Agenda of Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee

Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee item: 6.1

21 February 2022

TITLE:	Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Draft Six Month Report
ID:
From:	John Hutton, Strategic Business Manager, Kaipara Maurikura
Authorised by Group Manager:	Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki, on 17 February 2022

He Rāpopoto hautū / Executive summary

The Kaipara Moana Remediation Deed of Funding requires the preparation of an abbreviated Six Month Report and provision of it to the Ministry for the Environment by 28 February 2022.

A draft Six Month Report is attached (Attachment A). It is recommended the Joint Committee approve the draft in principle and delegate to the Chair and Deputy Chair final approval for provision to the Ministry for the Environment, with the ability of the Pou Tātaki to make minor editorial changes prior to submission if required. This will ensure any additional information, including better data on project outputs, can be included and adjustments to the report made if required.

Ngā tūtohu / Recommendation(s)

1. That the report ‘Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Draft Six Month Report’ by John Hutton, Strategic Business Manager, Kaipara Maurikura and dated 15 February 2022, be received.

2. That the ‘Draft Six Month Report’ document under Appendix One be approved in principle.

3. Delegate to the Chair and Deputy Chair the power to approve a final draft of the Six Month Report for provision to the Ministry for the Environment, with the ability of the Pou Tātaki to make minor editorial changes prior to submission if required.

Horopaki / Context

Under the Kaipara Moana Remediation Deed of Funding, signed with the Ministry for the Environment on 9 February 2021, the Joint Committee must submit a Six Month Report to the Ministry for the period from 1 July to 31 December in each Financial Year (except for the first Financial Year in which the Deed is entered into). The report must be submitted either within two months of 31 December, or by a later date to be agreed in writing by the parties.

A draft Six Month Report is attached for approval in principle.

Tātari me ngā tūtohu / Analysis and advice

Six Month Report requirements

Section 4.12 of the Kaipara Moana Remediation Deed of Funding (Part B) sets out what is required in each Six Month Report, including:

i. an update on progress towards delivering environmental outputs as outlined in the Annual Work Plan

ii. where any formal training of personnel is funded by the Grant: the number of personnel who undertook formal training, the number who completed the training, and the number of any New Zealand Qualifications Authority credits obtained

iii. a financial summary that provides an update on expenditure to date.

The Six Month Report also provides an opportunity to communicate key messages to the Ministry about the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme. While the status of the KMR programme is generally well understood by Ministry staff, the Report provides a brief description of progress in establishing key partnerships and delivering remediation works, and also the challenges faced during the establishment phase of the programme and the impacts of protracted Covid-19 restrictions.

An invoice for the following 6-month period and corresponding projected expenditure tracked against the Annual Work Plan budget can also be provided. Normally this would happen by 30 November of the financial year. For this 2021-2022 financial year, it was assessed that the Crown funding already held by the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme (KMR) would be sufficient to support the programme to 31 June 2022, and therefore no invoice for further Crown funding was required.

Finalising the draft Six Month Report and delegations to the Chair and Deputy Chair

It is proposed the draft Six Month Report is approved in principle, with the Chair and Deputy Chair being delegated the power to approve a final report for submission to the Ministry for the Environment by 28 February 2022. It is also recommended the Pou Tātaki is given the ability to make minor editorial changes to the report before submission. This is to avoid the need for the Chair and Deputy Chair to approve the report a second time if typographical and other minor matters need attention.

Six Month Report formatting and look

The Six Month Report is an abbreviated report for MfE’s internal use, and does not require formatting and illustrations consistent with the KMR brand and identity, as is provided in the Annual Report. Rather, the report follows the formatting and look of the Annual Work Plan, which is based on a template provided by the Ministry for the Environment for all Jobs for Nature projects.

Considerations

1. Aromātai whāinga haumi mō te oranga / Wellbeing Investment objectives and assessment

Provision of a Six Month Report to the Ministry for the Environment is a requirement under the Kaipara Moana Remediation Deed of Funding. The continuation of Crown funding, which enables the programme to meet investment objectives, is contingent on meeting obligations under the Deed.

2. Ngā ritenga take pūtea / Financial implications

There are no financial implications in approving the Six Month Report. Budget for its preparation is covered by the general operating budget of the Kaipara Maurikura business unit and the data used is gathered as a normal part of KMR operations.

3. Ngā hiranga me ngā hononga / Significance and Engagement

In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, the decisions arising from this report are considered to be of low significance when assessed against Northland Regional Council’s significance and engagement policy. This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, but that the joint committee is able to make these decisions without undertaking further consultation or engagement.^{^[1]}

4. Ngā tūraru me ngā mauru / Risks and mitigation

The Six Month Report provides accountability and transparency to the work of the KMR programme, and assurance to programme partners on performance.

