Agenda of Council Meeting - Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Council Meeting item: 8.3

15 June 2021

TITLE:	Chief Executive’s Report to Council
ID:	A1447985
From:	Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer
Authorised by Group Manager:	Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer, on 09 June 2021

Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer and dated 31 May 2021, be received.

8.3.1 Highlights

Sika Deer DNA Survey

A DNA survey was carried out at a farm near Russell Forest by a team of contract hunters, led by a deer eradication expert. This survey will enable a proof of concept which will be the first step to eradicating sika deer from Russell forest. The survey will provide costs and effort data which will be modelled for the wider Russell forest sika eradication.

Contract hunters along with representatives from local hapū conducted the survey that involved collecting sika scat (pellets) along set transect lines across entire farm. The DNA survey will tell us the number of individuals, the sex, and the home range of each sika on the property. 42 sika pellet samples were collected over 3 days and have been sent to EcoGene to be analysed. Results are expected in June.


Field collection of sika scat for DNA analysis	DNA swabbing of collected scat samples

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	No further update.
REL	Steps being taken to serve Bankruptcy Notice on Mr Jammal.	Continue pursuing bankruptcy proceedings against Mr Jammal.

8.3.3 Corporate Excellence

Finance

In preparing for the approaching financial year end, the CEO, in line with his delegation, has approved the write-off of the following debts:

Name

Amount (GST incl.)

Reason

Impact on this year’s Net Surplus

Dion A Sunley

1056 State Highway 12
RD1 Maungaturoto
Whangārei 0583

Inv 687487 $5,975.08

Debt originated in 2013 for salvage fees. Under the Limitations Act 2010, as the debt is older than 6 years it is classified as legally unrecoverable

NO IMPACT.

An allowance for the uncollectability of this entire debt (provision for doubtful debt) has been made in prior years.

Ministry of Youth Development

Nat’l Accounting Centre
Private Bag 3050
Rotorua 3046

Inv 755207 $11,931.25

Inv 754490 $11,931.25

These invoices correspond to a CDEM “Youth in Emergency Services” programme that did not take place due to COVID-19

NO IMPACT.

There was no expenditure outlaid on the programme so there was no need for the funding.

Cyber Security

On 2 March 2021 suspicious behaviour on our on-premise Exchange server was detected and the server was immediately placed into network containment to prevent further impact. The resulting investigation identified a zero-day attack had occurred. A zero-day attack is where a vulnerability is exploited before a patch is released and applied.

A summary of the findings showed no evidence of post-exploitation activity nor loss of information.

Some actions identified through the deep analysis to further strengthen our security posture are being actioned.

Property Report

The Kaipara Service Centre roof is complete, concrete entrance stairs in situ and the external timber framed walls are currently being built. The building is expected to be fully enclosed by the end of July 2021, is two weeks ahead of schedule and is on budget.

A council property is under contract to sell, with due diligence occurring through June 2021.

The head contract tender for the NIWA Kingfish RAS is currently being evaluated and council will consider the design, consents, lease agreement(s) and construction budget in July 2021.

8.3.4 Regulatory Services

Consents in Process

During May 2021, a total of 64 Decisions were issued. These decisions comprised:

Ÿ Moorings	3	Land Use Consents	14
Ÿ Coastal Permits	16	Water Permits	13
Ÿ Land Discharge Permits	6	Bore Consents	8
Ÿ Water Discharge Permits	4

The processing timeframes for the May 2021 consents ranged from:

Ÿ 104 to 1 calendar days, with the median time being 36 days;

Ÿ 50 to 1 working days, with the median time being 20 days.

Twenty-nine applications were received in May 2021.

Of the 97 applications in progress at the end of May 2021:

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

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

Ÿ Thirty-eight less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

No commissioners were appointed in May 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 May 2021 is (by number):

Ÿ Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month	0
Ÿ Progress on Applications Previously Notified	2
Ÿ Hearings and Decisions	1
Ÿ Appeals/Objections	1

Compliance Monitoring

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 - 31 May 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	32	25	1	0	0	6
Coastal Air Discharge	2	2	0	0	0	0
Coastal Discharge	28	14	3	6	2	3
Coastal Permit	254	103	78	42	12	19
Land Discharge	127	74	19	6	1	27
Land Use Consent	91	66	3	0	0	22
Tier 1 Plan	1	1	0	0	0	0
Water Discharge	83	58	8	7	2	8
Water Permit	58	47	3	3	0	5
Water Take	115	78	28	3	0	6
Total	791	468	143	67	17	96
Percentage		59.2%	18.1%	8.5%	2.1%	12.1%
Year to date	5,334	3,696	721	439	148	330
Percentage		69.3%	13.5%	8.2%	2.8%	6.2%

Coastal

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

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

Ÿ Water Use

Recent regulation changes for water takes need to be notified to and followed up with consent holders. The regulation changes will mean that many consent holders will have to invest in technology to more regularly measure and record their water takes and report those records electronically.

Ÿ Forestry and Earthworks

An increase in wood prices is driving more harvesting activities. Consequently, staff are receiving more notifications of those activities adding to the winter works extensions and requests for council sign off on closed sites, which are keeping the staff dealing with earthworks monitoring busy.

Ÿ Air Incident Monitoring

Our contractor, Armourguard, has advised it is no longer able to service all areas of Northland to respond to smoke and odour complaints. It is envisaged that we will need to go through a tender process to see if there is another provider that can provide service to all areas of Northland. Armourguard has agreed to extend the current contract by three months to allow council time to find alternative solutions.

Ÿ Contaminated Land Management

Five incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and 11 enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to. Three sites were added to the Selected Land Register (SLR) and 243kg of hazardous waste was disposed of at the hazardous waste amnesty day.

Environmental Incidents

There was one environmental incident reported which resulted in a significant environmental impact. This incident related to burning of prohibited substances which included plastic and electrical appliances. Formal enforcement action was taken against the alleged offender.

ENFORCEMENT

Abatement Notices, Infringement Notices and Formal Warnings

The following enforcement actions were taken during the period:

Nature of Offence	Infringement Notice		Abatement Notice		Prosecution		TOTAL *
Nature of Offence	No. Offences	No. Notices	No. Offences	No. Notices	No. Offences	No. Notices	No. Offences	No. Notices
Burning & smoke nuisance	1	1	5	5	1	1	5	7
Illegal activity in CMA	0	0	2	3	0	0	2	3
Other water discharge	1	1	6	6	0	0	7	7
TOTAL	2	2	13	14	1	1	14	17

*An infringement notice and an abatement notice may be issued for the same offence. This means that in the above table, Column 7 (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 on 2 February 2021 that the sentence indication will not be accepted. A teleconference with the presiding Judge was undertaken on 27 April 2021, resulting in a further date of 21 May 2021 being set for the defendant to advise what evidence is not challenged and then to discuss on 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. A not guilty plea was entered on 30 April 2021 with a further date of 22 June 2021 scheduled for a case review hearing.

