Agenda of Council Meeting

Council Meeting item: 6.3

16 April 2019

TITLE:	Joint WDC and NRC Whangārei Public Transport Working Party Update and Relocation of the CityLink Bus Service Route Terminus
ID:	A1179735
From:	Chris Powell, Transport Manager - Northland Transport Alliance

Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga

The joint Whangarei District Council (WDC) and Northland Regional Council (NRC) Whangārei Public Transport Working Party (WPTWP) met on 4 March 2019. The topics for discussion included:

· The relocation of the CityLink Bus Service Route terminus.

· Whangārei Public Transport Trial Services and Community Vehicle Trusts.

· CityLink Operational Update.

Following discussion, the members resolved that the WPTWP:

· Recommend to WDC and NRC that the option of moving the CityLink operation from the present Rose Street Bus Terminus to Vine Street as a short/medium term solution be proceeded with in the 2019/20 financial year.

· Recommend to the NRC that an Expression of Interest process for trial public passenger service options including Community Vehicle Trusts (CVT’s) be undertaken for the proposed Hikurangi, Waipū, Whangārei Heads and the Waipū/Ruakākā services.

· That due to the present low patronage presently experienced on Route 1 – Okara Park, a three-month trial be put in place to combine the Okara Park and Route 8 – Port Road services in an effort to increase occupancy.

Recommendation(s)

1. That the report ‘Joint WDC and NRC Whangārei Public Transport Working Party Update and Relocation of the CityLink Bus Service Route Terminus ’ by Chris Powell, Transport Manager - Northland Transport Alliance and dated 1 April 2019, be received.

2. That the Northland Regional Council approve the proposed move of the CityLink service from the Rose Street Terminus to Vine Street.

3. That the Northland Regional Council approve that Expression of Interest process for trial public passenger service options including Community Vehicle Trusts (CVT’s) be undertaken for the proposed Hikurangi, Waipū, Whangārei Heads and the Waipū/Ruakākā services.

4. That the Northland Regional Council approve the combining of Route 1 – Okara Park and Route 8 – Port Road services in an effort to increase occupancy.

Background/Tuhinga

Relocation of the CityLink Bus Service Route terminus

The current Rose St site of the CityLink bus route terminus has for several years been considered by

both passengers and operators to be not fit for purpose, for the following reasons:

· The current site does not meet operational requirements and has insufficient space for

buses at peak times;

· Unsafe vehicle access;

· Poor pedestrian access;

· Generally in a rundown and unattractive state;

· Isolated and prone to anti-social and disorderly behaviour such that passengers feel unsafe

and security guards having to be employed.

It is generally considered by stakeholders to be a barrier to increasing bus patronage.

The options for upgrading or moving to accommodate the additional buses, and to provide a safer,

more attractive place for CityLink’s passengers have been jointly investigated by the WDC and NRC staff.

In 2015, NRC was requested by WDC to source an alternative site to Rose Street due to potential redevelopments surrounding the current location. Staff from both councils and the

operator surveyed possible locations where passengers could easily transfer from one route to

another, provided safe and quick access to the inner city, and met bus operational and safety

requirements.

This resulted in four options being identified and assessed in greater depth. The findings of that work (which had previously been provided to the Working Party and reported to the WDC) concluded that Vine Street was the preferred option, best meeting the operational needs while requiring modest investment, much of which would contribute to a streetscape upgrade, which would also benefit local businesses and street users.

Whangārei Public Transport Trial Services and Community Vehicle Trusts

The NRC has in the past received a number of requests for passenger transport services to Hikurangi, Whangārei Heads and Ruakākā/Waipū. An increased Whangārei district-wide Transport rate was consulted on during the 2018–2021 Long Term Plan process and was introduced in the 2018/2019 financial year for the three-year period. The challenge is to introduce sustainable and appropriate long-term transport solutions for these areas as previous trial contracted and subsidised bus services to both Hikurangi and Ruakākā did not result in regular services being introduced because the patronage was not sufficient to attract either local or central government funding.

CityLink Operational Update

The Route 1 – Okara Park service is showing low passenger numbers per trip. This service has now been in operation for a year and is showing no sign of increasing patronage. Due to this low patronage, staff are recommending the combining of Route 1 and Route 8 – Port Road (Southern Express).

The reduced cash fares introduced on 1 October 2018 with the interim cash only ticket system has been well received. The full Regional Integrated Ticketing System (RITS – a nine council consortium jointly procuring an electronic ticketing system) is still some months away, with staff

awaiting a confirmed revised implementation schedule. How much longer the reduced cash fares

will be in place for is yet to be decided.

Considerations

Options

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Moving the CityLink services from Rose Street to Vine Street – Do nothing

Expression of Interest for proposed Hikurangi, Waipū, Whangārei Heads and the Waipū/Ruakākā services – Do nothing

Combining of Route 1 – Okara Park and Route 8 – Port Road services – Do nothing

None

Minor savings in advertising costs.

None

Rose Street Terminus no longer fit for purpose. Struggling to accommodate increased services.

Passengers reluctant to use Rose Street Terminus due to continuing undesirable behaviour.

Unsafe for pedestrians.

Unsafe vehicular entrance and exit.

Council could be seen to be undertaking a closed procurement process.

Council will not be fully appraised of potential market.

Continuation of poor loadings per trip.

Potential complete withdrawal of Route 1 – Okara Park.

Moving of the CityLink services from Rose Street to Vine Street – Move to Vine Street

Advertise for Expression of Interest for proposed Hikurangi, Waipū, Whangārei Heads and the Waipū/Ruakākā services – Advertise for Expressions of Interest.

Combining Route 1 – Okara Park and Route 8 – Port Road services – Combine services

Fit for purpose.

No additional operational costs incurred.

Vine Street will be upgraded to accommodate for move.

Installation of safe pedestrian facilities.

Closer to the centre of the city.

Ease of access for buses.

Provide council with an indication of size of market.

Provide council with a list of interested operators.

Increased passengers per trip on these routes.

Potential savings on peak buses.

Better utilisation of vehicles.

None for bus passengers and operations, but may be unpopular with a few business owners in Vine Street.

None

The staff’s recommended options are:

· The proposed move of the CityLink services from Rose Street to Vine Street = Option 2;

· The Expression of Interest for the Hikurangi, Waipū, Whangārei Heads and the Waipū/Ruakākā services = Option 2; and

· The combining of Route 1 – Okara Park and Route 8 – Port Road service = Option 2

2. Significance and engagement

The significance of the three proposals are considered very low.

Communication and consultation will be undertaken with passengers for the proposed move of the CityLink services from Rose Street to Vine Street, and for the combining of Routes 1 and 8 proposals.

Communication and consultation will be undertaken with existing shop owners in Vine Street for the proposed moving of the CityLink services from Rose Street to Vine Street.

3. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance

At this stage, there are no policy, risk management or legislative compliance that will affect the outcome of the three proposals.

Further considerations

4. Community views

Communication and consultation will be undertaken with passengers for the proposed move of the CityLink services from Rose Street to Vine Street and for the combining of Routes 1 and 8 proposals.

Communication and consultation will be undertaken with existing shop owners in Vine Street for the proposed moving of the CityLink services from Rose Street to Vine Street.

5. Māori impact statement

No impact to Māori have been identified, nor is separate consultation required for the three proposals contained in this report.

6. Financial implications

No significant adverse financial impact to council have been identified for the three proposals.

For the proposed move of the CityLink services from Rose Street to Vine Street, there will be no additional operational costs as no additional kilometres will be operated, and all infrastructural requirements are for the account of the Whangarei District Council.

7. Implementation issues

At this stage, there are no significant implementation issues that have been identified.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Report on the Relocation of CityLink Bus Service Route Terminus that went to 4 March 2019 WPTWP Meeting ⇩

Attachment 2: Unconfirmed Minutes from the WPTWP held 4 March 2019 ⇩

Authorised by Group Manager

Name:	Tony Phipps
Title:	Group Manager - Customer Services - Community Resilience
Date:	04 April 2019

Council Meeting item: 7.2

16 April 2019

TITLE:	Chief Executive’s Report to Council
ID:	A1177666
From:	Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Environmental Services

Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Environmental Services and Acting Chief Executive Officer and dated 26 March 2019, be received.

7.2.1 Highlights

Predator Free Northland

Following the recent additional funding announcement from Predator Free 2050 Ltd, the Northland Regional Council has submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) on behalf of Northland communities and agencies, for a large landscape project to eradicate possums from several peninsulas and suppress other predators in Northland. The project will require significant partnerships with key regional organisations, agencies, Iwi and hapu, such as the Department of Conservation, Kiwi Coast Trust, Reconnecting Northland, Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group, district councils, and community landcare groups and organisations throughout Northland.

The primary objective of this project is to eradicate possums from key areas of Northland and eventsually all of Northland. Funding and resources already committed to existing predator control programmes will be used to leverage additional new funding to implement objectives within the EOI. The project will not put at risk the work communities have already done in predator control in Northland, but should instead enable more support for this work.

