Council

Tuesday 18 May 2021 at 10.30am

 

 

AGENDA

 


Council Meeting

18 May 2021

Northland Regional Council Agenda

 

Meeting to be held in the Council Chamber

36 Water Street, Whangārei

on Tuesday 18 May 2021, 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

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       TAUĀKI Ā ROTO 

3.0       apologies (ngĀ whakapahĀ) 

4.0       DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (NGA WHAKAPUAKANGA)

5.0       Council Minutes and Action Sheet

5.1       Confirmation of Minutes - 20 April 2021                                                                                            6

5.2       Receipt of Action Sheet                                                                                                                          15

6.0       Financial Reports

6.1       Financial Report to 30 April 2021                                                                                                        18

6.2       Regional Rates Collection - update to 31 March 2021                                                                23

7.0       Decision Making Matters

7.1       Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party - appointment of replacement members to the Climate Change Working Party, Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee and TTMAC representative for Ngātiwai                                                                                                                  28

7.2       Northland Inc. Limited: Request to issue 20 additional shares                                                31

7.3       Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Proposed Operations Vehicle                             35

7.4       Update to Appointed Members' Allowances Policy                                                                     51

7.5       Draft submission - Phasing out fossil fuels in process heat - consultation document     62

7.6       Terms of Reference for CEO Recruitment Subcommittee and Advisors                               75

8.0       Operational Reports

8.1       Health and Safety Report                                                                                                                       80

8.2       Chair's Report to Council                                                                                                                        85

8.3       Chief Executive’s Report to Council                                                                                                    87

8.4       Reporting on the Long Term Plan 2018-2028 performance measures for quarter three of the 2020/21 year                                                                                                                                            116

9.0       Receipt of Committee Minutes and Working Party/Group Updates

9.1       Receipt of Committee Minutes                                                                                                          119

10.0    Business with the Public Excluded                                                                                                    130

10.1    Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 20 April 2021

10.2    Receipt of Committee Confidential Minutes

10.3    Human Resources Report   


 

ACC - Accident Compensation Corporation

ALGIM - Association of Local Government Information Management

AMA - Aquaculture Management Area

AMP - Asset Management Plan/Activity Management Plan

AP - Annual Plan

BOI - Bay of Islands

BOPRC - Bay of Plenty Regional Council

CAPEX - Capital Expenditure (budget to purchase assets)

CBEC - Community, Business and Environment Centre

CCO – Council Controlled Organisation

CCTO – Council Controlled Trading Organisation

CDEM - Civil Defence Emergency Management

CEEF – Chief Executives Environment Forum

CEG - Co-ordinating Executive Group

CEO - Chief Executive Officer

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

CMA - Coastal Marine Area

CPCA - Community Pest Control Areas

CRI - Crown Research Institute

DHB - District Health Board 

DOC - Department of Conservation

DP – District Plan

E350 – Extension 350 programme

ECA - Environmental Curriculum Award

ECAN - Environment Canterbury

EECA - Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority

EF - Environment Fund

EMA - Employers and Manufacturers Association

EOC - Emergency Operations Centre

EPA - Environmental Protection Authority

ETS - Emissions Trading Scheme

FDE - Farm Dairy Effluent

FNDC - Far North District Council

FNHL - Far North Holdings Limited

FPP - First Past the Post

GE - Genetic Engineering

GIS - Geographic Information System

GMO - Genetically Modified Organism

HBRC - Hawke's Bay Regional Council

HEMP - Hapū Environmental Management Plan

Horizons - Brand name of Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council

HR - Human Resources

HSNO - Hazardous Substances & New Organisms Act 

HSWA - Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

IEMP - Iwi Environmental Management Plan

ILGACE - Iwi and Local Government Chief Executives Forum

IPPC - Invited Private Plan Change

IRIS - Integrated Regional Information System

KDC - Kaipara District Council 

KPI - Key Performance Indicator

LAWA – Land, Air, Water Aotearoa

LEA - Local Electoral Act 2001

LGA - Local Government Act 2002

LGNZ - Local Government New Zealand

LGOIMA - Local Government Official Information & Meetings Act 1987

LIDAR – Light detection and ranging

LTI – Long time injury

LTP - Long Term Plan

MBIE – Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

MCDEM - Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management

MFE - Ministry for the Environment

MFL – Māori Freehold Land 

MHWS - Mean High Water Springs

MMH - Marsden Maritime Holdings Limited

MNZ - Maritime New Zealand

MOH - Ministry of Health

MOT - Ministry of Transport

MPI - Ministry for Primary Industries

MSD - Ministry of Social Development

NCMC - National Crisis Management Centre

NDHB - Northland District Health Board

NES - National Environmental Standards

NFT – Northland Forward Together

NGO - Non-Governmental Organisation

NIF - Northland Intersectoral Forum

NINC - Northland Inc. Limited

NIWA - National Institute of Water and Atmosphere

NORTEG - Northland Technical Advisory Group

NPS - National Policy Statement

NZCPS - New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement

NZRC - New Zealand Refining Company (Marsden Point)

NZTA - New Zealand Transport Agency

NZTE - New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

NZWWA - New Zealand Water and Wastes Association

OFI - Opportunity for Improvement\

OPEX – Operating Expenditures

OSH - Occupational Safety & Health

OTS – Office of Treaty Settlements

PCBU - Person Conducting Business or Undertaking

PGF – Provincial Growth Fund

PPE - Personal Protective Equipment

RAP - Response Action Plan

RBI - Regional Broadband Initiative

RCP - Regional Coastal Plan

RFI - Request for Information

RFP - Request for Proposal

RLTP - Regional Land Transport Plan

RMA - Resource Management Act 1991

RMG - Resource Managers Group (Regional Councils)

RMZ - Riparian Management Zone

ROI - Return on Investment

RP – Regional Plan

RPMP - Regional Pest Management Plan

RPMS - Regional Pest Management Strategy

RPS - Regional Policy Statement

RPTP – Regional Public Transport Plan

RRSAP – Regional Road Safety Action Plan

RSG – Regional Sector Group

RSHL - Regional Software Holdings Ltd

RTC - Regional Transport Committee

RTO - Regional Tourism Organisation

SIPO - Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives

SITREP - Situation Report

SOE - State of Environment (or) State Owned Enterprise

SOI – Statement of Intent

SOLGM - Society of Local Government Managers

STV - Single Transferable Vote

TAG - Technical Advisory Group

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

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

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

TLA - Territorial Local Authority – City & District Councils

TON – Top of the North (regions)

TTMAC – Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party

TTNEAP – Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan

TMP - Treasury Management Plan

TOR - Terms of Reference

TPK - Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Maori Development)

TUANZ - Telecommunications Users Association of NZ

UNISA - Upper North Island Strategic Alliance

WDC - Whangarei District Council

WHHIF - Whangarei Harbour Health Improvement Fund

WRC - Waikato Regional Council

WSMP - Workplace Safety Management Practices

WWTP - Wastewater Treatment Plant

 

 

 



Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.1

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Confirmation of Minutes - 20 April 2021

ID:

A1440638

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 12 May 2021

 

Recommendation

That the minutes of the council meeting held on 20 April 2021 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Council Meeting Minutes 20 April 2021   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 5.1

18 May 2021Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 5.2

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Receipt of Action Sheet

ID:

A1440465

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 12 May 2021

 

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 - May 2021   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 5.2

18 May 2021Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                                                             item: 6.1

18 May 2021

                                     

 

TITLE:

Financial Report to 30 April 2021

ID:

A1439283

From:

Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant

 

Executive Summary / Whakarāpopototanga

This report is to inform council of the year to date (YTD) financial result to April 2021.  Council has achieved a YTD surplus after transfers to and from reserves of $4.29M, which is $693K favourable to budget (March 2021: $612K favourable to budget).

 

Recommendation / Ngā mahi tūtohutia

That the report ‘Financial Report to 30 April 2021’ by Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant and dated 30 April 2021, be received.

 

Report

The annual plan for 2020/21 included funding of $1.7M, for economic development activities, to come from the Community Investment Fund’s capital reserves.  At the end of the financial year we anticipate that not all of this funding will be required as we propose to use any available surplus in lieu of drawing on council’s capital.

Revenue

Year to date revenue is $53.90M, which is $12.88M or 31.4% above budget.


 


Expenditure

Year to date expenditure is $42.11M, which is $1.57M or 3.9% above budget. 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.1

18 May 2021

Salary Variances

Across council there is a $693K favourable salaries variance (YTD March 2021 $659K favourable variance) predominantly due to the time to complete recruitment of positions identified in the LTP and AP.  Of the total salary variance $78K relates to positions restored via the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve and some of the other vacancies have associated external funding.

 

Transfers to reserves

For the year to date there has been a net transfer to reserves of $7.50M compared to a budgeted net transfer from reserves of $3.11M.  This is predominantly due to:

Ÿ $3.98M more than budgeted transfers to externally managed fund reserves representing higher reinvestment of gains than budgeted.

Ÿ $904K of more than budgeted Infrastructure Investment Gains and $650k of surplus dividends have been transferred into the enterprise system reserve to provide for future enterprise system costs.

Ÿ $2.70M more than budgeted transfers into the flood infrastructure reserves predominantly relating to the unbudgeted PGF funding received to accelerate the flood scheme works.

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 $256K of surplus dividends were transferred to the equalisation reserve to fund the expected 2021/22 pilotage revenue shortfall from the reduction in the number of cruise ships expected.

Ÿ $589K of surplus dividends was transferred to the Investment and Growth Reserve to reduce the reliance upon the 2021/22 dividend to fund economic development activities.

Ÿ $363K lower than budgeted transfers from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve as projects, works, and positions are not occurring as soon as planned.  Any savings in these projects will be added back to the reinstatement reserve schedule when the value of the saving is known.

 

Capital Expenditure

Capital expenditure of $2.72M is below the YTD budget of $3.72M 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 caught up later in the financial year.

 

Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve initiatives

Twenty four initiatives have a funding commitment from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve totalling $1.86M.  This leaves no unallocated funds at the end of April 2021.  Note that some of these projects are not expected to achieve their allocated funding and any balance remaining at the end of the 2020/21 financial year will be transferred back to council’s general funding.  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)

$135,000

Biodiversity contractors

$30,000

Planning & Policy BAU - for LTP contract work

$10,000

Offsite storage of consent files (building reconfiguration)

$17,000

Internal Audit BAU

$27,000

Northland Inc. Project funding

$60,000

Total AP projects reinstated

$1,050,665

 

 

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

Additional Enterprise system funding

$254,000

Fan worm eradication

$98,000

Total new projects

$808,128

Allocated projects total

$1,858,793

Less projected unutilised Reserve funds

($447,000)

Grand Total

$1,411,793

 

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence,

Title:

Group Manager - Corporate Excellence

Date:

06 May 2021

 


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 6.2

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Regional Rates Collection - update to 31 March 2021

ID:

A1439999

From:

Simon Crabb, Finance Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 05 May 2021

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

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

 

Table One below summarises the level of rates collected in the first three quarters of the 2020/21 financial year and the total outstanding rate balances as at 31 March 2021.

 

Overall, the three district councils collected a total of 74.4% of our annual rate strike in the nine months to 31 March 2021.  (As a comparative, 75.0% was collected for the same period in 2019/20).

 

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Regional Rates Collection - update to 31 March 2021’ by Simon Crabb, Finance Manager and dated 4 May 2021, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

Whangarei District Council (WDC)

The Whangarei District Council collected 79.7% of our annual rate strike to the end of March of this financial year (2019/20: 82.4%). 

44.7% ($278k) of the WDC outstanding rate arrears balance (2019/20: 47.3%; $162k) has also been collected in the first nine months of this financial year resulting in a closing rate arrears balance of $344k.

 

WDC’s collection of current year rates and rate arrears is lower than last year as some ratepayers are taking more time to pay as they continue to take advantage of WDC’s Covid19 recovery package.

 

Kaipara District Council (KDC)

The Kaipara District Council collected 75.5% of our annual rate strike to the end of March of this financial year (2019/20: 70.8%). 

26.1% ($245k) of the KDC outstanding rate arrears balance (2019/20: 37.5%; $355k) has also been collected in the first nine months of this financial year resulting in a closing total rate arrears balance of $694k.

 

Far North District Council (FNDC)

The Far North District Council has collected 66.3% of our annual rate strike to the end of March of this financial year, (2019/20: 66.4%). 

13.8% ($558k) of the FNDC outstanding rate arrears balance has also been collected in the first nine months of this financial year, (2019/20: 11%; $421k), resulting in a closing rate arrears balance (excluding current year rates) still to be collected of $3.5m.  Māori freehold land (MFL) accounts for $2.7m of the total rate arrears balance.

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

 

Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Act

The Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Act was enacted on 12 April 2021.  This Act makes changes to the rating of Māori land, looking to reduce the barriers for effective partnership between local government and Māori, encourage development, and modernise the rating legislation.

Council is waiting on the district councils to finalise the extent of any rate write offs arising from the application of this new Act.  These write offs will be worked into the year-end accounts and presented to council in August 2021.  Currently councils hold an overall provision to absorb 76% of any rate arrear write offs (individual provisions held: FNDC 86%, KDC 72%, WDC 53%).  Also, at the time of writing off rates arrears, the corresponding GST refund will be lodged with the IRD.