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 and the first court appearance has been set down for 25 June 2021.w

COASTAL AND WATER QUALITY

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

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

Ÿ Quarterly lake sampling was undertaken at 27 lakes.

Ÿ The quarterly Litter Intelligence survey was undertaken at our Pohe Island site with assistance from NorthTec students. 1,582 litter items were collected, an increase of 109% of litter items collected compared with previous survey. Of these, 712 items were plastic and 648 were foamed plastic.

Ÿ The second annual shellfish survey was completed with Year 9 students from Taipā Area School. In addition to obtaining valuable data, students learnt about population dynamics, biology and estimated densities of cockles and pipi on the northern shore of Taipā Estuary.

NATURAL RESOURCES DATA

Ÿ A data automation framework is being developed, in consultation with internal stakeholders in preparation for upcoming LTP work. The framework will determine what automation is required, how scripts will be developed and maintained within NRC, ensuring all scripts conform to a code standardisation developed by the Environmental Informatics SIG.

Ÿ The electronic data collection form is now developed to collect hydrology data and will be operational once the testing phase is completed. The forms are operational for the water quality programmes. Electronic meter calibration forms have replaced the paper forms.

Ÿ Development of the new environmental data portal for the NRC website is well underway, the expected Go Live is now delayed to July 2021. The testing phase started late February 2021 and the data will be brought online over two phases:

Ÿ Phase 1: rainfall, water level, water quality, drought and coastal, wind and wave data.

Ÿ Phase 2: biological data for periphyton, fish, macroinvertebrates and cyanobacteria.

Ÿ LAWA Water Annual Refresh: details of the request were provided to councils in May 2021. A number of data checks and analyses need to be completed by September 2021, ready to go-live for World River’s Day.

HYDROLOGY

Rainfall

Ÿ May 2021 rainfall totals for recording stations in Northland were all below the normal expected levels.

Ÿ Waimamaku, in the Southern Hokianga, received the highest rainfall total for the month with 185.5mm, which is about 73% of normal. The lowest rainfall for the month was recorded at Ōpua with 40.5mm, only 25% of normal.

Ÿ Most of the region received totals in the range of 60 to 90mm for the month, about 60% of normal expected rainfall.

Ÿ The NIWA Seasonal Climate Outlook for May 2021 to July 2021 is predicting near normal rainfall for the north of the North Island, above to near average temperatures and below normal to near normal soil moisture.

Diagram

Description automatically generated

Map

Description automatically generated

River Flows

Ÿ Northland river flows reflect the low monthly rainfall totals, with all flows lower than normally expected for May 2021.

Ÿ The lowest flows are in western and central catchments, including around Whangārei, with many flows in the very low (5-10th percentile) to extremely low (0-5th percentile) category.

Hydrology Projects

Ÿ The Hydrology Team has been busy progressing hydrometric station upgrades, with three more stations upgraded in May 2021. These include a mixture of data logger and sensor upgrades, back-up sensors and dual communication set ups.

Groundwater Ÿ Groundwater levels for most of the region are below normal for May 2021, except for Aupōuri which remains above normal. Ÿ Groundwater levels in Whangārei, Ruakākā and Mangawhai are in the low (10-25th percentile) to very low (5-10th percentile) category.	Area	Status (April 2021)
	Aupōuri	OK
	Taipā	Below normal
	Russell	Below normal
	Kaikohe	Below normal
	Whangārei	Low to very low
	Porotī	Below normal
	Mangawhai	Very low
	Marsden – Ruakākā	Very low
	Ruawai	Normal

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE

Air quality and carbon emission

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

Ÿ Ambient PM_2.5 monitoring results for the Robert Street station for April 2021 were within the Ambient Air Quality Guideline value.

Ÿ A month (16 March 2021 to 15 April 2021) of PM₁₀ monitoring was conducted at
Te Oro Place, Moerewa to investigate an environmental incident and address concerns raised by community members about the discharge from AFFCO, Moerewa’s new wood pallet boiler. PM₁₀ concentrations recorded during this monitoring were below the NES air quality. A monitoring report has been produced and copies have been distributed to interested parties.

Ÿ Council’s CO₂-e (carbon dioxide equivalent) monthly emissions in 2020 and 2021 are presented in the graph below. In April 2021, council’s CO₂-e emission increased by 22.26 tonnes compared to emissions in April 2020. The increased emission is attributed to the Level 4 COVID-19 restrictions/lockdown in April 2020. The graph is based on live data and therefore figures for the last few months are subject to change.

Regional Sector Surface Water Integrated Management (SWIM) group update

Ÿ Following on the release of its strategy, SWIM is working on its action plan to deliver key priorities. Two key workstreams currently underway are:

Ÿ Submitting two business cases to the Regional Sector (RCEOs): i) building capability in mātauranga Māori for each council; ii) national freshwater accounting working group.

Ÿ Development of wetland monitoring National Environmental Monitoring Standard (NEMS)

COASTAL

Stormwater litter monitoring

Ÿ The results from the first audit of litter traps have been finalised. This is part of a multi-agency project to estimate the quantity of litter and plastic entering our estuaries and coast each year. NRC, in conjunction with NorthTec, Whitebait Connection, WDC, FNDC, KDC and NDHB have installed 50 litter traps at stormwater grates throughout the region at a variety of different land uses. In the first audit a total of 4,160 items were captured in just three months. Overall, the dominant source of litter was plastic (69%) followed by foamed plastic (8%).

Ÿ The results have indicated that there are big differences between different locations. One site at a city centre car park in Whangārei had 529 items, while two sites (a residential street in Dargaville and a commercial office in Whangārei) had just two pieces of litter. In total, 50% of the traps accounted for 91% of all the litter captured. These results will help target education and mitigation at these higher risk locations and land uses.

Ÿ The data has also revealed that cigarette butts, which are made of a plastic called cellulose acetate, were the most frequently captured item, with 1,322 cigarette butts captured.

Submission on the Ministry of Health’s proposals for a smoke free Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan

Ÿ Council lodged a submission in support of the proposal to prohibit filters in smoked tobacco products. Councils’ submission focused on the negative impact that discarded cigarette filters have on the environment and reported the high number of cigarette butts captured by the litter traps in the stormwater litter monitoring project. We also highlighted that the cost of removing discarded cigarettes from the environment currently falls largely on local authorities.

Mangawhai SEA (significant Ecological Area) monitoring

Ÿ The ecological survey of Mangawhai Harbour with Kaitiaki from Te Uri O Hau was completed in May 2021. The survey involved an assessment of bird life, shellfish abundance and marine invertebrates. The final phase of the field work involved surveying a pipi bed, which had been identified by Kaitiaki. Initial results from that survey indicate that there are several healthy shellfish beds in the estuary. Council staff will now work with Kaitiaki to analyse the data and produce a baseline assessment of the estuary, and Kaitiaki will also develop a cultural health assessment.

