Council Tuesday 23 February 2021 at 10.30am
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Council Meeting
23 February 2021
Northland Regional Council Agenda
Meeting to be held in the Council Chamber
36 Water Street, Whangārei
on Tuesday 23 February 2021, commencing at 10.30am
Recommendations contained in the council agenda are NOT council decisions. Please refer to council minutes for resolutions.
Item Page
1.0 Housekeeping/karakia
Key Health and Safety points to note:
· If the fire alarm goes off – exit down the stairwell to the assembly point which is the visitor carpark.
· Earthquakes – duck, cover and hold.
· Visitors please make sure you have signed in at reception, and that you sign out when you leave. Please wear your name sticker.
· The toilets are on the opposite side of the stairwell.
· In the event of an emergency do not use the lift.
· Please remember to scan the COVID Tracer QR code.
2.0 apologies (ngĀ whakapahĀ)
3.0 DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST (NGA WHAKAPUAKANGA)
4.0 Declaration by Whangārei Urban Constituency councillor 6
5.0 Announcement of the result of Whangārei Urban Constituency By-election 2021 7
6.0 Council Minutes and Action Sheet
6.1 Confirmation of Minutes - 15 December 2020 8
6.2 Receipt of Action Sheet 18
7.1 Introduction of Three New Private Equity Funds into the Long-Term Investment Fund 20
7.2 Regional Rates Collection - update to 31 December 2020 40
7.3 Financial Report to 31 January 2021 49
8.1 Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations 56
8.2 Delegations Manual Amendment for Unbudgeted Expenditure 62
8.3 Adoption of Policy on the Appointment of Independent Advisors to Council 65
8.4 Draft Submission - Water Services Bill 70
8.5 Draft submission - Climate Change Commission advice package 85
8.6 Local Electoral (Maori Wards and Maori Constituencies) Amendment Bill - submission 91
8.7 Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party - An additional objective and a request for recommendations 97
8.8 Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party appointment of Co-Chair and proxy Co-Chair 104
9.1 Health and Safety Report 106
9.2 Chair's Report to Council 112
9.3 Chief Executive’s Report to Council 114
9.4 Reporting on the Long Term Plan 2018-2028 performance measures for quarter two of the 2020/21 year 142
9.5 Legislative compliance for the period 1 Juy - 31 December 2020 146
10.0 Receipt of Committee Minutes and Working Party/Group Updates
10.1 Receipt of Committee Minutes 148
10.2 Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefing 164
11.0 Business with the Public Excluded 165
11.1 Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 15 December 2020
11.2 Receipt of Confidential Committee Minutes
11.3 Human Resources Report
11.4 Enterprise System
ACC - Accident Compensation Corporation ALGIM - Association of Local Government Information Management AMA - Aquaculture Management Area AMP - Asset Management Plan/Activity Management Plan AP - Annual Plan BOI - Bay of Islands BOPRC - Bay of Plenty Regional Council CAPEX - Capital Expenditure (budget to purchase assets) CBEC - Community, Business and Environment Centre CCO – Council Controlled Organisation CCTO – Council Controlled Trading Organisation CDEM - Civil Defence Emergency Management CEEF – Chief Executives Environment Forum CEG - Co-ordinating Executive Group CEO - Chief Executive Officer CIMS - Co-ordinated Incident Management System (emergency management structure) CMA - Coastal Marine Area CPCA - Community Pest Control Areas CRI - Crown Research Institute DHB - District Health Board DOC - Department of Conservation DP – District Plan E350 – Extension 350 programme ECA - Environmental Curriculum Award ECAN - Environment Canterbury EECA - Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority EF - Environment Fund EMA - Employers and Manufacturers Association EOC - Emergency Operations Centre EPA - Environmental Protection Authority ETS - Emissions Trading Scheme FDE - Farm Dairy Effluent FNDC - Far North District Council FNHL - Far North Holdings Limited FPP - First Past the Post GE - Genetic Engineering GIS - Geographic Information System GMO - Genetically Modified Organism HBRC - Hawke's Bay Regional Council HEMP - Hapū Environmental Management Plan Horizons - Brand name of Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council HR - Human Resources HSNO - Hazardous Substances & New Organisms Act HSWA - Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 IEMP - Iwi Environmental Management Plan ILGACE - Iwi and Local Government Chief Executives Forum IPPC - Invited Private Plan Change IRIS - Integrated Regional Information System KDC - Kaipara District Council KPI - Key Performance Indicator LAWA – Land, Air, Water Aotearoa LEA - Local Electoral Act 2001 LGA - Local Government Act 2002 LGNZ - Local Government New Zealand LGOIMA - Local Government Official Information & Meetings Act 1987 LIDAR – Light detection and ranging LTI – Long time injury LTP - Long Term Plan MBIE – Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment MCDEM - Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management MFE - Ministry for the Environment MFL – Māori Freehold Land MHWS - Mean High Water Springs MMH - Marsden Maritime Holdings Limited MNZ - Maritime New Zealand MOH - Ministry of Health |
MOT - Ministry of Transport MPI - Ministry for Primary Industries MSD - Ministry of Social Development NCMC - National Crisis Management Centre NDHB - Northland District Health Board NES - National Environmental Standards NFT – Northland Forward Together NGO - Non-Governmental Organisation NIF - Northland Intersectoral Forum NINC - Northland Inc. Limited NIWA - National Institute of Water and Atmosphere NORTEG - Northland Technical Advisory Group NPS - National Policy Statement NZCPS - New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement NZRC - New Zealand Refining Company (Marsden Point) NZTA - New Zealand Transport Agency NZTE - New Zealand Trade and Enterprise NZWWA - New Zealand Water and Wastes Association OFI - Opportunity for Improvement\ OPEX – Operating Expenditures OSH - Occupational Safety & Health OTS – Office of Treaty Settlements PCBU - Person Conducting Business or Undertaking PGF – Provincial Growth Fund PPE - Personal Protective Equipment RAP - Response Action Plan RBI - Regional Broadband Initiative RCP - Regional Coastal Plan RFI - Request for Information RFP - Request for Proposal RLTP - Regional Land Transport Plan RMA - Resource Management Act 1991 RMG - Resource Managers Group (Regional Councils) RMZ - Riparian Management Zone ROI - Return on Investment RP – Regional Plan RPMP - Regional Pest Management Plan RPMS - Regional Pest Management Strategy RPS - Regional Policy Statement RPTP – Regional Public Transport Plan RRSAP – Regional Road Safety Action Plan RSG – Regional Sector Group RSHL - Regional Software Holdings Ltd RTC - Regional Transport Committee RTO - Regional Tourism Organisation SIPO - Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives SITREP - Situation Report SOE - State of Environment (or) State Owned Enterprise SOI – Statement of Intent SOLGM - Society of Local Government Managers STV - Single Transferable Vote TAG - Technical Advisory Group Tier 1 - Site level plan or response for an oil spill Tier 2 - Regional level plan or response to an oil spill Tier 3 - National level plan or response to an oil spill TLA - Territorial Local Authority – City & District Councils TON – Top of the North (regions) TTMAC – Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party TTNEAP – Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan TMP - Treasury Management Plan TOR - Terms of Reference TPK - Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Maori Development) TUANZ - Telecommunications Users Association of NZ UNISA - Upper North Island Strategic Alliance WDC - Whangarei District Council WHHIF - Whangarei Harbour Health Improvement Fund WRC - Waikato Regional Council WSMP - Workplace Safety Management Practices WWTP - Wastewater Treatment Plant |
Council Meeting item: 4.0
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Declaration by Whangārei Urban Constituency councillor |
ID: |
A1403176 |
From: |
Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
This document acts as a ‘placeholder’ for the report ‘Declaration by Whangārei Urban Constituency councillor’ which was unable to be completed in time for the circulation of the agenda given the by-election occurred on 17 February 2021.
The report will be circulated under separate cover; assuming the by-election results are officially announced without an application for recount or petition for inquiry.
Council Meeting item: 5.0
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Announcement of the result of Whangārei Urban Constituency By-election 2021 |
ID: |
A1403138 |
From: |
Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
This document acts as a ‘placeholder’ for the report ‘Announcement of the result of Whangārei Urban Constituency By-election 2021’ which was unable to be completed in time for the circulation of the agenda given the by-election occurred on 17 February 2021.
The report will be circulated under separate cover; assuming the by-election results are officially announced without an application for recount or a petition for inquiry.
Council Meeting item: 6.1
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Confirmation of Minutes - 15 December 2020 |
ID: |
A1411207 |
From: |
Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 17 February 2021 |
That the minutes of the council meeting held on 15 December 2020 be confirmed as a true and correct record.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Council Meeting Minutes 15 December 2020 ⇩
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Receipt of Action Sheet |
ID: |
A1404896 |
From: |
Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager |
Authorised by: |
Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakārapopototanga
The purpose of this report is to enable the meeting to receive the current action sheet.
That the action sheet be received.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Council Action Sheet - January 2021 ⇩
Council Meeting item: 7.1
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Introduction of Three New Private Equity Funds into the Long-Term Investment Fund |
ID: |
A1408862 |
From: |
Simon Crabb, Finance Manager |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
It is proposed that three new private equity funds are introduced into the Long-Term Investment Fund in an endeavour to de-risk the managed fund and help keep council’s accumulated capital and gains secure and protected from any future market volatility.
The Investment and Property Subcommittee and EriksensGlobal have considered and support this proposal. The EriksensGlobal recommendation is provided as Attachment 1.
The proposed funds are listed below, and all are managed by companies that council already has investments with:
· Pioneer Capital - No IV private equity fund (with a commitment of NZ$1M)
· Continuity Capital - PE No.6 LP private equity fund (with a commitment of NZ$2M)
· MLC - PE III private equity fund (with a commitment of AU$500K)
Overall the return targets and risk tolerance profiles of the Long-Term Investment Fund will remain unchanged.
An updated Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives (SIPO) incorporating the proposed changes is provided as Attachment 2.
1. That the report ‘Introduction of Three New Private Equity Funds into the Long-Term Investment Fund’ by Simon Crabb, Finance Manager and dated 3 February 2021, be received.
2. That the Pioneer Capital No IV private equity fund, the Continuity Capital PE No.6 LP private equity fund and the MLC PE III private equity are introduced into the Long-Term Investment Fund.
3. That an investment of NZ$1M is committed to the Pioneer Capital No IV private equity fund, NZD$2M is committed to the Continuity Capital PE No.6 LP private equity fund; and AU$500K is committed to the MLC PEIII private equity fund, and that all investments into these three new funds are paid out of Long Term Growth funds, in accordance with EriksensGlobal recommendations.
4. That the Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives is revised to replicate the document attached as Attachment 1.
Options
No. |
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
1 |
Introduce the recommended private equity funds and their corresponding investment commitments into the Long-Term Investment Fund and pay any future capital calls from LTF Growth Fund Managers. |
Take advantage of three new private equity fund products (from Investment Management companies that council already invests with) to enhance diversification and potentially generate a higher level of return than currently realised. Reduce exposure to equity assets and their associated volatility that can impact the returns generated from publicly traded equity investments. |
Reduced liquidity associated with investing in a private equity product. |
2 |
Do not introduce the recommended private equity funds into the Long-Term Investment Fund. |
Continue with the same return objective and risk profile provided by Growth Assets (noting that historical returns do not necessarily form the basis for forecasted returns). |
Risk losing gains and/or investment capital due to uncertainty in the global economic environment, record high equity markets, and a low interest rate environment. |
The staff’s recommended option is 1.
Considerations
1. Environmental impact
Being a purely administrative matter, any decisions arising from this report will not have any environmental impact or environmental implications.
2. Community views
Being a purely administrative matter, Community Views are not applicable.
3. Māori impact statement
This report relates to a council administrative matter and therefore does not have a direct impact on Māori. Any potential impacts of future related decisions will be addressed in the relevant reports.
4. Financial implications
The recommendations in this report propose to reduce equity assets and increase private equity investments. Private equity is an alternative investment class and consists of capital that is directly invested into private companies rather than in companies that are publicly listed and traded. Typically, investors in private equity forego liquidity in the quest for potentially higher returns, and for this reason council’s private equity investments are aligned with the Community Investment Fund Reserve which has the lowest liquidity requirement of all council’s reserved funds.
5. Implementation issues
Nil.
6. Significance and engagement
In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it is part of council’s day to day activities. This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, but that council is able to make decisions relating to this matter without undertaking further consultation or engagement.
7. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance
The activities detailed in this report are in accordance with council’s Treasury Management Policy, and the 2018–28 Long Term Plan, both of which were approved in accordance with council’s decision-making requirements of sections 76–82 of the Local Government Act 2002.
Council is responsible for approving new fund managers and changes to the Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives (SIPO).
Background/Tuhinga
Long Term Fund (LTF)
To reduce the LTFs exposure to equity assets and the potential volatility arising from the current global economic and geo-political uncertainties, it is proposed that three new private equity fund products (managed by companies that council already invests with) are introduced into the LTF to provide diversification, potentially generate greater returns, and protect capital and accumulated gains.
· Although no immediate investment will be made into the new private equity funds, a commitment of NZ$3M and AU$500K will be made to these new funds. This commitment will be paid, when called upon, by withdrawing monies from LTF growth assets in accordance with EriksensGlobal advice.
· Table 1 illustrates the proposed new fund managers, proposed transactions, and the revised asset allocations for the LTF.
The Current investment council has physically invested in Private Equity funds represents 14.5% of the total LTF which is well within the corresponding revised maximum allocation proposal of 35%.
The Committed investment council has with Private Equity funds is hypothetically $14,662,826 which represents 37.2% of the total LTF, and exceeds the proposed allocation limit of 35%. However, it should be noted that Private equity funds make frequent distributions back to investors. These distributions reduce the level of total commitment substantially, and the $14,662,826 private equity commitment presented in Table 1 would unlikely become the amount ultimately invested in Private Equity under this scenario.
· Investments denominated in Australian dollars.
With the introduction of the three new funds, the LTF will contain seven fund managers denominated in Australian dollars.
The Current investment council has physically invested in funds denominated in Australian dollars is NZ$5,133,106 which represents 13.0% of the total LTF.
The Committed investment council has with funds denominated in Australian dollars is hypothetically NZ$8,352,743 which represents 21.2% of the total LTF (noting the limitation made in the third bullet point above).
Council Meeting item: 7.1
23 February 2021
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: EriksensGlobal recommendation - 3 New Private Equity Fund Managers ⇩
Attachment 2: NRC SIPO for council approval - Feb 2021 ⇩
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Regional Rates Collection - update to 31 December 2020 |
ID: |
A1409030 |
From: |
Simon Crabb, Finance Manager |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
The three district councils administer the collection of the regional council rates on our behalf. The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the collection of this year’s current rates and the rate arrears owing to the regional council by each district council.
Table One below summarises the level of rates collected in the first two quarters of the 2020/21 financial year and the total outstanding rate balances as at 31 December 2020.
Overall, the three district councils collected a total of 53.2% of our annual rate strike in the six months to 31 December 2020. (As a comparative, 52.8% was collected for the same period in 2019/20).
That the report ‘Regional Rates Collection - update to 31 December 2020 ’ by Simon Crabb, Finance Manager and dated 4 February 2021, be received.
Background/Tuhinga
Whangarei District Council (WDC)
The Whangarei District Council collected 58.5% of our annual rate strike to the end of December of this financial year (2019/20: 58.5%).
36.4% ($226,545) of the WDC outstanding rate arrears balance (2019/20: 39.5%; $136,264) has also been collected in the first six months of this financial year resulting in a closing rate arrears balance of $396,400.
Kaipara District Council (KDC)
The Kaipara District Council collected 53.1% of our annual rate strike to the end of December of this financial year (2019/20: 50.5%).
22.5% ($199,165) of the KDC outstanding rate arrears balance (2019/20: 28.4%; $253,841) has also been collected in the first six months of this financial year resulting in a closing total rate arrears balance of $686,913.
Attachment 1 is the quarterly finance report provided by KDC outlining their level of outstanding rates and the actions they are taking to collect these rate arrears. Please note this KDC report is prepared as at 31 October 2020.
Far North District Council (FNDC)
The Far North District Council has collected 45.8% of our annual rate strike to the end of December of this financial year, (2019/20: 45.7%).