5. Ngā whāinga mō āmuri / Next steps

If approved in principle, the draft Six Month Report will be finalised under delegation by the Chair and Deputy Chair and provided to the Ministry for the Environment by 28 February 2022.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Attachment 1: Attachment A – Draft KMR Six Month Report ⇩

Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee item: 6.2

21 February 2022

TITLE:	Catchment Reference Groups (Establishment)
ID:
From:	Lisette Rawson, Amo - Rauora Kōawa \| Catchment Remediation Manager and Willie Wright, Ringa-Hononga Mana Whenua \| Mana Whenua Relations Lead
Authorised by Group Manager:	Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki, on 17 February 2022

He Rāpopoto hautū / Executive summary

The Joint Committee has previously considered, and taken decisions on, the criteria and levels of funding for remediation activities in the wider Kaipara Moana catchment led by hapū and community groups who may not be represented by Kaipara Uri entities. The establishment of Catchment Reference Groups to manage this funding was also agreed, and included in KMR’s Annual Plan for Year 2 (current year).

This paper summarises previous decisions and seeks approval for an approach to establish Catchment Reference Groups for three river systems (Wairua, Mangakāhia and Hōteo). The intention is to release allocated funding to these groups for use this financial year, with further funding expected to be available in later years, subject to KMR Annual Work Plan approval processes.

In the first instance, we propose a representative from each of the three river systems and a Joint Committee representative (acting as Chair) meet to co-design Terms of Reference for the Catchment Reference Groups, consistent with KMR investment objectives and grant funding criteria. A contract would then be prepared to support each Group to self-organise to assess and fund relevant remediation project proposals, reporting regularly on progress and investment outcomes. Joint Committee approval will be required for any investments that are materially outside agreed grant funding criteria.

Ngā tūtohu / Recommendation(s)

1. That the report ‘Catchment Reference Groups (Establishment)’ by Lisette Rawson, Amo - Rauora Kōawa | Catchment Remediation Manager and Willie Wright, Ringa-Hononga Mana Whenua | Mana Whenua Relations Lead and dated 16 February 2022, be received.

2. Note that the Joint Committee has previously agreed the establishment of Catchment Reference Groups to support remediation activities in the wider Kaipara Moana catchment led by hapū and community groups who may not be represented by Kaipara Uri entities (A1437942).

3. Note that funding to support Catchment Reference Groups was approved by the Joint Committee as part of the Year 2 Annual Plan, supported by $1,160,000 in total project value consistent with KMR investment objectives and Whenua Whānui grant funding criteria (A1437942; and resolution for item 5.2, 15 November 2021).

4. Agree to establish three Catchment Reference Groups with the ability to allocate funding for remediation activities in the Wairua, Mangakāhia and Hōteo river systems respectively.

5. Agree that the Kaipara Maurikura will convene a representative from each of the three river systems and a Joint Committee representative (acting as Chair) to co-design Terms of Reference for the Catchment Reference Groups.

6. Agree that associated contracts would allow each Catchment Reference Group to self-organise to assess and fund relevant remediation project proposals in line with the Terms of Reference, reporting regularly to the Maurikura on progress and investment outcomes.

7. Note that Joint Committee approval will be required for any proposed investments that are materially outside of the agreed grant funding criteria.

8. That a report-back on progress to establish the Catchment Reference Group be provided to the Joint Committee in May 2022.

Horopaki / Context

On 17 May 2021, the Joint Committee considered a paper (A1437942) entitled Draft Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme Year 2 Work Plan. The paper acknowledged that there were “hapū and marae communities residing within the Kaipara Moana catchments who may not be represented by Kaipara Uri entities. These groups are often involved in and lead local remediation efforts and may wish to participate in KMR-supported remediation work.”

The paper went on to note the following:

“If groups wish to work through a collective ‘Catchment Reference Group’ in each of the three main upper-catchment river systems, then the proposed budget can be used to fund remediation projects in these areas, consistent with KMR investment objectives and grant funding principles. One possibility is for hapū and marae groups to help mobilise landowners in their respective area to take up grant funding in the same way as for Remediation Grants through Sediment Reduction Plans. Some budget will be required to support the development of remediation projects and is unlikely to attract a 50% landowner contribution. It is recommended $100,000 is set aside for this purpose. It is also recommended staff within Kaipara Maurikura are tasked to engage with hapū and marae communities residing in upper Kaipara Moana catchments. Budget for this would be covered from the Kaipara Maurikura budget”.

The paper continued on to note: “If remediation grant funding for projects is required above the $500,000 identified, with approval by the Joint Committee this could be made available through the Remediation Grants through Sediment Reduction Plans funding. It is possible remediation work undertaken through Catchment Reference Groups will extend into Year 3 or later, particularly as work often needs to be undertaken across the calendar year rather than financial year. Exact timeframes will only be known if the approach proceeds and when landowners indicate they are keen to proceed in this way.