GROUNDWATER

Monitoring Network Review

Ÿ Works related to Stage 2 of the monitoring network review continued for groundwater. The final report from the Land & Water Science (LWS) on natural representativeness and suitability of the proposed groundwater monitoring network in terms of meeting NPS-FM requirements is expected by the end of June 2021. A groundwater monitoring plan is being developed which will take into consideration the recommendations in the LWS report.

Ÿ Rainfall during the month increased water levels in boreholes and also pushed the higher electrical conductivity concentrations down through dilution. The lowering of conductivity is evident in the coastal sentinel monitored boreholes.

FRESHWATER QUALITY AND ECOLOGY

Ÿ Monitoring Network Review – Works related to Stage 2 of the monitoring network review continued for rivers and lakes. The final reports from the LWS and Cawthron Institute on natural representativeness and suitability of the proposed river monitoring network in terms of meeting NPS-FM requirements are expected by the end of June 2021. A freshwater monitoring plan is being developed which will take into consideration the recommendations in the two reports. Site visits are being undertaken by staff to review the practicality of newly proposed sites in the underrepresented catchments (such as Aupōuri and Herekino-Whāngāpe).

Ÿ NR Science is working together with the Policy and Land Management teams to help NIWA finalise the CLUES scenarios model to estimate the change in nitrogen, phosphorous, E. coli and sediment loads by applying various land mitigation options. The draft report, together with the outputs from CLUES scenarios model, is expected by the end of June 2021.

Ÿ Lake water quality current state analysis – Quarterly lake SOE monitoring data collected between 2016 and 2020 at 27 dune lakes has been analysed against the NPS-FM water quality standards. While a large proportion (over 70-80%) of the lakes met the standards for most of the NPS-FM water quality attributes, a few lakes were within band D (i.e. below national bottom line) for algal growth (phytoplankton) and nitrogen concentration (TN). The band D in NPS-FM indicates “high risk of a regime shift to a persistent, degraded state due to impacts of elevated nutrients”.

Ÿ These lakes within band D are mainly – Lake Heather, Karaka, Rototuna, Swan, Waiparera, and Waiporohita (also an “outstanding waterbody” as per the Proposed Regional Plan). Apart from Lake Waiporohita, all other outstanding lakes met the standards for all NPS-FM water quality attributes.

Percentages of the SOE lakes meeting NPS-FM standards for several water quality attributes
based on quarterly SOE monitoring data collected between 2016 and 2020

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

Ÿ Ecosystem metabolism for Northland Rivers based on continuous dissolved oxygen (DO) – a one-day workshop was run by the Cawthron Institute at NRC in April 2021, to provide advice on data collection, data management, and reporting of the NPS-FM attributes related to continuous DO measurements. A data analysis automation tool is currently being trialled by NR Science and Data teams. The final draft report incorporating the feedback from the workshop will be delivered 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. This will provide a framework for effective and efficient M&E of instream ecological response to riverine flow management by regional councils, in accordance with the NPS-FM.

Ÿ NR Science staff continue to contribute to the interorganisational collaborative effort to develop a protocol for using environmental DNA to compliment standard SOE monitoring programmes.

Ÿ Fish SOE Monitoring: NRC gained access to an electronic data entry application through collaboration with Waikato Regional Council’s Environmental Monitoring Team.

8.3.5 Environmental Services

land management

Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities

Milestones	Status
Farm Environment Plans (FEPs)
	Proposal for revised FEP milestone sent to MPI. Awaiting feedback
Stakeholder engagement
	Staff presented at a Beef and Lamb NZs Northland Annual Showcase Day at Clements Farm in Hikurangi
Land treatments
Retirement fencing	$156k of retirement fencing was allocated this financial year, resulting in 21,742m of new fencing. Although we have exceeded our hectares retired target, there is still a $95k underspend. We have proposed to MPI that for the reminder of the project we have the flexibility to reallocate unspent budget to other land treatments such as afforestation. Awaiting feedback

Poplar and Willow nursery

Objective

Status

Harvest

Pole orders have closed for the year.

Harvest and delivery underway.

Environment Fund Progress

One hundred efunds were granted and 76 of these have been completed and signed off. There are still 24 projects left to be completed before the end of June.

Industry Field Days and Events

Two of our team attended and presented at the Nga Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau event at Lodore Farms Okaihau on 28 April. They presented information about wetland water filtering and conducted a Visual Soil Assessment with the students.

On 5 May 2021 two staff members attended the Beef and Lamb Annual Showcase Field Day at Brian Clements Hereford Stud farm, Matapouri. They presented an update on the Kaipara Moana Remediation project and on catchment groups.

Waima Waitai Waiora staff attended an E350 field day at Drinnan Farm, Pukehuia Road on 25 May 2021 to hear how the Drinnan’s have improved milk production, reproduction and herd quality over the last two seasons.

Kaipara Moana Remediation Project

The Year 2 Work Plan for the KMR Programme, has been approved, in principle, by the Joint Committee on 17 May at Oruawharo Marae. The next steps are the Ministry for the Environment will provide feedback, with the Joint Committee considering a final Year 2 Work Plan for approval on 25 June. The proposed Communications Plan for KMR was also approved by the Joint Committee and this work can progress.

A contract with Fonterra is still 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.

Progress has been made for the design and procurement of the digital systems and tools to assist with grants management and the delivery of farm planning and KMR ‘sediment reduction plans.

Whangārei Urban Awa Project

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

Ÿ 5.32 km of riparian fencing completed

Ÿ A further 2.8 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 Our Million Metres fundraising site has raised $3,388.

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

Ÿ We are also planning a press release and case study of a completed site to use to keep interest from landowners up as we go into the winter.

Ÿ Additionally, both MfE and Million Metres are planning videos to highlight their projects which should help keep landowner interest high.

biodiversity

FIF Dune Lakes Project

Objective	Status
Aquatic weed and pest fish control	Planning is underway for herbicide operations in four dune lakes to control hornwort. One lake operation, in a lake on the Poutō Peninsula with hornwort and egeria, is in partnership with the Department of Conservation, Kauri Coast Office in Dargaville. Waikaretu Marae kaitiaki representatives gave approval for herbicide use in the Poutō Lakes at a meeting on 11 May. The work is planned for July, September and other dates yet to be confirmed. The Year 4 pest fish programme is complete and KPIs are met. Planning is underway for the Year 5 pest fish and grass carp workstreams. Dates and locations for next financial year’s fishing efforts will be set.
Sediment and nutrient mitigation	Work began at Lake Ngatu on 17 May to create roadside swales, sediment traps and a wetland area to control sediment. A planting day will be held on 22 June with the local Paparore School, in association with The Bushland Trust, Ngai Takoto and the Department of Conservation.
Education Days	Two events upcoming: Black Lake (Kai Iwi Group) – 26 May and Lake Humuhumu (Poutō) – 4 June.

Lakes

A review and audit of the Northland Lakes Strategy and programme was received from NIWA and is currently with staff for comment. The final report is due in June.

