Agenda of Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party

Date	Action
July-Aug 2024	TTMAC caucus meeting – workshop	Completed Paper was presented to TTMAC formal meeting and advice · Re-established a TTMAC Te Tiriti Health Check sub-group to advise and guide council on how to implement the Te Tiriti Health Check 2024. · Endorsed the engagement of Buddle Findlay and Whaia Legal to commence the Te Tiriti Health Check for 2024.
Aug-Sept 2024	ELT meeting – workshop	ELT updated at ELT meeting to confirm THC in progress
Aug-Sept 2024	MTAG meeting – workshop	Meeting with MTAG was deferred.
Aug-Sept 2024	TTMAC caucus meeting – workshop	Focus was on TTMAC Review and Recommendations with the Strategic Review Group.
Sept-Oct 2024	Final report prepared.	Deferred to review performance measures of THC.
Nov 2024		14 Nov 2024 THC Sub-group meeting held with Paul Beverley.
November 2024	Meeting with Paul Beverly & Tai Ahu (Buddle Findlay & Whaia Legal)	Meeting with Paul Beverley to identify meaningful performance measures rather than the Te Arawhiti framework only and shift towards a more Te Taitokerau-centric approach.
December 2024	MTAG Meeting	Te Tiriti Health Check sub-group meeting held re: THC timeline to prepare for next formal TTMAC meeting.
February 2025	Council Workshop	Present performance measures and discuss outcomes with Buddle Findlay & Whaia Legal Review performance measures from previous health check utilising proposed questions for workshops Present desktop review of TTMAC recommendations from Taiki e and LTP
March 2025	TTMAC	Review performance measures from previous health check utilising proposed questions for workshops Present desktop review of TTMAC recommendations from Taiki e and LTP
April 2025	ELT Meeting	Review performance measures from previous health check
May 2025	Draft Report presented to TTMAC and Council
June 2025	Final Report presented to TTMAC and Council
July 2025	Final Report presented to council for adoption

Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party item: 4.9

13 February 2025

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 05 February 2025

The Chief Executive Officer’s monthly report to council is provided for members information so they can get a broad view of activity across council.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Jonathan Gibbard, Tāhūhū Rangapū - Chief Executive Officer and dated 30 January 2025, be received.

4.9.1 Highlights

Lakes

Surveys were undertaken at Lake Egg, Lake Karaka, Lake Mt Camel North and Lake Waikanae searching for hornwort. No hornwort was found at Lake Egg. This is the second year no hornwort has been found in this lake post control with Aquathol. A small amount, around a bread bag full, was found at Lake Mt Camel North and at Lake Karaka. Lake Waikanae has a large amount of hornwort. Staff have not undertaken any hornwort control at Waikanae but will be in discussion with Te Aupōuri about beginning control in early 2025. This lake has a significant cover and infestation of azolla that may need to be controlled before the hornwort can be managed.


Above: Staff taking water clarity reading on Lake Karaka during hornwort survey.	Above: Azola infestation on Lake Waikanae.

Oromāhoe Farm Visit

Council staff and representatives of the Primary Sector Liaison Group, local Northland farmers and the Tangata Whenua Water Advisory Group have been focusing on key issues raised during public consultation on the draft Freshwater Plan Change, including Highly Erodible Land and Stock Exclusion. Most recently the working group visited Oromāhoe Farm along with councillors and staff, to discuss options for to improve water quality, and to hear from the farm manager about the actions that the Oromāhoe Trust has taken to improve wetlands and waterways on the property.

A group of people standing in a field

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Councillors and staff join representatives of PSLG, TWWAG and local farmers on farm

Environmental Leaders Fund

We have selected the winners for the 2024 Environmental Leaders Fund (ELF). A total of $35,000 will be distributed among 23 recipients, chosen from 40 applications. We are currently preparing a media release to announce the winners. The projects, which focused on growing kai, protecting and preserving water, improving biodiversity, and reducing waste, showcased the remarkable passion and commitment of our applicants towards the environment. We were particularly excited to see proposals focused on exploring alternative energy and sustainable transport, a new category for this year.

4.9.2 Corporate Services

Finance

Due to the earlier date of the December council meeting the Finance report will be tabled on the day of the December Council meeting.

4.9.3 Regulatory Services

Current Legal Proceedings

Department	Description	Status
Consent decision appeal	Replacement of consents for Opononi Wastewater Treatment System, Hokianga	Environment Court granted consent on 19 November 2024.
Consent decision appeal	Site development works for a subdivision at Dip Road, Kamo	Reconvened Environment Court Hearing has been held. Parties now await the Court’s decision.
Consent decision appeal	Proposed port expansion project to include reclamation and port activities	The applicant is in discussions with parties attempting to resolve the appeal. The Court has directed that the applicant is to provide an update to the Court on progress by 5 December 2024.
Consent decision appeal	Removal of natural wetland and earthworks in flood zone for solar farm, Ruakākā	The decision has been appealed by the Forest and Bird Protection Society and Mr Erikson. Parties are to provide a memo to the Court by 31 January 2025 on progress to resolve the appeal and what matters remain for a hearing.

Consents in Process

During November 2024, a total of 70 Decisions were issued. These decisions comprised:

Coastal Permits	8
Land Discharge Permits	17
Water Discharge Permits	4
Land Use Consents	33
Water Takes	5
Bore Consents	3

Thirty-one applications were received in November 2024.

