Agenda of Te Ruarangi - Thursday, 8 May 2025

Te Ruarangi item: 4.10

8 May 2025

TITLE:	Local government elections 2025
From:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Bruce Howse, Pou Taumatua – Group Manager Corporate Services, on 01 May 2025

Whakarāpopototanga/Executive summary

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, council is responsible for conducting local government elections and polls, ensuring fair representation, and managing the electoral process in accordance with legislative requirements. Local elections take place every three years, and this year will be held on 11 October 2025. A crucial element of this year’s elections is a poll on Māori seats, mandated by government legislative changes.

On 26 July 2022, council adopted Tāiki ē – Northland Regional Council Te Tiriti Strategy and Implementation Plan and on the 23 April 2024 adopted the more fulsome document as the Tāiki ē - NRC and TTMAC Te Tiriti Strategic Intent and Implementation Plan. Specifically relevant to this paper is Action 22 which states “To ensure the successful ongoing implementation of Māori constituencies by (a) promoting and raising awareness of Māori seats and encouraging Māori to stand for local government.”

This report seeks to provide an overview of the key aspects of the local government elections and the poll on Maori constituencies and to provide an opportunity to seek and obtain any feedback from Te Ruarangi.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia/Recommended actions

1. That the report ‘Local government elections 2025 ’ by Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement and dated 15 April 2025, be received.

Tuhinga/Background

Council planning has commenced for the 2025 local body triennial elections. Dale Ofsoske of Independent Election Services has been reappointed as the Electoral Officer for Northland Regional Council (NRC). A report from the Electoral Officer is included as Attachment 1, which outlines the election process and provides a timetable and fact sheet (pages 7 and 8 of the report, respectively).

Local government elections

Voter turnout in local elections has been declining since the 1980s. Notably, however, in 2022 the average nationwide elector turnout experienced an uptick to 45.6% (compared to 41.7% for the 2019 election and 42% for the 2016 election).

For Northland, the regional voter turnout in 2022 was 43.2%, down from a 45.6% turnout in 2019. By each territorial local authority, voter turnouts in 2022 were:

· Far North District Council: 41.5%

· Kaipara District Council: 47.6%

· Whangarei District Council: 43.3%.

A major focus for Northland councils for the 2025 local body triennial elections is to increase voter turnout. Key initiatives to achieve this include, but are not limited to, heightened awareness campaigns across the councils to encourage the community to enrol, stand and vote. This will entail council attendance at a raft of events, many in conjunction with the Electoral Commission. Additionally, there will be an increased number of voting locations across the region, including mobile units and supermarkets.

Whilst the Northland councils are working closely together in preparation for the 2025 local body triennial elections, each council will be conducting its own communication campaign, given the need to nuance messaging specific to its audience.

Section 99A of the Local Government Act 2002 requires each local authority to prepare a
pre-election report, whose purpose is to provide information to promote public discussion about the issues facing the local authority. The pre-election report is prepared by the council’s chief executive, and must contain financial and major project information, and should be completed by the end of June 2025.

Section 42(2)(da) of the Local Government Act 2002 requires the chief executive of a local authority to promote their elections to increase voter participation. As a chief executive legislative requirement (not a governance matter), such promotion should focus on an effective communications/education strategy about the council - what it does, its services and relevance to the community and the importance to stand for office and to vote/have your say to help determine the future of the region.

Council’s approach to promote local government elections to Māori will include:

· Actively encourage Māori to put themselves forward as candidates (for general and Māori constituencies).

· Actively support Te Ruarangi members to engage with whānau, hapū and iwi regarding local government elections.

· Collaborate and engage with targeted communications to encourage Māori to enrol, stand and vote in local government elections.

Poll on Māori Constituencies

In October 2020, Northland Regional Council voted to establish Māori constituencies (Te Raki Māori) for the 2022 regional council elections. Following a representation review in 2021, one Māori constituency with two seats (Te Raki Māori) was created for the 2022 regional council elections.

The Local Electoral Act 2001 (LEA) was amended in July 2024 - the changes required council to decide whether to retain or disestablish its Māori constituency. NRC resolved to retain the Māori constituency at its meeting of 27 August 2024. Under the amended LEA, the council is required to hold a binding poll on whether to retain the Māori constituencies in conjunction with the 2025 local government election. The poll outcome will apply for the 2028 and 2031 elections.

While council does not conduct the poll itself (this is undertaken by an independent electoral officer), it has responsibilities under the LEA and Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) – these include:

· Giving effect to the principles in section 4 of the LEA (see appendix 1), including ensuring that members of the community can vote in an informed manner.

· Meeting Te Tiriti obligations in accordance with section 4 of the LGA

· Providing opportunities for Māori to contribute to local government decision-making processes (under ss 14 and 81 LGA).