8.8% ($354,923) of the FNDC outstanding rate arrears balance has also been collected in the first six months of this financial year, (2019/20: 7.9%; $306,458), resulting in a closing rate arrears balance (excluding current year rates) still to be collected of $3,687,733. Māori freehold land (MFL) accounts for $2,707,240 of the total rate arrears balance.
Attachment 2 is the revenue and collections report provided by FNDC outlining the actions they have in place to collect outstanding rate arrears.
NRC have engaged Deloitte to undertake a review of rates revenue collection processes and controls at NRC and FNDC. The review is scheduled for April 2021. Findings and recommendations from the review will be reported to the Audit and Risk Subcommittee.
When rates are received from the district councils they are deposited into council’s Short Term Investment Fund. When council receives a lower level of rating revenue, it can result in a reduced level of returns derived from the Short-Term Investment Fund.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: KDC Report to 31 October 2020 ⇩
Attachment 2: FNDC Report to 31 December 2020 ⇩
Council Meeting item: 7.3
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Financial Report to 31 January 2021 |
ID: |
A1410512 |
From: |
Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant |
Executive Summary / Whakarāpopototanga
This report is to inform council of the year to date (YTD) financial result to January 2021. Council has achieved a YTD surplus after transfers to and from reserves of $4.71M, which is $415K favourable to budget (November 2020: $340K favourable to budget).
That the report ‘Financial Report to 31 January 2021’ by Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant and dated 9 February 2021, be received.
Report
Revenue
Year to date revenue is $37.41M, which is $8.00M or 27.2% above budget.
Council Meeting item: 7.3
23 February 2021
Across council there is a $614K favourable salaries variance (YTD November 2020 $467K favourable variance) predominantly due to the time to complete recruitment of positions identified in the LTP and AP or restored via the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve. Some of these have associated external funding.
Transfers to reserves
For the year to date there has been a net transfer to reserves of $5.11M compared to a budgeted net transfer from reserves of $1.48M. This is predominantly due to:
$3.29M more than budgeted transfers to externally managed fund reserves representing higher reinvestment of gains than budgeted.
$904K of more than budgeted Infrastructure Investment Gains have been transferred into the equalisation reserve to provide for future enterprise system costs.
$905K more than budgeted transfers into the Awanui River Flood Infrastructure reserve predominantly relating to the unbudgeted PGF funding received to accelerate the Awanui flood scheme works.
$554K lower than budgeted transfers from equalisation reserve for general funding. This funding was not taken as it was replaced by the additional dividend income.
$417K lower than budgeted transfers from the Covid-19 reinstatement reserve as projects, works, and positions aren’t occurring as soon as planned. Any savings in these projects will be added back to the reinstatement reserve schedule when the value of them is known.
Capital Expenditure
Capital expenditure of $1.33M is below the YTD budget of $2.02M due to the timing of capital projects expenditure compared to as budgeted. This is predominantly in the area of targeted rate funded flood works and is expected to be caught up later in the financial year.
Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve initiatives
Twenty three initiatives have a funding commitment from the Covid-19 Reinstatement Reserve totalling $1.52M. This leaves $184K unallocated at the end of January 2020. The committed initiatives are as follows:
Projects removed from the 20/21 Annual Plan |
|
Tangata Whenua capability |
$30,000 |
Modelling of aquifers |
$100,000 |
Enviroschools staff and seminars |
$86,565 |
Pest plant prevention work stream |
$110,000 |
Biodiversity FIF dune lake position |
$75,131 |
Biosecurity marine position |
$60,092 |
Economic policy advisor |
$85,701 |
Kaiarahi Mahere Māori technical advisor |
$82,784 |
Northland Inc. business case assessment |
$100,000 |
Campaigns & engagement coordinator role |
$41,392 |
Building reconfiguration (capital works) |
$106,000 |
Biodiversity contractors |
$30,000 |
Planning & Policy BAU - for LTP contract work |
$10,000 |
Offsite storage of consent files (building reconfiguration) |
$17,000 |
Internal Audit BAU |
$27,000 |
Total AP projects reinstated |
$961,665 |
|
|
New projects approved by council |
|
BOI harbour modelling |
$58,000 |
ReCoCo obligations |
$100,617 |
Otiria-Moerewa Flood Modelling and Pre-feasibility Study |
$80,000 |
NRC Water Allocation Tool |
$40,000 |
Climate change advisor |
$57,511 |
Storage facility security fence (capital works) |
$65,000 |
Enterprise system advance |
$55,000 |
Fan worm eradication |
$98,000 |
Total new projects |
$554,128 |
Grand total |
$1,515,793 |
Work Programmes, Salaries and Projects removed from, or reduced in, the 2020/21 Annual Plan to remedy the deficit arising from the impact of COVID‐19. Listed in no particular order. |
||
Description of Programme Position or Project |
Estimated Amount/Value |
Approved/Removed/No decision |
Tangata whenua capability and capacity |
$30,000 |
Approved |
Modelling highly allocated aquifers |
$100,000 |
Approved |
Enviroschools staff and seminars |
$86,385 |
Approved |
Off‐site storage of consent files |
$17,000 |
Approved |
Pest plant prevention |
$110,000 |
Approved |
Project costs associated with Northern Wairoa and lakes projects (Biodiversity contractors) |
$41,854 |
Approved at $30,000. |
|
|
|
S17a reviews |
$20,890 |
No decision |
Long Term Plan costs |
$10,000 |
Approved |
|
|
|
WNW Catchment Group |
$35,352 |
No decision |
Lab testing costs |
$100,000 |
No decision |
Citizen panels |
$10,000 |
No decision |
|
|
|
FIF Dune Lake Position |
$75,131 |
Approved |
Biosecurity Marine Position |
$60,092 |
Approved |
FIF Wairoa position |
$80,897 |
No decision |
Junior hydrology officer |
$69,000
Operational Exp. |
No decision |
|
|
|
Freshwater accounting system |
$100,000 |
No decision |
Māori engagement, Environmental awards extension and Intern |
$68,880 |
No decision |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reg Services mobile device purchases |
$3,000 |
No decision |
|
|
|
NIWA Kingfish legal fees |
$10,000 |
No decision |
Economic Policy Advisor Position |
$85,701 |
Approved |
Environmental Science Reporting Officer Position |
$81,894 |
No decision |
Kaiarahi Mahere Māori ‐ Māori technical advisor position |
$101,000
Operational Exp. $82,784 |
Approved. Reduced to $82,784. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Campaigns and engagement coordinator position |
$40,000
Operational Exp. |
Approved |
Technology upgrades |
$200,000 |
No decision |
Far north poplar and willow nursery manager position |
$70,322 |
No decision |
|
|
|
Painting of Water Street building, vehicle costs |
$104,004 |
Approved. Redirected this to Union East fencing @ $65,000 |
Internal Audit |
$27,000 |
Approved |
IT Consultants and other Corporate Excellent BAU |
$15,000 |
Approved. $10,000 approved for LTP contract work. |
Water Street Reception and Ground Floor Meeting Rooms Renovation and fit out: |
$105,663 Capital Exp. |
Approved |
OTHER ADJUSTMENTS MADE TO 2020/21 Annual Plan to remedy the deficit arising from the impact of COVID‐19. |
|
|
Utilisation of Community Investment Fund Capital in lieu of Investment income – as Economic Development funding |
$1,700,000 |
|
Utilisation of Community Investment Fund Capital in lieu of Investment and general income – as General funding |
$200,000 |
|
Utilisation of Infrastructure Investment Fund Capital in lieu of Investment and general income – as General funding |
$250,000 |
|
Utilisation of Equalisation reserve as General funding |
$150,000 |
|
Reduction in Economic Development Project Development budget |
$300,000 |
Approved at $100,000 |
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Nil
Authorised by Group Manager
Name: |
Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, |
Title: |
Group Manager - Corporate Excellence |
Date: |
10 February 2021 |
Council Meeting item: 8.1
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations |
ID: |
A1399125 |
From: |
Linda Harrison, Organisational Project Manager |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 23 December 2020 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
Under section 57 of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA), the council must adopt a policy that sets out the process for the appointment of directors to council organisations. The current policy has been reviewed and updated for purposes of clarity and transparency and was discussed at the council meeting in December 2020. As requested at that meeting, the revised policy attached to this item now includes a section on diversity.
This policy applies to the council organisations of:
Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd;
Northland Inc. Ltd; and
Regional Software Holdings Ltd.
The revised policy is included as Attachment 1.
1. That the report ‘Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations’ by Linda Harrison, Organisational Project Manager and dated 22 December 2020, be received.
2. That the revised Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations be adopted, with the Chief Executive authorised to make any minor editorial changes if required.
Options
No. |
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
1 |
Adopt the revised policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations. |
Clear and transparent policy publicly available. Publicly reflects council’s support for diversity and inclusion to be an integral part of operations. |
Need to replace the existing policy. |
2 |
Do not adopt the revised policy. |
No change to the existing policy required. |
Existing policy not as clear as it could be leading to possible misunderstandings. |
The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.
Considerations
1. Environmental Impact
This decision will have no impact on the ability of council to proactively respond to the impacts of climate change now or in the future.
2. Community views
There are no known views on this matter from the community that would have a material bearing on this decision.
3. Financial implications
The are no financial impacts from adopting this revised policy.
4. Implementation issues
Council will need to provide a copy of the updated policy on the appointment of directors to all council organisations prior to any new directors being appointed. A copy should be published on the council’s website and included in the supporting documentation of the next Long Term Council Community Plan for ease of reference.
5. Significance and engagement
In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it is a part of council’s day to day legislative obligations.
6. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance
The revised policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations meets the requirements of section 57 of the Local Government Act 2002. Updating this policy is consistent with all relevant legislative requirements. Updating this policy is considered to have a positive impact on council’s risk management profile due to the changes being focused on increased clarity and transparency.
Background/Tuhinga
Nil
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Policy on the appointment of directors to council organisations. ⇩
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Delegations Manual Amendment for Unbudgeted Expenditure |
ID: |
A1404935 |
From: |
Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 09 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
The Delegations Manual outlines delegations to the CEO to approve unbudgeted expenditure up to $70,000. An amendment is being sought where the expenditure, whether capital or operational in nature, is being funded by external parties. Often these projects don’t have budgets, and so approval must be sought as per schedule 3 of the Delegations Manual. Approving this amendment will streamline getting this expenditure underway and would still require for it to be reported to council at the next meeting. The amended schedule 3 is provided as Attachment 1.
This amendment is being sought in response to a delay in being able to organise two new vehicles for the Predator Free 2050 (PF2050) programme. These two vehicles will be the first to be approved under the proposed change to delegations.
1. That the report ‘Delegations Manual Amendment for Unbudgeted Expenditure’ by Vincent McColl, Financial Accountant and dated 19 January 2021, be received.
2. That council approve the change to the Delegations Manual allowing the CEO to approve unbudgeted expenditure that has offsetting external funding in accordance with the prescribed limits in the Delegations Manual (refer Attachment 1 pertaining to Item 8.2 of the 23 February 2021 council agenda).
Options
No. |
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
1 |
Approve amendment to Delegations Manual. |
Allows for more prompt responses to expenditure requirements of externally funded projects. |
Minor reduction in council's financial oversight, however the policy requires the reporting of unbudgeted expenditure back to the next council meeting. |
2 |
Decline amendment to Delegations Manual. |
Retain greater financial oversight regardless of funding source. |
Could lead to future delays in obtaining equipment for funded projects like PF2050. |
The staff’s recommended option is option 1: Approve amendment to Delegations Manual.
Considerations
1. Financial implications
Some expenditure may occur sooner than it otherwise would have but with no long term financial impact.
2. Significance and engagement
Being part of council’s day to day activities this is deemed to be of low significance.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Amended schedule 3 of the delegations manual ⇩
Council Meeting item: 8.3
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Adoption of Policy on the Appointment of Independent Advisors to Council |
ID: |
A1406880 |
From: |
Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
Council appoints independent advisors for the provision of specialist advice for matters such as audit, risk and finance.
A policy on the appointment of independent advisors to council is attached. It is recommended that council adopt the attached policy.
1. That the report ‘Adoption of Policy on the Appointment of Independent Advisors to Council’ by Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence and dated 26 January 2021, be received.
2. That council adopt the Policy on the Appointment of Independent Advisors.
Options
No. |
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
1 |
Adopt the policy |
Clarity on the appointment process, restrictions applying to advisors, term of appointment, engagement and renumeration approach. |
Nil. |
2 |
Do not adopt the policy |
Nil. |
Lack of clarity on the appointment process and the other matters covered in the policy. |
The staff’s recommended option is option 1.
Considerations
1. Environmental impact
Nil.
2. Community views
Community views on this matter are unknown, however being an administrative matter, this is likely to not have a significant impact on the community.
3. Māori impact statement
Being an administrative matter, this is unlikely to have a significant impact on Māori.
4. Financial implications
The policy has no financial implications as the advisor roles are already budgeted and the policy does not change any financial matters.
5. Implementation issues
The policy clarifies the appointment process and this is beneficial from an implementation perspective.
6. Significance and engagement
In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it is an administrative matter that clarifies existing processes and formalises these in a policy.
7. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance
There are no policy, legislative or risk matters associated with the appointment policy.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Appointment of independent advisors to council policy ⇩
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Draft Submission - Water Services Bill |
ID: |
A1409345 |
From: |
Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
The Government has released the Water Services Bill for public submissions to the Health Select Committee. The Bill will repeal Part 2A of the Health Act 1956 and replace it with a stand-alone Act to regulate drinking water. There are also amendments to the Local Government Act 2002 and a discrete amendment to the Resource Management Act 1991. The Bill forms part of wider reforms that include the establishment of Taumata Arowai to provide regulatory oversight of three waters services and restructure of the drinking water system to address infrastructure deficits including creation of multi-regional entities to supply drinking water.
The Bill is intended to address issues related to compliance and enforcement and to improve the standard and performance of drinking water supplies following the three waters review and inquiry into the Havelock North contamination event. It establishes the regime that applies to the supply of drinking water and sets out the powers available to Taumata Arowai as the regulatory body and the duties and functions of water suppliers. Submissions are to be lodged with the Health Select Committee by 2 March 2021. A draft submission is attached for consideration by council.
1. That the report ‘Draft Submission - Water Services Bill’ by Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist and dated 4 February 2021, be received.
2. That council approve the draft submission attached to this report (subject to any minor amendments) to be lodged with the Health Select Committee.
3. That the submission be signed on behalf of council by the Chief Executive Officer.
Options
No. |
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
1 |
Council does not lodge a submission on the Bill |
None |
The Health Select Committee would not be provided with council views / Northland issues from a regional council perspective. |
2 |
Council lodges a submission on the Bill |
The Health Select Committee would have views / Northland issues from a regional council perspective and could respond accordingly in revision of the Bill. |
None |
The staff’s recommended option is Option 2
Considerations
1. Environmental impact
The decision to lodge a submission (or not) will have no material impact on the environment.
2. Community views
The issue of drinking water supplies and the regulatory regime that applies is of significant interest to communities and the Bill if/once enacted is likely to have impacts. However, the decision to lodge a council submission on the Bill will not directly impact communities.
3. Māori impact statement
The issue of drinking water supplies and the regulatory regime that applies is of significant interest to Māori and the Bill if/once enacted is likely to have impacts. However, the decision to lodge a council submission on the Bill will not directly impact Māori.
4. Financial implications
There are no financial implications – the activity is part of council’s day to day activities which are provided for in the long term plan.
5. Implementation issues
There are no implementation issues arising through lodging a submission on the Bill.
6. Significance and engagement
In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it is part of council’s day to day activities. This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, but that council is able to make decisions relating to this matter without undertaking further consultation or engagement.
7. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance
There are no known policy, risks or legislative compliance issues associated with the decision.
Background/Tuhinga
The Water Services Bill forms a key part of the Government’s three waters reform programme. It builds on the three waters review, the establishment of a regulatory oversight body Taumata Arowai and proposals to comprehensively reform the drinking water system. Issues with the drinking water system that have been identified to date include the need for greater investment to improve safety and reliability of water supplies and provide greater rigour in compliance and enforcement.