While some areas of Northland are closer to being ready to implement possum eradication, other areas such as the Brynderwyn / Kaipara and Western Northland will need more support and discussions about this topic. The project would aim to support these communities to enable large landscape initiatives to be established, and work towards a predator free Northland.

7.2.2 CEO’s Office

COUNCIL PROPERTY UPDATE

• A significant CBD property has sold.

• A draft Sale & Purchase Agreement to purchase a CBD property is currently before the vendor.

• Redevelopment at 8 Kensington Avenue - There were five companies that responded to the Registration of Interest for the head construction contractor. The ROI’s are being analysed.

• Kaipara Service Centre - negotiations with KDC are still underway.

• The Mt Tiger Forest harvest and clean-up is expected to be complete by mid-May 2019.

CURRENT LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Department	Description	Status
Consent decision appeal	To construct a boardwalk as part of a coastal walkway in Back Bay, Mangawhai Estuary	No further progress to report. Mediation adjourned until 30 June 2019. Judicial telephone conference scheduled for 12 April 2019.
Consent decision appeal	Seventeen groundwater takes for horticultural irrigation at Houhora, Motutangi, and Waiharara	The applicant has circulated amended conditions to other parties, including the council. Other parties have until 12 April 2019 to provide comments to the applicant and the Court on the conditions.
Consent decision appeal	Replacement consents for, and new consents for an expansion of, Doug’s Opua Boat Yard in Walls Bay, Ōpua.	An Environment Court hearing has been set down to commence on 9 April 2019. The Court hearing is only in relation to the renewal of the existing consents for the boatyard.
Consents and notification decisions judicial review	Peat/kauri gum and resin extraction operation	The High Court has released its decision on Forest and Bird’s application for costs and ruled that the council pay some of the costs it incurred by Forest and Bird prior to the judicial review proceedings being withdrawn.

7.2.3 Corporate Excellence

FRAUD DECLARATION

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

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYS

Regional Software Holdings General Manager Recruitment

Mark Donnelly has been appointed to the position of General Manager following a thorough and intensive recruitment process. A final shortlist of two candidates was selected from a total of 18 applications received. Mark most recently held a position of Technology Lead for the Healthy Rivers/Wai Ora Project at Waikato Regional Council. Mark has experience in the development of software products, lead product development teams and the implementation of architecture and Business Intelligence disciplines across diverse business roles. Mark is expected to start his new role in early May 2019.

Enterprise System

The following provides an update on progress with this project following the most recent update to council in January.

• Auckland Council – Ongoing discussions continue with Auckland Council to determine whether the value proposition of leveraging their system as a shared system is viable.

• Waikato Regional Council – The comprehensive business has been approved. Our council can review the decision and determine the level of alignment and syndicated procurement opportunities.

• Our council – a summary of the intended business benefits have been drafted.

All of these elements will assist with the preparation of the high-level business case and evaluation of options.

The next update to council is to be schedule for April or May.

Cyber Security

The Phriendly Phishing education programme continues, with the results for the last year are as follows:

The education programme will continue, with new staff being added to a new campaign set to begin later in the year.

7.2.4 Regulatory Services

CONSENTS IN PROCESS

During March 2019, a total of 59 Decisions were issued. These decisions comprised:

• Moorings	5
• Coastal Permits	12
• Air Discharge Permits	1
• Land Discharge Permits	8
• Water Discharge Permits	3
• Land Use Consents	19
• Water Permits	2
• Bore Consents	9

The processing timeframes for the March 2019 consents ranged from:

• 107 to 3 calendar days, with the median time being 28 days;

• 59 to 1 working days, with the median time being 19 days.

Thirty applications were received in March 2019.

Of the 106 applications in progress at the end of March 2019:

• 37 were received more than 12 months ago (most awaiting further information);

• 20 were received between 6 and 12 months ago (most awaiting further information);

• 49 less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

No commissioners were appointed in March 2019.

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

The current level of notified application processing activities at the end of March 2019 is (by number):

• Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month	1
• Progress on Applications Previously Notified	6
• Hearings and Decisions	0
• Appeals/Objections	3

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 – 31 March 2019 (and year-to-date figures) are summarised in the following table and discussed below.

Classification	Total	Full compliance	Non-compliance	Significant non-compliance	Not exercised during period
Air discharges	30	24	2	3	1
Coastal permit	45	35	6	2	2
Discharge permit	132	100	12	8	12
Land use consent	44	35	1	0	8
Water permit	109	84	24	0	1
Total	360	278	45	13	24
Percentage		77.2%	12.5%	3.6%	6.7%
YTD	6321	5090	708	246	277
Percentage		80.5%	11.2%	3.9%	4.4%

Coastal

The majority of consents monitored during the reporting period related to coastal discharges (treated municipal sewage and industrial) and coastal structures. Marina water quality sampling was also undertaken.

Hazardous substances

• Seven incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and 22 enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to.

• The collection and packaging of hazardous substances continued during the reporting period.

Water, Waste, Air and Land Use Compliance Monitoring

During the month, Compliance staff attended:

• Ngawha Geothermal power station community liaison committee meeting. There were no issues raised for NRC.

• Workshops with WDC, FNDC and KDC compliance staff to collaborate on a consistent approach to monitoring the National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF).

• A meeting with the WDC Compliance Team to discuss issues involving both councils and agree on actions.

Monitoring of low flows continue to be undertaken with the dry weather extending through March. Irrigators in areas most affected by the dry weather have been instructed to cease taking water in accordance with low flow conditions on their consent. Water shortage notices are in effect in Opononi/Ōmāpere and Kawakawa, with another notice requested for Kaikohe. Water use records are being assessed closely and non-complying takes are being responded to with appropriate enforcement action.

A one-year review of the NES-PF has commenced with Boffa Miskell contracted to undertake a questionnaire to all councils. Interviews and further discussions are expected to follow the questionnaire.

Notices of Activities NES–PF
Subpart 1	Afforestation	6
Subpart 3	Earthworks	8
Subpart 4	River crossings	2
Subpart 6	Harvesting	16
TOTAL		32

Environmental incidents

The dry weather experienced during March continued to result in complaints relating to nuisance dust from unsealed roads. Notification and response to smoke nuisance complaints increased once the total fire ban was lifted.

Further development of an android phone app has been progressed and deployed to Armourguard officers (council contractor) when responding to smoke and odour nuisance complaints throughout the region. The app has been designed to upload information directly to the council’s database at the time of investigation, thus reducing administrative delays and requirements. The app took effect on 1 April.

There were no incidents recorded during the reporting period that resulted in a significant environmental impact.

ENFORCEMENT

Abatement notices, infringement notices and formal warnings

The following enforcement actions were taken during the period:

	Infringement Notice		Abatement Notice		Total
Nature of Offence	No. Offences	No. Notices	No. Offences	No. Notices	No. Offences	No. Notices
Burning & smoke nuisance	1	1	2	2	2	3
Discharge to land	0	0	1	1	1	1
Earthworks/land use	0	0	1	2	1	2
Hazardous substances, spills and refuse	1	1	0	0	1	1
Illegal take, dam or diversion of water	1	1	1	1	1	2
Other air discharge	0	0	1	1	1	1
Other water discharge	1	1	2	2	2	3
Water abstraction	0	0	2	2	2	2
Total	4	4	10	11	11	15

Other Enforcement

• Dumping and burning of demolition waste, Kaikohe

Charges have been laid against two companies and one individual (associated with one of the companies) and a landowner for the dumping and burning of demolition waste near Kaikohe. One of the companies entered guilty pleas on 14 November 2018. The other company and the land owner have elected jury trial. The next court date is scheduled for 18 April 2019.

• Enforcement Order – Paihia Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)

Following a pre-hearing conference/settlement conference held on 4 March 2019, the Environment Court issued Enforcement Orders to FNDC on 20 March 2019. The orders set out milestones to complete an upgraded WWTP. The first milestone is due on 5 April 2019, when FNDC must notify NRC and the Court of its resolution approving funding for the upgrade.

• Farm dairy effluent – Waipū

Charges have been laid against a Waipū farmer for offending which occurred in July and December 2018. The offences relate to discharges of untreated effluent from breakages in irrigation lines and the farmer has a poor history of compliance with regional rules for animal effluent disposal. The next court appearance is scheduled for 18 April 2019, when pleas are due to be entered.

• Farm dairy effluent – Maungakaramea

Charges have been laid against a farm owner and his company, as well as the farm manager, for offences which occurred in September 2018. The farmer has a poor history of compliance with regional rules for animal effluent disposal. Court dates have yet to be set.

• Farm dairy effluent – Maromaku

Charges have been laid against a farm owner, his company and a farm manager for offences which occurred in September 2018. The farmer has a poor history of compliance with regional rules for animal effluent disposal. Court dates have yet to be set.