In the final Year 2 Annual Plan, the Joint Committee committed $1,100,000 in total project value to be allocated equally across three river catchments in the upper Kaipara Moana catchment for remediation activities, consistent with KMR investment objectives and grant funding principles.

The agreed total Year 2 annual budget for the three Catchment Reference Groups is comprised as follows:

Total budget (FY2021-22) $1,100,000

Crown grant contribution $500,000

Council contribution $100,000

Third party/Land-owner contribution $500,000

(Note – values identified above are exclusive of GST).

In the report titled - 5.2 Financial Status and Minor Budget Adjustments for the Joint Committee meeting held on 15 November 2021 (Item 5.2), the Joint Committee subsequently increased this allocation as follows:

$60,000 [to be transferred] to the budget for Catchment Reference Group Projects. This will help enable marae and other community groups to meet overhead in management expenses for sediment reduction projects (to be met on a 50/50 basis by tracked in-kind contributions),

This brings the total Year 2 annual budget for the three Catchment Reference Groups to:

Total budget (FY2021-22) $1,160,000

Crown grant contribution $560,000

Council contribution $100,000

Third party/Land-owner contribution $500,000

(Note – values identified above are exclusive of GST).

Tātari me ngā tūtohu / Analysis and advice

Supporting existing groups to continue to continue to engage and complete remediation mahi in the wider Kaipara Moana catchment is important to achieving overall KMR programme outcomes. Local hapū and community groups are often active in planting and restoration of waterways, and have an excellent understanding of their communities and the challenges of their immediate environment.

The earlier Joint Committee papers referred in various places to support for groups ‘in inland areas’, ‘upper catchments’ (i.e where headwaters begin, as opposed to northern catchments), and in respect of groups which may not be represented by the Kaipara Uri entities. The papers also emphasised the importance of KMR providing ongoing support for hapū and community groups in their kaitiakitanga of and participation in restoring the mauri of the Kaipara Moana at an operational level.

Given the importance of remediation occurring across a complete river system, from the headwaters to the moana, and that all five rivers in the Kaipara Moana catchment deliver sediment loading into the moana, we are recommending the establishment of three Catchment Reference Groups with the ability to allocate funding to remediation projects across the Wairua, Mangakāhia River and Hōteo river systems, consistent with KMR grants funding criteria. This meets the intent of the original Joint Committee decision and is similar to the approach taken to date with third party providers working in partnership with the KMR such as Fonterra and the Forest Bridge Trust.

Several groups who are not represented by the Kaipara Uri entities are actively working in the wider Kaipara Moana catchment, having done so over many years. Such groups are potentially eligible for Catchment Reference Group project funding. Some of the groups have already been engaging with KMR’s new Pūtohu-Hononga Hapū and Hāpori/Community and Hapū Engagement Advisor on expressions of interest for Whenua Whānui Fund funding, and some are developing applications. We consider it important that eligible groups have the opportunity to elect which KMR funding stream they wish to apply under, once the Catchment Reference Groups are established. However, care needs to be taken that projects from these groups are not further delayed by a decision to convene the Catchment Reference Groups.

There is also some urgency to contract and invest the allocated funding so that it can support the ongoing scaling up of KMR remediation activities this year, particularly in advance of the coming winter planting season. As highlighted in the accompanying Surge Planting Initiative paper, time is of the essence if the programme is to maximise winter planting outcomes. This proposal is one part of several mitigation actions proposed by the Maurikura to accelerate KMR programme delivery.

In order to meet these objectives, in the first instance, we propose that a representative from each of the three river systems and a Joint Committee representative (acting as Chair) be approached and invited to meet (virtually or in person depending on COVID-19 settings) to co-design a high-level Terms of Reference for the Catchment Reference Groups, to ensure that each Catchment Reference Group can operate in ways that are consistent with KMR investment objectives and grant funding criteria, while reflecting appropriate concepts that recognise the mana of hapū and community groups in their kaitiakitanga of their local river system.

Once the Terms of Reference are agreed, a contract would then be prepared to support each Group to self-organise to assess and fund relevant remediation project proposals in line with the Terms of Reference. Regular reporting to the Maurikura on progress and investment outcomes would be required under the contract, as is required in contracts with other providers working in partnership with the KMR programme. We propose that Joint Committee approval will be required for any investments that are materially outside of the agreed grant funding criteria.

Notwithstanding the need for genuine engagement, it is in the collective interest that the Catchment Reference Groups are contracted before the end of April 2022. We recommend that while the Maurikura will support the process until contracting is complete, then move to an ongoing engagement and monitoring role, the Groups are self-organised following establishment, supported by an initial funding investment of $20,000 per Group.