 

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

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Far North Distict Council - Revenue and Collections Quarterly Report as at 11 March 2021.   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 6.2

18 May 2021Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.1

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party - appointment of replacement members to the Climate Change Working Party, Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee and TTMAC representative for Ngātiwai

ID:

A1433830

From:

Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 12 May 2021

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This paper seeks to fill vacancies created by the resignation of the member for Te Rūnanga o Whaīngaroa on Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC).

The member was a TTMAC representative on council’s Climate Change Working party and on the Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee.  With the resignation from TTMAC, these appointments became vacant.  

At the Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party held on 8 April 2021, Rihari Dargaville, Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, was nominated by the non-elected Māori members of TTMAC to fill those vacant positions on council’s Climate Change Working Party and on the Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee.

The paper also seeks to notify council that the Ngātiwai Trust Board nominated and confirmed at their trust board meeting held on Friday, 26 March 2021 that William Sullivan and his proxy Alyx Pivac are the new TTMAC representatives for Ngātiwai.

These working parties and groups represent the significant contribution of iwi and hapū to council and its decision-making processes and reflect council’s commitment to building enduring relationships with tāngata whenua.  Hence, these vacancies are sought to be filled for transparency and continuity of representation.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party - appointment of replacement members to the Climate Change Working Party, Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee and TTMAC representative for Ngātiwai’ by Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori and dated 13 April 2021, be received.

2.         That Rihari Dargaville is appointed onto council’s Climate Change Working Party and onto the Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee as a Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) appointed (tāngata whenua) member to fill the vacancies created by the resignation of the member for Te Rūnanga o Whaīngaroa.

3.         That council endorse William Sullivan and his proxy Alyx Pivac as the Ngātiwai Trust Board representative on TTMAC.

 


 

Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

That council approves the appointment of Rihari Dargaville as the TTMAC representative onto council’s Climate Change Working Party and Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee

Membership is confirmed to effectively undertake the roles and functions of the working parties.

Endorsed by TTMAC and respects the advice of TTMAC.

Secures representation of Māori in matters that are significant to the region.

Increase workload and expectation of TTMAC and nominated representation.

 

2

That council does not approve the appointment of Rihari Dargaville as the TTMAC representative onto council’s Climate Change Working Party and Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee

Reduces financial costs and implications of time required for TTMAC members.

Reduced TTMAC representation on the Climate Change Working Party and Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee to assist and inform council’s decisions.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1: that council endorses the recommendations.

 

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

Not applicable.

2.         Community views

Community views have previously been canvassed on council’s approach to engaging with Māori and supporting Māori participation in council processes, including the establishment of TTMAC through the Long Term Plan process.  General support has been received for the establishment and continuance of TTMAC.

3.         Māori impact statement

The Māori membership on council working parties is of public interest, in particular to TTMAC tāngata whenua members and, more broadly, Māori of Te Taitokerau.  This decision is consistent with feedback received from Māori and no further consultation is considered necessary before making this decision.

4.         Financial implications

There are sufficient funds within the existing budget to accommodate filling these vacancies.


 

5.         Implementation issues

There are no implementation issues as TTMAC appointment onto working parties is part of ongoing delivery of the Long Term Plan and staff have capability and capacity to support the implementation of these decisions.

 

6.         Significance and engagement

This is purely an administrative matter and does not trigger council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

 This decision complies with the council’s legislative requirements under the RMA 1991 (s 8) to take account of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi and the LGA 2002 (s 4) to maintain and improve opportunities for Māori to contribute to local government decision-making processes.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.2

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Northland Inc. Limited: Request to issue 20 additional shares

ID:

A1441566

From:

Darryl Jones, Economist

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 12 May 2021

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The purpose of this paper is to seek a council decision to request Northland Inc. Limited to issue an additional 20 shares to Northland Regional Council at a cost of $2 per share, taking our total shareholding to 120 shares.  This is a required step in the transition to joint council ownership of Northland Inc. Limited as outlined in the council agenda paper “Establishment of the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party”, agreed to at the council meeting of 15 September 2020. 

 

Holding 120 shares will enable council to sell 40 shares to both Kaipara District Council and Far North District Council on 1 July 2021 at a price of $2 per share should they adopt a Long Term Plan 2021–2031 in which they become joint owners of Northland Inc.  An increase in the number of shares from 100 to 120 is necessary because 100 shares cannot be equally divided among three shareholders.  A total of 120 shares also makes it possible for Whangarei District Council (WDC) to take an equal ownership stake (30 each) should a decision be made by WDC later to become a joint owner. 

 

Under their constitution, the board of Northland Inc. Limited requires “…prior written approval of the Shareholders…” before being able to issue new shares to certain classes of shareholder of which council does not form part of[1]

 

However, a company may issue shares other than in accordance with its constitution in accordance with section 44 of the Companies Act 1993, which provide that to do so, the company must obtain the same approval as that required to amend its constitution.  Northland Inc’s constitution provides that it may be amended by way of special resolution being the approval of at least 75% of the shareholders.  The Northland Regional Council is currently the only shareholder.  Consequently, to issue a further 20 shares Northland Inc. must pass a board resolution to issue the shares and sign a directors’ certificate to issue the shares at the price of $2, and council must sign a shareholder resolution (Attachment One) to approve the board’s decision to issue the 20 shares.  

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Northland Inc. Limited: Request to issue 20 additional shares’ by Darryl Jones, Economist and dated 7 May 2021, be received.

2.         That council requests Northland Inc. to issue Northland Regional Council an additional 20 shares at $2 per share. 

3.         That council delegate responsibility to Cr Justin Blaikie, its shareholder representative for Northland Inc, to sign the Shareholder Resolution once the board of Northland has resolved to issue the 20 shares as requested by council. 

 

Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Request Northland Inc. to issue council with an additional 20 shares

Allows equal shareholding of Northland Inc. for one, two, three or four councils.

None

2

Don’t request Northland Inc. to issue council with an additional 20 shares

None

Cannot have equal shareholder of Northland Inc. across three councils.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

This decision does not have any environmental risks or negative impacts. 

2.         Community views

There are no community views on this issue that need to be considered. 

3.         Māori impact statement

There are no known impacts on Māori which are different from the general public.

4.         Financial implications

There are no financial implications associated with this decision.  Selling the shares on 1 July and becoming joint owners effective on that date, i.e. the start of the financial year, is the best outcome from a financial reporting perspective. 

5.         Implementation issues

Deciding at this time provides Northland Inc. with an opportunity to make the necessary arrangement to issue 20 new shares to council before 30 June.  A decision in June will place unnecessary pressure on Northland Inc.  

 

6.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it is part of council’s day to day activities.   

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

 There are no policies or legislative compliance requirements relevant to this decision. 

Background/Tuhinga

Not applicable. 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Shareholder Resolution (to be signed once the board of Northland Inc. has resolved to issue the 20 additional shares)   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.2

18 May 2021Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.3

18 May 2021

 

 

TITLE:

Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Proposed Operations Vehicle

ID:

A1436527

From:

Penny Pirrit, Northland Regional Council Management Representative

Authorised by Group Manager:

Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on 03 May 2021

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

One of the functions of the Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee (the Joint Committee) is to consider options for an operational delivery vehicle and recommend a preferred option to the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Member Parties for approval.  The purpose of the operations vehicle is to undertake the day to day operational delivery of the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme and to ensure the actions identified in the annual work plans are delivered.

The Joint Committee has considered three options for the operations vehicle and has agreed on a preferred option – a business unit within the Northland Regional Council.  This option is considered to be the most efficient and practical until such time as the statutory Kaipara Moana Body is set up through Te Titiriti o Waitangi Settlement processes.

This report recommends that the Northland Regional Council, as a Member Party to the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme, approves that option.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Proposed Operations Vehicle’ by Penny Pirrit, Northland Regional Council Management Representative and dated 21 April 2021, be received.

2.         That council, as a Member Party of the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme, gives its approval to the operations vehicle being a business unit within the Northland Regional Council, until such time as the statutory Kaipara Moana Body is established through the Te Titiriti o Waitangi Settlement process.

3.         That the other Member Parties be advised of this decision.

 

Options

The Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) indicates that one of the functions of the Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee (the Joint Committee) is to:

“formulate the purpose, functions and structure of a vehicle or other arrangement to undertake operational activities required for the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme and recommend to Member Parties any decisions or actions required to establish it”.

The MOU also indicates that the intention is that, once the statutory Kaipara Moana Body is set up through Te Tiriti o Waitangi Settlement processes, the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme will shift to that Body.  The MOU is silent on how any operations vehicle may be handled once the Body is set up and work will need to occur in the future on how it may transition to the Body.  In the meantime, the Joint Committee sees the operation vehicle as an interim entity.

 

The purpose of the operations vehicle is to:

·        undertake the day-to-day operations of the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme;

·        deliver the annual work plan;

·        manage finances in a transparent and robust manner;

·        monitor and report on programme activities; and

·        develop transferrable operations (for the future statutory Kaipara Moana body).

Options for the operations vehicle

At the 16 November and 4 December 2020 workshops the Joint Committee received high level briefing papers on the below operations vehicle options.

Op

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

A company

•     As a company, is more suited to entering into contractual relationships with third parties.

•     Easier to brand as separate from councils with their regulatory functions.

•     Ability for shareholders to agree and set a constitution.

•     Can draw on councils’ services, systems process and policies (but likely higher overhead costs).

•     Councils have policies they expect CCO companies to comply with – however, it would be a matter of policy whether a new CCO company had to comply with them. 

 

Additional layer of governance between Joint Committee and operations vehicle - could lead to confusion over direction.

Substantial setup costs.

Likely higher overhead costs, although able to draw on council services, systems and policies.

Significant time to establish, including public consultation.

AC policy does not allow elected members to be on CCO Boards.

Transfer of governance from Joint Committee to future statutory Kaipara Moana Body likely to be complex.

Due to involvement of councils, the company would be a CCO or CO, and be subject to Local Government Act 2002 obligations.

2

A trust

•     Easier to brand as a partnership and separate from councils and their regulatory functions.

•     Can draw on councils’ services, systems process and policies (but likely higher overhead costs).

•     The Joint Committee, through delegation, could draft a deed of trust and appoint trustees (if agreed to by councils and Kaipara Uri entities). 

•     Councils have policies they expect CCOs to comply with – however, it would be a matter of policy whether a new CCO had to comply with them.

 

•     Would be considered a CCO or CO due to involvement of councils.

•     Additional layer of governance between Joint Committee and operations vehicle - could lead to confusion over direction.

•     Likely higher overhead costs, although able to draw on council services, systems and policies.

•     Significant time to establish, including public consultation if a CCO.

•     AC policy does not allow elected members to be trustees on a CCO and CO.

•     Transfer of governance from Joint Committee to future statutory Kaipara Moana Body likely to be complex.

3

A business unit within either the Northland Regional Council or Auckland Council

·    Single level of governance oversight and direction, provided by the Joint Committee, for the KMR programme.

·   

·    Lower overhead cost than setting up an independent legal entity, e.g., company or trust.

·   

·    Can be actioned quickly.

·   

·    No separate legal and compliance costs.

·   

·    Joint Committee could be involved in appointment of business unit manager.

·   

·    Ease of access to shared council services through a service agreement.

·   

·    Can employ staff and make secondment arrangements with councils easily

·   

·    Can be branded separately.

·    May not be perceived as sufficiently independent.

·   

·    Opportunity for confusion over role of home council CEO and role of joint committee in relation to the business unit’s activity unless formally set out.

·   

·    Will still need to sit within the overall compliance and audit regime of the parent organisation.

 

 

After considering these options the Joint Committee resolved at its February 2021 meeting to support in principal the option of a business unit within the Northland Regional Council (NRC).  The option of a business unit was preferred because:

·        it doesn’t create another layer of governance;

·        there is an opportunity to share council support services that would be more cost efficient for the KMR Programme;

·        it can be run as a lean entity with opportunities for secondments from Member Parties and contracting;

·        it is still possible to create a KMR Programme identity and culture within the business unit;

·        it is a relatively quick set up compared to other options;

·        the NRC region covers over ¾ of the KM catchment and the NRC can provide the dedicated support the KMR programme requires; and

·        it is an interim solution until such time as the statutory Kaipara Moana Body.

After the February initial direction, progress has been made on some key matters including setting up of a Senior Officers Oversight Group, led by NRC’s CEO, to provide advice on  establishment matters; and the drafting of documents to provide appropriate guidance on the Joint Committee’s expectations of the proposed business unit and to give clarity over the management and leadership oversight role the NRC’s CEO will have with the business unit.  In addition, Te Reo Māori titles have been given to both the business unit – Kaipara Maurikura, and to the unit’s manager – Pou Tātaki.

As a result of that progress, the Joint Committee at its 19 April meeting resolved to recommend to the Members Parties (as per the requirement of the MOU) that each Member Party approve the option of the Kaipara Moana Remediation operations vehicle being a business unit within the Northland Regional Council, until such time as the statutory Kaipara Moana Body is established through the Te Titiriti o Waitangi Settlement process.