Council has also made Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments through Tāiki ē – a plan to implement council’s Te Tiriti obligations, including actions to improve Māori representation.

Council cannot act to influence the outcome of any poll. Promoting a ‘council position’ on the question that is to be the subject of the Poll would likely constitute a breach of the principles in section 4 of the LEA. Such a breach would be an irregularity that could cause the Poll to be declared void by the District Court, in the event of a petition challenging the conduct of the Poll.

However, this does not prevent council from providing relevant information on the subject matter of the poll. The line between making information available to support informed decision-making by voters and advocating for an outcome on the poll that would undermine the validity of the poll, is not clear-cut and there is consequently risk associated with any approach taken.

Councillors considered this matter during a workshop on 13 March 2025 and have asked staff to prepare a communication plan that gives effect to council’s obligation to ensure that the community is informed of the issues relevant to Māori constituencies, consistent with the principles of the LEA, while also ensuring council is not in any way advocating for a particular outcome or seeking to influence the outcome of the poll.

It’s proposed that the council approach include:

· Not making any statements about the potential or preferred outcome of the poll.

· Provide information on why the council adopted its previous position in support of Māori constituencies.

· Inform potential voters about how the Māori constituency system works and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, other councils, agencies, hapū and iwi to support constituents to vote in the poll on Māori constituencies.

Overarching approach

Effectively engage the Te Taitokerau community in the upcoming elections. This includes encouraging enrolment, candidacy, and voting, while raising awareness and understanding about council’s role and relevancy.

Engage and educate our communities:

o Provide clear, accessible information about the election process and candidates.

o Educate voters on the importance of local election and encourage them to have their say 

o Clearly communicate what regional council is and why our mahi (work) is important and relevant (This will predominately be covered by a separate but connected ‘what we do’ campaign)

Boost electoral participation:

o Engage Northlanders and encourage a diverse range of candidates to stand, including under-represented groups - specifically youth, females, and Māori.

o Increase enrolment and boost voter turnout, particularly from underrepresented groups like young people and Māori

o Ensure our community understands the importance of having a voice in the elections process and why the regional council is relevant to them.

Inform voters on Māori constituencies poll:

o Provide clear and balanced information to help voters make informed decisions regarding the future of Māori constituencies

o Ensure that everyone, regardless of which roll they are on, understands they can have their say on the future of Māori seats through the poll.

Key Timeframes

The project has 3 main phases: enrol, stand, vote. Information on Māori polls will be woven through the phases, e.g. highlighting the need to enrol to have your say on the Māori polls. Additionally, FAQs will address supporting questions during these phases.

What	When
Enrol	May – August National ratepayers roll campaign underway 1 July – Electoral Commission Enrolment update campaign starts
Stand	July - August Friday 4 July – Nominations open Friday 1 August – Nominations close
Vote	September – October 9 September – 11 October – Delivery of voting documents Saturday 11 October – Election Day

Next steps

Below is a summary of next steps:

· Seek Te Ruarangi feedback on Council’s approach to implementing Tāiki ē Action 22.

· Council staff to take into account Te Ruarangi feedback in developing a communication and engagement campaign for council elections for sign off by the Chief Executive.

· Councillors to take into account Te Ruarangi iwi and hapū feedback with respect to raising awareness and understanding relating to the poll on Maori constituencies. It’s anticipated that councillors will workshop and endorse the approach relating to raising the community’s awareness and understanding of Maori constituencies in May.

· A further report will be provided to Te Ruarangi prior to the commencement of the council election and Maori constituency poll communication and awareness campaign.

Ngā tapirihanga / Attachments

Attachment 1: Local Electoral Act 2001 (as at 01 April 2025), section 4 ⇩

Attachment 2: Election Services Report - 2025 Triennial Elections ⇩

Te Ruarangi item: 4.13

8 May 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 02 May 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 the council.

Ngā mahi tūtohutia / Recommendation

That the report ‘Chief Executive’s Report to Council’ by Jonathan Gibbard, Tāhūhū Rangapū - Chief Executive Officer and dated 24 April 2025, be received.

4.13.1 Highlights

KAIPARA MOANA REMEDIATION

Key performance indicators

As at 31 March 2025, 3¼ years into delivery, KMR has delivered the following results on the ground:

Nature & Resilience

· 2.08 million plants in the ground or contracted to plant this winter

· 924 km of fencing completed or contracted – the same distance as from Cape Rēinga to Palmerston North

· 959 hectares planted or contracted, or regenerating into native forest

· Over 130,000 hectares managed under KMR plans.

Jobs & Skills

· 370,000 hours of new work – a year’s work for over 237 people

· Over $22 million invested in restoration projects supported by KMR

· 47 local businesses and nurseries accredited to supply KMR

· 184 people trained and mentored, many from local hapū, to work with landowners/groups and provide technical advice on KMR project design and delivery.