Coastcare

The CoastCare planting season has begun with dune planting at Ruakaka south on 27 May in beautiful Autumn weather. Whangārei District Council contractors and volunteers planted in the dunes on the reserve while Bream Coastal Care volunteers and Pompallier College students planted in the Wildlife Refuge. The plants, including spinifex, pingao and wiwi were all provided by NRC.

BIosecurity INCURSIONS and response

Rainbow Lorikeet Incursion – Kaiwaka

A verified report of rainbow lorikeets at a property near Kaiwaka prompted the biosecurity team to initiate an eradication response. A contractor has been engaged to undertake surveillance and if possible, destroy the rainbow lorikeets. The response is ongoing.

kauri dieback

Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation Project

The Kauri Mountain Trail section of track upgrade (part of a Provincial Growth Fund project) has been completed in early May 2021. The completed works include boxed steps, boardwalks and a platform at the summit to enjoy the view. On the 3 May council staff (including the Chief Executive Officer) visited the trail to see the completed track upgrade works.
	Council staff & contractors at the top of the Kauri Mountain Te Araroa Trail

partnerships

Tutukākā High Value Area

Ÿ Pāteke flock count: The annual Department of Conservation pāteke (Brown Teal) flock count is indicative of the effectiveness of the extensive predator control work done by the Kiwi Coast project including the Tutukākā Landcare High Value Area project.

Ÿ The population is expanding southwards into new sites with pāteke re-establishing in areas they have been virtually absent from for decades.

Ÿ Eight forest bird monitoring stations have been established within the Tutukākā Landcare High Value Area for collecting quarterly count data for a range of bird species. This is an important step towards monitoring the successes of the project and counts for this quarter are now underway.

Ÿ Australasian Bittern sighting: Volunteers were delighted to capture an image of the rare matuka hūrepo (Australasian Bittern) on a trail camera near Matapōuri.

Trail camera footage of the rare
Australasian Bittern near Matapōuri.

Ÿ Released kiwi: Monitoring of the four kiwi released last month continues with one of the females (Kotahi) moving approximately 4.5 km south along the coast to the bush above the Tutukākā marina and then back again to be within 200m of her release site.

Tracking these birds has presented a great opportunity to engage with landowners all along that stretch of the Tutukākā coast. Council staff carried out a transmitter change on a monitored kiwi (Marohi) which was used as another opportunity to train a local volunteer to become an accredited kiwi handler.

Council Biosecurity staff training a local volunteer
to become an accredited kiwi handler

Piroa Brynderwyn High Value Area

Ÿ Planning: The Piroa Brynderwyn High Value Area working group has developed a draft “Piroa-Brynderwyn High Value Area Biodiversity Values and Opportunities for Ecological Restoration Report”. This report will help guide future work within the High Value Area and add to environmental protection.

Ÿ Predator control: An additional 9 km of predator trapping lines have been installed on the southwestern bush/pasture edge of the Brynderwyn range between Baldrock Road and Pebblebrooke road. Possum control is also being established over an additional 250 ha on the eastern side of the Brynderwyn Ranges near Lang’s Cove.

A tiny Hochstetter frog (adults grow to <50mm long) found in a small stream in the
Piroa Brynderwyn High Value Area.

Whangārei Heads High Value Area

Backyard kiwi and the Kiwi Coast featured in a video article by Rural Delivery on the success of community kiwi projects at Whangārei Heads. The video can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrzWhvSeIgA.

Kai Iwi Lakes HVA

Council staff are continuing to collaborate with the Kaipara District Council, the Department of Conservation and Te Roroa, seeking opportunities for collaboration and to ensure better communication between all stakeholders and the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee. An annual operational work plan has been developed between the agencies involved at the lakes.

Kiwi Coast – Northland Regional Council Partnership

Key highlights over the last month have included:

Ÿ Kiwi listening app upgrade: Upgrade of the Kiwi Coast Kiwi Listening App has been completed. This will help make it even easier for Northland kiwi listeners to collect their annual data and report it efficiently and securely. Last year the new app enabled the data to be transferred to the Department of Conservation for analysis in record time, and feedback received from users of the app last year have been incorporated into the upgrade.

Ÿ Kiwi call count survey preparation: In preparation for the upcoming Northland Kiwi Call Count Survey the first of this year’s Kiwi Listening Training Workshops has been held at Whangārei Heads with Backyard Kiwi, Kiwi Link Community Pest Control Area and the Bream Head Conservation Trust. These workshops will continue over the next fortnight with agencies, groups and projects to help build kiwi listening skills and train people how to use the app and standard listening sheets. Workshops are scheduled over the next two weeks for Kerikeri, Kaiwaka, Waipū, Pukenui, Tutukākā and possibly Otangaroa and Kaitāia.

Ÿ Release kiwi monitoring: Kiwi Coast are working with the council Biosecurity team to supporting the Tāheke Landcare Group with the post release monitoring of their 10 kiwi. All 10 kiwi have been successfully tracked and are doing well, with one kiwi (Takoha) keeping the locals on their toes by choosing roadside day-roosting spots!

Ÿ “Happy Dog, Safe Kiwi” Workshops: The first “Happy Dog, Safe Kiwi” workshop for pet and lifestyle dog owners is to be held in Kerikeri. Led by retired vet and Far North Kiwi Coast Coordinator Lesley Baigent, the workshop aims to provide an alternative to aversion training for pet and lifestyle dogs living in kiwi zones. Dog obedience and understanding dog behaviour is key to helping Northland dog owners become the solution to thriving kiwi populations rather than the key risk.

marine biosecurity

Hull Surveillance Programme

The Hull Surveillance Programme surveyed an additional 127 vessels this month. There were 11 incidents of Sabella spallanzanii (Mediterranean fanworm), three incidents of Styela clava (clubbed tunicate), one incident of Undaria pinnitifida and 15 incidents of Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate) found on vessel hulls. The vessel with Undaria was detected in Mangawhai and the risk was rapidly mitigated by diver removal of the marine pest. Staff will continue to monitor the area for this invasive seaweed as they were unable to confirm where the pest originated from.

With the exception of this incident the remaining detections were in harbours where these species are already known to have established populations. In these cases, staff work with these vessel owners to ensure that these species are not spread further.

Hull Surveillance Programme Results (28-04-21 to 24-05-21)	Total this period	Total YTD
Pathways Plan Compliance
Number of vessels surveyed this period	127	1799
% Pathways Plan Compliance (all vessels) *	12.6%	48.1%
% Pathways Plan Compliance (recent arrivals) **	60%	73.9%
Vessels found with Marine Pests
Sabella spallanzanii (fanworm)	11	67
Styela clava (clubbed tunicate)	3	52
Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp)	1	2
Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate)	15	33
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.