Of the 102 applications in progress at the end of November 2024:

Ÿ 31 were received more than 12 months ago;

Ÿ 9 were received between 6 and 12 months ago (most awaiting further information from the applicant);

Ÿ 62 less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

§ No commissioners were appointed in November 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 November 2024 is (by number):

Progress on Applications Previously Notified	5
Appeals/Objections	4

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 to 22 November 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	9	9	0	0	0	0
Bore Consent	19	15	4	0	0	0
Coastal Air Discharge	1	1	0	0	0	0
Coastal Discharge	7	6	0	1	0	0
Coastal Permit	51	40	10	1	0	0
FDE - Discharge permit	29	27	0	2	0	0
FDE - Permitted activity	11	11	0	0	0	0
Land Discharge	46	30	7	3	0	6
Land Use Consent	36	32	2	0	0	2
NES-F	2	0	0	2	0	0
Water Discharge	29	18	7	2	1	1
Water Permit	21	14	0	1	0	6
Water Take	123	70	33	18	0	2
Total	384	273	63	30	1	17
Percentage		71.1%	16.4%	7.8%	0.3%	4.4%
Year to date	2795	2147	305	232	51	60
Percentage		76.8%	10.9%	8.3%	1.8%	2.1%

Municipal wastewater treatment plant compliance/enforcement

WWTP/Consent Status	Compliance for last 12 months	Compliance for last 3 months	Enforcement Action/Response
Ahipara Expires 2033			Under ANs (reissued in September 2022). New SCUV unit commissioned in September 2024. First round of sampling after installation showed a significant improvement in FC concentration after UV. Compliance is based on median FC concentrations of 12 consecutive samples and so it will take several months before compliance is achieved should the SCUV continue to significantly reduce FC concentrations.
Kohukohu Expires 2026			Under AN September and October 2024 sample results exceeded RC limits for FC and ammoniacal nitrogen. Joint NRC and FNDC visit to the WTTP undertaken to the WTTP to assess the situation and collect discharge samples for further testing. NRC results showed compliance with maximum FC limit and minor non compliance with ammoniacal nitrogen maximum limit.
Taipā Expires 2029			Moderate non-compliances for FC exceeding 85^th percentile and TN exceeding RC limits. Remedial actions being undertaken by CH.
Opononi & Ōmāpere Expires 2027 (Court granted consent on 19 November 2024)			Under ANs Issues addressed in replacement consent.
Whatuwhiwhi Expires 2025			Moderate non-compliances for TSS exceeding RC limits.
Kawakawa Expires 2036			Moderate non-compliance due to 90^th percentile for E.coli being exceeded in historic sample. Has been trending downwards since.
Paihia Expires 2034			Under AN Moderate non-compliances due to ammoniacal nitrogen exceeding RC limits.
Rāwene Expired 2023 (replacement consent being processed)			Issues will be addressed in replacement consent.
Russell Expired 30 April 2024 (replacement consent being processed)			Under AN Significant non-compliance currently being addressed.
Kaiwaka Expires 2049			Moderate non-compliances for FC exceeding RC limits and high discharge volumes.
Kaitāia Expired 2021 (replacement consent being processed)			Under AN (for reticulation overflows). Ongoing works on reticulation system. Issues will be addressed in replacement consent.
Kaikohe Expired 2021 (replacement consent being processed)			Under AN Issues will be addressed in replacement consent.
Hikurangi Expires 2025			Under AN Abatement notice issued in July 2024 as sample results are consistently exceeding RC limits (TSS, BOD, E.coli).
Dargaville Expires 2043			Under ANs Plant performance issues addressed in replacement consent. Abatement notice issued in September 2024 regarding non-compliance with consent reporting requirements.
Hihi Expired 2022 (replacement consent being processed)			Moderate non-compliance in August, remedial action was taken and has been fully compliant since.
Rangiputa Expires 2032			Moderate non-compliance due to sampling not being undertaken as required by RC.
Te Kopuru Expires 2044			Moderate non-compliance for E.coli and TSS exceeding RC limits (median and 90^th percentiles).
Maungaturoto Expires 2032			Under AN; IN issued September 2024 Moderate non-compliances for water quality parameters exceeding RC limits.
Glinks Gully Expires 2034 (Consent granted on 22 November 2024)			None currently.
Ruakākā Expires 2046			Moderate non-compliance for ammoniacal nitrogen in three bores exceeding RC limits. Awaiting report from CH.
Mangawhai Expires 2042			Under ANs; IN issued September 2024 Extensive work being undertaken to address odour issues. Abatement notice and infringement notice issued in September 2024 regarding non-compliance with monitoring requirements.
Kaeo Expired 2022 (replacement consent being processed)			Non-compliance is for inflow meter and rain gauge non-reporting as required by RC.
Glinks Gully Expired 31 July 2024 (replacement consent being processed)			None currently.
Waipū Expires 2030			Moderate non-compliance for flows exceeding RC limit on multiple occasions.
Tutukaka Expires 2044 (replacement consent issued November 2024)			None currently.
Whangārei City Expired 2022 (replacement consent conditions being finalised)			Under AN for odour from plant. Issues will be addressed in replacement consent.
Portland Expired 31 May 2024 (consent conditions being finalised)			None currently.
Ōākura Expires 2025			None currently.
Ngunguru Expires 2035			None currently.
Kerikeri Expires 2036			None currently.
Waiōtira Expires 2030			None currently.
Compliance Status
Full compliance
Low risk non-compliance
Moderate non-compliance
Significant non-compliance

Farm dairy effluent (FDE) monitoring

FDE inspections commenced on 6 August 2024. NRC staff and the FDE contractor will be visiting an estimated 701 farms this monitoring season (13 less than last year). To date approximately 70% of farms have been visited and reported on. Comparisons of this season’s results so far with those for last season are given in the tables below. To date, there are more farms which were fully compliant, although the percentage of significantly non-compliant farms is similar to last year.