This report is recommending that the council approve that option.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

A decision to approve the Kaipara Moana Remediation Operations Vehicle as a business unit within the NRC will enable a relatively quick set up of the resources required to drive actions on the ground which will reduce sediment into the Kaipara Moana.  Currently the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme (the Programme) is resourced by temporary and part time contractors and council staff and does not have the capacity to provide the focus or lift in delivery envisaged when the Programme was initiated.

2.         Community views

There is considerable community support for the Programme to ramp up delivery of actions.

3.         Māori impact statement

The Joint Committee includes six Kaipara Uri representatives who have all participated in the consideration of the three operations vehicle options.  The Joint Committee was unanimous in its recommendation that the operations vehicle should be a business unit within NRC until such time as the proposed statutory Kaipara Moana Body is established through Te Titiriti o Waitangi process.

4.         Financial implications

The cost of establishing and operating the proposed Kaipara Maurikura will be borne by the Programme.  Where NRC provides shared services to the Kaipara Maurikura it will either account for those costs as part of its required contribution to the Programme or charge those costs back to the Programme.

5.         Implementation issues

To ensure that the costs of hosting the Kaipara Maurikura do not negatively impact on the NRC, shared service level agreement(s) will be signed and monitored by the Programme and the NRC.

 

6.         Significance and engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, the decision to approve a business unit within the NRC as the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme’s operational vehicle is considered to be of low significance when assessed against the council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.  This does not mean that these matters are not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, but that the council is able to make this decision without undertaking further consultation or engagement.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Presentation for KMR Programme Member Parties on Operations Entity   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.3

18 May 2021Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.4

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Update to Appointed Members' Allowances Policy

ID:

A1430438

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager and Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 12 May 2021

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This report seeks council’s approval to amend the Appointed Members’ Allowances Policy to:

 

·    Change the name of the policy to the Non-Elected Members’ Allowances Policy to make its purpose clear;

·    Make an interim adjustment to the quantum of the daily meeting/workshop allowance in order to meet the purpose of the policy that the payment of allowances is fair; and

·    Delegate authority to the Group Manager level for the payment of allowances for extraordinary meetings/workshops of subordinate bodies to prevent administrative delays and inefficiencies in the payment of appointed members.

 

Recommendations:

1.         That the report ‘Update to Appointed Members' Allowances Policy’ by Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager and Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori and dated 31 March 2021, be received.

2.         That the Appointed Members’ Allowances Policy be renamed the Non-Elected Members’ Allowances Policy and the amendments, as included in Attachment One pertaining to Item 7.4 of the 18 May 2021 council meeting agenda, be approved.

3.         That a full review of the Non-Elected Members’ Allowances Policy be undertaken, with the updated policy to be presented to the 28 July 2021 council meeting for consideration.

 

Options:

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Adopt the proposed changes to the policy

·   Provides more clarity on the purpose of the policy.

·   Ensures fair reimbursement for the participation of non-elected members in council related meetings.

·   Ensures expediency of payment to non-elected members.

·   Increased cost to council.

2

Do not adopt the proposed changes to the policy

·   No increased cost to council.

·   Does not address ongoing confusion regarding the purpose of the policy.

·   Does not address ongoing concerns regarding the fairness of the payment for non-elected members to attend meetings.

·   Payment to non-elected members may continue to be delayed where the approval of payment for additional meetings requires a resolution of council.

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

Not applicable.

2.         Community views

Not applicable.

3.         Māori impact statement

Not applicable.

4.         Financial implications

The interim adjustment to the quantum of the daily meeting/workshop allowance is sustainable within existing operational budgets.

5.         Implementation issues

Should council resolve to approve amendments then implementation is administrative, and staff will co-ordinate attendance at meetings and remuneration for the non-elected members.

 

6.         Significance and engagement

This is purely an administrative matter and does not trigger council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

Not applicable.

Background/Tuhinga

The council’s Appointed Members’ Allowances Policy explains the circumstances in which the Northland Regional Council will pay allowances to non-elected members who are appointed to its subordinate bodies (Committees, Subcommittees, Working Parties, Working Groups and so forth).

The first proposed change is to amend the policy’s name to the Non-elected Members’ Allowances Policy to use consistent terminology (compared with the Elected Members’ Expenses and Allowances Policy) and make its purpose clear.

The second proposed change is to make an interim increase to the meeting/workshop allowance fee from $170 to $188.  To note, this is the maximum daily meeting allowance subject to the other provisions contained within the policy and non-elected members are also eligible to claim for vehicle mileage allowances if the criteria within the policy are met.

The Northland Regional Council’s meeting fee has been set at $170 since 2013 and possibly earlier.  When applying this to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Inflation Calculation this equates to $188 currently.  Council workshopped this matter on 21 April 2021 and there was consensus to increase the meeting fee in the interim to allow for this inflation adjustment until a full review of allowances could be undertaken; with a view to seeking approval for the updated policy at the 28 July 2021 council meeting . 

The final change is to delegate the approval of allowances for extraordinary meetings/workshops of subcommittees/working parties or any other subordinate bodies set up by Standing Committees/Subcommittees/Working Parties to the relevant Group Manager; provided the payment of allowances can be met within existing budgets.  In the existing policy this would require approval by full council and can create unnecessary delay for the payment of non-elected members.  This is an operational matter and can be handled appropriately at a Group Manager level.

For the avoidance of doubt the proposed revision to ‘Section 4: Eligibility’ of the policy has been simplified as much as possible and amended for this change to read as follows:

4. Eligibility

Subject to the restrictions noted below, non-elected members are eligible to claim allowances for attendance[2] at the following:

a.    Standing Committee Meetings: i.e. a permanent committee appointed by the council (only) that meets on a regular basis to address specific issues covered by the committee's delegations.  And Standing Committee Workshops; provided the workshop schedule has been approved by council resolution.

b.    Meetings/workshops of:

-   Subcommittees;

-   Working Parties; and

-   Any subordinate bodies set up by Standing Committees/Subcommittees/Working Parties;

if the membership and meeting/workshop schedule has been approved by council resolution.

c.      Extraordinary meetings/workshops of:

-   Subcommittees;

-   Working Parties; and

-   Any subordinate bodies set up by Standing Committees/Subcommittees/Working Parties;

          if the payment of allowances can be met within existing budgets and is approved by the relevant Group Manager.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

d.   Scheduled meetings of External Bodies; provided council has approved by resolution that the appointed member will represent council at these meetings.[3]

or otherwise:

e. The Chair of the Regional Council has granted them an exception under Section 8 of this policy.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Proposed Changes to the Appointed' Members Allowances Policy   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.4

18 May 2021Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.5

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Draft submission - Phasing out fossil fuels in process heat - consultation document

ID:

A1439857

From:

Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 12 May 2021

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The government has released a consultation document on proposals to phase-out fossil fuel use in process heat and to provide national direction on industrial greenhouse gases.  The proposals are focused on supporting the management of GHG emissions discharges to air by councils (which they will be required to do by 31 December 2021).  The proposals are also intended to assist the government’s aims to reach net zero green-house gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.  The focus is on GHG emissions from the burning of fossil fuels for ‘process heat’ as this is where the government sees opportunities to reduce emissions and considerable risks if direction is not given.

 

The proposals would prohibit the installation of new coal-fired boilers for low-medium temperature process heat and begin a gradual phase out of existing coal and other industrial fossil fuels – the proposed mechanism for this is a combination of national policy statement and national environmental standards.  Submissions on the consultation document close on 20 May 2021.  A draft submission is attached for consideration by council.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Draft submission - Phasing out fossil fuels in process heat - consultation document’ by Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist and dated 3 May 2021, be received.

2.         That council approves the draft submission on the consultation document (subject to any amendments directed by council) and that the submission be signed by CEO Malcolm Nicolson on behalf of council.

3.         That council authorises staff to make any minor wording / grammatical changes prior to the submission being lodged.

 

Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Council does not lodge a submission on the consultation document

None

Government does not have council’s views on the matter.

The community / sector may perceive council has no interest in the matter.

2

Council does not lodge a submission on the consultation document but expresses support for other submitters (such as LGNZ)

The council will be seen to have an active interest in the matter.

Submissions by others may not adequately reflect Northland circumstances / interests.

3

Council lodges a submission on the consultation document

Government does not have council views on the matter.

The council will be seen to have an active interest in the matter.

None

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 3.

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

The decision to lodge a submission on the consultation document will have no direct impact on the ability of council / the region to protectively respond to the impacts of climate change now or in the future, however, the submission will ensure government makes more informed decisions on matters related to managing GHG emissions from process heat.

2.         Community views

The reduction of GHG emissions and the methods used to achieve this are of interest to the community – community views are likely to vary across the region, however, the decision by council on whether or not to lodge a submission on the matter will not materially impact communities.   

3.         Māori impact statement

The reduction of GHG emissions and the methods used to achieve this are of interest to Māori.  Māori views on emissions reduction are likely to vary across the region, however, the decision by council on whether or not to lodge a submission on the matter will not materially or adversely impact Māori.   

4.         Financial implications

There are no financial or budget implications associated with this decision.

5.         Implementation issues

There are no 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.

 

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

There are no policy, risk or legislative compliance issues associated with the decision on whether or not to submit on the consultation document.

Background/Tuhinga

The government has released a consultation document on proposals to phase-out fossil fuel use in process heat and to provide national direction on industrial greenhouse gases.  The proposals are focused on supporting the management of green-house gas (GHG) emissions discharges to air by councils (which they will be required to do by 31 December 2021 under changes[4] to the Resource Management Act made in 2020).  The proposals are also intended to assist the government’s aims to reach net zero GHG emissions by 2050.

 

The focus is on GHG emissions from the burning of fossil fuels for ‘process heat’ as this is where the government sees opportunities to reduce emissions and considerable risks if direction is not given. The specific aims of the proposal are:  

·    achieve national consistency and certainty in the management of industrial greenhouse gas emissions under the RMA;

·    avoiding/prohibiting new fossil fuel-fired discharges in low-medium temperature process heat and a more rigorous approach for new coal-fired assets compared to other fossil fuels (for new industrial assets);

·    accelerating the phase out of fossil fuels in process heat and support the transition to lower emission fuels (for existing industrial assets); and

·    greenhouse gas management plans that support best practice to reduce emissions and transition to low emissions.

 

The proposed mechanism for achieving these aims is a combination of national policy statement (NPS) and national environmental standards (NES).  The intention is that these instruments are in place by 31 December 2021 so they can support local government decision making when amendments in Resource Management Amendment Act 2020 relating to climate change mitigation take effect.

 

Key elements of the preferred options in the proposal by topic are:

 

Avoiding new fossil fuel-fired discharges in process heat

·    A prohibition on GHG emissions from new coal-fired assets for low and medium temperature process heat (300 degrees C or less) through a NES.

·    Policy and rules to avoid GHG discharges from new fossil fuel-fired assets (excluding coal) for low and medium temperature process heat requirements unless there are no feasible alternatives – the different approach is on the basis fossil fuels other than coal are less emissions intensive, some sectors have limited alternatives and the potential for adverse economic and social impacts.

 

Phasing out fossil fuels and reducing emissions from existing industrial sites

·    Phase out coal in existing sites by 2037 for low and medium temperature process heat requirements through re-consenting processes allowing a 16 year transition to alternatives.  The new NES would prevent the grant or renewal of such discharge permits after 2037 (permits that extend beyond 2037 would continue to operate until expiry).

·    Phase out other fossil fuels in existing sites through re-consenting processes and best practice requirements in a NES – applicants for fossil fuel discharges to air would need to demonstrate there are no viable alternatives and to prepare a GHG emissions reduction plan.

·    Require regional councils to review consent conditions (by 2025) for significant GHG emitters with long-term permits – aimed at addressing discharges of GHG emissions greater than 5000 t/CO2 equivalents per year that have long-term permits.

 

Supporting best practice and transitioning to low emissions through GHG emissions plans

·    Require industrial sites (above 100 t/CO2/year) to prepare and implement a site-specific GHG emissions plan to encourage energy efficiency and the uptake of best practices, and transition fossil fuel assets to low emissions energy sources over time.

 

Non-industrial emissions

·    Guidance on assessing GHG emissions (direct and indirect) through planning and consenting processes including: guidance on offsetting (e.g. through afforestation), how climate change policies, emission reduction plans and GHG targets are to be considered in consenting and how to assess ‘net’ emissions from an activity.  It would also cover management of GHG in local government policy / plan development.

 

It is recommended that council lodge a submission on the consultation document.  Key recommended submission points are summarised below:

·    Agree that the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) alone is not sufficient to address the issue and that regulatory intervention under the RMA would be beneficial for both GHG emissions reduction and providing a consistent approach by councils (inconsistency may create ‘emissions’ leakage across regions).

·    Agree that providing certainty for industrial sectors is important.

·    Support for national direction on the management of GHG emissions from discharges to air with a strong preference for national environmental standards – a new National Policy Statement does not appear necessary or warranted given policy can be embedded in resource management reform.  NPS also typically requires interpretation and in many cases implementation varies across councils.

·    Support the ban on new coal-fired assets for low-medium temperature industrial process heat but recommend some consideration be given to exceptions for very minor / or efficient plant.

·    Suggest the government explore further the potential for controls based on actual GHG emissions (output controls) rather than just applying controls on the fuel type and scale (input controls) – input based controls may be expedient in the short term but may limit longer innovations (such as GHG capture).

