Huihuinga O Te Kāhui Māori O Taitokerau
Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party

Thursday 8 September 2022 at 10.00am - 3.00pm

 

 

AGENDA
RĀRANGI TAKE

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party

8 September 2022

Rārangi Take O Te Kāhui Māori O Taitokerau

(Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party Agenda)

 

Meeting to be held in the Council Chamber and via audio visual link (Zoom)

36 Water Street, Whangārei

on Thursday 8 September 2022, commencing at 11.00am - 3.00pm

 

Please note: working parties and working groups carry NO formal decision-making delegations from council. The purpose of the working party/group is to carry out preparatory work and discussions prior to taking matters to the full council for formal consideration and decision-making. Working party/group meetings are open to the public to attend (unless there are specific grounds under LGOIMA for the public to be excluded).

 

NGĀ MANA WHAKAHAERE

(MEMBERSHIP OF THE Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party)

 

Heamana Tokorua (Co-Chairs): Marty Robinson, Councillor and Pita Tipene, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine

 

Alan Riwaka, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Whātua

Amy Macdonald, Councillor

Colin Kitchen, Councillor

Georgina Curtis-Connelly, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust

Jack Craw, Councillor

Janelle Beazley, Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-O-Ngāpuhi

Joce Yeoman, Councillor

Juliane Chetham, Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board

Justin Blaikie, Councillor

Lynette Wharerau, Te Whakaminenga O Te Hikutu Hapu-Whanau

Michelle Elboz, Ngāti Kuta, Patukeha

Mike Kake, Ngāti Hau

Mira Norris, Te Parawhau Hapū Authority Charitable Trust

Mariameno Kapa Kingi, Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri

Nora Rameka, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Rehia

Pania Greaves, Ngāti Tara

Penny Smart, Councillor (Chair, NRC)

Rick Stolwerk, Councillor

Rihari Dargaville, Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa

Rowan Tautari, Te Whakapiko Hapū

Terry Archer, Councillor

Thomas Hohaia, Te Roroa

Waimarie Kingi, Te Waiāriki, Ngāti Korora, Ngāti Taka Hapū Iwi Trust

William Sullivan, Ngātiwai Trust Board

 

 

 

 

 


TTMAC representatives on other working parties

Māori Technical Advisory Group

Georgina Curtis-Connelly, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust

Janelle Beazley, Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-O-Ngāpuhi

Juliane Chetham, Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board

Mira Norris, Te Parawhau Hapū Authority Charitable Trust

Nora Rameka, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Rehia

Rowan Tautari, Te Whakapiko Hapū

William Sullivan, Ngātiwai Trust Board

Planning and Regulatory Working Party

Juliane Chetham, Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board

Mira Norris, Te Parawhau Hapū Authority Charitable Trust

Rowan Tautari, Te Whakapiko Hapū

William Sullivan, Ngātiwai Trust Board

Water and Land Working Party

Alan Riwaka, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Whātua

Georgina Curtis-Connelly, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust

Janelle Beazley, Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-O-Ngāpuhi

Mira Norris, Te Parawhau Hapū Authority Charitable Trust

Waimarie Kingi, Te Waiāriki, Ngāti Korora, Ngāti Taka Hapū Iwi Trust

Climate Change Working Party

Lynette Wharerau, Te Whakaminenga O Te Hikutu Hapu-Whanau

Mira Norris, Te Parawhau Hapū Authority Charitable Trust

Rihari Dargaville, Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa

Rowan Tautari, Te Whakapiko Hapū

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party

Georgina Curtis-Connelly, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust

Juliane Chetham, Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board

Michelle Elboz, Ngāti Kuta, Patukeha

Nora Rameka, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Rehia

Joint Climate Change Adaptation Governance Committee

Rihari Dargaville, Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa

Rowan Tautari, Te Whakapiko Hapū (proxy)

Local Government Elections subgroup

Mike Kake, Ngāti Hau

Nora Rameka, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Rehia

Pita Tipene, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine

Strategic (Priorities) Intent subgroup 2021

Lynette Wharerau, Te Whakaminenga O Te Hikutu Hapu-Whanau

Mike Kake, Ngāti Hau

Mira Norris, Te Parawhau Hapū Authority Charitable Trust

Nora Rameka, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Rehia

Pita Tipene, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine

Tāngata Whenua Water Advisory Group

Alan Riwaka, Te Rūnanga O Ngāti Whātua

Rowan Tautari, Te Whakapiko Hapū

Lynette Wharerau, Te Whakaminenga O Te Hikutu Hapu-Whanau

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Description automatically generated

Meeting Dates for 2022 – some dates may be subject to change

 

TTMAC

MTAG

Water and Land WP

Planning & Regulatory WP

Climate Change WP

Biosecurity & Biodiversity WP

10 February*

Workshop

3 February

1 March

1 March

23 February

23 February

10 March

Meeting

3 March

3 May

3 May

25 May

25 May

14 April*

Workshop

7 April

2 August

2 August

31 August

31 August

12 May 19 May

Meeting

5 May

(1 November)

(1 November)

(30 November)

(30 November)

9 June*

Workshop Meeting

2 June

 

14 July

Meeting

7 July

11 August*

Workshop Meeting

4 August

8 September

Meeting

1 September

October

Council recess

TBA

6 October

November

Council recess

November

Council recess

December

TBA

December TBA

 

 

Commonly used terms and abbreviations

Appointed member – one of the (up to) twenty-one appointed iwi and hapū members from Te Taitokerau tāngata whenua. Members are appointed in accordance with the Terms of Reference. In addition to appointed members there are nine elected members (councillors)

AP - Annual Plan

TTMAC caucusis comprised of appointed (tāngata whenua) members

CEO - Chief Executive Officer

CPCA - Community Pest Control Areas

DOC - Department of Conservation

FNDC - Far North District Council

GIS - Geographic Information System

HEMP - Hapū Environmental Management Plan

IEMP - Iwi Environmental Management Plan

ILGACE - Iwi and Local Government Chief Executives Forum

KDC - Kaipara District Council 

LAWA – Land, Air, Water Aotearoa

LEA - Local Electoral Act 2001

LGA - Local Government Act 2002

LGNZ - Local Government New Zealand

LIDAR – Light detection and ranging

LTP - Long Term Plan

 

MBIE – Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

MFE - Ministry for the Environment

MOT - Ministry of Transport

MPI - Ministry for Primary Industries

MTAG - Māori Technical Advisory Group (a sub-group of TTMAC)

NES - National Environmental Standards

NINC - Northland Inc. Limited

NIWA - National Institute of Water and Atmosphere

NPS - National Policy Statement

NPS-FM - National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management

RMA - Resource Management Act 1991

RP – Regional Plan

TAG - Technical Advisory Group

TKoT – Te Kahu o Taonui

TTMAC - Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party

TTNEAP – Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan

TOR - Terms of Reference

TPK - Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Maori Development)

TWWAG – Tāngata Whenua Water Advisory Group

WDC - Whangarei District Council

 

 

 

 

KARAKIA / WHAKATAU

 

RĪMITI (ITEM)                                                                                                      Page

1.0      Ngā Mahi Whakapai/Housekeeping

2.0      NGĀ WHAKAPAHĀ/apologies   

3.0      NGA WHAKAPUAKANGA/declarations of interest

4.0      Ngā Rīmiti (Items)

4.1      Record of Actions – 11 August 2022                                    4

4.2      Receipt of Action Sheet                                                          9

WATER / MARINE

4.3      Wai - the big picture                                                             14

4.4      Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework                     29

4.5      Freshwater planning communications                              34

4.6      Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group Update            35

4.7      How Department of Internal Affairs engage with tangata whenua in regard to 3 Waters                                            36

CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY

4.8      Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check) 37

4.9      Tāiki e Te Tiriti Strategy and Implementation Plan update                                                                                    62

MĀORI REPRESENTATION

4.10   TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council                                                                                    71

4.11   Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update                            85

REPORTS FOR NOTING

4.12   Reports from other working party and groups              107

4.13   Chief Executive’s Report to Council                                 117


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.1

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Record of Actions – 11 August 2022

From:

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

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

The purpose of this report is to present the Record of Actions of the last meeting (attached) held on 11 August 2022 for review by the meeting.

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Unconfirmed record of actions from 11 August TTMAC meeting  

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party  ITEM: 4.1

8 September 2022Attachment 1

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Record of Actions – 11 August 2022

Attachment: Unconfirmed record of actions from 11 August TTMAC meeting

Page: 1


 

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Record of Actions – 11 August 2022

Attachment: Unconfirmed record of actions from 11 August TTMAC meeting

Page: 2


 

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Record of Actions – 11 August 2022

Attachment: Unconfirmed record of actions from 11 August TTMAC meeting

Page: 3


 

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Record of Actions – 11 August 2022

Attachment: Unconfirmed record of actions from 11 August TTMAC meeting

Page: 4


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.2

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Receipt of Action Sheet

From:

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

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

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

 

 

Nga mahi tutohutia / Recommendation

That the action sheet be received.

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Action sheet  

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party  ITEM: 4.2

8 September 2022Attachment 1

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Receipt of Action Sheet

Attachment: Action sheet

Page: 1


 

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Receipt of Action Sheet

Attachment: Action sheet

Page: 2


 

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Receipt of Action Sheet

Attachment: Action sheet

Page: 3


 

 

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Report: Receipt of Action Sheet

Attachment: Action sheet

Page: 4


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.3

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Wai - the big picture

From:

Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Ruben Wylie, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga/Executive summary

At the last Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) meeting, members requested a presentation providing an overview of how all the current water related initiatives and reforms relate to each other with some commentary on how they may impact tangata whenua, and where the opportunities are for tangata whenua to be involved.

 

Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist will provide a presentation (as attached) at the meeting.

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

1.        That the report and presentation ‘Wai - the big picture’ by Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist and dated 29 August 2022, be received.

Tip for writing good recommendations:

·  Recommendations should identify all decisions that are needed. 

·  If only one recommendation do not number.

·  Write the option out in full, rather than referring to an option in the report.  Set out clear options for councillors to decide between if necessary. 

·  Recommendations must be within the power of the meeting to make the decision. 

·  Avoid redundant or unnecessary statements and acronyms.

·  If a report is proposed, recommend a realistic date and state to which committee the proposed report back is to be made.

·           If it is deemed that there is high risk associated with a decision then include recognition of risk in the resolution.

Tuhinga/Background

Not applicable.

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Attachment 1: Presentation for Wai - the big picture  

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party  ITEM: 4.3

8 September 2022Attachment 1

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 1


 

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 2


 

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 3


 

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 4


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 5


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 6


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 7


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 8


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 9


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 10


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 11


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 12


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 13


 

 

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Report: Wai - the big picture

Attachment: Presentation for Wai - the big picture

Page: 14


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.4

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework

From:

Ben Lee, Planning and Policy Manager and Jason Donaghy, Natural Resources Monitoring Manager

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Ruben Wylie, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga/Executive summary

Council has committed to developing a Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework (the framework).

 

Council decided, based on the advice of Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC):

·    To allocate approximately $100k for this financial year (from the $250k/year Te Mana o te Wai fund) to the development of a Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework (the framework)[1]

·    For Māori Technical Advisory Group (MTAG) to prepare a proposed scope of work for the framework.  This advice to be provided to TTMAC and then to council[2].

 

Since council’s decision to progress with the framework, TTMAC has endorsed Tāiki e - the NRC Te Tiriti Strategy and Implementation Plan[3].

MTAG met on 4 August to consider a proposed scope, taking into consideration three relevant actions in Tāiki e that overlap with the proposed scope. They are recommending to TTMAC that the framework implement actions 7, 8 and 9 of Tāiki e and also provide recommendations about the process for developing the framework.

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

1.        That the report ‘Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework’ by Ben Lee, Planning and Policy Manager and Jason Donaghy, Natural Resources Monitoring Manager and dated 11 August 2022, be received.

2.        That Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) endorse the scope of the Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework to be:

a.        involve tangata whenua in councils environmental monitoring (as set out in action 7, Tāiki e)

b.        support tangata whenua with their freshwater monitoring (as set out in action 8, Tāiki e)

c.        involve tangata whenua in compliance monitoring (as set out in action 9, Tāiki e)

d.        support tangata whenua to undertake on-the-ground activities to improve te mana o te wai.

3.        That TTMAC endorse the following process for developing the Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework:

a.        Consultancy services are employed to assist with preparing the framework

b.        Staff work with the Māori Technical Advisory Group (MTAG) to prepare the request for proposals for consultancy services before it is advertised.

c.        The award of the consultancy services be undertaken by a group consisting of three MTAG members (to be determined by the MTAG) and two senior council staff and in accordance with Council procurement procedures.  The MTAG members to be paid a meeting allowance for the selection meeting(s).

d.        The endorsement and adoption process for the framework be as follows:

i.         MTAG endorses it to TTMAC

ii.        TTMAC endorses to council

iii.       Council adopts.

 

Tuhinga/Background

Introduction

In 2020 central government released its National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM).

 

It requires freshwater to be managed in a way that gives effect to Te Mana of te Wai[4] (TMOTW), including by:

·    involving tangata whenua,

·    prioritising the health and wellbeing of water bodies, then the essential needs of people, followed by other uses,

·    enabling the application of mātauranga Māori, to the management of freshwater, and

·    investigating use of transfer of powers, joint management agreements and mana whakahono a rohe.

 

Council has allocated $250,000 a year ongoing from this financial year (starting 1 July 2022) as part of its commitment to implement Te Mana o Te Wai. 

Council decided (based on the advice of TTMAC):

·    To allocate approximately $100k (of the $250k) to the development of a Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework (the framework)[5]

·    For MTAG to prepare a proposed scope of work for the framework. This advice to be provided to TTMAC and then to council[6].

 

In the conversations with TTMAC and council, it was suggested the framework could include:

·    How mātauranga Māori is used for monitoring progress towards freshwater target attributes states and environmental outcomes in the freshwater plan change

·    Supporting kaitiaki to undertake their own freshwater monitoring mahi

·    Involving tangata whenua in the development of council freshwater monitoring programmes (e.g. wetlands, threatened species, and sediment)

·    Supporting kaitiaki to undertake activities to improve te mana o te wai.