Participation

· 1,208 landowners/groups have expressed interest in KMR

· 781 plans have been completed with landowners/groups, unlocking KMR funding

· 118 more plans are in development with landowners/groups

· 92 projects led by hapū, marae, community groups, catchment groups and other collectives.

KMR Benefits Case Study

In recognition of our role as a national exemplar, KMR has been profiled by the Jobs for Nature Secretariat in a Benefits Case Study supported by an associated Technical Report.

The recently published independent and peer reviewed Case Study evaluated the cost/benefits of KMR delivery using well-tested cost/benefit valuation methodology. Key findings of the report are that:

· For every $1 invested through KMR, $3.94 is generated (primarily returned to the local economy and national economy) - a return on investment of almost 4 to 1!

· The primary value generated from KMR is economic (i.e. via support for local jobs, local purchase of materials, and sustaining primary production).

The updated figure reflects the release by The Treasury of a new discount rate, which affects the economic modelling underpinning the Case Study.

Cost-benefit analysis is a widely accepted methodology for assessing the relative merits of public projects. The Case Study also demonstrated that KMR will have ‘paid its way’ by around August 2025. While KMR is seen as an environmental initiative, the Case Study showed that the primary value generated from KMR is economic (i.e. via support for local jobs, local purchase of materials, and sustaining snapper fishery export earnings).

Earthshot Prize 2025

Due diligence continues in respect of KMR’s nomination for the international Earthshot Prize 2025. While the late meetings are challenging - the process is now being undertaken on UK time – and the workload is high, the process is proving very beneficial. Firstly, the evidence dossier under development and subsequent discussions deepen KMR’s strategic thinking and test future direction and opportunities. In addition, as part of the nominee cohort, KMR is now receiving specific, targeted assistance through the assessment process. We are likely to learn in late August if we have been named as a global finalist.

4.13.2 Corporate Services

Fraud, Corruption and Dishonesty Statement

There are no new fraudulent investigations to report or any new incidents or suspected incidents of fraud at this time. 

Finance

In March 2025 $6,198.01 (excluding GST) was written off with CEO approval in accordance with council policy.  The amount written off related to a 2023 invoice issued to Northport Limited who disputed a portion of the invoice in respect to the on-charging of an interpreter’s travel costs, which had been incurred due to travel disruption caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

4.13.3 Regulatory Services

Current Legal Proceedings

Department	Description	Status
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 applicant is to provide the Court with a final report on progress with resolving the appeal by 17 April 2025.

Consents in Process

During March 2025, a total of 115 Decisions were issued. These decisions comprised:

Moorings	2
Coastal Permits	7
Air Discharge Permits	2
Land Discharge Permits	21
Water Discharge Permits	1
Land Use Consents	56
Water Takes	8
Bore Consents	18

Fifty-one applications were received in March 2025.

Of the 113 applications in progress at the end of March 2025:

· 28 were received more than 12 months ago;

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

· 75 less than 6 months.

Appointment of Hearing Commissioners

No commissioners were appointed in March 2025.

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

The current level of notified application processing activities at the end of March 2025 is (by number):

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

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

The results of compliance monitoring for the period 1 to 31 March 2025 (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
Air Discharge	29	28	1	0	0
Bore Consent	3	2	1	0	0
Coastal Discharge	16	12	1	3	0
Coastal Permit	83	34	8	39	2
FDE - Discharge permit	0	0	0	0	0
FDE - Permitted activity	0	0	0	0	0
Land Discharge	68	54	10	4	0
Land Use Consent	65	59	6	0	0
Water Discharge	37	24	6	7	0
Water Permit	37	35	2	0	0
Water Take	179	138	34	7	0
Total	517	386	69	60	2
Percentage		74.7%	13.3%	11.6%	0.4%
Year to date	4501	3466	504	467	2
Percentage		77.0%	11.2%	10.4%	1.4%