·    Retain flexibility for re-consenting non-coal fossil fuel use (such as natural gas).

·    Support for the concept of emission reduction plans for larger emitters but that this not be embedded in the NES – non-statutory guidance is probably a better option to retain flexibility at this early stage.

·    That the NES (and NPS if pursued) clearly set out which GHG discharges are out of scope (on the basis they have minimal affect).

·    That government support capacity building in local government and investigate the merits of centralised processing (e.g. similar to approach applied used for large dams in some parts of NZ where a regional council specialises in processing building consents rather than each council having to employ specialist staff).

·    Support for development of guidance for both consenting and policy / plan development.

 

Submissions on the consultation document close 20 May 2021.  A draft submission is attached for consideration by council.

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Draft submission - Phasing out fossil fuels in process heat - consultation document   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.5

18 May 2021Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 7.6

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Terms of Reference for CEO Recruitment Subcommittee and Advisors

ID:

A1439951

From:

Beryl Steele, Human Resources Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 12 May 2021

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The current Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement expires on 30 September 2022.  A subcommittee has been formed, with the assistance of advisors, to recruit for this role.  The Chair and Human Resources Manager have developed draft Terms of Reference.  The Terms of Reference were to be taken back to the May council meeting for approval.

 

Recommendation(s)

1.         That the report ‘Terms of Reference for CEO Recruitment Subcommittee and Advisors’ by Beryl Steele, Human Resources Manager and dated 4 May 2021, be received.

2.         That the Terms of Reference for the CEO Recruitment Subcommittee and Advisors be approved.

 

Options

 

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

1

Adopt the Terms of Reference

The subcommittee and advisors will be able to start the recruitment process.

Nil

2

Do not adopt the Terms of Reference

Nil

That the subcommittee and advisors will need to review the Terms of Reference and delay the recruitment process.

3

Adopt the Terms of Reference with minor agreed changes that do not need to come back to council for further approval

Refinement of the Terms of Reference but subcommittee and advisors can still keep moving with the recruitment process.

Nil

 

The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.

 

Considerations

1.         Environmental impact

Nil

2.         Community views

Community views on this matter are unknown, however being an administrative matter, this is likely to not have a significant impact on the community.

3.         Māori impact statement

A representative from TTMAC is one of the advisors and has had input into the Terms of Reference.

4.         Financial implications

Financial impacts after the terms of reference are approved will be as it relates to the recruitment agency taken on to assist in the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer and also any chargeable time for the advisors to the subcommittee.

5.         Implementation issues

At this stage there are no implementation issues envisaged. 

 

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 an administrative matter that clarifies existing processes and formalises these in a policy.

7.         Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

The Local Government Act will apply to the appointment of this role, however, our process will comply with these requirements.  There are no risks other than those that would normally occur during recruitment.

Background/Tuhinga

The current Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement expires on 30 September 2022.  In order to find a suitable replacement, the council needs to start the process now, and as part of that process the sub-committee needs to have an approved Terms of Reference.  The Terms of Reference were to be taken back to the May council meeting for approval.

 

It was decided to have advisors to assist the council subcommittee members throughout the recruitment process.  The reasons are to ensure a wide breath of experience and expertise on the panel, with each independent member adding to and filling any gaps regarding the skills necessary to ensure a successful process and appointment.  The advisors are:

 

TTMAC Co Chair

-      Important to recognise our Te Tiriti responsibilities.

-      Importance of having a Te o Māori view on the panel.

-      Important to recognise that the new CEO will be working closely with TTMAC and Tai Tokerau Tangata Whenua.

 

 

 

Financial Advisor

-      It is critical that the incoming CEO has a good understanding of finances including being able to budget, invest in a responsible way that provides a good return and spend to ensure value for money to achieve NRC’s goals.  The Financial Advisor will be able to help ensure that they have this knowledge.

 

NRC CEO

-      Important to have the expertise and experience of our current CEO to ensure a good organisational fit and the continued success of the work and culture of NRC.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Terms of reference for CEO recruitment subcommittee and advisors   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 7.6

18 May 2021Attachment 1

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.1

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Health and Safety Report

ID:

A1438507

From:

Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor

Authorised by Group Manager:

Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 04 May 2021

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This report is to inform the council of the activity in health and safety for the month of April 2021.  An overview/summary of the activities include:

·        There was one corrective action identified in an external audit.

·        Workers are being encouraged to report high stress and workload related events.

·        There was a decrease in injury/incident related events, and an increase in hazard related events.

·        Information is available for all staff about the COVID-19, measles mumps and rubella (MMR), and influenza vaccines.

·        A fatigue management guide has been developed and is now available.

·        Training completed: chemical handling, defensive driving, situational safety and first aid.

Recommendation

That the report ‘Health and Safety Report’ by Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor and dated 28 April 2021, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

1.         Health and safety performance

Table 1: Health and safety performance lead and lag indicators

*based on calendar year          

The one corrective action identified was through the external audit.  This action was to correct and be mindful of document control for the health and safety strategy.

2.         Risk management

The current top five risks are:

1.         Driving motor vehicles

2.         Extended work load/stress

3.         Dealing with aggressive people

4.         Working with contractors

5.         Slips, trips and falls

Note: There has been no movement in the top 5 risks this month.

 

Other risks which have equal residual risk scores to slips, trips and falls are working under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, and sedentary work - ergonomic harm.  These risks will be upcoming focuses.

 

Risk updates

·        The driving training for high risk drivers continues to take place.  High risk drivers are those who have caused an accident, who have a reoccurring ‘1 star’ on the E-road leader board, who are not NZ qualified drivers, or who drive an average of more than 1 hour a day.  To date 65% (29 out of 45) of the high-risk people have completed a comprehensive defensive driving.

·        Stress is a known high risk, but it has been identified that tangible data on stress is lacking.  Health and safety representatives have been asked to encourage staff to report high stress times as events which will enable us to identify specific issues and enable better management.

·        April is the second consecutive month with no aggressive people related events reported.  Further to this, three courses on situational safety and tactical communication have been completed so that our field staff are equipped with the tools to deescalate these scenarios.  Based on this trend, the risk score will potentially decrease at the next risk review.

·        The traffic management plan (TMP) review is underway to reflect the new Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management (CoPTTM) training and competency changes.  The review further includes separating the generic TMP into two.  One will focus on inspection activities and the second will focus on work-related activities such as pest and weed control.

 

 


 

3.         Injuries, incidents and hazards

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

Figure 1 shows a decrease in injury/incident related events, and an increase in hazard related events reported in April.  The figure has been revised to now include the reported event rate by headcount.  As this is a new statistic, it is hard to draw a conclusion on whether it is high or low until future months are recorded.  It is also important to note that the reported event data is inclusive of all staff as well as contractors, volunteers and visitors, but the headcount is only staff.

With many staff on leave or working at home due to school holidays, April’s reporting is low.  But it has also historically been a low incident month.  In both 2019 and 2020 there were only three events reported.

 

Trend of event types

Figure 2: Trend of hazard and injury related data by financial year 2017 to 2021

*2020-2021 financial year data is incomplete

Figure 2 identifies the trend of hazard and injury/incident related data reported over the last four financial years.  The total number of staff has increased over this time, but the reported data remains similar year on year.

It is positive that hazard related events are reported more than injury/incident as these potential events can be addressed before a negative event occurs.  The 2018-2019 data is an outlier, potentially due to the changes in the Health and Safety Advisor role during that timeframe.

 

Events reported

Figure 3: Top 10 event types for previous 12 months

 

Events of interest

·        A near miss event occurred where a worker was distracted and stressed about both workload and personal situation.  Their ill attention caused them to not properly secure items to a vehicle.  The worker’s wellbeing and workload are being managed by their manager.

·        Two other stress related events were reported by a team feeling an unreasonable workload due to people away, and stress regarding all of the upcoming changes both in the organisation and the law reforms.

·        A member of the public reported poor driving behaviours.  However, the E-road data from the time of report showed no speeding, harsh breaking or turning.  The manager has spoken to the driver about it.

 

 

4.         Health and safety strategy work programme

Leadership

·        The health and safety committee has a subgroup working on driving, E-road units and the Garmin devices to ensure we are addressing driver behaviours and getting the best use of the systems in the vehicles.

·        Two policies have been reviewed and are ready for committee to finalise. 

Communication and engagement

·        The health and safety awards are now open for nominations to recognise and celebrate the people in the organisation who role model and lead the improvement of the health and safety culture.

·        The health and safety spotlight focused on celebrating world ‘H&S at Work’ day.

·        Information regarding the COVID-19 and MMR vaccines are now on Express for all staff.

Wellbeing

·        The annual influenza vaccination has been organised to take place in May, with vouchers available for regional office staff.

·        An onsite nurse completed a ‘healthy heart programme’ which involved staff getting tests for a range of cardiovascular health indicators.  As it went so successfully, more days will be upcoming for more staff to be involved.

Injury, illness and hazards

·        The tsunami procedure is in a final drafting stage.

·        A fatigue guide has been completed and incorporated into the health, safety and wellness policy for staff and managers to be better equipped for managing fatigue.

·        A ‘how to’ process is being developed for staff to better understand risk assessments and how to utilise the tools in a way which creates meaningful risk mitigation.

 Learning and development

·        Training completed this month was both regular and outdoor first aid, psychological first aid, situational safety, defensive driving and chemical handling and storage.

Continual improvement

·        The focus for this month has been on policy review and ensuring any supporting documents and procedures are up to date.

 

5.         Legislation updates

Nil.

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.2

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Chair's Report to Council

ID:

A1439215

From:

Penny Smart, Chair

Authorised by Group Manager:

Penny Smart, Chair, on 07 May 2021

 

Purpose of Report

This report is to receive information from the Chair on meetings/events attended, and correspondence sent for the month of April 2021.

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Chair's Report to Council’ by Penny Smart, Chair and dated 30 April 2021, be received.

 

Meetings/events attended

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

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

o   Murray Jagger and Benoit Marcenac – Marsden Maritime Holdings.

o   Meeting with Hon Stuart Nash.

·        Jobs for Nature Kaipara Moana – Te Rangi Tame and Bruce Robertson.

·        Regular Mayors and Chair catch up meetings.

·        Selwyn Park Kindergarten, Dargaville – celebrating Enviroschools bronze.

·        Northland Refinery Work Group.

·        Presented NRC’s submission to Kaipara District Council on their Long Term Plan.

·        Meeting with members of Tupu Tonu’s Board and management team.

·        Meeting with Hon Nanaia Mahuta – natural hazards and climate change adaptation.

Correspondence

During April I sent out the following correspondence:

Date

Addressed To

Subject

19.04.21

Hon Stuart Nash

Minister of Forestry

National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry – Erosion Susceptibility Classification

21.04.21

Aperahama Kerepeti-Edwards

Chairman

Ngātiwai Trust Board

Announcement and appointment of CEO of the Ngātiwai Trust Board

30.04.21

Sarah Peterson, Chair

Murray Reade, CEO

Northland Inc. Ltd

Northland Inc. Ltd Statement of Intent 2021-2024 – Shareholder comment on draft


 

30.04.21

Hon Nanaia Mahuta

Minister of Local Government

Northland Regional Council Engagement

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.3

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Chief Executive’s Report to Council

ID:

A1441492

From:

Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer

Authorised by Group Manager:

Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer, on 12 May 2021

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer and dated 28 April 2021, be received.

 

8.3.1   Highlights

Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation Northland Project

Northland Regional Council received $2 million dollars from the Provincial Development Unit to construct tracks and boardwalks along the Te Araroa Trail to protect kauri for kauri dieback and provide employment opportunities for communities impacted by COVID-19. 

Good progress has been made with the first section of work on the Kauri Mountain track construction almost completed.  Steps, boardwalks and track surfacing has been completed with the platform taking shape.  Work on the next three jobs have commenced this month.

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Completed boardwalks and steps on the Kauri Mountain track.

Predator Free Bay of Islands

Northland Regional Council on behalf of Bay of Islands iwi, hapū, landowners, community landcare groups, organisations, and agencies has successfully secured funds of $4M from Predator Free 2050 Ltd to develop a collaborative predator free programme in the Bay of Islands.

Predator Free Bay of Islands is a proposed landscape scale, community led predator control and eradication project working alongside existing pest control programmes across the three main peninsulas within the Bay of Islands (Purerua Peninsula, Russell Peninsula and Cape Brett / Rakaumangamanga).

Over the coming months the project will work alongside iwi and hapū, landowners, community groups and agencies to engage with those who are keen to be involved.  This will include developing a collaborative project plan, and feasibility investigation to guide where eradication objectives can be achieved, followed by the development of technical eradication plans and then implementation. 

8.3.2   CEO’s Office

Current Legal Proceedings

Department

Description

Status

Consent decision appeal

Two separate consent applications for replacement and new consents relating to a proposed expansion of, Doug’s Ōpua Boat Yard in Walls Bay, Ōpua

Being dealt with jointly by the Environment Court.  Awaiting directions from the Court.

REL

Court adjudicated Mr Gill bankruptcy.  In a separate decision, the Court has granted our application to serve Bankruptcy Notice on Mr Jammal overseas. 

Continue pursuing bankruptcy proceedings against Mr Jammal.

8.3.3   Corporate Excellence

Property Report

Ÿ The demolition of the second Hannah Street property has occurred and it is now interim leased parking.