HYDROLOGY

MetService Seminar

In March 2019, the MetService held a one-day seminar for regional councils to:

• Provide opportunities to discuss the present and future needs of hydrologists, flood managers and emergency managers for weather information.

• Inform technical users of new developments taking place at the MetService, particularly in the areas of observing systems, weather modelling and warning services.

Key points were:

• Central government needs to address the competitive tension between the MetService and NIWA “it’s not the players it’s the rules of the game.”

• Chief forecaster spends a lot of resources countering fake news.

• A new range of products will be available, including nowcasting before extreme weather events, such as convective storms (thunder cells). Work is underway for an algorithm to predict lightning strikes.

• Nowcasting is weather forecasting on a very short term period of up to 2 hours according to the World Meteorological Organization. This type of forecast is under development in New Zealand but is becoming more prevalent.

• MetService recently acquired MetOcean, which will significantly increase the modelling capability of the company. Key products now available are:

o Predicting water quality in rivers, estuaries and the marine environment.

o Storm surge.

o Seasonable variability on freshwater in estuary wetted area.

• Weather Halo is a new product that the public can use which alarms the users on hazards close by such as wind, heavy rain, lightening. This may have applications for field staff.

• MetService now can operate models on their cloud-based platform with the option of plugging into their range of climate and metrological parameters.

Rivers/Rain situation

• Rainfall for March 2019 was below the long-term median for the month in all areas, with Whangarei and Bream Bay being particularly dry (around 20 mm or 40% of the long-term median for the month). The first 27 days of the month were extremely dry, with much of the rain for the month occurring towards the end, from the 28^th onwards.

• Northland rivers, particularly in the Bay of Islands and Wairua Catchment remain very low (around 10-year low flows).

• During March, the second round of low flow gaugings was carried out at 28 sites in the Waitangi Catchment. Gaugings will be carried out multiple times over low flows, with the aim of using the data to calibrate a MALF (“Mean Annual Low Flow”) model.

• The third round of low flow gauging project work has also been carried out at
28 Whangārei Harbour tributaries for MALF model calibration.

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE

Coastal

• Samples have been collected from the council’s estuary monitoring sites in Whangārei. The monitoring programme follows the National Estuary Monitoring Protocol, which was developed by Cawthron for use by regional councils. It enables the council to assess the health of representative intertidal sites in our estuaries and can be used to track changes in the health of these sites over time.

Freshwater quality/Freshwater ecology

• The fish monitoring programme was started with 25 sites to be monitored by the end of May

• Additional staff were trained in periphyton monitoring so that monitoring runs can be rearranged to increase efficiency.

• Four new water quality monitoring sites will be monitored monthly within the Northern Wairoa Catchment starting in April 2019 to increase representative sites in our network.

• The NRC periphyton dataset (over three years of data collected) has been reviewed by NIWA. The monitoring programme has also been assessed as to its suitability for model development to define objectives and water quality limits under the NPS-FM. The draft report was recently received for review by NRC staff.

• The physiographics sediment process attribute layer (S-PAL) project was finalised and the final report recently received. This work will add value to the NRC’s sediment management work.

• The NPS-FM implementation plan has been filled out by NR Science with a number of gaps identified. Further planning and discussion to be had with Planning & Policy team and technical staff from the Science/Monitoring teams.

Air quality

• Ambient PM10 monitoring results for February 2019 for the Whangārei and Marsden Point airsheds and Kaikohe showed that compliance was met with the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NESAQ). PM2.5 monitoring results for Whangārei were within the Ambient Air Quality Guideline value.

• Unsealed road PM10 monitoring was concluded for the summer on 28 March 2019, with a total of five sites being monitored this summer. Results will be available in the near future.

• We are currently looking for a suitable PM10 monitoring site in Kawakawa Township.

• We are in a process of finalising a contract with Energy and Technical Services Limited (ETSL) to track NRC’s carbon emissions.

Groundwater

• An Envirolink grant is being scoped to obtain advice on the effects of different types of forestry and land cover on groundwater recharge and surface water flows. This advice will inform the planning of forestry development and assist with future water balance modelling.

• A review of the groundwater quality compliance monitoring is being undertaken to ensure proactive monitoring of the risk of saline intrusion in coastal aquifers resulting from groundwater takes.

Natural Resources Data

• Hilltop Software visited on 20 and 21 March to do work on some of our data management systems.

• More consent holders are now sending their water use records daily via telemetry.

• KiEco software (database) is due to be installed in April to improve our management of ecological data.

• Forms were created and tested for electronic data capture in the field. The results were very promising and the data capture was easy to use. Further work is required with the GIS team to finalise site updates and data transfer.

COASTAL/WATER QUALITY FIELD OPERATIONS

• Water quality sampling of the Whangārei, Bay of Islands and Kaipara harbours and southern estuaries (Mangawhai, Waipū and Ruakākā) was carried out.

• The river water quality runs, including for the priority catchments, were undertaken and cyanobacteria samples were collected at four lakes.

• The annual freshwater fish monitoring programme commenced this month which helps us assess the health of our rivers and streams.

• Our swimming water quality monitoring programme for the 2018/2019 summer was finished on 4 March 2019. In general, water quality was suitable for swimming at open coastal beaches most of the time. However, bacterial levels were elevated at a few coastal sites, and many of Northland’s river sites, particularly after heavy rain, due to runoff of contaminants from surrounding land.

• On 18 March, council held a Seaweek Action Day event at Te Komiti Bay, Tinopai. Around 30 students, parent help and teachers from Tinopai and Maungaturoto schools attended. Students learnt about ecological monitoring methods and marine biosecurity to give them a deeper understanding of their local coastline and NRC’s role.

7.2.5 Environmental Services

Land Management

Environment Fund Update

A delegated authority on 22 March 2019 approved 13 Hill Country Erosion Fund (planting) projects totalling $56,075, one Northern Wairoa Freshwater Improvement Fund project and two catchment group projects. The Hill Country Erosion Fund (Boost) is now fully allocated ($50k for 20,000 native trees and 2,500 poplar and willows).

Farm Environment Plans (FEP) – 2018/19

This financial year 116 FEP’s have been commenced and 75 completed.

Hill Country Erosion Fund – Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities (SHaRP)

The contract is looking to be finalised with MPI before the end of April 2019. Aspects of the contract are being negotiated and the revised total for the fund is looking circa $3.43M. Once the contract is finalised media communications and recruitment will be planned for May 2019.

Hill Country Erosion Fund (HCEF) Boost Year Fund

Recent work activities include:

• Identifying regional priorities for planting based on recent research, soil conservation and water quality values. Undertaking analysis to classify priority catchments to identify target land for afforestation and downstream vulnerability to sediment impacts.

• Completing a stocktake of soil conservation activities, afforestation and nursery supplies.

• Stakeholder engagement plan in operation to build uptake and support for soil conservation and afforestation, including;

a. Iwi Engagement Plan

b. Behaviour Change paper

c. Tree Demand Survey

d. Internal workshop for staff technical advisory group (across departmental)

e. Regional expert stakeholder workshop being held on 4 April.

• Workshop planned with other regional councils re: afforestation in May, to share knowledge, innovation and operational know how.

• Staff training to upskill relative to afforestation and high value advice to landowners.

• Summary of regulatory framework relative to afforestation and NES plantation forestry.

Northern Wairoa Project

Recent work activities include:

• Final Te Kawa Waiora work plan and budget is still being developed with project partners. This will be completed by the end of May 2019 and subsequently shared with council for approval of any proposed budget changes.

• This project is in the process of getting a new name and branding, a local company Level has workshopped the necessary information with the partnership to then develop these tools.

• Some partners from the project joined the NRC tent at field days this year. It proved successful with partners appreciative of sharing the space and learning more about NRC. The joint narrative for landowners was also useful.

BIODIVERSITY

FIF Dune Lakes Project

The main current focus is preparation work for proposed herbicide operations in September-October.

The project’s education program through Enviroschools and Te Aho Tū Roa is fully scheduled and ready to proceed with its pilot outings to the lakes.

Fencing and reticulation projects at lakes Wahakari, Waiparera, Shag and Midgeley are underway.

Check, Clean, Dry advocacy
All field surveys and events for the current Check, Clean, Dry season have been completed. White Bait Connection, which is contracted to the project, completed their last event at the Kaitaia’s Farmers Market and are delivering their end of season report in April. The trial Check, Clean, Dry campaign on social media is complete and an analysis of how effective it has been is underway.

CoastCare

Events have been held for SeaWeek, including two events at Taipa with Manganui and Taipa Area Schools.

Biosecurity Threats/Incursions

Auckland Fruit Fly Incursions

During the month of March, Northland Regional Council has continued to assist with both the ‘Queensland Fruit Fly Response’ (North Shore, Auckland) and the ‘Facialis Fruit Fly Response’ (Otara, Auckland). Three Biosecurity staff have assisted the responses in the positions of Organism Management Manager, Surveillance Manager, and Trapper Team Leader – spending four, six and seven days respectively in these roles. As part of Northland Regional Council’s commitment to the ‘National Biosecurity Capability Network’, several staff remain on standby if the Response requires further assistance – so far, there has been no requests for assistance for the month of April.