Key aspects of the Bill include:
· Applying a high standard of care to the supply of drinking water;
· Protection of source water;
· Requiring a multi-barrier approach against contamination;
· Making suppliers accountable for the safety and reliability of drinking water; and
· Applying a proactive risk management approach to drinking water supply.
The Bill sets out the duties and functions of water suppliers, including:
· An obligation to provide safe drinking water and to meet drinking water standards and to act when drinking water is unsafe / does not meet standards;
· Ensure a sufficient quantity of drinking water to support ordinary needs of consumers and obligation to act where supply is restricted or interrupted;
· The requirement to register drinking water supplies with Taumata Arowai;
· Requirements for drinking water safety plans (including source water risk management plans) that include a multi-barrier approach to contamination;
· A duty to notify Taumata Arowai and act where health risks arise from drinking water, breaches of standards or other events; and
· A requirement to give effect to Te Mana o te Wai.
The Bill provides a regulatory approach intended to be proportionate to the scale, complexity, and risk profile of a supply, from large, capable suppliers through to small suppliers (such as Marae). It sets out the regime for reporting, compliance and a range of enforcement mechanisms and the duties and powers available to Taumata Arowai (including development of compliance rules, and performance measures for wastewater and stormwater networks and associated monitoring and reporting). It also includes powers for the Governor General to issue drinking water standards and regulations (and associated consultation obligations).
Functions related to regional councils include:
· A requirement to participate in development and implementation of source water risk management plans (including provision of information on water quality and potential sources of contamination and risks to supply);
· Undertaking actions (as agreed between the council and supplier) to address risks or hazards to supplies;
· Publish and provide to Taumata Arowai information on source water quality and quantity annually (including any changes);
· Assess the effectiveness of regulatory and non-regulatory interventions to manage risks / hazards to source water at least every three years (and make the assessment publicly available);
· A requirement to consider actual and potential effects of activities on registered drinking water supplies when considering applications for resource consents (this is through amendment to the Resource Management Act 1991).
The Bill amends the Local Government Act 2002 to require district councils to assess drinking water services available to communities every three years, including the safety, quality and quantity supplied and potential health risks. Following the assessment, the council must provide the assessment to Taumata Arowai and the public – it must also identify any concerns related to deficiency in drinking water services. The assessment must also be considered in relation to infrastructure strategies and long-term plans.
A draft submission on the Bill is attached for consideration by council. It supports much of the content and direction in the Bill. Key submission points are summarised below:
· Support for the principles underlying the Bill (especially protection of source water, the multi-barrier and risk management approaches applied);
· A cautionary note is expressed around affordability and the need to ensure small rural communities and self-suppliers are not ‘left behind’;
· The tension between the provision of three waters infrastructure and government policy (such as National Policy Statements for Freshwater Management and Urban Development);
· Support for the amendment to the Local Government Act and Resource Management Act; and
· Minor amendments are recommended to improve the flow of information between suppliers, councils and Taumata Arowai and to seek clarification / certainty.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Draft NRC Submission - Water Services Bill ⇩
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Draft submission - Climate Change Commission advice package |
ID: |
A1409639 |
From: |
Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Jonathan Gibbard, Group Manager - Environmental Services, on 10 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
The Climate Change Commission has released its draft advice to government on the first three emissions budgets and policy direction on the first Emissions Reduction Plan. This advice sets out a course for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Aotearoa. The advice is supported by a comprehensive suite of evidence. The advice is in draft form and open to submissions. Staff recommend a submission be lodged with the commission and that the submission be developed collaboratively between all four Northland councils (with provision for specific comments from each individual council as needed). Submissions close 14 March 2021.
Given the comparatively short consultation period (1 February to 14 March) and the amount of information and detail in the commission’s advice, it is recommended that council delegate authority to approve the submission to the Chair, Councillor Amy McDonald (as Chair of the Climate Change Working Party) and the Chief Executive. Staff hope to circulate a working draft of the submission to councillors prior to this council meeting.
1. That the report ‘Draft submission - Climate Change Commission advice package’ by Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist and dated 5 February 2021, be received.
2. That council endorse the development of a joint submission by all Northland councils.
3. That council delegate authority to Chair Penny Smart, Councillor Amy McDonald and the Chief Executive Malcolm Nicolson to approve the draft submission on behalf of council prior to lodgement with the Climate Change Commission.
Options
No. |
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
1 |
Council does not lodge a submission |
None |
Council’s views/opinions on the commission’s advice to government is not expressed. Council is seen to have no interest in the position taken by the commission or emissions reduction generally. |
2 |
Council lodges a separate submission independently from the district councils |
Council’s views/opinions on the commission’s advice to government is expressed and has an opportunity to influence government’s approach. |
An individual submission is likely to carry somewhat less weight than a joint submission. |
3 |
Council supports a submission developed jointly with the district councils |
A joint submission is likely to carry somewhat more weight. A joint submission demonstrates coordinated / cooperative approach. |
Likely to be more complex to achieve a coordinated position. |
The staff’s recommended option is Option 3.
Considerations
1. Environmental impact
The decision to develop and lodge a submission in collaboration with the district councils will not negatively impact on the ability of council to proactively respond to climate change now or in the future but will communicate collective Northland views on emissions reduction targets and planning and demonstrate a coordinated leadership approach by councils in the region. Hopefully council’s input will contribute towards an approach that has a positive environmental impact.
2. Community views
Communities and business have a strong interest in emissions targets and approaches to emissions reduction by the government. They are also likely to have an interest in council positions on the matter. However, lodging a submission in itself will not directly impact communities and there is no requirement for council to consult on the matter. It’s anticipated that interested parties will also make submissions expressing their views.
3. Māori impact statement
Māori have a strong interest in emissions targets and approaches to emissions reduction by the government. They are also likely to have an interest in council positions on the matter. Unfortunately, due to the tight timeframes it has not been possible for council to engage with its Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party to seek their input into council position. Its anticipated that Māori will also make submissions expressing their views.
4. Financial implications
There are no material financial or resourcing implications associated with the decision to lodge a submission.
5. Implementation issues
The decision to lodge a submission does not in itself create or require any additional implementation issues.
6. Significance and engagement
In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it is part of council’s day to day activities. This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, but that council is able to make decisions relating to this matter without undertaking further consultation or engagement.
7. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance
There are no known legislative or compliance risks associated with the decision to lodge a submission with the Climate Change Commission on the draft advice to government.
Background/Tuhinga
The Climate Change Commission has released its draft advice to government on the first three emissions budgets and policy direction on the first Emissions Reduction Plan. This advice sets out a course for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Aotearoa. The advice is supported by a comprehensive suite of evidence and will inform the government’s first three emissions budgets (to 2035) and Emissions Reduction Plan required under the Climate Change Response Act 2002 will set the course to meet emission reduction targets of net zero emissions of long-lived gases by 2050, and to reduce biogenic methane emissions by between 24-47% by 2050.
Emissions reduction budgets
The commission’s draft recommendations on emission reduction budgets for the periods 2022 – 2025, 2026 – 2030 and 2031 – 2035 are set out in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Draft emissions budgets proposed by the Climate Change Commission
Table 2 below shows the progress to 2050 targets expected as a result of the draft three budgets for the period between 2021 and 2035. Table 2 shows all gases combined as CO2 equivalents (grey shading shows emissions of long-lived gases and orange represent biogenic methane emissions).
Table 2: Progress towards 2050 targets
Table 3 below shows emissions reduction by sector by 2035 compared with 2018.
Table 3: Emissions reduction by sector
The commission has estimated the impact these budgets could have on the economy and society over the next 15 years. The overall costs of meeting the country’s targets and proposed emissions budgets have been estimated to be less than 1% of projected GDP. However, the commission notes that while the overall costs are small relative to the size of the whole economy, they will not be evenly felt.
Emissions reduction plan
The commission makes a range of recommendations across key sectors of the economy (refer https://www.climatecommission.govt.nz/our-work/reducing-emissions/). A very high level summary is provided below:
Agriculture
· Policy support for reducing animal numbers and better animal, pasture and feed management and a cohesive strategy that recognises the multiple benefits that can arise for water and biodiversity due to climate change responses.
· Targeted research and development of new technology to reduce agricultural emissions.
Forestry
· Forests (and offsets generally) will be an important role in reaching 2050 targets – the commission’s analysis and budgets forecast forests will provide net removals of 14.5Mt CO2 by 2035 but also have potential to support a bio-economy, bioenergy and be used more for building.
· Afforestation with native, small blocks of trees, soils and wetlands have additional potential for carbon sequestration and should be investigated / incentivised.
Waste
· Creating a circular economy will reduce Aotearoa’s waste emissions.
· Strengthened product stewardship and a commitment to resource recovery and reuse must be part of this approach.
· Capturing methane from any remaining waste that makes it to landfill.
Transport
· Reducing transport emissions is critical and needs to be immediate and sustained.
· Urban planning and transport services need to change dramatically to increase low emission options (walking, cycling and public transport).
· Moving freight to rail and shipping.
· A low emissions ‘fleet’ needs to be widely adopted (e.g. electric vehicles) as do use of alternative fuels (e.g. bio-fuels and hydrogen).
Heat, industry and power
· Dramatically reduce / almost eliminate fossil fuels and ending the use of coal (especially in process heat).
· Reducing use of natural gas in homes and industry.
· Maximise the use of electricity and expand renewable generation.
· Improve the energy efficiency of our buildings and infrastructure.
Draft submission
Staff from all four Northland councils are working together on the draft submission. There is a huge amount of material to digest and given the commission’s advice was only released on 31 January it has not been possible to attach a draft to this report. However, a summary of key themes identified by staff to date is provided below:
· General support for the principles under-pinning the commission’s advice, especially a ‘just transition’ to a low emissions economy.
· Better alignment across policy settings and national direction to facilitate emissions reduction and making climate change a key theme in resource management reform.
· A description of the characteristics of Taitokerau, its demographics and economy that should be considered in the commission’s advice – particularly the vulnerability to emissions pricing and challenges to moving to a low emissions economy due to our reliance on primary production and manufacturing, but also noting the opportunities such as offsetting, renewable generation and land use change to lower emission uses.
· Strong support for enduring partnerships with Māori on emissions reduction but suggest this needs to be started immediately and adequately resourced to inform the government’s Emissions Reduction Planning.
· Strong support for central / local government partnerships, but again resourcing and guidance is needed (especially where regional councils are to consider GHG emissions in consent processes).
· Support increased focus on native forests but suggest wider ranging investigation into other forms of offsets such as blue-carbon, wetlands and soils and associated changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme to better recognise other forms of carbon capture with less emphasis on pine/plantation forestry.
· Support for increased adoption of EV’s and public transport / mode shift but concern that this will take time and may not be realistic for rural communities in the short term.
· The need for government investment into low emissions technology / industry to enable less advantaged communities to make the transition.
It is recommended that the submission structure provide for points where all councils collectively agree but also allow for individual comments to be made by each council given there is likely to be differences in focus / emphasis. It is also recommended that given the very tight consultation timeframe and volume of material, that council delegate authority to approve the submission to Chair Penny Smart, Councillor Amy McDonald (as Chair of the Climate Change Working Party) and the Chief Executive Malcolm Nicolson prior to it being lodged with the commission on or before 14 March 2021.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Council Meeting item: 8.6
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Local Electoral (Maori Wards and Maori Constituencies) Amendment Bill - submission |
ID: |
A1411109 |
From: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
On 9 February 2021 the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill passed its first reading and was referred to the Māori Affairs Select Committee. The opportunity to make submissions opened on 10 February and closed 5pm on 11 February.
The Bill amends the Local Electoral Act 2001 to align the treatment of Māori wards and constituencies with general wards and constituencies, removing all mechanisms for binding polls to be held on establishing Māori wards and constituencies, and providing local authorities with an opportunity to make decisions on Māori wards and constituencies in time for the 2022 local elections.
Council lodged a submission in support of the Bill.
Normally submissions of this nature would come to council first for approval before submitting. However, the timeframes meant this was not possible. Council’s delegations in respect to lodging a submission in this circumstance are as follows:
Full (formal) council approval is required for all submissions that are deemed to be politically significant. However, in the event timeframes are such that formal approval cannot be sought then the Executive Leadership Team may lodge a submission on behalf of council provided a draft is circulated to elected members for comment and the submission is retrospectively approved by council at the next council meeting.[1]
The draft submission was emailed to councillors for comment on the morning of 11 February.
The submission is presented to council for retrospective approval.
1. That the report ‘Local Electoral (Maori Wards and Maori Constituencies) Amendment Bill - submission’ by Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement and dated 11 February 2021, be received.
2. That the council approve the council submission attached to this report on the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill.
Options
No. |
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
1 |
Approve the submission |
The submission supports the position council has taken on Māori seats and on the current legislation regarding binding polls held on establishing Māori wards and constituencies. Provides support for the views of LGNZ that the legislation governing the establishment of Māori constituencies is unfair.
|
May result in an adverse reaction from some sections of the Northland community that oppose the establishment of Māori seats. |
2 |
Do not approve the submission |
May avoid adverse reactions from sections of the Northland community that oppose the establishment of Māori seats. |
Does not show support or leadership for the position council has taken. May be disappointment from some tangata whenua who may be expecting council to continue to champion change to the current legislation on polls. |
The staff’s recommended option is Option 1 – approve the submission.
Considerations
1. Environmental impact
The decision to approve the submission (or not) will have no material impact on the environment.
2. Community views
The Bill itself is likely to be of significant interest to the parts of the community that do not support Māori seats. There may also be concern about the speed in which the Bill is being progressed and a view that it is undemocratic. However, the decision to lodge a council submission on the Bill will not directly impact communities.
3. Māori impact statement
Māori leaders in Northland, including Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party, have been unequivocal and unanimous in their call for council to establish dedicated Māori seats and to remove sections in the Local Electoral Act 2001 (LEA) that allows for polls on the establishment of Māori wards or constituencies.
4. Implementation issues
There are no implementation issues arising through lodging a submission on the Bill.
5. Significance and engagement
In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy because it is part of council’s day to day activities. This does not mean that this matter is not of significance to tangata whenua and/or individual communities, but that council is able to make decisions relating to this matter without undertaking further consultation or engagement.
6. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance
There are no known policy, risks or legislative compliance issues associated with the decision. The submission is consistent with council position to date, including the November 2020 council resolution to send a letter to Minister Mahuta supporting the commitment to amend the Local Electoral Act 2001 in relation to the establishment of local government Māori wards.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Local Electoral (Maori Wards and Maori Constituencies) Amendment Bill ⇩
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party - An additional objective and a request for recommendations |
ID: |
A1410349 |
From: |
Darryl Jones, Economist |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
At its meeting on 15 September 2020, council established the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery (REDSD) Working Party, which has meet twice since its establishment. The full terms of reference of the working party are provided as Attachment One.
The objectives of the working party are to:
· Make recommendations to council on the appointment of Northland Inc. Limited directors;
· Make recommendations to council on Northland Inc. Limited’s Statement of Intent 2021-2024; and
· Make recommendations to council on any other matters relating to the regional economic development service delivery as requested by council.
It has been requested by the working party that they be asked to provide recommendations to council on the documentation and other matters relating to the establishment of a joint council-controlled organisation (CCO). Staff agree that it would be helpful to get feedback from the working party on matters such as the new Northland Inc. constitution, the shareholder agreement, review of director fees, etc. The consideration of such matters by the working party would also provide an opportunity for the working party members from the Kaipara and Far North District Councils to take these issues back to their own respective councils. This matter could be requested of the working party under the third of the three current objectives, but staff consider that a specific objective relating to this would be more appropriate. The proposed new objective is set out below.
· Make recommendations to council on documentation and other matters relating to the establishment of Northland Inc. Limited as a joint council-controlled organisation.
Northland Inc. is leading the development of the Ngāwhā Innovation and Education Centre. This is a significant long-term project and will extend into the commencement of a joint ownership structure for Northland Inc (should it be agreed to by district councils through their respective Long Term Plan consultation process). Staff would like to discuss this project with the working party. Staff therefore ask that the working party be requested to make recommendations to council regarding how best to support Northland Inc’s involvement in the Ngāwhā Innovation and Education Centre under the third of the three current objectives of the working party.