Ÿ The Kaipara Service Centre structural steel framing superstructure and ground floor - level 1 concrete floor pour was completed with celebration on Friday 30 April, ten days ahead of schedule. The roofing is to be complete by May’s end.

Fraud Declaration

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

8.3.4   Regulatory Services

Consents in Process

During April 2021, a total of 53 decisions were issued.  These decisions comprised:

Ÿ Coastal Permits

2

Ÿ Land Discharge Permits

9

Ÿ Water Discharge Permits

1

Ÿ Land Use Consents

30

Ÿ Water Permits

2

Ÿ Bore Consents

9

 

The processing timeframes for the April 2021 consents ranged from:

Ÿ 237 to 2 calendar days, with the median time being 33 days;

Ÿ 124 to 2 working days, with the median time being 20 days.

Twenty-eight applications were received in April 2021.

Of the 103 applications in progress at the end of April 2021:

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

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

Ÿ Forty-five less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

No commissioners were appointed in April 2021.

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

The current level of notified application processing activities at the end of April 2021 is (by number):

Ÿ Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month

0

Ÿ Progress on Applications Previously Notified

2

Ÿ Hearings and Decisions

2

Ÿ Appeals/Objections

1

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 - 30 April 2021 (and year-to-date figures) are summarised in the following table and discussed below.

Classification

Total

Full compliance

Low risk non-compliance

Moderate non-compliance

Significant non-compliance

Not exercised during period

Air Discharge

19

15

2

0

0

2

Bore Consent

13

9

4

0

0

0

Coastal Air Discharge

8

8

0

0

0

0

Coastal Discharge

20

19

1

0

0

0

Coastal Permit

43

28

7

8

0

0

Land Discharge

42

31

3

1

0

7

Land Use Consent

33

27

0

0

0

6

Water Discharge

20

14

2

4

0

0

Water Permit

21

20

0

1

0

0

Water Take

104

70

17

3

0

14

Total

323

241

36

17

0

29

Percentage

 

74.6%

11.1%

5.3%

0%

9.0%

Year to date

4,527

3,216

577

372

130

232

Percentage

 

71.0%

12.7%

8.2%

2.9%

5.1%

Coastal

The majority of consents monitored during the reporting period related to coastal discharges (treated municipal sewage and industrial discharges), marinas, coastal structures and oyster farms.

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

Ÿ Water Use

Pressure on water resources has eased, particularly with the rainfall received during April.

Management plans for the Matawii Water Storage Reservoir continued to be submitted by the consent holder for certification by NRC. These plans require comprehensive review by staff to ensure they meet the many stringent requirements of the fast-tracked consent.

Ÿ Forestry and Earthworks

A large number of requests are being received in regard to winter works extensions which is putting our earthworks specialist under considerable pressure to deliver prompt responses.  If required, an external consultant will be contracted to help.

Ÿ Wastewater

Following the review of ongoing non-compliances with wastewater treatment plants across the region, staff are now considering appropriate follow-up action to take.  It is likely that a number of consent holders will be receiving formal notices instructing them to undertake actions to remedy the situation.

Ÿ Air Incident Monitoring

The intensive spraying season has come to an end and as a result we appear to be dealing with fewer incidents concerning this activity.  However, smoke and odour complaints are on the increase with the change in fire season.

Ÿ Contaminated Land Management

Eleven incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and 12 enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to.  Four hundred and fifteen kilogrammes of hazardous waste was disposed of.

Environmental Incidents

There were no environmental incidents reported in April 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

1

1

0

0

1

1

Other air discharge

0

0

1

1

1

1

Sewage

0

0

1

1

1

1

TOTAL

1

1

2

2

3

3

*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 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.  A sentencing indication hearing was undertaken on 8 December 2020.  The defendant indicated at the court date of 2 February 2021 that the sentence indication will not be accepted.  A teleconference with the presiding Judge was undertaken on 27 April 2021.  A further date of 21 May 2021 has been set for the defendant to advise what evidence is not challenged and then to advise the court by 28 May 2021 the estimated timeframe for the court hearing.

Ÿ Open burning on industrial/trade property – Whangārei

Charges were laid in the Whangārei District Court on 27 November 2020 against an individual for open burning on industrial/trade premises.  The burnt items also included prohibited items.  There are two charges against the individual.  The defendant entered a ‘not guilty’ plea on 30 April 2021 and a further date of 22 June 2021 was scheduled to discuss hearing dates and estimated timeframe.

Ÿ Farm dairy effluent – Tāheke

Charges were laid in the Kaikohe District Court on 30 March 2021 against a farm owner and his company for offences which occurred in August 2020.  There are two charges against the company and one against the farm owner.  The farm has a poor history of compliance with regional rules for animal effluent disposal.  Disclosure was provided to the defence lawyers on 23 April 2021.

COASTAL & WATER QUALITY

Ÿ All routine water quality and ecological programmes were undertaken in April 2021, including:

Ÿ Monthly sampling runs (coastal and freshwater water quality, periphyton, and cyanobacteria)

Ÿ Quarterly water quality buoy deployments at the Town Basin and Waitangi.

Ÿ Fifteen continuous dissolved oxygen loggers were retrieved, after being deployed for six months over the 2020/21 summer at the same locations used for the 2019/20 drought. The data will help council assess the ecological effects of drought on our rivers and streams. This equipment will be re-deployed at our river network sites, on a rolling basis, from this summer to meet the dissolved oxygen requirements of the NPS-FW.

Ÿ Continuous water quality monitoring stations at Opouteke, Mangere and Punatikere River have been upgraded to YSI Exo Sondes, providing more accurate, reliable, and flexible data collection. A new continuous water quality station has also been installed at Waipao River.

Ÿ eDNA samples were collected at Pickmere Channel (Kerikeri Inlet) and Waipū Estuary as a trial to complement the current coastal biological programmes at these locations. eDNA samples were also collected at six sites for the annual freshwater fish monitoring programme using a preliminary method developed from the National Project that ran over summer.

Ÿ Sites were scoped across the region for saltwater wedge surveys, to be completed from
May 2021 through to July 2021, as part of ground-truthing future modelling of inanga spawning habitat. This is a collaboration with the Department of Conservation and Whitebait Connection.

NATURAL RESOURCES DATA

Ÿ The data automation project is now underway. This project aims to increase efficiency in data processing, availability of data collected and greatly reduce staff time involved in water data quality assurance (QA).

Ÿ The data team completed a one-day workshop to gain advice and guidance from a freshwater expert from Cawthron Institute on data management related to continuous dissolved oxygen measurements.

Ÿ Electronic data collection forms are operational for the water quality programmes and hydrology forms are now being developed.

Ÿ The “go live” date for the new environmental data portal for the NRC website is now expected to be June 2021. The Data Team continued to deliver large numbers of data requests to internal stakeholders and external consultants.

HYDROLOGY

Rainfall

Ÿ The highest rainfall total for April 2021 was recorded at Waimamaku with 203mm, with most areas receiving over 100mm for the month.

Ÿ A significant proportion of the month’s total rainfall fell on a single day - 10 April 2021, with the highest intensity of 33mm/hr recorded at the Brynderwyn rainfall station and the highest total of 95mm recorded at Takahue at Saddle Road.

Ÿ The lowest monthly total was 66.4mm recorded at Cape Rēinga.

Ÿ On average Northland received about 114mm for April 2021, which equates to about 116% of the expected rainfall.

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Ÿ The NIWA Seasonal Climate Outlook for May suggests near average temperature and rainfall, but with below average soil moisture and river flow.

Groundwater

Groundwater levels continued to recede at most monitoring sites during April, and most are still below average for this time of year, except in Aupōuri.

Area

Status (April 2021)

Aupōuri

OK

Taipā

Below normal

Russell

Below normal

Kaikohe

Below normal

Whangārei

Below normal

Porotī

Below normal

Mangawhai

Below normal

Marsden – Ruakākā

Below normal

Ruawai

OK

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River Flows

Most river catchments received close to average rainfall for the month. Flows in most Far North catchments were about normal for April, whereas flows were below normal in most central and southern catchments.

 

Hydrology Projects

The team has been busy progressing hydrometric station upgrades, with seven more stations upgraded in April 2021.

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE

Air quality and carbon emission

Ÿ Ambient PM10 monitoring results for March 2021 for the Robert Street and Mairtown (Whangārei airshed) and Ruakākā (Marsden Point airshed) stations showed compliance with the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality.

Ÿ Ambient PM2.5 monitoring results for the Robert Street station for March 2021 were within the Ambient Air Quality Guideline value.

Ÿ Council’s CO2-e (carbon dioxide equivalent) monthly emissions in 2020 and 2021 are presented in the graph below. Since the beginning of 2021, council’s monthly CO2-e emissions have been lower than 2020 emissions. This is attributed to the first three months of 2020 not being affected by COVID-19 restrictions. The graph is based on live data and therefore figures for the last few months are subject to change.

 

Ÿ Fuel, especially diesel consumption, is the biggest contributor to NRC’s carbon emission. Our fuel consumption for the last three years is presented in a graph below. The graph shows consumption of 91 octane petrol has been decreasing, 95 octane remained about the same (very small contribution – ≤ 163 l/y) but diesel consumption has been steadily rising with COVID-19 restrictions having no apparent impact. A litre of diesel emits 2.72 kg CO2-e, which is higher than that for a litre of 91 and 95 petrol (2.44 and 2.43 kg CO2-e, respectively).

Coastal

Ÿ Estuary Monitoring: Ecological sampling was undertaken at council’s nine estuary monitoring sites - four in Whangārei Harbour, three in Kerikeri inlet and two in Ruakākā Estuary.

Ÿ Waipū Estuary investigation: In early March 2021, staff were first notified of numerous dead fish, discoloured water and an unpleasant odour in Waipū Estuary. The incident appears to have been the result of a large quantity of red algae which became trapped in the estuary. It is likely that as the algae started to die, microbial decomposition of the algae consumed oxygen which caused stress and mortality to other marine plants and animals. Staff have continued to monitor the situation and the estuary appears to have recovered slowly without human intervention. During the last visit, dissolved oxygen levels were within the normal range.

Groundwater

Ÿ Coastal aquifers showed an increase in water level due to the more consistent rainfall, whereas inland volcanic rock aquifers/confined aquifers showed little or no response to recent rainfall events.

Ÿ Monitoring networks review:

Ÿ Groundwater quantity:

-   Groundwater level data to identify flow direction of aquifer systems was analysed.

-   Aquifer characteristics are being determined to understand aquifer response to increased water takes and new consents and assess aquifer vulnerability to changes in climate and land use.

-   Data was compiled for use in drought index prediction and aquifer management during these events.

Ÿ Groundwater quality:

-   Groundwater quality data for drinking water quality including aquifer health was analysed.

-   Water type of each aquifer and aquifer connectivity using chemical finger printing was characterised.

-   Recharge using the “Chloride Mass Balance Method” (CBM method) and preferred pathways of contaminants was calculated.

Freshwater Quality

Ÿ The work related to Stage 2 of the monitoring network review continued for rivers and lakes. Land and Water Science and Cawthron Institute was contracted to assess the natural representativeness and suitability of the proposed river monitoring network (shown in the map below) in terms of meeting NPS-FM requirements, as well as its integrity with other existing freshwater monitoring networks (such as hydrology and groundwater).

Ÿ The Science team has been working together with the Planning & Policy and Land teams to help NIWA finalise the CLUES scenarios model to estimate the change in nitrogen, phosphorous, E.coli and sediment loads by applying various future land mitigation options. The report, together with the outputs from CLUES scenarios model, is expected by May 2021.

Ÿ Work continued on collating, transforming and documenting the underlying GIS dataset of the rivers and lakes water quality current state (observed and modelled data) to develop FMU scale web-based maps. When completed in early 2022, these maps will be publicly available to aid public consultation.

Ÿ Below is a summary of the current Envirolink projects relevant to the natural resource science:

Ÿ Ecosystem metabolism for Northland Rivers based on continuous dissolved oxygen (DO) – A one-day workshop was held at NRC, which was followed by a site visit to see the hardware installations at some of our SOE water quality sites. The purpose of this workshop was to get advice and guidance from a nationally renowned freshwater expert (Dr Roger Young from Cawthron Institute) on data collection, data management, data analysis and reporting of the NPSFM attributes related to continuous DO measurements. The workshop was attended by staff members from various teams and extended to relevant outside organisations. A report and guidance document together with a data analysis automation tool (using R codes) will be created by the end of June 2021.

Ÿ NEMS supplementary guidance on surrogate technologies for river suspended sediment load.

Ÿ Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of riverine flow management under NPS-FM, which 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.

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8.3.5   Environmental Services

land management

Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities

Milestones

Status

Research

Coastal erosion buffers

Phase 2 is complete. Waiting for final report from Biospatial.

Mature poplar / willow

The poplar research has been assessing the building code compliance of Kawa poplar. This involves durability and mechanical testing. We have also contracted a cabinet maker to construct a table from Kawa poplar and report on issues with the timber for fine cabinet making. The overall driver for this research is to generate market opportunities for the timber so that farmers have confidence in growing the trees for soil conservation purposes, with a level of confidence that there are markets for the trees or logs at the end of their useful lifetime.