Hutchwilco Boat Show (13 – 16 May) in Auckland

Marine biosecurity staff joined colleagues from the Top of the North Marine Biosecurity Partnership (TON) – Department of Conservation, Ministry for Primary Industries, Auckland Council, Gisbourne District council and Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Hawkes Bay regional councils – at the Hitchwilco Boat Show to engage with boaties from all regions about the importance of marine biosecurity and keeping vessels clean.


Marine Biosecurity displays attracted a lot of interest at the Hutchwilco Boat Show	Some of the Top of the North Marine Biosecurity Partnership staff who manned the stand at the show

Ngā Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau – Wānanga in Waitangi

Marine biosecurity staff attended the Ngā Tupuanga o Te Taitokerau programme which sees students coming together to collaboratively discuss and explore their understanding of key influences on the sustainable future of their rohe and its people. Staff talked about marine pests and their impact on Northland’s moana and demonstrated the use of our Remote Operated vehicle underwater as a key tool in detecting non-indigenous marine species.

Marina charter group meeting

The TON partners are currently engaging widely with our iwi partners and key stakeholders on the draft proposal for an inter-regional marina pathway management plan (the ‘Clean Hull Plan’). Council staff have spoken with the operators of all marinas in Northland this month and discussed their views on the draft policy and ways they can champion industry involvement to make the plan a success.

Marine vessel portal workshop

Biosecurity staff attended a two-day workshop with Eagle Technologies and TON partners aimed at building the next phase of the ‘Marine Vessel Portal’. The portal will be a key implementation tool underpinning the Clean Hull Plan. The workshop was very successful, and a working model is expected to be developed in the next two months.

rivers

Long Term Plan Projects

Rivers	Comments
Awanui	The Southern Spillways and Church Road Rock Stabilization are completed for this season. Allan Bell Park work is underway with only 40% completed.
Kerikeri-Waipapa	Resource consent has been granted for this work.
Otiria / Moerewa	Turntable Hill work is complete. The Otiria-Moerewa Spillway pre-feasibility study has identified 2 options for Pokapu Road bridge crossing. These options are being re-run in the Model to confirm effectiveness.
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.
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.

NATURAL HAZARDS

Work Streams	Status	Comments
Coastal erosion hazard mapping	100% complete	Maps were published on the 19^th April for a 3-month feedback period
Coastal erosion research	Phase 2 underway	Analysis underway with publication of results due mid-2021
Region-wide coastal flood hazard mapping	100% complete	Maps, covering the whole region and including potential sea level rise dues to climate change impact, were published on our website on 19 April. All TAs were involved at the latter part of the map development. To date, the maps have been visited by 5,256 individuals following a nearly 20,000 letter drop. Enquiries from approx 100 individuals have been handled in relation to clarification and further information on the mapping. The feedback period closes on 19 July.
Region-wide river flood mapping	95% complete	All model results and maps have been received; QA and QC process ongoing; aiming to publish the maps end of August beginning of September
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 June 2021.
Website Natural Hazards Portal	In Progress	Morphum Environmental have been engaged to develop the portal; first inclusive workshop was held; draft concept is expected towards the end of June
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.

Climate Change Response

Work Streams

Status

Comments

NRC Climate Change Strategy

Draft complete

CC 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 – Joint Climate Adaptation Strategy

In development

Work well under way on draft strategy, including chapters:

· Climate risk overview (draft complete)

· Local government Adaptation Toolbox (in progress – KDC lead)

· Climate Risk and Māori (in progress)

· Coastal community profiles (in progress)

· Adaptation engagement framework (in progress)

· Adaptation planning program (in progress)

Adaptation Strategy to be discussed at a workshop of the Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee meeting in early August and presented to the committee meeting on 30 August 2021.

MĀORI ENGAGEMENT

"Whaia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe me he maunga teitei"

"Seek that which is most precious, if you should bow let it be to a lofty mountain"

A whakatauki that reminds us of how we can take on great challenges in our aspirations.

Resignation of Kaiārahi Tikanga Māori

It was with aroha and appreciation at the final tikanga and te reo Māori monthly workshop that the council took their opportunity to thank and farewell our Kaiārahi Tikanga Māori for his leadership and support. The Chair Penny Smart noted that they had come a long way in their cultural journey and thanked him for his contribution. The council in their commitment have regular tikanga and te reo workshops to ensure that they can maintain and honour meaningful relationships with tangata whenua.

Mana Whakahono-ā-Rohe

Implementation has begun in partnership with Ngāti Rehia and Patuharakeke to identify key issues that impact hapū. The ongoing commitment is to ensure we work closely with each hapū to provide information and resources to support their aspirations. Currently this includes the opportunities for mātauranga Māori monitoring projects supported by our environmental science team and meetings with key staff to consider the policies and plans in regard to moorings in coastal areas. Subsequent meetings have been held with Te Parawhau, Te Hikutu Hokianga and Te Uri o Hau to discuss their intent to have a Mana Whakahono-ā-Rohe.

Iwi Local Government Authorities Chief Executives Forum (ILGACE)

Co-chaired by CE Shaun Clarke (FNDC) and Sam Napia (Ngāpuhi), this included an update on the freshwater quality plan change process that our council is undertaking as required by the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM) and confirmation on how to engage with a ‘wai Māori’ group that was established to provide technical advice to iwi.

Other updates included from other councils:

Ÿ Briefing on Whai Kainga, a regional cross sector group providing leadership in promoting an interagency collaborative approach looking at, and responding to, the significant housing needs in Te Taitokerau.

Ÿ Māori representation and an acknowledgement that all councils in Te Taitokerau have voted for Māori seats.

Te Whāriki Core Cultural Competency Programme

Another successful Level 1 workshop was held at Terenga Paraoa Marae on Monday 17 May, welcoming a number of new kaimahi (staff) who have begun working at council and bringing with them many skills and experiences to support our collective workforce.

Te Whāriki is an opportunity to introduce them to our ongoing commitment to have compulsory tikanga and te reo as a core component of staff competencies. Training dates are now booked for Level 2 workshops in July aligned with Puanga (known generally as Matariki) to continue to support the learning and development of our kaimahi.


Kaimahi presenting discussions of pepeha at Kaka Porowini, Terenga Paraoa Marae

8.3.6 STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement

REGIONAL PLANNING

Proposed Regional Plan

Since the last update provided to council, staff have been working on revising provisions as directed by the Environment Court on Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs) and Outstanding Natural Landscapes (ONLs) in the Coastal Marine Area (CMA) and these have been circulated to parties to the appeals for feedback. In terms of the ONLs in the CMA, council has now been directed to consult with parties to the appeal, “other community groups” and tangata whenua and report back to the Court by 30 July, prior to the provisions being publicly notified in September once approval from the Court has been given.

The appeal to the High Court of the Environment Court’s decision on the National Environmental Standard (Regulations) on Freshwater regarding wetlands in the CMA is set down for hearing in Auckland on 6 September.

Forest and Bird were unsuccessful in their claim for costs against Northport regarding the appeals relating to the Significant Ecological Area and Marsden Point; the Court decision was that costs lie where they fall.