1. That the report ‘Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party - An additional objective and a request for recommendations’ by Darryl Jones, Economist and dated 9 February 2021, be received.
2. That the terms of reference be updated to include a fourth objective, “Make recommendations to council on documentation and other matters relating to establishment of Northland Inc. Limited as a joint council-controlled organisation”.
3. That the working party be requested to make recommendations to council on matters relating to Northland Inc’s involvement in the Ngāwhā Innovation and Education Centre.
Options
No. |
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
1 |
Agree to the additional objective relating to the joint CCO and request the working party provide recommendations on Northland Inc’s involvement in the Ngāwhā Innovation and Education Centre. |
Shows confidence by the council in the working party (as a precursor to the joint council committee). Allows staff to work through this channel to get input from district councils on these matters. |
Expands the mandate of the working party which could distract it from its two key objectives: recommendations on the SOI and Northland Inc. directors. |
2 |
Neither agree to the additional objective relating to the joint CCO nor request the working party to make recommendations on Northland Inc’s involvement in the Ngāwhā Innovation and Education Centre. |
Keeps working party focussed on its two key objectives: recommendations on the SOI and Northland Inc. directors. |
Requires staff to work through other channels to get input from district councils on these matters. |
The staff’s recommended option is Option 1.
Considerations
1. Environmental impact
This decision will not have any environmental risks or impacts.
2. Community views
There are no community views of this issue that require consideration.
3. Māori impact statement
This report relates to a council administrative matter and therefore does not have a direct impact on Māori.
4. Financial implications
There are no financial implications as the working party has already been established and council staff are providing secretariat support within existing labour budget allocations.
5. Implementation issues
Agreeing to the recommendations will make it administratively easier for council staff to liaise with district council elected members on these issues.
6. Significance and engagement
This is purely an administrative matter and when assessed according to the council’s Significance Policy is deemed to be of low significance.
7. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance
The activities detailed in this report are in accordance with the council’s decision making process and sections 76-78 of the Local Government Act 2002.
Background/Tuhinga
Nil.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Regional Economic Development Service Deliver Working Party - Current Terms of Reference ⇩
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party appointment of Co-Chair and proxy Co-Chair |
ID: |
A1411967 |
From: |
Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 15 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
In re-establishing Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC), on 19 November 2019, council resolved to retain the Co-Chair structure and appointed Councillor Robinson as the elected member to act as Co-Chair.
At TTMAC’s 12 March 2020 meeting, appointed members nominated Rudy Taylor, Te Whakaminenga O Te Hikutu Hapu-Whanau as Co-Chair with Pita Tipene, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine, as proxy Co-Chair. This was endorsed at council’s 21 April 2020 meeting.
With the passing of Co-Chair Rudy Taylor in October last year, the position of the appointed members Co-Chair for the Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) became vacant.
At the TTMAC meeting held on 11 February members nominated Pita Tipene, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine as the appointed members Co-Chair, and Georgina Connelly, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust, as proxy Co-Chair.
As per clause 9 of TTMAC’s Terms of Reference, council’s approval is now sought for these appointments.
1. That the report ‘Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party appointment of Co-Chair and proxy Co-Chair’ by Auriole Ruka, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori and dated 15 February 2021, be received.
2. That council approves the appointment of Pita Tipene, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine as the appointed members Co-Chair, and Georgina Connelly, Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust as proxy Co-Chair for Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party.
Options
No. |
Option |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
1 |
That council approve the appointment of TTMAC Co-Chair and proxy Co-Chair. |
Co-Chair appointment is confirmed to effectively undertake the role and function of the working party. |
Nil. |
2 |
That council does not approve the appointment of TTMAC Co-Chair and proxy Co-Chair. |
Nil. |
Undermines TTMAC’s nomination process. No known reason why the nominated Co-chair and proxy should not be approved. The current proxy will continue to operate as Co-chair (the same person now nominated to be co-chair). |
The staff’s recommended option is Option 1: that council endorses the recommendation.
Considerations
1. Environmental Impact
This decision will have no environmental impact.
2. Community views
Community views are not relevant for the appointment of the TTMAC Co-chair and proxy.
3. Māori impact statement
The recommendations are consistent with the recommendations from TTMAC.
4. Financial implications
Nil. The appointment is a replacement for an existing role.
5. Implementation issues
There are no implementation issues.
6. Significance and engagement
In relation to section 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. While the tāngata whenua appointed members on council working parties maybe of public interest, in particular to Māori of Te Taitokerau, this decision is consistent with the recommendations of TTMAC and no further consultation is considered necessary before making this decision.
7. Policy, risk management and legislative compliance
This decision follows the process for appointing a co-chair and proxy as set out in the council approved terms of reference for TTMAC. The proposed Co-chair and proxy were nominated by TTMAC.
Background/Tuhinga
Nil.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Council Meeting item: 9.1
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Health and Safety Report |
ID: |
A1406493 |
From: |
Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Bruce Howse, Group Manager - Corporate Excellence, on 16 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
This report is to inform the council of the activity in health and safety for the months of December 2020, and January 2021. An overview/summary of the activities include:
· The SafePlus report is with the Health and Safety Committee to decide on actions.
· A risk mitigation deep dive has been completed for dealing with aggressive people. See attached.
· Health and Safety risks are now in Promapp and treatments are being added as each is reviewed.
· The incident and hazard related events increased in December and decreased in January 2021.
· Thirteen training courses have been booked to take place in the remaining months of this financial year. More courses are still to be booked.
· Many wellbeing events have taken place, including the Christmas competition and sun safety awareness.
· The annual health monitoring programme has been organised to take place in March 2021.
That the report ‘Health and Safety Report’ by Kelcie Mills, Health and Safety Advisor and dated 25 January 2021, be received.
Background/Tuhinga
1. Health and safety performance
Table 1 below summarises the key lead and lag indicators for the past quarter. As shown, there has been a lot of training taking place. There have also been audit corrective actions identified from the SafePlus assessment and the Local Government Health and Safety Survey in December. These corrective actions are planned to go to the Health and Safety Committee to discuss in February.
There are 12 outstanding incident investigations underway. This is largely due to waiting on staff or teams to confirm corrective actions have been completed. Other investigations are being held off from being marked as complete until the decided changes have been made.
Table 1: Health and safety performance lead and lag indicators
*based on calendar year
The current top five risks are:
1. Driving motor vehicles
2. Extended work hours/stress
3. Dealing with aggressive people
4. Working with contractors
5. Slips, trips and falls
Risk updates
· The risk ‘not implementing controls’ was 3rd and has since been removed due to it archived as a risk. This has led to slips, trips and falls moving into number 5.
· Driver training began taking place in December. More courses are being looked at for March and onwards.
· The risk, dealing with aggressive people, moves into the top 5. There has been encouragement for staff to report these events, and to use the people and place of interest GIS Layer before going into the field. See the risk mitigation deep dive attached.
· Slips, trips and falls has had an increase in residual risk score and has moved into the top 5. This is due to the high increase in related events.
· All of the Health and Safety risks have been entered in Promapp. The treatments are being added as each risk is reviewed. The current Excel version of the register is still live until this task is complete.
· The risks controls/ treatments are being reviewed with Health and Safety representatives and relevant groups.
· The significant hazard register control documents are being transferred into standard operating procedures and reviewed as part of this transfer.
3. Incidents and hazards
Figure 1: Number of hazard and injury related events for previous 12 months
Figure 1 shows the number of injury/incident and hazard related events reported over the previous 12 months. Reporting of both incidents and hazards had increased in December, but then decreased in January. The number of reported injury and hazard related events for January 2021 are lower than the events in January 2020.
Events reported
Figure 2: Top 10 issues for previous 12 months
December:
· A high-risk poor practice incident was reported which involved a trailer looking like it had been driven with cable ties attaching the chains to the D-shackles. The investigation showed that the cable ties were left on the trailer from a training session the week prior. However, they were not used when towing the load.
· There was a bomb threat incident at Walton Plaza. There was no formal communication to NTA or WDC staff. They were notified through conversation with a security guard of being in a lockdown, and then had to investigate further for more information. All NTA staff evacuated until further notice. WDC is working on improving their communication with other businesses in the building.
· An aggressive person incident took place over the phone where a member of the public verbally abused a staff member about historic issues on their property. The staff member alerted H&S as there was council contracted work underway upstream of their property. They warned the contractor, who was comfortable to continue work. No further issues have been identified.
January:
· A staff member cut their hand open, needing stitches, after they dropped a cup and it smashed. They tried to catch it, but it clipped the stairwell railing and smashed as she caught it.
4. Health and safety strategy work programme
Leadership
· The Health and Safety Policy review continues to take place. The first policy, which is an encompassing health, safety and wellness policy, is going to the Health and Safety Committee for discussion in February.
Communication and engagement
· The risk reviews, as described in section 2, are being distributed via Express.
· An informal check of the current hazardous substance management is underway with inventory owners.
Wellbeing
· The first Mental Health 101 course took place in December with highly positive feedback. More courses, including a manager level session, are being organised.
· A fatigue guide is near completion and with information posters being distributed around the building.
· The wellbeing group coordinated Christmas hampers for staff working during the holiday period, as well as a Christmas decoration competition.
Injury, illness and hazards
· An online melanoma skin course is available to all staff for the next 12 months.
· The health monitoring programme that had been delayed due to COVID-19, has been organised to take place in March. The nurse is going to come to NRC over several days to complete this.
· As result of the slips, trips and fall review, preventative initiatives are being investigated to protect staff from these types of avoidable events.
Learning and development
· Training requirements for roles is continuing to be identified with managers.
· There are 13 training courses already booked to take place in this half of 2021. These include outdoor first aid, situational safety, kayak skills, wader training, chemical handling, mental health 101, and four-wheel driving. Further courses are currently being organised.
Continuous improvement
· The digital risk assessment tool has been created and is in a test phase with some field staff. The tool is used on phones and tablets to complete risk assessments onsite, rather than in the office.
· We have developed an inspections and audit register. This is to track the floor inspections, safety observations and audits completed to ensure that the actions identified get completed.
5. Legislation updates
The hazardous substances classification system is changing from the HSNO system to the Globally Harmonised System (GHS 7). These effects are already underway and will change over in April 2021. This will affect the signage and safety data sheets for hazardous substances.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Deep dive Dealing with Aggresive People ⇩
Council Meeting item: 9.2
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Chair's Report to Council |
ID: |
A1410621 |
From: |
Penny Smart, Chair |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Penny Smart, Chair, on 17 February 2021 |
Purpose of Report
This report is to receive information from the Chair on meetings/events attended, and correspondence sent for the months of December 2020 and January 2021.
That the report ‘Chair's Report to Council’ by Penny Smart, Chair and dated 10 February 2021, be received.
Meetings/events attended
During this period, I attended the following meetings/events/functions:
· Meetings attended with the council’s CEO, Malcolm Nicolson:
o Te Kahu o Taonui Iwi Chairs and Mayors meeting, Kerikeri.
o Mana Whakahono-ā-Rohe signing with Patu Harakeke, Takahiwai Marae.
o Meeting with Emily Henderson, MP for Whangārei.
o Meeting with Jonathan Eriksen organised by Councillor Rick Stolwerk.
o Meeting with Whangārei District Council Mayor, Sheryl Mai, and CEO, Rob Forlong – LTP investment. GM Customer Services – Community Resilience, Tony Phipps, also attended.
· Councillors Rick Stolwerk, Colin Kitchen and I conducted the interviews for the position of Independent Financial Advisor.
· Regular Mayors and Chair catch up meetings.
· Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan Advisory Group meeting.
· Jonathan Gibbard and I met with Snow Tane, General Manager, Te Roroa – collaboration with Te Roroa.
· Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group powhiri.
Correspondence
During December 2020 and January 2021 I sent out the following correspondence:
Date |
Addressed To |
Subject |
15.12.20 |
Sarah Petersen and Murray Reade Northland Inc. |
Northland Inc. Ltd Statement of Intent 2021-2024 – Letter of Expectations |
15.12.20 |
Geoff Copstick Independent Financial Advisor |
Acknowledgement of service |
16.12.20 |
Ian Reeves Prosper Northland Trust |
Oruku Landing decision to consult |
16.12.20 |
Maureen Hicky Te Arawhiti |
Kaipara Moana Treaty Settlement – iwi and hapū interests other than Kaipara Uri |
22.12.20 |
Hon Nanaia Mahuta Minister of Local Government |
Relationships with Tangata Whenu of Te Taitokerau Region |
23.12.20 |
Hon James Shaw Minister of Climate Change |
Meeting with NRC
|
06.01.2021 |
Minister Andrew Little Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations |
Meeting with NRC – Treaty Settlements |
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Council Meeting item: 9.3
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Chief Executive’s Report to Council |
ID: |
A1398145 |
From: |
Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer, on 17 February 2021 |
That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Malcolm Nicolson, Chief Executive Officer and dated 31 January 2021, be received.
9.3.1 Highlights
Regional Speed Limit Review Programme
The NTA, on behalf of Northland’s three district councils, is reviewing and amending the speed limits on all local roads in a rolling review. The reviews are catchment based, focusing on the highest risk roads, where speed reduction would demonstrably reduce death and serious injuries from crash trauma.
The first tranche is nearing implementation phase; Okaiha-Waimate-Kaeo Triangle, Waipū Village, Vinegar Hill and One Tree Point / Ruakaka.
Consultation has now commenced on tranche 2; Mangawhai-Kaiwaka-Hakaru and Waipū Cove / Langs Beach and will start on Kaitāia-Awaroa-Broadwood in early-mid 2021. The program schedule is to implement two catchments per council per year.
Natural Resources
Electronic data collection forms are operational for recreational swimming, periphyton, sedimentation, groundwater, river and coastal water quality programmes, using Survey 123 to replace traditional paper field-sheets. The data syncs with our Hilltop database every hour. Electronic meter calibration forms will be rolled out to all field staff in Regulatory Services during February and March, completely replacing paper calibration forms.
Coastal and Water Quality
Quarterly litter survey conducted in the Hātea River at Pohe Island. This quarter’s results showed a reduction in the amount of litter collected, as well as a reduction in the percentage of plastics.
9.3.2 CEO’s Office
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. |
No further update. |
Replacement discharge consents for East Coast Bays Wastewater Treatment Plant (Taipā) |
Court mediation set down for 10 and 11 February 2021 in Kaitāia. |
|
Economics - REL |
Bankruptcy notice served on Mr Gill. |
Further steps to try and recover the money owed to council as appropriate, including bankruptcy proceedings. |
9.3.3 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.
Cyber Security
No significant cybersecurity threats to report this month.
Council Property Update The Kensington Crossing base build is to be completed on 25 February 2021, which marks the end of the asphalting works. Hands-on Rehabilitation and Snap Fitness fitouts are newly complete and the businesses are open. Remaining fitouts will continue through February-April 2021. The two remaining tenancies are being actively negotiated. One of the significant pylon signs has been erected, with the other to follow (see photo). The Kaipara Service Centre last ground floor slab will be poured late February 2021. The project is currently on schedule and on budget. Steel erection will begin early March and by the end of the month the superstructure should be largely in place. The sale of three significant and adjacent Union East Street properties is to go unconditional mid-February 2021. Demolition of a Hannah Street property is to occur in March 2021. |
|
9.3.4 Regulatory Services
Consents in Process
During December 2020 and January 2021, a total of 75 Decisions were issued. These decisions comprised:
December 2020 (44) |
|
January 2021 (31) |
|
Moorings |
5 |
Moorings |
1 |
Coastal Permits |
9 |
Coastal Permits |
10 |
Coastal Discharge Permits |
0 |
Coastal Discharge Permits |
0 |
Air Discharge Permits |
1 |
Air Discharge Permits |
0 |
Land Discharge Permits |
5 |
Land Discharge Permits |
3 |
Water Discharge Permits |
1 |
Water Discharge Permits |
0 |
Land Use Consents |
13 |
Land Use Consents |
10 |
Water Permits |
2 |
Water Permits |
3 |
Bore Consents |
8 |
Bore Consents |
4 |
The processing timeframes for the December 2020 consents ranged from:
504 to 2 calendar days, with the median time being 28 days;
62 to 2 working days, with the median time being 19 days.