 

Since council’s decision to progress with the framework, TTMAC has endorsed Tāiki e - the NRC Te Tiriti Strategy and Implementation Plan[7].

There are three relevant actions in Tāiki e that overlap with the indicated scope of the framework (bold added for emphasis):

7.        Taking into account the existing tools and models available, develop and fund a culturally appropriate Council environmental monitoring programme that:

a.     addresses iwi and hapū interests and concerns in the monitoring of the environment;

b.     includes the incorporation of mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori and recognition of the role of Tangata Whenua as kaitiaki;

c.     recognises and provides for any cultural monitoring tools endorsed by iwi and hapū;

d.     is consistently implemented as a component of NRC environmental monitoring and reporting practices and processes; and

e.     is reviewed and updated every 3 years for its effectiveness and efficiency.

8.        Taking into account the existing tools and models available, develop and fund a culturally appropriate programme that enables and supports tangata whenua to undertake their own freshwater monitoring aspirations that:

a.     addresses iwi and hapū interests and concerns in the monitoring of the environment;

b.     includes the incorporation of mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori and recognition of the role of Tangata Whenua as kaitiaki;

c.     recognises and provides for any cultural monitoring tools endorsed by iwi and hapū;

d.     is consistently recognised and incorporated where appropriate as a component of NRC environmental monitoring and reporting practices and processes; and

e.     is reviewed and updated every 3 years for its effectiveness and efficiency.

9.        Review, update and embed how NRC delivers its regulatory services to ensure regulatory activities (e.g., resource consents and compliance monitoring) are undertaken in a culturally appropriate manner and seek to include iwi and hapū to the greatest extent possible, including by:

d.     Committing funding to consistently resource iwi and hapū for undertaking this work.

 

Scope

MTAG met on 4 August to consider the proposed scope. MTAG recommend that the framework implement the three Tāiki e actions (7, 8 and 9 as set out above). 

Action 8 is focussed just on freshwater while actions 7 and 9 are not limited to freshwater.  While the concept of the framework comes from a council response to the NPS for Freshwater Management, MTAG recommended that TTMAC support the framework being broader than freshwater to enable implementation of Tāiki e actions 7 and 9 in their entirety.  Otherwise, it would mean the non-freshwater monitoring aspects of 7 and 9 would be addressed separately – which does not make sense from a holistic perspective.

The three Tāiki e actions do not cover supporting kaitiaki freshwater restoration efforts. The direction from TTMAC was that the indicative scope be expanded to allow the $250k/year TMOTW funding to be used for such activities.  It is therefore proposed the framework also include a programme for how council will support tangata whenua to undertake on-the-ground activities (such as riparian planting) to improve te mana o te wai.

 

In summary, the recommended scope for the framework is a plan for how council will:

·    involve tangata whenua in councils environmental monitoring (action 7, Tāiki e)

·    support tangata whenua with their environmental monitoring (action 8, Tāiki e)

·    involve tangata whenua in compliance monitoring (action 9, Tāiki e)

·    support tangata whenua to undertake on-the-ground activities to improve te mana o te wai

 

Process for preparing the framework

MTAG have not been explicitly asked by TTMAC to provide advice about the process for developing the framework.   However, MTAG are of the view this advice would be of assistance.

 

MTAG recommend the following:

1.    Consultancy services are used to assist with preparing the framework. As outlined, there is about $100k available to prepare the framework.

2.    That staff engage with MTAG to prepare the request for proposals for consultancy services before it is advertised.

3.    The award to the preferred supplier be undertaken by a group consisting of three MTAG members representation and two senior council staff.  This is likely to be 1 x meeting and MTAG members to be paid meeting allowance.

4.    The endorsement and adoption process for the framework be as follows:

a.     MTAG endorses it to TTMAC

b.     TTMAC endorses to council

c.      Council adopts.

 

Key steps

The following are the key steps and indicative timeframes for developing the framework.

·    MTAG recommendations to TTMAC – September ‘22

·    TTMAC recommendations to Council – September ‘22

·    Request for proposals for consultancy services – Early Nov ‘22

·    Appoint consultant – December ‘22

·    Draft framework - March ‘23

·    Final Framework presented to MTAG for endorsement– April ‘23

·    Framework presented to TTMAC for endorsement – May ‘23

·    Framework presented to council for adoption – June ’23.

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.5

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Freshwater planning communications

From:

Ben Lee, Planning and Policy Manager

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Ruben Wylie, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga/Executive summary

At the last meeting Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) endorsed Tāngata Whenua Water Advisory Group’s (TWWAG) advice on how council should be engaging with tangata whenua in the development of the Freshwater Plan.  The advice included a range of ways for engaging with tangata whenua. Advice is sought from TTMAC on who council could approach to front a Māori perspective on freshwater management for e.g. radio interviews.  Our thinking is the role would be someone who ideally:

·    has a background of freshwater mātauranga,

·    understands the broad policy landscape,

·    is happy to advocate for tangata whenua to get involved in the Freshwater Plan development process, and

·    whose views would be widely respected by tangata whenua.

 

The person would not be representing council or TTMAC views.

 

At the last meeting TTMAC also endorsed the idea of a tangata whenua regional freshwater symposium and wananga.  Staff met with Ministry of the Environment senior officials on 24 August and they continue to support the proposal, but are strongly of the view that it should be tangata whenua led to ensure it best meets the needs of tangata whenua.  The proposal is to establish a working group who would do the organising of the symposium and wananga. They would be contracted (paid) roles.  Recommendations are sought from TTMAC for who to approach about being on the organising group. 

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

1.        That the report ‘Freshwater planning communications’ by Ben Lee, Planning and Policy Manager and dated 25 August 2022, be received.

2.        That ____________ is endorsed by Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) to front communications to highlight the importance of freshwater management and to encourage tangata whenua to get involved in the Freshwater Plan development process.

3.        That TTMAC endorse ____________ to be on the working group to organise the proposed tangata whenua regional freshwater symposium and wananga.

 

Tuhinga/Background

Not applicable

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.6

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group Update

From:

Alison Newell, Policy Specialist

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Ruben Wylie, Pou Tiaki Taiao – Group Manager Environmental Services, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga/Executive summary

The co-chairs of the Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group will provide a verbal update on the group’s progress since their last report to Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party.

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

1.        That the report ‘Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group Update’ by Alison Newell, Policy Specialist and dated 25 August 2022, be received.

 

Tuhinga/Background

Not applicable

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.7

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

How Department of Internal Affairs engage with tangata whenua in regard to 3 Waters

From:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga/Executive summary

The purpose of this paper is to introduce Hera Smith, Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), who will be attending to present and kōrero about how DIA engage with hapū and iwi regarding the 3 Waters programme.

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

1.        That the report ‘How Department of Internal Affairs engage with tangata whenua in regard to 3 Waters’ by Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement and dated 29 August 2022, be received.

Tip for writing good recommendations:

·  Recommendations should identify all decisions that are needed. 

·  If only one recommendation do not number.

·  Write the option out in full, rather than referring to an option in the report.  Set out clear options for councillors to decide between if necessary. 

·  Recommendations must be within the power of the meeting to make the decision. 

·  Avoid redundant or unnecessary statements and acronyms.

·  If a report is proposed, recommend a realistic date and state to which committee the proposed report back is to be made.

·           If it is deemed that there is high risk associated with a decision then include recognition of risk in the resolution.

Tuhinga/Background

Not applicable.

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.8

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

From:

Kim Peita, Maori Relationships Manager

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga/Executive summary

The purpose of this report is to present the latest work programme for the delivery of the council’s Long-Term Plan independent Te Tiriti Health Check.  At the time of writing this report all the planned workshops have been completed, the majority of the kaitiaki interviews have been held and the staff survey completed. 

 

The first draft of the report was completed on 29 August 2022 and is now attached for Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) to provide further feedback for consideration. A series of presentations of the draft report has commenced as outlined in the table below. A final report will be taken to the formal council meeting on Tuesday 27 September.

 

Date

Action

Monday 29 August, 5pm

First draft report due to MTAG/key group

Thursday 1 September, 2.30 – 3.30pm

[Paul, Cerridwen, Tai and Rahera all available]

MTAG meeting – to present draft report and receive any feedback

Friday 2 September

Draft report due to TTMAC and ELT

Either 5 or 6 September 8-9am [date TBC]

[Paul, Cerridwen and Rahera available; Tai unavailable 5 September but available 6 September

Meeting with TTMAC Co-Chairs, NRC Chair,  and senior staff

Thursday 8 September 9 – 10am

[Paul, Cerridwen, Tai and Rahera all available]

ELT meeting – to present draft report and receive any feedback

Thursday 8 September, 11am-1pm

[Paul, Cerridwen, Tai and Rahera all available]

TTMAC – to present draft report to TTMAC (full) and receive final feedback before finalising paper to Council

Friday 9 September, 5pm

Draft report to be finalised for the 13 September Council workshop

Tuesday 13 September, 1-2pm

[Paul, Cerridwen, Tai and Rahera all available]

Council workshop – to present final report and recommendations and receive any feedback

Thursday, 15 September time tbc

MTAG – to present final report and recommendations

Friday 16 September, 5pm

Final report to be finalised for the 27 September Council meeting

Tuesday 27 September, 1-2PM

[Paul, Cerridwen, Tai and Rahera all available]

Council meeting – to present final report with recommendations

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

1.        That the report ‘Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)’ by Kim Peita, Maori Relationships Manager and dated 25 August 2022, be received.

2.        That the draft be endorsed by Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) for recommendation to council for adoption at the September 27, 2022 council meeting (subject to any changes or amendments recommended by TTMAC for the independent assessors to consider).

Tip for writing good recommendations:

·  Recommendations should identify all decisions that are needed. 

·  If only one recommendation do not number.

·  Write the option out in full, rather than referring to an option in the report.  Set out clear options for councillors to decide between if necessary. 

·  Recommendations must be within the power of the meeting to make the decision. 

·  Avoid redundant or unnecessary statements and acronyms.

·  If a report is proposed, recommend a realistic date and state to which committee the proposed report back is to be made.

·           If it is deemed that there is high risk associated with a decision then include recognition of risk in the resolution.

Tuhinga/Background

Not applicable.

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Attachment 1: Draft report for discussion  

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party  ITEM: 4.8

8 September 2022Attachment 1

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

Attachment: Draft report for discussion

Page: 1


 

 

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Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

Attachment: Draft report for discussion

Page: 2


 

 

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Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

Attachment: Draft report for discussion

Page: 3


 

 

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Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

Attachment: Draft report for discussion

Page: 4


 

 

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Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

Attachment: Draft report for discussion

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Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

Attachment: Draft report for discussion

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Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

Attachment: Draft report for discussion

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Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

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Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

Attachment: Draft report for discussion

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Attachment: Draft report for discussion

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Report: Te Tiriti Organisational Review (Te Tiriti Health Check)

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Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.9

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Tāiki e Te Tiriti Strategy and Implementation Plan update

From:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 1 September 2022

 

 The purpose of this report is to update Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) on the progress of Tāiki e, the NRC Te Tiriti Strategy and Implementation Plan.  Now that it has been formally adopted by council, staff have begun more detailed planning for implementation focusing on Priority 1 Actions. This will also assist in preparing and developing proposals in partnership with TTMAC for the Long Term Plan (2024-2034).

The table below summarises three phases and council’s commitment (in the first 12 months) to commence priorities that are top priority and have the potential to have a significant impact in terms of work and resourcing.

·    Phase 1 – Priority 1, 2 & 3 Actions and work that is already underway.

·    Phase 2 - Priority 1 Actions that have commenced and have been endorsed by TTMAC and other Priority Actions.

·    Phase 3 – Priority 1 Actions that have not commenced and need endorsement and support by TTMAC.

·    Phase 4 – Priority 1 Actions that will be undertaken post-elections and TTMAC has been re-established.

It is critical to continue prioritising the Tāiki e Te Tiriti Strategy Implementation Plan and Priority 1 Actions to develop and endorse the proposals and subsequent work that will then be presented to the new council over the next 12 months. Therefore, it is recommended that, while council is in recess, staff continue to work on the Priority 1 Actions and work that is underway with the Māori Technical Advisory Group (MTAG). 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.9

8 September 2022

 

Phasing

Tāiki e Priority 1 Actions

Status Update

Phase 1

(Priority 1, 2 & 3 Actions and work that is already underway)

Action 17. 

Develop and embed a cultural awareness and competency framework for Councillors, staff and relevant consultants and contractors that includes, at a minimum:

a.  Creating an induction process that explains the cultural context of Te Taitokerau, recognising that each hapū have their own tikanga;

b.  Presents the importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / and He Whakaputanga / The Declaration of Independence to NRC in all activities; and

c.   Provides an understanding of and empathy for tikanga Māori (e.g., mauri, kaitiakitanga and mātauranga).

 

Te Tiriti Health Check report and recommendations includes a review of the current capacity and capability of staff and councillors’ cultural awareness and competency including a staff survey to assess cultural competencies.

 

 

Action 18.

Invest in building Tangata Whenua capacity and capability, by:

a.    Reviewing Council’s existing scholarship / internship programme to ensure that it supports the following outcomes:

i.     Tangata Whenua undertaking their role as kaitiaki; or

ii.    Increasing Tangata Whenua participation in jobs that are directly relevant to Council’s activities; or

iii.   Includes governance training, such as associateships.

Maintaining and increasing where appropriate in the 2024 – 2034 Long Term Plan, scholarship/ internship programmes for tangata whenua who whakapapa to Te Taitokerau iwi / hapū.

 

Recommendations for review of the existing scholarship/internship programme will be presented to TTMAC early 2023 by the communications and engagement team.

 

Action 20.

Develop and maintain a digital tangata whenua contacts database that spatially identifies indicative iwi and hapū rohe boundaries that can be utilised to guide engagement processes (e.g., resource consents), that:

a.    Takes into account overlapping iwi and hapū boundaries;

b.    Recognises the sensitivity and accuracy of information; and

c.    Uses the best available information (e.g., within IHEMPS).

 

A Geospatial Consultant has been engaged to complete this project with guidance and leadership being provided by MTAG.  The GIS Māori Engagement Mapping Tool will be presented to TTMAC by March 2023.

Phase 2

(Priority 1 Actions that have commenced and have been endorsed by TTMAC)

Action 1. 