Consented farms (530 to be done in total)

Full Compliance		Moderate Non-Compliance		Significant Non-Compliance
This Year	Last Year	This Year	Last Year	This Year	Last Year
274	352	57	157	30	33
76%	65%	16%	29%	8%	6%

Non-consented farms (171 to be done in total)

Full Compliance		Moderate Non-Compliance		Significant Non-Compliance
This Year	Last Year	This Year	Last Year	This Year	Last Year
109	137	10	21	10	14
84%	80%	8%	12%	8%	8%

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 November 2024:

Nature of Offence:	Abatement Notice	Infringement Notice	Formal Warning
Illegal activity in coastal marine area	1
Sewage	7
Burning and smoke nuisance	1
Illegal take, use, dam or diversion	3
Stormwater discharge	2	1
Discharge to land	1
Other water discharge	6
Farm dairy effluent	14	20
Total	35	21	0

Court Cases Update

Litigation	Next Court Event/Action
Prosecution District Court Discharge of sediment. Now Crown case.	On 4 November 2024, the Crown filed submissions opposing the defendant’s application to dismiss the charge. Two of the defendants have now filed application for costs. The Crown will respond to the applications for costs respectively. The presiding judge has set the timetable for proceedings for the defendant’s application to dismiss the charge (pre-trial hearing 22 January 2025) and the jury trial (17-28 February 2025) if needed.
Prosecution District Court Discharge of raw farm dairy effluent to a stream; wastewater washed into stream; and overflow from pond. Now Crown case.	On 4 November 2024, the Crown filed final evidence and formal witness statements to the District Court. The jury trial date has not yet been scheduled.
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.	The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 29 November 2024.
Interim Enforcement Orders Environment Court Discharge to air from the manufacturing of Asphalt and open burning	On 12 July 2024, NRC filed an application for interim enforcement orders to prohibit the discharge to air from the manufacturing of asphalt and cease open burning on a property in Kerikeri. A judicial conference was held on 25 July 2024. The respondents agreed to an undertaking in terms of the orders sought. They have subsequently lodged a consent application to authorise the air discharge. The Court may convene a conference after 16 March 2025 to address remaining issues.
Abatement notice appeal Environment Court Stock pugging in a natural wetland	On 3 October 2024, an appeal was filed against an abatement notice in relation the cessation of stock pugging in a natural wetland. A judicial conference was convened on 9 October 2024, in which the Judge directed NRC to submit expert reports to support NRC position that the wetland in question is a natural wetland. The reports are to be filed by 29 November 2024.
Abatement notice appeals Environment Court Discharge of raw farm dairy effluent and contaminants from silage storage	On 24 October 2024, appeals were filed against two abatement notices, each pertaining to two separate farms but both owned by the same appellant. The first abatement notice addresses the discharge of contaminants associated with the making or storage of silage, while the second relates to the discharge of farm wastewater into a waterway. In the first judicial conference on 15 November 2024, NRC advised the Court that it intends to file an application for enforcement orders. The Judge has set out the deadlines for both parties to file and serve evidence. A period for hearings on both the abatement notice appeals and enforcement orders is tentatively scheduled for the weeks of 5 and 12 May 2025, with a 10-day hearing in Whangārei.

Litigation

Next Court Event/Action

Prosecution

District Court

Discharge of sediment.

Now Crown case.

On 4 November 2024, the Crown filed submissions opposing the defendant’s application to dismiss the charge. Two of the defendants have now filed application for costs. The Crown will respond to the applications for costs respectively.

The presiding judge has set the timetable for proceedings for the defendant’s application to dismiss the charge (pre-trial hearing 22 January 2025) and the jury trial (17-28 February 2025) if needed.

Prosecution

District Court

Discharge of raw farm dairy effluent to a stream; wastewater washed into stream; and overflow from pond.

Now Crown case.

On 4 November 2024, the Crown filed final evidence and formal witness statements to the District Court. The jury trial date has not yet been scheduled.

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.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for 29 November 2024.

Interim Enforcement Orders

Environment Court

Discharge to air from the manufacturing of Asphalt and open burning

On 12 July 2024, NRC filed an application for interim enforcement orders to prohibit the discharge to air from the manufacturing of asphalt and cease open burning on a property in Kerikeri.

A judicial conference was held on 25 July 2024. The respondents agreed to an undertaking in terms of the orders sought. They have subsequently lodged a consent application to authorise the air discharge. The Court may convene a conference after 16 March 2025 to address remaining issues.

Abatement notice appeal

Environment Court

Stock pugging in a natural wetland

On 3 October 2024, an appeal was filed against an abatement notice in relation the cessation of stock pugging in a natural wetland. A judicial conference was convened on 9 October 2024, in which the Judge directed NRC to submit expert reports to support NRC position that the wetland in question is a natural wetland. The reports are to be filed by 29 November 2024.

Abatement notice appeals

Environment Court

Discharge of raw farm dairy effluent and contaminants from silage storage

On 24 October 2024, appeals were filed against two abatement notices, each pertaining to two separate farms but both owned by the same appellant. The first abatement notice addresses the discharge of contaminants associated with the making or storage of silage, while the second relates to the discharge of farm wastewater into a waterway. In the first judicial conference on 15 November 2024, NRC advised the Court that it intends to file an application for enforcement orders. The Judge has set out the deadlines for both parties to file and serve evidence. A period for hearings on both the abatement notice appeals and enforcement orders is tentatively scheduled for the weeks of 5 and 12 May 2025, with a 10-day hearing in Whangārei.

4.9.4 Environmental Services

LAND MANAGEMENT

Freshwater Farm Plan Regulations Implementation

The Government has not yet provided the details of any changes to the Regulations as part of the Government’s review of the Resource Management Act and associated regulations relating to Freshwater Farm Plans. Work on the farm plan programmne has largely been paused as a result of the uncertainty around the regulations. However, work has progressed on a pilot Catchment Context, Challenges and Values (CCCV) approach using the Northern Wairoa FMU. The pilot involved the development of a report and a GIS map viewer which provide the data and information currently required to be provided by regional councils. Both the report and the GIS map viewer were ‘tested’ by NRC staff and 12 external people (field advisors, dairy farmers, berry and kumara growers and primary sector advisors) who provided feedback on how both could be improved to ensure they were easy to use and understand, and provided information and data that would be helpful for farmers and growers to understand the risks their on-farm activities may have a freshwater quality. Feedback was generally supportive with many commenting that it was very useful to have all the information accessible in one place rather than having to look through NRC’s website and other documents.

Alongside the CCCV testing, as part of the pilot staff are working with the five iwi who have rohe in the Northern Wairoa FMU to learn how those they wish their information and data to be included in CCCVs. Three of those iwi (Ngati Whātua, Te Uri o Hau and Ngātiwai) also have rohe in the Auckland Council area so it was agreed that it would be a better use of resources and time if both councils engaged with those iwi together. Learnings from this process will help inform how iwi and hapū will be involved in the rest of the programme once the current review of the Regulations has been completed and the programme get underway again.

BIODIVERSITY

Coastal

On 5 November, a team of kaimahi from Patuharakeke, Aki Tai Here and NRC gathered in the rohe of Patuharakeke, for a pilot Mokomoko – dune lizard workshop enabling participants to set up a lizard survey, using tracking tunnels to collect data for analysis. Lead kaiako for the day was Jacqui Wairepo, ecologist and herpetologist (lizard and amphibian expert). The workshop introduced coastal lizards in Te Taitokerau, including current species, population trends, threats and how to help them survive. Jacqui emphasised important points around lizard safety – they shouldn’t be handled because it’s stressful for them and if handling is required this needs to be done by a registered practitioner.

A group of people standing in a field

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Above: Kaimahi from Aki Tai Here, Patuharakeke and NRC sharing knowledge on dune fauna monitoring

Also, in early November we met with students and staff from with Renew School, Whangārei to measure the vegetation transects at north of Waipu Cove, which were set up by NRC and Renew in 2021 and are monitored annually.

A group of people in a field

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Above: Students from Renew School undertaking dune vegetation monitoring

Wetlands

Biodiversity supported the Matuku muster at Ngunguru repo and Taiharuru, active monitoring for three nights over one weekend in Sept, Oct and Nov. Two matuku were seen flying and heard in the last two weekends. Acoustic monitors have been installed at sites within the DOC Kauri Coast district to support their leading research on the species in our region, monitoring will be completed by the end of December.

Freshwater

Biodiversity team supported Fish Passage team (alongside Patuharakeke, DOC, Mountains to Sea and other NRC teams) with a fish population survey over three days at the Flyger Road weir, prior to weir remediation in December.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Water Quality Field Operations

Annual Riverine Ecology monitoring programme

· Staff commenced the Annual Riverine Ecology monitoring programme this month with 132 surveys in 55 rivers to be completed over summer. This programme looks at the animals (fish and macroinvertebrates) living in our rivers and streams and the quality of the riparian and in-stream habitats that they occupy. It includes, for the first time, collection of environmental DNA samples.

· Kaitiaki from seven hapū are participating in the monitoring within their rohe, with more potentially joining.

Māori Engagement

· Hui were held to identify training opportunities and review freshwater monitoring plans:

· Ngāti Kura (Matauri Bay)

· Te Roroa and multiple marae of the area (Te Mana O Te Wai project with Wai Connection),

· Te Uri O Hau and Wai Collection

· Kaitiaki from Ngāti Kuri and Ngā Kaitiaki o Ngā Wai Māori accompanied staff on numerous river and coastal sampling runs to review our sampling practices and data collection equipment.

POLICY AND PLANNING

Far North District Council Proposed Plan

Staff have filed evidence for Hearing 9 – Rural, Horticulture and Horticulture Processing Zone. The evidence supports NRC’s original submission on the value of the productive land contained within the Horticulture Zone and the importance of retaining this for productive purposes. The hearing is scheduled for the week beginning 2 December with staff attending to speak to the submission.

4.9.5 Biosecurity

Incursions

Gold Clams

NRC is again working with kaimahi from Te Roroa, Te Kuihi and DOC to conduct biosecurity checks on all visitors with watercraft at Lake Taharoa during the holiday period from 20 December 2024 to 6 February 2025. Operations will run similarly to last year where we inspected all types of watercraft, including jet skis, boats, and kayaks, along with their trailers, and a visitor survey was conducted at the same time. Pre-Summer eDNA surveillance is well underway with plans to sample nine lakes with public access and one private waterbody across the region.

Long term management

The national biosecurity response is being coordinated by Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ). Staff understand that BNZ is planning for transition to long-term management. This means BNZ have concluded the pest is established in New Zealand and cannot be eradicated and that a nationally led response will cease.

Regions will need to consider whether they wish to respond, and this may be as part of a collective with BNZ and/or other agencies such as DOC and mana whenua. There will need to be strong advocacy to retain the interest of BNZ as part of a collective stakeholder group. The Top of the North regions (Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato) are also considering the inclusion of Gold Clams into their Regional Pest Management Plans.

Wild Animal Control

Sika Eradication Project - Russell Forest.

To date 59 deer have been removed from Russell Forest. Current efforts are focused on three remaining high-priority deer, identified through extensive data collection. While these are unlikely to be the final animals from the residual population, their removal is critical for the project's success.

The project will pause during December to January, resuming in February 2025 with a faecal pellet survey to confirm locations of remaining deer. This will lead into an intensive operation using helicopters and hunter/dog teams equipped with locator bailing dogs, capable of tracking deer over long distances. This proven method has been successful in similar eradication projects in New Zealand and overseas.

Wild Deer Free Te Tai Tokerau

In the Topuni Forest and Kaiwaka area a combined NRC and DOC operation has removed five red deer and six fallow deer from unfenced paddocks near Topuni Forest and a retired deer farm. This operation was guided by historical data and a 2023 thermal aerial survey, achieving significant progress in this high-priority area.

NRC and DOC are working with deer farms adjacent to bush areas who are experiencing ongoing issues with pigs damaging fragile fencing, increasing the risk of deer escaping. These incidents underscore the need for proactive measures to address the problem.

NRC has deployed a ”Pig Brigg“ netting trap at a farm near Kerikeri where pigs have caused significant fencing damage. These traps have proven highly effective in controlling pig populations. Plans are underway to purchase four additional traps to address similar risks at six other farms, enabling more proactive management and reducing the likelihood of deer escapes

The Pig Brigg trap in conditioning mode, prepared for pre-feeding and activation by lowering its sides.

Pest Plants

Madagascar Ragwort

In November, the Chair, staff and representatives of Pāmu Farms met, with the Minister for Biosecurity, the Hon Andrew Hoggard, to discuss the risk to the primary production sector posed by Madagascar ragwort (Senecio madagascariensis). This aggressive pasture weed which dominates pasture and is toxic to stock threatens farms across Te Taitokerau. The discussion included a request for national leadership to raise awareness and reduce the risk of spread to other regions, funding for control trials, supporting the next phase of biocontrol investigation, and financial assistance to affected farmers.

Council has engaged AgResearch through an Envirolink grant and they are researching current and potential future control method, based on work in Australia and what has already been trialled by farmers in New Zealand. The objectives of this work are to identify the most reliable control prescriptions currently available and approved for use in New Zealand, and to identify knowledge gaps and control prescriptions to trial in New Zealand.

Council is also looking for support to progress to the next stages of biocontrol research. In 2023 the Regional Council commissioned a biocontrol feasibility study for Madagascar ragwort; for weeds that are widespread and difficult to control through conventional methods, biocontrol can be a highly successful and cost-effective tool, as was the case for ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris). Unfortunately, this study found that the potential agents that have already been identified and tested in Australia have recently proven to be unsuitable. The next phase of biocontrol research for Madagascar ragwort would be to undertake further genetic analysis of Madagascar ragwort across the native range to determine where New Zealand and Australian infestations originated from, and then to survey in that area to identify new insect and pathogen agents for further testing, which will require more substantial funding. During the meeting with the minister, it was proposed that a cross region/cross sector group be established during the discussion, and staff will be pursuing this approach.

A field of grass and trees

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Fields along SH10 in the Far North are now dominated by Madagascar ragwort. Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

4.9.6 Governance And Engagement

Māori Engagement

Te Karearea hui

Te Taitokerau Māori and Council working party members and staff were invited to attend the Te Karearea hui hosted by Patuharakeke at Takahiwai marae. Te Karearea is a Strategic Partnership Standing Committee of Whangarei District Council (WDC). Membership consists of WDC elected members and eight mandated hapū representatives.

The hui provided the forum for several discussions led by Patuharakeke including the Māori Wellbeing Fund, Te Mana o te Wai (mātauranga-based monitoring and awa restoration) and the Ruakākā Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade and alternative discharge options. Our Pou Manawhakahaere, GM Governance and Engagement was also able to provide an update of key priorities for our Taiki ē Te Tiriti Strategy and Implementation plan.

Following lunch the Te Mana o te Wai, taitamariki led programme, took everyone on a short hikoi to observe the work being undertaken along the Waikauwera awa.

Kaiāwhina Kaupapa Māori speaking on behalf of NRC at powhiri

M9

A small group of Kaimahi Māori recently attended the M9 event held in Auckland. M9 showcases a range of leaders from different fields who share their stories to inspire, empower, and impart kōrero Māori.

Economic Development

· Regional Deal – prepared a template agenda paper for all four councils to ensure a co-ordinated and agreed process to respond to central government’s invitation to submit a regional deal proposal by 28 February 2025.

· Council investments

· Subscription Agreement for council’s investment into the Mid North Water Scheme signed and commenced discussions with Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust on conditions precedent.

· Discussions with Northland Inc and Far North Holdings Limited on Food North funding options.

· Council workshop discussion with proponents of Oruku Landing Conference and Event Centre

· Meetings – organised meeting of Digital Enablement Group on 4 November and paper for Northland Inc board chair to TTMAC

· Economic information – provision of data to assist with review of Regional Public Transport Plan and information on the economic contribution of horticulture to Northland to P&P team.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Pest Plan

The early engagement period has commenced for the reveiw of our Regional Pest and Pathway, supported by a range of activity across the Community Engagement Team including the devlelopment of clear information, web content, design, promotional activity and events support.

Bay of Islands show

This year, we had a well-represented site, featuring information on the Regional Pest Management Plan, biosecurity (pest animals and plants), and land management. Six staff members were present, engaging with around 100 visitors throughout the day. It is worth noting that attendance was lower than last year, and our site was somewhat tucked away, making it harder for people to find us. We will make sure our location is closer to the main thoroughfare for next year’s show.

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A staff member demonstrated how to use a trap to members of the public at the show.

NRC display next to other community displays.

Supporting the business

During November, the Community Engagement Team has provided a variety of support and services to help the buisness achieve the following:

Biosecurity:

· Helped prepare a comprehensive briefing paper for Minister Hoggard, including supplementary material.

· Developed new resources for sea spurge, such as an identification field guide and bilingual beach signage in Te Reo Māori and English. Additionally, promoted sea spurge awareness on social media.

· Currently creating signage materials to promote our BioFund, CPCA’s, and HVA’s.

· Assisted the Pest Plant team with their monthly advertorial in The Advocate. This month’s advertorial included an article about Phoenix palms and an ad to promote the team’s presence at the Whangārei Garden Discovery.

· Created a social media post reminding people of the CAN notice in Te Rāwhiti Inlet. This was posted to NRC’s Facebook page and in relevant community groups.

Biodiversity:

· Supported the Coastal Lizard survey on 5 November, gathering content for online storytelling.

· Released media celebrating Trithuria inconspicua as NZ's favorite native plant, highlighting lake threats from gold clam.

· Prepared content for the CoastCare newsletter, due 14 December.

Vehicles on Beaches

· Completed sign design for Bream Bay with cross-council collaboration (DOC, WDC, Patuharakeke).

· Developed a local promotional campaign for the new signs, launching in December.

Media liaison

In total four Northland Regional Council media releases were created and distributed throughout Te Taitokerau and beyond during October. Topics included:

· New fish passage design to be installed at Ruakākā

· Commercial fisher caught as council clamps down on rāhui tapu rulebreakers

· Sustainability earns Whangārei-based coffee producer award

· Critically endangered Northland lake plant voted NZ’s favourite plant 2024

A number of media enquiries were also received and responded to. Combined, this activity helped generate 47 items mentioning Northland Regional Council as reported by media monitoring agency Fuseworks.

Education

Enviroschools learning and action

Here is a snapshot of November learning and action in Enviroschools in Te Taitokerau:

Enviroschool	Topic
Te Kura o Hato Hōhepa Te Kāmura (near Kaeo)	Māra kai and orchard
Renew School (Whangārei)	Sustainable fisheries
Kaipara Kids Early Learning Centre	Community gardens
Whangarei Girls’ High	Land and water restoration
Maungaturoto School	Gully restoration
BestStart Kamo Central	Marae visits and sustainable gardening
Harinui Child Care Centre (Kerikeri)	Native planting
Excellere College (Whangārei)	Pest control
Kerikeri Primary	Waste management
Maromaku School	Food forest
Riverview School (Kerikeri)	Walk-through native garden
Bay of Islands International Academy	Community market and food forest

Facilitating Enviroschools communities

During November, Enviroschools Facilitators visited or held specific online interactions with 65 enviroschools’ communities.

Local Government Official Information Requests (LGOIMA) 

We received 32 LGOIMA requests in November 2024. Overall, we have received 330 requests this year. This is 39 more requests than at the same time in 2023. This calendar year, there have been three LGOIMAs that have not been answered within the statutory timeframe. These have been reported in previous CE’s reports.   

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4.9.7 Community Resilience

Rivers

Upper Kawakawa Catchment Nature Based Solutions to Flooding

Rivers Project Manager is in discussions around providing technical support and frameworks to support the Taumarere business case. The team are collaborating with Vision Consulting, working with their Nature Based Solutions hydrologist to scope and create a framework for funding and completing site specific ecosystem enchancement projects.

Kaeo Stage 2

Progress is being made with the resource consent application; valuation reports have been received, detailed design is underway, ecological assessment booked in and Cultural impact assessment is in progress. We have a baseline fish survey booked in for the Kaeo River next Wednesday 27th-28th, with conversations around how we can create high value ecosystems during construction to mitigate any adverse damange that comes from the earthworks. “Wiggles” have been added to the new channel design to help combat head and bed scour expected from reducing the length of the river.

There is an special committee meeting scheduled for the 11^th December where the committee will vote on if to proceed with Kaeo Stage 2.

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Kaeo Stage 2 concept design with new ’wiggles’ added to the channel design

Matangirau Floodway

Of the six jobs approved for work this summer, we have now completed two; upgrading Matangirau School Road culvert and drain (main residential road) and cleaning out Porters Access Road drain (second main residential road). The contractors are currently installing bank stabilisation on a small section of Porters Access Road. The next job lined up before christmas is a short section of bank stabilisation near a local house. After Christmas we will be benching part of the Towai stream leading up to the local bridge and removing poplar trees at risk of falling in the awa.

Further Otiria Works

We have a meeting with Otiria Marae trustees on the 10^th December to discuss the details around how we will manage facilitating blocked overland flow paths to convey water around the marae into the Waiharakeke River.

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Existing overland flow paths currently blocked around the marae

Emergency Management

There have been no weather warnings or activatons to report.

The CDEM joint committee held its quarterly meeting on 3 December.

The Coordinating Executive Group at its latest meeting cosidered a report that examined the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that govern the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) relationship between Northland Regional Council (NRC) and the three district councils in the region.

The paper specifically examined the financial contributions made by the councils towards CDEM and provided a detailed analysis of the legal framework that underpins the Northland CDEM Group's financial obligations.

As a result of the paper, the CEG has agreed to undertake a combined Section 17A, Local Government Act review that incorporates a NEMA lead Monitoring and Evaluation review.

The tsunami siren replacement project continues with 71 sirens constructed as at 1 December with a further 24 to complete.

The Multi Agency Coordinaion Centre, Project Advisory Group (PAG) has held 3 meetings and progress is being made on the Heads of Agreement document, and some intial backgorund work, including a site contaminiaon report have been commissioned. Design work will primarily involve CDEM, FENZ and WDC input with an Architect and Quantity Surveyor now being sought through NRC and FENZ procurement processes.

Transport

Transport Procurement Strategy

To be eligible for national funding assistance for transport related contracted services, the Northland Regional Council (NRC) must have in place a Council and New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi approved Procurement Strategy. For the last eight years, this was included in the Northland Transportation Alliance (NTA) regional procurement strategy. With the dissolution of NTA, the NRC is required to have in place and approved procurement strategy by 30 June 2025. Staff have completed a draft NRC Transport Procurement Strategy. This draft has been submitted to NZTA for feedback, and once finalised, will be presented to both NRC and NZTA for formal approval.

Bus Service Third-Party Revenue Negotiations

As directed by the Minister of Transport through the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport 2024, NZTA and NRC are to commence negotiations regarding sourcing of additional third-party revenue for contracted bus services in an effort to offset both national and local share funding. The first meeting was held Tuesday 26 November 2024 and included discussions on realistic targets.

T2 Lane Progress Update

At the time of compiling this report, no updates have been received from Whangarei District Council regarding the Kamo to Bank Street T2 lane. However, staff continue to engage with the bus operator to ensure additional buses are available when required.

Rose Street Upgrade

WDC have recently advised that construction of the planned upgrade of the Rose Street Bus Terminus main building has been delayed until the end of January to early February 2025. Staff continue working with the bus operator to mitigate any disruptions during the construction period.

New Bus Stops and Shelters for the Far North Link

Installation of new bus stops with updated timetables as well as five new shelters have been constructed in Kaitaia for the Far North Link.

BusLink Survey

Staff continued with the BusLink survey through engagement with Bream Bay and Maungaturoto communities at seven community events. The final event was held on Sunday, 17 November. To date, 282 surveys have been completed by residents. The survey has also featured a write-up in the latest issue of Bream Bay News. The survey is open until 10 December 2024. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8FCY5MN

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Summer Beach Buses

Staff are currently organising the Beach Bus service, which will operate between Rose Street Bus Terminus, Ocean Beach, and Ruakaka Beach from 21 December 2023 to 25 January 2024. As part of this review, the staff are gathering community feedback on preferred months, days, and times for operation, as well as exploring the possibility of travelling to different destinations. This input will help shape a service that better aligns with community needs. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3JH8687

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Bus driver Appreciation Day – Saturday 16^th November

All CityLink and BusLink bus drivers were recognised by council on this day, with a shout out on our CityLink Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CitylinkWhangarei/

44 drivers across Northland were presented with a Prezzy card to show our drivers how much we appreciate them keeping our communities connected - and how valuable they are to our public transport network.

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Total Mobility Scheme (TM)

Total Mobility trips

Information was not available at the time of writing this report.

National Total Mobility meeting

NRC staff hosted the last national Total Mobility meeting for 2024 – Wednesday 20^th November. This meeting covered an update on the National Total Mobility review (draft proposal for consultation expected early 2025). All Regions advised Ministry of Transport and NZTA of the continued financial pressure every region is under with the continuing increase in clients joining the scheme due to the increase in national subsidy to offset what the client pays

Maritime

10 maritime incidents were reported in November, the majority related to moorings or offences. Routine maintenance was carried out to 16 aids to navigation with 5 beacons in Tutukaka painted and 11 light batteries changed across Tutukaka and the Bay of Islands Harbour. Reactive maintenance was completed in Kaipara Harbour to repair a starboard buoy that had become submerged.

7 cruise ships are scheduled to visit the Bay of Islands in November and 1 was cancelled due to MPI cleaning requirements.

The team conducted 7 skipper assistance trips in November at the time of writing this report, supporting other NRC teams in collecting water quality data and monitoring the Mimiwhangata marine protected area.

The team obtained approval from Maritime New Zealand and have successfully established a life jacket service centre in Whangarei. Certified members of the Maritime team are now able to conduct servicing requirements for all NRC lifejackets making considerable savings on transport and servicing costs.

Two new Honorary enforcement officers were appointed at Kai Iwi lakes to help enforce the navigation safety bylaws this summer.

Climate Action and Natural Hazards

Climate Action

The JCCAC meeting was held on 4 November. It was run in a workshop format where we covered the topics of Regional Leadership (what did it look like for the members) and Review of the inquiry into climate adaptation, to allow staff to shape any future submissions that might be required.

Our zero-carbon advisor has begun discussions with Northland Inc around developing a joint project to support businesses in the tourism sector to baseline their carbon footprint and identify emissions reduction initiatives they could pursue. This will give the industry the ability to improve and change their activities to have a more positive impact on the environment and eco-systems they operate within and rely upon. The Initial stage of the project hopes to engage 50 of the region’s tourism operators.

In the emissions reduction realm, we are also actively pursuing the formation of an “Electrify Te Taitokerau” campaign. This will showcase the economic, resilience and carbon reduction opportunity that exists for electrifying households, businesses, primary sector and community. Partners for sponsorship and delivery of the campaign are being sought.

Our two Tū i te ora scholarship winning interns have joined us for the summer months. Some of the projects they will be working on include: Assisting the Coast care team with dune monitoring, mapping post Cyclone Gabrielle relating resilience funding that came into the region, assisting NIWA with installation of Rod Surface Elevation Tables measurement equipment in Rangaunu Harbour which will monitor the sea level rises in the mangrove environment, and salinity of surrounding coastal lowlands, and designing some material around the topics of nature-based solutions for coastal protection for use at community-based summer events.