The processing timeframes for the January 2021 consents ranged from:
54 to 5 calendar days, with the median time being 48 days;
20 to 3 working days, with the median time being 17 days.
Forty-two applications were received in December 2020.
Ten applications were received in January 2021.
Of the 98 applications in progress at the end of January 2021:
52 were received more than 12 months ago (most awaiting further information from the applicant);
7 were received between 6 and 12 months ago (most awaiting further information from the applicant);
39 less than 6 months.
Appointment of Hearing Commissioners
No commissioners were appointed in December 2020.
The following commissioner was appointed in January 2021 for one consent hearing:
Mr David Hill for consents associated with safety improvement works at Loop Road, Whangārei. The hearing is scheduled for 11 March 2021.
Consents Decisions and Progress on Notified Applications in Process, Objections and Appeals
The current level of notified application processing activities at the end of January 2021 is (by number):
Applications Publicly/Limited Notified During Previous Month |
0 |
Progress on Applications Previously Notified |
5 |
Hearings and Decisions |
3 |
Appeals/Objections |
2 |
COMPLIANCE MONITORING
The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 December 2020 – 31 January 2021 (and year-to-date figures) are summarised in the following table and discussed below.
Classification |
Total |
Full compliance |
Low risk non-compliance |
Moderate non-compliance |
Significant non-compliance |
Not exercised during period |
Air Discharge |
39 |
37 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
Bore Consent |
22 |
18 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
Coastal Discharge |
20 |
17 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
Coastal Permit |
85 |
80 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
FDE – Discharge |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Land Discharge |
112 |
90 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
6 |
Land Use Consent |
76 |
69 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
Water Discharge |
59 |
46 |
4 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
Water Permit |
52 |
51 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Water Take |
130 |
78 |
47* |
5 |
0 |
0 |
Total |
596 |
487 |
77 |
16 |
4** |
12 |
Percentage |
|
81.7% |
12.9% |
2.7% |
0.7% |
2.0% |
Year to date |
3,405 |
2,404 |
408 |
294 |
108 |
191 |
Percentage |
|
70.6% |
12.0% |
8.6% |
3.2% |
5.6% |
* An example being where consent holders are late supplying their water use returns
** Significant non-compliance details
Name |
Consent description |
Date |
Notes |
Ota Point Effluent Society Incorporated |
Discharge treated communal sewage to coastal waters @ Ota Point, Whangaroa |
6 Jan 2021 |
Discharge exceeded biological water quality condition. |
Far North District Council – Ahipara WWTP |
Discharge treated wastewater & associated activities @ Ahipara |
30 Nov 2020 |
Discharge exceeded water quality condition of consent. |
Whangārei District Council – Oakura WWTP |
Activities associated with the operation of a community wastewater treatment & disposal system @ Wharau Road, Oakura |
6 Jan 2021 |
Discharge exceeded water quality condition of consent. |
Waipapa Body Corporate |
Discharge treated wastewater to land |
25 Nov 2020 |
Discharge exceeded water quality condition of consent. |
Coastal
The majority of consents monitored during the reporting period related to coastal discharges (treated municipal sewage, boat maintenance facilities and other industrial) and coastal structures. Most marinas have had at least four sampling events, as required by consent, during the reporting period.
Water, Waste, Air and Land Use (WWALU) Compliance Monitoring
Water Use
Low river flows and the continuing dry conditions mean that staff resources are being prioritised to respond to water use and availability matters. An increasing number of calls were being received from water users finding themselves under pressure due to a lack of resilience in their supply and they were looking to the council for solutions. Most streams and rivers were below low flow levels and water is being restricted and rationed in some catchments. Chloride and water levels in coastal aquifers are being monitored and if a decline in water quality is detected in an aquifer then a catchment-wide water shortage direction may be required to restrict water use to essential use only.
Wastewater
Staff are developing an action plan to deal with some long-term non-compliances with some of the underperforming wastewater treatment plants in the region.
Earthworks and Forestry
The main issue presently, as always during dry periods, is dust. We are receiving a large number of dust complaints relating to development sites. Staff have been working with companies to ensure they have good management strategies to manage their sites, especially during weekends when there are few or no staff on site.
Contaminated Land Management
The monthly amnesty collection days continued through December and January. The public appear to have adapted well to the change in frequency for collection with no decline to the amount of waste material being received.
A total of 34 contaminated land enquiries were received (13 in December and 21 in January), nine environmental incidents involving hazardous substances (two in December and seven in January), one site was added to the Selected Land-use Register (January), and 865kg of hazardous waste was disposed of (530kg in December and 335kg in January).
Environmental Incidents
There were no environmental incidents reported in December or January which resulted in a significant environmental impact.
ENFORCEMENT
Abatement Notices, Infringement Notices and Formal Warnings
The following enforcement actions were taken during the period:
Nature of Offence |
Infringement Notice |
Abatement Notice |
Prosecution |
TOTAL * |
||||
No. Offences |
No. Notices |
No. Offences |
No. Notices |
No. Offences |
No. Notices |
No. Offences |
No. Notices |
|
Burning / smoke nuisance |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
4 |
Discharge to land |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
Earthworks/land use |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
Farm dairy effluent |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
Illegal activity in CMA |
1 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
Other air discharge |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Other water discharge |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Sediment |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Sewage |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
TOTAL |
3 |
5 |
10 |
16 |
2 |
2 |
13 |
23 |
*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
Sand dune removal – Tokerau Beach
Charges were 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. Guilty pleas were entered by the individual on 22 May 2020, with the charges against the company withdrawn. Sentencing did not proceed on 8 December 2020 after the judge allowed for the defendant to meet with local marae representatives and to report back to the court for sentencing on 2 February 2021. The judge combined four charges into two. The defendant was convicted on both charges and an enforcement order was made requiring payment of $5,968.58 to the council for remedial work and further weed control. The defendant was also sentenced to 300 hours community work (the highest number of hours that can be imposed is 400) and the marae representatives said they were happy for the defendant to do his community work hours on work for the marae.
Timber treatment plant
Charges were filed in the Whangārei District Court on 12 March 2020 against a company and an individual for discharges from a timber treatment processing plant. An agreement has been reached between parties to withdraw the prosecution charges and apply for enforcement orders. This was done before the court on 2 February 2021 and we are now waiting for the court to issue the orders.
Earthworks without erosion and sediment controls – Tōtara North
Six charges were laid in the Kaitāia District Court on 20 July 2020 against an individual for earthworks undertaken without controls, and work within a watercourse and the riparian management zone. A sentencing indication hearing was undertaken on 8 December 2020. The defendant advised the court on 2 February 2021 that he did not accept the indication and plead not guilty. The council was directed to file statements of evidence by 12 March 2021 and the case was adjourned to the nominal date of 27 April 2021.
Open burning on industrial/trade property – Whangārei
Two charges were laid in the Whangārei District Court on 27 November 2020 against an individual for open burning on industrial/trade premises; the burnt items also included prohibited items. The first court date was on 20 January 2021, with the case being adjourned until 15 February 2021 to allow time for disclosure to be provided and considered.
All routine water quality and ecological programmes were undertaken, including:
Weekly recreational bathing sampling at 60+ sites.
Monthly sampling runs (coastal and freshwater water quality, periphyton and cyanobacteria), including commencement of a one-year investigation in the Raumanga catchment.
All continuous water quality stations were validated.
Quarterly monitoring buoy deployments at Hātea River, Waitangi Estuary and the outer Bay of Islands.
Annual freshwater macroinvertebrate and fish monitoring programmes, assessing the ecological community of Northland’s rivers and streams. The fish programme included collecting eDNA samples at five sites as part of a national pilot study. This technology analyses the billions of DNA molecules left by organisms and compares them with DNA libraries to identify what species are present.
Marine Pollution Regulations
Through our education for our marine pollution rules, staff developed a free phone app that shows “boaties” where they are in relation to the Northland and Auckland Council’s sewage discharge limits. These limits have also been added to the popular Navionics app.
Sediment Source Tracking July 2020 Storm Event
Sediment samples were collected from the Hātea river during the July 2020 storm. These samples were analysed by NIWA to determine the source of the sediment using a library of sediment sources within the catchment which were previously collected to determine historical sedimentation of the Whangārei Harbour. Results received from this event indicated the following sources:
40% stream bank erosion 15% pasture
15% pine forest 30% native forest
NATURAL RESOURCES DATA
Work is progressing on implementation of the ecological database (KiEco). Most of the historic periphyton data has been prepared and quality assured, prior to uploading to KiEco. An import process for new data collected using Survey 123 has been built. Summer students have been assisting with data entry and formatting of macroinvertebrate, phytoplankton and freshwater fish data and required fields and configurations are being built in KiEco. Coastal sediment data has been loaded into the database.
Development of the new environmental data portal for the NRC website is well underway. Dataset preparation is proceeding and system testing is scheduled for late February. The portal will include live data from the Hilltop database for rainfall, water level, water quality, drought and coastal wind and wave data in phase 1. Phase 2 will include biological data for periphyton, fish, macroinvertebrates and cyanobacteria.
HYDROLOGY Rainfall January rainfall totals across the region have been a bit of a mixed bag due to the localised thunderstorms at the beginning of the month. The remainder of the month has been characterised by periodic south-easterly systems associated with lows in the Southern Ocean, which only delivered minor rainfall directed at the west coast. Overall Northland received less rainfall than expected (average) for January. Total rainfall at NRC gauges ranged from 28mm at Waihopo north of Houhora (Aupouri Peninsula) to 120mm at Waimamaku (south Hokianga). The gauges averaged just on 60mm regionally, which is about 80% of what we would expect to get in Northland at this time of year. |
|
|
River Flows · River flows at most stations for January ranged from “Low” (10th to 25th percentile) to “Extremely Low” (0 to 5th percentile). · Twenty-one out of 33 flow stations were below Drought Minimum Flows as at 4 February. |
Groundwater
Groundwater in all aquifers except the Aupouri aquifer were below normal, with most systems at around the 25th percentile for January
Hydrology Projects
Resource consent gaugings were undertaken with a focus on municipal water supplies.
Instruments have been upgraded at Whangatane Spillway (Kaitaia), Ben Gunn wharf (Kaitaia) and Taheke rainfall recorder.
NATURAL RESOURCES SCIENCE
Air quality and carbon emission
Ambient PM10 monitoring results for
November and December 2020 for the
Robert Street, Mairtown (Whangārei) and Marsden Point stations showed
compliance with the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality.
Ambient PM2.5 monitoring results for the Robert Street station for November and December 2020 were within the Ambient Air Quality Guideline value.
Unsealed road PM10 monitoring commenced mid-December 2020.
Council’s CO2 -e (carbon dioxide equivalent) monthly emissions in 2019 and (up to November) 2020 are presented in the graph below. Since April 2020, council’s monthly CO2-e emissions have been lower than 2019 emissions, indicating the effect of COVID-19 restrictions. However, carbon emission in October 2020 are slightly higher than October 2019. The graph is based on currently available data and therefore figures for the last few months are subject to change.
Freshwater Quality
· Work continued on collating, transforming and documenting the underlying GIS dataset of the river water quality current state (observed and modelled data) for the purpose of designing Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) based web-maps. When completed in early 2022, these maps will be publicly available to aid public consultation.
· The water quality monitoring network review continued with Stage 2 work plans for the rivers and lakes programmes started, and field inspections undertaken to scope new monitoring sites in the unrepresented FMUs (such as Herekino-Whāngāpē Harbour and Bream Bay).
· NIWA is working on the calibration of the regional CLUES model. The CLUES calibration process for total nitrogen needs to be refined by using the LWS physiographic dataset to reflect the actual underlying water quality process, which is currently not captured by the traditional approach of using the Overseer model used in CLUES.
· Envirolink projects summary:
· Workshop for guidance on surrogate technologies for river suspended sediment load.
· Workshop for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of riverine flow management under NPS-FM. This will provide a framework for effective and efficient M&E of instream ecological response to riverine flow management by regional councils, in accordance with the NPS-FM.
· Dissolved oxygen (DO) metabolism for Northland Rivers, including a workshop and a guidance document prepared by the Cawthron Institute on data collection, data management and reporting of the river ecosystem metabolism.
Coastal
· In December, NRC collected drone footage and conducted a multibeam survey in the semi-sheltered waters located between the central islands of the eastern Bay of Islands and the Rāwhiti Channel. This work is part of a project with a group of local researchers, NIWA and Ngāti Kuta to map seagrass and turf algae beds in the area.
· Previous research shows the strength of the multibeam signal can be used to identify and map different habitats. This information, together with the drone images and the underwater videos previously collected, will be used to map and characterise the features of this area, identified as a significant ecological area (SEA) in the Proposed Regional Plan for Northland.
The aerial drone footage above was collected from
Okahu Channel in the Bay of Islands, |
· Dune assessments were conducted at six locations throughout Northland (Waipu, Ruakaka, Pataua, Taipa, Ahipara and Hukatare). The assessments involved surveying the dune plants and the dune profile along transects perpendicular to the shore. These areas were all previously surveyed in 2017. The results enable council to identify changes and the presence of pest plants, see - https://monitoring.coastalrestorationtrust.org.nz/survey-data/northland/
9.3.5 Environmental Services
land management ENVIRONMENT FUND
Sustainable Hill Country and Regional Priorities
Milestones |
Status |
Research |
|
Coastal erosion buffers |
A coastal erosion tool utilising remote sensing and LiDAR data has been developed and tested in the Kaipara Harbour. It includes an erosion hotspot layer to help prioritise soil conservation work. We are moving into Phase 2 which is testing its capability outside of the coastal zone for eventual application across the entire region. |
Mature poplar/ willow |
Poplar has been milled into a range of products for treatment and mechanical testing. Samples have been sent for testing and a small amount of product (fence posts, strainers, truck decking etc) will be made available for purchase and field testing. |
Farm Environment Plans (FEPs) |
|
|
Nine of target 41 FEPs (22%) completed in 2020-21. As discussed with MPI, an alternative reporting template has been developed for the remaining 32 projects covering the first six-month reporting period of 2020-21. The reports bullet point the date of the site visit, land management issues observed, recommendations, and outcome such as environment fund application, planting plan or soil conservation plan. |
Stakeholder engagement |
|
|
A project engagement strategy has been approved by MPI. Promotional material is in development including a ‘planting hub’ on the council website and information boards and brochures. Staff have attended local A&P shows and industry led field days to promote the project. |
Land treatments |
|
Retirement fencing |
$57,339 worth of retirement fencing has been approved this year. However, a significant amount of funding ($195k) is still to be allocated. The amount of Efund dedicated to hill country retirement was increased by 2/3 compared to last year which partly explains the underspend to date. Farmers are also targeting riparian areas rather than hill country in preparation for stock exclusion rules. A promotional plan, developed with the communication team, is being actioned to drum up more fencing and planting projects. |
Contractor capacity development |
Spray release training was delivered by Dean Satchell at SHaRP’s flagship planting project in Paparoa. Further contractor training on poplar and willow planting is in development for delivery in March. Additional workshops will be held with nurseries and forest managers prior to the planting season. |
The Whangārei Urban Awa Project
The first bi-monthly report has now been sent to MfE and the first quarterly report has also been sent (Q2 2020 – 2021). Progress to date includes 273 letters sent to potentially eligible landowners with 41 positive responses received to date. Of those received, 12 have had site visits (vetted on parameters including presence of cattle and unfenced waterways). Eleven estimates of fence length and cost have been sent to landowners with 9.3km of fencing proposed as a result of the site visits.