Hearings on fishing controls/Marine Protected Areas are scheduled for the weeks of 12 and 19 July and 2 August, with expert witness conferencing to refine matters under debate in the last two weeks of June. The outcomes of these hearings are likely of significant interest nationally as well as locally, as indicated by the large number of experts being called by parties (now numbering over 60 experts) and parties still seeking to join the appeal.

FNDC Draft District Plan

Council lodged its submission on the draft District Plan released by the Far North District Council for feedback. FNDC staff have thanked council for its submission and have noted they may come back to council for further discussions and input once they have reviewed all the submissions received.

NPS Freshwater Management – Proposed Plan Change

The Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group (TWWAG) met on 18 May, finalised their Terms of Reference and are now developing a workplan. The Primary Sector Liaison Group (PSLG) meeting on 25 May discussed options of interactions with TWWAG and the possibility of meeting at relevant touch points during their respective work programmes to share information. The group was given an overview of the NPS-FM National Objectives Framework process and a draft GIS FMU viewer under development by NRC was presented to the group for feedback.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project	Update	Future developments/ reporting
Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust	Work with Trust on potential investment opportunities.	Continue to work with Trust on an investment proposal for a July council decision if appropriate.

Other Work Undertaken

Ÿ Regional economic service delivery - working on documentation necessary to move to joint ownership of Northland Inc. following positive LTP deliberation decisions by FNDC and KDC to take up joint ownership proposal, including Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party meeting on 7 May

Ÿ Regional economic development strategy – began socialising the development of a strategy with TTNEAP Working Party and central government agencies

Ÿ Northland Inc. draft Statement of Intent 2021-2024 – work with Northland Inc. on redraft of KPIs

Ÿ Economic information – presentation to Northland Valuers Summit 2021

Ÿ Attended EDNZ Conference 2021 in Palmerston North. Northland Inc. was joint winner with FNHL of the Best Practice Inclusive Development Award for the Ngawhā Innovation and Enterprise Park

ONLINE CHANNELS

Most popular content on Facebook: Most popular post for May was the media release for the overflow works at Moerewa’s Turntable Hill (10 May 2021). We had a reach of 20,604 and engaged* 459 people.

New payment portal

Following the termination of BNZ’s online payment portal, the team has been working on a new payment gateway system. The new system is now live at www.nrc.govt.nz/pay

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

Key Performance Indicators	Jan-21	Feb 21	Mar-21	Apr-21	May-21
WEB
# Visits to the NRC website	36,300	40,200	77,800	39,000	35,400
E-payments made	6	12	0	2	-
# subscription customers (cumulative)	1,270	1,286	1,276	1,278	1,276
SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative)
# Twitter followers	1,551	1,558	1,563	1,560	1,548
# NRC Facebook fans	10,200	10,200	10,300	10,300	10,400
# NRC Overall Facebook Reach	189,600	211,800	173,800	96,800	145,600
# NRC Engaged Daily Users	7,365	8,283	11,100	5,266	8,796
# CDEM Facebook fans	21,300	21,900	25,200	25,200	25,200
# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach	83,600	262,600	484,900	66,500	36,700
# CDEM Engaged Daily Users	14,800	34,100	53,700	1,625	2,416
# Instagram followers	1,320	1,330	1,337	1,360	1,383

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

May – Online payment figures for incomplete due to termination of BNZ service.

ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION

Enviroschools Bronze and Green-Gold stages celebrated

On 27 May, our very first early childhood centre – BestStart Pipiwai Kindy – celebrated Bronze with Crs Jack Craw and Terry Archer. There are eight other similar celebrations in the wings. On 17 May, Ruawai Kindergarten held a successful Green-Gold sharing and decision-making session, which will be celebrated on 2 July with Chair Penny Smart officiating.

Dune lake action day held

On 26 May, a dune lake action day was held at Black Lake, Kai Iwi, on the Greer farm. Students, teachers and whanau from Aranga School, OneSchool Global and Dargaville Intermediate joined with Biodiversity and Enviroschools staff, to learn about water quality, pest and native fish, eels and amphibious plants. Te Roroa, Te Kuihi and Aotearoa Lakes also supported the action day.

WaiFencing assessment workshops held

On 6 and 7 May, 70 students from nine secondary schools were assessed in practical fencing skills and handed in their associated theory paper. The workshops were held on Donagh Farm in the Kaipara catchment and were supported by a Land Management staff member and Can Train NZ.

School communities facilitated

During May, Enviroschools Facilitators held 71 specific interactions with schools and early childhood communities.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

2021 Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards

The third Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards were held in Kerikeri on Thursday 27 May. Over 220 guests from Northland’s environmental community attended the celebration event.

The 2021 category winners were:

Ÿ Environmental action in the community: Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust - Experiencing Marine Reserves

Ÿ Environmental action in pest management: Pest Free Peninsulas Kaipara

Ÿ Environmental action in education: Oruaiti School

Ÿ Environmental action in water quality improvement: NgāiTakoto Taiao team

Ÿ Environmental leadership: Tiaki Nga Wai o Hokianga - Hokianga Harbor Care Incorporated Society

Ÿ Kaitiakitanga: Tohe Ashby - Kauri Dieback Project

Ÿ Environmental action on climate change: Carbon Neutral NZ Trust - Kerikeri Branch

Ÿ Environmental action in industry: NZ Sustainable Farming Ltd

The 2021 Te Tohu Matua – Supreme Award went to Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust - Experiencing Marine Reserves.

More information about the winners and awards is available online www.nrc.govt.nz/awardwinners and will be updated with photos and a video about each of the category winners. A full-page spread will also feature in the Northern Advocate in late June.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION (LGOIMA) REQUESTS

Total LGOIMAs	May 2019 to May 2020	May 2020 to May 2021
Total LGOIMAs	178	176
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 for Northland 2021-2027 and Draft Regional Public Passenger Transport Plan 2021-2031 – Deliberations

On 11 May 2021, the Regional Transport Committee (RTC) held a Deliberations meeting regarding submissions received on the Draft Regional Land Transport Plan for Northland 2021-2027 (RLTP) and the Draft Regional Passenger Transport Plan 2021-2031 (RPTP).

Ÿ Draft Regional Land Transport Plan for Northland 2021-2027

The RTC approved changes to both the Strategic Front End and the Detailed Three-Year Funding Plan spreadsheets have been completed. The finalised RLTP will be tabled at the RTC meeting on 9 June 2021 with a recommendation that the content of the RLTP be approved and that it be forwarded to the Northland Regional Council with a recommendation that the RLTP be approved and submitted to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) by no later than 30 June 2021.

Ÿ Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-2027

The RTC approved all requested changes to the RPTP. However, NZTA have requested an extension to the original submission period. This is due to a new public transport section recently being formed at NZTA. This section has requested that they be afforded the opportunity to make comment on the RPTP. The extension will in no way affect passenger transport subsidy applications through the RPTP. The finalised RPTP is scheduled to be tabled at the August 2021 RTC and council for approval for release.

