Agenda of Council Meeting

Project	Brief details	LTP Budget	Actual	Variation
Woods Road	Flood wall to increase flood protection LOS from 10-year AEP to a 50-year AEP	$900,000	$380,457	$519,543
Panguru	Flood mitigation joint venture with FNDC and NZTA. Works comprise of flood plain restoration, moving stopbanks away from the river’s edge and lifting the road.	$440,000	$625,000	-($185,000)
Total				$354,543

Council Meeting item: 7.2

21 April 2020

TITLE:	Chief Executive’s Report to Council
ID:	A1277000
From:	Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer

Recommendation | Tūtohutanga

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer and dated 31 March 2020, be received.

7.2.1 Highlights

Kauri Dieback Team Recognition by the Pig Hunting Community

The first Northland Pig Hunting Club competition for the year was attended by the kauri dieback team where they received a certificate of appreciation from the club. This recognition of the team’s efforts shows that their innovation and hard work is paying off – they are reaching these normally ‘hard to reach’ audiences in Northland.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Following the government announcement on 23 March that the country would be moving into a total Alert Level 4 “lockdown” in 48 hours, the organisation successfully implemented its pandemic plan and relocated all staff to work remotely within 48 hours. Within the first week, the entire organisation was successfully connected.

Work has since begun on planning to return to Alert Level 3, although this will rely heavily on central government instructions and decisions made about when schools may return to normal operating hours. In the meantime, all staff have been instructed to continue working at home until further notice.

7.2.2 CEO’s Office

COUNCIL PROPERTY UPDATE

Ÿ An Industrial area property sale has been settled by the purchaser.

Ÿ The Chief Executive has considered a tenant rent relief proposal for Council’s commercial and ground lease tenancies and discussed this with Investment and Property Subcommittee members.

Ÿ Kensington Crossing construction work has temporarily shut down for the Level 4 alert period and the property is secure. All intending tenants accept the situation and remain committed.

Ÿ The Kaipara Service Centre ‘Registration of Interest’ has been tendered on GETS and several companies shortlisted for a full construction tender. The detailed design, budget and KDC lease are now being finalised for May or June 2020 Council consideration.

Ÿ KiwiRail are in final discussions on the transfer of Marsden Point Rail Link properties from Council to full KiwiRail ownership.

Ÿ Carter Holt Harvey are in final discussions on the agreement regarding the termination date, ‘making good’ on exit and future easement arrangements for both parties.

Current Legal Proceedings

Department	Description	Status
Consent decision appeal	Replacement consents for, and new consents for an expansion of, Doug’s Opua Boat Yard in Walls Bay, Ōpua.	Decision received from the High Court (HC) on the consent applicant’s appeal on the Environment Court (EC) decision on the application. The appeal was allowed, and the HC directed that the EC decision be set aside, and the matter remitted to the EC for further consideration. A hearing of further evidence, as directed by the HC, is yet to be scheduled.
Consent decision appeal	Replacement discharge consents for East Coast Bays Wastewater Treatment Plant (Taipā)	An EC pre-hearing conference was held on 12 March 2020. The outcome was EC assisted mediation with milestones that have to be met. The EC issued a Minute on 6 April 2020 noting that since the pre-hearing, the COVID-19 lockdown had occurred which has “overwhelmed” the process. Accordingly, the EC made alterations to the time scale for the process and issued new tentative directions, essentially deferring some actions.

7.2.3 Corporate Excellence

Credit Card Hacking

Council was advised in March of a NRC credit card that was ‘hacked’ with several unauthorised transactions having been lodged against the card from an unknown external source. The bank was informed of these transactions and has since confirmed that the transactions have been reversed at no cost to Council.

Financial Report

Due to the heightened volatility currently engulfing the global markets and to avoid providing a financial result based upon “best guess” estimates, I have deemed it prudent to defer presenting the March 2020 Financial Report to council.

An update will be provided to council once the actual March 2020 investment fund results are received from EriksensGlobal. Jonathan Eriksen has signalled these results will be supplied in time for the report to be tabled at the 21 April council meeting.

Regional Software Holdings Limited (RSHL)

In March 2020 RSHL completed a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) to identify potential vendors to deliver the IRIS NextGen solution for the regional sector.

Seven responses were received and evaluated by a team representing ten councils. The scoring of the IRIS NextGen REOI had two clear leaders with three other vendors in the chasing pack.

A report was prepared for the RSHL to discuss the outcomes of the REOI and provide a recommendation to an approach for the IRIS NextGen RFP, which was supported in general.

Cyber Security

The Council’s technology infrastructure and configuration supported a very smooth transition to enable staff to work from home due to the COVID-19 Level 4 response. This new distributed working from home configuration introduces increased security risks and heightened cyber-criminal activity occurring. Our security software detected and prevented two malware attacks on endpoint devices since staff have started working from home. An additional layer of security software will be deployed to help prevent further attacks.

7.2.4 Regulatory Services

Consents in Process

During March 2020, a total of 70 decisions were issued. These decisions comprised:

Ÿ Moorings 2

Ÿ Coastal Permits 6

Ÿ Air Discharge Permits 0

Ÿ Land Discharge Permits 6

Ÿ Water Discharge Permits 1

Ÿ Land Use Consents 33

Ÿ Water Permits 11

Ÿ Bore Consents 11

The processing timeframes for the March 2020 consents ranged from:

Ÿ 116 to 1 calendar days, with the median time being 29 days;

Ÿ 42 to 1 working days, with the median time being 20 days.

Forty-one applications were received in March 2020.

Of the 117 applications in progress at the end of March 2020:

Ÿ 51 were received more than 12 months ago (most awaiting further information from the applicant);

Ÿ 17 were received between 6 and 12 months ago (most awaiting further information from the applicant);

Ÿ 49 less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

No commissioners were appointed in March 2020.

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 2020 is (by number):

Ÿ Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month 0

Ÿ Progress on Applications Previously Notified 4

Ÿ Hearings and Decisions 0

Ÿ Appeals/Objections 2

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 – 31 March 2020 (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 discharges	24	20	1	0	0	3
Coastal permit	119	87	16	9	3	4
Discharge permit	86	60	8	2	2	14
Land use consent	48	37	2	1	0	9
Water permit	90	58	24	7	0	1
Total	367	261	51	19	5	31
Percentage		71.1%	13.9%	5.2%	1.4%	8.4%
YTD	6,235	4,775	596	406	193	265
Percentage		76.6%	9.6%	6.5%	3.1%	4.3%

Coastal

The majority of consents monitored during the reporting period related to coastal discharges and coastal structures. The annual marine farm inspections were undertaken during the month, involving taking photographs of all of Northland’s marine farms from helicopter for later analysis and reporting.

Water, Waste, Air and Land Use (WWALU) compliance monitoring

Ÿ Water Use

Throughout March many of the team were kept busy monitoring water use, issuing water shortage directions and responding to queries regarding excessive water use and/or sources drying up. Resources in the team had to be prioritised away from other areas to keep on top of this workload.

Ÿ Wastewater

Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, a number of monitoring and consenting staff attended a wastewater treatment and compliance training workshop (hosted at our Whangārei offices), along with some guests from the Whangarei District Council’s wastewater team.

Ÿ Waste management

Three incidents involving the discharge of hazardous substances and 12 enquiries regarding contaminated land were received and responded to. Two sites were added to the Selected Land-use Register. No hazardous waste was disposed of during the reporting period.

Staff started updating the NRC Selected Land-use Register (SLR) as part of a National Data Consistency Project for contaminated land. This project was agreed to by Regional CEOs in 2016 and is to be completed by 2026.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown

Compliance monitoring since the start of the COVID-19 lockdown has mainly been confined to environmental incident investigation and assessment of data/information coming in from consent holders and other customers. Compliance staff have also been preparing and issuing water shortage directions. Field work has only been undertaken in relation to the protection of drinking water supplies, which is deemed to be an essential service by the government.

Environmental Incidents

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
Discharge to land	0	0	1	1	1	1
Earthworks / land use	0	0	1	1	1	1
Illegal take, dam or diversion of water	1	1	1	1	1	2
No offence	0	0	1	1	1	1
Other air discharge	0	0	1	1	1	1
Sewage	0	0	1	1	1	1
Total	1	1	6	6	6	7

* An infringement notice and an abatement notice may be issued for the same offence. This means that in the above table, Column 5 (Total No. Offences) is not necessarily the sum of Column 1 (Infringement Notice No. Offences) + Column 3 (Abatement Notice No. Offences).

Other Enforcement

Ÿ Enforcement Order – Paihia wastewater treatment plant

Following a pre-hearing conference/settlement conference held on 4 March 2019, the Environment Court issued Enforcement Orders against the Far North District Council (FNDC) on 20 March 2019. The orders set out milestones to complete an upgraded wastewater treatment plant. FNDC reported to the Court on 24 March 2020 that Milestone 5 had been completed. The upgraded treatment plant has now been commissioned and all milestones were met.