Considerations

1. Aromātai whāinga haumi mō te oranga / Wellbeing Investment objectives and assessment

By funding well-established groups, KMR can support groups already taking action, and with a proven track record, to accelerate remediation activities in line with KMR criteria, enabling them to ‘get on with it’. The proposed approach involving co-design and delegated decision-making to each river system would enable wide oranga outcomes, as well as taiao outcomes.

2. Ngā ritenga take pūtea / Financial implications

Aside from the $1,160,000 already in budget, there are no immediate financial implications to the proposal. Sound contract management will ensure that the contracted entities achieve their deliverables. In future years, we would propose to run further funding rounds through the Catchment Reference Groups, but this would be subject to normal annual planning processes and approvals, including from the Ministry for the Environment as contractor/investor.

3. Ngā hiranga me ngā hononga / Significance and Engagement

4. Ngā tūraru me ngā mauru / Risks and mitigation

The approach proposed is similar to the contractual arrangements reached with Fonterra and Forest Bridge Trust. In addition, the Whenua Whānui Fund approach caters for the funding of community groups with established legal structures. Both approaches mitigate any perceived risks around the use of taxpayer funds and accountabilities.

5. Ngā whāinga mō āmuri / Next steps

We recommend that, if agreed, that Kaipara Maurikura move swiftly to communicate the intent to establish three Catchment Reference Groups with the ability to allocate agreed funding across the Wairua, Mangakāhia and Hōteo, River systems.

The Kaipara Maurikura would then propose to convene an initial group of trusted local leaders, comprising a representative from each river system and a Joint Committee representative (Chair), as soon as practicable, to co-design Terms of Reference and processes for funding allocation, consistent with KMR investment objectives and grant funding principles.

A report-back would be provided to the Joint Committee on progress to establish the Kaipara Moana Catchment Reference Groups in May 2022.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee item: 6.3

21 February 2022

TITLE:	Surge Planting Initiative (Winter 2022)
ID:
From:	Duncan Kervell, Kaipara Maurikura Land Management Specialist and Lisette Rawson, Amo - Rauora Kōawa \| Catchment Remediation Manager
Authorised by Group Manager:	Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki, on

He Rāpopoto hautū / Executive summary

Most Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) activities have narrow seasonal windows, with the winter period being most critical for planting. All remediation activities require an approved Sediment Reduction Plan (SRP), completion of which is currently constrained by the limited (but growing) number of KMR approved Field Advisors.

To increase planting this winter (May to late August 2022) and mitigate ongoing KMR delivery risks, including those relating to COVID-19, approval is sought for an immediate ‘Surge Planting’ initiative. The proposed approach is to use Planting Plans (one of two central modules of every Sediment Reduction Plan) that meet KMR criteria as the basis for approval to begin planting on properties that are ‘planting ready’. Engagement with a landowner to complete a full Sediment Reduction Plan, including recommendations for fencing projects, will be completed before the scheduled KMR post-planting quality assurance audit (within six months of planting). A satisfactory audit is required under current KMR arrangements before landowner grant payments are made.

The proposed ‘Surge Planting’ initiative is expected to lift delivery against programme and contract outcomes (see agenda item on the Six Month Report), while supporting accredited nurseries who would otherwise run the risk of carrying unpurchased stock. Staff are also progressing options to deliver local employment benefits through the creation and funding of ‘Surge Planting’ teams.

Ngā tūtohu / Recommendation(s)

1. That the report ‘Surge Planting Initiative (Winter 2022)’ by Duncan Kervell, Kaipara Maurikura Land Management Specialist and Lisette Rawson, Amo - Rauora Kōawa | Catchment Remediation Manager and dated 16 February 2022, be received.

2. Note that many Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) activities have narrow seasonal windows, with the winter period critical for planting.

3. Note that a number of landowners in the catchment are ‘planting ready’, but do not yet have an approved KMR Sediment Reduction Plan, running the risk of a second winter of lower-than-planned planting rates.

4. Agree in principle that Planting Plans that meet KMR criteria can trigger approval to commence planting on ‘planting ready’ properties, with a view to significantly lifting planting rates and landowner engagement this winter.

5. Agree that Full Sediment Reduction Plans for these properties must be completed by the time of the KMR post-planting quality assurance visit, which is a pre-condition of payment of any associated KMR landowner grants.

6. That a report-back on progress in developing a winter planting pipeline be provided to the Joint Committee in advance of the Joint Committee workshop in May 2022.

7. Note that if the JC approves this approach in principle, work will be undertaken with co-funding partners and investors (Ministry for the Environment, Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council) to ensure they are comfortable with the proposed approach and make any adaptations, as needed.

Horopaki / Context

Many Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) planting activities have a narrow predetermined seasonal window, with the winter period critical for planting to ensure plant survival. Typically, riparian areas can be planted in the Kaipara catchment between June and July, with wetlands providing the opportunity for a longer planting season (May-August).