Objective |
Status |
Aquatic weed and pest fish control |
Hornwort control: Staff are planning for further control of hornwort in spring 2021. Reconnaissance at Lake Camel in the Far North was completed in December 2020. Two water bodies are involved and at least one is treatable with Aquathol. Advice is being sought from NIWA with the operation potentially going ahead in spring 2021. A joint media release from Te Uri O Hau, NRC and Department of Conservation was put out in December to advise the public about the hornwort found in two Poutō dune lakes which is a serious threat to the Poutō dune lake system. NRC would lead control in Lake Egg and work with DoC and local iwi leading control in the unnamed lake managed by DoC. Pest fish work is ongoing, and the next grass carp removal operation is scheduled for March. eDNA samples have been taken from Lake Ōmāpere and Waipū Golf Club ponds to assess the efficiency of this method in detecting pest fish in still waterbodies like lakes. |
Sediment and nutrient mitigation |
A contract has been signed to undertake the earthworks at Lake Ngatu and Rotokawau to reduce sediment and nutrient entering both lakes through the construction of swales and wetlands. |
Maori Lakes Strategy |
Te Hiku Maruwai are in discussions with other iwi partners to confirm dates and locations of a marae based wānanga to progress this part of the project. The wānanga is planned in the Far North, with tentative dates set for 26-29 April. |
Education Days |
Sixty students from 24 schools across NZ attended a freshwater event at Whareimu on the banks of the Rotokakahi River, on 12 January 2021. This event was held in conjunction with Te Aho Tu Roa’s biannual noho taiao, this time held in Pawarenga at Taiao Marae. |
Lakes
Biodiversity staff undertook a lakes reconnaissance snorkel survey with Patuharakeke iwi at Ruakākā Dune Lake and Pukekauri Dam at Takahiwai. Ruakākā Dune Lake had recovered well from last summer’s drought and, although very shallow at around 1.5m deep, had clear water and was vegetated with native submerged plants. Pukekauri Dam had not been assessed previously and was in excellent condition with meadows of submerged native plants to more than 7m. One staff member also assisted with a cultural harvest of kuta at Pukekauri Dam, which is a reed used for weaving.
CoastCare
Over the summer the science team have been assisting CoastCare with dune monitoring as part of a national dune monitoring project. In December and January dune assessments were conducted at six sites around Northland: Waipu Cove, Ruakaka, Pataua North, Taipa, Ahipara and Hukatare).
The assessments involved surveying the dune plants and the dune profile along transects perpendicular to the shore. These areas were all previously surveyed in 2017 so the results will enable us to identify changes in the vegetation cover over time, the proportion of native vegetation cover and the presence of pest plants. The transect data can be viewed and compared to the previous survey results at https://monitoring.coastalrestorationtrust.org.nz/survey-data/northland . In addition, the drone was flown (where weather conditions permitted).
BIosecurity incursions and response
Threatened koi carp release
In late December 2020, information was passed on to council Biosecurity staff that disgruntled trout anglers aim to release koi carp into Northland’s Kai Iwi Lakes. Staff and representatives from the Department of Conservation, Kaipara District Council and the affected iwi and hapū (Te Roroa and Te Kuihi) were involved in a response. Northland Regional Council took a lead role with consultation and with close support from the other stakeholders.
A koi carp release into these lakes of national and international importance would result in severe ecological damage, ruin recreational activities (thereby affecting revenue from tourism), and negatively impact on Māori cultural values. If koi were to become established, eradication in these lakes would be extremely difficult. Intensive netting is an option and council has a large number of nets ready to deploy if a release was confirmed.
Whilst the response was stood down in the middle of January, with no evidence to suggest that any release took place, education and surveillance will continue. Testing of water samples using eDNA techniques will be undertaken in February to determine presence or absence of koi carp, and the Check, Clean, Dry Programme will continue to provide information and education regarding freshwater pest species.
Check, Clean, Dry Programme The annual Check, Clean, Dry (CCD) summer advocacy programme (funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries) began in late November. This year a council CCD advocate and two Kaitiaki Rangers are delivering the freshwater pest awareness campaign. Activities have included: CCD advocacy stall at the Whangārei Agricultural and Pastoral Show. An aquarium display showing freshwater pests and native species and a hidden weed game for children attracted a constant stream of interest. CCD surveys were collected with an incentive prize for participants. Kaitiaki Rangers attended Waka Ama events at Lake Ngatu, speaking to participants, distributed collateral and collected CCD survey information. On-going lakeside advocacy by the Kaitiaki over the holiday period.
The freshwater pest and native species
display was a popular attraction |
|
Wild animal control - feral deer
A sika deer hui was held at Rāwhiti marae on the 14 December 2020 hosted by Ngāti Kuta and Patukeha hapū, and information concerning the sika population in Russell and what could be done Pleasingly, the feral deer response team had minimal deployment over the January period conserving budget for the autumn roar period, however one sika was destroyed in Russell.
Kauri dieback - hygiene stations and gates
Pāwarenga Hygiene Stations
Council in collaboration with the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Conservation, and Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, assisted with the establishment of a vehicle and footwear hygiene stations in Pāwarenga. The hygiene stations are located at the base of the Warawara forest on the Pāwarenga side and provides the necessary tools needed to prevent disease spread. Council staff attended the official opening of the hygiene stations was on 25 November 2020.
Cape Brett Hygiene Stations:
Council, in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and the Te Rāwhiti 3B2 Trust, have installed three barrel and grate hygiene stations on tracks in the Cape Brett area.
Punaruku Road Gate:
In collaboration with with Ōtetao Marae and landowners, council has installed a heavy duty gate on Punaruku Road to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. The disease has been detected adjacent Punaruku road as well as in Russell forest. The gate is administered by Ōtetao Marae and provides them the ability to manage vectors and provide additional support and information to those operating within the area.
|
|
|
New vehicle hygiene station at Pawarenga |
|
Heavy duty gate installed on Punaruku Road |
Kauri Dieback Track Mitigation Northland Project
This Provincial Growth Fund project to upgrade walking trails around Northland to protect kauri was signed off in December. The $1.14M project will create new jobs, boost local economies and improve trial walking experience along the Te Araroa Trail in Northland. Project works are on the verge of commencement with a fenced off hygiene area at Kauri Mountain set up and ready to receive materials.
partnerships
Kiwi Coast
Over the summer, Kiwi Coast has implemented three key monitoring measures:
2020 Pest Control Results:
Collating trap catch data across Northland as a means of demonstrating the collective impact of pest control efforts, maintaining trapper motivation and championing the hard work Northlanders are putting in to ensure our native forests and wildlife can thrive.
Kaka and Korimako/Bellbird Survey:
Fieldwork began in February for this five-yearly survey of kaka and bellbirds is conducted in partnership with NorthTec. These birds are rare on the Northland mainland and the survey is part of the Kiwi Coast’s long term ‘Indicator Species Monitoring Program’
Kiwi Listening Blitz #2:
Fieldwork for the second ‘Kiwi Listening Blitz” will be completed this summer. Over 100 sites have been surveyed with Kiwi Listening Devices during the past 12 months, and the monitoring will now enter the analysis phase. This will compare results from the first survey in 2016 with the new data.
Predator Free Whangārei
Early engagement has included:
Landowners of properties <100 ha: Early engagement to introduce the project and discuss the proposed possum eradication methods has been invaluable to the project.
Landcare groups: The project team met with Taiharuru Landcare group this month.
Communication resources required for gaining landowner permissions are nearing completion and recruitment of project staff is underway.
Whakakoro Biodiversity Survey
Council Biosecurity and Biodiversity staff joined members of Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, and hapū from Te kotahitanga Marae at Whangapē to conduct a three-day survey on Whakakoro. The council role was to look at the site and values to see how we could help support pest control aspirations of the hapū, especially with regard to kiwi protection. The survey work included fish surveys in the streams, Wetland Condition Index, trail cameras, plant identification, spotlighting, coastal plant identification and kiwi listening.
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|
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Some of the native species identified in the gumlands at Whakakoro during the survey (L to R): Banded Kōkopu, the small native carnivorous plant Spoon-leaved Sundew Drosera spatulata, and native bees |
Weed Control: The year finished with a combination of weed control events and education and advocacy opportunities. Volunteers contributed 55 hours across 3 events in December. Dog Control Advocacy: A roadside noticeboard has contained a dog control on beaches message in January.
A notice placed in Ngunguru in January advocating sensible dog management on beaches and coastal environs. |
|
Mid North High Value Area – Pest Free Purerua Project
The “Pest Free Purerua” project, led by Kiwi Coast and sponsored by Kiwis for Kiwi and the Jobs for Nature fund, commenced on 1 January 2021. The Purerua Peninsula covers 7,600 ha on the northern reach of the Bay of Islands-Ipipiri with in the Mid North Area of Northland. The pest control effort within the area is supported by iwi, private landowners, Kiwi Coast, Department of Conservation and Northland Regional Council. The overall project objectives are to enhance the natural environment through active encouragement of pest control, providing wildlife corridors along marginal strips, connecting areas of biodiversity, protecting native flora and fauna, and enabling weed control. This work will be carried out as resources allow.
Agreed project outcomes are:
Trap possums, stoats, rats and feral cats on the peninsula to enhance indigenous biodiversity (flora and fauna) and increase food sources for indigenous birds, especially kiwi. Conservation Land identified for trapping includes Taronui Bay Recreation Reserve, Marsden Cross Historical Reserve.
Protect native biodiversity across the peninsula, with special emphasis on creating and maintaining refuge areas to protect native species that are classified as threatened or at risk.
Establish an 8,000 hectare buffer zone from Kāpiro to Rangitāne for suppression of possums, stoats, rats, and feral cats.
Develop employment opportunities within the project for local trappers.
Western Northland HVA
Te Toa Whenua Community Pest Control Area: The installation of 661 bait stations has been completed and baiting commenced.
Maunganui Bluff Community Pest Control Area: The Residual Catch Trap result for the pre-monitor of possums was 30.4%.
Pūpūrangi Community Pest Control Area: The group has confirmed the presence of long tailed bats in their management area.
Kai Iwi Lakes: The post-control possum monitor has been completed and the result was 1.4% wax tag index which indicates that possums have been knocked down to very low numbers.
marine biosecurity
Hull Surveillance Programme
Between 26 November 2020 and 25 January 2021, the Hull Surveillance Programme surveyed 836 vessels. There were 40 incidents of Sabella spallanzanii (Mediterranean fanworm), 21 incidents of Styela clava (clubbed tunicate) and one incident of Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp) found on vessel hulls, the majority of which were in Whangārei Harbour.
All incidents of pests recorded on vessels outside areas of known infections were cleaned within five working days, either in-water by an approved dive contractor or by owner directed haul outs. Marine biosecurity staff continue to work closely with vessels in infected harbours to ensure they are cleaned within an appropriate time frame or before they move to another harbour.
Hull Surveillance Programme Results |
Total this month |
Total YTD |
Pathways Plan Compliance |
|
|
Number of vessels surveyed this month |
836 |
953 |
% Pathways Plan Compliance (all vessels) * |
62.6% |
59.71% |
% Pathways Plan Compliance (recent arrivals) ** |
84.7% |
84.7% |
Vessels found with Marine Pests |
|
|
Sabella spallanzanii (fanworm) |
40 |
40 |
Styela clava (clubbed tunicate) |
21 |
27 |
Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp) |
1 |
1 |
Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate) |
0 |
0 |
Pyura doppelgangera (sea squirt) |
0 |
0 |
* % of vessels surveyed that complied with the acceptable level of light fouling as defined in the Marine Pathways Plan.
** % of vessels on anchor that complied with the acceptable level of light fouling as defined in the Marine Pathways Plan.
Staff have been encouraged by the high compliance with our Pathways Plan rules this summer, particularly from visiting vessels, and are grateful for the overwhelmingly positive feedback our divers received during their surveillance efforts. With the huge increase in vessel ownership and domestic vessel travel this year, this will be an important trend to keep up, and constant vigilance is advised.
Conversely, we still continue to intercept occasional vessels that are very heavily fouled and often harbouring one or more invasive marine pests.
Two such examples were found in December and January in Whangārei Harbour. Both were recently arrived vessels inspected by council staff and found to be harbouring Undaria pinnatifida, Clavelina (yet to be identified to species level) and Meditteranean fanworm. While Whangārei Harbour has an established population of Mediterranean fanworm, Undaria is not known to be established in the harbour and Clavelina is new to Northland entirely. The vessels owners complied with staff by immediately arranging for their vessels to be hauled and cleaned.
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A vessel hull in Whangārei Harbour heavily fouled with several invasive species, including Clavelina, Undaria and Mediterranean fanworm (Sabella spallanzii) |
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A council staff member inspects a vessel hull in Whangārei Harbour during regular checks of recently arrived vessels |
Top of the North Marine Biosecurity Partnership (TON)
Development of a proposal for a Clean Hull Plan (formerly the Inter-regional Marine Pathway Management Plan) continues to progress and the partnership team have entered a period of early engagement and testing with Māori partners and key stakeholders. A formal consultation process is likely to commence late 2021.
National marine biosecurity
A cross partnership meeting was held in Wellington in December to discuss key learnings of the key marine biosecurity partnerships across New Zealand and plan the next steps for creating a nationally coordinated approach to managing domestic marine biosecurity risks.
Public reports of marine pests continue
Staff have welcomed an increase in public reports of marine pests over the warmer months – it is great to see so many people engaging with our programme and reporting anything unusual. A possible sighting of Mediterranean fanworm in Hokianga Harbour was promptly followed up by staff and confirmed to instead be a native fanworm species. Staff will continue to offer pest identification workshops across Northland to enable interested community members to learn how to distinguish the invasive species from some of the similar looking natives.
PEST PLANTS Spartina: Five staff have commenced annual herbicide treatment of Kaipara Harbour sites of the eradication pest plant, spartina. Three sites have been treated, including a challenging site at Tinopai. Pultenaea: Pultenaea removal and treatment contracts have been completed for three blocks with further works on-going. Council staff tackle a spartina treatment
site |
|
freshwater pests
Red-eared slider turtles
There have been six turtle incidents in December and January. Two turtles were captured at Mangawhai and given to council for rehoming. One turtle was handed in at the Waipapa office and rehomed with staff. Two further turtles were handed into a veterinary clinic and have been rehomed. There was also a public report of a turtle at Langs Beach.
rivers
Long Term Plan Projects
Rivers |
Comments |
Awanui |
The Southern Spillways are progress well, approximately 40% completed. Allan Bell Park works are schedule to start early Feb. Church Road Rock Stabilization tender closed 26 Jan with 3 bids, we expect this to be awarded the 1st week in Feb. |
Resource Consent has been lodged with both NRC and FNDC. |
|
Matangirau |
Progress with key landowners has been slow, staff have incorporated the help of local Kaumatua to help progress. |
Otiria/Moerewa |
Working party meeting held on 27 Jan. Staff presented the hydraulic modelling to the committee. The committee supported staff to proceed with feasibility study and LTP inclusion. |
Kawakawa |
Working party agree to include proposal in LTP but to undertake engagement with affected business owners in parallel and report back to the next committee meeting on potential options. |
Kaeo |
Work is underway with the annual maintenance programme |
NATURAL HAZARDS
Work Streams |
Status |
Comments |
Coastal erosion hazard mapping |
100% complete |
Maps being prepared for publication |
Coastal erosion research |
Phase 1 complete |
All Northland open coast historic shorelines digitised. Analysis underway with publication of results due mid-2021 |
Rangaunu harbour coastal flood mapping |
100% complete |
Maps being prepared for publication |
Region-wide coastal flood mapping |
99% complete |
Final maps received and being prepared for publication, report under review |
Region-wide river flood mapping |
50% complete |
Peer review report received; draft Whangārei district maps received |
Whangārei river flood model |
Initiation phase |
Model update started |
Public release of new coastal hazard maps |
Planning phase |
New coastal hazard zones (10 new coastal erosion zones plus coastal flood hazard zones for entire coastline) and communications plan to be presented to council 9 Feb 2021. Publication of maps to NRC website expected early April 2021. NRC staff working with TA planning teams to align with district plan reviews. |
Climate Change Response
Work Streams |
Status |
Comments |
NRC Climate Change Strategy |
Draft |
Draft strategy, including the proposed NRC carbon neutral plan, to be presented to Climate Change Working Party in March |
Climate Adaptation Te Taitokerau - Adaptation Strategy |
In development |
Climate Risk Assessment 1 - Risk descriptions – draft complete and under internal review. Release planned March 2021 Climate Risk Assessment 2 - Coastal risk spatial analysis - community risk profile analysis underway Regional Adaptation Strategy due Late 2021 |
Joint Standing Committee on Climate Change Adaptation |
Planning |
Inaugural meeting 12 April at NRC |
Northland Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
Excellent feedback from the Northland community regarding the LiDAR data set. A final deliverable data set is expected by end of March.