Biosecurity Partnerships

Trap NZ

Biosecurity staff have been assisting Northland pest control groups to set up their projects in Trap NZ. Trap NZ is an online tool to help manage pest control trap catch and monitoring data. Council staff are working closely with Trap NZ developers in a national collaboration to ensure the system is fit for purpose and improvements are made to make it easier to use. All council supported pest control programmes are required to use Trap NZ and will allow council to report regionally on pest control.

KAURI DIEBACK

Kauri Protection Fencing Fund

Progress has been made on the Kauri Protection Fencing Fund with seven land owners confirmed and agreements are being finalised. The fund contribution to these proposed fences is currently sitting at $46,413 of the $77,345 available funds, with another $15,000 proposed for a project with Te Roroa and land owners at Maunganui Bluff.

Kauri Dieback Surveillance and Ground Truthing

Staff are continuing to ground truth potential kauri dieback sites identified through aerial surveillance in Northland. Results are presented in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Kauri Dieback Ground Truthing Results 2018/19

KAURI DIEBACK SAMPLING RESULTS 2018 - 2019
Month	No. Sites / Properties Inspected					No. Samples Taken	Sample Results
Month	Surveyed	Positive	Priority 1	Priority 2	Land owner Requests	No. Samples Taken	Positive	Negative	Pending
October	5	3	0	2	3	17	6	11
November	11	1	3	3	5	38	2	36
December	11	3	8	3	0	44	9	26	9
January	15		7	3	5	40			40
February	1			1	1	2			2
March	7			1	6	13			13
YTD Total	50	7	18	13	20	154	17	73	64

Kauri Dieback Management Plans

11 kauri dieback management plans have been completed and sent to landowners. Plans are being finalised for all positive sites as well as those that are identified as medium–high risk sites. All site occupiers receive advice and a basic management plan about how to best protect their kauri and forest from kauri dieback and other diseases.

Kauri Dieback Wananga – Waipoua

Staff attended Kauri ki uta, Kauri ki tai kauri dieback wananga at Waipoua hosted by The Kauri Project. The aim of the wananga was to bring together scientists, artists, and iwi working with kauri to seek collaborative solutions to kauri dieback.

MARINE BIOSECURITY

2018-2019 Hull Surveillance Programme

The Programme has been running since October 2018 and is on track, with 84% of the annual target (2,000 vessels) completed as of 24 March 2019. In March, 370 vessels were checked by divers for marine pests in the harbours of Whangārei, Whangaroa and in the inner Bay of Islands. There were 18 incidents of Mediterranean fanworm found on hulls; 14 in Whangārei Harbour, three in Whangaroa, and one in Houhora. All vessels found with fanworm outside of Whangārei had diver removals at the time of the inspection, and subsequent trace back found all vessels had come from areas of established populations (either Whangārei or Auckland). The Hull Surveillance Programme has proven invaluable to reduce the risks of new invasions by detecting marine pests on vessels, removing them “on-the-spot” when possible and informing the Marine Biosecurity team. These immature fanworms would have grown and caused potential infestations in areas currently free of the marine pests.

Table 2: Hull Surveillance Programme Results (26/2/19 – 24/3/19)

2018-2019 Hull Surveillance Programme Results (26/2/19 – 24/3/19)
Number of vessels surveyed	370
Total year to date	1,684
Number of Vessels with Marine Pests Found in Surveillance
Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella)	18
Styela sea squirt	0
Japanese kelp (Undaria)	0
Australian droplet tunicate (Eudistoma)	14
Pyura sea squirt	0
Pathways plan compliance	47 % of vessels

Image: Diver inspecting a fouled hull for marine pests in Houhora Harbour in March 2019 as part of the Hull Surveillance Programme. Photo credit: Sue Rosandich.

Inter-Regional Marine Pathway Plan Consultation

On 18 March 2019, the Top of the North Marine Biosecurity Partnership launched the start of the public consultation period for options of inter-regional rules for marine pests across the four top northernmost regions of New Zealand. The discussion document and survey are available online, and the link was shared widely throughout Northland communities. Other councils and MPI have also shared the link widely throughout their regions and national stakeholders. The survey will close 24 May and a public report produced.

Kaipara Harbour Marine Pest Survey – May 2019

A Charter Agreement was signed by Auckland Council, MPI, and Northland Regional Council to undertake marine pest surveys in the Kaipara Harbour. The last marine pest survey in Kaipara was done by NIWA in 2006, and apart from the hull surveillance and anecdotal data, knowledge of marine pests in this harbour is very limited. Iwi and stakeholder communication and engagement is currently ongoing. The survey is planned in the Northern Kaipara (that falls under NRC jurisdiction) from 13 to 24 May 2019.

Opua Fanworm Eradication Programme

The Opua Fanworm Eradication Programme is still on hold until the visibility improves. The divers have noted increased visibility in the outer area of the harbour, but at <40 cm it is still below what is necessary to dive and survey successfully at Opua Marina. Visibility monitoring is ongoing and the dive surveys will resume as soon as visibility improves to 50 cm. This is expected within the next fortnight.

Two vessels were recently reported with small juvenile fanworm attached to their hulls at or very near Opua marina (during a haul out and during hull surveillance on 25 March). These vessels had not moved for at least six months. Therefore, the juveniles were recruited from within the incursion area in Opua. The locations of the vessels in the marina will be taken into consideration for the eradication surveys.

Marine Biosecurity at SeaWeek

The Marine Biosecurity team participated in organising and delivering several events as part of the 2019 SeaWeek (2 March – 10 March) with the theme Tiakina o Tātou Mōana (Care for our Seas). The events included:

• Marine biosecurity presentations to classes at Whangārei Girls High and Kaitaia College.

• Public presentation during the OceanFest evening in Whangārei (in conjunction with the Ngunguru School teacher and students running a marine pest project).

• All-day field workshops with Tinopai School.

Houhora Harbour Undaria Signs

The first report of the marine pest Undaria (Japanese kelp) in Houhora Harbour was in 2014. Education has taken place since, and last month the Marine Biosecurity Team also deployed large warning signs. These are to educate boaters and other marine users further on the risks from this marine pest, and how they can ensure they do not spread it to other harbours. One sign was deployed at the Houhora Big Game & Sports Fishing Club with their permission and help; the other sign was attached at the Pukenui commercial wharf with permission from Far North Holdings.

FRESHWATER PESTS

Staff have been working with DOC staff, identifying opportunities for new DOC pest fish funding for Northland, with a view to working more collaboratively to maximise limited resources across both organisations. Koi and Rudd have been identified by DOC as the priority species for work in Northland.

PEST PLANTS

Tutukaka High Value Area

The weed focused group of the Tutukaka High Value Area is gathering pace, driven by the volunteer “Specialist Weed Assistance” or ‘S.W.A.T’ Team, and supported with new equipment provided through high value area funding. Over the last month, the S.W.A.T. team and community volunteers have completed 113 hours of weed control, with their latest efforts on the Ngunguru sand spit and at Puke Kopipi netting 1200 moth plant pods that would have released 1,000,000 seeds if they had been left to burst.

Moth plant pods collected by Tutukaka S.W.A.T team and community volunteers

Wild Ginger Biocontrol

The predicted life-cycle times of the host testing larvae in London have resulted in the Milestone 3 date of the Sustainable Farming Fund being renegotiated with MPI to accommodate the extended dates. An update is expected by mid-April.

Eradication Plants

Eradication delivery work continues for Mickey Mouse plant, monkey musk, balloon vine, and yellow flag Iris, with the next round of batwing control now commencing. A large Mickey Mouse site in Kerikeri containing >50 mature shrubs and many juveniles was treated, and will be a focus for continued follow up.

Spartina

Ongoing spartina follow-up control in the Hokianga, Whangaroa, and other Mid-North harbours and estuaries, with approximately 50% of the Mid-North sites now inspected and treated. Most sites have little or no spartina, but several small lush patches have been located. One significant sized new patch was sighted, but has yet to be accessed and controlled.

Kaipara spartina work has been hampered to some extent by weather and staff availability. A review of all sites and data is currently underway.

Manchurian Wild Rice

The first round of Manchurian wild rice spraying has been completed. Growing conditions has resulted in vigorous growth, and larger populations of healthy rice grass. Some sites could not be treated due to maize and kumara cropping, requiring a hold on the second spray round.

Field Days

The pest plants display at Field days generated the normal high level of interest and follow up requests, and resulted in four confirmed reports of new eradication species sites, including one large salvinia site that has now been handed over to MPI.

BIOSECURITY OPERATIONAL REPORT SUMMARY 2017-2018

Introduction

The primary mechanisms available to council for the control of pests are described in the Northland Regional Pest Management Strategies developed in 2010 in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 1993 (BSA). The law requires operational plans for the implementation of the strategies, and Section 100b of the BSA requires council to prepare a report on the operational plans no later than five months after the end of each financial year.