Currently, all KMR remediation activities are dependent on an approved Sediment Reduction Plan (SRP) (or Fonterra Tiaki Farm Environment Plan, which provides equivalent provisions). SRPs must be developed with the landowner by KMR Field Advisors then recommended for approval by senior Kaipara Maurikura staff.

Due to COVID-19 border closures and lockdowns, and slower than anticipated recruitment into the Kaipara Maurikura (the Maurikura), KMR Field Advisor training courses have been delayed. The Maurikura took action to prioritise and run two Field Advisor training courses in November 2021 and February 2022, as well as a focused training day in early February to facilitate greater mana-whenua participation in a forthcoming training course (8-11 March). However, the number of fully approved and operational KMR Field Advisors remains lower than desirable (seven at the time of writing).

Even with an expected 13 additional Field Advisors trained by 18 February, many will need ongoing operational support from the Maurikura before they can confidently operate independently. The vaccination mandate that requires all directly contracted Field Advisors to be fully vaccinated from 1 February 2022 has further complicated our ability to attract, train and accredit Field Advisors.

Tātari me ngā tūtohu / Analysis and advice

A number of landowners in the Kaipara Moana catchment are ‘planting ready’ with riparian or wetland areas already fenced off, but do not yet have a SRP in development or approved. Current capacity to prepare SRPs, and the requirement that an SRP is approved before KMR can fund planting, increases the risk of a second winter (May-July 2022) of lower-than-planned planting rates.

While the Maurikura is firmly focused on planned programme delivery to the greatest extent possible in an Omicron-affected operating environment, a reduced winter planting season would not only risk KMR not meeting delivery targets this year, it would also affect next year’s (Year 3) programme delivery given the winter planting season goes through to August 2022.

To mitigate this operational delivery risk, the proposal is to increase planting activity through a Surge Planting initiative this winter. The proposed approach is to develop Planting Plans (a central module of every SRP) to ‘front load’ planting on properties that are ‘planting ready’ (described on the following page). This would be undertaken in line with the current KMR criteria, contracting and payment processes, which only pay out grants funding on satisfactory post-planting audits. Noting also that very little fencing work is undertaken over winter months, and therefore an initial focus on planting will not impede fencing that can be undertaken later in 2022 and early 2023.

Full SRPs will need to be completed within 6 months of planting (i.e. by the time of the scheduled KMR post-planting quality assurance visit) to enable the landowner to unlock grant payments. Other remediation activities such as fencing would still need to await a full and approved SRP.

The proposed Surge Planting initiative is expected to lift delivery of riparian and wetland areas planted and protected, which is one of the key Jobs for Nature Focus Area Indicators for the KMR programme. It will also support KMR-accredited nurseries who have stock available (based on a recent KMR stocktake). In addition, staff will explore options to enhance local employment benefits through the creation and funding of ‘Surge Planting’ teams.

On specific outcomes, the Surge Planting initiative aims to:

· Deliver up to 500,000 plants in the ground over the planting season (equivalent to 100ha, or 100km of waterway planted at 5m either side) 

· Reach an anticipated 70-200 ‘planting ready’ landowners, depending on the size of the plantings    

· Fast-track (‘front load’) the planting element of pipeline SRP, with a full SRP for participating landowners delivered before the 6-months-post-planting KMR audit. 

To achieve this, the proposal is to:

· Target landowners who have 

o already fenced waterways/wetland areas suitable for planting, and 

o planting areas that can be prepared for planting between February and this winter i.e. not hugely weedy. 

· Provide planting grants based on existing KMR criteria for landowners who only require a Planting Plan component of an SRP, allowing planting to commence, rather than completing a full SRP (which is a combination of planting and fencing recommendations). These landowners will become part of the KMR (or Fonterra/other, as relevant) pipeline to receive a full SRP (or Tiaki Farm Environment Plan (FEP), as relevant) over time

· As per current KMR programme delivery, work with landowners to provide field advice and other guidance, and develop Planting Plans, as well as providing 50% of costs of planting establishment (note this equates to ~ $10,000 per hectare in costs to KMR for plants, planting and site preparation)  

· KMR will assist in the co-ordination and organising of plants for landowners, sourced from the closest accredited nursery with suitable stock. (note all plants from accredited KMR nurseries are eco-sourced).  Staff will explore whether this could include a delivery/planting role for Kaipara Uri and other mana whenua.