1.    Establish Te Tiriti o Waitangi Health Check and Review Framework by:

a.    Carrying out an independent review of council’s obligations and performance against Te Tiriti o Waitangi performance standards utilising the Te Arawhiti Framework in a Te Taitokerau context;

b.    Identify and implement priority areas for improvement based on of Te Tiriti o Waitangi Health Check; and

Reporting to and seeking views and input of TTMAC and Councillors as part of the review.

 

 

Draft Te Tiriti Health Check independent report to be presented at MTAG meeting on September 1, 2022, and TTMAC meeting on September 8, 2022.

 

Action 3.

Support and increase the uptake of the development of Iwi and Hapū Environmental Management Plan (IHEMP) by:

a.    allocating existing staff time towards assisting iwi and hapū with b and c below; 

b.    developing a bespoke communication plan for increasing awareness and visibility of existing or future funding and support for IHEMPs, including targeting communications to iwi, hapū and whanau networks (including reaching out to specific iwi and hapū who may need extra support); and

c.    increasing the amount of funding and staff capacity in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan to respond to the potential increase in uptake of financial assistance.

 

Applications for the contestable funding online Wednesday, 27 July to Wednesday 7 September 2022.

Communications Review currently in progress by Communications and Engagement Team to be presented to the first TTMAC meeting post elections.

 

 

Phasing

Tāiki e Priority 1 Actions

Status Update

 

Actions 7, 8 & 9 (summary of actions)

7.    Taking into account the existing tools and models available, develop and fund a culturally appropriate Council environmental monitoring programmes and aspirations.

8.    Taking into account the existing tools and models available, develop and fund a culturally appropriate programme that enables and supports tangata whenua to undertake their own freshwater monitoring aspirations.

9.    Review, update and embed how NRC delivers its regulatory services to ensure regulatory activities (e.g., resource consents and compliance monitoring) are undertaken in a culturally appropriate manner and seek to include iwi and hapū to the greatest extent possible

 

Mātauranga Maori Monitoring Freshwater Framework being developed with $100,000 budget allocated to support its development with a due date of June 2023.  A separate TTMAC paper provides more detail around progress of these actions.

Funding $20,000 for environmental monitoring contestable funding to be allocated by March 2023 to eligible iwi and hapū (as per monitoring guidelines developed with TTMAC and adopted by council in July 2022)

 

Action 15. 

Identify opportunities within legislation for Tangata Whenua members of TTMAC to join or participate in other Council governance structures; and where appropriate, have formal voting rights on sub-committees.

 

Governance Review being undertaken with MTAG to make recommendations to TTMAC meeting, 8 September 2022, for endorsement and recommendations to be provided to the incoming council.

Te Tiriti Health Check to provide recommendations on how council can improve these relationships and provide more opportunities for tangata whenua members in governance decision making roles.

 

Action 22.

Ensure the successful ongoing implementation of Māori Constituencies by:

a.  Promoting and raising awareness of Māori seats and encouraging Māori to stand for local government; and

b.  Engaging with iwi and hapū to undertake a review of Māori Constituencies within the first triennium following implementation to measure success and the representativeness of the Constituencies.

 

The Regional Communications Campaign across councils continues now focussed on encouraging Māori to stand, enrol and vote.

https://localelections.co.nz/maori-representation/

TTMAC campaigning and sub-group has maintained support and initiatives focused on whānau, hapū and iwi.

Action 22. (b) will be scheduled to ensure it is completed prior to the next local government elections. 

Phase 3

(Priority 1 Actions that have not commenced and need TTMAC endorsement)

Action 2. 

2.    Continue developing a Tāiki e (NRC Te Tiriti o Waitangi Strategy and Implementation Plan) that includes, as a minimum:

a.    What it means for NRC to uphold its Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and obligation (e.g., what will success look like) and how NRC will live them through decision-making and operations;

b.    NRC’s overarching positions are clearly articulated on important matters such as transfer of powers under the RMA, payment for kaitiaki, recognition of mātauranga Māori and tangata whenua participation in decision making; and

c.    Incorporate the findings and recommendations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi Health Check.

 

Council induction programme will include Tāiki e and recommendations from Te Tiriti Health Check and TTMAC Governance Review recommendations.  Staff will bring this action onto the TTMAC agenda early in 2023 to confirm the approach.

 

Action 4. 

Support and increase the uptake of Mana Whakahono-ā-rohe agreements and commitments made within them by:

a.    allocating existing staff time towards assisting iwi and hapū with b, c and d below; 

b.    making it clear that NRC is open to receiving invitations and having discussions regarding entering into a Mana Whakahono-ā-rohe process with iwi and hapū.

c.    developing a bespoke communication plan for increasing awareness and visibility of existing or future funding and support for Mana Whakahono-ā-rohe, including targeting communications to iwi, hapū and whanau networks (including reaching out to specific iwi and hapū who may need extra support); and

d.    increasing the amount of funding and staff capacity in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan to respond to the potential increase in uptake of financial assistance.

 

Guidelines for funding within the Mana Whakahono-ā-rohe Agreement to be developed so that the funding can be allocated by March 2023 to eligible iwi and hapū.

 

Action 9. 

Review, update and embed how NRC delivers its regulatory services to ensure regulatory activities (e.g., resource consents and compliance monitoring) are undertaken in a culturally appropriate manner and seek to include iwi and hapū to the greatest extent possible, including by:

a.    Developing an efficient and consistent framework for notifying and involving iwi and hapū with resource consent applications;

b.    Providing suitable opportunities for iwi and hapū to provide feedback within statutory timeframes;

c.    Taking into account the following:

i.     The legislative constraints of the RMA;

ii.    Where legislative conflicts arise, advocate for change to central government in accordance with Action 12 of this Implementation Plan.

Committing funding to consistently resource iwi and hapū for undertaking this work.

 

Seek MTAG endorsement of a detailed project scope and review methodology by December 2022. 

 

Action 26.

During each review of the Annual Plan or Long Term Plan, consider and implement appropriate financial and other support for specific actions outlined in this Implementation Plan.

Executive Leadership Team currently reviewing implementation of Tāiki e and initial resourcing requirements against existing budgets.  Additional resourcing will be sought through the 2022/23 Annual Plan process, with further resourcing requirements being refined and a more comprehensive resource assessment prepared for consideration as part of the 2023/33 LTP process.

Phase 4

(Priority 1 Actions that will be undertaken post elections and re-establishment of TTMAC)

 

Action 11.

Ensure Tangata Whenua are consistently resourced to participate in governance, decision-making and operational activities by:

(a) reviewing different funding models used elsewhere in Aotearoa that could be applied, adapted and enhanced in Te Taitokerau; and

(b) Taking into account the findings of (a), develop and implement an agreed methodology and policy regarding consistent resourcing of Tangata Whenua.

 

Payment (including non-elected members review policy) to be reviewed and remuneration for services provided by Māori i.e., kaitiaki guidelines to be developed. 

Implementation of Action 2, 26 and 11 are linked and will be iterative as council works through and implements other actions within Tāiki e.  Implementation of a policy on resourcing will be dependent on council securing budget through the next LTP.

 

Action 13.

Undertake joint advocacy to central government on agreed priorities and interests, including on new legislation and initiatives such as the Future of Local Government Reforms

 

Pending Future for Local Government Report to be released in October 2022.

 

Action 22.

Providing ongoing support to ensure an equitable and culturally safe working environment for Councillors.

 

Pōwhiri to welcome new councillors is scheduled for October and a comprehensive induction programme will be provided to support councillors in their new roles and responsibilities. 

 

A specific policy to support a culturally safe work environment will be brought back to TTMAC for direction post elections.

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                                item: 4.9

8 September 2022

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

1.        That the report ‘Tāiki e Te Tiriti Strategy and Implementation Plan update’ by Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement and dated 22 August 2022, be received.

2.        That TTMAC endorse MTAG to continue work on Tāiki e during council recess.

Tuhinga/Background

Not applicable.

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Nil

 

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                              item: 4.10

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

From:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

The purpose of the report is to provide advice and guidance from Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) iwi and hapū members to the incoming council on the effectiveness and efficacy of TTMAC regarding its purpose to provide a forum that advances the aspirations of Māori within a local government context.

 

During August 2022, a survey was conducted with iwi and hapū members of TTMAC and also distributed throughout their networks to form the basis of a number of recommendations for the incoming council to consider when they establish the wider governance structure of council.  This is separate to the Tiriti Health Check evaluation in which a separate independent report will be provided in conjunction with these recommendations by Whaia Legal and Buddle Findlay to TTMAC. 

 

The survey questions and findings are collated and attached.  MTAG considered that the survey results complemented the Te Tiriti Health Check draft report and, at a high level, both support the view that:

·    TTMAC continue as it represents an important relationship with council focused on reflecting and enacting council’s Te Tiriti obligations and commitments

·    Māori councillors are there to represent the region Te Raki and TTMAC provides representation of the multiple layers across council, the voice of iwi and hapū

·    That better recognition is needed for the significant work done by iwi and hapū members to maintain their considerable level of commitment.

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommended actions

1.        That the report “TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council” by Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere – GM Governance and Engagement dated 8 September 2022 be received.

2.        That the recommendations to the incoming council by Māori Technical Advisory Group  on behalf of Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) be received and endorsed by TTMAC.

 

Background/Tuhinga

One of the first tasks the new council will undertake, post the local body elections, is to consider its new governance structure, with all existing arrangements disbanded at the time of the outgoing council. This will see the new council deciding and implementing what it considers to be the best governance structure to deliver its programmes of work. The only exception to this is those standing committees that cannot be disbanded as identified in legislation, being the Civil Defence and Regional Transport Committees and Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē Board. The current council governance structure is shown in the diagram below.

 

Timeline

Description automatically generated

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Attachment 1: TTMAC end of 2019-2022 triennium survey questions and results  

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party  ITEM: 4.10

8 September 2022Attachment 1

 

This page is a placeholder for a single page of a PDF attachment. It will be replaced by the actual PDF page when the PDF version of this document is generated.

 

Report: TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

Attachment: TTMAC end of 2019-2022 triennium survey questions and results

Page: 1


 

 

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Report: TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

Attachment: TTMAC end of 2019-2022 triennium survey questions and results

Page: 2


 

 

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Report: TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

Attachment: TTMAC end of 2019-2022 triennium survey questions and results

Page: 3


 

 

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Report: TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

Attachment: TTMAC end of 2019-2022 triennium survey questions and results

Page: 4


 

 

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Report: TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

Attachment: TTMAC end of 2019-2022 triennium survey questions and results

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Report: TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

Attachment: TTMAC end of 2019-2022 triennium survey questions and results

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Report: TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

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Report: TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

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Report: TTMAC governance review and advice to incoming council

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Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                              item: 4.11

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

From:

Liam Ratana, Kaiawhina Pārongo Communications Advisor

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga/Executive summary

The Local Elections Campaign for 2022 is underway. Nominations have closed and we are now encouraging eligible Māori to enrol and vote in the elections. Being that this is the first time Northland Regional council (NRC) has had Māori constituencies, there has been a focus on increasing the voter turnout for Māori. This report serves as an update to Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) on the work done so far and plans for the remaining campaign.

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

That the report ‘Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update’ by Liam Ratana, Kaiawhina Pārongo Communications Advisor and dated 23 August 2022, be received.

 

Tuhinga/Background

The 2022 Local Government elections is a historic occasion for Te Taitokerau. All four councils in the region, including NRC, will be introducing Māori constituencies. Te Taitokerau and Taranaki are the only regions in the entire country to be introducing Māori constituencies throughout all councils in their respective regions.

As a part of the elections campaign, all four councils in Te Taitokerau combined forces for a joint campaign focussing on three distinct phases: Enrol, stand, and vote. Over this campaign, a series of regional future councillor information sessions were held throughout the region. These sessions featured panels composed of local government staff, councillors, electoral commission staff, and TTMAC members Mike Kake and Nora Rameka. The purpose of the workshops was to provide information and encouragement to those interested in standing in the elections.

Another aspect of the strategy has been a joint social media and advertising campaign which featured a series of short videos produced by a local media agency. Other paid ad spaces are being utilised also, such as bus backs and billboards. The results (as at time of the report) of the campaign and snapshots of the ads are included as an attachment to this report. There has also been media coverage of the elections campaign to date, including print, radio, and television coverage.

Finally, NRC has engaged the services of local media personality Luke Bird to further assist with the campaign. As part of his services, Luke has produced a series of audio ads to be played out via radio stations throughout Te Taitokerau. He will also be participating in weekly interviews on all three major iwi radio stations in the region, as well as sharing content via his social media channels.

In total, NRC received 24 nominations for nine seats. One Councillor, Rick Stolwerk, was elected unopposed in the Coastal South General Constituency. There were four nominations received for the two Te Raki Māori Constituency seats.

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Attachment 1: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022  

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party  ITEM: 4.11

8 September 2022Attachment 1

 

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

Page: 1


 

 

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

Page: 2


 

 

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Report: Local Elections Campaign 2022 Update

Attachment: Elections 2022 Collaborative Northland Campaign update 23 August 2022

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Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                              item: 4.12

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Reports from other working party and groups

From:

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

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 1 September 2022

 

Whakarāpopototanga/Executive summary

The purpose of this report is to present records of actions from council’s other working party meetings that have occurred since the last Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) meeting. It is also an opportunity for working party Chairs and TTMAC members on working parties to provide a verbal update and answer any questions that may arise.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

1.        That the report ‘Reports from other working party and groups’ by Sally Bowron, Strategy, Governance and Engagement Team Admin/PA and dated 29 August 2022, be received.

Tip for writing good recommendations:

·  Recommendations should identify all decisions that are needed. 

·  If only one recommendation do not number.

·  Write the option out in full, rather than referring to an option in the report.  Set out clear options for councillors to decide between if necessary. 

·  Recommendations must be within the power of the meeting to make the decision. 

·  Avoid redundant or unnecessary statements and acronyms.

·  If a report is proposed, recommend a realistic date and state to which committee the proposed report back is to be made.

·           If it is deemed that there is high risk associated with a decision then include recognition of risk in the resolution.

Tuhinga/Background

Māori Technical Advisory Group

TTMAC representatives: Juliane Chetham , Georgina Connelly, Nora Rameka, William Sullivan, Janelle Beazley, Mira Norris, Rowan Tautari

The Māori Technical Advisory Group (MTAG) meet regularly on the first Thursday of each month to address mahi referred to them by Te Taitokerau Māori and Council working Party. At the 4 August meeting the following topics were discussed. MTAG’s work tracker is attached to provide an insight into the work that MTAG has been advising on over this triennium and their ongoing priorities.

·    Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework

·    Regional Policy Statement

·    Te Tiriti organisational review (Te Tiriti Health Check was conducted by the independent assessors with members).

Following discussion, MTAG agreed to the following actions:

·    That MTAG endorse the proposed scope of the Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Framework (the framework) as and the process for developing the framework set out in the paper, subject to there being three MTAG members appointed to the consultant selection panel and the request for proposal coming back to a full MTAG meeting for consideration.

·    That the consultants appointed to assist MTAG with the RPS review attend the next MTAG meeting to discuss the draft project plan and report structure for it.

 

Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, Chair Jack Craw

TTMAC representatives: Juliane Chetham, Georgina Connelly, Barb Elboz, Nora Rameka

The Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party meeting was held on 31 August 2022. The topics for discussion included:

·    PF2050 Update and Emerging Issues

·    Feral Deer Update and Future Planning

·    Marine Biosecurity Update on the Clean Hull Plan and Emerging Partnerships

·    FIF Update on Project Progress and EPA Investigation

·    Wetland Project Update

·    Climate Change and Biosecurity

·    Pest Organisms

·    Kauri Protection - The New National Plan - Rules and Implications for Northland

Following discussion, the working party agreed to the following actions:

·    That staff continue to provide updates on specified topics at the next working party meeting

·    That, for the Wetland Project Update, staff provide information on the platform the data will be available on and details about privacy and cost to landowners

·    That staff report on new pest organisms at a future meeting.

 

 

Climate Change Working Party (Chair: Cr. Amy Macdonald)

TTMAC representatives: Lynette Wharerau, Mira Norris, Rihari Dargaville, Rowan Tautari

The Climate Change Working Party met on 31 August 2022. The topics for discussion included:

·    Climate Change Commission Update – Presentation

·    Government Reforms Progress Update

·    Progress of Ngā Taumata o Te Moana Implementation Plan

·    Climate Change Governance Review.

Following discussion, the working party agreed to the following actions:

·    Circulation of the presentation “Update from the Climate Change Commission” to NRC councillors.

On closing the working party Chair thanked all members, staff and TTMAC representatives.

 

Water and Land Working Party (Chair: Cr Justin Blaikie)

TTMAC representatives: Janelle Beazley, Mira Norris, Alan Riwaka, Georgina Connelly, Waimarie Kingi

The Water and Land Working Party meeting met on 2 August 2022. The topics for discussion included:

·    Update on Lake Ōmāpere water quality and MOU with Lake O Trust

·    Harbour and Estuary ecological monitoring programme and opportunities to expand

·    Update on implementation of Network Review

·    Update of SOE sediment monitoring programme progress

·    SWIMSAFE Trial Update

·    SHaRP and WWW programme update.

Following discussion, the working party agreed to the following actions:

·    NRC to investigate easier access to the swimsafe site on its website.  There are currently too many 'clicks' to get there which can be disconcerting to the public

·    Land Management Programme Manager will distribute research around the milling of poplars to the working party.

 

Planning and Regulatory Working Party (Chair: Cr Joce Yeoman)

TTMAC representatives: Juliane Chetham, Mira Norris, Rowan Tautari, William Sullivan

The working party met on 2 August 2022.  The topics for discussion included:

·    Regulatory Services Work Report

·    Planning & Policy Work Programme

·    Proposed Regional Plan – Appeals Update

Following discussion, no further action was required on any of the agenda items.

 

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Attachment 1: MTAG current work tracker  

 


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party  ITEM: 4.12

8 September 2022Attachment 1

 

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Report: Reports from other working party and groups

Attachment: MTAG current work tracker

Page: 1


 

 

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Report: Reports from other working party and groups

Attachment: MTAG current work tracker

Page: 2


 

 

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Report: Reports from other working party and groups

Attachment: MTAG current work tracker

Page: 3


 

 

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Report: Reports from other working party and groups

Attachment: MTAG current work tracker

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Report: Reports from other working party and groups

Attachment: MTAG current work tracker

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Report: Reports from other working party and groups

Attachment: MTAG current work tracker

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Report: Reports from other working party and groups

Attachment: MTAG current work tracker

Page: 7


Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party                                              item: 4.13

8 September 2022

 

TITLE:

Chief Executive’s Report to Council

From:

Malcolm Nicolson, Tumuaki - Chief Executive Officer

Authorised by Group Manager/s:

Malcolm Nicolson, Tumuaki - Chief Executive Officer, on 17 August 2022

 

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Malcolm Nicolson, Tumuaki - Chief Executive Officer and dated 2 September 2022, be received.

 

 

4.13.1 Highlights

Northland Regional Council – Kiwi Coast partnership 

While the “twindemic” of COVID-19 and flu affected a number of planned activities and events over the last year, Kiwi Coast has remained strong and much has been achieved: 

·    Kiwi Coast Trust, Strategy Group and Coordinators continued to foster, link, and grow community, hapū and iwi-led pest control and forest recovery across Northland, with our iconic kiwi as a key driving motivator 

·    A further 23 projects linked into Kiwi Coast, taking the total number of entities involved in the collaborative initiative to 210.  

·    The collective area managed by groups and projects involved increased from 225,000ha in 2021, to 241,000ha in 2022. 

·    A record 99,126 animal pests were trapped, taking the nine-year grand tally to 591,584. On average, over 1,900 animal pests were trapped on the Kiwi Coast every week. 

·    Despite COVID-19, a further 22 skill building workshops were able to be held, taking the nine-year total to ninety-eight.  

·    The annual Regional Pest Control Workshop was held as an online “zui” for the first time, involving local, national and international presenters and participants 

·    19,268 people have now attended Kiwi Coast supported events and workshops over the past nine years. 

·    Outcome monitoring showed the hard work by the groups and projects involved is achieving the desired results, with the threatened status of Northland brown kiwi downgraded to ‘conservation dependant’. 

 

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Taiki e!

An acknowledgement that Tāiki e (NRC Te Tiriti Strategy and Implementation Plan) has been adopted at the formal council meeting held 26 July 2022.  This endorses the partnership with Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) as Tāiki e aligns with council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and strengthens partnerships with tangata whenua and council’s position/ability to respond to central government reforms.  It also provides clear strategic direction both at a governance and operational level to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  The main objective of Tāiki e is that it provides a robust starting point for the incoming council for the understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Taitokerau context, partnership and obligations.

 

Operationally, it provides and includes direct actions relating to environmental monitoring, review of council’s regulatory services, and education on environmental and resource management issues. Furthermore, while Tāiki e focuses on capacity, capability and Māori representation, it establishes a framework for looking at the other Ngā Whainga/Goals in TTMAC Strategic Intent 2021-2040 which include Water/Marine and Climate Crisis.

 

‘Tāiki e’ Implementation Plan lists 26 Actions that are made up of 13 x Priority One, 9 x Priority Two and 4 x Priority Three Actions. Of the 26 Actions;  nine are budgeted, seven can be achieved within existing resources and 10 are unbudgeted. Currently there are some Priority One Actions underway or in progress including:

 

·    Action 1.  Establishing Te Tiriti o Waitangi Health Check and Review

·    Action 3.  Support and increase the uptake of the development of Iwi/Hapū Environmental Plans

·    Action 4.  Support and increase the uptake of Mana Whakahono a Rohe (MwaR)

·    Action 7/8/9.  Council environmental monitoring programme to support environmental monitoring by tangata whenua

·    Action 22.  Ensure the successful ongoing implementation of Māori constituencies.

 

Work has been ongoing with the ELT to begin more detailed planning for the ‘Tāiki e’  implementation plan and this will be brought back to TTMAC’s September meeting for endorsement. ELT will need to consider capacity and capability to undertake implementation and delivery, particularly for the Priority 1 Actions over the next 12 months.  Staff recognise that it is important to prioritise ‘Tāiki e’, however, being an election year will result in a period where the incoming council will need time to confirm the new governance structure and be inducted as new councillors.

 

4.13.2 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 Opua Boat Yard in Walls Bay, Ōpua

No further update.

Consent decision appeal

Irrigation of avocado orchards and horticulture crops

No further update.

 

4.13.3 CORPORATE SERVICES

Enterprise System Update

Graphical user interface, text, application, email

Description automatically generated

Fraud Declaration

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

Council property Update

The purchase of two property holdings in Whangārei’s CBD has settled.

 The NIWA Kingfish RAS works are currently on track with the fish tank construction complete, leak testing successful and coating to commence after the shelter is erected. The shelter structure install will progress through August (as in photo). The access walkway decking install is also underway. All offshore equipment has all arrived onsite. Practical completion remains achievable but very tight.

 

4.13.4 regulatory services

Consents in Process

During July 2022, a total of 85 Decisions were issued.  These decisions comprised:

Ÿ Moorings

1

 

 

Ÿ Coastal Permits

12

 

 

Ÿ Land Discharge Permits

9

 

 

Ÿ Land Use Consents

26

 

 

Ÿ Water Permits

18

 

 

Ÿ Water Takes

10

 

 

Ÿ Bore Consents

9

 

 

The processing timeframes for the July 2022 consents ranged from:

Ÿ 117 to 1 calendar days, with the median time being 43 days;

Ÿ 78 to 1 working days, with the median time being 22 days.

Sixty-three applications were received in July 2022.

Of the 133 applications in progress at the end of July 2022:

Ÿ 35 were received more than 12 months ago;

Reasons for being more than 12 months old:

-    Awaiting additional information (including CIAs)

9

-    Consultation with affected parties/stakeholders

4

-    On-hold pending new rules becoming operative

6

-    Other

16

Ÿ 19 were received between 6 and 12 months ago (most awaiting further information from the applicant);

Ÿ 79 less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

No commissioners were appointed in July 2022.

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

The current level of notified application processing activities at the end of July 2022 is (by number):

Ÿ Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month

1

Ÿ Progress on Applications Previously Notified

6

Ÿ Appeals/Objections

2

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 – 31 July 2022 (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

5

5

0

0

0

0

Bore Consent

8

8

0

0

0

0

Coastal Discharge

16

8

3

3

0

2

Coastal Permit

9

9

0

0

0

0

FDE – Discharge permit

11

11

0

0

0

0

FDE – Permitted activity

4

4

0

0

0

0

Land Discharge

35

27

2

2

0

4

Land Use Consent

42

33

4

4

0

1

Water Discharge

29

21

4

3

1

0

Water Permit

27

25

0

0

0

2

Water Take

192

122

37

5

0

28

Total

378

273

50

17

1

37

Percentage

 

72.2%

13.2%

4.5%

0.3%

9.8%

Year to date

378

273

50

17

1

37

Percentage

 

72.2%

13.2%

4.5%

0.3%

9.8%

Coastal

Monitoring of the Bay of Islands coastal structure permits for the 2022/23 financial year commenced. Stormwater discharge monitoring was undertaken at Norsand and Riverside Drive boat maintenance facilities.

An abatement notice was issued to the Kaipara District Council for discharging polypropylene material to the coastal marine area from exposed sandbags that are being used for erosion control at Baylys Beach. The sandbag seawall is authorised by resource consent. In response to our enforcement action, Kaipara District Council instructed its contractor to cover damaged bags to minimise further discharges. We have undertaken a follow-up site visit to confirm remedial works. The district council has until 3 November 2022 to remove all failed, damaged and broken sandbags, and to develop a permanent solution going forward.

We continued to undertake marine farm consent compliance follow-up and enforcement action following inspections that were undertaken in March 2022. 

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

Monitoring

Ÿ Contaminated Land Management

Two incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and 15 enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to. Four hundred and twelve kilograms of hazardous waste was disposed of at the amnesty day and eight sites were added to the Selected Land-Use Register.

·   Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants 

WWTP/Consent Status

Issues (August 2022)

Enforcement Action/Response

Far North District

Ahipara

Expires 2033

Ongoing non-compliance with bacteriological consent limits

Under AN

FNDC investigating land disposal options: UV system to be installed in 2022/2023 to reduce bacteriological
concentrations

Hihi

Expires 30 November 2022; replacement consent yet to be received

No recent issues

None currently

Kaeo

Expires 31 October 2022; replacement consent application has been received

No recent issues

None currently

Kaikohe

Expired 2021 (replacement consent application on hold)

Intermittent non-compliances with ADW flow, ammonia & bacteriological consent limits.

None currently

Issues will be addressed in replacement consent

Kaitāia

Expired 2021; replacement consent application in progress

No recent issues

Under AN (reticulation overflows)

Issues will be addressed in replacement consent

Kawakawa

Expires 2036

No recent issues

None currently

Kerikeri

Expires 2036

No recent issues

 

None currently

Kohukohu

Expired 2016; replacement consent application publicly notified 10 August 2022

Occasional issues with bacteriological conditions of consent

None currently

Opononi & Omāpere

Expired 2019; replacement consent application on hold

Non-compliances with bacteriological consent limits

 

Under AN

Issues will be addressed in replacement consent

Paihia

Expires 2034

Plant upgraded 2019; alkalinity issues preventing optimal ammonia treatment

None currently

Alkalinity improvement project still in progress

Rangiputa

Expires 2032

No recent issues

None currently

Rāwene

Expires 2023

System overdue for de-sludging

None currently

Russell

Expires 2024

Occasional non-compliances with E. coli consent limit post UV

Under AN

Infringement notices issued January 2022 and June 2022

Improvements underway

Taipā

Expires 2029

No recent issues

None currently

Whatuwhiwhi

Expires 2025

Elevated TSS levels (consent limit may be unnecessarily restrictive)

FNDC to seek consent variation to address TSS levels; Under AN for odour from Tokerau Beach pump station

 

Whangārei District

Hikurangi

Expires 2025

Intermittent issues with plant performance

Plant performance being reviewed to identify improvements

Ngunguru

Expires 2035

No recent issues

None currently

Oakura

Expires 2025

Occasional spikes in E. coli

None currently

Portland

Expires 2024

No recent issues

None currently

Ruakaka

Expires 2046

No recent issues

None currently

Tutukaka

Expires 2024

No recent issues

None currently

Waiōtira

Expires 2030

No recent issues

None currently

Waipū

Expires 2030

No recent issues

None currently

Whāngārei City

Expire 2022; replacement consent application publicly notified – 6 submissions received and being responded to

No recent issues

Under AN for odour from plant.