The Regional Pest Management Strategies (RPMS) describes five-year objectives and management methods for 192 pest organisms comprising 118 weeds, 47 pest animals, and 27 marine pests. These species are represented across 22 operational plans with multiple objectives and 113 performance targets. The RPMS was reviewed to:

• identify options to improve pest management in Northland;

• reflect recent Biosecurity Act changes; and,

• assess the rationale to include new pest species or remove others.

A new Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Plan was adopted in December 2017 and all appeals have been resolved.

The final annual report on the RPMS 2010-2015 has been presented to council. A summary of the last operational year of the RPMS (2017-2018) is given below. A new operational plan for the RPMP has been developed for the 2018-2019 financial year which will be reported on during the latter half of 2019.

Highlights

Along with other work programmes outlined below, key highlights included:

• 55 projects to manage animal and plant pests funded from the Environment Fund totalling $128,000.

• Additional Environment Funding provided to support new Community Pest Control Areas.

• Helping the Enviroschools programme train over 100 Northland students in “Project Possum", including the safe use of pesticides.

• 2000 vessel hull surveys for marine pests were undertaken throughout Northland – an increase of 300 hulls on the previous year.

• 151 marine pest incidents were recorded in the year, of which 50% were Styela clava incursions. Mediterranean fanworm was restricted to Whangarei Harbour with the remaining 14 harbours fanworm free, although a recent find (July 2018) of fanworm near Opua is under investigation.

• 132,000 people were reached during Biosecurity Month on social media. One video in particular reached almost 29,000 people with 107 “shares”.

Exclusion and Eradication Pests

Keeping pests out of Northland, or eliminating them before they can establish and spread, is the most cost efficient and effective approach to pest management. The categories of Exclusion and Eradication include management of pest plants and pest animals.

Exclusion Plants

Pest plants that are predicted to impact on our forests, waterways, and rural economy have been prioritised for proactive actions to keep them out of Northland – for example Asiatic knotweed, giant hogweed, and velvetleaf.

Exclusion Freshwater Pests

Freshwater pest fish are an escalating threat in Northland. Staff have identified more than 20 historic records of pest fish releases in Northland, including two references to releases of orfe in the Kaipara/Kaiwaka area. Orfe were thought to have been released only in the Auckland area and subsequently eradicated from the country. It will be a significant discovery if orfe are found to persist still in Northland. It is suspected that at one site orfe may have interbred with koi carp and staff aim to retrieve samples for DNA testing this summer.

Eradication Plants

Seventeen species of plant pests were also subject to eradication programmes. Of particular note:

• Spartina: All current sites of spartina have been mapped in the Hokianga, Pārengarenga and Whangārei Harbours, and now only remnant populations of once widespread infestations remain. Ongoing survey to eliminate regrowth and confine any remaining populations is expected to be conducted annually for the following 10 years. Significant infestations still remain in the Kaipara, and staff time in 2017-2018 was concentrated on revisiting sites that had not had control for a number of years, and controlling several large new infestations.

• Batwing Passionflower: A significant input of staff survey time for batwing passionflower has resulted in a steady decline in the number of fruiting plants being found in the known areas around Whangārei and Kerikeri. Many sites are still being monitored with no plants found, however the seed is long lived and several years of survey are required to confirm eradication. New sites are still being detected and reported. This programme represents a significant part of pest plant staff delivery time, as the rapid growth rate requires all 400+ management sites to be visited 3x per annum.

• Mexican Feather Grass: A revisit of Mexican feather grass sites found no plants at any site (many of which had not been visited for some years), so the majority have now been designated eradicated. Three sites remain as active where historic records lacked location accurate details, and could not be relocated, and three sites remain under surveillance to ensure the seed bank has been exhausted.

• Field Horsetail: No plants were found at the one known site.

• Royal Fern: Surveillance and control of a large known royal fern site on the West coast has yet to be undertaken.

• Wilding Kiwifruit: Three plants were found and controlled in Kerikeri during batwing surveillance.

• Gypsywort: Lake Te Werahi was treated last summer and follow up by boat will be required.

• Mickey Mouse Plant: Sites were not monitored last year as they only require monitoring every two years.

• Other Eradication Plants: Akebia, balloon vine, cathedral bells, Chilean rhubarb, monkey musk, nut grass, lesser knotweed, firethorn, evergreen buckthorn, Senegal tea, and yellow flag iris sites continue to be monitored and controlled, with decreasing numbers of plant found at most management sites.

Eradication Animals

A wallaby sighting in the Hokianga area was investigated however no further sightings nor evidence of this incursion was found. A programme to eliminate feral deer is ongoing, and during the 2017-2018 year two farm escape events were recorded and followed up. Our large kauri forests remain wild deer free, but increasing deer farm escapes and illegal liberations put this at risk. The programme is expected to ramp up in coming years to prevent feral deer establishing. They increase the risk of spreading forest disease such as kauri dieback, and also risk transferring animal diseases into Northland.

Eradication Freshwater Pests

Turtle sightings continue to multiply in Northland, with many reports occurring on social media. Two turtles have been handed in including a rare and injured Reeves turtle. They have both been rehomed and there are currently four active turtle sites within the Northland region that require further survey using a purpose built turtle trap.

Progressive Containment Pests

These include species which are known to be present in a discrete area within Northland. Whilst their eradication may not be feasible, their containment and prevention of further spread is achievable.

Manchurian Wild Rice

Manchurian wild rice (an invader of waterways, wetlands, and pasture) requires long term management and elimination of all outlier sites. This programme is fully funded by MPI and has the goal of containment, reduction, and eventual eradication of populations within Northland. Removal of Manchurian wild rice is proceeding according to a plan which targets outliers first, and these are now down to <10% of the original infestation. However, it is taking longer than predicted to eradicate this plant pest at all outlier sites.

Sustained Control Pests

Kauri Dieback Disease

In the previous plan kauri dieback was categorised as a containment species, and it has been the subject of a partnership management programme since 2009 involving the Ministry for Primary Industries, Department of Conservation, several regional councils (Northland, Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty), and tangata whenua from areas with naturally occurring kauri.

Last year 37 disease positive sites were known in Northland, 22 of these on private land, two on district council reserves, and the remainder on public conservation land. Staff began work on developing management plans with landowners, and high priority sites are continuing to be monitored and managed.

Council continues to contribute significantly to the Kauri Dieback Programme, and is undertaking activities on the ground including soil sampling, risk assessments, developing management plans, assisting with fencing applications, workshops and education, and supporting communities to manage and contain the disease.

Significant aerial surveillance was undertaken during 2017-2018 in an attempt to locate areas where the disease may be present in Northland. Over 300 sites were identified that require further follow up (ground truthing) to determine if the kauri dieback disease organism is present in the soil. Council’s total contribution to the programme for 2017-2018 was budgeted at $87,000. This is a small portion of the overall cost of the programme, and helps to fund a number of activities including research, communications, surveillance and the general operations.

It is expected that follow up work to reduce the spread of kauri dieback, and find a cure for the disease will continue. A new national plan to combat the kauri dieback is expected to be approved by the Minister of Biosecurity in September of this year.

Sustained Control Marine Pests

The marine biosecurity hull surveillance programme surveyed a total of 2000 vessels and responded to 151 marine pest incursions. Mediterranean fanworm accounted for 29% of pests found with 122 incursions, of these 109 were in the Whangārei area (where Mediterranean fanworm is already established). North of Whangārei there were 13 vessels found with Mediterranean fanworm. In addition to hull surveillance, surveillance in response to high risk infested vessels was carried out in Whangaroa, Tapu Point, Matauwhi Bay, and Tutukaka marina. Structure and seafloor searches found no fanworm. Tutukaka Marina had fanworm removed from structures in 2015, demonstrating good progress towards eradication of the pest from this harbour (2019 will be the last year before eradication can be declared successful).

Marine Pathway Management Plan

A new Marine Pathway Management Plan has been adopted by council which sets out rules for acceptable levels of bio-fouling when travelling between designated areas (harbours and islands). This plan was made operative on 1 July 2018. A 3-year period of focus on education and advocacy is planned before enforcement activities begin. We have also collaborated with several other regional councils to propose an inter-regional marine pathways plan. It was presented to the Upper North Island Strategic Alliance in August 2017, and work is continuing to progress a discussion document concerning this initiative.

Biosecurity partnerships

Council has continued to build and develop a number of biosecurity partnerships with several Northland communities, iwi, agencies, and other stakeholders to support community led pest control initiatives. The previously introduced term, Biosecurity Partnerships, has been used to group a range of key activities relating to biosecurity, and site and community-led pest management activities in Northland. Biosecurity Partnerships supports pest management programmes aimed at integrated management of a range of pests such as weeds, animals and diseases.