The Surge Planting initiative is achievable as:

· A recent KMR accredited nursery stocktake has indicated there is plenty of accredited stock (if limited species), which indicates the goal of planting up to 500,000 seedlings is realistic; 

· KMR has accredited planting teams, should landowners require them. It is estimated that if 100ha is planted over 150 individual contracts with landowners, that would equate to roughly 1300 labour days, needing 16 people for 16 weeks for the 4-month planting season; 

· While there are currently 7 KMR Field Advisors currently working on SRPs, the second training session for KMR Field Advisors is taking place and will likely conclude with at least half (based on previous work experience) able to move forward to contract stage and the delivery of full SRPs. Delivery of the estimated number of planting plans is considered feasible for a cohort this size, and the Maurikura would secure an independent expert to review the quality of planting plans; and

· Aside from the landowners that have already submitted an expression of interest to KMR, there are opportunities to engage with landowners that meet the criteria in the section above via the Waimā, Waitai, Waiora project in Northland, the Fonterra Tiaki project (Northland), the QEII National Trust, and Northland Regional Council and Auckland Council landowners that have previously been engaged through council channels.

The proposed Surge Planting approach will be evaluated following the planting season and whether this should be continued in future years. If this is a one-off initiative, we consider it does not present any equity issues with landowners in future years. Ultimately, all landowners will require an SRP (or equivalent Farm Environment Plan) in order to receive KMR funding. The key difference with this initiative is that where landowners are ready to plant this year, they can plant relevant areas prior to completion of a full SRP.

In line with KMR’s bicultural settings, part of our vision for the Surge Planting initiative is to:  

· Promote planting as part of Matariki, with potential peak planting week coinciding with the first national Matariki public holiday (24 June 2022). However, COVID-19 settings may limit this opportunity 

· Coordinate/encourage planting days as possible with marae, Enviroschools, community care groups, etc., noting any promotions or events will need to be consistent with COVID restrictions. 

Beyond the obvious benefits of accelerating KMR programme delivery, we consider the Surge Planting initiative will deliver a suite of wider benefits, including:

· Increased community visibility and credibility of KMR

· Improved relationships with landowners for further planting and partnership in future years 

· Strengthened relationships with nurseries, demonstrating the benefits of accreditation and affiliation with the programme 

· Simpler than a full SRP for recently trained Field Advisors to build skills and confidence;

· Testing KMR systems and processes at scale 

· Strengthened relationships with managers of multiple Māori owned land, through KMR building trust and demonstrating support for positive engagement and ongoing partnership

· Potential for new employment opportunities for Uri/Mana Whenua to form or join KMR Surge Planting teams to augment existing (accredited) planting team capacity in the catchment.

Considerations

1. Aromātai whāinga haumi mō te oranga / Wellbeing Investment objectives and assessment

By funding ‘planting ready’ landowners, KMR will support the full range of investment objectives – environmental, social and economic. In addition, if ‘Surge Planting teams’ from local Kaipara Uri / mana whenua can be put together to support winter planting efforts, then employment benefits would also accrue from the proposed initiative.

2. Ngā ritenga take pūtea / Financial implications

Aside from up-front investment to confirm planting orders (noting this is already provided for under current budget levels), there are no immediate financial implications to the Surge Planting proposal. The usual scheduled post-planting audits will identify and rectify any issues identified with plants planted, so as to provide assurance and rigour in terms of the investment.

3. Ngā hiranga me ngā hononga / Significance and Engagement

4. Ngā tūraru me ngā mauru / Risks and mitigation

A reduced winter planting season will risk the KMR not meeting delivery against targets for this year and the next year. Not meeting these targets may affect confidence in the programme and goodwill towards it, resulting in reputational risk and increasing risks to leveraging the current investment to attract third party investments and opportunities. Taking action to mitigate the risks identified will also honour the intent of the KMR programme and best respond to the needs and aspirations of MOU partners, as well as Kaipara Uri and wider local nurseries.

Using the current KMR grants criteria, contracting process, quality assurance/audit process, and Planting Plan templates and process will reduce risks in respect of rolling out a new initiative at pace. An additional process step to further reduce risk is to have all Planting Plans reviewed by an independent planting expert before the Maurikura staff make a recommendation to approve commencement of planting activities. This adds a further level of assurance in respect of the fit to KMR criteria of the proposed planting activities. As is already the case under current processes, payment of grant funding to landowners will only be made on receipt of a satisfactory 6-month post-planting audit, as well as a satisfactorily completed Sediment Reduction Plan.

5. Ngā whāinga mō āmuri / Next steps

If the JC approves this approach in principle, work will be undertaken with co-funding partners and investors (Ministry for the Environment, Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council) to ensure they are comfortable with the proposed approach and adapt as needed.

If agreed, staff will move swiftly to communicate the Surge Planting initiative to landowners and partners, and continue work to identify and contact landowners known to be or expected to be ready for planting.

Draft contracts have been prepared to secure the services of an expert contractor to provide independent review of Planting Plans, and assurance that the landowners are ‘planting ready’. This contractor will also take the lead on liaising with accredited nurseries to both ensure (and if needed propose amendments to) the Planting Plan includes plants that are available – that is, which are ‘on the shelf’ now, and pre-order plants needed for the winter planting season.

Staff are scheduled to host a Nursery Accreditation hui on 24 February 2022, and propose to use this engagement to ensure the sector is aware of and ready to support this initiative.

The Maurikura will also engage Ministry for Social Development and potentially other partners through the Employment Hub on the feasibility of additional (funding) support to enable Kaipara Uri or mana whenua Surge Planting teams to augment existing (accredited) planting team capacity in the region. This may include using marae-based teams overseen by an accredited kaitiaki or accredited supplier/partner. Staff will engage proactively with the MOU parties and Senior Officials Oversight Group members to identify potential candidates for Surge Planting team employment, and are scheduled to talk to Environs Ltd on this matter.

Staff will also explore other potential avenues to support ‘gig employment’ in Surge Planting teams. In particular, we are looking to find additional funding to support free delivery of plants and / or planting for landowners to drive uptake.

The Joint Committee will be provided an update progress, both through regular Pou Tātaki reporting, and with a formal report-back in May 2022.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee item: 6.4

21 February 2022

TITLE:	Pou Tātaki Report
ID:
From:	Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki
Authorised by Group Manager:	Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki, on 17 February 2022

He Rāpopoto hautū / Executive summary

This update report by the Pou Tātaki, Justine Daw, provides an overview of the Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR) work programme to the Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee (Joint Committee) for information.

Ngā tūtohu / Recommendation(s)

1. That the report ‘Pou Tātaki Report’ by Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki and dated 16 February 2022, be received.

Horopaki / Context

The Joint Committee last met in formal hui on 13 December 2021. This update report provides information on developments in the KMR programme and the Kaipara Maurikura since then.

The reporting (see over page) is structured by six new work programme areas, around which the Maurikura staff are consolidating work planning, delivery and monitoring:

· The first two of these areas (Thriving Maurikura, Effective Governance) largely face inwards, with a focus on ensuring an effective and well-managed Maurikura, and how it supports governance of the KMR programme.

· The second two areas (Programme Delivery, Digital Tools) focus on planning, delivery and monitoring of major projects, with a focus on activities relevant to sediment reduction, as well as digital tool development.

· The last two programme areas (Engagement and Partnership, Strategy and Opportunities) are largely externally-facing and focused on future directions, outreach and partnerships, including those that bring in new third party investments to support restoration activity by landowners participating in the Kaipara Moana Remediation programme.

The Kaipara Maurikura will be refining this reporting view as the Maurikura systems and processes develop, and would welcome any feedback from the Joint Committee on the new approach.

Summing up – An Overview of the Reporting Period

As discussed at the 14 February Joint Committee workshop, this reporting period has seen the benefits of ‘fresh legs’ and a larger team. The Maurikura has been able to accelerate KMR programme delivery, with a major focus on bringing forward delivery of Sediment Reduction Plans, and associated remediation activities this financial year. We are also beginning to re-engage externally more systematically. While more is to be done, the trajectory is positive, with others providing positive feedback on our delivery over the past two months. As time allows, we continue to explore a small number of potential high-value, high-impact third-party investment opportunities.

Tātari me ngā tūtohu / Analysis and advice

Thriving Maurikura

The Maurikura is now close to full staffing at 13 (including 3 secondees), with an offer made to a new Contracts Manager. 1 position remains vacant, with a needs assessment due to Quarter 2 to ensure that this role meets ongoing critical capability needs.

Induction is complete for all but 1 of the Maurikura staff. While marae protocol training is planned for mid-March, we are likely to defer this in view of the COVID-19 settings.

In line with Northland Regional Council (NRC) policy, the Maurikura is now operating in two distinct ‘work bubbles’ to manage COVID-19 impacts while ensuring business continuity. People leaders are supporting well-being in a number of ways, as the Maurikura increasingly work from home, with an expectation this will be the norm by the end of February or so.

Effective Governance

An Action Tracker and Forward Workplan have been developed to better enable responsiveness to Joint Committee decision-making.

In line with feedback, we are now moving to quarterly meetings with the Senior Officials Oversight Group, supplemented by more regular, direct communications.

Programme Delivery

Sediment Reduction Plans

Key templates, guides and quality assurance processes were finalised to support scaling up of delivery of Sediment Reduction Plans (Plan template, Field Advisor Step-by-Step Guide, Planting List, Field Advisor Competency Framework).

~90% of the landowners who have registered interest in the KMR programme have now been allocated to Field Advisors to engage, beginning the Sediment Reduction Plan process.

Field Advisor training & development

Two more Field Advisor training courses were run (40 people). A Field Advisor introduction was run to engage hapū kaitiaki (7 may register for the 4th Field Advisor Training course in March). We are engaging with Chevon Horsford (Mana Whenua representative, National Freshwater Farm Plan team) to put Te Ao Māori at the heart of our Field Advisor training programme.

Grant-related activity

A draft Whenua Whānui Fund contract has been developed and is currently being reviewed. 10 potential Whenua Whānui Fund groups were engaged with, with 5 additional Whenua Whānui Fund proposals now being prepared by local groups.