Ÿ Farm dairy effluent – Pūrua

Charges were laid against a farm owner and his company, as well as the farm manager and his company, for offences which occurred in August 2019. There are five charges against each of the four defendants. The farm has a poor history of compliance with regional rules for animal effluent disposal. Disclosure was provided to the defence lawyers on 5 March 2020. The first appearance date in the Whangārei District Court was adjourned from 16 March 2020 to 20 April 2020.

Ÿ Sand dune removal – Tokerau Beach

Charges have been laid against two parties – an individual and his company for offending which occurred in July 2019. The alleged offences include the removal of a sand dune at Tokerau Beach. There are four charges against each of the two defendants. Disclosure was provided to the defence lawyer on 2 March 2020. The first court appearance was due on 27 March 2020 in the Kaitāia District Court, but was adjourned. No new date for appearances has been set yet.

Ÿ Water Shortage Directions (WSDs)

WSDs were issued during March in relation to the following water resources:

- Awanui River catchment

- Far North district east coast coastal catchments

- Whangārei district east coast coastal catchments

- Awanui River (Kaitāia public water supply)

- Wairoro Stream and Monument Hill groundwater (Kaikohe public water supply)

- Waiotemarama and Waiarohia streams (Opononi and Ōmāpere public water supply)

- Petaka Stream (Rāwene public water supply)

- Hātea River (Whangārei city public water supply)

- Tirohanga bores/Stream (Kawakawa public water supply)

- Mangaharuru Stream (Fonterra Kauri site water supply and Piano Hill domestic water supply)

Ÿ Timber Treatment Plant

Charges were filed in court on 12 March 2020 for a company and an individual for discharges from a timber treatment processing plant. The plant has a history of poor compliance with resource consent conditions. Disclosure has not yet been done. The first appearance date in the Whangarei District Court is 20 April 2020.

Ÿ Earthworks without erosion and sediment controls – Totara North

Council arranged for the installation of erosion and sediment controls under section 330 of the RMA. A decision on prosecution is pending legal advice. Recovery of costs will be sought under RMA provisions, either in conjunction with a prosecution or separately.

COASTAL / WATER QUALITY FIELD OPERATIONS

Ÿ The Recreational Bathing programme concluded on 2 March, except for the freshwater sites, which were monitored for a further three weeks as part of our drought response. This enabled potential bathers to continue to make informed decisions about using the sites during the drought.

Ÿ Monthly cyanobacteria samples were collected at our four routine lake sites, as well as weekly sampling at Lake Rotopotaka (Coca Cola Lake), following a bloom event. The Northland District Health Board’s public health warning for the lake remains in place.

Ÿ Council staff completed shellfish abundance surveys at Kelly’s Bay, Kaipara and Houhora Heads. Over 100 replicates were counted and a photo of the shellfish taken. Size measurements are normally undertaken onsite; however, we are utilising new technology which allows for precise measurements to be established later from the photograph. This greatly increases field efficiency, allowing for a more comprehensive survey. Once the data has been analysed, it will be shared with the local community, iwi and MPI.

Ÿ Staff commenced a collaborative project with Whitebait Connection, aimed at locating and enhancing the spawning grounds of the threatened native fish species īnanga, one of five whitebait species. The project includes identification and delineation of the saltwater edge, where the species is known to spawn, with subsequent observational spawning and egg search surveys. The results of this programme will inform stakeholders (DoC, landowners, iwi etc) and proposed stock exclusion rules.

HYDROLOGY

Hydrology Projects

Ÿ During the COVID-19 lockdown, the hydrology team continues to provide critical services in the form of maintaining the flood warning network and drought monitoring (monitoring water takes and monitoring chloride in aquifers).

Ÿ Flow data processing for the science team steady state modelling continues with 6 out of 29 sites completed.

Ÿ Completing the quality control process on the water level and conductivity data for the risk assessments on the Ruawai and Russell aquifers.

Ÿ Site naming and numbering for low flow survey work, to enable the Science Team to carry out analysis.

Ÿ Scripting Survey123 data which will enable field measurements to be filed automatically into the environmental database, saving labour.

Rainfall

Ÿ March 2020 was a slight improvement in small pockets of Northland, but the orange colour on the rainfall map shows the North Hokianga, mid north and southern Kaipara catchments still tracking with low rainfall totals of 20-40mm last month - typically 80-100mm of rainfall is expected over March. These areas are still strongly in drought.

Ÿ The purple on the rainfall map shows where rainfall was above the expected March rainfall totals:

- Towai catchment up at 192mm

- Waima recording 134mm

- Ngunguru recording 106mm

River Flows

River flows remain low throughout most of the region with 93% of river stations below DMF. The frequent small amounts of rain are lifting rivers slightly, but they are quick to recede.

The flows for March 2020 are down at 20% of normal flow.

Initial data from NRC long term stations indicate rivers during the current drought have been below DMF for 30-50% more days compared with the 2009/10 drought.

Natural Resources Data

Ÿ The data team is processing a number of large data requests linked to the drought response, including the salt-water risk assessment project for the Ruawai and Russell aquifers, and data required for drought modelling, mapping, assessment and reporting.

Ÿ LAWA Groundwater Quality Module – Final review and edits were scheduled in February and March. The “go live” date was initially scheduled as 27 March 2020 but has been pushed back until a more appropriate time (now the fourth week of April), subject to COVID-19 developments.

Ÿ Implementation of the biological database (KiECO) continues. The data team is currently focused on the import of taxonomy trees and formatting historical data.

Ÿ Lake levels –20 water level and temperature sensors were installed in Aupōuri and Pouto Peninsular during 2017. The data team is currently processing all the recorded data into NRC’s time series database. Additional sensors to monitor drought lake levels have been installed in the Aupōuri area with data being telemetered into the NRC timeseries database.

NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE

Marine Ecology

A close up of a map

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Work has continued mapping saltmarsh and mangrove habitats in Northland.

This project was initiated following a series of appeals lodged against the Proposed Regional Plan for Northland, in relation to Council’s mapping of significant ecological areas.

All saltmarsh and mangrove habitats have now been identified using aerial images and LiDAR.

An example of Mangawhai Estuary is shown.

The next phase of the project will involve identifying potentially ecologically significant saltmarsh habitats and verifying these habitats using oblique aerial images.

Air Quality

Ÿ Ambient PM10 monitoring results for February 2020 for the Whangārei and Marsden Point airsheds and Kawakawa township show that compliance was met with the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality. Ambient PM_2.5 monitoring results for Whangārei were within the Ambient Air Quality Guideline value.

Ÿ Unsealed road PM₁₀ monitoring concluded just before the COVID-19 lockdown started, with a total of five sites monitored this summer. The report on monitoring results will be available in the coming months.

Ÿ The Ministry for the Environment has released its “proposed amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality” including the introduction of standards for PM_2.5, stricter emission controls for home heating devices and industrial mercury discharge to air. There are requirements to monitor all airsheds for PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Council will be submitting on the proposed amendments which will be prepared within the next month.

Freshwater Quality and Ecology

Freshwater monitoring in response to the 2019-20 drought:

· 108 Northland river and stream sites were surveyed by Natural Resource Monitoring staff using a rapid ecological assessment together with low flow gauging in response to the 2019-20 drought. These drought survey sites were distributed throughout those parts of the region severely affected by low flow conditions (Figure 1). The field teams observed prolific algal and macrophyte growth and elevated water temperature at most of these sites, particularly in the lowland rural areas with less or no riparian vegetation. In some of these rivers, extensive growth of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) was noted on the river bed, some of which could potentially be toxic. The data collected during the drought survey is currently being put through the quality control process

Figure 1: Rivers and stream sites (red dots) visited to undertake drought surveys across the region, particularly areas severely affected by low flow conditions. The photos on the right-hand panel show 1) exposed bed of the Waiaruhe River with very little flow; 2) cyanobacteria bloom on the bed materials

Ÿ Macroinvertebrate monitoring has been conducted to assist Massey University professor
Dr Russell Death who has been commissioned to undertake an ecological integrity threshold study for small streams and rivers in Northland affected by the recent low flow conditions. As part of this project, stream macroinvertebrate samples have been collected by NRC staff at 12 RWQMN sites, together with an additional 10 low flow gauging sites sampled by an external consultant (Figure 2). The project will be split into two stages with the final report due in June 2021

Figure 2: Macroinvertebrate monitoring sites surveyed in response to 2019-20 drought as part of a research project with Massey University.

Ÿ Thirteen monitoring sites have been selected to measure continuous dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature (Temp) as surrogates of ecosystem function or processes. These monitoring sites were selected based on “Percentage below Designed Minimum Flow (DMF)” recorded at the nearest NRC hydrometric sites, as of 5 March 2020 (Figure 3).

Continuous DO loggers will be installed at each of the 13 sites, including the two reference sites to collect continuous DO as well as Temp data until the end of 2020-21 (Autumn). These data will further inform our understanding of the resilience and recovery of affected rivers/streams in comparison with reference sites during summer low flow conditions in future years. Unfortunately, deployment of the loggers has been delayed due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Far North (Aupouri/Awanui), Bay of Islands, Bream Bay and the top part of the Northern Wairoa (Wairua) have been the main focus where the rivers and streams are most affected by the drought.