Partnerships activities include successful programmes such as:

• Community Pest Control Programmes (CPCA),

• Biosecurity Environment Fund (Biofund),

• High Value Areas, and,

• Significant Biosecurity Partnerships.

Working in partnership with other agencies and organisations has been a key focus during 2017-2018 with new Significant Biosecurity Partnerships established with organisations like the Kiwi Coast Trust and Reconnecting Northland. These partnerships are aimed at supporting large-scale community-led pest control programmes, and also involve a number of other partners, agencies, and organisations.

Kiwi Coast – NRC Partnership

Council officially formed a new biosecurity partnership with the Kiwi Coast Trust in September 2017. The partnership builds on more than 20 years of successful community-led kiwi recovery work, and will help to support community conservation goals. The annual contribution to the Kiwi Coast Trust will help with the coordination of the Kiwi Coast and eventually enable kiwi to roam safely across the Kiwi Coast.

Community Pest Control Areas (CPCAs)

Community Council has now supported and developed sixty Community Pest Control Areas (CPCAs) since the programme was established in 2005 (including six renewed as part of larger new CPCA’s). Council established and supported four new CPCA’s in 2017-2018 adding over 5960 hectares to the land under pest control. The new CPCA’s included Whananaki, Kerikeri Peninsula, Bream Tail Farm, and The Sanctuary (Mangawhai). The total amount of land managed under the CPCA programme is now more than 73,900 hectares.

Kai Iwi Lakes

Kai Iwi Lakes are outstanding Northland dune lakes with significant values. The lakes have excellent water quality and outstanding ecological condition, providing habitat for a range of endangered plants and animals, as well as numerous recreational activities. However, the easy accessibility and high recreational use of the lakes result in a significant risk of aquatic pest introduction, which could have a significant impact on the values of the area. There are already significant threats to the lakes from terrestrial weeds and pest animals. Since 2013, council staff have been working with the Taharoa Domain Governance Committee, Kaipara District Council, iwi, and surrounding landowners on a series of projects to reduce the impact of introduced pests, improve wetland and water quality on adjacent farms, and raise public awareness of the lakes and how to look after them.

Education – Pest Plants

In 2017-2018 a total of 532 people attended weed awareness workshops in venues from Coopers Beach to Paparoa, and a special session for Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre students held in Whangarei. In addition, children’s weed workshops were held at Ruawai, Maungatoroto, Otaika Valley, and Tangiterōria schools as part of the Enviroschools programme and the council led " Wai-restoration" programme.

Other RPMP Activities

Actions that also occurred as part of the RPMP during the 2017-18 year included:

• actively supporting a significant number of new community pest control groups;

• assisting with the response work regarding myrtle rust (a new plant disease affecting pohutukawa and other members of the Myrtaceae family, and,

• assisting MPI with the management of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis.

RIVERS

River Contract Works

Priority Rivers	Work	Status	Comments
Awanui	OpEx	100% complete	Mid-Awanui stop-bank re-alignment.
Awanui	CapEx	100% complete	Te Ahu stopbank stabilization works and grade control.
Awanui	CapEx	100% complete	Bell’s Hill Benching
Kaihu	OpEx	88% complete	Mobilisation was proceeded for tree removal. The last 50% of spraying work is to commence in April following the completion of the machine cleaning.
Minor Rivers	OpEx	56% complete	Only high priority work is being progressed.

LTP Projects

Rivers	Comments
Awanui	Bell’s Hill Benching and the Te Ahu Rock Armouring have both reached practical completion. Preliminary Scheme design results are scheduled to be delivered in April, with property acquisition starting in June.
Matangirau	A Kaeo Working Group meeting is scheduled for June at the Matangirau Marae to share the modelling results with the community and agree on a preferred option.
Kawakawa - Taumarere	NRC Resource Consent has been granted for the Turntable Hill Bridge channel works, further information has been submitted to FNDC which we understand will satisfy FNDC resource consenting requirements. A consultation Hui was held on 22 March at Otiria Marae, further consultation is required.
Whangarei	Resource Consent has been lodged for the Woods Road floodwall works and the tender for the works closed on 3April.
Panguru	A hui was held on 27th February 2019 at the Waimirirangi Marae, Waihou. The hui supported Option A, raising the roads and river works but wish to see evidence on the longer term environmental effects to the harbour (at a second hui in the next months ahead). A meeting with FNDC is scheduled in coming weeks to progress with option A (raising the roads and river works). This requires meeting NZTA’s criteria for low risk low funding.

NATURAL HAZARDS

Work Streams	Status	Comments
Priority Rivers Flood Hazard Maps	95%	We expect the maps for Waipu and Paparoa to be released in April due to the reviews taking longer than what we expected.
Awanui Flood Model	80%	DHI has completed two model calibration runs, with only one remaining. Both calibration runs are being peer reviewed. First round of comments/suggestions from peer reviewer have been received and being incorporated in the model. This is the most complex part of the modelling work. Once the remaining calibration run is complete and reviewed, DHI will start design storm runs.

Work Streams

Status

Comments

Priority Rivers Flood Hazard Maps

95%

We expect the maps for Waipu and Paparoa to be released in April due to the reviews taking longer than what we expected.

Awanui Flood Model

80%

DHI has completed two model calibration runs, with only one remaining. Both calibration runs are being peer reviewed. First round of comments/suggestions from peer reviewer have been received and being incorporated in the model.

This is the most complex part of the modelling work. Once the remaining calibration run is complete and reviewed, DHI will start design storm runs.

Northland LiDAR Capture

Far North LiDAR capture is largely complete. Remaining sections of mid-north underway.

RPS has indicated batch processing of captured data will commencement soon. Capture was at 56% as at 28 March 2019.

7.2.6 STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement

PROPOSED REGIONAL PLAN

Refer to Item 6.2 of this agenda.

NATIONAL INITIATIVES

On 25 March 2019 the Government approved the following changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme:

• Introduction of averaging accounting - meaning forest owners who use the new 'averaging accounting' option will no longer need to surrender NZUs when they harvest (if they replant). Participants would instead receive fewer NZUs as their forest grows, up to a determined average level of long-term carbon storage.

• making it easier for landowners to determine if forests they establish will be able to earn credits in the ETS

• aligning the ETS reporting cycle better with our international targets

• providing new forestry-specific enforcement tools to ensure the ETS has integrity.

More details are expected in April 2019.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project	March update	Future developments/ reporting
Extension 350	Nothing new to report.	Continue receiving progress reporting and invoicing as per funding agreement.
Resources Enterprise Limited (REL)	Letter to REL regarding March interest and an expectation that the principal will be repaid on time.	Waiting for March interest payment and update on plans.
Hundertwasser Art Centre (Whangārei)	Receipt of report for February 2019.	Second invoice due at 50% works complete.
Kawakawa Hundertwasser Park Centre (Te Hononga)	Construction underway – nothing new to report.	Second invoice expected in April 2019.
Extended Regional Promotion	Nothing new to report.	Next report due August 2019 for second sixth months 2018/19.
Twin Coast Cycle Trail (TCCT)	Workshop discussion on progress of resolving easements.	Awaiting further progress report on remaining four easements to complete funding commitment. Maybe Q4.
Manea Footprints of Kupe	Drafted funding agreement between Trust, Manea operating company and FNHL.	Finalise funding agreement between Trust, Manea operating company and FNHL.

Other Activties

• 23rd issue of Northland Economic Quarterly released 22 March and available online at www.nrc.govt.nz/economicquarterly

• Presentation on internet speed survey to Northland Forward Together on 25 March.

• Quarterly workshop between Council and Northland Inc held on 12 March.

• Results from Annual Northland Economic Profile provided to Council and available online at https://ecoprofile.infometrics.co.nz/Northland+Region

Investment and Growth Reserve – Project Development funding by Northland Inc

• Northern Adventure Experience -– completion of a business plan to reposition the Twin Coast Cycle Trail and develop a tourism experience for the Bay Of Islands Vintage Railway refurbishment and establishment between Kawakawa and Opua - $35,000.

• Update of Kaurinui Tourism Product Development – completion of the business case for the development of the Kaurinui experience – guided visitor tours through Hundertwasser’s Kawakawa home - $30,000.

ONLINE CHANNELS

Most popular post on Facebook

Promotion of the Biofund available to assist community groups, whānau or individuals with traps, toxins and bait stations. The post reached over 15,000 people.

Key Performance Indicators	Nov-18	Dec-18	Jan-19	Feb-19	Mar-19
WEB
# Visits to the NRC website	21,600	21,100	24,800	24,500	28,000
E-payments made	6	2	4	3	6
# subscription customers (cumulative)	1,153	1,159	1,167	1,173	1,179
SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative)
# Twitter followers	1,413	1,418	1,416	1,428	1,430
# NRC Facebook fans	7,132	7,198	7,611	7,816	7,968
# NRC Overall Facebook Reach	137,200	70,275	87,800	168,100	219,300
# NRC Engaged Daily Users	10,800	8186	5889	11,700	27,000
# CDEM Facebook fans	16,200	16,400	16,500	16,500	16,600
# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach	47,200	59,299	14,800	43,800	31,900
# CDEM Engaged Daily Users	3,664	6,829	1,051	4,925	2,132
# Instagram followers	615	646	663	689	712

* November data is for a 25-day period due to early reporting deadlines.

ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION

Events

• Seaweek Ocean Fest
On the evening of 6 March, council held a Seaweek event entitled ‘Ocean Fest’ at The Orchard in Whangārei. 70 people attended the event which included presentations from CoastCare, Coastal Monitoring and Marine Biosecurity. The Seaweek ‘celebrity’ was Steve Hathaway who is a professional underwater videographer and developer of the ‘Young Ocean Explorers’ online teaching resource.

• First WaiFencing for 2019
On 21 March, the first WaiFencing skills course for 2019 was held at the council’s property on Flyger Road. 35 students and teachers from Otamatea High, Tauraroa Area School and Whangarei Boys’ High School took part. The Land Management team and Can Train NZ provided tutors, and a presentation on the importance of fencing off waterways to exclude stock.

• Enviroschools Reflections

Date	School	Enviroschools Stage
4 March Celebration with Cathy Erstich	Maungaturoto School	Silver
4 March Celebration with Cathy Erstich	Paparoa School	Bronze
7 March Celebration with Cr Joce Yeoman	Oruaiti School	Silver
22 March Celebration with Cr Penny Smart	Tangowahine School	Bronze
22 March Celebration with Cr John Bain	Whangarei Primary School	Bronze
29 March Celebration with Cr Rick Stolwerk	Maungakaramea School	Silver

MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT

Ballance Farm Environment Awards (Thursday 28)

The 2019 BFEA showcased a diverse range of entrants including dairy farmers, horticulturalists and beef, sheep and horses. Bayly’s Farm won the Northland Regional Council Water Quality Improvement Award, the Predator Free NZ Trust Predator Free Award and the Beef and Lamb New Zealand Lifestock Award.

Patrick Malley - Maungatapere Berries Ltd were the Supreme Winners. They also won the Ballance Agri-Nutrients Soil Management Award, Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award, Hill Laboratories Agri-Science Award and Massey University Innovation Award.

The event was well attended with a number of entrants and the past supreme winner formally acknowledging council for its staff, mahi and financial support.

MĀORI ENGAGEMENT

The Cultural Training Programme is in progress for 2019, with a six-week te reo training being launched at the end of April with Te Ataarangi (facilitators of Te Reo Cafe in communities). This will provide an opportunity for staff and governance to practice the use of te reo in-house. Staff will provide further details shortly (including an opportunity to register).

The Maori engagement team have provided resource and advice for a variety of projects and work including:

• Ngāti Rehia have been successful in gaining funding from Council’s iwi monitoring fund for a year-long project – Te Awa o Tākou Water Monitoring Programme.

• Attendance with CE Malcolm Nicolson at the Pōwhiri for the first 20 recruits into the Ngā Māhuri o Ngāti Hine Mānuka Plantation Training Programme for Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust

• Attendance with Chair Bill Shepherd at the tangi of Te Huranga Hohaia - esteemed leader of Ngāti Rehia and member of TTMAC.

• Significant progress made with Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē Board ratifying a proposal to recommence the development of a Beach Managment Plan for Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē.

• Participation in the Kaipara Moana Treaty Settlement negotiations between Kaipara Uri and the Crown.

GOVERNANCE SUPPORT

Local Government Official Information (LGOIMA) Requests

Month	LGOIMA requests received 2017/18	LGOIMA requests received 2018/19
July	7	15
August	10	20
September	16	7
October	15	5
November	12	10
December	14	9
January	12	11
February	14	15
March	12	9
April	14
May	15
June	18
TOTAL LGOIMA REQUESTS RECEIVED	159	101
Total LGOIMA requests not responded to within 20 working days*	15	6

* Details on the requests not completed within 20 working days:

1. REQ.593752 – Request for a list of all operative fill sites in our region. This request was seeking an update of information previously provided to the requester and required time to update. A time extension has been agreed to.

2. REQ.593357 – Request for 2019 Ratepayers’ report from regional authorities and CCO’s. An extension of timeframe was agreed to with the requester.

3. REQ.594280 – Request regarding stormwater management. Requester gave a due date for a response in April which exceeded the 20 working day limit.

4. REQ.593367 – Information relating to all WWTP in Northland. Requester gave a due date for a response which exceeded the 20 working day limit.

5. REQ.593701 –Request for correspondence relating to sustainable solvents. Had to clarify what information the requester wanted.

6. REQ.593427 – Request was seeking information about functions that primarily come under the jurisdiction of territorial authorities. Although the information on the council’s action in relation to the issue was provided late, the information requester did not express concern about this.

7.2.7 Customer Service – Community Resilience

Telephone Inbound Call Statistics

	March 2019	Target
Call volume	2620
Conversion rate	96.2%	>95%
Average wait time	7 sec
Calls answered in under 30sec	94.0%	>90%

Inbound call volumes for March were up 10% compared to February. Call conversion rates and responses times were slightly down but still exceed performance targets.

SATISFACTION MONITORING

Feedback Cards, Compliments and Complaints

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

Compliments received - March	Total
Overall Service	3
Service provided by a specific person • D Foster & K Pedersen, Biosecurity • J Giles & K McGregor, Consents • D Lawrence, Customer Services	5
Quality of Information	1

Common themes are that staff are helpful, responsive and listen to people’s needs.

Complaints received - March	Total
Standard of service provided	4
Lack of information or communication	1

Regional Customer Service Centres (CSC)

Other Activity

Surveys - external

The annual Residents’ Survey is about to begin with invitations being sent to 2500 people from the electoral roll beginning 8 April. This year we are also offering all residents an opportunity to opt in to the on-line version of the survey. The results will be both amalgamated to provide a broader perspective on our work, and also be able to be reported separately to ensure continuity with previous results. Results will be available by July.

CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Emergency Management System Reform

Following the Government’s response to the Technical Advisory Group Report “Better Responses to Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies”, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DMPC) is leading a multi-year work programme that will deliver extensive change to New Zealand’s emergency response system. The purpose of the Emergency Management System Reform programme is to move us towards a system that works as one to reduce risks to life and property and facilitate a speedy recovery.

As part of this programme, DPMC are looking at a package of changes to the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. The changes will focus on strengthening, modernising and professionalising the emergency management system so that it works when and where we need it.

Nelson Fire Deployment

On 5 February 2019 a major fire started in Pigeon Valley, near Nelson. A state of emergency was declared on 6 February and the Nelson Tasman CDEM Group became the lead agency for the response with support from Fire and Emergency NZ, Police, MPI, Defence Force and many other non-government organisations. As the fire grew, requests were made to provide assistance to support the response.

Three Northland CDEM Group personnel were available and deployed – Group Manager, Graeme MacDonald as an Alternate Controller and Welfare Managers Claire Nyberg and Shona Morgan. There were many learnings gained from this experience and these have been shared with the team and will enhance the capability and expertise across the team.

Council Shared Services

Sarah Boniface has been appointed and commenced employed as an Emergency Management Advisor, based out of the Kaitaia NRC office. A detailed work program is being developed, with some initial work focused on the Kaitaia Evacuation Plan, Tsunami Signage and sirens.

The shared services agreements with each of the councils is due for review. It is expected that the current arrangements and agreements will continue.

Northland CDEM Forum

Plans and preparation are currently underway for the upcoming annual Northland CDEM Forum on May 1^st. As with past years, we are expecting around 230 CDEM stakeholders, council management, staff and elected officials, lifeline utilities, community and emergency services people to take up the opportunity to attend from across Northland to hear from national and local speakers around areas across the 4 R’s of CDEM.

TRANSPORT

Regional Land Transport Planning

Regional Land Transport Committee (RTC) – April 2019

The following issues that directly impact both present and future regional planning and funding was presented by both the Ministry of Transport (MoT) and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) at the April 2019 RTC meeting.

• Outcomes of the 2018 Government Policy Statement (GPS);

• 2021 GPS Timeline;

• National Land Transport Plan for the 2021/24 Funding period;

• Pressures placed on the present National Land Transport Fund by trying to meet the 2018 GPS;

• NZTA Long Term Plan for the 2021/24 Funding period;

• Update on Targeted Enhanced Funding Assistance Rates;

• Provincial Growth Fund;

• New Road Safety Strategy 2020-2030; and

• Speed Management Implementation Plan.

Passenger Transport Administration

Total Mobility

Total Mobility (TM) figures are reported on one month in arrears, as the required information is unavailable at the time of the agenda deadline.

Month	Total Clients	Monthly Actual Expend	Monthly Budget Expend	Variance	Year/Date Actual Expend	Year/Date Budget Expend	Variance
February	1,441	$15,650	$25,000	-$9,350	$141,280	$200,000	-$58,720

Photo shoot for Total Mobility Awareness campaign

On 21 March a photo shoot was held at Jane Mander for the Total Mobility Awareness Campaign.