Nursery accreditation & development

Evaluation of 19 nurseries expressing interest in becoming KMR accredited nurseries is now complete, with 15 approved for accreditation and supply of plants to KMR-funded landowners. Planning is well progressed for a Nursery Hui in late February in Te Hana to engage and support the recently accredited nurseries. We are now ‘pivoting’ it to be online, given Omicron impacts.

On 23 December, KMR signed a contract to further develop Kaipara Uri nurseries.

Workforce Development

We are engaging with Fonterra and Reconnecting Northland to discuss potential employment partnerships with KMR, as well as exploring a potential opportunity relating to Three Waters.

The NZ Association of Resource Managers is exploring with KMR potential delivery of training and professional development for both Maurikura staff and Field Advisors

Digital Tools

Development of key digital tools is well underway, with progress this month as follows:

· The SmartyGrants (grant management system) prototype is in user acceptance testing.

· A kick-off meeting for MediaSuite (the project to develop a freshwater planning tool) was held on 20 December, with key stakeholders now engaged.

· The Terms of Reference been finalised for a Technical Reference Group to support and provide assurance as the KMR Digital Tools are developed. The Group will convene soon.

· Via Auckland Council, we have engaged a project manager with prior experience of the Council’s Freshwater Management Tool (FWMT), to support delivery of the KMR-FWMT.

· Procurement processes are being progressed to improve spatial (locational) identification of high-risk Eroding Land Features and Wetland areas with high remediation potential.

· Peer review has been commissioned of the South Kaipara Streams project report, which aims to identify areas of high risk of stream bank erosion.

Engagement & Partnership

Work to lift KMRs’ external engagement has received good feedback, with progress as follows:

· The KMR website is now fully operational, with usage metrics showing wide readership.

· Two Pānui were issued to lift information to landowners, hapū and other groups.

· We engaged with 10 potential Whenua Whānui applicant groups in the period.

· We engaged with 8 current delivery partners and 42 potential suppliers in the period.

· Building on IKHMG models, planning is in train to deliver quarterly marae-hosted hui, Partnership Forum meetings, public engagement hui across Kaipara catchment.

· Media content was developed to respond to a Mahurangi Matters story on the Hōteo.

· Work continued to finalise a KMR video outlining KMR’s work and vision (due 1 March).

· New work commenced to develop a KMR social media presence (due March 2022).

· Planning for an early March Hui with the Rural Professionals Network about KMR.

Strategy &

Opportunities

Strategy Development is recommencing in the reporting period as follows:

· Mātauranga Māori Strategy: Discussions are ongoing, with a next step to contract a specialist Māori advisor, who will lead writing and development of the Strategy, with implementation of this Strategy a clear priority for KMR.

· Soil Conservation Strategy: Early work has begun to scope this strategy as part of wider KMR work programme development. We expect to have internal discussions on purpose, scope, priority and timing over the next month. We propose to explore early thinking on this and other issues which are key to KMR’s future strategic direction at the Joint Committee workshop in March as an early input to the Year 3 Annual Plan.

While the present need to focus on accelerating programme delivery and building key process/systems means new opportunities are not yet a focus for KMR, we are exploring direct approaches to engage on new opportunities assessed to deliver high potential benefit:

· Third party international investment in seedbanking facilities to support delivery under the Kaipara Uri nursery contract.

· An Innovation Fund application led by other entities to explore pilot development of a regional carbon farm asset to generate a long-term revenue stream for landholders in the region, and incentivise land conversion to native planting.

· Potential synergies between KMR and the Kaihu Valley Trail programme.

· An application to the Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards (TBC).

· Potential partnership with QE2 Trust in relation to a new QE2 conservation programme.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

[1] This joint committee operating under the Local Government Act which requires a significance and engagement policy (which identifies when matters require special consultation with tangata whenua and the community) and to have regard to that policy when making decisions. As the administrative support for the joint committee is provided by the Northland Regional Council, it’s that councils Significant and Engagement Policy that will apply to joint committee decision making.

[2] This joint committee operating under the Local Government Act which requires a significance and

engagement policy (which identifies when matters require special consultation with tangata whenua and the

community) and to have regard to that policy when making decisions. As the administrative support for the

joint committee is provided by the Northland Regional Council, it is that council’s Significant and Engagement

Policy that will apply to joint committee decision making.

TITLE:	Confirmation of Minutes - 13 December 2021
From:	Sandra Harris, Administrator Kaipara Maurikura
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki, on 17 February 2022

TITLE:	Action Tracker
From:	Sandra Harris, Administrator Kaipara Maurikura
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki, on 17 February 2022

TITLE:	Forward Workplan
From:	Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Justine Daw, Pou Tātaki, on 17 February 2022