioning of a recorder nearby after access was no longer available. This station will provide flow record for contaminant loading as well as a better understanding of flood conditions during severe weather events.

Ÿ Sensors and dataloggers have been upgraded at the Hikurangi and Whakapara flow recorders and Waihopo (Aupōuri Peninsula) rainfall recorder.

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE

Air quality and carbon emission

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

Ÿ Ambient PM2.5 monitoring results for the Robert Street station for October 2020 were within the Ambient Air Quality Guideline value.

Ÿ Council’s CO2-e (carbon dioxide equivalent) monthly 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 the 2019 emissions, indicating and attributed to the effect of COVID-19 restrictions. However, carbon emission in October 2020 was slightly higher than October 2019. The graph is based on live data and therefore figures for the last few months are subject to change.

Ÿ Fleet fuels remain the largest category in our carbon emission. Fuel consumption has steadily increased over the previous years.  Council’s monthly fuel consumption in 2019 and 2020 to date is presented in the graph below.

Freshwater Quality

·    Freshwater Management Units

·    Work has been done on collating, transforming and documenting the underlying GIS dataset of the river water quality current state (observed at site level as well as modelled at unmonitored catchments across the region) for the purpose of FMU (Freshwater Management Units) based web-maps to be designed by the GIS team. These maps will be publicly available for viewing early next year for the purpose of public consultation.

·    Water quality monitoring network review

·    Stage 1 of the monitoring network review for rivers and lakes was being completed.

·    The preparation work for Stage 2 is already underway. Field inspections have been undertaken together with Monitoring Officers to scope new monitoring sites in the unrepresented FMUs such as Herekino-Whāngāpē Harbour and Bream Bay.

·    Water quality modelling

·    The steady-state model of Northland river quality by Land & Water Science (LWS) was completed. The draft report of water quality loads model by LWS is being reviewed, which will be completed before Christmas.

·    NIWA is working on the calibration of the regional CLUES model. The CLUES calibration process for total nitrogen needs to be refined by using the LWS physiographic dataset to reflect the actual underlying water quality process, which is currently not captured by the traditional approach of using the Overseer model used in CLUES.

·    Envirolink projects summary

·    Workshop for guidance on surrogate technologies for river suspended sediment load.

·    Workshop for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of riverine flow management under NPS-FM. This will provide a framework for effective and efficient M&E of instream ecological response to riverine flow management by Regional Councils in accordance with the NPS-FM.

·    Dissolved oxygen (DO) metabolism for Northland Rivers, including a workshop and a guidance document prepared by the Cawthron Institute on data collection, data management and reporting of the river ecosystem metabolism.

·    Community projects

·    The Science and Monitoring Teams are providing support to Whitebait Connection for the Ruakākā River Restoration project by scoping new sites and helping training and coordinating water quality monitoring. The aims of the project are to use the citizen science data together with our SOE data at the Ruakākā River site, building relationships and increasing freshwater knowledge within the community. 

·    An online workshop was held between lakes experts from various regional councils to have and informative discussion on lakes water quality and ecological monitoring across the country, as well as the future initiatives.  The council’s Freshwater Scientist presented a talk on management and monitoring challenges for the Northland’s dune lakes and the council’s strategies to implement the regional and national policy statements.

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

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

24

23

1

0

0

0

Bore Consent

12

9

3

0

0

0

Costal Air Discharge

2

2

0

0

0

0

Coastal Discharge

21

11

7

2

1

0

Coastal Permit

17

13

1

0

0

3

FDE – Discharge permit

54

39

0

9

5

1

FDE – Permitted activity

17

13

0

1

3

0

Land Discharge

67

47

9

8

1

2

Land Use Consent

47

37

5

0

0

5

Water Discharge

67

51

6

4

5

1

Water Permit

26

24

1

0

0

1

Water Take

69

40

24

5

0

0

Total

423

309

57

29

15

13

Percentage

 

73.0%

13.5%

6.9%

3.5%

3.1%

Year to date

2804

1916

332

273

104

179

Percentage

 

68.3%

11.8%

9.7%

3.7%

6.4%

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.

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

Ÿ Earthworks and Forestry

The RMA Forestry Group met in November.  Topics discussed included a proposed name change to the group to “Northland Forestry Environmental Working Group”, the Ha Ha Road slip, wilding pines, national policy changes and culvert installations.  A field trip for the group and interested parties is being planned for the new year.

The review of the Earthworks and Harvesting Guidelines for Northland is progressing well with a draft version of the document provided to the forestry industry for peer review. 

Once all suggested changes have been considered and any changes made, the document will be made available online.  A printed version will follow; however, this may be delayed awaiting the outcome of a central government review of the NES-PF next year.

Ÿ Waste and Contaminated Land Management

Six incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and 18 enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to.  One site was added to the Selected Land Use Register (SLR) and 700 kg of hazardous waste was disposed of.

The inaugural hazardous waste amnesty day at the WDC owned Re:Sort facility was held on 17 November.  A number of additional NRC staff were ‘recruited’ for the amnesty collection to assist with traffic control, registering of waste and waste placement.  The public responded well to the change with the volumes of waste received being sufficient to make the event worthwhile.

Farm Dairy Effluent (FDE) Monitoring

FDE inspections commenced on 27 July 2020 and have now all been visited and reported on.  A total of 788 farms were visited by the contractor or NRC staff (23 less than last year), which is less than were on the list to visit as it was found that 16 farms were no longer in operation.  Comparisons of this season’s results 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

398

393

136

131

61

90

67%

64%

23%

21%

10%

15%

Five hundred and ninety-five (595) consented farms were visited this season.  There was a notable improvement in the percentage of significant non-compliant farms compared with last year.

NON-CONSENTED FARMS

Full Compliance

Moderate Non-Compliance

Significant Non-Compliance

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

142

140

28

27

23

30

74%

71%

14%

14%

12%

15%

One hundred and ninety-three (193) farms operating under the permitted activity criteria were visited this season.  There was also a slight improvement in the percentage of significant non-compliant farms compared with last year.

 

Environmental Incidents

There were no environmental incidents reported in November which resulted in a significant environmental impact.

ENFORCEMENT

Abatement Notices, Infringement Notices and Formal Warnings

The following enforcement actions were taken during the period:

Nature of Offence

Infringement Notice

Abatement Notice

TOTAL *

No. Offences

No. Notices

No. Offences

No. Notices

No. Offences

No. Notices

Burning and smoke nuisance

0

0

1

1

1

1

Earthworks/land use

0

0

1

1

1

1

Farm dairy effluent

15

31

16

20

22

51

Hazardous substances, spills and refuse

1

1

2

5

2

6

Illegal take, dam or diversion of water

0

0

3

5

3

5

Other air discharge

0

0

1

1

1

1

Other water discharge

0

0

6

7

6

7

TOTAL

16

32

29

40

35

72

*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 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 restorative justice process was not undertaken and so the sentencing date has been set for 8 December 2020.

Ÿ Timber treatment plant

Charges were filed in the Whangarei District Court on 12 March 2020 against a company and an individual for discharges from a timber treatment processing plant.  An agreement has been reached between parties to withdraw the prosecution charges and apply for an enforcement order.  Work is currently underway to lodge the application with the Court. The next court date is set for 8 December 2020.

Ÿ Earthworks without erosion and sediment controls – Tōtara North

Charges were laid in the Kaitaia District Court on 20 July 2020 against an individual for earthworks undertaken without controls, and work within a watercourse and the riparian management zone.  There are six charges against the individual.  The summons was served on the defendant and the next court appearance has been set for 8 December 2020.

Ÿ Open burning on industrial/trade property – Whangārei

Charges were laid in the Whangarei District Court on 27 November 2020 against an individual for open burning on an industrial/trade premises, which included material that is prohibited to be burnt under the NES for Air Quality.  There are two charges against the individual and the summons is in the process of being served on the defendant.

 

7.3.5   Environmental Services

land management

Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities

Milestones

Status

Research

Coastal erosion buffers

A coastal erosion tool utilising remote sensing and LiDAR data is being tested in the Kaipara Harbour. Initial results are promising and include an erosion hotspot layer to help prioritise planting work. The next step is to test the tool across the rest of the region.

Mature poplar/ willow

Poplar has been milled into a range of products for treatment and mechanical testing. Samples have been sent for testing and a small amount of product (fence posts, strainers, truck decking etc) will be made available for purchase and field testing.

Farm Environment Plans (FEPs)

 

Land management is no longer preparing FEPs. NRC is in discussions with MPI about amending this milestone to farm planning and advice with slightly modified deliverables. We anticipate no change in funding as a result of this.

Stakeholder engagement

 

 

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

Land treatments

Retirement fencing

$57,339 worth of retirement fencing has been approved this year. However, a significant amount of funding ($195k) is still to be allocated. The amount of Efund dedicated to hill country retirement was increased by 2/3 compared to last year which partly explains the underspend to date. Farmers are also targeting riparian areas rather than hill country in preparation for stock exclusion rules. A promotional plan, developed with the communication team, is being actioned to drum up more fencing and planting projects.   

Contractor capacity development

A training programme is in development for nurseries, forest managers and contractors. This will be implemented in early 2021.

The Whangārei Urban Awa Project

Ÿ The project deed documents have all been signed and the recruitment for the project lead completed.

Ÿ We are now working on final operational details of the project and have started approaching relevant landowners to discuss possible projects.

Ÿ It is planned to have contractors engaged by Christmas.

Hātea Project

Ÿ This project is now officially completed, with final achievements being 20.2kms of fencing, 41 troughs installed and approximately 21,000 native riparian plants in the ground covering approximately 4ha.

Ÿ Two final tidy-up projects within the catchment are being funded by the Whangārei Harbour catchment group discretionary funds this year:

Ÿ A release spray of the last large planting project at Three Mile Bush;

Ÿ Replacement of the stakeholder designed sign that was washed away from the Otuihau reserve in the July floods

Doubtless Bay Working Group

Doubtless Bay working group are supporting local hapū with the continued restoration of Lake Waiporohita on the Karikari Peninsula.  The group have supported the allocation of catchment group funding to support the purchase of plants which will be planted Autumn 2021. 

biodiversity

FIF Dune Lakes Project

Objective

Status

Aquatic weed and pest fish control

A full pest fish and fish survey was undertaken at Lake Ngatu over four days in conjunction with Ngai Takoto iwi and four Kaitiaki Rangers.  This is also part of a training exercise to upskill Kaitiaki Rangers in the capture and identification of native and pest fish in the lakes.  Results will be reported next month.  A fish survey of Ruakaka Dune lake was held with Patuharakeke iwi in preparation for a dune lakes education day with the community.  A healthy eel population is present.

Two snorkel surveys were undertaken in Lake Ngatu looking for South African Oxygen weed after whole lake herbicide treatment was undertaken in September.  Despite searching areas where the plant had been dense, no sign of the target plant was seen.

Sediment and nutrient mitigation

Sediment and nutrient mitigation earthworks at Lake Ngatu have been deferred until April 2021, to avoid the busy summer period at the lake.

Māori Lakes Strategy

A Dune Lakes Education Day requested by Patuharakeke was held for 34 students and three teachers from two schools at Ruakaka Dune Lake.

Fencing

Still progressing the movement of a small section of fence back from the edge of Lake Ngatu.  Otherwise this work stream is completed.

Lakes

A koi carp survey and trialing of netting methodology was undertaken at Waipū Golf Course ponds to plan for eradication of this pest fish at the site.  The netting was made difficult by thick beds of native submerged pondweeds, however, several koi, including adults and juvenile, were caught.  Goldfish were found to be common in the ponds. 

After completely drying out over summer Ruakākā Dune Lake has a total submerged plant cover of macrophytes and native characean algae.  This ecological improvement was likely triggered by dry conditions followed by adequate rain and is the first time the lake has supported dense underwater plant communities for many years.  As a result, the lake is currently in a clear water state with abundant invertebrate life.  A submerged plant survey is planned with iwi in December as a baseline for further monitoring.

Poutō Catchment Group

The first online Poutō Catchment Group meeting was held on 2 November.   Nine members and three staff attended online via Teams.  The Group agreed to fund plants and fencing upgrade at Lakes Humuhumu, Kanono and a small unnamed dune lake this financial year with their catchment group budget. 

NRC staff gave an update on the hornwort issue in two lakes on the Poutō Peninsula and discussed the next steps council will be taking towards eradication of the weed.  This includes liaison with mana whenua, landowners and the Department of Conservation to agree methods and timing of control. 

 

 

BIosecurity

Russell Deer Eradication

Staff are planning to hold a hui on 14 December at Rawhiti marae to discuss the sika eradication project with the local hapu and community.  Staff have reached out to the Northland Conservation Board and to the Te Hiku Conservation Board seeking their support and endorsement of the Russell Deer Eradication Project.

Staff are continuing to work alongside the Department of Conservation to gain access to properties surrounding the Russell forest for the purpose of feral deer control, through a delegation from DOC to undertake work under the Wild Animal Control Act.  Further analysis and legal advice will be considered around the complex legislative options available to council to eradicate deer and will be reported to the next Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party meeting in the new year.

Biosecurity Hygiene

Implementation of council’s Biosecurity Hygiene Plan continues, through well received presentations presented to the following teams:

Ÿ Strategy, Governance & Engagement

Ÿ Rivers 

Ÿ Hydrology

A meeting with Mid North and Far North field staff identified measures that can be taken to enable staff to meet their biosecurity hygiene obligations.

Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation Northland Project

Planning, design, discussion and scheduling is underway for the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) funded project for kauri protection through track mitigation, boardwalks and upgrades.  The project has required significant pre-signed agreement works to be done in order to progress the work promptly upon signing and to complete kauri forest sections during the drier months (which is critical to kauri dieback hygiene).  Scheduling has now been completed on five sections of the eight planned as part of the project. 

partnerships

Predator Free Bay of Islands

Staff are continuing to liaise with PF2050 Ltd to progress a proposed Predator Free Bay of Islands project that was originally submitted to PF2050 Ltd in March 2019. Through the Jobs for Nature funding, Pf2050 Ltd have indicated that some funding may be available to progress the Bay of Islands project in partnership with Council, DOC Iwi and Hapu, Community and other project partners.  Ongoing discussions with PF2050 Ltd are underway.

Predator Free Whangārei

The Predator Free Whangārei Project team is continuing to build solid foundations for the project with project partners.  A Communication and Engagement plan is being updated with more detail regarding upcoming events, communication channels etc.  A bespoke GIS/data management system is approaching completion, which is an essential tool for the implementation of the project.  Staff are continuing to work with tangata whenua at Pataua South and key landowners at Whangārei Heads to develop operational plans.  Permission for activities and use of toxin on Public Conservation Land is progressing with support from DOC.

Over the coming months we plan to work through the following:

Ÿ Refine operational plans for each eradication block in consultation with relevant Landcare groups and landowners.

Ÿ Establish project steering group (by end of March)

Ÿ Begin to obtain landowner permissions within operational areas.

Ÿ Undertake baseline possum monitoring throughout the project area

Ÿ Install required infrastructure in operational blocks 1 & 2 (Bream Head and Taurikura)

Ÿ Install and test detection / detection system in Block 1 & 2.

Ÿ Possum removal network to go “live” May 2021 (Laying of toxin)

Ÿ Development of project plans for landscape-scale mustelid and possum control.  

Kiwi Coast Trust – Northland Regional Council Partnership Highlights

November has been a very busy and productive month for Kiwi Coast.  Highlights include:

Ÿ Regional Pest Control Workshop attended by 111 people at Barge Park.  More info can be found here: https://kiwicoast.org.nz/2020-northland-pest-control-workshop/

Ÿ Completion of the revamped Northland Pest Control Guidelines

Ÿ Local Trapping Workshops from Kaiwaka to Kaitāia – including a very successful Wāhine Māia – Women’s Trapping workshop with Te Rarawa

Ÿ And on the kiwi front – the successful return of a kiwi called “Manukaha’ to a Whāngāpē farm with Te Rarawa, after he was caught in a ground set leg hold trap.

Northland Regional Council has been thanked by the Kiwi Coast Trust for their ongoing support and assistance.

Wāhine Māia – Women’s Trapping workshop with Te Rarawa

Whāngārei Heads High Value Area Highlights

Weed Action events are happening regularly throughout the district.  Three volunteer events occurred in November, including a hands-on trip with North Tech Conservation Students.

Staff have supported Backyard Kiwi at Whangārei with ground-based 1080 on Manaia, and micro chipped kiwi chicks at Pataua Landcare and Tanekaha CPCA.  Mustelid trapping is increasing at this time of the year due to the summer months and stoat breeding increasing.  In addition, trap audits and health and safety inspections are close to completion and positive feedback has been received from the contract auditor so far.  Kiwi chicks have been hatching later than usual, likely due to the drought.

 

 

Piroa-Brynderwyn High Value Area Highlights

Ÿ Waipū River Walkway project

A walk was held on 11 November from Waihoihoi Park, Waipū to the boat club to look at the proposed Waipū River Walkway.  This is the upper limit of the PBL area and will hopefully result in a group or groups interested to help with weeds along this walk.  The project is seeking significant funding from WDC to implement the vision of a native lined walkway along this scenic stretch of river.

Ÿ Mangawhai Community Weed Bin

A bin has been placed at Wyatt’s Landscaping Supplies but is only ¾ full some three weeks into the project.  Promotion has included three advertisements and an editorial in the Mangawhai focus, Facebook posts on Mangawhai as well as WAPB Facebook and posters in Mangawhai hardware stores.

Ÿ Pest Trapping

Ten new resetting kill traps have been ordered by the HVA pest animal team.  This modified DOC 200 with reset mechanism will run for a year on batteries and will self-reset each time it is set off, removing the need for trap lines to be walked regularly.  They will be used to target possums, rats, mice or mustelids.

Mid-North High Value Area Highlights

Staff and contractors are working closely with Pāmu Landcorp Ltd, to establish predator control over three large farms in Northland at Titoki, Ōmāmari and Rangiputa, which is an extension of predator control work already being undertaken at Kapiro and Puketōtara farms.

More community trap boxes have been distributed to groups and individuals in the Mid North and interest in trapping continues to be strong.  Reports of kiwi seen or heard in new areas is encouraging that we are making a difference.

Western Northland Pest Control

Te Toa Whenua CPCA have submitted their VTA permission application to use cyanide for possum control in their project area along the Waipoua awa.  All bait stations have been installed along the lines and the first bait fill is planned to occur prior to Christmas.

A pre-monitor using the Residual Catch Trap method is being done at Maunganui Bluff CPCA.  Bait station lines have been cut and bait stations are ready to be installed.  Te Roroa are in the process of contracting a pest control operator to do the initial knockdown of the possums to 5% and then this will be followed by ongoing sustained control using the established bait station network.

Wekaweka CPCA have been able to send their volunteers along the bait station lines to do a top-up in their Core Area B for the first time in a long time thanks to realignment and re-cutting work that NRC has funded.

Pupurangi CPCA have confirmed through kiwi listening triangulation methods (three people listening at nearby locations to confirm locations of individual birds) that they have a total of 10 kiwi present in their CPCA area which includes four pairs. 

Kai Iwi Lakes Pest Control

A rat and possum control operation has been completed with remaining bait being pulled in from bait stations on 26 November.  The wax tag pre-monitor results indicated 29% possum abundance and a post-monitor wax tag operation will be completed within two weeks of the bait being pulled to check the effectiveness of the control.

Tiakina Whāngārei – Communities, Kaitiakitanga, Conservation

Tiakina Whangārei has recently completed an annual pest animal across the city and surrounding forest, with results due in the new year.  The Tiakina team supported the Northland regional pest control workshop in partnership with Kiwi Coast.

 

Predator Free Onerahi

The Onerahi community is looking to become predator-free as local schools, conservation groups and others band together to help protect their community’s native biodiversity. 

Tiakina Whangārei has identified Onerahi as an ideal location to become predator-free because as a peninsula, it can be defended against reinvasion. There are also significant areas of forest around the suburb, meaning that the conservation outcomes for biodiversity would be very high.

A successful community meeting was held last month to discuss how Tiakina Whangārei can help support Onerahi’s mission to become a predator-free community. 

marine biosecurity

Hull Surveillance Programme

2019 - 2020 Hull Surveillance Programme Results
28 October - 25 November 2020

Total this month

Total
YTD

Pathways Plan Compliance

 

 

Number of vessels surveyed this month

79

117

% Pathways Plan Compliance*

44%

47.9%

Vessels found with Marine Pests

 

 

Sabella spallanzanii (fanworm)

-

-

Styela clava (clubbed tunicate)

6

6

Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp)

-

-

Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate)

-

-

Pyura doppelgangera (sea squirt)

-

-

*    This is the percentage of vessels surveyed that complied with the acceptable level of ‘light fouling’ as defined in the Marine Pathways Plan.

Motukaroro Reotahi Marine Reserve Survey

Marine biosecurity staff and other council volunteers gathered with local groups passionate about Whangārei’s marine environment (including NorthTec, Experiencing Marine Reserves and students from Kamo Intermediate School) to survey the marine reserve at Reotahi on 19 November. 

The Reotahi Snorkel Survey is a good opportunity for the marine biosecurity team to monitor the presence and spread of marine pests in the marine reserve and educate people in what to look for when out in the ocean. 

With permission from the Department of Conservation, fourteen Mediterranean fanworm were removed from the reserve.  No Undaria pinnatifida was found this year, which was very reassuring (a single small specimen of this invasive Japanese kelp was found in the survey last year).  Collaborating with community groups and partners is invaluable as we all work together to protect Northland’s unique and high value marine environments.

Marine Biosecurity Education

Council marine biosecurity staff gave three classes at Whangārei Girls High School, introducing the students to the different pests in our Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan and highlighting their distinguishing features. 

Additionally, students participated in a histology practical exercise where they dissected Sabella spallanzani (Mediterranean fanworm), determined the sex and tracked gamete development to determine if they were reproductively viable.

Council marine biosecurity officers teaching Whangārei Girls High School Year 11 students about marine pests and histology.

Ōpua Sabella Incursion

Significant winter flooding has led to a mass mortality event for the Sabella population in Ōpua and, following the latest phase of diving, only 20 individuals were found on or near to the seafloor.  Staff have analysed the response effort in collaboration with an expert working group of scientists, and a decision has been made by Biosecurity New Zealand and council to continue with the eradication programme. 

In December, contract divers will systematically search the seafloor footprint of the marina and the base of all structures (up to 1 m), as well as most vessel hulls and moorings in and around the incursion area.  Staff will continue to critically assess the response following each round of diver effort, provide stakeholders with response updates and encourage boat owners in the area to be vigilant and limit any further spread. 

Cawthron Institute Marine Biosecurity Toolbox Annual Meeting

Council’s marine biosecurity specialist attended the Cawthron Institute’s Marine Biosecurity Toolbox (https://www.biosecurity-toolbox.org.nz/) annual meeting this month.  Council are end-users in the programme and our role is to:

Ÿ Assess and support research alignment with key end-user needs.

Ÿ Actively identify avenues and strategic opportunities for enhancing programme outcomes for New Zealand.

Ÿ Help provide end-users and stakeholders with first-hand access to research results and researchers.

Ÿ Raise awareness of the programme with relevant internal and external organisational representatives.

pest plants

Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment – Pest Plant Investigation

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE), embarked on a system-wide review of how New Zealand manages invasive plants, with the intention of identifying what is working well, what isn’t, and highlighting areas for improvement.

An online meeting was held with the PCE - Simon Upton, members of his office and council staff, as part of their investigation into the management of invasive weeds in terrestrial environments.  The meeting highlighted the current awareness, management and resource gaps that are currently impacting on effective pest plant management for Te Tai Tokerau.

Evergreen Buckthorn (Rhamnus) Eradication Programme

The contract surveillance and control for evergreen buckthorn within the Sandy Bay coastal cliffs and surrounding infestation area has now been completed (this work was previously delayed by Covid-19).  Good control has been seen in the area that has been subject to consistent follow up, with only one small adult plant found within the known infestation area.

Additional funding provided through the 2019-2020 annual plan process allowed for further surveillance work along the cliffs to the north of the site that had not previously been thoroughly surveyed, and this has significantly extended the known infestation area, with 9 locations where adult plants were located (see figure below).  This highlights the importance of funding this additional surveillance work to ensure all sites are detected, which is essential to successful eradication programs.

 

Evergreen buckthorn inspection and extended surveillance area showing the locations of adult and juvenile plants located

 

rivers

Long Term Plan Projects

Rivers

Comments

Awanui

Work at JNL (Phase 1) completed. Phase 2 i.e. opening main channel and blocking existing will commence once grass cover established.  Two of the five planned summer work streams -the Southern Spillways and Allan Bell Park works have been awarded and establishment underway.

Signed shovel-ready funding contract received on 26/11/2020.

Kerikeri-Waipapa

A pre-lodgment meeting has been initiated with FNDC to progress the Resource Consent. 

Matangirau

A hui is scheduled for 29 November with two whanau to progress landowner approvals. 

Otiria/Moerewa

Preliminary results of the hydraulic modelling have been shared with Kiwi Rail and the Otiria marae working committee.  Options modelling are underway with expected results due 2nd week in December. 

Minor Rivers Budget overspend

Because of the emergency expenditure after the July floods, staff have requested an advance of $50,000 unbudgeted expenditure.  The CEO has not yet approved this.

 

 

Natural Hazards 

Work Streams 

Status 

Comments 

Coastal erosion research

95% complete 

Auckland University deliverables are in December

Rangaunu harbour coastal flood mapping

65% complete 

Coastal hydrodynamic flood model for the Rangaunu harbour, due end December.

Region-wide coastal flood mapping

95% complete 

Undergoing internal review

Region-wide river flood mapping 

55% complete 

Awanui, Kawakawa and Whangarei models QA completed.  Team is progressing with the remaining catchments.  

Northland Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

Remaining stakeholder funding is being obtained from FNDC and MBIE. Excellent feedback from the Northland community regarding the LiDAR data set.

MĀORI ENGAGEMENT

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

Māori Representation and Constituencies

A media release has been issued by our Chair, Penny Smart to inform our communities of the legislative process that is being undertaken by our council and dispel some of the confusion that has been publicized through media platforms.  A fact sheet will also be released to help support an informed decision regarding Māori constituencies and what it means for Northland Te Taitokerau 

Council is currently seeking the views of Māori via TTMAC and Te Kahu o Taonui regarding the total number of councillors (and in turn how many Māori councilors) and whether council should establish individual Māori constituencies for each Māori seat or one single Māori constituency for multiple Māori seats.  Council will need to make its decision and publicly notify its proposal for public consultation before the end of August 2021.

Te Whāriki Core Cultural Competency Programme

Positive engagement with staff continues providing honest and open korero about how we progress our commitment to working in partnership with mana whenua, hapū, iwi and Māori communities.  It is expected by the end of March 2021 that all staff would have participated in Te Whāriki training workshops.

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TTMAC Regional Hui

An important visit to Te Po-Tu-Ote Rangi Pa is critical to understanding how council can support the aspirations of hapū and iwi.  This particular visit hosted by Te Uri o Hau representative, Georgina Connolly who informed councillors of the plan to encourage visitors to Dargaville and historic sites that are being restored such as this pa (pictured below).

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Ongoing work activities include:

Ÿ Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Beach Management plan to be adopted in December.

Ÿ Support for iwi/hapū (resource consents and IHEMP development)

Ÿ Te Reo Māori workshop with Councillors have been valuable in supporting their capabilities to engage with Māori

Ÿ IHEMP and Tū i te Ora Scholarships funding are prepared to open for next round

7.3.6   STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement

NATIONAL INITIATIVES

Te Mana o Te Wai – National Policy Statement - Freshwater Management

A council workshop on key aspects of the plan change process and related freshwater water issues relating to National Environmental Standards (NES) and regulations, and implications of recent Environment Court proceedings was held on 1 December.  The primary sector liaison group (Beef & Lamb NZ, Fonterra, Horticulture NZ, Federated Farmers, etc.) has been set up and will meet for the first time in mid-December.   

Following on from council’s decision to increase membership of the Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group, and the request from TTMAC members to reopen opportunity for further Expressions of Interest, the membership has been selected and the first meeting and powhiri is planned for January 2021.  Iwi authorities are also being approached to seek guidance on how they wish to be involved in the freshwater quality plan change.

Council staff continue to participate in LGNZ and MfE workshops and webinars which focus on the requirements of implementing the NPS-FM.  MfE has indicated that $30 million has been budgeted for supporting tangata whenua engagement in implementing Te Mana o Te Wai.

PROPOSED REGIONAL PLAN

Since the last update provided to council, Environment Court hearings have been held on unresolved aspects of Topic 11 (biodiversity and outstanding natural features/landscapes) and a s.293 application to address matters on outstanding natural landscape (ONL) mapping.  Mediation and hearings would be held after November 2021.  Refining NZ has withdrawn its appeal on Topic 11 in its entirety.

Legal questions as to the jurisdiction of the NES, and related definitions (particularly impacting wetlands and mangrove definitions) will be heard the week starting 7 December.  Depending on the decision of the Court as to the legal questions (anticipated to be made in 2021), this might impact various rules in the Proposed Regional Plan under appeal including coastal activities, land disturbance, and others.

Consent orders on Topic 10 (infrastructure) have been circulated to all parties and are likely to submitted to the Court by the end of the year.

Topic 8 (agrichemicals) has been set down for hearing in April 2021, Topic 5 (water quality) early May, and Topic 14 (marine protected areas sub-topic) for July 2021.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project

Update

Future developments/ reporting

Extension 350

Worked with consultants undertaking evaluation of the programme.

Quarter Two 2020/21 report to be received. 

Te Hononga

 

Awaiting project completion report (was due in November)

Manea Footprints of Kupe

Formal opening of Manea Footprints of Kupe took place on Wednesday 9 December. 

Awaiting project completion report (due February)

Other Work Undertaken

Ÿ Joint economic development initiative – Updates provided to CEO and Mayoral Forums; first meeting of the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party took place on Friday 27 November. 

UNISA Latest Estimated Residential Population Figures

In October, Statistics New Zealand released the Population Estimates for June 2020.  The estimates continue to show the strong population growth in the Upper North Island.  The regions of the upper North Island showed some of the highest percentage rates of growth in New Zealand over the last twelve months.

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Below is a summary of the 30 June 2020 Population Estimates:

Area

Estimated Residential
Population (30 June 2020)

Population Change
(year ended 30 June 2020)

Northland region

194,600

+ 4,900

Auckland

1,717,500

+ 37,000

Waikato region

496,700

+ 11,300

Bay of Plenty region

337,300

+ 9,100

Total UNI Population

2,746,100

+ 62,300

Total NZ Population

5,084,300

+ 105,000

Based on this latest release from Statistics New Zealand, the Upper North Island accounts for 54.04% of New Zealand’s estimated residential population.  This compares to 53.89% last year.

ONLINE CHANNELS

Highlights - Our NRC Facebook page reached 10,000 page likes during November.

Most popular content on Facebook: A post alerting the community that a toxic sea slug had been found in Whangārei Harbour.  The post reached over 69,000 people and engaged with just under 1,300 people.

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

Key Performance Indicators

Jul-20

Aug-20

Sept 20

Oct-20

Nov-20

WEB

 

 

 

 

 

# Visits to the NRC website

48,900

36,100

29,396

29,500

20,900

E-payments made

31

12

11

12

5

# subscription customers (cumulative)

1,238

1,247

1,260

1,265

1,255

SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative)

 

 

 

 

 

# Twitter followers

1,529

1,531

1,536

1,540

1,546

# NRC Facebook fans

9,767

9,843

9,880

9,920

10,065

# NRC Overall Facebook Reach

106,500

207,700

74,00

61,000

149,121

# NRC Engaged Daily Users

7,950

10,100

5,229

4,681

9,203

# CDEM Facebook fans

20,800

21,100

21,200

21,200

21,200

# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach

518,000

254,100

86,900

20,400

49,400

# CDEM Engaged Daily Users

92,200

30,600

5,764

4,681

2,570

# Instagram followers

1,203

1,220

1,241

1,256

1,284

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.

Nov – increased in reach due to increase in post volume and extremely popular post on toxic seas slugs.

ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION

Water For Life – 2020 Enviroschools Expos

On 3 and 11 November, the 2020 Enviroschools Expos were held as Water For Life ‘tours’ in the Kaipara and Whangārei, respectively.  Primary school students, teachers and whanau found out about the impacts of droughts and flooding on the farming industry and ecosystems and how flood works help communities be resilient in a changing climate.  Places visited included:  the Thornton (Maungaturoto) and Draffin (Porotī) dairy farms, Paparoa Lions Walkway and reserve, Wairua hydro power station and elver transfer operation, Ruawai stop banks and water filtration plant and the Hopua te Nihotetea dam.  Thanks to the Rivers and Natural Hazards team for their support.  A similar event was planned for the Far North, but venues proved difficult to confirm in time.

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NRC Rivers & Natural Hazards staff show students the drone flight plan

Avoiding spikey plants when
entering the saltmarsh wetland

Whau Valley School students carry
out soil tests

Enviroschools Green-Gold and Bronze Sharing and Decision-Making Sessions

During November, Riverview School in Kerikeri became a Green-Gold Enviroschool!  The school community will celebrate this major milestone in the New Year.  Onerahi Kindergarten celebrated reaching the Bronze stage with Cr Amy McDonald, as did Hurupaki Kindergarten with Cr Joce Yeoman.

Ngā Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau Workshop

On 24 November, a training workshop was held for the week-long youth leadership programme – Ngā Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau – planned for February.  Dr Barry Law and Mark Prain from the Untouched World Foundation ran the workshop for tertiary students and associated staff and community members, covering the following topics:  the Sustainable Development Goals, bi-cultural practice and agency, behaviour change, socio-emotional learning, capabilities and leadership.

Enviroschools Communities Facilitated

During November, in addition to the Expos and Ruakākā Dune Lakes education day (reported on by Biodiversity), Enviroschools Facilitators held 41 specific interactions with school and early childhood communities.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Kerikeri Garden Safari

The biosecurity pest plants team held a display at one of the gardens in the annual Kerikeri Garden Safari.  The display focused on pest plants, primarily eradication and exclusion plants and common garden escapees. 

Westpac Northland Business Champions

Council again sponsored the Northland Regional Council Environmental Champion Award, with HeadsUp Adventures Ltd announced as the 2020 winner.  Finalists included Gathered, Kohatu Development Ltd and Digital Wings.  The Westpac Northland Business Champions Supreme Leadership Award went to Jessie Rose Boutique, Forever Love Caskets and Inspire Art Studio.

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

14

November

11

14

December

12

 

January

14

 

February

21

 

March

13

 

April 

12

 

May

13

 

June

15

 

TOTAL LGOIMA REQUESTS RECEIVED

193

82

LGOIMA requests not responded to within 20 working days*

18

6

*       REQ.605217 – Request for information in relation to Northland Regional Council COVID-19 wage subsidy application.  The staff member allocated the LGOIMA request was unable to complete the request within 20 working days due to an administrative error (Corporate Excellence).

7.3.7   Customer Service – Community Resilience

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Telephone inbound call statistic & enquiries

 

November 2020 (to 27 Nov)

Target

Call volume via Customer Services

2,154

 

Conversion rate

97.3%

>95%

Average wait time

6 sec

 

Calls answered in under 30 sec

95.7%

>90%

Overall there have been fewer calls this month with some midweek days receiving 20-30% fewer calls than average.  There is no obvious reason or pattern to explain this.

More than 20% of new enquiries are concerning animal and plant pests with rats, possums and rabbits all featuring strongly.  Calls for other organisations continue to make up a significant proportion of enquiries received via phone and social media.

 

Satisfaction Monitoring

•    Feedback Cards, Compliments and Complaints

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

Compliments received

Total

Overall service

Ÿ Monitoring (3)

Ÿ Natural Resources Data

4

Service provided by a specific person/people

Ÿ Consents – A Vivian, K McGregor, S Savill

1

 

Total compliments recorded

5

Our compliance monitoring team received several compliments this month concerning their communication and approach to investigating and upholding the regulations. 

The consents team have been working with customer services trialling a duty officer system which appears to be working well.  Customers are continuing to have their initial queries answered immediately, and other consents staff are benefiting from fewer interruptions.

 

Complaints received

Total

Standard of service provided

Ÿ Bus - CityLink

1

Staff or contractor behaviour/attitude

Ÿ Bus - CityLink

1

Lack of information or communication

Ÿ Bus - CityLink

Ÿ Monitoring

2

Issue has occurred repeatedly for me

Ÿ Bus - CityLink

1

Total complaints recorded

5

Two of the CityLink complaints, including the repeated issue, related to timetables being slightly out of sync with drivers’ schedules.  Since becoming aware of this problem, it has been rectified.  The other three complaints have been followed up.

CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

National

The Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA) test scheduled for Sunday 22 November was cancelled by the Director of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Sarah Stuart-Black to avoid increasing stress to people during the COVID-19 response.  The EMA test will be rescheduled for 2021.

The new Minister of Emergency Management, Hon. Kiri Allan visited Hawkes Bay to see the extent of the Napier flooding and offer central government support.

Regional

Northland CDEM Group Joint Committee and the Northland CDEM Coordinating Executive Group (CEG) had their final meetings for the year on Wednesday 18 November.  Fire and Emergency New Zealand presented on their Fire Response Plan, updates were given on the CDEM operations from the previous three months, the Northland Welfare Coordination Group annual work programme was approved along with the Northland CDEM Drought Plan.

The Northland Welfare Coordination Group (WCG) also met on Friday 6 November.  During the meeting, the group were updated on the development of the Northland CDEM Drought Plan and finalised the WCG 2020/21 work programme.

Northland CDEM representatives attended the NZ Red Cross (NZRC) Annual Area Council Forum to gain further insight into the NZRC Good and Ready initiative which will be trialled in Northland and compliment the CDEM Community Response Group readiness programmes.

A two day Coordinated Incident Management System training, a one-day Emergency Operations Centre course and Intelligence and Planning Function training days were held during November.  The courses were open to CDEM stakeholders and were well attended.  The courses aim to build aligned emergency management capacity across the region.

COVID-19 Resurgence Planning

The All of Government COVID-19 Resurgence Plan will shortly be finalised once cabinet has approved arrangements outlined in the plan.

REGIONAL TRANSPORT

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

During the month under review, staff have concentrated on completing the Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2021/2027 and the Regional Public Transport Plan.

At the 9 December 2021 Regional Transport Committee (RTC) meeting, an electronic link will be provided to each elected representative and their respective support staff to access the documents and make any recommended changes or comments they consider relevant. This method has been used in an effort to reduce the amount of photocopying and related expenses.

The RTC members will have until Friday 22 January 2021 to complete this exercise. This will allow for a finalised draft to be presented to the February 2021 RTC meeting with a recommendation for release for public consultation in March 2020.

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 October 2020
(revenue ex GST)

Actual

Budget

Variance

Year/Date Actual

Year/Date Budgeted

City Link Passengers

 27,713

29,331

-1,618

113,265

120,702

CityLink Revenue

  $35,252

$39,597

-$4,345

$143,570

$162,948  

Mid North Link Passengers

155

168

-13

581

636

Mid North Link Revenue

$566

$840

-$274

$2,132

 $3,180

Hokianga Link Passengers

 89

84

5

382

318

Hokianga Link Revenue

 $478

 $584

-$106

$2,060

$2,212

Far North Link Passengers

389

620

  -231

1,574

2,357

Far North Link Revenue

 $997

$1,633 

-$636

$3,906

 $6,762

Bream Bay Link Passengers

67

30

37

206

108

Bream Bay Link Revenue

 $438

$108

$330

$1,362

$388

 

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

Oct 2020

1,603

$21,669

$25,00

-$3,331

$85,524

$100,000

-$14,476

Far North Disability Action Group (DAG) Meeting - Friday 6 November 2020

Northland Transport Alliance (NTA) staff attended the latest DAG meeting in Kerikeri to present the outcome of the “Investigation into the Needs and Availability of Total Mobility/Disability Transport Services” (Investigation).

The DAG group are requesting a Total Mobility Scheme operating in the Far North.  Part of the Investigation covered this scenario and made the recommendation that a Community Vehicle Trust would be the best option.

NTA staff will continue to work with the Far North District Council on this option.  The availability to source “Local Share” funding will obviously be an important component of this work.      

ROAD SAFETY UPDATE

Road Trauma Update: 2020 year to date road death statistics

National        284 deaths compared to 299 at the same time in 2019

Northland    26 deaths compared to 28 at the same time in 2019

Fatalities this year

Far North

Whangārei

Kaipara

Northland

National

Local roads

6

6

2

14

 

State highways

5

7

0

12

 

TOTAL

11

13

2

26

284

Striking power poles due to loss of control involving speed and impairment continues to be an issue in regional fatal and serious injury crashes.  Northpower and Top Energy have facilitated meetings with road safety partners including emergency service personnel sharing information for both reported and unreported crashes involving their assets.

The table below depicts the number of motorcycle riders attending the Ride Forever (R4E) Rider Training courses numbers since 1 July 2020.  In the coming warmer months these numbers should grow considerably.

Month

Course Type

TOTAL

Bronze

Silver

Gold

July 2020

2

-

-

2

August 2020

3

4

3

10

September 2020

9

6

-

15

October 2020

2

10

3

15

November 2020

8

6

9

23

TOTAL

24

26

15

65

Two Truck Education and Health Stops were held in November 2020.  The first one on 11 November was held on SH1, Uretiti targeting a wide range of freight movers; the second on 18 November at Northport targeting logging truck drivers. 

There were a good number of drivers that participated and engaged with participants at the stops, including St John Ambulance who carried out some basic health tests such as blood pressure, blood sugars etc. 

Advertising themes for November 2020 and December 2020 concentrate on Speed, Motorcycles, Alcohol and Drugs.

MARITIME

Thirteen incidents were received over the month of November.  Derelict vessels, aid to navigation and mooring related incidents made up most of the numbers for the month.

Routine work is ongoing throughout the region with ski lane buoys replaced and additional 5kt buoys placed in Whangaruru.  The Waitangi Port entry sectored light was serviced and replaced.  Hydro survey work around the region is ongoing.

A Regional responder re validation Spill exercise was carried out at Marsden Point with attendees from RNZ, Northport and NRC.

The Harbour Master and Marine Manager attended a Regional On-Scene Commander Course in Auckland.

There was a total of 53 hours spent in the field providing assistance to other departments during the month of November.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.4

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Reporting on Long Term Plan 2018-2028 Performance Measures for Quarter One of the 2020/21 Year

ID:

A1385361

From:

Robyn Broadhurst, Policy Specialist

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on date 03 December 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This report presents the results of council’s Long Term Plan key performance indicators for the first quarter of the 2020/21 financial year, being July to September inclusive.

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Reporting on Long Term Plan 2018-2028 Performance Measures for Quarter One of the 2020/21 Year’ by Robyn Broadhurst, Policy Specialist and dated 12 November 2020, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

The Long Term Plan 2018-2028 includes 51 key performance indicators that measure aspects of council’s service provision across five activity groupings:

 

·    Governance and engagement

·    Regulatory services

·    Environmental services

·    River management

·    Customer services and community resilience

 

Each performance measure provides a snapshot of the activity’s performance.

 

The frequency of reporting against the measures varies, with the majority being reported on annually at the end of the financial year, and about 20% reported biannually (beginning quarter two). 

 

Five of the performance measures are reported on every quarter, and their results for quarter one are presented here.  For some quarterly measures, the end of year result may consist of an average of the quarterly results, which may result in an overall achievement or non-achievement that differs from an individual quarter.

 

Of the five performance measures reported on, two have achieved their targets for the quarter, two have not achieved their targets for the quarter, and one is potentially tracking to achieve the end of year target.

 

 

 

 

 

Governance and engagement | Ratonga whakahaere whakauru

1.1 Governance

1.1.1 Maintain effective, open and transparent democratic processes

 

Percentage of official information requests that are responded to within 20 working days.

100% compliance

90.7% – not achieved

 

An explanation as to why individual LGOIMA requests are not responded to within 20 working days is reported monthly via the CEs Report.

Percentage of time that elected members attend council meetings.

90% compliance

98% – achieved to date   

1.3 Communication and engagement

1.3.2 Promote effective community engagement

 

Number of subscribers to online and social media channels (includes social media, eNewsletters and web alerts).

25% annual increase

 

(number and percentage increase to be reported)

1% – not achieved

18,885 subscribers end of Sept

(18,617 subscribers in total end of last quarter)

 

This is due to a shift in focus from increasing FB likes/followers to improving reach and overall engagement with our audience.

 

Regulatory services |Ratonga a ture

2.3 Monitoring (compliance monitoring)

2.3.2 Efficient and effective response to and resolution of reported environmental incidents

 

Percentage of environmental incidents with more than minor effects reported to the Environmental Hotline resolved within 30 working days.

80% resolved within 30 working days

65% – not achieved to date

 

This was due to an unusually high number of incidents that were not able to be easily resolved received within the quarter.

2.4.3 Monitor the standard of ambient air quality in Northland

 

Percentage of air sheds meeting the national air quality environmental standards.

100% compliance

100% – achieved to date

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.5

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Northland Inc. Limited: First Quarter 2020/21 reporting against Statement of Intent 2020-2023

ID:

A1390337

From:

Darryl Jones, Economist

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 09 December 2020

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

Council has received the first quarter report (ended 30 September) for the 2020/21 financial year from Northland Inc. Limited against the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in its Statement of Intent 2020-2023 (Attachment 1).  Staff have assessed the information provided for the 14 KPIs.  No progress is reported for three of the four KPIs in the Investment and PGF work programme area due to the impact of COVID-19.  However, good progress is being made against most of the other KPIs, with some annual targets already meet in the first quarter.  The comment made regarding “funding of $25K secured” for the strategy development KPI refers to the funding provided by council to assist with development of a COVID-19 recovery plan which will link into the development of the strategy.

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Northland Inc. Limited: First Quarter 2020/21 reporting against Statement of Intent 2020-2023’ by Darryl Jones, Economist and dated 25 November 2020, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

Not relevant.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Northland Inc. Limited reporting against SOI - Quarter 1 2020/21   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.5

15 December 2020Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.1

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Receipt of Committee Minutes

ID:

A1391289

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 09 December 2020

 

Recommendation

That the unconfirmed minutes of the:

·        Regional Transport Committee – 14 October 2020;

·        Civil Defence Emergency Management Group – 18 November 2020;

·        Investment and Property Subcommittee – 25 November 2020; and

·        Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee – 16 November 2020

 

and the confirmed minutes of the:

·        Kaipara Moana Joint Committee – 09 October 2020; and

·        Kaipara Moana Joint Committee – 30 October 2020

be received.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Regional Transport Commitee meeting minutes - 14 October 2020

Attachment 2: CDEM Group meeting minutes - 18 November 2020

Attachment 3: Kaipara Moana Joint Committee meeting minutes - 09 October 2020

Attachment 4: Kaipara Moana Joint Committee meeting minutes - 30 October 2020

Attachment 5: Investment and Property Subcommittee minutes 25 November 2020

Attachment 6: Kaipara Moana Joint Committee meeting minutes - 16 November 2020   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 8.1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.2

15 December 2020

 

TITLE:

Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefing

ID:

A1388796

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on date 09 December 2020

 

Recommendation

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

 

 

 

Climate Change Working Party (Chair: Cr Amy Macdonald)

The Climate Change Working Party met on 25 November 2020.  The topics for discussion included:

·        Adaptation Strategy & Joint Committee

·        Natural Hazard Maps

·        Research and Policy Updates

·        Northland Regional Council Carbon Emission Reporting

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

·        Schedule further meetings with TTMAC and Councils to update regarding Natural Hazard Maps

·        Develop a communication strategy for notifying public fo the updated Natural Hazard Maps

·        Examine what is in the Risk Register in regard to Climate Change

 

 

Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) (Co-Chairs: Cr Robinson and Pita Tipene)

Secretarial Note: It is with deep sadness that we advise that a mighty ‘Totara’ of Te Taitokerau and Co-Chair of TTMAC, Rudy Taylor, passed away soon after this meeting on 16 November 2020.

The Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party met on 12 November 2020.  The topics for discussion included:

·        Māori Representation: Māori constituencies

·        Freshwater Plan Change - Maori Engagement and Tāngata Whenua Water Advisory Group

·        Endorsement of establishment of TTMAC economic development sub-group

·        A report on the last regional marae-based hui hosted at Te Houhanga-a-Rongo Marae, and a paper on how the regional hui will be set for 2021

·        Taitokerau water resilience

·        An update on TTMAC’s input into the Long Term Plan and the remaining process

·        Coastal Occupation Charges

·        Approval of the TTMAC meeting schedule for 2021

·        Updates from other working parties.

Following discussion, the Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party provided advice on the following next steps:

·        For the Māori Technical Advisory Group to meet and form a view/strategy regarding the number of constituencies, which will then be considered at a further workshop of TTMAC tāngata whenua members. The feedback from those meetings is to be provided to the next council meeting

·        That a letter be sent to the Minister for Local Government advising of council’s decision to establish Māori constituencies, and to request that the Local Electoral Act 2001 be changed to remove poll provisions

·        That the application period for the Tāngata Whenua Water Advisory Group be extended by one week and, following that, the selection panel reconvene and confirm fifteen  appointees

That a maximum six-member tāngata whenua economic development subgroup be formed to work with Northland Inc on input into their annual Statement of Intent and overall economic development strategy, comprising Pita Tipene, Janelle Beazley, Rihari Dargaville, and Nora Rameka

·    That the meeting dates for 2021 are as follows (the second Thursday of the month):

Formal Meetings 2021

Workshops 2021

11 February

11 March

8 April

13 May

10 June

8 July

12 August

9 September

14 October

11 November

9 December

 

 

·    That the 2021 regional marae-based hui host will be set as per the following schedule:

a.    13 May hui location to be agreed at the 11 February formal meeting

b.    8 July hui location to be agreed at the 8 April formal meeting

c.     9 September hui location to be agreed at the 10 June formal meeting

d.    11 November hui location to be agreed at the 12 August formal meeting.

·        That Ngāti Tara will confirm their availability to host the 11 March hui

·        That staff will work alongside the Māori Technical Advisory Group to provide recommendations as to how the effectiveness of marae-based hui can be improved.

 

 

   


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                          ITEM: 9.0

15 December 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 - 17 November 2020

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

9.2

Receipt of Confidential Committee Minutes

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

9.3

Human Resources Report

The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons s7(2)(a).

9.4

Australian Investment Review and Introduction of New Fund Managers into the Long Term Fund

The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to prevent the disclosure or use of official information for improper gain or improper advantage s7(2)(j).

9.5

Sale of Industrial Area Properties

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).

9.6

Hannah Street Whangārei Property Demolition

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

9.7

Vehicle purchase

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).

9.8

Oruku Landing Conference and Event Centre - Consideration for public consultation

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).

9.9

Appointment of Independent Financial Advisor

The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons s7(2)(a).

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

Considerations

1.    Options

Not applicable. This is an administrative procedure.

2.    Significance and Engagement

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

3.    Policy and Legislative Compliance

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

4.    Other Considerations

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

 



[1] Refer Part B Special terms Sections 2-8

[2] Refer Part 2 Special Terms Section 8

[3] Refer Part 2 Special Terms Section 9 for full description of Remedial Plan process

[4] Refer Part 2 Special Terms Section 10 Clauses 10.1-10.2

[5] Ngati Pakau, Mahurehure, Ngatikorokoro

[6] Te Hikutu/Whanau Whero/Whanautara/Ngati Kairewa/Ngati Kerewhiti/Ngati Parenga/Ngati Tuapango