Passenger Transport Administration

Bus Link stats for April 2021 * (revenue ex GST)	Actual	Budget	Variance	Year/Date Actual	Year/Date Budgeted
CityLink Passengers	22,128	22,990	-862	263,161	274,492
CityLink Revenue	$28,957	$31,037	-$2,080	$330,784	$370,564
Mid North Link Passengers	211	156	55	1749	1560
Mid North Link Revenue	$795	$780	$15	$6,338	$7,800
Hokianga Link Passengers	108	78	30	1064	780
Hokianga Link Revenue	$554	$543	$11	$5,467	$5,426
Far North Link Passengers	324	525	-201	3,685	5,602
Far North Link Revenue	$856	$1,667	-$811	$9,669	$15,939
Bream Bay Link Passengers	49	30	19	493	264
Bream Bay Link Revenue	$325	$108	$217	$3,279	$928
Hikurangi Link Passengers	31	60	-29	204	312
Hikurangi Link Revenue	$91	$156	-$65	$ 499	$811
Whangārei Heads Link Passengers	5	30	-25	68	156
Whangārei Heads Link Revenue	$22	$130	-$108	$284	$678

*BusLink figures are reported one month in arrears

Passenger Transport Operating Model (PTOM)

PTOM was introduced in 2013 by the Ministry of Transport (MoT), with the aim of fostering greater collaboration between contracted passenger transport operators and regional councils. PTOM principles are required to be applied to all contracts.

As PTOM has not fully achieved the outcomes expected, the MoT is undertaking a complete review of the model and put its initial recommendations out for consultation.

Staff will provide council with progress reports as this review progresses.

CityLink/Buslink promotion – Youth Week 8 to 16 May

Northland Transport Alliance (NTA) staff worked with Whangārei District Council (WDC) to promote Youth Week (free travel), in an effort to encourage youth to make use of public transport with the view to increasing passenger numbers. Five hundred and ninety one passengers were recorded as using the bus for Youth Week events.

Total Mobility

	Total Clients	Monthly Actual Expend	Monthly Budgeted Expend	Monthly Variance	Year/Date Actual Expend	Year/Date Budgeted Expend	Annual Variance
April 2021	1435	$22,548	$25,000	-$2,452	$213,921	$250,000	-$36,079

National Total Mobility Scheme Coordinators Meeting – 13 May 2021

Northland chaired the first National Total Mobility (TM) Scheme Coordinators meeting for 2021. Issues covered included: -

Ÿ Hoist installation funding

Ÿ Progress toward accessibility training for drivers and fitness of hoist machinery

Ÿ National TM card; and

Ÿ Ridewise 2 update.

Moving forward Northland will organise and share chairing these meetings in Wellington and via Teams.

Regional Total Mobility Scheme Working Group Meeting – 20 May 2021

NTA hosted a regional Total Mobility Scheme (TM) working group meeting for all agencies, transport operators and funders. The items covered were:

Ÿ Year to date usage of the scheme

Ÿ Ridewise 2 update

Ÿ Wearing masks on Public Transport

Ÿ Total Mobility survey; and

Ÿ The current TM renewal process.

ROAD SAFETY UPDATE

2021 Year to Date Road Death Statistics:

Fatalities this year	Far North	Whangārei	Kaipara	Northland	National
Local roads	2	2	1	5	77
State highways	5	2	4	11	68
TOTAL	7	4	5	16	145

Comparative Motorcycle crashes for Northland 2020 & 2021 YTD = 1 fatality 2020 and 4 fatalities 2021 Year to Date

Road Safety Delivery

Road Safety Week was 17 to 23 May. Speed was the theme for this week. See graphs below where speed was a contributing factor to crashes in Northland.

No. of crashes where speed was a contributing factor - Northland

Chart, line chart

Description automatically generated

District breakdown of crashes where speed was a contributing factor

Chart, bar chart

Description automatically generated

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.

Road Safety Promotion/Media

Road safety promotion work continues supporting Police and partners with road safety promotion through various media platforms including at events.

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Telephone inbound call statistic & enquiries

	May 2021 (as at 28 May)	KPI
Call volumes via Customer Services	2457
Conversion rate	97.8%	>95%
Average wait time	6 sec
Calls answered in under 30 sec	96.6%	>90%

Call volumes and performance are consistent normal trends. The increase in enquiries anticipated on the release of the updated coastal hazard maps has not been as large as expected with many enquiries coming via email.

Satisfaction monitoring

Ÿ Feedback cards, compliments and complaints

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

Compliments received	Total
Service provided by a specific person/people Ÿ Land Management – J Gillanders Ÿ Monitoring – N Bamford	2
Total compliments recorded	2
Complaints received	Total
Staff or contractor behaviour/attitude Ÿ Bus – Citylink Ÿ Monitoring	2
Standard of service provided Ÿ Bus – Citylink (x3) Ÿ Hotline Ÿ Multiple departments	5
Total complaints recorded	7

The lack of compliments recorded reflects the workload of many departments. In casual conversation, several staff have mentioned receipt of a compliment, but they have not taken the time to ensure it has been recorded in the system. Perhaps one of the oddest this month was a very large kumara given to one of the customer service team for assisting the customer with a frustrating issue.

In addition to the complaints recorded above there were a higher number of complaints relating to district council activities which were referred to the various councils. Several of these were concerning minor issues and this mirrors the experience of our customer services team who are reporting a high level of stress and frustration in the community.

The complaint about multiple departments is from one of our regular customers who is a frequent letter writer to the organisation. Among other things they were expressing annoyance at slow response to the letters. A meeting is planned to go through and clarify council position on multiple issues raised.

Where the customer has provided contact details, all complaints have been followed up and resolved, where possible.

Ÿ Resident Survey

The 2021 survey period has closed, however, for this week the survey company is accepting any completed surveys delayed in the mail. The survey results will be available in July.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

National Emergency Management (NEMA) Visit to Northland

Representatives from NEMA visited Northland and met with the Northland CDEM staff prior to the Northland CDEM Forum in early May. Representatives included Gary Knowles, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) and Roger Ball, National Controller. Discussion regarding the restructure and changes within NEMA were discussed and the events of 5 March tsunami warning.

Northland CDEM Group Forum

On 5 May the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group hosted its annual Forum at Forum North. 265 delegates, with representation from iwi and hapu, emergency services, agencies and stakeholders, community response groups, Auckland and Waikato CDEM, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), territorial authorities, businesses and the Northland economic sector attended.

Of the attending delegates, 143 were attending their first Northland CDEM Forum and 122 have attended in previous years. The programme for the day included a variety of speakers including the recently retired Police Commissioner Mike Bush, Sarb Johal, Psychologists and the newly appointed NEMA Deputy CE Gary Knowles.

National Emergency Management Conference

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) held the National EM Conference from 25-27 May. The first day of the conference, a hui ā-motu, provided a platform for Māori and indigenous perspectives on emergency management. The second and third day explored how working together – through partnerships, co-creation, and collective effort, across a broad range of organisations, sectors, and communities – can support improved emergency management outcomes for individuals and communities. Five Northland CDEM staff plus stakeholders and partners attended the conference.

Tsunami Siren Upgrade – Request for Tender

The Northland CDEM Group Request for Tenders for the upgrade of the Northland Tsunami Siren Network closed on 31 May 2021. This tender relates to funding provided in this financial year to the Northland CDEM Group by the NEMA Resilience Fund.

Northland CDEM Group Plan 2021-2026

The reviewed draft plan will be presented to the Northland CDEM Group Joint Committee and Northland Coordinating Executive Group meetings on 16 June for approval, before public consultation commences on 21 June for five weeks.

Northland Welfare Coordination Group (WCG)

The Northland WCG held a workshop for its members on 16 May to review the 5 March tsunami events, agency responses and opportunities for improvement. The workshop outcomes were recorded and will update the WCG annual work programme where required.

Northland Youth in Emergency Services (YES) Programme

The Northland YES programme was completed in May and early June and was held in Mangawhai this year. Sixteen young people were part of the programme and experienced opportunities with NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ, St John, NZ Red Cross, Surf Lifesaving and a final multi-agency exercise.

MARITIME

Ten incidents received over May - most related to illegal mooring occupation, abandoned vessels and a couple of aids to navigation damaged or out of position.

An oil spill exercise was held at Marsden Point trialling the Northport offices as an Incident Command Centre. Two NRC staff also attended the Senior Regional Responder course in Auckland. The Harbourmaster attended a National On-scene Commander meeting also in Auckland, along with a Northern Region Harbourmasters meeting. At the same time the Moorings Maritime Officer attended a National Mooring meet to share problems and initiatives with moorings management.

Funding application for the Fuel Excise Duty Recreational Boating Fund has been completed for the coming season. Last season some $80k was successfully used in Northland for boating safety initiatives.

One new Maritime Officer has been recruited and started at the Ōpua regional office. A second recruitment is underway for a Maritime Officer at Whangārei. A small restructure of the Maritime team was undertaken to adapt to changes. A new Harbour Warden was signed up for Whangaroa and is already helping the team. A large number of derelict vessels in Totara North are being addressed by the team.

The Maritime team have taken on a contract providing on-water services to a repair team for the on-water air beacons for Whangārei Airport, as well as some ongoing survey work for Mair Bank, monitoring shifting sand banks adjacent to the refinery. The hydrographic survey equipment is now operating well and providing useful information for, amongst other things, all the mooring areas and associated depths.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

TITLE:	Receipt of Action Sheet
ID:	A1449003
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager
Authorised by:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 8 June 2021

*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

Name:	Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence,
Title:	Group Manager - Corporate Excellence
Date:

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	That the Northland Regional Council approve the Regional Land Transport Plan for Northland 2021-2027 and approve the submission of the Regional Land Transport Plan for Northland 2021-2027 to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency by 30 June 2021.	That the Regional Land Transport Plan for Northland 2021-2027 be submitted to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency within the prescribed time period and thereby allowing the Northland Regional Council, Far North District Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Waitangi Trust and the Department of Conservation the opportunity to apply for transport related funding assistance from the National Land Transport Fund.	None
2	That the Northland Regional Council does not approve the Regional Land Transport Plan for Northland 2021-2027 and does not approve the submission of the Regional Land Transport Plan for Northland 2021-2027 to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency by 30 June 2021.	None	Failure to submit the Regional Land Transport Plan for Northland 2021-2027 within the prescribed time period could potentially adversely impact on the ability of the Northland Regional Council, Far North District Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Waitangi Trust and the Department of Conservation to obtain national funding assistance.

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Adopt changes to the Terms of Reference	Keeps the committee current	None anticipated
2	Do not adopt changes to the Terms of Reference	No Advantages	Committee membership is out of date

TITLE:	Confirmation of Minutes - Council Meeting held on 18 May 2021 and Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 19 May 2021
ID:	A1450263
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager
Authorised by Group Manager:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 09 June 2021

TITLE:	Financial Report to 31 May 2021
ID:	A1449660
From:	Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant

TITLE:	Councillor Appointments and Portfolios
ID:	A1443351
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager
Authorised by Group Manager:	Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 09 June 2021

TITLE:	Regional Land Transport Plan for Northland 2021-2027
ID:	A1447040
From:	Chris Powell, Transport Manager - Northland Transport Alliance
Authorised by Group Manager:	Tony Phipps, Group Manager - Customer Services - Community Resilience, on 09 June 2021

TITLE:	Kawakawa Taumarere River Working Group Terms of Reference Update
ID:	A1448379
From:	Joseph Camuso, Rivers & Natural Hazards Manager and Matt Jolly, River Management Officer
Authorised by Group Manager:	Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on 09 June 2021

TITLE:	Health and Safety Report
ID:	A1448677
From:	Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor
Authorised by Group Manager:	Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 01 June 2021

TITLE:	Chair's Report to Council
ID:	A1448106
From:	Penny Smart, Chair
Authorised by Group Manager:	Penny Smart, Chair, on 09 June 2021

Date	Addressed To	Subject
04.05.21	Hon Stuart Nash Minister for Economic and Regional Development	Follow up letter following meeting with the Minister on 22 April 2021.
05.05.21	Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall Acting Minister of Conservation	Kauri Dieback national response Feral deer Marine protected areas
10.05.21	Hon Kelvin Davis Emily Henderson MP Marja Lubeck MP Willow-Jean Prime MP	Working together on Te Taitokerau issues
18.05.21	Belinda Clark Te Arawhiti	Key points from initial meeting re Ngāpuhi settlement negotiations
21.05.21	Benoit Marcenac Director Marsden Maritime Holdings	Marsden Maritime Holdings board nominations
21.05.21	Hon Stuart Nash Minister for Economic and Regional Development, Forestry, Small Business and Tourism	Talking points for discussion on 2 June 2021

TITLE:	Northland Inc. Limited: Reporting Against Statement of Intent - Quarter Three 2020/21
ID:	A1447030
From:	Darryl Jones, Economist
Authorised by Group Manager:	Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 09 June 2021

TITLE:	Receipt of Committee Minutes
ID:	A1448732
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager
Authorised by Group Manager:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 09 June 2021

TITLE:	Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings
ID:	A1448997
From:	Sally Bowron, Strategy, Governance and Engagement Team Admin/PA
Authorised by Group Manager:	Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on date 09 June 2021

Item No.	Item Issue	Reasons/Grounds
10.1	Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - Council Meeting 18 May 2021 and Extraordinary Council Meeting 19 May 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	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).
10.3	Externally Managed Funds - Changes to the SIPO	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities s7(2)(h) and the withholding of which is necessary to prevent the disclosure or use of official information for improper gain or improper advantage s7(2)(j).