Total Mobility Coordinators meeting - 28 March in Wellington

Main agenda items at this meeting were the Ridewise Two project and Northland leading the other regions towards national brand guidelines for Total Mobility.

Operational Statistics

FEBRUARY 2019 (revenue ex GST)	Actual	Budget	Variance	Year/Date Actual	Year/Date Budgeted
City Link Passengers	28,414	25,241	3,172	132,783	136,452
CityLink Revenue	$37,430	$49,745	-$12,314	$330,519	$402,107
Mid North Link Passengers	135	384	-249	1450	3306
Mid North Link Revenue	$454	$2,504	-$2,050	$5,270	$20,995
Hokianga Link Passengers	40	48	-8	234	276
Hokianga Link Revenue	$567	$550	$17	$3,005	$3,500
Far North Link Passengers	468	575	-107	4534	5042
Far North Link Revenue	$1,123	$1,437	-$314	$10,216	$12,604

Saint Patricks Day Promotion - Saturday 16 March

Cr Dimery and NRC staff were in attendance at the Rose Street terminus to promote the buses. Promotional CityLink giveaways were handed out to patrons who took part and wore green. There was an increase of 20% more passengers on this day.

Council Workshop

At the above workshop held on 20 March 2019, the Transport team updated councillors on the following: -

• CityLink Ticketing and Fares;

• Relocation of the CityLink Bus Route Terminus;

• CityLink Operational Update;

• Whangarei Public Transport Trial Services and Community Vehicle Trusts;

• Employment Relations Act Amendment;

• CityLink Bus Back Advertising;

• Mid North Link and Hokianga Link;

• Far North Link; and

• BOI Ferries in the SuperGold Scheme.

Road Safety Update
The current Northland road deaths stands at 8, and nationally at 80 deaths.

Motorcycle crashes continue to be a huge concern. There have been 4 fatal motorcycle crashes on Northland roads in the 2019 year to date. The last 2 fatal crashes in 2018 were also motorcyclists.

New road safety (motorcyclist) road signs are being erected around the popular and high-risk corridors. These have been funded by ACC. Across January and February there have been 46 motorcyclists attending the Ride Forever full-day training courses. This programme is jointly subsidised by ACC & NRC.

Work has also started to develop a Northland Motorcycle Strategy that will help inform road safety partners and road controlling authorities about motorcycle safety including across the popular motorcycle corridors. The Northland Strategy will supplement the NZTA’s ‘Safer Journeys for motorcycling on New Zealand roads’ and the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (MSAC) ‘Making Roads Motorcycle Friendly’ advice document.

The Northland Road Policing team will be promoting ‘Crash Free Easter’ leading up to and over this holiday period in a significate road safety campaign. Seat belts, speed and impairment are the key issues being targeted.

Key advertising themes by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for March 2019 was centred on ‘Drugs & Distractions’.

Regional Road Deaths Statistics – 2019 & 2018 Comparison Year To Date:

Location	YTD 2019	YTD 2018
Far North	4	5
Whangarei	3	8
Kaipara	1	2
Northland	8	9
National	80	98

MARITIME

The month of March saw 11 cruise ships call in to the Bay of Islands without incident. There have been no cancellations due to weather so far this season.

The Tier 2 oil spill exercise was held on 13 March with attendees from NRC, RFNZ, Northport and MNZ. This was the first trial of the combined Marsden point response plan. Integration of the different organisations worked well. Work is ongoing with the various transfer sites regarding operator plan testing and operation auditing. Two maritime team members attended national response team training in Picton over two days.

Over the month of March, 11 Incidents were received. 2 Oil spills reported and attended to in the lower Hatea River, and a serious collision between a sailing vessel and charter fishing vessel in the Bay of Islands. The remainder of incidents being minor in nature.

The Whangarei Harbour Safety group meeting was held on the 20^th of March with the emphasis being on the incident occurring in which the Cement vessel “Buffalo” contacted Portland wharf. Lessons learnt, and changes to procedures are still being explored for the rare possibility of a repeat visit by this vessel, as well as overall procedures for the harbour. The effective use of the new Northport harbour simulator is also being discussed. The simulator opens numerous opportunities for training and safety trials.

A meeting was had with Neil Rowarth, area manager for Maritime New Zealand concerning the recent incidents and issues surrounding increasing recreational boat use, and the increasing concerns surrounding dangerous behaviour.

Maintenance of Aids to navigation included new signage labels, replacement batteries and upgrades to lights in Kaipara, Rangaunu and Kerikeri inlet. Local feedback will be sought in Opononi and the Hokianga harbour, over the Easter period on proposals for some safety zones to separate swimmers and powered craft due to an increase in activity in the area.

The Harbourmasters office is awaiting to hear from the Ministry of Transport regarding the progress of the Kai Iwi Lakes Navigation Safety Bylaw Infringement Regulation.

The growing number of live aboard vessels in the Lower Hatea River is of concern, along with the number of incidents occurring in this area. Options are being explored to install high definition cameras to assist in monitoring and enforcement of the Navigation Safety Bylaw in this part of the Harbour.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

[1] Rob van Voorthuysen acted as Chair of the three-member Hearing Panel

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Random Order	· Although there is no compelling evidence that candidates being listed first are more likely to be elected; it prevents any doubt in the process.	· May cause confusion amongst voters as they compare an alphabetical candidate handbook with the randomised ballot paper. This may impact negatively on voter turnout. · Possible voter criticism/confusion as specific candidate names are not easily found, particularly where there are many candidates. · NRC will be inconsistent with the NDHB, FNDC and WDC on voting documents.
2	Pseudo-Random Order	· Although there is no compelling evidence that candidates being listed first are more likely to be elected; it prevents any doubt in the process.	· May cause confusion amongst voters as they compare an alphabetical candidate handbook with the randomised ballot paper. This may impact negatively on voter turnout. · Possible voter criticism/confusion as specific candidate names are not easily found, particularly where there are many candidates. · NRC will be inconsistent with the NDHB, FNDC and WDC on voting documents.
3	Alphabetical Order of surname	· Voters are easily able to find candidate names for whom they wish to vote for. · The order of candidates on the voting documents match the order of candidates listed in the candidate directory that accompanies voting documents. · This will be consistent with the NDHB, FNDC and WDC on voting documents.	· Nil

Date	Addressed To	Subject
15.03.19	NorthTec Hospitality	Thanking hospitality students involved in preparing and serving the pest food giveaway at the Northland Agricultural Field Days
19.03.19	Julie Hardaker Chair Environmental Protection Authority Board	Invitation to attend Northland Regional Council workshop
22.03.19	Rt Hon Winston Peters Hon Shane Jones Hon Kelvin Davis Dr Shane Reti MP Willow-Jean Prime MP Matt King MP	National Wilding Conifer Control Programme

Item No.	Item Issue	Reasons/Grounds
9.1	Confirmation of Minutes - 19 March 2019	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, as stated in the open section of the meeting -.
9.2	Receipt of Confidential Committee Minutes	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, as stated in the open section of the meeting -.
9.3	Human Resources Report	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons s7(2)(a).
9.4	Northland Water Storage and Use Project	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations) s7(2)(i).

TITLE:	Health and Safety Report
ID:	A1180111
From:	Beryl Steele, Human Resources Manager

Name:	Dave Tams
Title:	Group Manager, Corporate Excellence
Date:	09 April 2019

TITLE:	Confirmation of Minutes - 19 March 2019
ID:	A1180519
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Name:	Chris Taylor
Title:	Governance Support Manager
Date:	04 April 2019

TITLE:	Receipt of Action Sheet
ID:	A1181362
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

TITLE:	Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings
ID:	A1177491

Name:	Jonathan Gibbard
Title:	Group Manager - Strategy, Governance and Engagement
Date:	09 April 2019

Name:	Bruce Howse
Title:	Group Manager - Environmental Services
Date:	03 April 2019

TITLE:	Financial Report to 31 March 2019
ID:	A1180892
From:	Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant

TITLE:	2019 Local Body Triennial Election
ID:	A1150215
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

TITLE:	Northland Inc. Limited: Draft Statement of Intent 2019–2022
ID:	A1180250
From:	Darryl Jones, Economist and Jon Trewin, Economic Policy Advisor

TITLE:	Proposed Regional Plan for Northland - Decisions on provisions and matters raised in submissions
ID:	A1176915
From:	Michael Day, Natural Resources Policy Manager

TITLE:	Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party: Reconvening the Māori Technical Advisory Group
ID:	A1180590
From:	Rachel Ropiha, Kaiarahi - Kaupapa Māori

TITLE:	Chair's Report to Council
ID:	A1177843
From:	Bill Shepherd, Chairman

TITLE:	Receipt of Committee Minutes
ID:	A1180509
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager