Agenda of Council Meeting - Tuesday, 23 July 2024

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	That the council approve the RLTP and approve the submission of the RLTP to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi by 1 August 2024.	The RLTP is submitted to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi within the prescribed time period and thereby ensuring that the Northland Regional Council, Far North District Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Waitangi Trust and the Department of Conservation applications for transport-related funding assistance through the National Land Transport Fund are received by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi by the prescribed date of 1 August 2024 and are thereby eligible for government funding.	None.
2	That the council does not approve the RLTP and does not approve the submission of the RLTP to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi by 1 August 2024.	None.	Failure to submit the RLTP by 1 August 2024 could potentially adversely impact on the ability of the Northland Regional Council, Far North District Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Waitangi Trust and the Department of Conservation to obtain funding assistance through the National Land Transport Fund. (Further detail is provided in section 4 of this report).

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

That the council approve the RLTP and approve the submission of the RLTP to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi by 1 August 2024.

The RLTP is submitted to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi within the prescribed time period and thereby ensuring that the Northland Regional Council, Far North District Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Waitangi Trust and the Department of Conservation applications for transport-related funding assistance through the National Land Transport Fund are received by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi by the prescribed date of 1 August 2024 and are thereby eligible for government funding.

None.

That the council does not approve the RLTP and does not approve the submission of the RLTP to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi by 1 August 2024.

None.

Failure to submit the RLTP by 1 August 2024 could potentially adversely impact on the ability of the Northland Regional Council, Far North District Council, Whangarei District Council, Kaipara District Council, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Waitangi Trust and the Department of Conservation to obtain funding assistance through the National Land Transport Fund. (Further detail is provided in section 4 of this report).

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Agree to the set of decisions that move to the joint delivery model for local government economic development services with WDC, including the sale of shares in Northland Inc to WDC, the expansion of membership in the JREDC, and a revised criteria for the allocation of funding from the IGR	Completes the process of WDC joining the JREDC and becoming a shareholder in Northland Inc. Provides additional funding into the IGR, allowing for a greater level of enabling investment across the region. Enables JREDC to serve as a demonstration of regional unity, on economic development issues, to stakeholders inside and outside the region. Enables a greater level of regional coordination in conversations with central government and private firms about investment and development opportunities. Enhances Northland Inc’s ability to advocate for the region and secure funding for economic development projects.	Council dilutes its shareholding of Northland Inc, decreasing its level of influence over the CCO’s operations and board composition. Increases the operational complexity of the JREDC.
2	Do not agree to the set of decisions to move to the joint delivery model for local government economic development services with WDC.	Enables NRC to maintain its level of control over Northland Inc and its board. Doesn’t increase the complexity of the JREDC.	Limits the capacity of Northland Inc to advocate for our region, when talking to central government and businesses. Likely to decrease the operational funding available to Northland Inc, hindering its ability to support small businesses, given the JREDC’s desire to increase the size of the IGR. Negatively affects Northland’s ability to secure funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), given the government’s stated desire to see a high level of regional coordination around the fund. Indicates a lack of regional unity and coordination on economic development priorities, which could limit Northland’s access to central government funding, beyond the RIF. Could damage NRC’s relationship with the other three local authorities given their support for WDC’s decision to become a shareholder.

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Agree to the set of decisions that move to the joint delivery model for local government economic development services with WDC, including the sale of shares in Northland Inc to WDC, the expansion of membership in the JREDC, and a revised criteria for the allocation of funding from the IGR

Completes the process of WDC joining the JREDC and becoming a shareholder in Northland Inc.

Provides additional funding into the IGR, allowing for a greater level of enabling investment across the region.

Enables JREDC to serve as a demonstration of regional unity, on economic development issues, to stakeholders inside and outside the region.

Enables a greater level of regional coordination in conversations with central government and private firms about investment and development opportunities.

Enhances Northland Inc’s ability to advocate for the region and secure funding for economic development projects.

Council dilutes its shareholding of Northland Inc, decreasing its level of influence over the CCO’s operations and board composition.

Increases the operational complexity of the JREDC.

Do not agree to the set of decisions to move to the joint delivery model for local government economic development services with WDC.

Enables NRC to maintain its level of control over Northland Inc and its board.

Doesn’t increase the complexity of the JREDC.

Limits the capacity of Northland Inc to advocate for our region, when talking to central government and businesses.

Likely to decrease the operational funding available to Northland Inc, hindering its ability to support small businesses, given the JREDC’s desire to increase the size of the IGR.

Negatively affects Northland’s ability to secure funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), given the government’s stated desire to see a high level of regional coordination around the fund.

Indicates a lack of regional unity and coordination on economic development priorities, which could limit Northland’s access to central government funding, beyond the RIF.

Could damage NRC’s relationship with the other three local authorities given their support for WDC’s decision to become a shareholder.

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Status quo – delegated staff arrange and appoint RMA hearing commissioners for consent hearings and make recommendations to the council for appointment of commissioners to hear and make recommendations on non-freshwater plan changes.	Quick and very efficient. Avoids the need to go back to the council or a committee for approval of new/replacement commissioners if an approved commissioner pulls out prior to a hearing.	Council has little oversight of commissioner options for consent hearings.
2	Council:
	· Approves an initial list of RMA hearing commissioners that staff then use to arrange and appoint commissioners for consent hearings. · Considers and approves subsequent applications (reported on by staff) made by commissioners to be added to the list. · Retains approval to appoint commissioners (informed by staff recommendations) to hear and make recommendations on non-freshwater plan changes. · Retains its power to make nominations to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner for appointment to the freshwater hearings panel for the council’s freshwater plan/plan changes.	Quick and efficient once the initial list has been approved. Council is involved in the process (commissioner options). The approved list of commissioners could be published on council’s website together with the process for other commissioners to be added to the list.	Requires more administration.

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Status quo – delegated staff arrange and appoint RMA hearing commissioners for consent hearings and make recommendations to the council for appointment of commissioners to hear and make recommendations on non-freshwater plan changes.

Quick and very efficient. Avoids the need to go back to the council or a committee for approval of new/replacement commissioners if an approved commissioner pulls out prior to a hearing.

Council has little oversight of commissioner options for consent hearings.

Council:

· Approves an initial list of RMA hearing commissioners that staff then use to arrange and appoint commissioners for consent hearings.

· Considers and approves subsequent applications (reported on by staff) made by commissioners to be added to the list.

· Retains approval to appoint commissioners (informed by staff recommendations) to hear and make recommendations on non-freshwater plan changes.

· Retains its power to make nominations to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner for appointment to the freshwater hearings panel for the council’s freshwater plan/plan changes.

Quick and efficient once the initial list has been approved.

Council is involved in the process (commissioner options).

The approved list of commissioners could be published on council’s website together with the process for other commissioners to be added to the list.

Requires more administration.

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
3A	Council:
	· Establishes a committee to appoint RMA hearing commissioners for consent hearings to make recommendations to council. · Retains approval to appoint commissioners (based on staff recommendations) to hear and make recommendations on non-freshwater plan changes. · Retains its power to make nominations to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner for appointment to the freshwater hearings panel for the council’s freshwater plan/plan changes.	Council is involved in the process of appointing hearing commissioners for consent hearings via its representatives on the committee.	Less efficient and requires more administration. Potential delays in hearing commissioner appointment if committee members are not available/cannot be contacted or, if the appointment process can be done by e-mail, do not respond promptly to e-mails.
3B	Council establishes a committee to appoint RMA hearing commissioners for consent hearings and non-freshwater plan changes, and to make nominations to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner for appointment to the freshwater hearings panel for the council’s freshwater plan/plan changes.	Same as Option 3A.	Same as Option 3A. Only councillors on the committee are involved in the process of appointing commissioners for non-freshwater plan changes, and to make nominations to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner for appointment to the freshwater hearings panel for the council’s freshwater plan/plan changes.

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Council:

· Establishes a committee to appoint RMA hearing commissioners for consent hearings to make recommendations to council.

· Retains approval to appoint commissioners (based on staff recommendations) to hear and make recommendations on non-freshwater plan changes.

· Retains its power to make nominations to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner for appointment to the freshwater hearings panel for the council’s freshwater plan/plan changes.

Council is involved in the process of appointing hearing commissioners for consent hearings via its representatives on the committee.

Less efficient and requires more administration.

Potential delays in hearing commissioner appointment if committee members are not available/cannot be contacted or, if the appointment process can be done by e-mail, do not respond promptly to
e-mails.

Council establishes a committee to appoint RMA hearing commissioners for consent hearings and non-freshwater plan changes, and to make nominations to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner for appointment to the freshwater hearings panel for the council’s freshwater plan/plan changes.

Same as Option 3A.

Same as Option 3A. Only councillors on the committee are involved in the process of appointing commissioners for non-freshwater plan changes, and to make nominations to the Chief Freshwater Commissioner for appointment to the freshwater hearings panel for the council’s freshwater plan/plan changes.

Steps and Factors	Responsible Officer
Check if the consent applicant or a submitter has requested the council to use independent hearings commissioners. If so, only commissioners who are not members of the local authority can be appointed to hear and determine a consent application.	Consents Manager
Determine the issues that have been raised in submissions.	Consents Manager
Determine whether a single commissioner would be sufficient to hold hearing based on issues that have been raised and the number of submitters wishing to be heard, or if more than one commissioner would be appropriate. The latter is likely when there are many submitters and a wide range of issues raised.	Consents Manager
If complex technical issues are raised, then would need to identify a commissioner that has knowledge/experience regarding those issues. If Māori cultural issues have also been raised, then would need to assess if an additional commissioner with knowledge/experience in Māori cultural issues is required. If it is determined that only a single commissioner is required, then the commissioner should have significant experience in RMA planning matters and our regional plan framework. Where more than one commissioner is required then one of commissioners must be appointed to chair the commissioner panel and hold a current chair certification.	Consents Manager (may be discussed with Group Manager Regulatory Services)
If the consent application is within the rohe of a hapū or iwi that has signed a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe, then the requirements of that agreement regarding consent hearings and Māori commissioners need to be followed.	Consents Manager
Once potential commissioners have been identified, their availability is ascertained, and any conflicts of interest are identified that would eliminate them from being engaged. The consent applicant also needs to be contacted to determine hearing dates. This can become an iterative process when there is more than one commissioner required and/or the consent applicant is relying on multiple people to give evidence/support their application at the hearing. After these processes have been completed, approval of the commissioner(s) and the delegation of all relevant functions, powers and duties is sought from Group Manager Regulatory Services or Chief Executive Officer if the former is on leave or has a conflict of interest in relation to the consent application or a hearing commissioner.	Consents Manager
Approval of the commissioner(s) and the delegation of all relevant functions, powers and duties required by them.	Group Manager Regulatory Services or Chief Executive Officer

Steps and Factors

Responsible Officer

Check if the consent applicant or a submitter has requested the council to use independent hearings commissioners. If so, only commissioners who are not members of the local authority can be appointed to hear and determine a consent application.

Consents Manager

Determine the issues that have been raised in submissions.

Consents Manager

Determine whether a single commissioner would be sufficient to hold hearing based on issues that have been raised and the number of submitters wishing to be heard, or if more than one commissioner would be appropriate. The latter is likely when there are many submitters and a wide range of issues raised.

Consents Manager

If complex technical issues are raised, then would need to identify a commissioner that has knowledge/experience regarding those issues. If Māori cultural issues have also been raised, then would need to assess if an additional commissioner with knowledge/experience in Māori cultural issues is required. If it is determined that only a single commissioner is required, then the commissioner should have significant experience in RMA planning matters and our regional plan framework. Where more than one commissioner is required then one of commissioners must be appointed to chair the commissioner panel and hold a current chair certification.

Consents Manager (may be discussed with Group Manager Regulatory Services)

If the consent application is within the rohe of a hapū or iwi that has signed a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe, then the requirements of that agreement regarding consent hearings and Māori commissioners need to be followed.

Consents Manager

Once potential commissioners have been identified, their availability is ascertained, and any conflicts of interest are identified that would eliminate them from being engaged. The consent applicant also needs to be contacted to determine hearing dates. This can become an iterative process when there is more than one commissioner required and/or the consent applicant is relying on multiple people to give evidence/support their application at the hearing. After these processes have been completed, approval of the commissioner(s) and the delegation of all relevant functions, powers and duties is sought from Group Manager Regulatory Services or Chief Executive Officer if the former is on leave or has a conflict of interest in relation to the consent application or a hearing commissioner.

Consents Manager

Approval of the commissioner(s) and the delegation of all relevant functions, powers and duties required by them.

Group Manager Regulatory Services or Chief Executive Officer

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Formally adopt the Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy and direct staff to develop an implementation plan.	The strategy will move toward being fully adopted as a regional strategy by all councils, setting out the vision and key goals for accessibility in Northland; an NRC-specific plan will be developed to guide implementation of the strategy for council.	Staff resource will need to be allocated to the development of the implementation plan.
2	Formally adopt the Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy; do not direct staff to develop an implementation plan.	The strategy will move toward being fully adopted as a regional strategy by all councils, setting out the vision and key goals for accessibility in Northland; No staff resource will need to be allocated to the development of an implementation plan.	No implementation plan will be developed, meaning that the approach to accessibility across council will remain ad-hoc.
3	Do not formally adopt the Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy; do not direct staff to develop an implementation plan.	No staff resource will need to be allocated to the development of an implementation plan.	The strategy will not be adopted by all councils, and will be prevented from being released as a formal strategy; the approach to accessibility across council will remain ad-hoc; reputational risk would be introduced.

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Formally adopt the Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy and direct staff to develop an implementation plan.

The strategy will move toward being fully adopted as a regional strategy by all councils, setting out the vision and key goals for accessibility in Northland; an NRC-specific plan will be developed to guide implementation of the strategy for council.

Staff resource will need to be allocated to the development of the implementation plan.

Formally adopt the Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy; do not direct staff to develop an implementation plan.

The strategy will move toward being fully adopted as a regional strategy by all councils, setting out the vision and key goals for accessibility in Northland;

No staff resource will need to be allocated to the development of an implementation plan.

No implementation plan will be developed, meaning that the approach to accessibility across council will remain ad-hoc.

Do not formally adopt the Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy; do not direct staff to develop an implementation plan.

No staff resource will need to be allocated to the development of an implementation plan.

The strategy will not be adopted by all councils, and will be prevented from being released as a formal strategy; the approach to accessibility across council will remain ad-hoc; reputational risk would be introduced.

No.	Option	Advantages	Disadvantages
1	Approve the changes to the Chairperson and meeting frequency of the WPTWP.	· Meeting frequency better aligns with the workload of the working party. · Spreads workload across elected members.	· None apparent.
2	Do not approve the changes to the Chairperson and meeting frequency of the WPTWP.	· None apparent.	· Meeting frequency is out of balance with the workload of the working party. · Workload is not well distributed between elected members.

No.

Option

Advantages

Disadvantages

Approve the changes to the Chairperson and meeting frequency of the WPTWP.

· Meeting frequency better aligns with the workload of the working party.

· Spreads workload across elected members.

· None apparent.

Do not approve the changes to the Chairperson and meeting frequency of the WPTWP.

· None apparent.

· Meeting frequency is out of balance with the workload of the working party.

· Workload is not well distributed between elected members.

Council Meeting item: 7.3

23 July 2024

TITLE:	Chief Executive’s Report to Council
From:	Jonathan Gibbard, Tāhūhū Rangapū - Chief Executive Officer
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Jonathan Gibbard, Tāhūhū Rangapū - Chief Executive Officer, on 17 July 2024

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Jonathan Gibbard, Tāhūhū Rangapū - Chief Executive Officer and dated 26 June 2024, be received.

7.3.1 Highlights

Wild Animal Control

Operations for the sika eradication project began in late April, and since then 39 sika deer have been removed from both public and private lands in the Russell and Ngaiotonga areas. The team have been using a combination of helicopter thermal imaging and ground crews with drones. The use of a helicopter and high-quality thermal detection has proved very effective in finding deer under tall forest and tight manuka shrublands. In addition, the deer are still mobbed up after the roar making them more vulnerable in terms of detection and eradication.

Once DNA and other samples are taken staff have been distributing deer meat back into the community through farm owners and the marae at Te Rawhiti, Waikare and Ngaiotonga.


Pictured above is the council’s Biosecurity Project Lead - Feral Deer, manning the barbeque and council’s Kaiwhakahaere Honongā Māori, who has tamariki at the school. Local pest control kaitiaki from Waikare also joined the school’s Matariki event.

7.3.2 Corporate Services

PROPERTY

Hon Judith Collins as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology will be opening the new facility that council built for NIWA at 9.30am, Tuesday 13 August 2024. Council leases the building and core infrastructure to NIWA. NIWA own the specialist fit out and IP and on-grow kingfish for the high-end restaurant market.

Demolition of two council buildings, in preparation for a property redevelopment, has commenced in Whangārei’s CBD.

On 30 June 2024, the occupancy rate for all properties ‘available for lease’ was 100%. However, there are 3 tenancies vacating in the months of July to September 2024 and the Property Team are actively seeking tenants for the properties to avoid any long term vacancy impacting budgets. To some extent, rent reviews on other properties will offset any impact.

Following council’s Health and Safety and Property Teams recommendation, provision of two specialist flammables and hazardous substances containers and other health and safety improvements are now being undertaken at the Union East Street Storage Facility.

FINANCE

The Finance team are currently working towards completing the 2023/24 year-end draft accounts for audit review, hence there is no financial report included in the July 2024 Council agenda. These year-end draft accounts will be presented to Council at a workshop on 15 August 2024, and then to the full Council meeting on 27 August 2024. Deloitte Auditors will be onsite from 19 August until early September completing their review of the final accounts, which are set to be given audit clearance, and be adopted by Council, at the Council meeting on 24 September 2024.

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

7.3.3 Regulatory Services

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 to 30 June 2024 (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	53	49	0	1	0	3
Coastal Air Discharge	1	0	0	0	0	1
Coastal Discharge	35	25	3	3	0	4
Coastal Permit	227	175	23	3	0	26
Land Discharge	178	79	26	4	0	69
Land Use Consent	144	61	1	0	0	82
NES-F	45	22	7	15	1	0
Water Discharge	78	44	9	12	3	0
Water Permit	144	47	1	1	0	95
Water Take	188	121	24	11	0	32
Total	1093	623	94	50	4	322
Percentage		57.0%	8.6%	4.6%	0.4%	29.5%
Year to date	7696	4984	851	706	84	1071
Percentage		64.8%	11.1%	9.2%	1.1%	13.9%

Municipal wastewater treatment plant compliance/enforcement

WWTP/Consent Status

Compliance for last 12 months

Enforcement Action/Response

Ahipara

Expires 2033

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Under ANs (reissued in September 2022).

New SCUV unit currently being installed.

Ducting for power installed, shed in place, site visit with Ahipara Takiwa early June. Commissioning period to start end of July.

Russell

Expired 30 April 2024

(replacement consent application received)

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Under AN.

Significant non-compliance currently being addressed.

Taipā

Expires 2029

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None currently.

Whatuwhiwhi

Expires 2025

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None currently.

Opononi & Omāpere

Expired 2019

(replacement consent under appeal)

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Under AN.

Issues will be addressed in replacement consent.

Rāwene

Expired 2023

(replacement consent being processed)

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Issues will be addressed in replacement consent.

Kaitāia

Expired 2021

(replacement consent being processed)

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Under AN (for reticulation overflows).

Ongoing works on reticulation system. Issues will be addressed in replacement consent.

Kawakawa

Expires 2036

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None currently.

Paihia

Expires 2034

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None currently.

Kaikohe

Expired 2021

(replacement consent being processed)

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Issues will be addressed in replacement consent.

Kaiwaka

Expired 2022

Replaced consent granted on 27 May 2024 – expires 2049

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Conditions imposed on the consent to improve WWTP performance/discharge quality.

Glinks Gully

Expires 31 July 2024

(replacement consent application received)

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None currently.

Kohukohu

Expires 2026

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None currently.

Te Kopuru

Expires 2044

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None currently.

Hihi

Expired 2022

(replacement consent being processed)

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None currently.

Dargaville

Expires 2043

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Under AN.

Issues addressed in replacement consent.

Ruakaka

Expires 2046

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None currently.

Hikurangi

Expires 2025

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Improvements to plant performance currently underway.

Kaeo

Expired 2022

(replacement consent being processed)

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None currently.

Rangiputa

Expires 2032

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None currently.

Maungaturoto

Expires 2032

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Under AN.

Mangawhai

Expires 2042

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Under AN.

Dam repairs completed. Extensive work being undertaken to address odour issues.

Tutukaka

Expired 31 May 2024

(replacement consent being processed)

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None currently.

Whāngārei City

Expired 2022

(replacement consent conditions being finalised)

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Under AN for odour from plant.

Issues will be addressed in replacement consent.

Portland

Expired 31 May 2024

(replacement consent being processed)

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None currently.

Oakura

Expires 2025

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None currently.

Kerikeri

Expires 2036

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None currently.

Waipū

Expires 2030

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None currently.

Ngunguru

Expires 2035

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None currently.

Waiōtira

Expires 2030

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None currently.

Compliance Status	Colour
Full compliance
Low risk non-compliance
Moderate non-compliance
Significant non-compliance

ENFORCEMENT

Abatement Notices, Infringement Notices and Formal Warnings

The following table gives the total numbers of abatement and infringement notices, and formal warnings issued in June 2024:

Nature of offence	Abatement notices	Infringement notices	Formal warnings
Other water discharge	1	0	0
Discharge to land	0	1	0
Sewage	3	0	0
Burning and smoke nuisance	5	3	0
Illegal use of lakebed or riverbed	0	1	0
Hazardous substances, spills and refuse	2	0	0
Burning & smoke nuisance	0	2	0
Earthworks/land use	2	0	0
Stormwater discharge	0	3	0
Total	13	10	0

Court Cases Update

Litigation	Next Court Event/Action
Prosecution District Court Contravention of enforcement orders requiring remedial work.	Sentencing on 18 June 2024. Defendant was discharged without conviction and ordered to pay NRC costs of $10,000.
Prosecution District Court Discharge of sediment.	The next call-over is on 24 July 2024.
Prosecution District Court Discharge of raw farm dairy effluent to a stream; wastewater washed into stream; and overflow from pond.	Pre-trial hearing date is 10 and 11 July 2024. Crown submissions were filed on 19 June 2024. Defendants were required to file their submissions by 3 July 2024.
Prosecution District Court Earthworks including: construction of tracks, earthworks and vegetation removal in and near wetland; stream crossings; discharge of sediment; and damming and diversions of tributaries.	Latest Court fixture was on 18 June 2024. The defendant has considered to change election from judge alone to jury trial. Judge directed the defendant to file the application by 3 July 2024 and NRC to respond by 17 July 2024. Judicial teams conference has been arranged for 29 July 2024.
Appeal against abatement notice & application for stay Environment Court Coastal works.	NRC is waiting for response to its costs proposal from the person responsible for the coastal works after his unsuccessful appeal.
Appeal against abatement notice Environment Court Aerial spraying in the vicinity of the spray-sensitive areas.	Case resolved and now closed after agreed outcome was reached at mediation on 5 June 2024.
Interim Enforcement Orders Environment Court Series of open burning in contravention of abatement notice.	Following the enforcement order decision made by the Environment Court on 12 June 2024, an order in relation to cost was made by consent for person responsible for the fire to pay $4,000 to NRC on date of settlement of sale of his property.

Current Legal Proceedings

Department	Description	Status
Consent decision appeal	Irrigation of avocado orchards and horticulture crops	Court released its ‘final’ decision on 11 July to grant all consents subject to some amended conditions.
Consent decision appeal	Replacement of consents for Opononi Wastewater Treatment System, Hokianga	Court assisted mediation held on 10 June 2024 which resulted in an agreed resolution of the appeal by a Consent Order. This Consent Order is now being prepared for the Court to consider and determine.
Consent decision appeal	Site development works for a subdivision at Dip Road, Kamo	Appeal lodged on both WDC and NRC decision to grant consent. Court assisted mediation held on 4 June 2024 which did not resolve the appeal. Environment Court Hearing has been set down for five days commencing Monday 23 September 2024.

Consents in Process

During June 2024, a total of 53 Decisions were issued. These decisions comprised:

Moorings	1
Coastal Permits	21
Coastal Discharge Permits	4
Land Discharge Permits	9
Land Use Consents	13
Water Takes	2
Bore Consents	4

Fifteen applications were received in June 2024.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

The following commissioners were appointed in June 2024 for one consent hearing:

· Mr David Hill and Ms Sheila Taylor for Meridian Energy Limited’s consent application for a new solar farm at Ruakaka. The hearing is scheduled for 5 August 2024.

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

The current level of notified application processing activities at the end of June 2024 is (by number):

Progress on Applications Previously Notified	6
Hearings and Decisions	1
Appeals/Objections	3

7.3.4 Environmental Services

LAND MANAGEMENT

Hill Country Erosion Programme

The second milestone report and invoice for $282,438.85 have been accepted by MPI.

In response to an underspend on the contractor pole planting budget for the 2023-24 and expected underspend for 2024-25, a contract variation has been approved in principle. Funds from future underspends will be re-allocated to fencing and/or native planting.

Kotuku Street property planting update

Winter 2023 saw many of the Land Team staff (with help from ELT and members of other NRC teams) working hard in very unpleasant conditions to plant 10,000 native trees at the Council’s Kotuku Street property. A year on, release sprays and improved weather conditions have seen some great growth in many areas of the planting. The Kotuku property includes wetland areas which are currently degraded by weed infestations and historic stock access. Some initial work has been undertaken to control the infestation and introduce native plants; however an ongoing programme of work is needed to get on top the weed infestation across the whole property as well as maintaining native plants introduced to the site. There is presently no resourcing allocated to this work.

A field of grass and trees

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Planted area on the southern side of the wetland July 2023


One year on – looking great.

BIODIVERSITY

The annual community engagement and biodiversity plan has been completed and is now for review with the Community Engagement Management team.

A meeting was held with Whangārei District Council staff to better understand WDC activities for biodiversity protection in the Whangārei District and look for opportunities to work together.

Lakes

The annual report on hornwort control in dune lakes was completed and sent to the Environmental Protection Authority.

An online hui was held with Te Aupōuri to discuss Lake Wahakari and how NRC can support community aspirations for improving lake health.

Ten Lake Ecological Report Cards summarising the findings of the annual lakes survey were received from the contractors and reviewed and sent to iwi and landowners for their information. The final reports cards will be uploaded to the NRC website in July.

CoastCare

· The dune planting season got well underway in June with planting days at several sites, most organised and attended by the CoastCare team:

§ Langs Beach – with Langs CoastCare and Piroa Trust

§ Long Beach, Oneroa Bay Russell – with Russell Landcare Trust, Russell School and support from Predator Free Russell

§ Otito Reserve, Matapōuri – with Department of Conservation (DOC) staff and volunteers, with the support of Te Whanau a Rangiwhakaahu Hapu

§ Papanui Dunes, Pātaua South – organised by Aki Tai Here with plants provided by NRC and DOC

§ Tern Point Recreation and Conservation Society held a dune planting day on Mangawhai sand spit with spinifex provided by NRC

§ Mātihetihe Marae held two dune planting days with Mātihetihe Kura and Te Kura Taumata o Panguru with tihetihe (spinifex) provided by NRC

· A hui was held with Patuharakeke te taiao tima to debrief on the Bream Bay Dune Monitoring pilot programme and plan future work

· Education work included attending part of a Bream Bay College Geography field trip

· Weed control/planting prep undertaken by contractors at Mangawhai Heads, Matapōuri and Taipa



Photos clockwise from top left: Long Beach, Russell; Tern Point, Mangawhai; Otito Reserve, Matapouri, Papanui dunes Pātaua South

Wetlands

Staff visited with partners from Kāpehu Marae to have a look at their kahikatea repo and provide advice on restoration and protection. Staff accompanied a Patuharakeke representative on a site visit to provide advice on wetland restoration at their Takahiwai catchment restoration site.

General and Consent Advice

Staff attended the Top Energy Ngawha geothermal power station peer review panel meeting to provide ecological expert comment for their annual reporting.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Hydrology

Rainfall

· The Northland region averaged 190mm of rain for the month of June, which is 121% of the long-term median (or normal expected).

· There was a pronounced regional difference in rainfall, with the north of Whangārei and the Hokianga averaging 218mm and southern areas averaging 136mm.

· Highest rainfalls for the month were recorded at the Towai at Weta station (eastern Kāeo catchment) with 353.5mm, and the Waitangi at Wiroa Road station with 316.5mm. The Waitangi at McDonald Road station near Oramāhoe, had the highest percentage rainfall for the month with 221%.

· Lowest rainfalls for June were recorded at Kai Iwi Lakes with 85mm, and the Awaroa at Wallace Road station in Ruawai with 95.5mm (both stations recording 75% of normal rainfall).

Cumulative rainfall

· Cumulative rainfall for the June 2023 to July 2024 water year finished well below the historic average across the region, largely due to El Niño conditions during summer and early autumn. This is illustrated below with the cumulative rainfall graph for the Whakapara at Puhipuhi recording station.

· Late autumn and early winter rainfall has helped lift the cumulative totals in recent months.

River flows

· River flows in Northland’s primary monitored catchments ranged from above normal to very low for the month across the region.

· River flows in the far north were generally normal to above normal.

· River flows in central and southern areas from west to east, were predominantly below normal to low.

· The regional pattern of river flow levels largely follows rainfall distribution.

Groundwater

· Groundwater levels in most of Northland’s primary monitored aquifers were normal to above normal for June 2024.

· Groundwater levels in Doubtless Bay and the wider Whangārei area were generally below normal to low.

· Groundwater levels in the Russell at Foreshore Bore remained extremely low.

Science

· The Lakes and Groundwater Scientists, and Environmental Monitoring Officer - Māori Relationships attended a meeting with representatives from local hapū Ngai Takoto at Lake Ngatu, Awanui. The ongoing project to investigate the drivers of water quality and nutrient load in the lake was discussed and the proposed groundwater monitoring locations around the lake perimeter were visited. Council is requesting permission from Ngai Takoto and the Department of Conservation to install monitoring sites and begin a two-year monitoring program.

Water Quality Field Operations

· Council has been working with Ngati Kahu and Utakura Taio Roopu to support freshwater monitoring initiatives.

POLICY AND PLANNING

Hearings for the Far North Proposed District Plan are underway and will continue until August 2025. Staff are monitoring the process and will provide input to support the points raised in the NRC submissions.

Submissions on the RMA Amendment Bill No1 and the RMA Extended Duration of Coastal Permits Bill have been lodged with central government.

The Select Committee report on the Māori Wards Bill has been released with only very minor amendments proposed.

A consultation document on the construction of ‘Granny Flats’ without requiring building or resource consent has been released with the chance to provide input until August 12. This is not a formal process and so staff will provide technical feedback on the initial proposal. The Bill is expected to be released for submissions later in the year.

7.3.5 Biosecurity

INCURSIONS

Wallabies

Staff have received an increasing number of wallaby sightings most recently in the mid north area from Kaikohe across to Kawakawa and down to Matawaia. These have been reported at various locations, forming a pattern of activity.

Trail cameras have been deployed and staff have conducted thermal drone surveys. Given the increased frequency of sightings and the resources needed for effective monitoring staff have reported these developments to Biosecurity New Zealand who would lead a response should wallabies be confirmed and will continue to update as we gather more information.

PREDATOR FREE 2050

Predator Free Whangārei

A cyanide operation in the DOC Ocean beach coastal reserve was successfully carried out and yielded 77 possums - this will be followed-up with wax tag monitoring. A service contract with Bream Head Conservation Trust (BHCT) for Te Whara is now in place and is going well. Landowner permissions have been obtained to allow the night flying of a thermal drone aimed at detecting possums, and a recent mail out to Parua bay landowners received strong support for the upcoming buffer zone work. McLeod’s Bay working block has transitioned from knockdown to a mop-up phase as possum detections have significantly reduced.

A new field lead starts in July which will help with the effective delivery of fieldwork. Team members supported the Aki Tai Here / Weed Action Trust Community delivery on Manaia maunga, and others attended the Parua bay Sunday markets to promote the pending buffer zone work. Open days at the field depot have commenced for residents local to the buffer area in anticipation of an August install date.

Predator Free Pēwhairangi Whanui Project

Purerua-Mataroa

Te Ahutai Kaimahi have completed monitoring at Mataroa and Te Tii, and the results will inform the next steps for elimination. Bait station top-ups occurred with pindone, double-tap and pestoff across 4,600ha. Toxin operations at the project buffer (Tapuaetahi and Taronui) have gone well, with very low pest numbers, and the infrastructure of traps and poisons continue to prevent reinvasion of the eradication zone.

Russell

Knockdown of rats and possums across the 220ha Tapeka peninsula has moved to mop-up as bait take has reduced significantly. Installation of devices within the 100ha Russell township buffer continued over June, while the servicing of devices in the elimination area showed a small increase in possum and rat presence.

Rakaumangamanga

Monitoring took place across specific sections of the 1,000ha elimination zone and the results indicated high possum presence. Toxin delivery commenced in June and will continue through July as more of the devices within the elimination zone are activated.

Whangarei PF2050 team member servicing bait stations at Ocean Beach

MARINE BIOSECURITY

Caulerpa

Weather continued to hamper mechanical dredging this month, with the barge unable to operate in winds above 30-35 knots from the west, southwest, or northwest. Consequently, several stand-down days or periods of days have been required. In some instances, the barge had to be relocated offsite to shelter and wait for the weather to pass, resulting in multiple days of no dredging. To mitigate the need to move in the future, the NRC marine biosecurity team has applied for two temporary moorings to be placed in Omākiwi Cove.

Given the end of the current funding, the team has been developing a plan to demobilize the barge, perform necessary maintenance on the equipment (painting and de-rusting). The barge has accumulated considerable biofouling since operations started, so the team plans to wrap and treat the hull with chlorine next week. This will ensure all small fragments of Caulerpa that have become entrained in the biofouling are rendered non-viable before moving from the controlled area notice zone.

Commercial dive specialists (CDS) undertook diver-assisted suction dredging from June 10th to June 19th. They covered a total area of approximately 1,593 m² over the 9 days of dredging. This initially involved dredged material being pumped into a cage, then offloaded onshore to the disposal pit. To increase efficiency, the team partnered up with the Johnson Bros team and developed a system where the divers dredge spoils were pumped directly onto the barge to be processed through the trommels allowing for operations to continue uninterrupted.

A boat in the water

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Topside (CDS) team managing hoses for the diver assisted suction dredging

KAURI PROTECTION

Te Araroa Trail (Helena ridge track) upgrade has been completed and is now re-opened to the public. This track project had improvements made to a 5585-metre section of the trail including new aggregate, cellular geoweb, an installation of timber edge board, boxed steps, culverts, low timber boardwalk, and the additional install of a round timber viewing platform and passing bay.

Staff made a site visit to Pouto Topu- A- Trust whenua on the Pouto peninsula at the request of the owners to inspect a stand of remnant kauri. This stand was considered by staff to be very healthy with no evidence of any disease. Staff are looking forward to assisting Pouto Topu- A- Trust with their ongoing projects including kauri mapping, sampling, and track development.

Recent drone footage across parts of Northland has successfully mapped kauri in small to medium parcels and there have been multiple requests this past month from other stakeholders requesting drone assisted surveillance to identify the presence of kauri dieback and disease. This has highlighted the growing awareness of this tool and the usefulness of drones for aerial forest survey.

7.3.6 Governance And Engagement

Māori Relationships

Te Korowai Manaaki Terenga Paraoa, and Mama Neke Maunga

Despite the power outage and weather, the Elder Abuse Awareness Event was a hit. A small but fun-loving group attended, making it a memorable day for all. Below are the photos captured on the day.

A huge mihi to Ruby from Te Hā o ngā Tūpuna for bringing the fabulous kaumātua through from Kaikohe and to our Whangārei kaumātua for attending. Mike Hoeta kept us entertained while the power was on, and our extraordinary MC, Te Hiwi Preston, with his skill and fun personality, maintained great whanaungatanga throughout the day.

None of this would have been possible without the commitment and presence of our kaumātua who were able to leave loaded with goodies given with aroha and care.

Acknowledgements were expressed to Northland Regional Council. Ringa Atawhai, Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), Ngāti Hine Health Trust (NHHT), Age Concern, Mate Wareware, Hāpai Te Hauora, E Tū Whānau, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Care Action Network (FASD-CAN), and Hauora Whakamana for their presence and invaluable information. Thanks also to VOYCE and Wot Matters for providing the prizes and to Tiffany's for their kai.

The next day, was the launch of the collaboration between Te Korowai Manaaki Terenga Paraoa with Māmā Neke Maunga exhibition titled "Te Hā O Ngā Tupuna Tehei wā Mauri Ora." This exhibition was on show for two weeks at the Hihiaua Cultural Centre as a celebration of Whakapapa. Again, braving the weather, our Kaumātua came to tautoko.

"Te Hā O Ngā Tupuna Tehei wā Mauri Ora" exhibition at the Hihiaua Cultural Centre, Whangārei.

Whanau and Marae Preparedness – Te Taitokerau Resilience Action Plan

The challenges posed by Cyclone Gabrielle have underscored the critical need for readiness and preparedness within our communities and our Marae. “Grab bags” with essential items to grab in the event of an emergency (right).

This process is guided by the Whanau Oranga Framework, ensuring what matters to whānau is paramount (right).

Oturei Marae participants were guided through a series of topics to build their case to capture their insights and ideas to build their resilience and preparedness (below).

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Te Mahuri o te Taiao – Kaipara Youth Participatory Grant Makers

Continued facilitation support with a panel of local Rangatahi, 18 to 24 years, designing a funding programme. The fund’s purpose is to enable rangatahi-led projects that address environmental and climate challenges in the Northern Kaipara region (including North Wellsford and capturing the Marae Ouruawharo, the southernmost marae for Te Uri O Hau, the Waipoua Forest and Whangārei).

Their vision is to support our whānaunga in the Kaipara through a Te Ao Māori lens, learning new things to deepen understanding of our relationship with taiao, ensuring the health, wealth, and wellbeing of both whānau and taiao thrive for future generations to maintain and enjoy.

Taiao ka puāwai – Whānau ka puāwai

“He pihinga I te onemata, ka puāwai”

“A seedling this planted in fertile soil will thrive”

Valuing:

· Grounded in local knowledge and active in their community

· Climate Change Agents

· Creativity

· Whakapapa

· Adaptation

· Collaborative and empowering Inspiring Youth Leaders

· Entrepreneurial mind

· Mātauranga Māori

· Self-determined wellness

A blueprint for many more rangatahi Manaaki taiao movements to come.

Ngāti Rēhia wānanga Moana – June 2024

The Māori Relationships Team recently supported a two day hui held at Tākou. Professor Kura Paul-Burke was there to present her recent mahi regarding mātauranga moana and data sovereignty.

Hannah Street Blessing

NRC engaged local hapū Te Parawhau for cultural support during plans to demolish buildings in the Whangārei CBD area.

Ngūnguru seawall:

In recent weeks we have been working closely with whānau at a papakāinga at Ngūnguru who are working through consenting issues. It has been important to take the time and care with forming and strengthening this relationship. We will continue to work alongside the consents team and the whānau to get a positive outcome for all.

Economic Development

· Northland Inc Limited – finalise common text for all four council’s LTPs; acknowledgement letter to Nicole Anderson (retiring director).

· Regional Infrastructure Fund – support Northland Inc develop a list of projects for RIF funding; prepared documents for ILGACE and JREDC workshops.

· Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust – organised councillor field trip to Te Waihekeora reservoir; co-ordination with other co-funders.

· Ngawha Innovation and Enterprise Centre – allocation of funding was approved as per the Underwrite Commitment Agreement between NRC and Northland Inc.

· Northland Forward Together– developed common agenda paper for all four local authorities to use to adopt the revised strategic collaboration document.

· Caulerpa – initial report setting out the cost of doing nothing to prevent the spread of Caulerpa in the Bay of Islands.

· Northland Economic Quarterly e-newsletter – Issue 42 distributed on 27 June and available online at https://www.nrc.govt.nz/your-council/online-services/enewsletters/. The annual section contained data from the 2023 agricultural production survey while the spotlight section examined some of the information available in the initial release of the 2023 Census results.

Community Engagement

Social media

Overall performance across social media platforms:

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Top posts

The following posts reached the most people: media release on new bus service for students, video about Predator Free Russell and, a video on hapū led predator control for Ngāti Rēhia.

*Reach: total number of people who saw the content.

Sentiment

Most positive sentiment received in response to celebrating volunteers, plastic pollution video series, Pēwhairangi video series. Most negative sentiment received in response to coastal works media release.

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eNewsletters:

· Hills to Harbour | Ki uta, ki tai: Our Hills to Harbour e-newsletter covering land management news was issued in June. This issue covered: feedback on the draft Freshwater Plan Change; FAQs on poplars and willows; the Find-A-Pest biosecurity app; rules and regulations; and the Oromahoe Farm Trust Open Day. 592 subscribers, 52.8% open rate

· Economic Quarterly: Our quartely update featuring quick statistics and commentary around economic activity. 292 subscribers, 59.8% open rate

Website

Top three website pages:

· Environmental data hub

· Kaeo webcam

· Pest Control Hub

Digital KPIs

Key Performance Indicators	Feb-24	Mar-24	Apl-24	May-24	June -24
WEB
# Visits to the NRC website	45,249	48,020	52,819	39,995	44,565
E-payments made	13	12	6	19	11
# subscribed web alerts (cumulative)	1,348	1,342	1,357	1,591	1,601
# subscribed to eNewsletters (cumulative)	5,431	5,421	5,580	5,593	5,574
Cdem sOCIAL MEDIA (CUMULATIVE)
# CDEM Facebook fans	36,233	36,288	36,396	36,468	36,823
# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach	39,203	54,326	87,766	54,326	212,487

Media Liaison

Two Northland Regional Council media releases were created and distributed to media throughout Te Taitokerau during June. Topics included:

· Long Term Plan 2024-2034 formally adopted

· New Whangārei bus service for intermediate, high school students.

A number of media enquiries were also received and responded to. Combined, this activity helped generate 68 items mentioning Northland Regional Council as reported by media monitoring agency Fuseworks.

Top five sources of Te Taitokerau coverage: Northern Advocate (19), NZ Herald (11), Radio New Zealand (6), Northern News (4) and Stuff (4).

Content types were split as follows:

Projects and campaigns

· SchoolLink: Community Engagement supported Transport with an online and offline promotional campaign for the new SchoolLink service. Activities included a media release, social media, posters, and digital display advertising. Significant levels of positive feedback from the community were received via social channels, providing an overwhelmingly positive response to this long-awaited service.

· National Volunteer Week: Community Engagement worked on social media posts for National Volunteer Week, raising awareness of the vital role volunteers play in helping NRC and the community, and encouraging others to get involved. Content included a video shout out featuring staff from various teams, a video of Coastcare volunteers at a recent Langs Beach planting day, and posts highlighting volunteers working in the pest plant and marine protected areas spaces. The campaign generated good engagement and positive sentiment.

· Tū i te ora Scholarship: With the scholarship recipients selected, we announced the six recipients via media release, social media, and rates brochure (and have prepared a piece for the next edition of Huaki). We have also produced written profiles on each recipient (which can be viewed at scholarships.nrc.govt.nz and Our Northland). We will produce more content with the recipients during their work experience later this year.

· Plastic pollution in Te Taitokerau: To help share the storymap about plastic pollution in Te Taitokerau, we created a series of three short social media videos. The purpose of the videos was to educate on the difference between micro/macro plastics, promote the research NRC is doing alongside our partners and to encourage people to find out more through our website.

· Predador-Free Pēwhairangi Whānui video series: We worked with the Predator Free team to release four videos on our social media channels. The video’s received good engagement and reach. Check out the videos Te Ahutai, Purerua Mataroa, Rākaumangamanga, and Russell.

· Freshwater Plan Change: To ‘close the loop’ with the community, we updated our website to provide a downloadable summary report and full reports of public feedback from the consultation on the draft Freshwater Plan Change. We also published the first six-monthly e-newsletter to keep stakeholders and other interested parties informed of progress on the Freshwater Plan. A media release is also underway.

· Marine protected areas: A communication and engagement plan has been put in place for the coming year, working alongside hapū. Two community-driven videos have been developed and an online breach reporting form is underway.

· Aotahi: The new council intranet, Aotahi, has been launched. We are continuing to gather feedback and encourage contributions from across the organisation.

Education

Matariki events

Schools and early childhood centres throughout Te Taitokerau have been taking the opportunity to honour Matariki by celebrating, reflecting and setting goals with their local communities. Our facilitators supported 13 enviroschools to receive funding for native planting through the 1 Billion Trees programme, as part of their celebrations.

Harvest School, Kerikeri

BestStart Kindy and BestStart Pipiwai Road early childhood centres, Whangārei

Environmental Leaders Fund (ELF) progress reports

2023/24 recipients of ELF are making good progress on their climate action projects. The project completion date is December 2024.

Ngataki School students add mulch to their fruit trees – growing their own kai and water conservation (climate actions)

Harinui Early Childhood Learning Centre’s mini recycling centre – processing waste on site (climate action)

Kaipara assessment and Whangārei skills workshops for Project Pest Control (PPC)

All three Kaipara secondary schools successfully wrapped up their 2024 NCEA-based PPC experience at the Waikare Events Centre, Kai Iwi whilst Whangārei’s equivalent kicked off at Kiwi North. The senior students learned skills in trapping a range of animal pests, plucking and skinning possums and running a trapline. NRC Biosecurity and Predator Free staff, Can Train NZ, Animal Pest NZ and a PPC graduate provided the tuition.

Kaipara students prove they can set raised set leg hold traps to avoid catching non-target species.

Biosecurity staff member– supervised rat trapping in the ngahere at Kiwi North, Whangārei.

Far North Wai Fencing assessment day

The Whangārei NCEA-based assessment workshop was held on the Pamu Rangiputa Station on Karikari Peninsula. Students handed in their theory work, were assessed on their practical skills and fenced off a waterway. East Coast fencing contractors, Rangiputa Station and Can Train NZ joined a NRC Land Mangement team member in providing tuition.


Students fence off a waterway on Rangiputa Station, Karikari Peninsula.	Land Management staff member – checks that the fence post is going in correctly.

Facilitating Enviroschools communities

During June, Enviroschools Facilitators visited or held specific online interactions with over 40 enviroschools’ communities.

Local government official information (LGOIMA) requests

We received 21 LGOIMA requests in June 2024. Overall, we have received 17 less requests than at the same time in 2023. Within this calendar year (Jan – July 2024) there have been three LGOIMA requests that have failed to be responded to within 20 days (already reported).

Tāiki ē Te Tiriti o Waitangi Strategic Intent and Implementation Plan

The following is a report provided by the Māori Relationships team that updates progress against the Priority Actions set out in Tāiki ē.

Action	Work item	Progress	Notes	Budget
Action 01	Te Tiriti Health Check	In progress	Scope received from Whaia Legal and Buddle Findlay.	$25,000 per annum for independent ‘health check’ of council’s Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations $100,000 per annum from 2022/23 for implementation of recommendations
Action 02	Continue developing Tāiki ē	On track	Tāiki ē now covers all five whainga adopted at 23 April 2024 council meeting.	Within existing resources
Action 03	Increase IHEMPs	On track	Continue to work with climate resilience team to support IHEMP's via climate change adaptation fund. LTP budget increase from 1 July - allocation process to begin in July	Confirm budget commencing 24/25 financial year
Action 04	Manawhakahono a Rohe agreements	In progress	Te Parawhau formally signed up to multi hapū agreement 29 April 2024. Work still to be done to progress development by other hapū and iwi.	$30,000 per annum
Action 05	Māori RMA Hearing Commissioners	On track	New cohort to commence following RMA 101 training in 24/25 financial year.	Taiki e implementation (cost $33,000)
Action 06	Hapū training in RMA processes	On track	New cohort to commence 24/25 financial year.	$20,000 per annum RMA noho – Wananga Waiora
Action 07	Environmental Monitoring Programme	In progress	Mātauranga Māori Freshwater Monitoring Framework. LTP budget increase from 1 July 2024 - allocation process to commence July 2024	Confirm budget commencing 24/25 financial year
Action 08	Hapū freshwater monitoring	In progress		Budgeted: $250,000 22/23 ongoing (specific purpose and allocation yet to be confirmed)
Action 09	Regulatory services delivery	In progress	Resource Consent Review and Report completed.	To be budgeted
Action 10	Support education providers	In progress	No change June 2024 - Initial work underway across various providers.	Unbudgeted
Action 11	Tangata whenua resourced to participate in council decision making processes.	In progress	Long Term Plan has identified the current funding for tangata whenua operational activities and Tāiki ē has budget allocated.
Action 12	External funding for iwi/hapū	In progress	Regional Leadership Group – across sector funding opportunities being explored.	Within existing resources.
Action 13	Joint advocacy	On track	Amendment to Local Government Electoral Legislation (Māori Wards and Constituencies) submission presented.	Within existing resources.
Action 14	Streamline councils' collaboration	In progress	Initial cross council meeting held - each group working to identify priorities and to agree on shared priorities to commence working together.	Within existing resources.
Action 15	Tangata whenua governance opportunities	On track	Tangata Whenua Expert roles	Confirm budget commencing 24/25 financial year
Action 16	Project delivery	In progress	GIS project to pilot with specific areas of council projects to be identified to assist iwi and hapū relationships and have a shared understanding of the work that happens in the region.	Budgeted
Action 17	Cultural competency framework	In progress	Draft Māori Employment Outcomes Framework work in progress	Within existing resources
Action 18	Scholarship/Intern programme		Scholarship process completed. Details of successful applicants to be shared once available	Budgeted: 8 scholarships at $4,000 per annum (4 specifically for Māori)
Action 19	Iwi/hapū engagement policy re LTP, RPS, etc	On track	Policy on advancing partnerships with Māori under review as part of the LTP process. LTP marae-based engagements were held.	Within existing resources.
Action 20	Iwi/hapū contacts database	In progress	Work continues to update and maintain database including GIS and IRIS updates	Budgeted $20,000
Action 21	Transfer of powers	In progress	Partnerships Roadmap to Transfer of Powers paper deferred to Sept. TTMAC meeting	Unbudgeted
Action 22	Māori constituencies	In progress	To be revisited for 2025 LG elections and introduction of new bill.	Budgeted: $20,000 allocated in governance budget for 22(a)
Action 23	Equitable/safe environment for councillors	On track	Funding of Te Reo Māori interpreter services commencing 24/25 financial year	Within existing resources
Action 24	Procurement	In progress	Progressive procurement being considered in partnership with Amotai/Whāriki.	Within existing resources.
Action 25	Council contracts for iwi and hapū	In progress	Progressive procurement to be explored and benefits for tangata whenua and council under the economic whainga.	Within existing resources.
Action 26	Long Term Plan / Annual Plan	On track	LTP process completed	Within existing resources.
Action 27	Freshwater Plan	In progress	TWWAG updates and progress report Freshwater Farm Plans	Budgeted: Annually $250,000 is set aside in the current LTP 2021 – 2031 for the Te Mana o Te Wai Fund. Within existing resources.
Action 28	Community resilience to climate crisis	In progress	Developing Flood Resilient Marae and the Te Taitokerau Resilience Action Plan.	Budgeted and underway within existing resources. Further budget required to fully implement the action.
Action 29	Sustainable economic development	In progress	Work in progress with iwi, Northland Inc & Joint Regional Economic Development Committee.	Unbudgeted Further budget required to fully implement the action.
Action 30	Marine protection and development	In progress	Work being done by the Bio Security Group in regards to Rahui Moana with hapū.	Budgeted: $50,000 Further budget required to fully implement the action.
Action 31	KPI framework for Ngā Whainga	Not started	To be commenced.	Within existing resources

7.3.7 Community Resilience

MARITIME

There were 12 incidents reported in June mostly involving bylaw offences and debris/ navigational hazards.

The Maritime team provided vessel assistance to other departments for the usual water quality runs, plus some additional trips assisting the biosecurity team for the Caulerpa response. Waikare II was used including a day escorting national media.

The maritime team and Maritime New Zealand conducted 2 days of oil spill training testing the purpose-built hydraulic system aboard the Waikare II and its compatibility with national response team equipment. The test was successful and the Waikare II will be contracted for a national training exercise in September. Close monitoring of the hull anodes and the silicon antifoul wrap is being carried out with the assistance of the dive team to ensure performance and integrity of the new vessel.

The sale of the old Waikare has been concluded. It has been sold to a Western Australian company who specialise in supplying charter vessels to the oil and gas industry. The vessel will be shipped to Australia in due course.

TRANSPORT

Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024

The Government released the final Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 (GPS) on 27 June 2024. The GPS outlines the Government’s investment priorities for land transport over the next 10 years through the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF) which is reviewed and updated every three years. A review of the final GPS confirmed that there are no significant amendments to the final GPS that would necessitate changes to the Regional Land Transport Plan of such a nature as to trigger the Significance Policy and require further public consultation.

PASSENGER TRANSPORT

The Whangarei SchoolLink Services commenced operation on Monday, 17 June 2024 on the following routes: -

· Onerahi to Whangārei Intermediate

· Onerahi to Kamo High School

· Raumanga to Whangārei Boys' and Girls' High

· Raumanga to Tikipunga High

· Raumanga to Kamo High

It is too early to ascertain the trend in uptake of the service, but early indications are positive.

TOTAL MOBILITY SCHEME (TM)

National Meeting

The National TM Coordinators meeting was held at Auckland Transport on Wednesday 19 June 2024 where an update was provided on the delayed Ministry of Transport (MoT) TM review was provided. Other items covered included budget over-runs and lack of funding created by the uptake on the governments 75% discounted fare. Members were also informed that the eligibility criteria review has been delayed pending the outcome of the MoT review.

Regional Working Group

This meeting was held on Thursday 27 June 2024 where staff met with all of the Regional Agencies and Transport Operators. The main discussion point was the increasing number of clients coming onto the scheme and the pressure put on available funding.

Total mobility Trips and client travel for June 2024:

Whangarei – 1,775 clients undertaking 3,546 trips

Far North – 294 clients undertaking 254 trips

Regional Road Safety

Staff attended a Matariki event at Otangarei School on 20 June 2024. The goal was to raise awareness for road safety, particularly around restraint use and staff asked the public to make road safety wishes for Northland as pictured below.

With the reopening of the Brynderwyns, a fatigue campaign was pushed with the Oakleigh Service Station on State Highway One who offered free coffees to fatigued drivers over the long weekend for Matariki and gave out fatigue information with tips on travelling long distances.

RIVERS

Awanui Scheme Upgrade

Work sites have been winterised and staff are planning next year's works programme.

Kawakawa Deflection Bank

Machine work is complete in Kawakawa, with only minor site tidying next to the library remaining. Despite recent heavy rain, the deflection bank performed well. It is projected that the project will close out approximately 300k under budget, staff will investigate if remaining funds can be allocated to other Crown Infrastructure Partner projects.

Culvert grate installed by local business Kawakawa Engineering

Final bit of work to complete the bank raising near the library

Looking downstream from the library park, a view of the deflection bank with grass starting to strike

Otiria Spillway

Work is finished, pending the installation of guard rails on Ngapipito Road and a road safety audit before transferring assets to FNDC. A blessing/opening ceremony for the spillway and deflection bank is planned for 09 August.

Upper Kawakawa Catchment Nature Based Solutions

Significant progress has been made with landowners at identified road locations. Four priority locations have been chosen for pilot projects. We have consulted with landowners upstream and downstream to gather input on road flooding issues and potential solutions. We are now drafting concept designs and rough cost estimates, aiming to take this back for final community approval.

Matangirau Floodway

Positive meetings have been held with most of the community, with 4 out of 10 blocks agreeing to the flood mitigation works. However, some key shareholders oppose the works, blocking essential properties for the floodway. Staff will continue to work with the community to resolve any concerns but there is a risk that if a resolution cannot be found the external funding wil nee dot be diverted to another project to ensure they are spent with hthe funding timeframe.

Kaeo Stage 2

The Kaeo Stage 2 peer review has emphasised some geomorphology concerns, mainly the difficulty of maintaining a new Kaeo River Channel and old Kaeo River Channel with much smaller flows. We are currently modelling a high-level spillway instead of a new channel alignment and considering a weir behind the community hall to manage and detain peak peak-floodwaters from the Waikare Creek catchment.

Flood Resilient Māori Communities and Marae

The team have identified 35 of the most flood affected Marae and have started engaugement with the Whaunu. The team has engaged with 12 marae so far, with the main goal is to share information and implement solutions to make the Marae more flood Resilient. RNZ article: Northland's most flood-prone marae to receive resilience boost | RNZ News

CIVIL DEFENCE AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Major Power Outage in Northland on June 20

There was a major power outage in Northland on Thursday 20 June, around 11:00 am. A large power tower, owned by Transpower and located near Glorit, unexpectedly tipped over. This caused a complete loss of electricity for a large portion of Northland, affecting areas from Langs Beach/Dargaville and everything north of there.

Since the exact timeframe for restoring power was uncertain and to ensure a coordinated response across different organisations, the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Emergency Coordination Centre (ECC) along with Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) in Whangarei, Far North, and Kaipara were activated.

Additionally, stakeholder teleconferences were held. Relevant groups and agencies involved in the power grid and emergency response came together to develop a common understanding and response to the situation. Power was restored to residential customers by 6.00 pm, with some major commercial customers not being restored until a full temporary repair was made on Sunday. Debriefs are being carried out by respective agencies, including with the Northland Lifelines Utility Group.

Severe weather warnings for rainfall from the MetService were monitored by the CDEM on call for the 14 and 20 June.

CLIMATE ACTION AND NATURAL HAZARDS

Climate Action

A highlight for staff was attending the Environmental Defence Society (EDS) Conference in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The conference theme was The Future is Now: Biodiversity, Climate, and us. The overall messaging was that the climate and biodiversity crises are intrinsically linked, and humans are being buffeted by the instability caused by both. Biodiversity is a key pillar in maintaining stable earth systems that enable people and the environment to thrive. There was strong messaging around the need to be making mokopuna decisions – decisions for future generations and this included a call to include more youth voice in strategy development and decision making. All presentations are accessible online here.

Climate Change Education Tool

NRC now has access to the climate change education tool - Climate Fresk. The tool is designed to make learning about climate science accessible to everyone through engaging, collaborative, and creative workshops. The interactive sessions are designed to help participants explore the science of climate change, the impacts it is creating now, and in the future, what we can do about it. We will be looking to run a workshop with councillors, roll it out across staff and then take it into communities to facilitate conversations about the changing climate and the potential impacts.

Natural Hazards

NRC Risk Portal

Urban Intelligence’s Resilience Explorer was selected as the preferred supplier for the Risk Portal. The project will start in July and is a 12-month project to support NRC and district councils in understanding risks from climate change to inform decision making and it can also be used in community consultation.

Taumata Hui

Staff presented at the Taumata Hui for Te Uri o Hau. This meeting was critical to get the support of the iwi in engaging with hapu around Climate Adaptation. Te Uri o Hau are working on a programme of risk assessment and climate adaptation. They were appreciative of the information, data and support the council can provide.

Flood Risk Modelling work

The Natural Hazards Advisor continues to work with our rivers team to ensure that contracted modelling work is delivered and quality assured. Three models (Whangarei, Ruawai and Waimea) are close to delivery and staff will then work with the GIS team to publish these on the Natural Hazards Portal on the NRC website.

The draft of the Regional Approach to Flood Risk Management has been completed. This tool will support NRC staff to manage and prioritise flood risk reduction work at the operational level. Staff will review the framework and then work to imbed into council processes using cross-organisation working groups.

7.3.8 KAIPARA MOANA REMEDIATION

Independent survey of KMR landowners

In April and May 2024, the Ministry for the Environment ran a second independent survey of 207 landowners/groups who have already engaged, or who are continuing to engage, with KMR. The aim was to understand the drivers for and barriers to working with KMR. This survey complements a 2023 survey which focused on operational areas for improvement.

Overall, the 2024 survey results were extremely pleasing, benchmarking KMR very highly compared to norms for similar (voluntary) programmes:

· The vast majority ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ that their interactions with KMR were positive (88%) and their questions were answered adequately (86%).

· The vast majority found it ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ to obtain the information (81%) or advice (83%) they needed from KMR.

The 2024 survey affirmed previous survey results as well as wider feedback to KMR to date. Where the survey identified possible improvements, in the large majority of cases, KMR has already made changes or is working towards better practice. The survey confirmed previous largely anecdotal evidence that some landowners/groups were struggling to reach the required matched co-funding.

While the majority (72%) indicated that people they know ‘strongly approve’ or ‘somewhat approve’ of their work with KMR, the 2024 survey also identified a potential new barrier to some landowners/groups taking action with KMR - viz. that other landowners/groups would view them [negatively] (e.g. as ‘greenies’). The comments appear reflective of wider concerns in the rural community (e.g. ‘loss of grazed areas’; ‘frustration with regulatory challenges, red tape’).

The main survey results are set out below. As not everyone who completed the survey completed every question, the percentages given refer only to those who answered that question.

· The 2024 survey confirmed that most landowners/groups find out about KMR via someone they know (45%), a KMR newsletter or newspaper article (22%), or at a public event (20%).

· Of those surveyed, the majority were beef farmers (68%) or sheep farmers (20%). Of those surveyed who provided their postcode (optional), most came from the mid-section of the Kaipara Moana catchment (viz. around Maungatūroto (0520 postcode), Warkworth (0910) or Tāpora/Wellsford (0977)).

· When asked what prompted them to work with KMR, most of the landowners/groups mentioned ‘financial assistance’ and ‘environmental/community alignment’ as primary reasons. Secondary reasons were the ‘planning and technical advice’ provided by KMR, as well as ‘positive recommendations and experiences’ by others.

· When asked what their KMR project means to them, those surveyed mentioned ‘financial assistance’ and ‘environmental legacy’ as the key aspects, followed by ‘personal and community benefits’ and ‘regulatory compliance’.

· When asked what they liked the most about working with KMR, those surveyed mentioned ‘supportive and knowledgeable people’ and ‘funding and financial assistance’ as the primary aspects, ‘technical expertise and practical advice’ as secondary aspects.

· When asked about the benefits of working with KMR, those surveyed highlighted ‘financial and practical support’, ‘expertise’, and ‘community and collaborative benefits’, and indicated the ‘ease of grant application and project execution’, ‘hands-on support’ from KMR, ‘advice on fencing, planting and ecological management’, ‘learning opportunities and knowledge-sharing’, ‘environmental benefits and healthier farm management’, as well as ‘strengthened community engagement and collaboration’.

· When asked what makes it easy to work with KMR, those surveyed highlighted ‘effective communication’, ‘quality of ‘field advisors’ and ‘ease of process and contract management’.

· When asked about the disadvantages of working with KMR, those surveyed either mentioned ‘none’ or highlighted ‘regulatory and administrative challenges’, ‘funding constraints’, and ‘operational and project management issues’. Those who indicated challenges specified matters such as ‘slow approval processes delaying project start’, ‘regulatory constraints’, ‘insufficient funding’, ‘constraints relating to organic farming’ (e.g. use of weedkiller; species suitability for organic land), and ‘communications challenges’ as lowlights.

· When asked what makes it difficult to work with KMR, nearly a third of those surveyed indicated ‘nothing’, ‘can’t think of anything’, or similar. However, others noted operational or administrative challenges including certified land constraints, an inexperienced Field Advisor, communications issues (e.g. KMR emails going to spam), plant procurement and supplier issues, regulatory constraints, and funding challenges (including KMR market rates being too low).

· When asked what was the top priority for KMR to improve, most of the landowners/groups surveyed indicated “more funding” [noting that the KMR matched co-funding requirement is a condition of Crown funding], operational improvements (e.g. streamlining administrative processes, plant quality control), and better communication on process, timing and what support KMR can offer. Many recommendations were outside of KMR’s mandate (e.g. the need for: rates reductions for retired land; ongoing environmental subsidies; reduced regulation; community engagement via schools; and broader environmental awareness campaigns).

When invited to share any other comment, three main themes were recorded:

· The significant financial constraints in the rural sector, particularly in relation to the high costs associated with fencing.

· The crucial support provided by KMR, and KMR’s role as a nationwide model.

· Appreciation for the technical and practical assistance from KMR in navigating administrative processes and providing advice.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Council Meeting item: 7.4

23 July 2024

TITLE:	Quarterly and End of Financial Year People and Culture Report
From:	Kayla Ludlow, Human Resources Advisor; Beryl Steele, Human Resources Manager and Jessica Matson, Human Resources Advisor
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Bruce Howse, Pou Taumatua – Group Manager Corporate Services, on 16 July 2024

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

This report is to inform the council of high-level activity within People and Culture for the months of April, May and June 2024 and the running statistics for the 2023-2024 financial year. This report includes an overview of the following areas of the last financial year, staffing levels, recruitment, training, sick leave, departures and turnover.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommendation

That the report ‘Quarterly and End of Financial Year People and Culture Report’ by Kayla Ludlow, Human Resources Advisor; Beryl Steele, Human Resources Manager and Jessica Matson, Human Resources Advisor and dated 9 July 2024, be received.

Background/Tuhinga

Overview

Summary of quarter – April, May and June 2024.

Please refer to the following page for the year-to-date data.

The staff headcount and full-time equivalent has increased since this time last year. This will be due to high numbers of recruitment from the annual and long-term plans. However, there has been a reduction in full-time equivalents since January 2024, this will be due to the summer internships and scholarship internships ending.

There has been a reduction in turnover with June 2024 sitting at 10.83% and June 2023 sitting at 12.97%.

We have seen an increase in annual leave entitlement this quarter, this may be in part be due to the increased sick leave that was taken during this time. Other contributing factors could also include an increase in staff numbers as well as the flexi plus trial.

Sick leave taken is higher in June 2024 than it was in April and May. We saw a large increase of COVID-19 numbers in June with many staff off sick with winter bugs. This quarter has followed a similar trend to this time last year. We also have had several staff off with injuries, which then result in further time off for recovery.

Looking Back 2023 - 2024

Current Staff Count.

Staff numbers have increased from the start of the financial year. There is an increase over the summer months as we had several Summer Interns and Scholarship Interns come onboard for a fixed term period.

Overall staff numbers have increased from 296 in July 2023 to 329 staff as at June 2024. This reflects the high number of vacancies we had from July 2023 to October 2023.

Our permanent staff headcount increased from 263 in July 2023 to 285 in June 2024.

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Recruitment and Retention Quarter April 2024 – June 2024

Recruitment Summary | April 2024

Vacancies filled this month. (Appointments made, however, yet to commence)

New vacancies listed this month

Roles currently in recruitment phase

3 Appointments

0 Internal

3 External

2 Advertised (new)

1 Readvertised

9 Roles Vacant

Recruitment Summary | May 2024

Vacancies filled this month. (Appointments made, however, yet to commence)

New vacancies listed this month

Roles currently in recruitment phase

9 Appointments

0 Internal

9 External

5 Advertised (new)

0 Readvertised

6 Roles Vacant

Recruitment Summary | June 2024

Vacancies filled this month. (Appointments made, however, yet to commence)

New vacancies listed this month

Roles currently in recruitment phase

5 Appointments

3 Internal

2 External

5 Advertised (new)

0 Readvertised

7 Roles Vacant

This quarter recruitment has been slightly quieter than previous quarters, however in addition to the numbers above we have also been working on the 6 Tū ī te ora scholarship roles which is a big process.

In June we went live with our new recruitment system ELMO, the Recruitment Advisor and team have been working very hard to implement this system and get it live before the end of the financial year. The system is far more user friendly for both applicants and recruiters, it will also reduce the amount of double handling of information and help improve and simplify the process.

Planning has started for the 2024 – 2025 Summer Internships, we will likely start to advertise these positions in July. We will also see an increase in vacancies as the team and managers work on the Long Term Plan positions that were adopted at the end of June. This year there is a delayed funding for new positions to allow time for the recruitment process to take place.

Recruitment and Retention 2023 – 2024

Total Vacancies Listed	Total Vacancies Filled
81	88

The difference between the total vacancies listed and the total vacancies filled, as noted above, will be due to a role over from the previous year and internal appointments.

There has been a decrease in total vacancies listed, there were 90 vacancies listed in 2022-2023.

The total number of vacancies listed will have also decreased due to our decrease in turnover. The statistics also show that the positions have been easier to fill this year.

The below graph shows a peak in vacancies filled following the vacancies listed.

Internal Movement

Staff Promoted	Movement Only	Total Internal Movements 2023-2024
9 staff	12 staff	21 staff

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We had a total of 21 Northland Regional Council staff members move internally into new roles over the past 12 months. Within this there were 9 promotions and 12 internal transfers (movement only).

In 2022 – 2023 a total of 34 staff members moved to new roles internally. This was made up of 14 staff promotions and 20 staff transfers.

For the past two years we have found internal recruitment was becoming common practice in the NRC recruitment culture as we faced difficulties finding suitable talent externally. As part of our retention plan, where we know we potentially have suitable internal staff we initially advertise internally. If we do not have any suitable applicants, we then go to the market.

While offering internal staff opportunities to develop and move internally is positive for organisational culture and staff retention, it is important to note that the number of internal movements has had flow on impacts. Hiring internal staff results in consistent vacancies within the organisation, and potentially lost opportunities to bring new talent into NRC’s workforce.

For the financial year 2023 – 2024 we saw a decrease in our internal promotions and movements, this could be due to the decreased number of vacancies throughout the middle of the financial year. With the Long Term Plan positions coming through we will likely see a spike in internal movement for next quarter.

Training 2023 - 2024

Please note the below figures are based on centralised training and do not include any Health and Safety training which will be reported in the Health and Safety report.

Average staff trained per month	Average monthly cost per person	Total Training Costs 2023-2024
28 staff	$51.09	$18,898

The amount of training has decreased this year as has the average monthly cost per person which has resulted in lower training costs for the financial year. In 2022-2023 we saw an average of 79 staff trained per month with an average monthly cost of $104.00 per person.

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Sick Leave Taken 2023 -2024

Average Monthly Cost 2023-2024	Total Sick Leave Cost 2023-2024	Total Days Taken 2023-2024
$51,029	$595,122.83 p.a	1687.35 days

Comparison 2022-2023 Sick Leave Taken

Average Monthly Cost 2022-2023	Total Sick Leave Cost 2022-2023	Total Days Taken 2022-2023
$41,449	$497,389 p.a	1576.1 days

The increase in sick leave is likely to be attributed to a number of factors such as an increase in staff numbers and the encouragement to remain at home when unwell following new expectations after the COVID pandemic.

The increase in average and total costs will be due to the increase in sick leave, the increase in staff numbers and the increase in remuneration following salary reviews.

On average 146.70 paid sick days were taken each month amongst all staff. This is an increase from the last financial year where the average was 131.34 paid sick days.

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Departures 2023 – 2024

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Note: Career change is moving into a different role than what the person had at NRC. Better career opportunities are where the individual has moved for an advancement or growth that we could not provide at NRC at this point in time.

One permanent employee departed in the month of April 2024, four permanent employees departed in the month of May 2024 and three permanent employees departed in the month of June 2024. This totals eight permanent employee departures in this quarter.

Last quarter we had nine staff depart from NRC.

For the financial year 2023 - 2024 29 permanent employees left the council for several reasons with the largest percentage (31%) leaving for better career opportunities. This is a reduction from 35% in 2023 and 45% in 2022. The graph does show an increase in staff leaving due to relocation.

We have also seen a decrease in the number of staff leaving due to family reasons and both stress and retirement decreased by 1%.

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We have seen a decrease in our turnover rate this year compared to last year.

Salary Reviews

All salary reviews have been completed.

Flexi Plus

A large focus for Organisational Development has been the Flexi Plus trial. We're halfway through the trial and feedback from staff is positive with strong scores over a range of questions conducted as pulse surveys in March and June.

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Feedback from staff consistently highlights the positive impact this trial has had on general wellbeing, improving efficiency, and improved attraction and retention.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)

A new DEIB policy was approved in April 2024. After it was released, a survey was created to develop a baseline. This survey will be re-run periodically to gauge progress and continue to identify and areas of concern. An overview of results can be seen in the following to diagrams.

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A DEIB strategy has now been created and confirmed. This policy and strategy will guide a range of targeted initiatives and goals over the coming three years to ensure that all employees work in a collaborative and productive environment where diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are encouraged, respected and embraced in day-to-day operations.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Council Meeting item: 7.5

23 July 2024

TITLE:	Legislative Compliance half yearly report January-June 2024
From:	Samuel van Hout, Corporate Policy Analyst
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Bruce Howse, Pou Taumatua – Group Manager Corporate Services, on 15 July 2024

Whakarāpopototanga / Executive summary

This report presents the findings of council’s legislative compliance programme for the six-month period 1 January – 30 June 2024

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommendation

That the report ‘Legislative Compliance half yearly report January-June 2024’ by Samuel van Hout, Corporate Policy Analyst and dated 5 July 2024, 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 (core legislation). Core legislation includes:

· Council's own rules, policies and bylaws

· 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

· Local Government (Pecuniary Interests Register) Amendment Act 2022

· 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 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

· The Privacy Act 2020

· The Public Records Act 2005

· The Goods and Services Tax Act 1985

· The Residential Tenancies Act 1956

· The following settlement acts:

o Ngāti Kuri Claims Settlement Act 2015;

o Te Aupōuri Claims Settlement Act 2015;

o NgāiTakoto Claims Settlement Act 2015;

o Te Rarawa Claims Settlement Act 2015;

o Ngāti Kahu Accumulated Rentals Trust Act 2015;

o Te Hiku Omnibus Settlement Acts.

There are several other pieces of legislation that also have relevance to council operations, but compliance is managed via other internal processes and procedures and not reported here.

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 sign a declaration confirming their level of compliance.

Group managers stay informed of legislative amendments via ComplyWith, ListServs, national steering groups, parliamentary alerts, legal advice, advisors, and audit processes.

Reporting has been completed for the six-month period 1 January – 30 June 2024, and the results are reported here by exception.

Reporting indicated that compliance was achieved with all of council’s core legislation, with exception to the following:

· Partial compliance was achieved with the Public Records Act 2005 due to the information asset register not having been completed during the reporting period. Progress on the development of the asset register has included certified storage of relevant files, external review of IM maturity, the establishment of a Protective Security Group, scoping a retention and disposal project, and promotion of council acceptable use policy.

· Partial compliance was achieved with the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 due to three breaches of the 20-day timeframe. This has been reported to council in the Chief Executive Report.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Council Meeting item: 8.1

23 July 2024

TITLE:	Receipt of Committee Minutes
From:	Meloney Tupou, Maori Governance and Engagement Support Admin
Authorised by:	Chris Taylor, Governance Specialist, on 17 July 2024

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommendation

That the unconfirmed minutes of the:

· Te Oneroa-A-Tōhe Board – 24 May 2024

· Audit Risk and Finance Committee – 29 May 2024

· Extraordinary Regional Transport Committee – 4 July 2024

be received.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Attachment 1: Te Oneroa-A-Tōhe Board minutes - 24 May 2024 ⇩

Attachment 2: Audit Risk and Finance Committee minutes - 29 May 2024 ⇩

Attachment 3: Extraordinary Regional Transport Committee minutes - 4 July 2024 ⇩

Council Meeting ITEM: 8.1

23 July 2024Attachment 1

Council Meeting ITEM: 8.1

23 July 2024Attachment 2

Council Meeting ITEM: 8.1

23 July 2024Attachment 3

Council Meeting item: 8.2

23 July 2024

TITLE:	Working Party Updates
From:	Meloney Tupou, Maori Governance and Engagement Support Admin
Authorised by:	Chris Taylor, Governance Specialist, on date 17 July 2024

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommendation

That the report ‘Working Party Updates’ be received.

Whangarei Public Transport Working Party (Chair Cr Craw)

The Whangarei Public Transport Working Party (WPTWP) met on 11 June 2024. The topics for discussion included:

· Operational Report

· Frequency of future meetings

Following discussion, the Whangarei Public Transport Working Party provided advice on the following next steps:

· Citylink driver situation response email to be circulated to WPTWP members following the June meeting

· Group Manager Community Resilience to provide an email to the Chair within one week to provide T2 lanes update

· Transport Manager NTA to obtain timeline from National meeting on MOT/NZTA review of Total Mobility eligibility criteria

· New meeting dates to be agreed with the Chair

Awanui River Working Group (Chair Cr Carr)

The Awanui River Working Group met on 27 June 2024. The topics for discussion included:

· Shovel Ready – Project Update

· Year End Budget 2022 – 2023

· Works Programme

· Kaitaia Treatment Plant Resource Consent Renewal

· Paparore Banks

· Management of Tāngogne Wetland storage area and Waihoe Floodgates

Following discussion, the Awanui River Working Group provided advice on the following next steps:

· Rivers Manager to gather hydrological data and to investigate ways to improve the management of the Tāngonge Wetland Storage Area and Waihoe outfall.

· Area Manager Kaitāia to clarify if these assets are Awanui River Flood Scheme assets or the FNDC Drainage District assets

· Rivers Manager to contact Tanya Proctor (FNDC) regarding Kaitāia Treatment Plant Resource Consent Renewal resolution

Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (Co-Chairs: Cr Tui Shortland and Pita Tipene, Ngāti Hine)

The Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) met on 9 May 2024. The key topics for discussion included:

· Freshwater monitoring framework

· Partnership roadmap to transfer of powers

· Amendment to Local Government Electoral Legislation (Māori Wards and Constituencies)

Following discussion, the Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (TTMAC) provided advice on the following next steps:

· That a work programme be developed that strengthens our commitment by council to develop and fund culturally appropriate environmental monitoring programmes for tangata whenua to undertake their own monitoring and bring this programme to the next available TTMAC meeting for consideration.

· That a ‘roadmap’ for progressing towards formal delegations and transfers of functions and powers be developed and that staff present an action plan for reporting on milestones, outcomes and case studies associated with giving effect to the roadmap at the next available TTMAC meeting.

· That TTMAC iwi and hapū representatives provide advice on how they would like to be informed, supported and contribute to key points council could consider in developing its submission on the changes proposed to the Local Electoral Act 2001 and the associated challenges for iwi and hapū in Te Taitokerau.

Council Meeting ITEM: 9.0

23 July 2024

TITLE:

Business with the Public Excluded

Whakarāpopototanga / 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.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommendations

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
9.1	Confirmation of Confidential Minutes - 25 June 2024	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, as stated in the open section of the meeting -.
9.2	Receipt of Confidential Committee Minutes	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, as stated in the open section of the meeting -.
9.3	Strategic Projects Update	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities s7(2)(h) and the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations) s7(2)(i).
9.4	Leaseholder's Notice of Exit Stage Two	The public conduct of the proceedings would be likely to result in disclosure of information, the withholding of which is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information s7(2)(b)(ii) and the withholding of which is necessary to enable council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations) s7(2)(i).

3. That the Independent Advisors be permitted to stay during business with the public excluded.

Considerations

1. Significance and Engagement

This is a procedural matter required by law. Hence when assessed against council policy is deemed to be of low significance.

2. 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.

3. Other Considerations

Being a purely administrative matter; Climate Impact, Environmental Impact, Community Views, Māori Impact Statement, Financial Implications, and Implementation Issues are not applicable.

[1] Please note there was an error in the report to the June council meeting with the ‘Financial implications’ not taking into account the remuneration changes as a result of the change in the Chair of the Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party.

Financial Year	Number of incident reports	Near miss reports
2020-2021	132	22
2021-2022	149	17
2022-2023	225	17
2023-2024	351	112

Date	Addressed To	Subject
24 June 2024	Hon Tama Potaka	Invitation to visit Taitokerau
25 June 2024	Hon Andrew Hoggard	Support to continue the eradication of Caulerpa
27 June 2024	Hon David Seymour Signed : Mayor of Whangarei Mayor of Far North Mayor of Kaipara Chair of Northland Regional Council	Northland Tertiary Education

TITLE:	Confirmation of Minutes - 25 June 2024
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Specialist
Authorised by:	Chris Taylor, Governance Specialist, on 08 July 2024

TITLE:	Receipt of Action Sheet
From:	Chris Taylor, Governance Specialist
Authorised by:	Chris Taylor, Governance Specialist, on 15 July 2024

TITLE:	Regional Land Transport Plan 2021/2027 - Three Year Review.
From:	Chris Powell, Transport Manager - Northland Transportation Alliance and Michael Payne, Policy Specialist
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Louisa Gritt, Group Manager - Community Resilience, on 12 July 2024

TITLE:	Biosecurity Operational Plan 2024-2025
From:	Don McKenzie, Pou Tiaki Pūtaiao - GM Biosecurity
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Don McKenzie, Pou Tiaki Pūtaiao - GM Biosecurity, on 16 July 2024

TITLE:	Approval of Draft Future Development Strategy for public consultation.
From:	Ingrid Kuindersma, Policy Planner and Michael Payne, Policy Specialist
Authorised by:	Jason Donaghy, Natural Resources Monitoring Manager, on 17 July 2024

TITLE:	Council Submissions Lodged under Delegation - retrospective approvals
From:	Michael Payne, Policy Specialist and Justin Murfitt, Strategic Policy Specialist
Authorised by:	Jason Donaghy, Natural Resources Monitoring Manager, on 17 July 2024

TITLE:	Joint delivery of local government economic development services in Northland: Expansion to include WDC
From:	Darryl Jones, Economist and Avinash Govind, Economic Policy Advisor
Authorised by:	Bruce Howse, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, on 17 July 2024

TITLE:	RMA Hearing Commissioners – Approval and Appointment Procedures
From:	Colin Dall, Pou Whakaritenga - Group Manager Regulatory Services
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Colin Dall, Pou Whakaritenga - Group Manager Regulatory Services, on 09 July 2024

TITLE:	Adoption of Te Tai Tokerau Regional Accessibility Strategy
From:	Kyla Carlier, Corporate Strategy Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Bruce Howse, Pou Taumatua – Group Manager Corporate Services, on 02 July 2024

TITLE:	Health and Safety report for April to June 2024 quarter and financial year end
From:	Tamsin Sutherland, Health and Safety Advisor
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Bruce Howse, Pou Taumatua – Group Manager Corporate Services, on 12 July 2024

TITLE:	Chair's Report to Council
From:	Rae Hetaraka, Executive Assistant to the Chair
Authorised by:	Geoff Crawford, Chairperson of council, on 17 July 2024