Natural Hazards

This month has seen a high amount of national engagement. On the 1 November staff attended a workshop in Wellington on the development of a National Flood Hazard Mitigation Register. Lead by the River’s SIG this project is designed to document the value flood protection provides to the country. Of particular interest to Northland was ensuring that initiatives such as blue green networks and making space for rivers are recognised on this register, this will avoid the perverse incentive of only investment in ‘hard infrastructure’.

On the 13 and 14 November the Natural Hazards Specialist and two members of the River’s Team attended the Regional Hazard Risk Management SIG Meeting in Gisborne. This meeting provides an opportunity for Natural Hazard Staff from councils around the motu to get together with their peers – share work programmes, successes, lessons learned, and to engage with national bodies (such as the Insurance Council) and agencies (including the Natural Hazards Commission, National Emergency Management Agency). On the second day SIG members toured Gisborne and Tairāwhiti looking at the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and discussing the role of the SIG in Response and Recovery.

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Members of the SIG view a Gisborne house that was damaged during a landslide after Cyclone Gabrielle. The house has been purchased by the Gisborne District Council through the FOSAL (Future of Severely Effected Land) process. In this case the owners have retained ownership of the land, acknowledging that it is not suitable for future development. Image taken with permission of the property owners

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Internal damage to our house damaged by a landslide after Cyclone Gabrielle. The house and property has been purchased by the Gisborne District Council through the FOSAL (Future of Severely Effected Land) process and will be demolished. Image taken with permission of the former home owners.

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Dr Murry Cave, Principal Scientist, Gisborne District Council indicating the Cyclone Gabrielle flood height levels at Rangatira Marae, Te Karaka. The hapū, Ngāti Wahia have engaged with Central Government through FOSAL process to relocate or rebuild the marae. Image taken with permission of the iwi.

On 19 November an NRC representative attended the Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform (Resilience Platform) project establishment team workshop in Auckland. The Natural Hazards and Resilience Platform has secured funding for a 7-year work programme and attendees at the workshop were setting objectives and research priorities for this programme. These include ensuring that outputs meet the needs of users including councils, community, iwi and hapu.

We have held a total of nine workshops and demonstration sessions on Resilience Explorer in November, attendees included NRC staff, district council staff and lifeline agencies. These sessions introduced Resilience Explorer to end users, identified further datasets that could be of use and work to confirm the risk settings in the tool. Feedback has been extremely positive, and development of the Resilience Explorer will continue.

4.9.8 KAIPARA MOANA REMEDIATION

Earthshot Prize 2025

Kaipara Moana Remediation has been nominated for the 2025 Earthshot Prize, an initiative inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s ‘Moonshot’ challenge in 1962 to land a man on the moon within a decade. The Earthshot Prize was launched by Prince William in 2020 to search for and scale the most innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges.

The ten-year global initiative aims to identify and support programmes and initiatives that can accelerate and scale the environmental innovations needed to repair and regenerate our planet across five categories.

Every year, the winners with the best chance of helping achieve the identified ‘Earthshots’ are awarded significant funding each to scale their solutions, with all finalists receiving tailored support from a global alliance of partners.

2024 in review

Awards and recognition

The Earthshot Prize nomination adds to KMR’s recognition this year. In March, we were nominated as the Catchment Showcase in both Northland and Auckland at the 2024 Ballance Farm Environment Awards. In September, KMR was named as a finalist in the Nature / Transformational Leadership category of the Sustainable Business Network Awards. In October, we were named on the ‘Next 95’ list by the Sustainable Business Network. The ‘Next 95’ list recognises innovators, entrepreneurs, projects and organisations that can help make Aotearoa New Zealand a global beacon of sustainable business.

Major milestones

KMR reached several key milestones in 2024. We hit 1,000 Expressions of Interest from landowners and groups wanting to work with KMR in May, and 1100 Expressions of Interest in October. The project value of projects led by sheep and beef farmers overtook those of dairying in June (this is an important metric as we have three times as many drystock farmers in the catchment as dairy farmers). In July, we became the largest national planter of trees donated by Trees That Count. And in winter 2024, our first winter of planting across the full Landscape, we came very close to hitting our 2 millionth tree.

Sharing insights and practice

2024 also saw a variety of high-profile events at which KMR’s leadership was recognised, and we were invited to share our insights and programme practice. In February, we were invited to speak at the BlueGreens Conference at Waitangi, with excellent feedback on the rapid scale up KMR had achieved and our ways of working. In May, we shared KMR’s operating model alongside Whangārei Councillor Phil Halse at the National Freshwater Conference in Wellington. In October, the Pou Tātaki was invited to participate in the New Zealand delegation to the Global Nature Positive Summit 2024, an invite-only event led. We also presented and met in wānanga with a very large number of other projects, groups and communities who wished to understand KMR’s work.

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

TITLE:	Record of Actions – 14 November 2024
From:	Sally Bowron, Strategy, Governance and Engagement Team Admin/PA
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 05 February 2025

TITLE:	Receipt of Action Sheet
From:	Sally Bowron, Strategy, Governance and Engagement Team Admin/PA
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 05 February 2025

TITLE:	Tāiki ē - Report on Priority Actions
From:	Kim Peita, Māori Relationships Manager and Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 05 February 2025

TITLE:	Revised terms of reference for Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party
From:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 05 February 2025

TITLE:	Regional Deals: Northland councils' response to the government's invitation
From:	Darryl Jones, Economist
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 05 February 2025

TITLE:	Te Tiriti Health Check - update
From:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement and Kim Peita, Māori Relationships Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 05 February 2025

TITLE:	Annual report process
From:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 30 January 2025

TITLE:	Māori Technical Advisory Group - update
From:	Sally Bowron, Strategy, Governance and Engagement Team Admin/PA
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 07 February 2025