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Farm Environment Plans (FEPs)

 

Initial meetings with MPI to discuss replacement deliverable for FEP are underway

Stakeholder engagement

 

Staff presented at four Beef and Lamb field days, as well as Northtec’s climate change conference.

Land treatments

Retirement fencing

Press release for retirement fencing released to drum up more projects. Have raised the funding rate from 50% to 75%, and removed the $10k funding cap. All up we have allocated $121k this financial year.  While there is still a $131k underspend at present, we have steps in place and are confident this will be caught in in the next financial year.

Contractor capacity development

For the first time, NRC is contributing towards the cost of planting poplar and willow poles when planted by contractors. Contractor workshops were held in Whangārei and Waipapa and a list of contractors interested in providing this service will be forwarded to landowners ordering poles from us this season.

Poplar and Willow nursery

Objective

Status

Maintenance

A biocontrol (parasitic wasp) has been released in the nursery to control the giant willow aphid. Crown research institute Scion is leading a three-year research programme focusing on long-term control of the aphid, including introducing the wasp. Funding from MPI’s Sustainable Food and Futures programme has also made the Northland release possible.

Expansion

Expansion opportunities near the current Flyger Road site are being actively explored. 

Harvest

A tender for nursery maintenance has been released for harvest and nursery maintenance activities.

Kaipara Moana Remediation Project

Work is well under way to develop a Year 2 Work Plan for the KMR Programme, with key principles and potential projects having been discussed by the KMR Joint Committee at a workshop on 15 April.  A draft Year 2 Work Plan will be considered by the Joint Committee on 17 May.  If approved, the Ministry for the Environment will provide feedback, with the Joint Committee considering a final Year 2 Work Plan for approval on 25 June.

A number of key strategies are nearing completion for the KMR Programme, including for engagement, nurseries, and workforce strategy.  On the ground remediation projects have been progressing, including within the Waiotu catchment where landowners are planning for fencing then planting this winter. 

A contract with Fonterra is being finalised, which supports Fonterra to complete 150 new Tiaki Farm Environment Plans and undertake $1.8 million of remediation works before the end of 2022.  Other Year 1 projects are progressing including developing digital datasets and tools to assist with grants management and the delivery of farm planning and KMR ‘sediment reduction plans’, and the contracts for wetland mapping.


 

The Whangārei urban awa project:

The project is progressing well. To date the following has been achieved:

Ÿ 3.65 km of riparian fencing completed

Ÿ A further 3.97 km of riparian fencing planned to be completed by the end of the financial year.

Ÿ 1.45 km2 of riparian planting planned to be completed by the end of the financial year.

Ÿ We have worked with Million Metres to develop a fundraising page which is now active and has raised $752.

Ÿ Overall, we are on track to exceed the project deliverables for year one.

biodiversity

FIF Dune Lakes Project

Objective

Status

Aquatic weed and pest fish control

Grass carp netting in Midgley’s Lake – 75 fish removed. 230 fish were released in 2007 and a further 140 were removed in 2014. In theory, <15 fish should remain and at this low number native macrophytes should be able to revegetate the lake.

A pest fish survey was undertaken at Lake Rototuna (Poutō) over 4 days. No rudd were caught and none were detected in three eDNA samples taken. This is promising for the overall health of the lake.

A meeting was held with the Department of Conservation and NIWA on 29 April to plan for control of hornwort in two lakes at Poutō. Planning is underway for hornwort control at Mt Camel in the spring of 2021. A meeting with local iwi and landowners will be held in May.

Sediment and nutrient mitigation

A contract is in place with Fulton Hogan to undertake sediment and nutrient mitigation earthworks at Lake Ngatu in May.

Māori Lakes Strategy

Iwi partners organised Nga Tohu and Nga Roto Tapokapoka Wānanga Taiao on the 26-29 April at Waiora Marae in Ngataki, hosted by Ngāti Kurī to progress input into the FIF project and the use of maramataka. Three staff attended.

Education Days

Two more dune lakes education events are planned: Kai Iwi Lakes in May and at Lake Humuhumu, Poutō on 4 June.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the grass carp caught at Lake Midgley through the FIF Dune Lakes project

Wetlands

Biodiversity staff have provided specialist advice to Compliance, Consents and Rivers, for an incident in saltmarsh, wetland advice for flooding issues and for two subdivision applications, and for the restoration of Kotuku dam wetland.

Scoping is underway on a wetland restoration project to lead the growth in area of wetlands in Northland through the restoration of former wetland areas.  This will be the fourth strand in the overall Northland Wetland programme, following on from mapping, monitoring and compliance.

BIosecurity

Kauri Dieback

Development of the Kauri Protection National Operations Plan

The national Kauri Protection Programme is being reformed.  A new programme manager has been selected and in the coming weeks a new team will be assembled to drive Kauri Protection forward.  Biosecurity staff attended the first workshop for establishing a national operations plan for Kauri Protection held at the Ministry for Primary Industries in Auckland on 12 April.  The operational plan is the first step as funding will be available for kauri protection in the new financial year.

partnerships

Predator Free Te Tai Tokerau – Five Year Action Plan

Council staff have been working closely alongside the Department of Conservation to progress the development of a five-year action plan.  Staff have had ongoing discussions over the last nine months to get to this stage of developing a regional five-year action plan for Northland.  The development has included planning workshops involving community groups and agencies from around the region. The need for a regional action plan has been initiated through the development of the national Predator Free 2050 Strategy.   

Tutukaka High Value Area – Kiwi Release

Four birds were welcomed to Tawapou farm on 10 April by nearly 300 visitors who had a chance to see the birds close-up before they were released into the wild.  They are now part of a long-term project to enhance the local wild kiwi population under the guidance of the Tutukaka Landcare Coalition, which coordinates pest control to “bring back the birdsong” over 11,000 hectares of the coast.

In the morning, a whakawātea was performed by Te Parawhau kaumatua Fred Tito at Onerahi and their names were bestowed – Mango, Kotahi te ara, Tashi and Awanui a rangi.

Mango the kiwi, held by accredited kiwi handler Cam McInnes. Photo Malcolm Pullman, Kiwi Coast

Later in the evening, the crowd who came to see the kiwi released were welcomed by Nikki Davis-Colley on behalf of the Tawapou Conservation Trust and by Kris McDonald from Te Whanau a Rangiwhakaahu of Ngati Wai.

Whangārei Heads High Value Area - Weed Action

The Ritchie Rd/Sapphire Place Weed Action crew spent a total of 18 voluntary hours controlling tree privet, monkey apple, monstera fruit salad plant and cotoneaster - some of the most unwelcome weeds in the coastal reserve.  This was their second session at this particular site and it was satisfying to see the progress made from February.

Kiwi Coast – NRC Partnership

Over the last month, the season of kiwi releases has been completed. Tutukaka Landcare Coalition and Taheke Landcare (supported by council, Kiwi Coast, and the Department of Conservation) released kiwi into their pest controlled areas and held public events attended by hundreds of people.

Ten kiwi were released by Taheke Landcare into their area within the Kiwi Link Community Pest Control Area for the first time, with the release event attended by 252 people.  This was a milestone event for Taheke Landcare who have been working hard since 2013 clearing out the pests and building a community of committed dog owners keen to restore a local wild kiwi population.  The 10 kiwi released are just the beginning.  Over the next three years, 20 kiwi will be released to revitalise the local kiwi population that had dwindled down to the last one or two birds.

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Ten kiwi entranced the 252 people who gathered to see them up close
for a few moments before they
were released on Saturday. 

Both events not only boosted the local kiwi population, but also provided important opportunities to engage people in the need for good dog control for kiwi survival, understand the need for pest control to help native forests and wildlife thrive, and connect with their local community.

The Kiwi Coast, Tutukaka Landcare and Taheke Landcare especially thanked council biosecurity staff who provided dedicated support and professional expertise to both events at every stage of the kiwi release process from planning to leading kiwi-catching teams, compering the events, and post-release monitoring.

EnviroSchools Project Pest Control

Staff and Ruawai College students visited the Whenuanui Reserve (Ruawai) for trapping practice in preparation for the Project Pest Control assessment day at Taharoa Domain (Kai Iwi Lakes).  Staff assisted with pre-feeding the trap sites on the first day and helped students with setting raised leg-hold traps on the second day.  

marine biosecurity

Hull Surveillance Programme (30-03-2021 to 27-04-2021)

Between 30 March and 27 April 2021, the Hull Surveillance Programme surveyed 402 vessels.  There were ten incidents of Sabella spallanzanii (Mediterranean fanworm), 11 incidents of Styela clava (clubbed tunicate) and 18 incidents of Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate) found on vessel hulls.  With the exception of one incident these detections were in harbours where these species are already known to have established populations, staff work with these vessel owners to ensure that these species are not spread further.  One vessel was detected with Mediterranean fanworm in Mangonui harbour, this risk was rapidly mitigated via diver removal combined with an owner-directed haul-out.

2020/2021 Hull Surveillance Programme Results

Total this month

Total YTD

Pathways Plan Compliance

 

 

Number of vessels surveyed this month

402

1,672

% Pathways Plan Compliance (all vessels) *

33.1%

48.1%

% Pathways Plan Compliance (recent arrivals) **

8.3%

73.7%

Vessels found with Marine Pests

 

 

Sabella spallanzanii (fanworm)

10

56

Styela clava (clubbed tunicate)

11

49

Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp)

0

1

Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate)

18

18

Pyura doppelgangera (sea squirt)

0

0

*    Percentage of all vessels surveyed that complied with the acceptable level of light fouling as defined in the Marine Pathways Plan.

** Percentage of vessels on anchor that complied with the acceptable level of light fouling as defined in the Marine Pathways Plan.

Supporting Mātauranga Māori research in Whangārei

Staff have been supporting Patuharakeke kaitiaki to investigate fanworm reproductive periodicity in Whangārei Harbour, with the aim to map out this species peak spawning times.  This mahi differs from previous studies as sampling times are informed by important phases in the maramataka calendar (Māori lunar calendar).  Influences of lunar cycles on spawning times has gain much support throughout literature, yet this is unexplored as a spawning cue in Mediterranean fanworm.

The study has the potential to inform any future control treatments (population suppression) as well as advise vector management programmes (hull surveillance) of high-risk seasons when recruitment is likely to be present on vessels that can potential spread fanworm to other uninfected areas.

Marine biosecurity workshop with Whangārei Girls High School

Marine biosecurity staff held workshops with two-year 11 science classes at Whangārei Girls High School on 13 April. 

The workshops introduced the students to marine biosecurity and the responsibilities of the marine biosecurity team at council.  The workshop focussed on how to gather information about marine pests.  This involved discussing the importance of citizen science (and reporting sightings of marine pests) as well as a practical exercise where students dissected Mediterranean fanworm.  These dissections allowed students to sex the fanworm and track gamete development to determine if they were reproductively viable.

 

Year 11 students from Whangārei Girls High
School dissect a Mediterranean fanworm
(Photo credit Aless Smith)

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pest plants

Manchurian wild rice digger trial

A trial was carried out to test whether diggers could be used in areas of small, but recurring patches of Manchurian wild rice.  A two-ton digger was used on two sites – one in rank Kikuyu with no treatment for two years, the second in well grazed pasture that had treatment in spring 2021.  A report is pending on this work, but it did show promise. 

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Trenching require when digging out
MWR roots and rhizomes

Some of the mass of roots and rhizomes
dug out by digger during the trial

freshwater pests

Te Noho Taiao o Ngāpuhi

Biosecurity staff attended Te Noho Taiao o Ngāpuhi freshwater and coastal ecology, water quality education Hokianga.  

This is the first ever held by Ngapuhi and provided an excellent opportunity to incorporate mātauranga Māori into our work.  There was great engagement from the children.

 

 Biosecurity staff on the Tuna station educating attendees on how to collect data around Tuna (long and short finned eels).

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Training of incoming Department of Conservation freshwater rangers

Council staff completed further work on the kai Iwi koi carp response and have facilitated a two-week training course on pest fishing techniques for incoming Department of Conservation Freshwater Rangers and potential pest fish contractors.

rivers

Long Term Plan Projects

Rivers

Comments

Awanui

The Southern Spillways project is approximately 90% completed.  Only the “plugs” final grading and re-grassing remain.  The plugs will be removed next season after grass is established.  Allan Bell Park work is underway with only 20% completed. Church Road Rock Stabilization is 60% complete.  It’s anticipated that we will complete approximately 80% of our anticipated works for this construction season.

Kerikeri-Waipapa

We have requested quotes for combining this this with the NZTA Maritime Lane Bridge work.

Matangirau

Written agreement has been reached with landowners in the primarily affected area to implement flood mitigation works.  Staff are now in the early stages of preparing the site with mitigation works likely to commence next construction season.

Otiria / Moerewa

Turntable Hill work is nearing completion.  Otiria-Moerewa Spillway pre-feasibility study has identified 2 options for Pokapu Road bridge crossing.  We will continue to develop these options with FNDC roading and the NTA.

Kawakawa

The team met with the landowners and presented the Deflection Bank option to deliver 10-year protection with most shops receiving 50-year protection.   This option was well received by the committee.

Kāeo

The team is working thru the maintenance list, the second span in the Pupuke Road Bridge has been cleaned, reducing overtopping and road damage.      