MĀORI ENGAGEMENT
Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu “Referring to the tiniest piece of pounamu that still has significance”
Te Oneroa ā Tōhe Beach Management Plan has been confirmed. Formal launch to be cofirmed for February 2021
Te Whāriki will commence in February 2021 with the remainder of Level 1 participants yet to undertake training workshop.
Iwi Hapū Environmental Management Plans: IHEMP funding round is closing mid-February 2021. This fund totals $20,000 which is designed to support tangata whenua in creating environmental management plans in their rohe.
9.3.6 STRATEGY, Governance And Engagement
NATIONAL INITIATIVES
National Policy Statement-Freshwater Management (NPS-FM)
A workshop to brief council on key aspects of the plan change process was held on 1 December 2020.
The Primary Sector Liaison Group met for the first time on 14 December 2020. The introductory meeting included presentations from council staff on the latest round of Freshwater Reforms.
The first Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group Meeting was held on 19 January 2021. The meeting was well attended, and the group appreciated council staff presence at the Pōwhiri and the attendance of the Chair, Penny Smart and Cr Marty Robinson.
The Chief Freshwater Commissioner, Professor Peter Skelton is tentatively scheduled to visit the Northland Regional Council on 9 March 2021. He will meet with councillors and council staff to discuss the new Freshwater Hearings Panel and associated freshwater planning process.
MfE has also indicated that they intend to revise the National Environmental Standard Freshwater (NES-F) to remove typographic errors and to improve clarity. MfE are also hosting various workshops across the country for council staff to discuss implementation of the NPS-FM with the Upper North Island workshop to be held on 17 March in Hamilton.
The NRC website has been updated with a web page providing guidance on the Government’s Essential Freshwater reforms: www.nrc.govt.nz/essentialfreshwater
PROPOSED REGIONAL PLAN
Since the last update provided to council, Environment Court hearings have been held on unresolved aspects of Topic 11 (in relation to Significant Ecological Area mapping at Marsden Point) with a decision due end of March/April 2021. The Court has also recently released its decision on water quantity appeals that were heard at the end of last year and the findings will be discussed at the next Planning & Regulatory Working Party meeting on 24 February.
A decision on the legal questions as to the jurisdiction of the NES-F, and related definitions (particularly impacting wetlands and mangrove definitions) was issued 10 February. At the time of writing staff had not yet analysed the decision to determine its implications.
Topic 8 (agrichemicals) has been set down for hearing in April 2021, Topic 5 (water quality) early May, and Topic 14 (marine protected areas/fishing controls) for July 2021. The Court has advised that its calendar is now very full and any other matters that require hearing time will unlikely be heard until later in 2021. Negotiations on other unresolved matters are ongoing.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Investment and Growth Reserve – Projects Report
Project |
Update |
Future developments/ reporting |
Extension 350 |
Meet with evaluators to discuss methodology and data that NRC could provide. |
Quarter Two 2020/21 report to be received. |
Te Hononga |
|
Awaiting project completion report (was due in November). |
Manea Footprints of Kupe |
|
Awaiting project completion report (due February). |
Other Work Undertaken
Joint economic development initiative – Second meeting of the Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party took place on Tuesday 8 December 2020.
Letter of Expectations for the Statement of Intent 2021-2024 sent to Northland Inc.
Internet Speed Survey 2020/21 launched 17 December 2020 and closing end of February 2021. The Digital Enablement Group (comprising the four Northland councils and Northland Inc) are running the internet speed survey to gather information that will assist us in the group’s work with central government to expand and improve broadband coverage in Northland.
Ngāwhā Innovation and Education Centre – work with Northland Inc. on the proposed Centre, which will be part of and support the Ngāwhā Innovation Park development
NEST loan agreement – NEST have formally written to council informing us that they do not require to draw down the funds available through the second loan facility.
ONLINE CHANNELS
Most popular content on Facebook:
December 2020
December’s most popular content on Facebook: An alert to be aware that a single seeding for the Batwing Passionflower has been found in the Whangārei Heads area and to be on the lookout for any of these invasive pest plants. The post reached 20,500 people and engaged with just over 2,000 people.
January 2021
Tū i Te Ora Scholarship - a post encouraging whānau to find someone they know, who could be eligible for a $3000 Tū I Te Ora scholarship and have them to apply. The post reached 6,873 people and engaged with 216 people.
Key Performance Indicators |
Sept 20 |
Oct-20 |
Nov-20 |
Dec-20 |
Jan-21 |
WEB |
|||||
# Visits to the NRC website |
29,396 |
29,500 |
30,400 |
32,213 |
36,300 |
E-payments made |
11 |
12 |
5 |
7 |
6 |
# subscription customers (cumulative) |
1,260 |
1,265 |
1,255 |
1,257 |
1,270 |
SOCIAL MEDIA (cumulative) |
|||||
# Twitter followers |
1,536 |
1,540 |
1,546 |
1,549 |
1,551 |
# NRC Facebook fans |
9,880 |
9,920 |
10,065 |
10,144 |
10,200 |
# NRC Overall Facebook Reach |
74,00 |
61,000 |
149,121 |
216,341 |
189,600 |
# NRC Engaged Daily Users |
5,229 |
4,681 |
9,203 |
10,133 |
7,365 |
# CDEM Facebook fans |
21,200 |
21,200 |
21,200 |
21,200 |
21,300 |
# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach |
86,900 |
20,400 |
49,400 |
50,561 |
83,600 |
# CDEM Engaged Daily Users |
5,764 |
4,681 |
2,570 |
3,123 |
14,800 |
# Instagram followers |
1,241 |
1,256 |
1,284 |
1,315 |
1,320 |
NOTES:
Sept – decrease in Facebook reach & engagement due mostly to being
one FTE down in Online Services team this month.
Nov – increased in reach due to increase in post volume and extremely popular post on toxic seas slugs.
ENVIROSCHOOLS / EDUCATION
Freshwater day held at Pawarenga
On 12 January 2021 a ‘Getting to know your awa day’ was held at Wharerimu, Pawarenga. A sprinkling of staff from the Enviroschools, Biodiversity and Biosecurity teams joined in Te Noho Taiao o Te Rarawa for a day of hands-on learning. Topics covered included: fish – pest and native, tuna (eels), amphibious plants, terrestrial pests and water quality testing. Approximately 60 rangatahi and 40 adults participated.
Enviroschools communities facilitated
Despite the school holidays, during January and February, Enviroschools Facilitators held 88 specific interactions with school and early childhood communities.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL INFORMATION (LGOIMA) REQUESTS
Month |
LGOIMA requests |
LGOIMA requests |
July |
15 |
25 |
August |
22 |
17 |
September |
16 |
12 |
October |
29 |
14 |
November |
11 |
14 |
December |
12 |
17 |
January |
14 |
16 |
February |
21 |
|
March |
13 |
|
April |
12 |
|
May |
13 |
|
June |
15 |
|
TOTAL LGOIMA REQUESTS RECEIVED |
193 |
115 |
LGOIMA requests not responded to within 20 working days* |
18 |
5 |
9.3.7 Customer Service – Community Resilience
TRANSPORT
Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2021/2027
At the December 2020 Regional Transport Committee (RTC) meeting a report was tabled updating the committee on the progress made on the Draft Regional Land Transport Plan 2021/2027 (RLTP). Elected representatives and their support managers were linked to the “Strategic Front End” of the document via OneDrive with a request to include their comments and recommendations. These will be reviewed at the RTC meeting of 10 February 2021.
Following the meeting, both the elected representatives, their support managers and members of the Project Team attended a State Highay and Local Road Improvement (large projects) project prioritisation workshop in accordance with Section 16 (3) (d) of the Land Transport Management Act 2003. The elected representatives agreed on the prioritisation of the projects for inclusion in the Draft RLTP.
Due to the number of amendments made to the State Highway Improvements list, another workshop has had to be scheduled following the RTC meeting on 10 February 2021 to reprioritise these projects.
It is planned to have the Draft RLTP out for public consultation from 24 February 2021 to 26 March 2021.
Draft Regional Public Transport Plan
An update report on the Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2021/2031 (RLTP) was also tabled at the December 2020 RTC meeting.
In addition, members of the Joint Whangārei District Council - Northland Regional Council Whangārei Public Transport Working Party were also invited to put forward comments and recommendations on those sections that covered the Whangārei services.
Passenger Transport Administration
*BusLink figures are reported one month in arrears, due to the required information being unavailable at the time of the agenda deadline.
Bus Link stats for December 2020 |
Actual |
Budget |
Variance |
Year/Date Actual |
Year/Date Budgeted |
City Link Passengers |
21,413 |
25,848 |
-4,435 |
165,018 |
17,4216 |
CityLink Revenue |
$27,417 |
$34,895 |
-$7,478 |
$208,958 |
$235,192 |
Mid North Link Passengers |
200 |
168 |
32 |
970 |
960 |
Mid North Link Revenue |
$710 |
$840 |
-$130 |
$3,526 |
$4,800 |
Hokianga Link Passengers |
143 |
84 |
59 |
641 |
474 |
Hokianga Link Revenue |
$625 |
$584 |
$41 |
$3,275 |
$3,297 |
Far North Link Passengers |
255 |
461 |
-206 |
2,260 |
3,486 |
Far North Link Revenue |
$766 |
$1,253 |
-$487 |
$5,750 |
$9,568 |
Bream Bay Link Passengers |
60 |
30 |
30 |
305 |
162 |
Bream Bay Link Revenue |
$340 |
$108 |
$232 |
$1,978 |
$583 |
Hikurangi Link Passengers |
52 |
60 |
-8 |
70 |
108 |
Hikurangi Link Revenue |
$83 |
$156 |
-$73 |
$149 |
$280 |
Whangārei Heads Link Passengers |
24 |
30 |
-6 |
42 |
54 |
Whangārei Heads Link Revenue |
$87 |
$130 |
-$43 |
$167 |
$234 |
Buslink Christmas Promotion / Event
In partnership with the Community engagement team, there was a Buslink Christmas promotion. All Buslink services were free, Christmas Eve Thursday 24th December, passengers received Christmas gifts on the day of travel. NTA and NRC staff were present at the Rose Street bus terminus spreading some Christmas cheer.
Total Mobility
|
Total Clients |
Monthly Actual Expend |
Monthly Budgeted Expend |
Monthly Variance |
Year/Date Actual Expend |
Year/Date Budgeted Expend |
Annual Variance |
Nov 2020 |
1,575 |
$21,010 |
$25,000 |
-$3,990 |
$106,534 |
$125,000 |
-$18,466 |
Dec 2020 |
1,552 |
$21,625 |
$25,000 |
-$3,375 |
$128,159 |
$150,000 |
-$21,841 |
Total Mobility Renewal process
Ridewise the (electronic swipe card system) has now been live/ in operation for 3 years, Total Mobility cards expire every 3 years. NTA staff are currently going through the renewal process of issuing new cards while doing a database cleanse.
International Day of People with Disabilities – 3 December
This year the theme was “Happy to be Here” celebrating living in Whangārei and being part of the community. There was entertainment, and stalls where disabled people were selling their arts, crafts and products. NTA staff promoted the Total Mobility Scheme, and along with WDC the Northland Wide Accessibility Survey.
Ridewise two
RW2 workshops with User Acceptance Testing (UAT) councils, which includes Northland, will begin in 2021. The project needs to be re-scoped and we need to work towards producing a (MVP) minimum viable product, not the RW2 functions that were originally promised. In addition, there are serious performance issues with RW1, so there a matter of urgency to move forward.
ROAD SAFETY UPDATE
Road Trauma Update: 2020 Year to date road death statistics
Provisional Road Death Statistics for 2020:
National = 320 deaths compared to 352 in 2019.
Northland = 28 deaths compared to 29 in 2019.
Over the past ten years, more than 3,200 people have died in road crashes in New Zealand, and an estimated 23,000 have been seriously injured according to Greg Lazzaro the Waka Kotahi General Manager, Safety, Health & Environment in a press release on the 2020 road toll.
Separate Crash Analysis (CAS) Data for Northland shows that between 1980 and 2020 there have been 1,190 fatal crashes killing 1,378 people. The peak deaths of 54 occurred in 1989 and the lowest number of deaths being 7 occurred in 2011. During this period there were no other times total annual deaths were 10 or below.
There have only been two years (2012 and 2014) where there have been under 20 total deaths, in those years there were 18.
Christmas Fatalities |
2016/2017 |
2017/2018 |
2018/2019 |
2019/2020 |
2020/2021 |
National |
19 |
12 |
9 |
4 |
11 |
Northland |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
Fatalities this year |
Far North |
Whangārei |
Kaipara |
Northland |
National |
Local roads |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
State highways |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
13 |
TOTAL |
3 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
21 |
Road Safety Delivery:
Motorcycle Safety - Ride Forever (R4E) Rider Training Update: For the 2020/21 financial year ending June 2021, 91 riders have participated in the Ride Forever (R4E) rider training programme across Northland.
The breakdown included riders participating in the following courses totals 91:-
30 on the Bronze course;
30 on the Silver course; and
31 on the Gold course.
Truck Education and Health Stops
Two Truck Education and Health Stops were held on 11 and 18 November 2020 at Uretiti and Northport respectively. There was a lot of support from the Northland Freight Group partners along with St John Bream Bay, who carried out basic health checks on drivers.
Fatigue/Driver Reviver Stops
The stop scheduled for 18 December 2020 was cancelled due to the big CVST Operation covering north and southbound trucks involved with shifting containers from Northport back to Auckland.
The stop scheduled for 29 January 2021 was cancelled due to the recent positive Covid case visiting the Bream Bay area where a large number of our volunteers reside and underwent testing.
The Fatigue/Driver Reviver Stop scheduled for 5 February (Waitangi Weekend) is set to go ahead.
Both NorthPort and the Auckland/Northland Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Teams (CVST) carried out a campaign during the period that containers were being transported from NorthPort back to Auckland and some to Whangārei.
A number of issues with vehicles and drivers were addressed by the safety teams. Some road safety resources targeting driver behaviour were also handed out to truck drivers while they were down at NorthPort awaiting access to the unloaded containers.
Road Safety Promotion/Media
Road safety promotion work continues supporting Police and partners with road safety promotion at events such as the Driver Reviver/Fatigue Stops and Truck Education and Health Stops, Waitangi Weekend events, with key messaging such as ‘RIDS’ – Restraints, Impairment, Distractions, Speed which continue to feature too frequently in our serious injury and fatal crashes.
Advertising themes in the Road Safety Advertising Calendar 2020/21 for the months of January and February are ‘Speed, Young Drivers, Motorcycling, Seatbelts’.
Additional social media messaging occurred on the Northland Road Safety Facebook and Instagram platforms with short road safety video tips filmed and posted daily throughout December and into January 2021.
A collage of participants is shown to the right |
CUSTOMER SERVICES
Telephone inbound call statistic & enquiries
|
December 2020 |
January |
Target |
Call volume via Customer Services |
1.952 |
1,872 |
|
Conversion rate |
97.9% |
97.6% |
>95% |
Average wait time |
5 sec |
5 sec |
|
Calls answered in under 30 sec |
96.7% |
96.6% |
>90% |
Call volumes were particularly high during the first two Mondays in December. Enquiry volumes tailed off in the last week before the holiday break, as is the normal pattern. The first week back after the break was relatively quiet on phones but there was a notable increase in walk-in customers with pest plant enquiries. Call volumes steadily picked up, although January 2021 was considerably quieter than previous years.
The Customer Services team triaged over 1,300 new phone enquiries during the December – January period, resolving 38% of calls at first point of contact.
Biosecurity continue to make up the bulk of new enquiries, with the maritime and consents also receiving a large number of requests.
Feedback cards, compliments and complaints
Feedback cards have been included with the tallies for compliments and complaints, as appropriate.
Compliments received |
Total |
Information Monitoring |
1 |
Overall service Bus - Citylink Strategy and Governance |
2 |
Service provided by a specific person/people Biosecurity - C Sharp Consents - M Musa (2), J Giles Monitoring - M Lakin Rivers - J Camuso, D Foster |
5
|
Total compliments recorded |
8 |
Complaints received |
Total |
Standard of service provided Bus - CityLink |
4 |
Staff or contractor behaviour/attitude Bus - CityLink |
1 |
Disagree with decision or process Land Management Maritime |
2 |
Lack of information or communication Bus - Citylink Monitoring |
1 |
Issue has occurred repeatedly for me Bus - Citylink |
1 |
Total complaints recorded |
9 |
It is pleasing to see our customers acknowledging our staff by name for their work. In recent months the Consents team, in particular, has been getting a lot of positive feedback on their efficiency and communication.