Kaipara District

Dargaville

Expired 30 June 2022; replacement consent application in progress

Non-compliances with WQ discharge volume consent limits

Under AN

Glinks Gully

Expires 2024

No recent issues

None currently

Kaiwaka

Expires 31 October 2022; replacement consent application has been received

No recent issues

None currently

Mangawhai

Expires 2042

Odour complaints and occasional exceedances of TDS consent limit

Under AN

Maungaturoto

Expires 2032

Intermittent non-compliances, generally due to high rainfall

Under AN

Te Kopuru

Expires 2044

Intermittent minor non-compliances

Second aerator installed 2020

Environmental Incidents

There was one environmental incident reported in July which resulted in a significant environmental impact.  This was a smoke nuisance incident in Kaiwaka early in the year which involved the burning of a large pile of unpermitted materials including tyres. The investigation of the incident has been completed and the formal enforcement action in response to the incident is under consideration.

 

 

 

 

ENFORCEMENT

Abatement Notices, Infringement Notices and Formal Warnings

The following is a summary of the abatement and infringement notices issued:

Action Type

Number

Abatement Notice

10

Infringement Notice

2

 

Farm dairy effluent (FDE) monitoring

FDE inspections commenced on 22 July 2022.  NRC staff and the FDE contractor will be visiting a total of 753 farms this monitoring season (four less than last year). To date approximately four percent of farms have been visited and reported on.  Comparisons of this season’s results so far with those for last season are given in the tables below.  It is too early to put much weight on comparisons between years.

Consented farms (571 to do)

Full Compliance

Moderate Non-Compliance

Significant Non-Compliance

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

16

43

1

8

0

2

94%

81%

6%

15%

0%

4%

 

Non-consented farms (182 to do)

Full Compliance

Moderate Non-Compliance

Significant Non-Compliance

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

This Year

Last Year

11

17

0

2

0

1

100%

85%

0%

10%

0%

5%

 

Other Enforcement

·      Open burning on industrial/trade property – Whangārei

Charges were laid against an individual for open burning on industrial/trade premises; the burnt items included prohibited items. All witnesses gave evidence in front of a Judge on 25 May 2022. The Judge convicted the defendant on two charges. Sentencing submissions have been filed as per timetable. The sentencing date has been set for 26 August 2022.

·      Breach of enforcement orders - Kaitaia

An individual did not complete the work required by enforcement orders issued on 6 November 2020. The enforcement orders included remedial work on a contaminated land. On 28 June 2022, charging document has been filed to court for prosecution. The registrar adjourned the case until 22 August 2022.

·      Earthworks & vegetation clearance within a wetland – Teal Bay

Charges were laid in the Whangārei District Court on 7 December 2021 against four parties for offences relating to earthworks, vegetation clearance and discharge of sediment that occurred in December 2020. A joint memorandum was signed on 28 June 2022 regarding one issue – whether wetland is a natural wetland or a constructed wetland. This issue is relevant for some of the charges. NRC expert evidence was filed by 15 July 2022 and the defendants’ expert evidence is to be filed by 25 August 2022. If it is determined that the wetland is a natural wetland, then the four defendants will enter guilty pleas to all charges.

·      Farm dairy effluent - Hikurangi

On 27 June 2022, charges were laid in Whangārei District Court against four defendants for offences relating to the discharge of farm wastewater that occurred in November 2021. First appearance date is 17 August 2022.

·      Discharge of contaminated water to stormwater - Whangārei

On 14 July 2022, four charges were laid in Whangārei District Court against one defendant for offences relating to the discharge of contaminated water to stormwater that occurred in September 2021. First appearance date is 18 October 2022.

 

4.13.5 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

land management

Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities

Milestones

Status

Farm Plans

The target for the 2021-22 is either 136 plans or a total of 34,030 ha covered by completed plans. Staff delivered 107 farm plans totalling 34,011 ha as at the end of June. Staff continue to prepare soil conservation plans for the 2022-23 year, which has the same target as the previous year.

Land treatments – Retirement fencing

Staff are preparing efund applications with a target area of 84ha of eroding pasture to be retired for forest planting by the end of the financial year. The 84ha is the target under the funding agreement with MPI. It should be noted that staff have substantially exceeded this target in the previous two years.

 

 

Poplar and Willow nursery

Objective

Status

Harvest

This year’s harvest was notable for the record demand and supply of trees.

For the 2022-23 planting season NRC delivered orders for 8,440 subsidised poplar and willow trees, exceeding our 7000 target (120% of target achieved). With harvest complete, planning is underway to continue to improve the productive capacity of the current site.  Main areas for work include:

·     improving drainage

·     lower stool bed stocking

·     diversify cultivar mix

·     expand processing area

·     revising fertiliser programme

·     redesigning block layout taking account of works on new rail corridor.

 

Whangārei urban awa project

Key updates for this project:

·   Y2 Reporting has been completed.

·   Two fencing projects were completed in July totaling 209m.

·   Two sites were planted in July totaling 1547plants.

·   The information flyer was sent to recontact properties that did not reply to the initial round of contact.

biodiversity

FIF Dune Lakes Project

Objective

Status

Sediment and nutrient mitigation

Contract awarded and wetland feasibility study underway at Black Lake, Kai Iwi Lakes.

Pest fish and weed control.

Hornwort signs were produced for Lake Karaka and will be installed during the annual lakes survey week. 

Year 5 Annual Report and Year 6 Work Programme

The annual report for Year 5 and the Year 6 Annual Work Programme was provided to MfE.

 

CoastCare

Dune planting continued in July.  A planting day was held on Waipū Sandspit with the Department of Conservation (DOC). The Waipū Sandspit is an important breeding area for the critically threatened NZ Fairy Tern (tara iti) of which there are only around 40 individuals remaining.  DOC were concerned about a blow-out across the spit which had been started by people walking through from the estuary and were keen to plant it to encourage the dune to build up.  A small group of DOC volunteers walked the 4km out to the planting site, picking up litter as they went, and just over 600 spinifex and pingao plants were planted (provided through the NRC Environment Fund). 

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Wetlands

The Envirolink report on the design of a Northland wetland SOE monitoring programme was reviewed by Biodiversity staff and received from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research.  This report provides a framework for monitoring the ecological state and trend of freshwater wetlands and a set of 61 priority sites representative of Northland wetlands from which to develop a 5-yearly rolling monitoring programme.  This monitoring framework has been developed to enable NRC to monitor wetland condition and trend and to identify any losses in wetland extent or values, to give effect to the requirements under the Essential Freshwater 2020 programme (NPS-FM, NES-FW).

 

Natural resources

Coastal/Water Quality Operations

 

·   A trial exploring Kākahi (Freshwater mussels) and eDNA (Environmental DNA) is underway with Council, Wilderlab and supported by landowners.  In turbid free waters, Kākahi can filter up to 1.5 litres per hour.  It is considered that Kākahi would ingest a wide range of DNA from the water body.  It is hoped that this approach helps us use eDNA and understand species diversity in low flow environments.

 

Natural Resources Science

 Air quality

·   Investigations to identify new permanent air monitoring sites in Kaitāia and Mairtown, Whangārei are underway.  Both sites were identified as most suitable air monitoring sites for particulate matter in Northland airsheds during the environmental monitoring network review.

·   The Ministry for the Environment, Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency,
Te Manatū Waka Ministry of Transport and Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health have released the third edition of the Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand (HAPINZ 3.0) on 6 July 2022.  The table below shows the estimated health impacts due to PM2.5 and NO2 pollution from anthropogenic sources in the Northland region in 2016.  The associated social costs are estimated at $460 million (with $176 million from PM2.5 and $285 million from NO2) for Northland. HAPINZ_3.0_FAQs.02 (1).pdf

 

 

Health impacts for the Northland region in 2016 due to anthropogenic air pollution.

Health effect

Cases by source (number)

 

Domestic fires

Motor
vehicles

Industry

Windblown dust

Total

 

Cases due to both PM2.5 and NO2

Premature deaths (all adults)

24

68

0.2

6

98

 

Cardiovascular hospitalisations (all ages)

49

72

0.5

12

134

 

Respiratory hospitalisations (all ages)

38

200

0.3

9

274

 

Asthma prevalence (0-18 yrs)

 

288

 

 

288

 

Restricted activity days (all ages)

24,770

6,597

275

6,872

38,514

 

Freshwater qualityThe stats are estimated in the table are annual for 2016. Data was averaged over 2015-2017 to account for annual variability

 

·      Works related to LiDAR based high resolution digital river network (DRN) model for Northland are making good progress (Water Tech New Zealand Ltd is the service provider).  The GIS deliverables for the Northern Wairoa catchment together with the rest of the region are currently being reviewed by NRC staff. The final report is due by February 2023.

·      The NIWA contract on identifying potential drivers (water chemistry and biophysical characteristics) of benthic macroinvertebrate community pattern for Northland rivers has been finalised.  The project will start in August 2022 and the final report is due in March 2023.

·      The water quality data collected for Raumanga catchment investigation (February 2021 to March 2022) has been analysed and a draft report has been produced, which is currently under review.  The final report will be available by September 2022.

 

Natural Resources Data

 

·      The annual LAWA data refresh is well underway, starting with sites and data in the river, lake and groundwater quality programmes, as well as the recreational swimming programme.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hydrology

 

Map

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Rainfall

·    July 2022 was a wet month for Northland.  All sites received above normal rainfall, with the east coast receiving significantly more rainfall than normal.

·    Note that Cape Rēinga data is incomplete for the month so is displayed as low rainfall below

Map

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Rivers

·    Most Northland rivers had above-normal to normal flow for July 2022.

·    Low flows at Mangakahia at Gorge (red point below) are being investigated for truth.

 

 

Map

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Groundwater

·    Recorded groundwater levels were above normal or normal in Northland aquifers.

 

 

 

 

POLICY AND PLANNING

Notified Subdivision application - Kapiro Road

Council lodged a submission on a subdivision resource consent application at Kapiro Road, Kerikeri.  The application seeks to create 133 unserviced lifestyle lots (ranging from 3000m2 to 5ha).  Council’s submission raised concerns over the potentail impacts on wetlands and water resilience.  These concerns were subsequently addressed by the applicant.  Following the hearing on 29 and 30 June, the commissioners declined the application due to more than minor effects on natural character, rural landscape character, visual amenity and productive soils.  The proposal was also considered to be contrary to some of the objectives and policies of the Far North District Plan.  The applicants have subsequently lodged an appeal to the Environment Court. 

 

National initiatives

In July council lodged submissions on:

·   consultation on exposure drafts of changes to the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-F) and the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM), and

·   the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB). 

Copies of both submissions were circulated to TTMAC for feedback and information.

The exposure draft of the NES-F and NPS-FM was to address some technical issues and add further wetland provisions.  Notably, the application of the NES-F to coastal wetlands was not addressed.  The Ministry for the Environment have indicated that there will be a separate process for coastal wetlands in the next month or so.

The NPS-IB will be a new national policy statement.  It will set out how councils manage biodiversity, including a requirement for district councils to map significant natural areas (SNAs) and to develop regional biodiversity strategies.

In July the government also released an exposure draft of the Water Services Entities Bill as part of its reform of New Zealand’s drinking-water, wastewater and stormwater services (“three waters” services).  The bill would create four publicly owned water services entities that manage water services in place of local authorities.  The bill sets out the ownership, governance, and accountability arrangements – it also defines the geographic boundaries of the four entities, how they would operate and be accountable to the public.  Each of the four water services entities would take on responsibility for delivering water services from 1 July 2024.  The Bill is available here:  https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2022/0136/latest/LMS534587.html?search=ts_act%40bill%40regulation%40deemedreg_water+services+bill_resel_25_a&p=1

Council did not lodge a submission on the Bill – the Select Committee is due to report back in the latter half of 2022.

Of note are concerns raised by the Attorney General raised in a submission on the Bill over accountability of the Water Services Entities given they are not councils or state owned entities and therefore cannot be held to account by ratepayers or Parliament. The Attorney General urged government to add a requirement for the entities to submit 10-year plans for auditing as is done with councils' Long-Term Plans. The submission by the Attorney General is available here: https://oag.parliament.nz/2022/submission-water-services

Review of the Regional Policy Statement

Barker and Associates are working on a draft report assessing the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) from a tangata whenua perspective.  Staff are holding meetings with the Department of Conservation and the district councils to receive their feedback on the RPS in preparation for writing the review document.

Far North and Kaipara District Plans

Far North District Council released its Proposed District Plan on 27 July with submissions open until 21 October.  Kaipara District Council are also due to release their draft District Plan for comment.  A council workshop on both these documents is scheduled for 30 August 2022.  Policy and Planning staff will review the documents and provide advice to council on making submissions at the workshop.

Freshwater Plan

NRC is arranging a full-day workshop for the August 2022 PSLG meeting to facilitate further feedback on NRC’s freshwater plan change framework and process.

NRC staff attended the Annual Surface Water Integrated Management (SWIM) meeting in Wellington on 20 and 21 July. This provided the opportunity for council staff to share progress on implementing their freshwater plans, the challenges they are facing, and the available science information and tools to support the plan change.

NRC and ARC staff have had initial meetings to discuss opportunities to share their freshwater plan change approaches, including their approach to tangata whenua engagement.  Particularly pertinent for the Kaipara catchment, where there is shared jurisdiction.  On-going meetings are planned, along with sharing of information and exploring opportunities for synergies in the implementation of NRC’s and ARC’s respective freshwater plans.

The Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group has been working on its recommendations to council and is due to provide its advice to TTMAC in August for endorsement to council on engagement with tangata whenua.

Council staff have also had an initial meeting with the Wai Māori Group (mandated by iwi leaders to work on the freshwater plan change).

The awareness campaign on the Freshwater Plan continues with, for example, the roll out of social media.

Proposed Regional Plan Appeals

In recent weeks the Environment Court has released several decisions on the Proposed Regional Plan.  A brief summary of the decisions is available below and the decisions are available in full on Councils website.

·   Topic 1A Aquaculture - The provisions controlling aquaculture were appealed by a number of parties seeking both more and less restrictive provisions.  Appeals were resolved without hearing with the Environment Court issuing a consent order on 20 July 2022.

·   Topic 1 – Capital dredging and Marsden Point Port Zone – Parties reached agreement on appeals by Refining New Zealand / Channel Infrastructure in relation to rules controlling capital dredging and the extent of the Marsden Point Port Zone (MPPZ).  Parties agreed to retain the rules adopted by Council for capital dredging without amendment.  Minor amendments were made to the MPPZ, expanding the zone northward to include the current ship berthing area and east to cover an area where resource consent was granted to dredge for ship berthing.  The Court accepted the parties’ recommendations and issued consent documents on 21 July 2022.

·   Topic 15 Mangrove Removal – 29 July parties provided court minor wording alterations to four rules as directed in the 29 June interim decision. We now await a final decision. 

·   Topic 14 Fishing Control – When the Court hearing closed on 6 August 2021, the Court indicated a decision would take longer than 6 months and parties were encouraged to work together to try and find a solution.  This pause has allowed some iwi and hapū parties to reach an adjusted position on some aspects of the relief.  There is also broad support from parties over the Minister of Primary Industries’ decision to close the SCA 1 scallop fishery under the Fisheries Act 1996, and the protection this provides sensitive benthic habitats from scallop dredging disturbance.  Progress and updated positions from all parties was recorded a joint memorandum lodged with Court 29 July.  The parties have requested that the Court now make a decision 

Other appeals and next steps

Staff continue to work towards resolving the remaining appeals on a range of topics.  Key points arising since the last report are:

·   Topic 1 (Vehicles on Beaches) – Parties attended mediation to discuss these appeals on 27 July.  Productive and meaningful progress was made on resolving issues. While some issues remain outstanding, actions have been identified to continue to progress towards resolution.  All parties indicated that the appeal was trending in the right direction and that resolution without a hearing was possible and desirable.

·   Other matters - There are several other relatively minor appeals points that staff continue to work towards resolution with parties.  The council is to provide a further report on progress on the remaining outstanding provisions by 30 September 2022.

·   Plan updates - Staff continue rolling updates to the Proposed Regional Plan online as final decisions are issued by the Court.

4.13.6 BIOSECURITY

WILD ANIMAL CONTROL 

An escaped hind which had been on the loose in the Paparoa area from a nearby deer unit was finally dispatched.  

 

A fallow deer unit was located within the vicinity of the Waitangi Forest which had 8 fallow deer in it with no permit. This has been reported through to DOC who are to investigate.  

 

Staff attended a multi-agency meeting with Auckland Council, DOC Wild Animal Management, and DOC from both the North Island and Auckland Regions. 

 

A mature fallow hind and spiker were dispatched in the Puhipuhi area by an NRC contractor. These were located by one of our new contractors who knows this area well.  He was notified by a landowner, located, and shot these animals within two days of this information.    

 

A deer in the woods

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FERAL PIGS 

There are ongoing issues at Wharau and Furness Roads in Kerikeri with free range wild cross pigs getting into neighboring properties causing damage. There is an absentee owner, who has workers living on the property and who has limited control over the pigs. NRC staff have set up a trap in the area and are currently working to contact the farm owner and get a plan in place for control and removal of these pigs.  In the meantime, the trapping and dispatching will continue on the adjoining properties, as they are located near the Waitangi Forest which has a healthy Kiwi population.  

 

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FRESHWATER PESTS 

Koi carp presence/absence river surveillance netting fieldwork has been conducted along a flood drain network in Ruawai (site outside of koi carp containment zone).  

Annual work planning for 2022-2023 has been ongoing, including finalizing operational projects/fieldwork calendar bookings for the new year, grass carp removal, river site presence/absence of koi carp outside the containment zone.   

 

 

 

PARTNERSHIPS 

July was a busy month for our Biosecurity Partnerships programmes with staff and community group coordinators analysing results and preparing annual reports. Some key achievements from the 21/22 financial year across our HVAs are highlighted below:  

 

Kiwi Link High Value Area 

This High value area (HVA) covers approximately 15,000 ha between Taranui and Glenbervie in eastern Whangarei and has had had an outstanding year: 

 

·    An eightfold increase on NRC’s $100k investment, with private landowners contributing $374,850 of unpaid labour 

·    Removal of 9,509 animal pests in 2021, with a grand total of 36,958 since 2017 

·    Boosted plant pest control, with new “weedy working bees” bringing landowners together to target problem sites 

·    Increasing native bird abundance, including kiwi, kākā and pāteke 

·    Increased communications and engagement, with a new dedicated website close to completion. 

 

Whangārei Heads High Value Area 

Kiwi Call Count Monitoring:  Results show that good stoat control, through quality trapping and Kiwi Saver (1080) pulses, is leading to good kiwi chick survival and that responsible dog control is now ingrained by the vast majority of our community. Overall, results indicate: 

 

·     An approximate kiwi population of 1130 compared with 1090 last season and 80 back in 2001.  

·     A call rate of 10.8 calls/hour (analysed from 135 hours of listening at 18 sites), slightly down from 11.5 calls/hour last year.  

·     A total count of 226 males and 108 females compared with 218 males and 110 females in 2021. 

A picture containing tree, outdoor

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Moth Plant Mob event at School Road. A working Bee on Ross property to support this community stalwart, the Moth plant competition.  

 

Tutukaka High Value Area 

Predator control:  The total catch of cats and mustelids for the two months June-July was 26; roughly half that of the previous period. This is typical of the reduction in catch rates that occurs during winter.  Planning for a 1080 Operation is also well underway with all bait stations having been deployed and the initial possum knockdown toxin laid. 

 

Biodiversity and kiwi monitoring:  Annual Kiwi Call counts are being collated. Kākā are being heard and sighted regularly in Tutukaka – usually just one or two birds at a time, and at dawn and dusk. 

 

Weed Control: S.W.A.T has been taking a very well-earned winter break; and will resume operations in September.  

 

Piroa Brynderwyn High Value Area 

The Piroa Brynderwyn Landcare (PBL) has steadily expanded services with new areas and new functions as the organisation has morphed into a more sophisticated HVA project. Developing a mana enhancing agreement with iwi/hapū is also enriching the groups strategic planning and delivery as they move to formalise their organisation as a charitable trust. Some highlights from the year include: 

·          23 groups now involved 

·          3624 animal pests removed 

·          Over 4000 hours of trapping hours 

·          320 new mustelid traps deployed 

·          Over 2000 hours of Volunteer Weed Action work 

 

Breve Street Reserve - Mangawhai

One of our Volunteers is waiting until the track down to the water has been cut in so that the planting of native trees can be put in place. It is hoped work may begin as soon as possible so spraying and planting can take place, and before the storm water outlet erodes more of the stream banks. KDC have removed the dangerous pine trees from the reserve. 

 

The local ‘trackies’ group is assisting KDC with reinstatement of the track. 

 

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King Road Reserve 

A crew of four residents around King Road reserve have been meeting every week to weed around a wetland area there, and lay traps. They are just about to start planting native trees along the front of the section by the road, with a volunteer planting day scheduled for 20 June. There was a good write up on their work in the Mangawhai Focus. A sign was put up to inform the public of the work being done here. 

 

A group of people standing on a dirt path in a grassy area

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Western Northland Pest Control 

The Department of Conservation is coordinating an aerial 1080 operation in the Waipoua Forest on areas of public conservation land that have been agreed on in consultation with Te Roroa through their marae.  This operation is scheduled for September and will benefit NRC CPCA’s whose project area includes and/or is adjacent to the forest by reducing rat and possum numbers over the large landscape and providing secondary poisoning of mustelids which will remove trap shy animals.  NRC’s investment in infrastructure of bait station networks and funding of possum control through the Te Toa Whenua, Native Forest Restoration Trust, and Waipoua Forest Trust CPCA’s will also help to slow the reinvasion of possums and stoats on the southern end of the forest.  NRC has also agreed to support DOC by funding up to $35,000 of additional ground control in the privately owned forests that adjoin Waipoua on the northern end to add to the overall outcomes of the project. 

   

KDC Citizens & Environmental Awards ceremony  

On 6 July the Kaipara Mayor awarded Pest Free Peninsulas Kaipara with the KDC environmental award 2022 for their pest control efforts on the Tinopai, Matakohe, Petley, Pahi and Te Pahi Kaipara Harbour peninsulas. The dedicated team of fourteen includes members of the Paparoa Lions club.   

 

This KDC environmental award follows on from their Environmental action in pest management award at the NRC Whakamānawa a Taiao Environmental Awards 2021 held at Kerikeri. 

 

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PREDATOR FREE 

Predator Free Whangārei  

Both Whangārei and Pēwhairangi Whānui have had Project Lead staff commence mahi over June and July. The Whangārei field team have expanded their knockdown network area including all areas of Taurikura, which means Working Block 2 is almost complete at 1/ha device density. Despite the stormy weather, the field team did not have a day off with high morale, which we are very proud and grateful for. A new full-time field officer has been recruited, who will begin their position in September. A plan to have Aki Tai Here to carry out the eradication plan in Pataua is currently being developed. 

 

Predator Free Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) 

For Pēwhairangi Whānui, multiple hui were held for each peninsula to help establish a co-governance structure and renew each project’s contract. Senior team members led korero with other agencies (DOC, MPI and Biosecurity NZ) about effective co-governance with positive feedback received regarding collaboration and building relationships.  

 

MARINE BIOSECURITY 

Hull surveillance 

A small number of hulls were surveyed by kaitiaki from Patuharakeke Te Iwi in Marsden Cove Marina this month. Kaitiaki use a pole camera to survey vessels recently arrived in the marina. This program has been successful so far to encourage vessel owners and the marine operators to keep vessels clean, thus protecting the rohe moana and the taio for the iwi, and creates a closer working relationship between iwi, industry, and regional council.  

 

Table 1:  Hull Surveillance Programme Results to 31 July 2022 

Hull Surveillance Programme Results 

Total this period 

Total  
YTD 

Pathways Plan Compliance if Moving*  

 

      

Number of vessels surveyed this period     

30 

30 

% Pathways Plan Compliance if Moving (all vessels) *  

93.3  

93.3 

Vessels found with Marine Pests     

   

      

Sabella spallanzanii (fanworm)    

           0 

0  

Styela clava (clubbed tunicate)    

0  

0  

Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp)    

   0  

0  

Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate)    

           0 

Pyura doppelgangera (sea squirt)    

0  

0  

* This is the percentage of vessels surveyed that complied with the acceptable level of ‘light fouling’ as defined in the Marine Pathway Plan. Note: actual compliance is higher given not all these vessels will move from one designated place to another. 

 

Aquaculture On- Farm Biosecurity 

During the last month NRC staff have represented New Zealand's regional councils and unitary authorities at a forum that aims to develop and recommend to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) an approach to reach a future state of biosecurity best practice for the aquaculture industry. This includes developing processes, pathways, and timeframes for practical, implementable, and technically appropriate steps, to best practice biosecurity by 2025 and beyond. Outcomes will include a legislative framework that insures we have the necessary regulatory tools in place to better manage pest and disease pathways for both marine (coastal and ocean) and land-based farms.  

 

NRC/MPI Investigations – Responding to public observations 

NRC have been assisting MPI with investigations of two new observations of possible range extensions of non-indigenous marine species in Northland. These sightings have been reported by members of the public which demonstrates that messaging encouraging the public to report unusual sightings in the marine environment is affective. As part of these investigations, NRC has been connecting with hapu and local communities to involve them in the process of these investigations and gather local knowledge. The first investigation is in Rāwhiti, Bay of Islands and involves the Indo-Pacific ascidian (Symplegma brakenhielmi). This species has been found in Whangārei harbour but is not known to be as far North as Rāwhiti. This investigation has also prompted conversation about ways central and local government communicate and work with hapū.   

 

The other investigation is at Matapōuri estuary for the Australian flatback mangrove goby (Mugilogobius platyynotus), a small fish that was recently identified by experts from Te Papa Museum for the first time New Zealand in Ngunguru this April. NRC have been working with researchers that published the report to help plan a delimitation sampling exercise that will reduce the take of native fish species and cause minimal impact on local biodiversity. Hapū have also been engaged during this process in the hope they can be involved with on-going monitoring in the area if needed.  

 

PEST PLANTS 

·    Annual reporting and budget applications were submitted to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for the work the Council manages on behalf of the National Interest Pest Response Programme for Manchurian wild rice. A budget increase for 2022-2023 was secured to help address the impacts of inflation and to allow further trials of alternative control measures to reduce time to eradication for small sites. The digger removal trial that commenced in 2020-2021 continues to show good results with very limited re-growth detected and an expanded trial is supported by MPI.  

 

·    Funding levels have also been agreed in principle for the 2022-2023 year of the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme. This will allow the continuation of work at priority control sites and commencement of work at Kaimaumau to support Jobs for Nature programme work already underway.  

 

·    The initial analysis was completed for drone survey work that was undertaken to trial the effectiveness of the technology at detecting spartina infestations.  Two sites with difficult to access and known infestation sites were chosen to determine if there are unknown infestations in the vicinity of existing sites; at the first site multiple sites were identified for ground truthing, with varying degrees of confidence in the likelihood of spartina being present at these sites.  At the second site, only two sites outside of the known infestations were identified as possible spartina infestation with low to medium confidence. Ground truthing will take place in spring to ascertain the reliability of the method.  

 

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Contractor operating drone to conduct spartina surveys at difficult to reach areas within the Whangārei and Kaipara harbours. 

 

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 Video grid flight lines, and suspected spartina sites (yellow) at the second survey site  

 

Preparations have been completed for the annual weed workshops which will start in early August. Five workshops are planned around the district, at Coopers beach, Kerikeri, Maungaturoto and two in Whangārei. 

 4.13.7          GOVERNANCE AND ENGAGEMENT

MĀORI ENGAGEMENT

Future Councillor Information Sessions

The Māori Relationships Team was out and about in the community over the past month supporting a number of future councillor information evenings.  Alongside Whangārei District Council, Far North District Council, Election Services and the Electoral Commission and together with our own Governance and Communications specialists NRC has been well represented at Whangārei, Dargaville, Kawakawa, Kaikohe and Kaitaia.  We also had plans to attend marae hui at Te Kao, Whirinaki and Otiria however these were cancelled due to tangihanga and weather events.  We did manage to get to the Taiamai ki Te Marangai Takiwa hui where we fielded many questions and were treated to the wonderful hospitality of Ngāti Rehia.  These events have now drawn to a close as we prepare to move into the next phase of the Local Government elections.

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Kaiārahi Tikanga Māori supporting the Future Councillors Information evening held recently at Te Kona in Kaikohe and attended by many interested locals.

 

Te Tiriti Health Check Update

The Te Tiriti Health Check is well underway.  Independent reviewers from Buddle Findlay Whaia Legal and their teams have commenced a series of interviews and workshops that include councillors, TTMAC, tangata whenua members of TTMAC, MTAG ELT and hapū Kaitiaki.  The logistics alone has been a substantial undertaken made successful by the commitment and willingness of all parties and the tireless work of key administrative staff.

The Te Tiriti Organisational Review staff survey has also been completed.  This data will be analysed the Pou Manawhakahaere GM Governance and Engagement and Kaiwhakahaere Honongā Māori -Māori Relationships Manager and provided to the independent reviewers.  This will sit alongside the review of key documents and focus group workshops and interviews information.  The next step will be to produce a draft findings and recommendations report that will be presented back to ELT, TTMAC, MTAG and council workshop before a final report is presented to council on 27 September.

 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project

Update

Future developments/ reporting

REL

Repayment agreement signed by all parties.

Ensure payments are received as per agreement.

Extension 350

Attended final E350 evaluation group meeting.

Final evaluation report to be completed by 31 August.

Other Work Undertaken

Ÿ Joint Regional Economic Development Committee (JREDC) – JREDC meeting and workshop took place on 29 July.

Ÿ Water Storage – Council workshops/meetings to consider investment options to support the Mid-North water storage scheme being developed by Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust. 

Ÿ Walking & Cycling – Presentation to council workship on the implementation of the regional Walking & Cycling strategy.

Ÿ TTMAC – Organised an update on Te Purunga ki te Raki (Regional Skills Workforce Plan) developed by Regional Skills Leadership Group to TTMAC at their meeting on 14 July.

Ÿ TTNEAP – Delivered a presentation on the latest Economic Quarterly at the TTNEAP meeting on 28 July.

Ÿ Regional Economic Development Strategy – Attended the Steering Group’s inagaural meeting and hosted the first discussion of the local government staff group.

 

ONLINE CHANNELS

Highlight: The Kaeo webcam now has a light installed to make the flood indicator board visible at night. This proved useful during the month of July with more than 18,000 page views of the Kaeo webcam during heavy rain events.

Most popular content on Facebook: Most popular content on Facebook: Facebook post on “Trains are back north of Whangārei Kiwirail are working on tracks between Kauri and Towai” (2 July 2022). Reaching 50,981 with engagement 4.648.

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

Key Performance Indicators

Mar-22

Apl-22

May-22

Jun-22

Jul-22

WEB

 

 

 

 

 

# Visits to the NRC website

35,900

37,900

31,600

26,946

50,527

E-payments made

14

7

11

14

77

# subscription customers (cumulative)

1,378

1,368

1,366

1,365

1,364

SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative)

 

 

 

 

 

# Twitter followers

1,564

1,570

1,580

1,590

1,591

# NRC Facebook followers

10,600

10,600

10,700

10,682

10,817

# NRC Overall Facebook Reach

189,900

62,700

44,000

102,991

117,053

# NRC Engaged Daily Users

8,442

3,838

3,507

5,011

8,692

# CDEM Facebook fans

26,300

26,300

26,300

26,305

26,717

# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach

103,300

111,100

37,000

6,569

203,071

# CDEM Engaged Daily Users

5,564

7,168

1,895

147

25,258

# Instagram followers

1,520

1,526

1,540

1,547

1,557

ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION

On tour with Enviroschools WaiRestoration

Teachers and Enviroschools Facilitators from the Manawatu and West Coast joined in a tour of six WaiRestoration projects happening in Whangārei and Dargaville.  Birthed in Te Taitokerau, WaiRestoration is an Enviroschools project centred on engaging young people and local communities in the restoration of waterways and biodiversity.  The tour was sponsored by Toimata Foundation and covered riparian planting on farms (Kokopu School) and public land (BestStart Kindy), working with community to clear pest plants (Renew School), fencing off waterways (Whangārei Boys’ High), growing native plants (Dargaville Intermediate) and integrating WaiRestoration learning and action into the curriculum (Tangiteroria School).

Planting with Young Farmers

The NRC-led planting morning at the Young Farmers Grand Final saw contestants and whanau plant 200 riparian plants alongside Te Hihi stream.  Land Management and Education staff worked together to help the contestants leave a legacy for the Whangārei community.

WaiFencing assessment

Whangārei WaiFencing students were assessed on fence construction and repair, temporary electric fencing and associated theory work. The day also included a hikoi to a waterway currently unfenced on a lifestyle block.  Land Management staff talked about where to put the right type of fence to keep stock out of the waterway.

University of Auckland pest control study

The University of Auckland interviewed council staff as part of its investigation entitled:  Ethics, education and eradication:  A transdisciplinary study of challenges to Predator Free 2050 in schools. The investigators are connecting with schools and teachers, curriculum designers, interest groups, and others with expertise on this subject to find out about their preferred approach to teaching predator control in NZ schools and beyond the classroom.

Enviroschools’ sustainability milestones celebrated 

One of our Councillors officiated at Whangārei Primary School’s Enviroschools Silver celebration.  They are actively involved in the wider Whangārei community planting riparian areas, growing their own native plants and their own kai.  The school looks forward to hot composting, eco-sourcing and propagating for wetland planting and whole school learning and action around the Enviroschools theme area ‘Water for Life’.

Another Councillor joined in Kiwi Kids Early Learning Centre’s Enviroschools Bronze celebration.  The tamariki enjoy a twice-weekly bush programme, re-using water for gardens and collecting rubbish found in the community.  The centre is enjoying how excited its whanau is about being part of the Enviroschools Programme and looks forward to getting involved in animal and plant pest control.

On 20 July, GM Governance and Engagement connected with Giggles Learning Centre over their Enviroschools Bronze celebration.  This community embraces Te Ao Māori in all that they do, is active in learning and action around conserving water and the impact of rubbish on water quality.  The centre is committed to developing a māra rongoā, using the māramataka and strengthening Enviroschools mahi and joy with its youngest members.

Enviroschools communities facilitated

Despite the school holidays, during July Enviroschools Facilitators held specific interactions with 64 school and early childhood communities.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT  

Communications

Content created in July included:

·    Media release on the return of weed workshops

·    Story on the winners of our Water Quality Enhancement Award at the Ballance Farm Environment Awards

·    Story on the Waimā Waitai Waiora and Te Kawa Waiora projects on Maunga Huruiki

·    Coastcare e-newsletter

·    From Hills to Harbour e-newsletter

Biosecurity Week

To mark biosecurity week, we ran a series of posts on social media highlighting the work we do with community groups in High Value Areas as well as our wilding pines mahi.

 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION (LGOIMA) REQUESTS

Total LGOIMAs

July 2020 to July 2021

July 2021 to July 2022

26

10

Number of LGOIMAs not responded to within 20 working days

0

 

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Telephone inbound call statistics and enquiries

   

May

June

July

Call volume via Customer Services 

2072

1558

1959

Average wait time 

5.4 secs

9 secs

9.6 secs


Telephone call volume over the last three years

 

2019-2020

2020-2021

2021-2022

Call volume via Customer Services 

20812

30566

23669


Other work undertaken

Customer Services has now taken on the role of receiving the hotline calls instead

of the monitoring team. The system set up is working well for both monitoring and customer services.

 

 

Mailroom email processing performance

 

May

June

July

Mail processed

913

677

741

Satisfaction monitoring

Two feedback cards have been received. The complaints have been resolved.

Feedback cards, compliments, and complaints

Compliments received  

Total

·     Monitoring Zivana Pauling

·     Consents

1

1

Total compliments recorded

2

 

Complaints received  

Total

Ÿ Total Mobility

2

Total complaints recorded

2

One complaint was referred to A1 Cabs which has now been resolved, and the other was resolved.

 

4.13.8 COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

TRANSPORT

Total Mobility (TM)

*Total Mobility Scheme figures are reported one month in arrears, due to the required information being unavailable at the time of the agenda deadline.

 

Total Clients

Monthly Actual Expend

Monthly Budgeted Expend

Monthly Variance

Year/Date Actual Expend

Year/Date Budgeted Expend

Annual Variance

 

June 2022

1269

$25,343

$25,000

+$343

$246,477

$300,000

 

-$53,523

 

Total Mobility Figures

When comparing the 2021/2022 against the 2020/2021 financial period, there was a:

·    $21,868 increase in fares collected; however 

·    4377 less trips operated.

In September, October, and November 2021 there was a drop in trips due to COVID-19 and NZ moving through the different alert levels, level 4, 3, and then level 2, the new protection framework (Traffic lights) for COVID-19 started in December 2021, however people appeared still too nervous to travel.      

The Government then announced the 50% public transport initiative, which also included 50% discount on Total Mobility fares from Friday 1 April 2022. Total Mobility clients were travelling further taking advantage of this discount, going on longer trips, but not as often. Hence the increase in fares, but still less trips, these fares are 100% claimable from Waka Kotahi.

Total Mobility Scheme – Far North

The Far North Total Mobility Scheme went live on Friday 1 July 2022, the service has started out in the Kerikeri area. The approved Transport Operator – Driving Miss Daisy (DMD), based in Kerikeri, had equipment installed to take the Total Mobility electronic swipe cards that are linked to the system “Ridewise.”  There are currently 99 active clients, the signing up of Total Mobility clients to this scheme will be an ongoing process.

 

We will increase the maximum fare from $15 to $30 on 1 September, this will encourage more people to sign up to the scheme due to the cost of the current fares to get around Kerikeri (so a better discount) this will also depend on budget restraints and will be closely monitored.

ROAD SAFETY UPDATE

Road Trauma Update

Road Fatalities Statistics for the period 1 January 2021 – 29 July 2021

Fatalities Jan – June 2021

Far North

Whangārei

Kaipara

Northland

National

Local roads

2

2

2

6

101

State highways

5

3

7

15

88

TOTAL

7

5

9

21

189

 

Road Fatalities Statistics for the period 1 January 2022 – 29 July 2022

Fatalities Jan – June 2022

Far North

Whangārei

Kaipara

Northland

National

Local roads

3

4

0

7

110

State highways

9

3

2

14

101

TOTAL

12

7

2

21

211

 

Motorcycle Safety - Ride Forever (R4E) Rider Training Update 2021/2022 Year End (Another Covid affected year)

•     R4E – 2019/2020 – 240 riders completed courses for that financial year.

•     R4E – 2020/2021 – 186 riders completed courses for that financial year.

•     R4E – 2021/2022 – 182 riders have completed courses for this financial year just completed.

 

Bronze Course – 78

Silver Course – 50

Gold Course – 54

 

Government restrictions and lockdowns around COVID-19 have been consistent during the last two years affecting the Ride Forever Training. It is hoped this next 12-month period will at least see a return to figures similar or better to 2019/2021 financial year period.

 

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Motorcycle safety continues to be a high priority area of interest and focus. There have now been five motorcyclists killed on Northland roads since the beginning of this year. These crashes will be further investigated by the Police and the Coroner. Motorcycle safety awareness month is September and planning is underway for promoting this.

 

National Bus Driver Shortage

This national issue continues to worsen, with the Whangārei CityLink services being impacted on

Monday 27 June 2022 resulting in 9 trips having to be dropped. Notices were placed on the CityLink

website, Facebook and TrackaBus advising the public of the disruptions.

 

 

Staff continue to monitor the situation and work with the contracted companies to identify and

implement remedial action where possible. This situation will continue for the foreseeable future.

 

Half Price Fares

The government has recently announced that half price fares on contracted bus services and the

Total Mobility Scheme will continue until 31 January 2023.

 

Rose Street Bus Terminus Upgrade

The Rose Street Bus Terminus was officially opened by her Worship the Mayor of Whangārei on Monday 18 July 2022.

 

Commencement of bus operations at Rose St are due to commence from Monday 25 July and this

was slightly delayed due to the inclement weather over the last few weeks which meant minor

works and road marking could not be completed in time.

 

Once the roadworks are complete and the site cleared the works to upgrade the Rose Street

Terminus office will commence.

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Waka Kotahi & NZ Police Road Safety Promotion/Media themes

For July 2022 the theme was Speed and Safe Vehicles.

National Radio Media Awards 2022

Northland road safety through Mediaworks was again very successful at the recent New Zealand Radio Awards. Three Awards were won, two for the ‘Bits & Pieces’ road safety creative for best commercial production and best single commercial and one award for the Road Safety Strategy best commercial campaign.

The Mediaworks creative team have won awards at the last seven NZ Radio Awards with road safety radio creative produced for Northland Regional Council/Northland Transportation Alliance.

It is important that road safety continues to include material influenced by Northland’s challenging transport environment rather than the often-generic metropolitan focussed messaging.

You can listen to 'Bits & Pieces' by clicking the link below - https://www.facebook.com/nrsnrcnz/posts/pfbid02aV53SdWzPKJkKUgn6Sd7MZm3wEougpqHeCvQKR1AZJeMqXYuCYuLyh6ibZortpKkl

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

From the evening of Sunday 24 and through Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 July 2022 the Northland CDEM Duty Officer, Duty Controller, support PIM and Emergency Management Specialist- Whangārei responded to a severe weather event which saw several road closures from fallen trees, flooding and slips across the region.

 

The coordinated response was well supported by key stakeholders and partner agencies including the Northland Transportation Alliance, Northpower, Top Energy, Fire and Emergency (FENZ), Far North and Whangārei District Councils.