Figure 3: Proposed continuous DO and Temp monitoring sites distributed across severely impacted catchments in the 2019-2020 drought.

Water Quality Modelling

Ÿ The draft reports on current state of river water quality model work by NIWA and Land and Water Science Limited have been received. NRC will provide feedback on these draft reports following an internal review.

Ÿ River flow data (telemetered continuous data) for the last five years at the hydrometric sites associated with the water quality monitoring sites is currently being processed for modelling water quality contaminant loads.

Ÿ NRC has provided feedback on a report done by NIWA regarding suitability of nutrient loading model to protect high-value dune lakes in Northland. This report has summarised findings from all previous work completed on Northland dune lakes and provided recommendations on future steps to set nutrient limits for protecting high-value dune lakes by using existing dynamic lake models. The report will be finalised following the consideration of NRC feedback.

Freshwater Quantity

Ÿ The project on further testing the rain radar to improve the performance of flood models in some priority catchments is being scoped.

Ÿ At the water quantity SWIM special interest group meeting in Christchurch on 10 -12 March, it was agreed to set up a Github website for all regional councils to use and adapt relevant scripts; and scoping an Envirolink tools project around an improved “Virtual Climate Station Network” (VCSN).

Ÿ The following are the meteorological and hydrological drought indication maps for March 2020 and July 2018 to March 2020

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Groundwater

Ÿ Work is underway to commence the update of the Aupōuri Groundwater Allocation Model. The update will include:

- the revised monitoring bore datum

- additional pump test information undertaken since 2014

- up to date groundwater level, water use and water allocation data

- additional bore data for the 32 bores surveyed for water quality and quantity in the 2020 survey

- revised recharge estimates based on land use change and recent rainfall data

Ÿ The updated modelling outlined above will provide a more accurate assessment of the volume of groundwater available for allocation and reduce the risk of over allocation of the resource. The outputs will include a technical report that will provide further guidance on recommended allocation limits and sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. This report will inform the basis of any future plan change relating to Aupōuri allocation limits.

Ÿ Additional groundwater investigation and assessment is recommended for the Aupōuri aquifer. This work is detailed in the draft Te Hiku Groundwater Project which is anticipated to be submitted as a Provincial Growth Fund application in the next few months. The key objective of the project is to address information gaps and provide greater security of supply for existing and future groundwater users in the area.

7.2.5 Environmental Services

LAND MANAGEMENT

Farm Plan and Environmental Fund Update

Farm Environment Plans 2019/2020		Environment Funds 2019/2020
FEP’s Commenced 2019/20	FEP’s Completed 2019/20	No of Environment Funds Granted	Amount Granted
114	115	147	$1,010,755*
*This includes MfE fund proportion of Hatea projects.

Waimā Waitai Waiora – Freshwater Improvement Fund

Objective	Status
Te Kawa Waiora	Reconnecting Northland are looking at how they can meet the project requirements and providing a revised plan. The first wānanga scheduled for 4 April in the upper catchment has been cancelled.
Farm Environment Plans	33 of a target 40 Farm Environment Plans (FEP’s) have been completed in the catchment, progressing well.
Landowner grants	· Four of the eight planting plans have been signed the remaining are looking likely to be signed by the end of April 2020. · The tender for planting season 2020 (supply, planting and maintenance) for planting 60,000 native riparian and wetland plants at key sites across the catchment is nearing completion. Revising the timeframes for releasing the RFQ onto GETs as a result of COVID-19. · The remaining two hapū based projects will focus on the planting of 37,000 plants and will look at building hapū capacity and capability for the delivery of these projects.
Communication and engagement	Video Series · The mātauranga māori video has been finalised. · The Akerama black mudfish video has also been finalised. This video looks at wetland restoration on Steve Purvis’s property in Akerama through the collaboration with local hapū and the Waimā Waitai Waiora Partnership (Figure 2). · Distribution timeframes for these videos and the revised shooting timeline for the remaining 10 videos within the series is being assessed.
Water quality monitoring	· Fish monitoring has been happening this month as well as the ongoing development of project scope with Manaaki Whenua for Wai Ora Wai Maori app development for the upper Wairoa catchment hapū. · This will look at incorporating existing Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori monitoring sites.

Flyger Road Poplar & Willow Nursery

Progress over the last few months:

Ÿ An updated irrigation system was installed.

Ÿ Contractors have been busy pruning poles and we are preparing for poplar/willow pole orders with an estimated 6000 – 7000 poles to be harvested and delivered to landowners. Harvest is set to commence on 20 May and poles delivered the following the two weeks.

Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities

The Hill Country Erosion Project (2019-2023), co-funded by NRC and MPI, is a region wide project to enhance the Northland soil conservation programme and related research, engagement and implementation. The following table update progress with the project:

Milestones	Status
Research
Coastal erosion buffers	A project plan has been developed and work has started on some of the objectives.
Mature poplar / willow	A project plan has been prepared and costings are being determined. Some poplar has been milled for treatment and lab testing.
Farm Environment Plans
	There are 100 completed plans of the 112 required (89%) in 2019-20 year. This work is on track.
Stakeholder Engagement
	· A project engagement strategy has been submitted and approved by MPI. · The review of existing sustainable land management publications and preparation of new material (publications and website) is underway. · Assisted by Tane Tree Trust and Farm Foresters Association we held a presence at the Northland Field Days. Planning for the first stakeholder field day event, for April-May, commenced.
Land Treatments
Retirement fencing	16 fencing projects with retirement fencing of highly erodible land have been approved. The $84k budget is fully allocated.
Contractor capacity development	A list of contractors has been prepared. There is a contractor field day event for April-May.

Hātea Project

The end date for the MFE-funded Otuihau (Hatea) project is currently 31 March 2020. An extension until September 30, 2020 has been requested to allow further planting projects over the winter period. We’re still waiting for the deed change to confirm that new date. All but one grant funded project have been signed off.

Recreational bathing summer water quality results at Otuihau this summer were considerably better than the 2018/19 summer results, despite the high temperatures and low flows. A trend analysis report will be undertaken by the NRC freshwater scientist for the final milestone report to MFE in September, using six years of data. This report will confirm if this summer’s more positive results are part of a longer-term improvement trend or not.


2019-20 results	Last 3 years’ results

BIODIVERSITY

FIF Dune Lakes Project

Objective	Status
Aquatic weed and pest fish control	Weather conditions and lockdown have hampered efforts this month to undertake field work at Lake Kapoai and Grass Carp eradication in Lake Swan. Herbicide operation planning continues.
Sediment and nutrient mitigation	Planning and mapping underway for physical earth works at 10 lakes to mitigate sediment reaching lakes. Sub-catchment maps, resource consents and engineering plans are required. Procurement of these services is underway.
Maori Lakes Strategy	Second hui postponed due to drought. To be rescheduled.
Fencing	One small section of fence to be done at Lake Ngatu. Now awaiting signoff by DOC and FNDC

Lakes

The major tributary of Lake Omapere (Wairoro River) was surveyed to obtain baseline information on the presence of pest fish and plants prior to water from Lake Ōmāpere being pumped into the Wairoro Stream for the purpose of maintaining flow levels for the FNDC Kaikohe drinking water take.

CoastCare

CoastCare staff attended several events for Seaweek including Hokianga Festival of Change Education Day in Rawene, Baylys Beach Family Fun Day, Ocean Fest and Ahipara Shorebird day. In addition, two CoastCare Seaweek education events were organised with local groups. At Taipa a total of 120 students from Manganui and Taipa Area Schools participated in six educational workshops on kaitiakitanga, shorebirds, dune plants, weaving, micro plastics and marine pests. The final Seaweek event attended by three Biodiversity Team members was held at Ngunguru Sandspit – Pi Manu, hosted by members of Te Waiariki and supported by Ngunguru Sandspit Protection Society. Students from Kamo Primary School learnt about the cultural significance of Pi Manu and some of the flora, fauna that live there as well as the pest species and other threats. Far North Kaitiaki Rangers participated in the Ahipara and Taipa events.

Terrestrial

Biodiversity staff attended a meeting with representatives from District Councils, Hancocks, Wildlands Consultants and Federated Farmers to discuss the draft SNA (significant natural area) mapping carried out by Wildlands Consultants for the region’s district councils, and the next steps in this project. Wildlands will digitize the potential list of SNAs, carry out ground-truthing (after public notification) then re-assess and revise the list. The district councils are planning a joint mail-out and questionnaire to residents later in the year. Initial survey results (Wildland’s draft report, not public) show that the current SNA area (423,569 ha) has decreased from the PNA sites identified in Northland (433,422 ha), and although there are a lower number of sites on alluvial plains and around residential areas there is an increased area of many existing SNAs due to regenerating vegetation.

BIOSECURITY incursions AND RESPONSE

wild animal control

Deer Eradication – Update of Responses

Ÿ Kai Iwi Fallow Deer Response: No deer have been seen or reported since the last two known deer were destroyed in May 2019. The area is still under surveillance with further work planned.

Ÿ Russell Sika Deer Response: Autumn hunting commenced in areas where contractors have access. An initial meeting with the two major landowner managers that have historically denied access has resulted in a draft implementation plan (resources are still to be allocated) for control work this year. Reports of six animals seen on these properties are received regularly. Investigation of a Sika stag head handed in to council staff from a Russell township resident is also underway.

Ÿ Whananaki Fallow Deer: Thermal surveillance conducted in January found no deer. Ongoing surveillance will resume when more information is obtained.

Ÿ Kaiwaka Response: This liberation has been a focus this summer with twelve deer destroyed (9 by contractors and 3 by the landowner). The area is still under active surveillance with at least one deer remaining.

Ÿ Ōmāpere / Tāheke / Puketī Fallow Deer: The recent discovery of two fallow deer skins plus old reports of pig hunters’ dogs catching deer, suggests the historic Puketī Fallow liberation was not successfully eradicated or a further release has occurred. Ongoing surveillance is required.

Ÿ Tōpuni Red Deer Reports: An initial surveillance patrol has been conducted in this quarter after reports of red deer in the area. Ongoing surveillance is required.

Ÿ Poutō Liberation Reports – Reports of red and fallow deer being shot at Poutō will require surveillance work in the next quarter.

Deer Farms

Ÿ Interagency Meeting: Biosecurity staff met again in February with representatives of the Ministry for Primary Industries, OSPRI, Auckland Council, and the Department of Conservation to identify the high-risk farms.

Ÿ Illegal Deer Farm Report: A report received from the public about an illegally farmed fallow deer is being investigated by Biosecurity staff.

Deer Public Awareness/Engagement Campaign

A draft communications plan has been prepared with the council Communications team. A creative agency will be contracted to design collateral, working with Auckland Council, and other agencies to promote key deer eradication messages.

Feral Pigs

There have been increased number of requests regarding feral pigs. These are particularly concerning in the Mt Tiger area where there is kauri dieback and kiwi populations. Biosecurity staff are working to implement the Mount Tiger Pig Control Plan. This plan aims to utilise approved local recreational hunters to manage pig numbers on properties in the area where landowner agreement has been obtained. A professional hunter will be used when the approved recreational hunters are not available.

Feral Goats

Biosecurity staff have received a proposal to collaborate with Ngāti Kuta/Patukeha hapū, Ngā whenua rāhui, and Department of Conservation (Bay of Islands and Whangārei districts) to implement a Goat Control Plan for Rākaumangamanga (Cape Brett peninsula) and a buffer zone into the adjacent Ngaiotonga scenic reserve.

Kauri Dieback

Management Plans

Kauri dieback management plans continue to be developed 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 Sampling

Potentially infected kauri are identified by both aerial surveillance and concerned landowners, and staff are visiting these properties to take samples for laboratory analysis of kauri dieback disease. Results received between November 2019 – March 2020 are detailed in Table 1.

Table 1: Kauri Dieback Sampling Results (2019-2020 Year to Date)

Kauri Dieback Property Surveys
Properties sampled *	33
Results received	30
Positive results obtained	6

* Multiple sample sites are often present on a single property.

Around 50 properties have not been sampled because of either landowners restricting access or a lack of landowner contact details. The wider Biosecurity team will be assisting with “door knocking” of properties with missing contact details when fieldwork resumes.

Community Engagement

· Papa Taiao Earthcare: Biosecurity staff have assisted Papa Taiao Earthcare (PTE) staff with wānanga for the PTE Whenua Restoration component of the programme on 16-17 March.

· They provided information on kauri dieback, vector controls, and general pest animal and plant issues faced within Taitokerau. Students from Opononi Area School, Te Kura o Hokianga, and Te Kura o Kaikohe attended.

Students attending the Papa Taiao Earthcare
Whenua Restoration programme.

· Kauri Dieback Information Sheets: The kauri dieback team have developed a set of information sheets on kauri dieback, targeting specific audiences. These sheets are now available to the public on the council website (https://www.nrc.govt.nz/environment/weed-and-pest-control/biosecurity-programmes/kauri-dieback/).

Rāhui Placed at McLeod Bay

On 18 March 2020, Ngātiwai kamātua have placed a rāhui on an area of Mount Manaia. Rongoā Māori was used to treat a significant tree on Whangarei District Council land on Mount Manaia and a rāhui was placed to allow the tree to heal. The area is also infected by kauri dieback and therefore access should already be restricted or mitigated. Rāhui signs will be placed at the base of the area.

Quarry Gardens Hygiene Stations

The kauri dieback team recently provided the Quarry Gardens in Whangārei with three new small design barrel and grate hygiene stations. This is to help protect planted Kauri on their walks as well as the wider forest area (accessible via a network of tracks) beyond the gardens. Two of the three stations were installed last week with the help of volunteers at the gardens.

One of the newly installed
barrel and grate hygiene stations
in the Whangārei Quarry Gardens

partnerships

Kiwi Coast Trust

Ÿ Coordinator Appointment: A new part-time kiwi coast coordinator has been appointed to provide support to groups and projects linked into Kiwi Coast in the southern area of Northland.

Ÿ Kiwi Listening App: Development of a Kiwi Listening App is continuing with the app now in a trial phase. Development is on track and the app is expected to be available for the Annual Kiwi Call Count Survey beginning 10 May.

Ÿ Kiwi Listening Blitz: Fieldwork for the second Kiwi Coast Kiwi Listening Blitz has progressed well to date but is now on hold because of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Ÿ Northland Field Days: The Kiwi Coast stand at the Northland Field Days in Dargaville was well attended.

· Kiwi Releases Postponed: After the success of last month’s kiwi releases, three further public kiwi releases had to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This included those scheduled for the Tānekaha Community Pest Control Area, Pātaua North Landcare Group and Pukenui-Western Hills Forest Trust.

· Annual Pateke Flock Count: Kiwi Coast worked with the Department of Conservation and community groups to complete the 2020 Annual Pateke Flock counts. Data shows that pateke flock count in eastern Northland has exceeded 700 for the first time.

· Mid North: The Mid North Kiwi Coast Coordinator continues to support a rapidly growing community led pest control network of groups and projects through the Bay of Islands – Hokianga area. This is largely due to the Mid North High Value Area enabling ongoing support for pest control. New pest control tools are being trialled including the AT220 and Enviromate automated bait stations.

· Far North: The Far North Coordinator is working with the Department of Conservation, local hapū, and communities to investigate potential for major new projects centered on the Omahuta and Mangamuka forests.

· COVID-19 Pandemic Response: The Kiwi Coast provided close support and assistance to contractors, trappers, groups and projects as they prepared for the 4 week lockdown. As all Kiwi Coast Coordinators already have good systems in place for working remotely, support for groups and projects linked into Kiwi Coast will continue.

Tutukaka High Value Area

· Predator Control: March is the final month for monitoring the traplines using the summer monitoring regime. Like last month the number of stoat catches remains low with only one capture this month. A total of 57 have been caught since July 2019.

· Weed Control: The Specialist Weed Assistance Team (SWAT) has undertaken weed action events for controlling tobacco weed, wild ginger, formosa lily and moth plant during the first half of the month. A further two events had to be downsized to minimise the risks posed by COVID-19, and all subsequent events for March and April have been put on hold. Almost 70 hours have been worked in SWAT related events in March, with approximately 40 hrs of this in community volunteer hours controlling weeds.

· Monitoring - Kiwi: One sitting kiwi (Marohi) was heat stressed and abandoned his egg, but it was rescued and has successfully hatched at the Bird Recovery Centre.

· Monitoring - Pateke: There are a lot of pateke all around the district on small creeks and ponds, as well as on the usual flocking sites.

· Monitoring – Bellbirds: Both male and female bellbirds are being sighted all around the Tutukaka Coast, from Sandy Bay to Ngunguru in significant numbers.

Whangārei Heads High Value Area

Backyard Kiwi supported a very successful kiwi release on 16 February that was attended by over 400 people. Five kiwi were released into the Parua Bay area, with all five ending up in predator control areas:

· One is in a wetland being actively managed for animal pests through the receipt of a 2019 Biofund.

· Three have ended up in a large forestry block supported by the Kiwi Link Community Pest Control Area (CPCA) and council Biosecurity staff.

Landowners are optimistic that they will have the kiwi settle in their patch and thrive.

Teina (shown here at his release) has been radio tracked
to a block of land where the landowners are heavily involved
with pest control (including dogs) on their property.

Piroa-Brynderwyn High Value Area

· Predator Trapping: Good progress had been made with >1,000 predator traps set out in the south western corner of the Brynderwyn’s (most of which are on Trap.NZ). Trapping activities are now also on hold until the lockdown is lifted.

Western Northland Pest Control

· Rāwene Festival for Change: Council staff were present at the festival as part of the He Ripo Kau collective. It provided a chance to talk people in the Hokianga about pest control.

· Kai Iwi Lakes Wilding Conifer Control: Staff attended a Wilding Conifer control training day in Taupo run by the Ministry for Primary Industries. This was a practical workshop for sharing best practice information and demonstrating control techniques. This information has been invaluable in the development of an operational plan for Wilding Conifer control at the Kai Iwi Lakes.

Predator Free 2050

Planning for this landscape scale project continues. The Whangārei Predator Free project and possum eradication plan have been submitted to Predator Free 2050 Ltd. These plans will be used to finalise a funding agreement with Predator Free 2050 Ltd. A communication and engagement plan is also in development through a collaboration of project partners. This plan will outline means of communication and engagement with residents, landowners, community groups, agencies, and project partners for Whangārei Predator Free activities and outcomes. Key partners will be engaged to provide advice and feedback during the formation of this plan.

Tiakina Whangārei

Tiakina Whangārei attended the Sport Northland Beach to Basin with an information stall and sideline signage (advertising Tiakina Whangārei, a $10 rat trap promotion, and talking about why Whangarei’s biodiversity is at risk).

Glenbervie Community Pest Control Area

This CPCA with Rayonier Matariki Forests Ltd have tallied >100 mustelids in their trapped area since inception (11 months). This is a huge achievement as it will not only give kiwi a chance to breed successfully within the Glenbervie Forest, it also means that adjoining areas managed areas by communities are less susceptible to reinvasion. The success of the project has also meant that adjoining communities are supportive to doing more pest control. Fonterra with the help of Kiwi Coast and council staff have facilitated a local meeting at Kauri to identify what the needs are to manage pest more effectively in the area. Landowners have requested more training in pest control, but this will have to be deferred because of the COVID-19 lockdown.

marine biosecurity

Hull Surveillance Programme

In the month to 20 March 2020, the 2019/2020 Hull Surveillance Programme surveyed 152 vessels (refer Table 2). There were 33 incidents; all but two were of Sabella spallanzanii (Mediterranean fanworm) – 29 of the vessels were detected in Whangarei Harbour where this species is present in high densities. Marine biosecurity staff have contacted these owners and placed these vessels under notice to not leave the harbour until cleaned. This course of action has been largely well received by vessel owners who understood the need for the programme and wanted to learn more. One incident occurred in Opua on a vessel that had broken down on its way to be moored permanently in Kerikeri. Marine biosecurity staff were notified of the vessel by staff at the Bay of Islands Marina and immediately directed the vessel to be hauled out and cleaned. The final fanworm incident occurred in Kerikeri where a vessel was detected with two individual worms on an otherwise clean hull; these were removed by divers and the owner subsequently volunteered to have the vessel hauled and cleaned as well.

Table 2: Hull Surveillance Programme Results (21/02/2020 – 20/03/2020)

Hull Surveillance Programme Results (21/02/2020 – 20/03/2020)	Total this period	Total YTD
Number of vessels surveyed this period	152	1,481
% Pathway Plan Compliance*	42.2%	51.8%
Vessels found with Marine Pests
Sabella spallanzanii (fanworm)	31	95
Styela clava (clubbed tunicate)	2	171
Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp)	0	1
Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate)	2	4
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 Pathways Plan. Note: actual compliance is likely to be higher given not all these vessels will move from one designated place to another.

Mangonui Mediterranean Fanworm Response

Marine biosecurity dive contractors discovered a boat heavily infested with Mediterranean fanworm in Mangonui Harbour in the Hull Surveillance Programme in February. Marine biosecurity staff, in collaboration with Biosecurity New Zealand, immediately launched a response which included ordering the vessel out of the water for immediate cleaning and sending in a dive team to search the seafloor and structures nearby. Divers subsequently found and removed six individual fanworm from the seafloor directly under the vessel, however no other evidence of an established population was found, and staff
are hopeful the infestation has been caught early enough to stop the pest establishing.

Fanworm on vessel hull.

Thick biofouling – including unwanted Mediterranean fanworm – covering the hull of a vessel recently
ordered out of the water at Mangonui for cleaning.

Cawthron Marine Biosecurity Toolbox Research

Marine biosecurity and Maritime staff, along with Patuharakeke kaitiaki, supported Cawthron scientists this month with collection and processing of samples from Whangārei Harbour during the Sea Education Association Semester Cruise. These samples will be analysed at the Cawthron Institute in Nelson for DNA shed from Mediterranean fanworm into the water. The project is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment funded Marine Biosecurity Toolbox grant and aims to help us understand the spread of this species across Auckland-Northland Regional shipping nodes. In addition, staff met with Cawthron scientists whilst they were in Whangārei working with Patuharakeke trialling novel 3D scanning and artificial recreation of mussel beds to aid a better understanding of mussel settlement processes.

Workshops and SeaWeek Events

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Marine Biosecurity staff ran a successful marine pest identification workshop for Patuhahrakeke kaitiaki at One Tree Point and shared knowledge about the distribution and possible impacts of marine pests in the Patuharakeke rohe. The team also attended two SeaWeek events in Tāipa Beach and Ngunguru Sandspit teaching primary school children about invasive marine species in Northland.

Marine biosecurity staff teaching school
children about marine pests at
Tāipa Beach during Seaweek.

pest plants

Civil Defence Drought Response

Three staff were seconded to assist with the Civil Defence drought response in March, including biosecurity assessments for water takes, and setting up manifold systems and water tanks in Kaitāia, Kaikohe and Rawene.

Exclusion Plants

Staff visited an active velvet leaf (Abutilon theophrasti) site in Helensville with the Community Outreach Coordinator (contracted to the Ministry for Primary Industries), to better understand the species, its controls, and vectors.

Eradication Plants

Site visits for eradication surveillance and control continued with adapted protocols for COVID 19 until 23 March. An additional extended survey was undertaken for the northern batwing management sites, and further infestation areas have been identified in Whangaroa. This area will require additional control and surveillance resource to ensure all infestation sites are identified and controlled. Staff began discussions with Auckland Council regarding the management of an extensive yellow flag iris infestation on the Northland-Auckland border. The site extends into the Auckland region, however yellow flag iris is not an eradication species in their Regional Pest Management Plan.

Progressive Containment – Manchurian Wild Rice

Manchurian Wild Rice contractors have nearly completed the spring spray rounds , and planning is underway for the second round. Following a review of the Manchurian Wild Rice program, a proposal was submitted to the Ministry for Primary Industries for an increase in funding. The program funding has been static for 10 years while there has been a 30% increase in costs. Additional funding would allow the program to operate more efficiently and better meet its objectives. Approval was also granted by the Ministry for Primary Industries to send Manchurian wild rice grass foliage to Invercargill for a dog trainer training a rice grass detection dog.

Sustained Control Plant Rule Enforcements

With tree privet in flower there has been a large number of enquiries regarding medical rule enforcement, as well as the woolly nightshade medical rule and the wild ginger boundary rule enforcements. Staff have 12 active incidents where they are working with surrounding landowners.

Wilding Conifer Projects

The Ministry for Primary Industries have been working with Biosecurity staff to plan further projects in Northland aimed at removing wilding pines and expect these talks to continue during the COVID-19 event. Once the lock down is lifted, we anticipate these projects will go ahead and staff will be in a position to provide further detail by the end of April.

freshwater pests

Hornwort Incursion

Three new signs were designed and installed in locations on the Poutō Peninsula to inform people of the recent hornwort incursion in the area. These signs aim to encourage people to report the plant if they see it and to take the usual Check, Clean, Dry steps to help prevent its spread. Quotes were received from helicopter operators for aerial hornwort surveys of the Poutō Lakes. The Department of Conservation will make the decision on how we proceed based on the recommendations in National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) hornwort delimitation survey and management recommendation report.

Check Clean Dry Engagement

The Kai Iwi Lakes Open Day scheduled for 21 March was postponed due to the COVID-19 situation.

Eradication Freshwater Pests – Koi Carp

The initial phase of an eradication project for koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) in a privately owned 0.6 ha farm on the Pahi peninsula was completed. This was undertaken as a trial with the contractor New Zealand Waterways Restoration Ltd.

After three nights of intensive netting, approximately 80 fish were removed and the fish could be placed into three size classes; juvenile, adult and large adult.

Juveniles had not been previously caught at this dam, so it is likely that limited breeding has occurred relatively recently. The presence of juveniles has altered the control plan for the water body, but it remains a useful test case for netting as an eradication tool for relatively small water bodies, where there is good predation pressure on juveniles from eels and herons.

The netting will be repeated in August, while the koi are schooling prior to breeding, to remove any remaining adults before spawning. The plan is then to apply continued netting pressure to prevent all breeding and target the juvenile age classes as they increase in size.

The second-biggest koi caught – 2.84 kg! The biggest was 4.8 kg …

northland field days (5 - 7 March)

The Field Days are a valuable snap-shot of the ‘hot’ biosecurity topics in Northland, with this year enquiries being received about a range of pest plants, animals, kauri dieback, and freshwater pests. Some highlights:

· Kauri Dieback: The display was small but informative with a hygiene station, interesting props, information pamphlets and to the point signage on display.

The kauri dieback display at the Northland Field Days.

· Partnerships: Many queries were about Biofund and follow up of some these visits has been done remotely with the help of GIS and a phone call rather than a face to face meeting.

· Pest Animals: The Northland Field Days biosecurity special of a rat trap + box combo for $10 have proved popular with seven trap combos sold in just one day from the Dargaville Office.

· Pest Plants: Velvetleaf was also a focus for the display, with the Community Outreach Coordinator (a contractor for the Ministry for Primary Industries) attending. The display included a species-specific banner, information booklets, and live display plant. It proved a very useful opportunity to connect with the rural and farming community about the risk posed by the species and highlighting the vectors that may pose a risk.

· Pest Freshwater Fish: These were also a focus for the display, with an emphasis on their impact on water quality and the opportunity for Northland to prevent further spread and the widespread distribution and impacts we see in other regions.

RIVERS AND NATURAL HAZARDS

Long Term Plan Projects

Rivers	Comments
Awanui	The team were making great progress at the Juken New Zealand spillway site with works approximate 40% complete and approximately 3 to 4 weeks remaining. Archaeology Authority, Resource Consenting and detailed design work is going ahead. We have halted all landowner engagement.
Kawakawa – Taumārere	The Turntable Hill bridge stream widening job was awarded, however work is on hold.
Panguru	Only minor works and fencing remain.
Kaihū	The second round of helicopter spraying is on hold.
Kerikeri-Waipapa	We have been working with NZTA regarding the Whiriwhiritoa flood mitigation work for the Waipapa Industrial Estate.

NATURAL HAZARDS

Work Streams	Status	Comments
Awanui and Kerikeri Flood Model	95%	The team has been reviewing the new flood mapping and intend on updating the Awanui and Kerikeri flood maps in April.
Coastal erosion hazard mapping	30% complete	Erosion assessments and updates are underway by Tonkin and Taylor
Coastal erosion hazard mapping	40% complete	Auckland University (co-funded by the National Science Challenge) is undertaking mapping of Northland historic shorelines which will give a picture of erosion risk across Northland.
Coastal flood hazard mapping	Project is 50% complete	DHI are developing a hydrodynamic flood model for the Northern Kaipara Harbour, which will produce coastal flood maps for the Harbour. Some delays due to inconsistencies in stopbank levels.
Coastal flood hazard mapping	Regional coastal flood project - 5% complete	Tonkin and Taylor have started work on the regional coastal flood hazard assessment. There have been delays in receiving tide gauge data from the Hydrology team due to the drought response.
Region-wide flood mapping	Design storm project - 10% complete	Project to develop area-specific design storm rainfall characteristics to improve the accuracy of flood models is being led by Auckland University.
	Hydro-enforced DEM project - planning phase	The tender to develop a hydro-enforced digital elevation model will be advertised late March.
	Region-wide flood model - planning phase	The tender for a region wide river flood model is in development and will be advertised April, with the project to begin at the start of June.

Climate Change Response

· National Climate Change Risk Assessment (NCCRA) workshops: Council staff are members of a team reviewing the NCCRA report for MfE.

· Regional Adaptation Group: The first group meeting of 2020 took place at NRC on 5 March. The focus was on integrating climate change adaptation into the long-term plan for all councils and developing the adaptation strategy. Estimates for adaptation planning costs are being sought from consultants to inform expected resourcing and funding requirements for NRC and districts. New name for group was voted on – Climate Adaptation Te Taitokerau.

· Regional climate adaptation strategy – strategy is being developed collaboratively by NRC and district councils and is aiming to be completed August 2020. Major components are climate risk assessment and adaptation options framework.

· Te Taitokerau Climate Change Risk Assessment: NRC staff are conducting a risk assessment on behalf of Climate Adaptation Te Taitokerau. Climate risk data has been compiled and is now being collated. A tender for spatial risk analysis has been awarded to consultants Morphum Environmental who have begun the project, with final deliverables due end of May. The climate change risk assessment will feed into the regional adaptation strategy.

· Council Climate Change Working Party: Staff reported to the Climate Change Working Party on current business activities relating to climate change, and on options for the declaration of a climate change emergency. Staff are now working on preparing documents for the next working party meeting in late May on: proposed Climate Change LTP program, NRC carbon footprint reporting, climate risk assessment and regional adaptation strategy update. Also preparing paper for May council meeting on declaration/public statement on climate change

· Long Term Plan: Staff are developing/documenting a council-wide climate change adaptation work programme for the long-term plan as well as considering options for external funding

Northland Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Capture

After review, some small areas required re-capture and flying of these sites finished 23 February. Data was couriered to Australia for processing, and results are expected to be received in early April. RPS has closed many of its offices due to COVID-19, included their Brisbane office where the NRC LiDAR dataset is being processed. RPS has assured us that they are still on track to deliver the final dataset.

NRC is continuing to receive LiDAR requests from both council and private enquirers and will continue to assist until the final dataset is received. NRC expects RPS to claim approximate $243,000 once the data is delivered. Latest budget allocation shows funding still to be received from MBIE, WDC and FNDC and this is being followed up with urgency.

7.2.6 STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement

PROPOSED REGIONAL PLAN

There are 23 appeals (to the Environment Court) against the council’s decision of the Proposed Regional Plan for Northland (Proposed Plan). The vast majority of the appellants have appealed multiple provisions of the Proposed Plan. Through mediation to date, the parties have managed to reach consensus on the majority of appeal points (approximately 75% of the appealed provisions have now been agreed between the parties), with the balance remaining unresolved. Council staff are continuing to liaise with the appeal parties in order to resolve further provisions.

During March, 14 joint memoranda and draft consent orders were filed with the court for topics/sub-topics of the plan where provisions have been agreed between parties. These are now awaiting sign-off from the presiding Judge.

All Environment Court hearings that were due to commence in April (which included Air Quality provisions for the Proposed Plan) have been deferred (as a result of NZ’s COVID-19 alert level 4) and further guidance is expected from the Court by 30 April.

CORPORATE PLANNING

The process of developing the Annual Plan is continuing. Twenty submissions were received during the consultation period and deliberations are scheduled for 28 April.

NATIONAL INITIATIVES

Resource Management Amendment Bill

As part of the Government’s reform of the resource management system it has progresssed the Resource Management Amendment Bill (the Bill). The Bill aims to reduce complexity, increase certainty for participants, and restore previous opportunities for public participation in RMA processes.

The Environment Committee called for submissions on the Bill in Novermber 2019 and has now reported back on the Bill with its recommendations. Key points to note in the Bill include:

Ÿ Changes to general resource management processes (largely limited to consent processes)

Ÿ Greater enforcment powers / role for the Environmental Protection Authority

Ÿ New freshwater planning process and associated provisions for freshwater hearing panerl and Commissioner

A significant change is the additional obligation on councils to consider climate change mitigation and adaptation in plan making and consenting (including recognition of national emission reduction plans and adaptation plans developed under the ‘Zero Carbon Act’). While climate change adaptation is a familiar role for local government (especially as it relates to management of natural hazards) mitigation is not and would be a substantial new function.

The Bill will now progress to a second reading. A copy of the report is available here: https://www.parliament.nz/resource/en-NZ/SCR_96439/7ebfcb912ca459f322d27f4223d73b15d392fc9c

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report

Project	Update	Future developments/ reporting
Resources Enterprise Limited (REL)	High Court has set a hearing date of 23 June. Worked with lawyers to provide evidence to support claim.	Continue to work with lawyers.
Northland Water Storage and Use	Final Pre-feasibility Phase reports and recommendation on Feasibility Phase work sent to MBIE as per funding agreement.	Wrap-up Pre-feasibility Phase including production of summary document and initiate Feasibility Phase.
Manea Footprints of Kupe	Second tranche payment made with conditions of funding having been met.	Expected opening date extended in December due to COVID-19. Invitation for council for visit the site made.
Hundertwasser Art Centre (Whangārei)		Recommendation from Northland Inc. on additional funding request due in April

Investment and Growth Reserve – Project Development funding by Northland Inc

Northland Water Storage and Use Project - $83,332 allocated as a co-funding contribution to the Feasibility Phase.

Other Activities

The 26th issue of Northland Economic Quarterly was released 6 April and is available online at: www.nrc.govt.nz/economicquarterly.

ONLINE CHANNELS

Most popular content on Facebook – media release about the discovery of Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzanii) on a Mangonui-based boat and calling for boaties to be extra vigilant for unwanted marine pest hitchhikers. The post reached over 11,000 people and engaged with more than 160.

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

Key Performance Indicators	*Nov-19	Dec-19	Jan-20	*Feb-20	Mar-19
WEB
# Visits to the NRC website	25,300	28,452	31,900	35,500	30,300
E-payments made	8	13	5	12	8
# subscription customers (cumulative)	1,160	1,171	1,172	1,176	1,171
SOCIAL MEDIA (CUMULATIVE)
# Twitter followers	1,488	1,493	1,503	1,515	1,523
# NRC Facebook fans	9,131	9,163	9,231	9,976	9,553
# NRC Overall Facebook Reach	72,900	94,591	250,500	327,700	172,300
# NRC Engaged Daily Users	8,842	6,995	6,132	23,500	14,900
# CDEM Facebook fans	17,200	17,300	17,400	18,000	17,900
# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach	68,000	96,064	75,500	404,200	161,900
# CDEM Engaged Daily Users	6,752	12,428	5,969	42,500	20,600
# Instagram followers	977	991	1,033	1,103	1,137

NOTES: November 29 report was for 29 days, February 2020 for 28 days (usually 30 day reports). February 2020 – significant increase in usual Facebook reach and engagement due to the number of posts communicating key messages about drought management

ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION

Seaweek Ocean Fest
In the evening of 3 March, Cr Robinson officiated at the Seaweek Ocean Fest event held in Keirkeri. Three guest speakers wowed the small crowd – underwater videographer Steve Hathaway of Young Ocean Explorers, Howie Reti with his story-book on traditional seafood harvesting and Samara Nicholas from Experiencing Reserves. Marine Biosecurity and CoastCare joined in with popular displays.

WaiFencing Skills Workshop

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On 12 March, the first NCEA-based WaiFencing skills workshop for 2020 was held at council’s nursery on Flyger Road. A record number of students participated from Dargaville, Kamo, Otamatea, Tauraroa, Whangārei Boys’ and Whangārei Girls’ High Schools. Land Management gave a presentation on why it is necessary to fence off waterways and assisted with the training.

Nga Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau
The week-long youth leadership course – Nga Tupuranga o Te Taitokerau – that was to be held at the end of March has now been postponed until 12 - 18 September 2020.

MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT

Northland Field Days

The 2020 Dargaville Field Days took place from 5 – 7 March. Given the extreme drought conditions in Northland at this time, NRC focused our site on the support we offer Northlanders. Overall attendance at field days was down in comparison to previous years, however, a large number of enquiries were still received, and departments had some meaningful and useful conversations.

The key display areas were Biosecurity (Pest animals/ Weeds/ Incursions), Land Management and Biodiversity, with a separate display on the Water Storage project. Other displays featured the NRC Environmental Awards, water saving messages and introducing our new Councillors. Partners joined the land team including Tane’s Trees Trust, Northland Farm Forestry Association and IKHMG. A representative from MPI joined Biosecurity Incursions with a Velvet Leaf weed display.

North Tec students again supported the event with a Venison Jerky with Watermelon Salsa, that promoted target pest animal Wild Deer.

Social media coverage was again popular over the three days with 16,000 views of videos and photos shared.

Tū i te Ora Scholarships

Judging has been completed on council’s inaugural Tū i te Ora Scholarships. The four scholarships, each valued at $3,000, are designed to recognise and support students to undertake study, research or training that aligns with council’s mission and areas of focus. Applicants must whakapapa to Te Taitokerau, and two of the four scholarships are dedicated to Māori.

The application period closed on 14 February 2020 with 72 applications received. Of these, 54 (75%) of applicants identified as Māori of Te Taitokerau. A selection panel consisting of NRC’s Community Engagement Manager, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori and Eastern Coast Land Manager and a TTMAC representative from Te Uri O Hau Settlement Trust met at the start of April to carry out judging. The panel were unanimous in its selection of the four winners, who represent a diverse range of backgrounds and career study paths.

Notification will be made to both successful and unsuccessful candidates after the Easter weekend and a media release will be prepared. Given the COVID-19 lockdown, we will seek to promote the winners of the scholarship over the coming weeks, but a physical presentation will need to be postponed until the situation changes, and university holidays permit.

MĀORI RELATIONSHIPS

Māori Representation Review

Council has previously agreed that a decision would be made in May 2020 on whether council would support the establishment of Māori constituencies, or not, for the next elections.

Unfortunately, due to the redeployment of staff to support councils COVID-19 response, it will not be posible to undertake this review process by May and the timeframe will need to be extended to November 2020.

Importantly, this change in timeframe still provides the opportunity for council to make this decision and, if it decides to establish Māori constituencies, this can be put in place for the next elections.

Te Whāriki Māori Responsiveness Strategy

The first Te Whāriki Level 1 Competency workshop was held with 22 staff members representative of the Strategy Governance and Engagement team facilitated by the Māori Relationships team and guest presenter Moea Armstrong on Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Held at Terenga Paraoa Marae, Porowini Avenue with generally positive feedback from attendees.

Noho marae facilitated by Aaron Taikato for the Land Management Team to empower our staff that work on the frontline directly engaging with hapū, iwi, Māori landowners, kaitiaki etc. Comments from a few of the staff that attended:

“The noho was a great introduction to the Māori world and way of thinking. I think going forward working as a team around how we then implement this kind of tikanga into our day to day working will be the challenge and something that I hope continues to progress.”

“The exercises that allowed us to explore scenarios where we might use our understanding of Maori culture in our line of work. Also working through how working with Maori be a positive and negative really challenged our perceptions and made a lasting impact for me, personally”

Councillors enjoying tikanga training facilitated regularly in workshops by the Kaiārahi Tikanga Māori and ‘getting them out from behind desks’ to support the whanaungatanga of councillors.

Support for Civil Defence Emergency Management and Response

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Actively involved to support better engagement with hapū and iwi to identify how we can work together in partnership to respond to communities. These have included collecting intelligence from marae, hapū and iwi leaders about vulnerable communities including kuia and kaumatua, whanau to ensure their voices are represented as a part of the stakeholder groups. As a result we also strengthened networks with iwi liaision roles in the NZ Police, Māori ministries of Salvation Army, Department of Internal Affairs, Te Puni Kokiri who offerred staff time to support the drought response and provided relevant data for more accurate GIS mapping with our GIS team.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION (LGOIMA) REQUESTS

Month	LGOIMA requests received 2018/19	LGOIMA requests received 2019/20
July	15	15
August	20	22
September	7	16
October	5	29
November	10	11
December	9	12
January	11	14
February	15	21
March	9	13
April	12
May	19
June	11
TOTAL LGOIMA REQUESTS RECEIVED	143	153
LGOIMA requests not responded to within 20 working days*	1	12

* REQ598321 – Request regarding Regional Coastal Policy Statement. Due to a technical error this request was not responded to within 20 working days. When the staff member was made aware of the request it was responded to on the same day.

REQ598279 – Request for copies of all information for applicant from 1 October 2019 until present. Staff member had to check with a number of staff to verify information. The requestor was advised of the extension of time required and a response was completed soon after.

REQ.598121 – Request regarding Whangaroa Catchment. Staff members involved in this response were tied up with the response to the drought. Requester signalled it was not urgent and gave staff until mid-April to respond.

REQ.598430 – Request regarding a report carried out by Bioresearches on the effects of mangrove removal. Request assigned while staff member on leave and was not responded to when staff member returned to the office. It has now been responded to.

REQ.598339 – Reply to letter LGOIMA request REQ.597551 dated 24 December 2019 and request for further information. One day delay in providing the response due to staff involvement in preparing for the COVID-19 lockdown.

7.2.7 Customer Service – Community Resilience

MARITIME

Six cruise ships called to the Bay of Islands before COVID-19 forced a sudden end to the season, with a loss of 16 calls to the end of the season.

Sixteen incidents were received over the month of March, a significant decrease from February. Most incidents were minor offenses against the Navigational Safety Bylaw, with the remaining comprimising of two minor oil spills, one grounding and one AtoN light failure.

The team are successfully working remotely from home and are keeping busy. The national lockdown is providing an opportunity to catch up on other projects.

Prior to the lock down, the Harbour Master and Deputy Harbour Master attended simulations for the inaugural port call of the Norwegian Jewel into Northport, scheduled for December 2020. Simulations have also been carried out for the first car carrier to call at Northport.

The ship simulator model for the Bay of Islands is close to completion. This will allow training to compliment continued pilot professional development, including training in the use of electronic Pilot’s Portable Units which have come into use recently.

The section 17 review for Maritime has been completed with the report submitted for review. A meeting will be held to go over the report once business returns to normal.

All Harbourmasters meetings, oil spill response meetings and oil spill response exercises have been suspended due to COVID-19

CUSTOMER SERVICES

Telephone Inbound Call Statistics & Enquiries

	March 2020	Target
Call volume via Customer Services	2,240
Conversion rate	97.8%	>95%
Average wait time	4 sec
Calls answered in under 30 sec	96.9%	>90%

Customer phone services were maintained throughout transition to COVID-19 level four requirements. Call volumes immediately dropped by half and have continued to drop to around 30% of normal volume. Many calls are not related to council core business, and customer services staff have attempted to guide all callers to the appropriate agency or information.