NATURAL HAZARDS  

Work Streams  

Status  

Comments  

Coastal erosion hazard mapping  

100% complete  

Maps being prepared for publication

Coastal erosion research 

Phase 2 underway  

Analysis underway with publication of results due mid-2021

Region-wide coastal flood mapping 

100% complete  

Maps being prepared for publication

Region-wide river flood mapping  

85% complete  

FNDC and WDC maps received; Kaipara district models in progress

Whangārei river flood model 

In progress

Upgrade of model including new structures, updated LiDAR and sea level rise values and recalibration. Initial draft outcomes expected at the end of May 2021.

Whangārei Inner Harbour Hydrodynamic Model

In Progress

Detailed, site specific. upgrade of the current coastal inundation model. Data is being collated with a draft outcome (maps and report) by the end of May / beginning of June 2021.

Public release of new coastal hazard maps 

Under way 

Publication of draft maps to NRC website 14th April 2021 with letters to all affected landowners. First media release late March.

Climate Change Response  

Work Streams  

Status  

Comments  

NRC Climate Change Strategy 

Draft 

Draft strategy presented to MTAG in April, with comments to be received. Strategy and implementation plan to be presented to TTMAC 10 June and Climate Change Working Party 16 June, followed by presentation to full council for adoption on 20 July.

Climate Adaptation Te Taitokerau - Adaptation Strategy 

In development 

Adaptation Strategy to be presented to Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee 30th August 2021.

Supplementary technical chapters to be delivered prior to strategy presentation:

Ÿ Climate risk overview (May 2021)

Ÿ Local government Adaptation Toolbox (June 2021)

Ÿ Climate Risk and Māori (July 2021)

Ÿ Coastal community profiles (July 2021)

Ÿ Adaptation planning program (August 2021)

Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee

Ongoing

Inaugural meeting held 12 April at NRC. Next meeting 30 August 2021.

Northland Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)

We expect to have final deliverables and QA completed by the end of May.

MĀORI ENGAGEMENT

Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro nōnā te ngahere, Ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga nōnā te ao.  Ko te reo o Te Oneroa-ā-Tōhe e rere nei.  Kia kaupapa pai ko timata nga kaunihera e rua me ngā iwi e mahi tahi.

A time to celebrate a significant milestone of the launch of Te Oneroa-ā-Tōhe Beach Management plan and the partnership between council and iwi. 

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L to R: Malcolm Nicolson and Haami Piripi (Te Rarawa and Board Chair) with a carved hoe gifted to
the marae by the Board to signify the launch; Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Board members; Cr Marty Robinson
and Steve Sanson (planner)

There was a fantastic celebration for the launch of "Te Rautaki o Te Oneroa-a-Tohe" with a pōwhiri and blessing of the beach management plan held at Korou Kore Marae in Ahipara.  Ngāti Kuri, Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri and Ngai Takoto iwi leaders from the Board hosted the event.

For generations of Te Hiku o Te Ika iwi, Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe has been and continues to be a vital resource for food, transport and recreation. Given its profound connection to Te Ara Wairua (the spiritual pathway), it's also a source of cultural and spiritual sustenance. It's the cultural and spiritual significance of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe that is of utmost importance to Māori, connecting these lands and its people to Haiwaiki and Polynesia.  Treaty of Waitangi settlement legislation in 2012 acknowledged Te Hiku o te Ika's connection with Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe by establishing an eight-member Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Board (the Board).

The board's purpose is to provide governance and direction to everyone with a role in – or responsibility for – Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe management area. This is to protect environmental, economic, social, cultural and spiritual wellbeing within that area.  With an even split of iwi and local government members, the Board was tasked with developing a management plan for Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe.

The plan has been many years in the making and is the first co-designed management plan for Taitokerau. It covers a broad range of activities, including cultural, resource management and economic considerations and is expected to be in place for up to 10 years. This plan is an incredible opportunity to give effect to a vision for the beach that just a few years ago many people – especially Māori and tangata whenua – would not have thought possible.

While the plan's release represents a significant milestone, there is still a great deal of work to be undertaken, including significant research to better understand the beach's ecology and the impact of people and other influences. Council have played a valuable role in achieving this significant milestone and many staff and councilors have contributed to this success over many years. This is a recognition of council’s quiet commitment to the development of new and innovative governance and operational models that give effect to the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is a substantive contribution to the future of Northland.

GIS Mapping Project

The purpose of this project is to improve staff capability with a focus in the resource consents team to have access to areas of interest and for all staff to translate documented stories for Māori into GIS layers.  This will assist to streamline data across council and support tangata whenua to have access to standardized information of public taonga.  To date the work is progressing on updating marae data layers to ensure we have wide range of Māori data layers to inform council policies, strategies and work programmes.

 

Te Whāriki Māori Responsiveness and Policy Framework

By the end of May 2021, 244 staff would have attended a Level 1 Te Whāriki workshop which entails a one day noho on marae (Kaka Porowini or Pehiaweri marae) focused on three key components of the programme; te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and the application of Te Tiriti and council’s legislative requirements as a baseline for staff professional development.

These trainings are compulsory for all staff and have required a significant amount of time and resource commitment by the organisation.  It will be the first time that council has undertaken and achieved this outcome and was celebrated and acknowledged as part of the all staff hybrid hui recently.

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8.3.6   STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement

REGIONAL PLANNING

Proposed Regional Plan

Since the last update provided to council, staff have been working with parties to refine matters which are set down for hearing, including aquaculture provisions; and held expert conferencing on water quality provisions to narrow down matters to be heard.  The Court hearings relating to agrichemicals (Topic 8) were held 27 - 30 April, and water quality (Topic 5) hearings were held 4 - 7 May.

The Environment Court has appointed a mediator to facilitate expert witness conferences to be held in June covering four key areas under dispute on Topic 14: fishing controls (marine protected areas).  These will focus on ecology, planning, fisheries issues and economics and aim to refine issues to be heard and identify areas of agreement between parties.

The appeal to the High Court of the Environment Court’s decision on the National Environmental Standard (Regulations) on Freshwater in regard to wetlands in the CMA has been transferred to the High Court in Auckland.  A hearing date is pending.

Draft maps of Outstanding Natural Landscapes in the coastal marine area have been circulated to parties to the appeals for feedback and comment.  Once there is agreement on the draft maps, council is required to undertake consultation with “parties to these provisions, other community groups and Tangata Whenua” and report back to the Court by 30 July.

Forest & Bird have lodged a claim for costs against Northport regarding the appeals relating to the Significant Ecological Area and Marsden Point which Northport has opposed.  The Court will make its decision on whether to award costs against Northport shortly.

NPS Freshwater Management – Proposed Plan Change

Chief Freshwater Commissioner Professor Peter Skelton and Nick Vincent Senior Analyst MfE (providing administrative support to the Office of the Chief Freshwater Commissioner), met with the NRC Council on 13 April.  Their visit providing the opportunity to discuss the new Freshwater Planning Process with Council and staff and for NRC to outline the Freshwater Plan Change process including the new Freshwater Hearings Panel.  Professor Skelton spent the afternoon with representatives from the Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group, including a visit to Hikurangi Swamp.

The Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group is progressing their work plan.  Additional members to the Primary Sector Liaison Group have been finalised and a meeting is being arranged to bring them up to speed.

The consultation process for the Freshwater Plan Change has been reviewed and was presented to Council on 4 May.

NATIONAL INITIATIVES

Refer item in this agenda “Draft submission – Phasing out fossil fuels in process heat – consultation document”.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project

Update

Future developments/ reporting

Extension 350

 

Continue to provide input and comment on project evaluation being undertaken by Scarlatti. 

 


 

Other Work Undertaken

Ÿ Underwriting Commitment Agreement for Ngawhā Innovation and Ediucation Centre signed between council and Northland Inc. Limited.

Ÿ Shareholder Comment on Northland Inc’s draft Statement of Intent 2021-2024 sent to Northland Inc. on 30 April.

Ÿ Regional economic service delivery - working on documentation necessary should LTP deliveration decisions be made by FNDC and KDC to move to joint ownership of Northland Inc. and contribute financially to the Investment and Growth Reserve.

Ÿ Oruku Landing – gather information to support council deliberation on consutlation proposal.

ONLINE CHANNELS

Most popular content on Facebook:  Most popular post for April was the Media Release for grants available to retire erosion-prone hill country.  We had a reach of 6,880 and engaged 282 people.

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

Key Performance Indicators

Dec-20

Jan-21

Feb 21

Mar-21

Apr-21

WEB

 

 

 

 

 

# Visits to the NRC website

32,213

36,300

40,200

77,800

39,000

E-payments made

7

6

12

0

2

# subscription customers (cumulative)

1,257

1,270

1,286

1,276

1,278

SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative)

 

 

 

 

 

# Twitter followers

1,549

1,551

1,558

1,563

1,560

# NRC Facebook fans

10,144

10,200

10,200

10,300

10,300

# NRC Overall Facebook Reach

216,341

189,600

211,800

173,800

96,800

# NRC Engaged Daily Users

10,133

7,365

8,283

11,100

5,266

# CDEM Facebook fans

21,200

21,300

21,900

25,200

25,200

# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach

50,561

83,600

262,600

484,900

66,500

# CDEM Engaged Daily Users

3,123

14,800

34,100

53,700

1,625

# Instagram followers

1,315

1,320

1,330

1,337

1,360

NOTES:
March – increase in visits to website and CDEM Facebook reach due to the tsunami evacuation on 5 March

ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION

Enviroschools Bronze and Green-Gold stages achieved

During April, Ngataki and Te Hapua Schools and Selwyn Park Kindergarten, (Dargaville), celebrated the Enviroschools Bronze stage with Crs Kitchen and Smart, respectively.  Oruaiti School held a successful Green-Gold sharing and decision-making session, which will be celebrated at a date yet to be confirmed.

Enviroschools Bronze for Selwyn Park Kindergarter, Dargaville presented by Cr Penny Smart

Enviroschools Regional Co-ordinators hui

From 20 – 22 April, Enviroschools Regional Co-ordinators from throughout Aotearoa met in Wellington to discuss future foci for the Enviroschools Programme, further develop Māori perspectives and take part in professional development in partnerships brokering.

Ngā Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau

From 24 to 30 April, 14 secondary and tertiary students and accompanying adults from around Northland gathered at Te Tii Marae in Waitangi for Ngā Tupuranga o Taitokerau.  This new and intensive programme is aimed at developing future leaders in sustainability across Taitokerau.  It is a collaborative initiative by Untouched World Foundation, Northland Regional Council and the Ministry of Youth Development. 

Participants explored their understanding of key influences on the sustainable future of their rohe and its people, with mātauranga Māori a key component of the programme.  The students participated in a range of activities, including bike riding through Waitangi Endowment Forest, kayaking down Waitangi River, and observing kiwi on a night walk through Rangihoua Heritage Park. 

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At the whanau night, students shared leadership capabilities they had been working on during the week and on the final day they held an intergenerational korero with current local leaders – including Cr Robinson - to provide insight and ideas for future Ngā Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau.

School communities facilitated

Despite the school holidays, during April, Enviroschools Facilitators held 83 specific interactions with schools and early childhood communities.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Northland Regional Council Whakamānawa ā Taiao Environmental Awards

Judging has been completed for the 2021 NRC environmental awards.  A total of 47 applications were received across the eight categories, including the new Climate Change category.  External judges Chris Jenkins and Mike Kake (TTMAC) alongside NRC staff selected a total of 28 finalists.  Winners of each category and the overall Te Tohu Matua supreme award winner will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Turner Centre in Kerikeri on Thursday 27 May.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION (LGOIMA) REQUESTS

Total LGOIMAs

April 2019 to April 2020

April 2020 to April 2021

165

163

Number of LGOIMAs not responded to within 20 working days

7

8.3.7   Customer Service – Community Resilience

REGIONAL TRANSPORT PLANNING

Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-2027 (RLTP) and Regional Public Transport Plan 2021-2031 (RPTP)

During the month, staff have been concentrating on reviewing all submissions received for both the RLTP and the RPTP.

All submissions, along with the feedback received from the “Have your say” sessions and the RLTP and RPTP Project Team’s recommended actions have been tabulated into a “Summary of Submissions and Deliberations Report”.

The Regional Transport Committee will formally deliberate on the submissions on Tuesday 11 May 2021. On completition of this process, staff will make the necessary changes to both Plans and table these at the June 2021 RTC meeting with a recommendation they be approved for forwarding to the Northland Regional Council for their approval for submission to Waka Kotahi by 30 June 2021.

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 March 2021
(revenue ex GST)

Actual

Budget

Variance

Year/Date Actual

Year/Date Budgeted

CityLink Passengers

33,770

26,890

6,880

241,033

251,042

CityLink Revenue

$40,970

$36,923

$4,048

$302,344

$339,528

Mid North Link Passengers

210

156

54

1538

1404

Mid North Link Revenue

$732

$780

- $48

$5,543

$7,020

Hokianga Link Passengers

99

78

21

956

702

Hokianga Link Revenue

$511

$543

-$32

 $4,913

$4,833

Far North Link Passengers

389

543

-154

3,361

5,077

Far North Link Revenue

$972

$1,748

-$776

$8,813

$14,271

Bream Bay Link Passengers

44

24

20

444

234

Bream Bay Link Revenue

$290

$86

$204

$2,954

$842

Hikurangi Link Passengers

25

48

-23

169

252

Hikurangi Link Revenue

$65

$124

-$59

$409

$655

Whangārei Heads Link Passengers

7

24

-17

63

204

Whangārei Heads Link Revenue

$30

$104

-$74

$262

$547

 


 

BusLink Easter Promotion

On Thursday 1 April 2021, Easter Eggs were handed out to bus passengers as a “Thanks for hopping on Board” initiative. In addition, staff were at Rose Street wishing passengers a Happy Easter.