 

Technical expertise from Northland Regional Council Rivers and Hydrology departments and community intelligence from Community Response Group Coordinators across the region was also highlighted as being integral to developing situational awareness and informing a successful response. Overall, stakeholder and community feedback has been positive.

 

A multi-agency debrief was held on 3 August and the debrief outcomes and opportunities for improvement will be reported to the next Northland CDEM Coordinating Executive Group (CEG) meeting. 

 

The next CDEM Group and Coordinating Executive Group meetings are scheduled for 6 September 2022.

 

At the end of the month staff attended the 2022 Disaster and Emergency Management conference on the Gold Coast. This is Australasia's premier annual industry event.

     

MARITIME

There were 14 maritime incidents logged in July, the majority of which were aids to navigation light failures, largely due to the heavy rain/limited sunlight causing batteries to run flat.

 

Following the completion of the tender process, a contractor has been selected to remove the remaining 10 beacons in Kioreroa reach, Upper Whangārei Harbour which have been in situ for many decades. These will be replaced by 10 plastic buoys. Work is due to be completed by 31 March 2023.

 

This month staff attended the National Navigation Safety Group annual meeting in Wellington which proved to be valuable. It was agreed that Harbourmasters will collectively write to the Minister regarding the urgent need to update Maritime Rule part 91. Additionally, following successful lobbying by the group, Maritime New Zealand have re-organised the port state control system and now has designated port state control officers whose task is to inspect all shipping for safety purposes under the Tokyo MOU, a pacific wide treaty. It is hoped that this change will improve foreign flag vessels, in turn raising standards and safety on New Zealand’s coast. It was also acknowledged that there is a national problem surrounding abandoned/derelict boats and work to tackle this will be ongoing.

 

The Maritime team is back up to full capacity now with successful recruitment of a maritime officer joining the Opua office.

 

 

RIVERS AND NATURAL HAZARDS

RIVERS

Awanui

July’s wet weather gave a good low-level test to the works already completed. No flooding was reported, and the scheme performed well.

 

Earthworks have been stopped over winter. Planting planned for several completed areas and local (Māori-owned) contractors being lined up for this work. A planting day is scheduled for 12 August.

Otīria/Moerewa

Stage 1 is now complete. The team has shortlisted a contractor for the Stage 2 Bridge construction. The budget has increased from $5.1 million to $6.6 million mainly due to inflation and re-design of the bridge from a 42-meter-long bridge to 60-meter-long bridge due to road safety concerns.  Staff will take a paper (Item 7.3) to the August council meeting for approval to continue the project.  

 

The landowner agreement has been signed and has been submitted to the Māori Land Court. 

Kerikeri

The job has been winterized and has performed well with the small rain event that we experienced in July.

 

NATURAL HAZARDS    

Work Streams   

Status   

Comments   

Whangārei (CBD) River Catchment Flood Model  

80% complete

Nothing new to report

Website Natural Hazards Portal  

97% complete

The portal will include a ‘property viewer’ option; click on any address and all potential hazards will be identified. One step ahead of today’s (3/8) announcement by our environment minister that it needs to be made available on LIMS. The latter being a lot more comprehensive of course.

Raupo Drainage Scheme – Coastal Flood Hazard Analysis & Mitigation Options 

93% complete

An external peer review has just been completed

This project will support the pilot project under the Te Taitokerau Climate Adaptation Strategy (TTCAS) in which scoping, and planning process is underway.

Natural Hazards technical and planning support to District Councils on Plan Changes and Rules

Ongoing

Nothing new to report

Te Taitokerau Climate 

Adaptation Strategy (TTCAS): Professional Services Panel

Ongoing

A total of 27 suppliers have been selected and were informed on 26 July 2022. Kaipara District Council has indicated that their first 2 projects will be going out to category specific panel members over the next 2-3 weeks.

Natural Hazards Work Programme 2022-23

Ongoing

New task added below

·    Scoping out the need for a Regional River Flood Risk Management Strategy following the completion of the new regionwide flood maps and in relation to the above point.

 

NORTHLAND WIDE LIDAR SURVEY

Work Streams   

Status   

Comments   

Regional LiDAR Survey

In progress

Final dataset has been received and we are working with LINZ on final payment and hosting of the data.

 

CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE

The workstreams for the Climate Change team are broadly derived from our two Strategies:

 

1.    Ngā Taumata o te Moana: our strategy for tackling climate change 2021 (NToTM)

2.    Te Taitokerau Climate Adaptation Strategy 2022 (TTCAS)

 

The council Climate Change Strategy and Implementation Plan (NTOTM) touches every aspect of Council business, so progress is ongoing. In undertaking a ‘stocktake’ of current actions, staff are meeting with teams across Council to build relationships, identify current climate-related actions and areas where more could be done.  This stocktake will form a baseline for work to set up a monitoring, evaluation, review, and reporting system to track our progress.

 

TTCAS was adopted in April 2022 (see www.catt.org.nz) and priority actions continue to be implemented. There are 46 'priority actions' listed in TTCAS. Coordinating and reporting on these actions will happen through the JCCAC (Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee). Implementation on many actions is ongoing.

 

Work continues to produce a consistent and useful reporting framework that support each of the above strategies.

 

MITIGATION

Toitū carbon inventory and audit

Work is progressing on getting all the required data into the Toitū software. Discussions are being had across Council with relevant staff and departments and the Zero Carbon Transition Advisor is working with Toitū staff to ensure appropriate baseline, reporting and organizational boundaries are set.

 

The initial audit for this piece of work is set for early October. After that we will be able to form a clear emissions reduction pathway and begin work in earnest on our corporate climate positive transition plan (Project 18 of NToTM Implementation Plan).

 

Emissions reporting

The Climate Change team has taken over emissions reporting from Council’s science team. Air New Zealand now require us to purchase data from them to input into our emissions inventory and so we are still waiting on EOFY data from Air New Zealand to complete reporting for Q2. Q1 data is summarised below:

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Going forward, staff will report emissions on a quarterly basis to align with data availability, reduce reporting burden, improve efficiency, and enable better data analysis and storytelling.

ADAPTATION

·    Current focus is on supporting district councils to begin to undertake their Community Adaptation Planning projects (Action 30). Kaipara District Council are progressing ahead of the pack in this regard. Recruitment and procurement activities are underway within all partner councils to support this work.

·    The Water Resilience Fund (Actions 35, 36) has funded two projects over 2021/22:

Waikotihe Puna and Te Kotahitanga Marae and Community Water Proposal; submitted by the Te Kotahitanga E Mahi Kaha Trust:

 

Project Summary:

-    Improving water resilience to a community immediately

-    Te Kotahitanga Marae/Squires Lane Community on the SW of Kaikohe, including 15 homes and a marae, church and kohanga reo.

-    Prioritisation based on local knowledge of community and participation in the 2019-20 drought response.

-    Providing tanks, water treatment and associated plumbing and minor repairs.

-    Provider: Te Kotahitanga E Mahi Kaha Trust, experienced and trusted community services provider with recent water tank project experience and access to contractors.

-    Project cost: Estimate $150,000 (ex GST).

Tūtū Te Wai; Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa:

Project Summary:

-    Improving water resilience to some eight Whaingaroa communities, including 95 homes and two marae and benefiting 350 people (this is around Mangonui, Kaeo etc.)

-    Prioritisation based on Te Rūnanga O Whaingaroa and connected social services data and knowledge of community.

-    Providing tanks, water treatment and associated plumbing and minor repairs.

-    Provider: Te Rūnanga O Whaingaroa,  a mandated Iwi organisation, experienced and trusted community services provider with good project management capability and access to contractors.

-     Project cost: Total $270,450 (ex GST).

 

·    The publication of the National Adaptation Plan and implementation programme will require consideration by the Climate Adaptation Te Taitokerau (CATT) collective from an alignment perspective. This was considered in the original drafting of the TTCAS, and any amendments identified will be worked into the schedule.

 

ENGAGEMENT

·    Staff continue to engage with tamariki and rangitahi via EnviroSchools to socialise NRC’s climate work, highlight the climate crisis and actions that can be undertaken to affect change. 

 

·    An EV Expo is planned for Whangārei Farmers Market on 20 August. NZ’s first electric ute will be on display and staff will support EV enthusiasts to identify barriers to uptake and opportunities to overcome those barriers.

 

·    Climate change has also been identified as a central issue in the development of the Regional Economic Development Strategy being led by Northland Inc. The new Strategy presents several opportunities for Te Taitokerau and its communities. 

 

POLICY UPDATES

The government has released the first National Adaptation Plan which sets out how Aotearoa New Zealand will adapt to climate change over the next six years. The plan focuses on establishing the foundations. It sets out what the Government will do to enable better risk-informed decisions, drive climate-resilient development in the right locations, help communities assess adaptation options (including managed retreat) and embed climate resilience into the Government’s work. It includes over 120 actions designed to respond to risks identified in the climate change risk assessment in 2020.

From 30 November 2022, councils will be required to ‘have regard to’ the National Adaptation Plan when making or changing regional policy statements or regional or district plans, including direction for councils to use existing powers to ‘drive climate resilient development in the right places’ and to use the recently updated climate scenarios when exercising their resource management functions. The National Adaptation Plan is to be updated every six years following new risk assessments prepared by the Climate Change Commission. The National Adaptation Plan is available here: https://environment.govt.nz/assets/publications/climate-change/MFE-AoG-20664-GF-National-Adaptation-Plan-2022-WEB.pdf

 

MfE has also released an update to the 2017 coastal hazards and climate change guidance for local government. This update reflects the latest information on sea level rise arising from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) 6th Assessment Reports and new, New Zealand specific information about how changes in land level (Vertical Land Motion) can also affect relative sea level rise along our coastline – the NZSeaRise project. Staff have yet to do a detailed assessment of how the new Guidance compares to our existing coastal hazards maps.

The new Guidance can be found here:  https://environment.govt.nz/assets/publications/climate-change/Interim-guidance-on-the-use-of-new-sea-level-rise-projections.pdf

 

Locally specific sea level rise information can be explored via this portal: https://searise.takiwa.co/

 

Amendments to the Resource Management Act made in 2020 will require regional councils to have regard to both the emissions Reduction Plan and National Adaptation Plan from 30 November 2022. This will have implications for consent processing, regional policy statement and regional plan.

 

Staff are also in discussions across council departments (land management, biodiversity, policy, biosecurity) about the interaction of Council activities with the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). Staff are also in contact with the Ministry for Primary Industries about potential changes to the ETS and forestry and specifically about where NRC can provide additional evidence or support. It should be noted that the Government indicated in late July that changes to the permanent forest category of the ETS were unlikely to change in early 2023

4.13.9 KAIPARA MOANA REMEDIATION

Over the reporting period, KMR has focused unapologetically on maximising winter planting, leading to solid results from the Foundation Planting campaign.  We also ramped up external communications, with a focus on primary sector and iwi/hapū engagement, and profiling our delivery partners, including in te reo. 

Further to our earlier preliminary reporting, we now have a full set of unaudited year end results for Year 2 compared to the contracted annual Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

 

KMR Activity

Year 1 Actuals

Year 2 Actuals (Unaudited)

Year 2 KPI target

Comment

Sediment Reduction Plans (Number)

63 Plans

 

205 new Sediment Reduction Plans (or equivalent) delivered

A further 48 Plans rolled over from Year 1

A total of 253 Sediment Plans were ‘live’ in Year 2

248 Plans

(Achieved)

A further 32 Plans were in development at year-end

Area covered by Sediment Reduction Plans
(Hectares)

11,413 Ha

 

51,939 hectares of land were covered by a KMR Sediment Reduction Plan (or equivalent) in Year 2

 

50,000 Ha

(Achieved)

40,526 Ha of that total was newly delivered in Year 2

Fencing

(kms)

 

93.57 km of fencing was either completed or committed in Plan:

·     11.63 km was completed

·     81.94 km was committed

238 km of fencing was completed or committed in Year 2 Plans

168 km

(Achieved)

 

Planting

156,606 plants were planted or committed in Plan

380,466 plants were planted or committed in Year 2 Plans

650,000

 

(Not achieved)

The Year 2 total exceeds relevant totals in each region
(Northland previous highest annual total of ~130,000 plants, Auckland ~75,000 average annual target)

Jobs

As a Jobs for Nature investment, KMR aims to create new, nature-based employment

 

N/A

In total, KMR Year 2 delivered or committed 94,000+ hours of work (~60 FTE)  in  Year 2 Plans

60,000 hours of work (~39 FTE) was delivered in Year 2.

A further 34,000+ hours of remediation work (~21 FTE) is committed in Year 2 plans

74,155 hours of work (~48 FTE)

(Achieved)

 

 

 

 

These results reflect the work of many partners and supporters across the catchment.  The KMR team and the funder are both pleased with the results, which were achieved despite a very challenging year of restricted community engagement due to COVID-19 traffic light settings, Auckland/Northland border closures which affected KMR engagement and nursery deliveries in the Rodney eco-district, and the impacts of COVID-19 and other winter sickness on the KMR team and delivery partners.  The KMR team would like to thank the NRC and in particular the Chair and CEO for their support and advice at the KMR Governance table

While current KMR activity is generally tracking well against the Annual Work Plan, we are seeing some minor slippage in timelines in the digital tools area (not material to overall programme or Work Plan delivery), as well as some delays in the Workforce Development area due to capacity constraints and evolving design of the proposed Employment Hub.  Following KMR Joint Committee advice in July, we are reviewing the scope of this work programme.

In the next quarter, KMR will focus strategic and operational effort on:

·    clarifying and progressing the workforce development programme

·    ramping up mentoring and technical support to our Field Advisor trainees (our ‘boots on the ground’ with landowners)

·    developing the remaining KMR foundational policies and plans (Soil Conservation; Kōrero Tuku Iho). 

·    varying the Deed of Funding to reflect a ten-year plus programme setting.

 

 

 

 

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

 



[1] Council meeting, 28 June 2022

[2] Council meeting, 28 June 2022 and TTMAC meeting 19 May 2022

[3] TTMAC 14 July meeting

[4] Refer clauses 3.2 and 3.3 of the NPS-FM.

[5] Council meeting, 28 June 2022

[6] Council meeting, 28 June 2022 and TTMAC meeting 19 May 2022

[7] TTMAC 14 July meeting