Satisfaction Monitoring

• Feedback Cards, Compliments and Complaints

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

Compliments received	Total
Service provided by a specific person · A Stride & S Savill - Consents · K McGuire - Consents	2
Overall service · Consents	2
Total compliments recorded	4
Complaints received	Total
Disagree with decision or process · Building & facilities	1
Staff / contractor behaviour or attitude · Transport - Bus Service	1
Total complaints recorded	2

The bus complaint was concerning driver failing to zip when merging in traffic.

• Annual resident survey

The survey will be delayed due to the escalating COVID-19 situation. Providing the situation allows, the survey will still progress within this reporting year.

• COVID-19 response

All service centres are closed. Customer services is continuing to provide full phone and email response during the level four response.

Passenger Transport Administration

BusLink Operational Statistics

Bus Link stats for February (revenue ex GST)	Actual	Budget	Variance	Year/Date Actual	Year/Date Budgeted
City Link Passengers	32,372	25,344	7,028	237,043	224,152
CityLink Revenue	$43,575	$34,214	$9,540	$310,296	$302,605
Mid North Link Passengers	166	144	22	1391	1218
Mid North Link Revenue	$639	$720	-$81	$5,283	$6,090
Hokianga Link Passengers	63	72	-9	452	612
Hokianga Link Revenue	$627	$939	-$312	$4,417	$7,980
Far North Link Passengers	493	561	-68	3,935	4,996
Far North Link Revenue	$1,051	$1,403	-$346	$9,248	$12,489
Bream Bay Link Passengers	29	18	11	425	168
Bream Bay Link Revenue	$203	$65	$138	$2,586	$605

CityLink Promotions

The CityLink team and Sport Northland did a joint QR promotion for the Beach to Basin event on Sunday 15 March 2020, drink bottles were given out to the first 500 participants in the event: https://citylinkwhangarei.co.nz/current-promotions/

Tuesday 17 March – passengers were encouraged to wear green and ride the bus for free to celebrate Saint Patricks Day: 1,607 passengers were recorded – 997 passengers wore green.

BEE Card Update

Limited testing due to current situation.

COVID-19 response

Citylink bus services are still running Monday to Saturday, but on a Saturday timetable.

Buslink services: All regional services are continuing to run as normal.

Total Mobility

Total Mobility (TM) 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
Feb 2020	1,610	$19,563	$25,000	-$5,437	$157,204	$200,000	-$42,796

COVID-19 response
Council staff are working closely with the Total Mobility agencies and Transport Operators to ensure TM clients are still able to travel safely during this time.

Road Safety Update

COVID-19 situation has forced road safety partners to work differently and be more innovative and creative in planning and communicating.

Recent comments from Northland Road Policing staff who are very active out on the roads include:

• Unfortunately, Police are still seeing far too many vehicles out on the roads

• Speeds are up. Drunk and drugged drivers continue to come to Police attention

• Compulsory breath testing checkpoints have been stopped for health and safety reasons

• Road Policing staff are trying to focus 75% of their working time on speed. Particularly on roads that have a speed limit of 70km/h or higher. The aim is to prevent crashes, thereby freeing up hospital beds

• Commercial Vehicle Safety Team (CVST) staff are still working – making sure freight trucks are safe, and targeting speed as well

• As at 2 April 2020 no Northland Police staff have been diagnosed with Coronavirus

• Police are also busy trying to convince freedom campers and tourists to remain at the WDC approved place: Pohe Island carpark

• There has been one road fatality in Northland since the Level 4 lock down was put in place. This was not a necessary journey and provides a good example of why people should stay home. The response to that crash involved 4 Police, 2 Ambulance, 4 Fire Staff, 1 tow operator and 2 civilians – all those people mixed together then went home to families.

Ride Forever (R4E) Rider Monthly Training Update:

There have been 217 motorcycle riders trained through the ACC initiated R4E training courses held in Northland from the 1^st July 2019. The participant numbers are updated monthly.

Riders attended following Courses -

Ÿ Bronze 54

Ÿ Silver 107

Ÿ Gold 56

Road Trauma Update: 2020 Year to date road death statistics

National 87 deaths compared to 101 at the same time in 2019

Northland 10 deaths compared to 10 at the same time in 2019

Road safety promotion messaging is being increased across both the Northland MediaWorks, NZME radio networks including print and digital platforms. Restraint use, Impairment, Distractions, Speed, Fatigue and planning ‘essential only’ trips. This regional messaging was also further supported by NZTA national road safety campaign messaging.

CIVIL DEFENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Due to high priority being given to the COVID-19 response and the ongoing drought situation in Northland, the Northland CDEM group are unavailable to provide an update at the time this paper was due.

Council have been provided with weekly updates of the situation via document uploading to the council hub.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

	Injury Related					Hazards
Period	Loss time Injury (LTI)	Accident Work (ACC W)	Accident Not Work (ACC NW)	Medical Treatment Incident (MTI)	First Aid Treatment Incident (FTI)	No Medical Treatment Incident (NMTI)	Near Miss	Hazard (HAZ)	Incident (INC)	Security (SEC)
2018	7	8	0	2	4	0	13	35	17	6
2019	1	20	1	0	2	1	18	15	8	1
2020	1	2	0	0	5	62	12	8	2	0
Feb	0	2	0	0	0	0	4	1	1	0
Mar	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	1	0

Training completed March 2020	Pax
Fire Warden training	5
Total	5

Training forecasted April 2020	Pax
Chemical Handling and Storage	1
Total	1

Name:	Dave Tams
Title:	Group Manager, Corporate Excellence
Date:	16 April 2020

Name:	Chris Taylor
Title:	Governance Support Manager
Date:	14 April 2020

TITLE:	Health and Safety Report
ID:	A1300579
From:	Beryl Steele, Human Resources Manager

TITLE:	Confirmation of Minutes - 17 March 2020 and 25 March 2020
ID:	A1301228
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

TITLE:	Receipt of Action Sheet
ID:	A1301058
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

TITLE:	Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefings
ID:	A1300044

Name:	Jonathan Gibbard
Title:	Group Manager - Strategy, Governance and Engagement
Date:	16 April 2020

TITLE:	Financial Report to 31 March 2020
ID:	A1305549
From:	Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant

TITLE:	Rivers Request for Approval of Unbudgeted Expenditure Panguru
ID:	A1300982
From:	Joseph Camuso, Rivers & Natural Hazards Manager

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Approve unbudgeted expenditure	Unbudgeted expenditure is authorised.	Nil
2	Don’t approve unbudgeted expenditure	Nil	Unbudgeted expenditure is not authorised.

Name:	Bruce Howse
Title:	Group Manager - Environmental Services
Date:	03 April 2020

TITLE:	Northland Inc. Limited: Draft Statement of Intent 2020–2023
ID:	A1302349
From:	Darryl Jones, Economist

Date	Venue
Thursday, 9 April	Regional marae-based workshops (cancelled)
Thursday, 14 May	Council Chambers
Thursday, 11 June	Regional marae-based workshops
Thursday, 9 July	Council Chambers
Thursday, 13 August	Regional marae-based workshops
Thursday, 10 September	Council Chambers
Thursday, 8 October	Regional marae-based workshops
Thursday, 12 November	Council Chambers
Thursday, 10 December	Regional marae-based hui

TITLE:	Chair's Report to Council
ID:	A1300961
From:	Penny Smart, Chair

Date	Addressed To	Subject
02.03.20	Uwe Schmutzler	Marine Pathways Management Plan
03.03.20	Klaus-P Kurz Northland Mooring Owners and Ratepayers	Marine Pathways Management Plan
03.03.20	Rt Hon Winston Peters Hon Kelvin Davis Hon Phil Twyford Hon Nanaia Mahuta Hon Shane Jones Hon James Shaw Hon Eugenie Sage	Joint letter from Chair and CEO requesting to meet with NRC representatives
20.03.20	Stuart Henderson	Appointment of Independent Advisor – Audit and Risk Committee
20.03.20	Denis Callesen	Appointment of Northland Inc. directors
23.03.20	Danny Tuato’o	Appointment of Independent Advisor – Audit and Risk Committee
23.3.20	Sarah Petersen	Appointment of Northland Inc. directors

TITLE:	Tai Tokerau Māori and Council Working Party Meeting Schedule and Amendment to Council's Appointed Members' Allowance Policy
ID:	A1302783
From:	Sheila Taylor, Kaiarahi - Kaupapa Māori and Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori

TITLE:	Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party appointments
ID:	A1302903
From:	Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori and Sheila Taylor, Kaiarahi - Kaupapa Māori

TITLE:	Receipt of Committee Minutes
ID:	A1301721
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager

Item No.	Item Issue	Reasons/Grounds
9.1	Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 17 March 2020	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	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).
9.3	Leaseholder Surrender of Ground Lease	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities s7(2)(h) and the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations) s7(2)(i).
9.4	Independent Risk Advisor	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).