CityLink Bus Surveys

On 13, 14 and 15 April 2021, staff undertook an on-board CityLink passenger satisfaction survey with over 200 responses collected. These surveys are undertaken every two years as required by Waka Kotahi. Staff are currently analysing feedback. 

Total Mobility

 

Total Clients

Monthly Actual Expend

Monthly Budgeted Expend

Monthly Variance

Year/Date Actual Expend

Year/Date Budgeted Expend

Annual Variance

March 2021

1,512

$23,654

$25,000

-$1,346

$191,372

$250,000

-$58,628

Ridewise Two

At the end of April 2021, National workshops were held to obtain feedback on the features and functionality that are being proposed for the revised Total Mobility electronic ticketing system (Ridewise).  These workshops have been necessitated due to the provider not being able to deliver on pre-approved system requirements.  

As this is a “back office” issue, any agreed/approved changes will have no impact on Total Mobility clients and their ability to use the system.

ROAD SAFETY UPDATE

Road Trauma Update: 2021 Year to Date Road Death Statistics

Fatalities this year

Far North

Whangārei

Kaipara

Northland

National

Local roads

2

2

1

5

46

State highways

5

3

1

9

55

TOTAL

7

5

2

14

101

Motorcycle Safety - Ride Forever (R4E) Rider Training Update

Police enquiries are continuing in relation to four fatal motorcycle crashes, which occurred on the following dates:

Ÿ 1 April 2021              Matapouri Road            23yo male rider

Ÿ 4 April 2021              SH1, Te Kao                     58yo male rider

Ÿ 11 April 2021            Kaitaia-Awaroa              54yo male rider

Ÿ 15 April 2021            SH1, Ruakaka                 Details of rider yet to be released

Currently work is being progressed to develop a preliminary document around motorcycle crashes in Northland.  This document will support a future more comprehensive Northland Motorcycle Strategy.

For the 2020/21 financial year ending June 2021, 129 riders have participated in the Ride Forever (R4E) rider training programme across Northland.  The breakdown included riders participating in the following courses:

Ÿ Bronze                 41

Ÿ Silver                    46

Ÿ Gold                      42


 

Heavy Vehicle Operation

Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Team have continued with roadside campaigns targeting container trucks travelling to both Auckland and the rail yard in Whangārei.  Working with Northport, Road Safety promotional resources are being shared with drivers at the Port. 

Driver Reviver / Fatigue Stops during the 2020/2021 campaign period

This fatigue stop season has continued to have its challenges with the uncertainty of the COVID 19 pandemic, unpredictable weather patterns and Northport unloading container ships. However, the Road Safety partners successfully held three of five fatigue stops with good motorist attendance:

Ÿ 23 October 2020 – Labour Day

Ÿ 92 vehicles stopped

Ÿ 206 drivers and passengers refreshed

Ÿ 18 December – Christmas/New Year Break

Ÿ Cancelled due to Northport Police check activity

Ÿ 29 January 2021 – Anniversary Weekend

Ÿ Cancelled as Auckland was in alert level 3 and Northland was in alert level 2

Ÿ 5 February 2021 – Waitangi Day

Ÿ 112 vehicles stopped

Ÿ 226 drivers and passengers refreshed

Ÿ 1 April 2021 – Easter

Ÿ 187 vehicles stopped

Ÿ 297 drivers and passengers refreshed

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Road Safety Promotion/Media:

Advertising themes in the Road Safety Advertising Calendar 2020/21 for the months of May and June are ‘Drugs, Young Drivers, Alcohol, Distractions’.

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Telephone inbound call statistic & enquiries

 

April 2021

KPI

Call volumes via Customer Services

2,200

 

Conversion rate

97.6%

>95%

Average wait time

6 sec

 

Calls answered in under 30 sec

96.4%

>90%

April included Easter, Anzac weekend and school holidays, all of which damped the number of inbound general calls, especially on Fridays. The publishing of the updated coastal hazards maps stimulated call activity in the latter half of the month.

Feedback cards, compliments and complaints

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

Compliments received

Total

Overall service
Ÿ    Compliance Monitoring

1

Service provided by a specific person/people
Ÿ    Biodiversity – L Shaft and K Hansen

1

Total compliments recorded

2

Complaints received

Total

Staff or contractor behaviour/attitude
Ÿ    Biosecurity

1

Disagree with decision or process
Ÿ    Council wide (2)

2

Disagree with cost/value for money
Ÿ    Bus - Citylink

1

Standard of service provided
Ÿ    Rivers

1

Total complaints recorded

5

The complaint about staff behaviour was low level and although unresolved due to conflicting versions of the event, the customer was satisfied with our process.

One of the two ‘council-wide’ complaints were regarding a telephone survey. The customer is Whangārei-based and neither WDC nor NRC are currently conducting telephone surveys.  The customer was impressed that both councils took the complaint seriously and followed up.  The other council-wide complaint was about the council’s use of Te Reo Māori in documents.

The bus complaint was regarding the ticket cost of the Whangārei Heads route and the final complaint was regarding an NRC contractor on the Awanui project leaving mud on the road. 

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

National 

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has appointed Gary Knowles as the Deputy Chief Executive of NEMA, he replaces Sarah (Norm) Stuart-Black in the role. Gary was in the NZ Police for 42 years and amongst many other roles was the senior police commander in charge of the Pike River Mining disaster.  The new Deputy CE and National Controller both visited Northland in early May to attend the CDEM Forum and used the opportunity to meet with the Chair of the Northland CDEM Group, CEG Chair and Group Manager.  

NEMA held a test of the National Warning System (NWS) on 8 April as part of the quarterly testing programme. The test involved sending messages via SMS, email and voice to national agencies, including government departments, territorial authorities, emergency services, lifeline utilities, welfare agencies and media broadcasters. The total number of recipients increased from 627 to 1217, since this time last year. This was in response to COVID-19 Resurgence planning where there was a need to add Mayors, Chief Executives and statutory CDEM roles. Nine-hundred and forty-one recipients (78%) received and acknowledged the message within 30 minutes.

The purpose of the NWS is to forewarn national agencies on potential or actual threats to life, health or property so that agencies can respond effectively and provide confidence to New Zealanders. The NWS is not a public alerting system. The Emergency Mobile Alert system is used for this purpose and is tested in November.

Tsunami Siren Upgrade – Request for Tender

The Northland CDEM Group have put out a Request for Tenders for the upgrade of the Northland Tsunami Siren Network. Funding has been secured through the NEMA Resilience Fund for $250,000.00 to start the project. Applications for the tender can be submitted through the government website GETS, the tender is open until 31 May 2021.

Northland CDEM Forum 2021

The Northland CDEM Forum 2021 is planned for Wednesday 5 May at the Captain Bougainville Theatre at Forum North. Amongst the expected guest speakers are Gary Knowles from NEMA, Mike Bush former Police Commissioner, Hone Dalton Ngapuhi Iwi CDEM representative, Dr Saab Johal Clinical Psychologist and Major Kevin Williams from NZ Defence Force. The national Emergency Management Assistance Team (EMAT) and the national Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams will be displaying their resources and equipment for deployment.

Northland Welfare Coordination Group (WCG)

The Northland WCG met on 9 April for one of their planned quarterly meetings. The main subject of the meeting was ’A Child Centred Response’ during emergencies. Oranga Tamariki ran a workshop for stakeholders to look at how emergency responses can be more child focussed to improve the outcomes for children during and after a disaster.

Northland CDEM Group Plan review process

The plan review process is at the stage of graphic design. The timeline for the draft plan is for it to be approved for public consultation at the next Northland CDEM Group meeting on Wednesday 16 June and go out for public consultation on Monday 21 June for five weeks.

MARITIME

There have been sixteen maritime incidents in April, with four minor oil spills. There were four groundings, all resulting in damage or written off vessels.

In one incident two people were very lucky not be injured after colliding with rocks after dark.  Two vessels also sank. The team are dealing with a number of abandoned and derelict vessels.

The maritime team are two staff down from usual manning, and recruitment is ongoing with one vacant position now filled but not starting for another month.

Two pilotage jobs were completed for superyachts arriving from Tahiti, both of which will be carrying out work in Whangārei.  One pilotage exemption exam was completed for a tug and barge operator in Whangārei.

The Harbour Master has been liaising with Far North Holdings over facilities developments around the region, with Paihia in particular looking at an extensive works that have been in the planning for many years.

The team completed Te Whāriki training, some industrial training, and oil spill exercises are planned.

One legal case in the small claims court against Northland Regional Council over a mooring issue was withdrawn after evidence was presented.

The work carried out over summer under the Fuel Excise Duty (FED) funding was debriefed, and the data provided to Maritime NZ.  The new work of using a summer safety boating ambassador in the far north was well received and it hoped this work can be built on next summer.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 8.4

18 May 2021

 

 

TITLE:

Reporting on the Long Term Plan 2018-2028 performance measures for quarter three of the 2020/21 year

ID:

A1438660

From:

Robyn Broadhurst, Policy Specialist

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 12 May 2021

 

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

This report presents the results of council’s Long Term Plan 2018-2028 key performance indicators for the third quarter of the 2020/21 financial year, being January – March 2021.

 

Recommendation

That the report ‘Reporting on the Long Term Plan 2018-2028 performance measures for quarter three of the 2020/21 year’ by Robyn Broadhurst, Policy Specialist and dated 29 April 2021, be received.

 

Background/Tuhinga

The Long Term Plan 2018-2028 comprises 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 some reported quarterly and biannually.

 

It should be noted that for some measures the end of year result may comprise an average of the quarterly results, which may result in an overall achievement or non-achievement that differs from an individual quarter.

 

Of the seven performance measures reported on, four have achieved their targets for the quarter and three have either not achieved their target for the quarter or are not on track to achieve their 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

96% – 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

96% – Achieved

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)

9% – Not on track to achieve

End of March 2021: 20,308 subscribers

 

This is due to an ongoing change to the way this target is set – no longer focused on straight increase in number of subscribers, more on engagement levels and content.

 

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

73% – Not achieved

 

Of the 37 incidents that had more than minor adverse effects, 10 were not able to be resolved within 20 working days. We have had an unusually high number of incidents, which have been harder than normal to resolve. End of year target may still be achieved.

2.4 Monitoring (State of the environment monitoring)

2.4.1 Gather and make available information on the suitability of water bodies for swimming and shellfish collection

 

Monitor at least 50 popular swimming sites weekly during the summer for faecal indicator bacteria and publish the results.

50 or more sites monitored weekly during summer

Achieved

 

58 sites monitored weekly from 7 December 2020 to 8 March 2021.

Monitor at least 15 popular shellfish collection sites weekly during the summer and publish the results

15 or more sites monitored weekly during summer

Achieved

 

15 of the 58 sites monitored weekly are designated as shellfish sites.

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

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil


Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                         item: 9.1

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Receipt of Committee Minutes

ID:

A1440117

From:

Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Authorised by Group Manager:

Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 12 May 2021

 

Recommendation

That the unconfirmed minutes of the:

·        Investment and Property Subcommittee  – 31 March 2021

·        Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee – 12 April 2021

·        Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee – 19 April 2021

be received.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Investment & Property Subcommittee - 31 March 2021

Attachment 2: Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee – 12 April 2021

Attachment 3: Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee – 19 April 2021   


Council Meeting  ITEM: 9.1

18 May 2021Attachment 1

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 9.1

18 May 2021Attachment 2

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Council Meeting  ITEM: 9.1

18 May 2021Attachment 3

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Council Meeting                                                                                                                                                        ITEM: 10.0

18 May 2021

 

TITLE:

Business with the Public Excluded

 

Executive Summary

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

Recommendations

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

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

Item No.

Item Issue

Reasons/Grounds

10.1

Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 20 April 2021

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

10.2

Receipt of Committee Confidential Minutes

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

10.3

Human Resources Report

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

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

Considerations

1.    Options

Not applicable. This is an administrative procedure.

2.    Significance and engagement

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

3.    Policy and legislative compliance

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

4.    Other Considerationsc

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

 



[1] Clause 9.1, Constitution of Northland Inc. Limited

[2] For completeness, it should be noted that non-elected members are eligible to claim travel and meeting allowances if a meeting lapses due to lack of a quorum.

[3] External Body is defined as a government agency, local authority or private/public interest group.

[4] The changes to the RMA made in June 2020 removed the statutory barriers to regional councils considering the effects of GHG emissions on climate change when making air discharge rules and assessing applications

for air discharge permits (repealing sections 70A, 70B, 104E and 104F of the RMA).  The changes also require local authorities to “have regard to” emission reduction plans and national adaptation plans published under the CCRA when preparing regional policy statements, regional plans, and district plans.