Most of the complaints regarding the bus service relate to the holiday period when there were some problems with buses not running true to timetable.
All complaints raised in the reporting period have been resolved or have been provided with an explanation to support our decision.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
National
The All of Government COVID-19 Resurgence Plan was disseminated to CDEM Groups in December 2020.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) continues to develop its new organisational structure.
Regional
The Northland CDEM Group engaged in the response and monitored the developing situation during the recent COVID-19 situation in Northland. The group disseminated information to key stakeholders, updated various high-level groups, including governance representatives and maintained a high level of awareness if a wider response was required. The group is also maintaining an active watch on the developments of the vaccine programme.
Regional arrangements for managing any potential drinking water or drought issues over the Christmas period were put in place by the Northland CDEM Group and the Northland branch of the Ministry of Social Development. The Northland CDEM Drought Plan was updated and disseminated before Christmas and regular contact has been maintained with councils and commercial water delivery businesses to monitor the water situation across the region. This work is ongoing throughout the summer months.
On-call CDEM staff supported Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) during the fire response to a rural fire in Ahipara on Tuesday 29 December 2020. CDEM staff supported public information and communication, community welfare support including a site visit to the evacuation centres at the rugby club and the Roma Marae.
Two applications have been made to the National CDEM Resilience Fund for support of two regional CDEM initiatives; the development of a regional electronic emergency needs assessment tool and a contribution towards supporting a CDEM Community Resilience role in building the engagement of Iwi and Maori within Emergency Management in Northland.
Further discussions and investigations continue towards the proposed Northland Multi Agency Emergency Coordination Centre, including the draft Long-Term Plan proposed budget allocations by councils, agency participation, possible building specifications requirements and location.
The region’s 90+ tsunami information boards at coastal locations are undergoing their annual checks to identify any maintenance issues, with repairs being carried out by local council contractors.
The Northland CDEM Group Plan 2016-2021 continues to be reviewed, with an external stakeholder and partners consultation workshop to be held in late March as part of the process.
MARITIME
Forty-five incidents were received over December and January, most Incidents being bylaw offences. Two notable incidents being the boat fire in the Bay of Islands in which a vessel burnt to the waterline, with some public feedback being received concerning the perceived lack of response from Emergency Services and the Harbourmaster’s office. Given the location and nature of the incident, response options were limited. Recovery of the wreck is in progress.
Both Whangārei vessels attended the McLeod’s Bay Bank Party, held on 16 January 2021. The party is an annual event and is held on a bank accessible only by boat that exposes at low water. Estimates would have numbers of vessels attending this year at 150 – 200, with in excess of 1,000 people on the bank at the height of the event. One vessel flipped at speed shortly before dark - two persons ended up in the water and were rescued by Harbourmaster staff. Neither had life jackets and both were heavily intoxicated.
The Summer Patrol Programme, run in collaboration with Maritime New Zealand and their “No Excuses” Campaign, ran over the holiday period with 351 interactions recorded. A significant increase of recreational vessels was observed on the water throughout the region. However, behaviour was generally good, and staff generally well received during interactions.
FED Funding from Maritime New Zealand also covered the employment of a Summer Safety Ambassador for the Far North, working closely with local Iwi and remote communities. In addition to the regular harbours patrolled, staff also undertook patrols in Houhora, Mangonui and Waipū Estuary.
A pre-summer meeting was held with representatives from both Customs and NZ Police with an objective to conduct coordinated on water patrols. Police officers accompanied staff on several of the harbour patrols throughout the region.
Two large container ships called to Northport during the months of December and January - the Constantinos P at 261m and the Tianjin Bridge at 294m. Both vessels are the largest to have called into Northport facilities and the second largest vessels to call into Marsden Point. The Harbourmaster and Deputy Harbourmaster worked closely with Northport and the Marine Pilots during the risk assessment, simulations and feasibility assessments.
The simulator model for the Bay of Islands has also been put to use to maintain license currency as well as to assess contingency options for various equipment or gear failure. The simulator is also proving valuable in reassessing and establishing further defined maximum weather operating criteria.
Staff have also been working to remove oils and pollutants from a large fishing vessel in Whangārei in preparation for scrapping.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Council Meeting item: 9.4
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Reporting on the Long Term Plan 2018-2028 performance measures for quarter two of the 2020/21 year |
ID: |
A1404614 |
From: |
Robyn Broadhurst, Policy Specialist |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
This report presents the results of council’s Long Term Plan 2018-2028 key performance indicators for the second quarter of the 2020/21 financial year, being Oct – Dec 2020.
That the report ‘Reporting on the Long Term Plan 2018-2028 performance measures for quarter two of the 2020/21 year’ by Robyn Broadhurst, Policy Specialist and dated 18 January 2021, be received.
Background/Tuhinga
The Long Term Plan 2018-2028 comprises 51 key performance indicators that measure aspects of council’s service provision across five activity groupings:
• Governance and engagement
• Regulatory services
• Environmental services
• River management
• Customer services and community resilience
Each performance measure provides a snapshot of the activity’s performance.
The frequency of reporting against the measures varies, with the majority being reported on annually at the end of the financial year, and some reported quarterly and biannually.
It should be noted that for some measures the end of year result may comprise an average of the quarterly results, which may result in an overall achievement or non-achievement that differs from an individual quarter.
Of the 17 performance measures reported on, five have achieved their targets for the quarter, five have either not achieved their target for the quarter or are not on track to achieve their end-of-year target, one was not applicable for the quarter, and six are tracking to achieve their end of year target.
Governance and engagement | Ratonga whakahaere whakauru
1.1 Governance |
||
1.1.1 Maintain effective, open and transparent democratic processes
|
||
Percentage of official information requests that are responded to within 20 working days. |
100% compliance |
98% – not achieved
An explanation as to why individual LGOIMA requests are not responded to within 20 working days is reported monthly via the CEs Report. |
Percentage of time that elected members attend council meetings. |
90% compliance |
96% – achieved |
1.2 Māori relationships |
||
1.2.1 Establish enduring and robust governance relationships between council and Māori of Taitokerau
|
||
Ten meetings (five formal meetings and five marae-based meetings) of the Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party are held each 12-month period. |
10 meetings held annually |
On track to achieve
Two regional hui and one formal meeting held in Q2. |
1.3 Communication and engagement |
||
1.3.2 Promote effective community engagement
|
||
Number of subscribers to online and social media channels (includes social media, eNewsletters and web alerts). |
25% annual increase
(number and percentage increase to be reported) |
3% – not on track to achieve
This is due to an ongoing change to the way this target is set – no longer focused on straight increase in number of subscribers, more on engagement levels. |
Regulatory services |Ratonga a ture
2.2 Consents |
||
2.2.1 Provide efficient and effective processing and administering of resource consents
|
||
Percentage of all resource consent applications that are processed within the statutory timeframes. |
98% compliance |
99.8% – achieved |
2.3 Monitoring (compliance monitoring) |
||
2.3.1 Provide efficient and effective compliance monitoring of resource consents
|
||
Percentage of monitored resource consents that are not graded as significantly non-compliant. |
90% |
95.27% – achieved |
Percentage of monitored permitted farm dairy effluent activities that are not graded as significantly non-compliant. |
90% |
88% – not achieved
This measure is dependent on landowner behaviour which, while influenced by council activities, is also influenced by factors outside of council’s control. |
Percentage of consents for industrial, municipal sewage and farm discharges, and major water takes requiring monitoring, that are monitored as per the council's consent monitoring programme. |
100% |
75% – on track to achieve
This is an end-of-year target that we are currently on track to achieving. |
2.3.2 Efficient and effective response to and resolution of reported environmental incidents
|
||
Percentage of environmental incidents with more than minor effects reported to the Environmental Hotline resolved within 30 working days. |
80% resolved within 30 working days |
69% – not achieved
Of the 23 incidents that had more than minor adverse environmental affects, seven were not able to be resolved within 20 working days. However, end-of-year target may still be achieved. |
2.4 Monitoring (State of the environment monitoring) |
||
2.4.2 Monitor the life-supporting capacity of water (fresh and marine), uses and values
|
||
Comprehensively monitor at least 40 coastal sites monthly for general water quality. |
40 sites monitored annually |
On track to achieve
This is an end-of-year target that we are on track to achieve. Sampling is undertaken each month. |
2.4.3 Monitor the standard of ambient air quality in Northland
|
||
Percentage of air sheds meeting the national air quality environmental standards. |
100% compliance |
100% – achieved |
Environmental services | Ratonga i te taiao
3.2.1 Provide information on water resources including rainfall, flood levels and ground water
|
||
Percentage of time that flood level monitoring is accurate to enable flood warnings to be developed. |
100% compliance |
100% – achieved |
3.3 Biosecurity |
||
3.3.1 Promote community involvement in pest management
|
||
Increase in hectares of land under Community Pest Control Area Plans (CPCAs) per annum. |
Increase by 5000 ha annually |
Proposed CPCAs currently being planned include: Waipoua Forest Trust (284ha); Opara/Wharekawa (1000ha); Waipunga (979ha); Pukenui (2000ha); and Te Orewai (2832ha). |
3.4 Biodiversity |
||
3.4.1 Maintain and enhance indigenous biodiversity and eco-systems around our rivers, lakes, wetlands and coastal margins
|
||
Number of plants provided through CoastCare programme. |
2019/20: 12,000 |
6,242 – on track to achieve |
3.5 Land and water |
||
3.5.1 Promote improved water quality by providing advice and funding on sustainable land management, soil conservation, and biodiversity through farm management and catchment management initiatives
|
||
Area in hectares (ha) of land being actively managed under a sustainable farm environment plan. |
Increase 25,000 ha per annum |
Not on track to achieve
This is due to a change in direction for Farm Management Advisors, whereby farm plans are no longer being written. |
Number of subsidised poplar poles provided for erosion-prone land by the Flyger Road nursery. |
2019/20: 7,000 |
Subsidised poles will not be provided until the next planting season (May 2021) and therefore haven’t been reported on here. |
Kilometres of waterway margins protected to reduce sediment, nutrient run-off and general contamination of water, funded by the Environment Fund. |
Increase (from baseline data) |
162.7kms – on track to achieve
The baseline is 297km. |
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Council Meeting item: 9.5
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Legislative compliance for the period 1 Juy - 31 December 2020 |
ID: |
A1411605 |
From: |
Kyla Carlier, Acting Strategy Policy and Planning Manager |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on 17 February 2021 |
Executive summary/Whakarāpopototanga
This report presents the findings of council’s legislative compliance programme for the six-month period 1 July – 31 December 2020.
That the report ‘Legislative compliance for the period 1 Juy - 31 December 2020’ by Kyla Carlier, Acting Strategy Policy and Planning Manager and dated 12 February 2021, be received.
Background/Tuhinga
The Office of the Auditor-General encourages local authorities to apply a systematic process to managing the legal risks that might arise in relation to the functions and activities that they are responsible for.
Council’s current legislative compliance framework provides assurance for compliance with legislation that is fundamental to the council’s operations and/or poses significant potential risk. This includes:
• The Local Government Act 2002
• The Local Government (Financial Reporting and Prudence) Regulations 2014
• The Non-financial Performance Measures Rules 2013
• The Local Government Borrowing Act 2011
• The Local Government (Rating) Act 2002
• The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987
• The Local Authorities (Member’s Interests) Act 1968
• The Resource Management Act 1991
• The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• The Holidays Act 2003
• The Employment Relations Act 2000
• The Biosecurity Act 1993
• The Building Act 2004
• The Fire Security Act
• The Civil Defence and Emergency Management Act 2002
• The Land Transport Act 1998
• The Maritime Transport Act 1994
• The Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017.
There are several other pieces of legislation that also have relevance to council operations, but compliance is managed via other internal processes and procedures.
Legislative compliance reporting is completed six-monthly by group managers. Reporting requires group managers to confirm compliance (or otherwise) with the relevant legislation and identify action that has been carried out to ensure that council is aware of any new legislation or regulations. Group managers must also sign a declaration confirming their level of compliance.
Reporting has been completed for the six-month period 1 July – 31 December 2020, and the results are reported here by exception.
Reporting indicated that compliance was achieved with all of council’s core legislation, with two exceptions. Part compliance was achieved with:
· The Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA). Council complied with all formal meeting procedure requirements regarding notification of meetings, availability of agendas and detailing the specific grounds to exclude the public from any part of the proceedings. However, council did not fully complied with the requirement to respond to LGOIMA requests within 20 working days. Any non-compliance is reported monthly to council via the Chief Executive’s Report.
· Employment Relations Act 2000. Some non-compliance was identified relating to the storage and availability of some pre-2015 contracts. It was also noted that the collective agreement has expired but negotiations with the union are currently underway. Compliance was achieved with all other sections of the Employment Relations Act.
No new legislation requiring consideration of implementation was reported by group managers, who continued to stay informed via ListServs, national steering groups, parliamentary alerts, legal advice, advisors, and audit processes.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Council Meeting item: 10.1
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Receipt of Committee Minutes |
ID: |
A1411062 |
From: |
Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Chris Taylor, Governance Support Manager, on 17 February 2021 |
That the unconfirmed minutes of the:
· Audit and Risk Subcommittee – 2 December 2020;
· Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee – 4 December 2020;
· Regional Transport Committee – 9 December 2020; and
· Investment and Property Subcommittee - 27 January 2021
be received.
Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga
Attachment 1: Audit and Risk Subcommittee - 2 December 2020 ⇩
Attachment 2: Kaipara Moana Remediation Joint Committee - 4 December 2020 ⇩
Attachment 3: RTC meeting minutes - 09 December 2020 ⇩
Attachment 4: Investment and Property Subcommittee - 27 January 2021 ⇩
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefing |
ID: |
A1406160 |
From: |
Sally Bowron, Strategy, Governance and Engagement Team Admin/PA |
Authorised by Group Manager: |
Ben Lee, GM - Strategy, Governance and Engagement, on date 17 February 2021 |
That the report ‘Working Party Updates and Chairpersons' Briefing’ be received.
Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party (Chair: Cr Justin Blaikie)
The Regional Economic Development Service Delivery Working Party met on 27 November and 8 December 2020. The topics for discussion included:
· Northland Inc. Statement of Intent 2021-2024 – draft letter of expectations
· Northland Inc. – appointment of directors.
Following discussion, the Working Party provided advice on the following next steps:
· Comments on the draft letter that were subsequently agreed for inclusion by the Chair and CEO, and sent to Northland Inc.
· Timetable for the appointment of directors, matrix for assessing applications, and the working party members that would be on the interview panel.
· That council requested the working party to provide recommendations on the documentation and other matters relating to the establishment of Northland Inc. as a joint council-owned organisation
Council Meeting ITEM: 11.0
23 February 2021
TITLE: |
Executive Summary
The purpose of this report is to recommend that the public be excluded from the proceedings of this meeting to consider the confidential matters detailed below for the reasons given.
1. That the public be excluded from the proceedings of this meeting to consider confidential matters.
2. That the general subject of the matters to be considered whilst the public is excluded, the reasons for passing this resolution in relation to this matter, and the specific grounds under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution, are as follows:
Item No. |
Item Issue |
Reasons/Grounds |
11.1 |
Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 15 December 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. |
11.2 |
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 -. |
11.3 |
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). |
11.4 |
Enterprise System |
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). |
3. That the Independent Financial Advisors be permitted to stay during business with the public excluded.
Considerations
1. Options
Not applicable. This is an administrative procedure.
2. Significance and Engagement
This is a procedural matter required by law. Hence when assessed against council policy is deemed to be of low significance.
3. Policy and Legislative Compliance
The report complies with the provisions to exclude the public from the whole or any part of the proceedings of any meeting as detailed in sections 47 and 48 of the Local Government Official Information Act 1987.
4. Other Considerations
Being a purely administrative matter; Community Views, Māori Impact Statement, Financial Implications, and Implementation Issues are not applicable.