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 and has resulted in improved consent compliance (reduced FC concentrations). 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. FC results since October 2024 have been compliant.
Kohukohu Expires 2026			Under AN Self-monitoring not being undertaken correctly. Issue being addressed.
Opononi & Omāpere Expires 2027			Under ANs Issues addressed in replacement consent. Moderate non-compliances for BOD, E. coli, and TSS. Remedial actions being undertaken.
Whatuwhiwhi Expires 2025			Moderate non-compliances for TSS exceeding RC limits.
Taipā Expires 2029			Moderate non-compliances for FC exceeding 85^th percentile and TN exceeding RC limits. Remedial actions being undertaken by CH.
Paihia Expires 2034			Under AN Moderate non-compliances due to ammoniacal nitrogen exceeding RC limits for 90^th percentile. Issue being investigated.
Rāwene Expired 2023 (replacement consent being processed)			FC and TSS exceed consent limits. Remedial work scheduled.
Kawakawa Expires 2036			Moderate non-compliance due to 90^th percentile for E Coli being exceeded in historic sample. Has been trending downwards since.
Kaitāia Expired 2021 (replacement consent being processed)			Under AN (for reticulation overflows). Ongoing works on reticulation system. F-specific bacteriophage exceeds 90th percentile. Some sample results missing. F-specific bacteriophage levels are trending downwards.
Kaikohe Expired 2021 (replacement consent being processed but also listed Fast-track proposal)			Under AN Self-monitoring not being undertaken in accordance with consent requirements.
Hikurangi Expires 2025			Under AN TSS, BOD5 and E. coli results are above RC limits for median and 90^th percentile. CH to supply a programme to remediate the issue.
Russell Expired 30 April 2024 (replacement consent being processed)			Under AN Leachate volumes discharged to treatment plant have exceeded RC limits. Remedial options being investigated.
Kaiwaka Expires 2049			Median and 90^th percentile exceedances for FC. Improvement in more recent sample results.
Hihi Expired 2022 (replacement consent being processed)			Ammoniacal nitrogen and E. coli exceeding RC limits.
Maungaturoto Expires 2032			Under AN; IN issued September 2024 Some RC limits exceeded, including discharge volume. Investigation underway.
Dargaville Expires 2043			Under ANs None currently.
Rangiputa Expires 2032			None currently. Moderate non-compliance for sampling not undertaken in accordance with RC conditions in 2024.
Te Kopuru Expires 2044			TSS exceeding 90^th percentile and rolling mean. TSS is trending down.
Mangawhai Expires 2042			Under ANs; IN issued September 2024 Enforcement relates to odour. No other issues currently.
Kaeo Expired 2022 (replacement consent being processed)			Self-monitoring results missing for two reporting periods.
Ruakaka Expires 2046			Ammoniacal nitrogen level is trending down and investigations showed that no elevated levels were found in the receiving environment.
Waipū Expires 2030			None currently.
Tutukaka Expires 2054			Moderate non-compliance for elevated E. coli in February 2025.
Portland Expires 2054			None currently. Non-compliance for late data.
Oakura Expires 2025			None currently. Previous non-compliance for FC exceeding 95^th percentile.
Ngunguru Expires 2035			None currently. Historic result still affecting 95^th percentile for E. coli.
Whangārei City Expires 2045			Under AN for odour from plant. Additional odour controls being implemented. No other issues.
Glinks Gully Expires 2034			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

ENFORCEMENT

Court Cases Update

Litigation	Next Court Event/Action
Prosecution District Court Discharge of sediment. Now Crown case.	On 18 February 2025, the judgement on the defendant’s application for the dismissal of charges was released, in which the Court granted the defendant’s application to dismiss the charges. As a result of the decision, all four defendants are dismissed from all charges. There are existing outstanding applications for costs by two defendants. The judge allowed the defendants to amend these applications by Friday 28 February 2025. Any response from the Crown is due by Friday 14 March 2025.
Prosecution District Court Discharge of raw farm dairy effluent to a stream; wastewater washed into stream; and overflow from pond. Now Crown case.	On 3 March 2025, a judicial conference was held to discuss the dates for a pre-trial hearing following a matter raised by the defence lawyers in late December 2024. The pre-trial hearing is set down for 14 and 15 April 2025.
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. The respondents agreed to authorise the activity by applying for a resource consent. Further time was granted so that the respondents could prepare a resource consent application. On 21 March 2025, NRC and the respondents filed a joint memorandum with the Court to update on the progress of resource consent application and seek further extension for application for enforcement orders. As the respondents need more time to prepare and formally lodge a resource consent application with the Council, the judge has granted an extension. An amended application for enforcement orders, together with a joint memorandum, shall be filed by 14 June 2025.
Abatement notice appeals & Enforcement orders 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. On 20 December 2024, NRC filed an application for enforcement orders in respect of five FDE farms owned by the appellant (two of which are under appeal). A period for hearings on both the abatement notice appeals and enforcement orders is scheduled for the weeks of 5 and 12 May 2025, with a 10-day hearing in Whangārei.
Abatement notice appeal Environment Court Unauthorised structures in the coastal marine area	On 11 December 2024, NRC issued an abatement notice regarding unauthorised structures in the coastal marine area of Te Puna Inlet. On 13 December 2024, the appellant filed an appeal against the abatement notice along with an application for a stay, which was heard by the Environment Court on 5 and 6 March 2025. On 20 March 2025, the Court released its decision, confirming the abatement notice and that the unauthorised structures must be removed from the coastal marine area. The Court reserved costs and NRC will be applying for costs against the appellant.
Infringement notice request for a hearing Whangarei District Court Unauthorised structures in the coastal marine area	On 11 December 2024, NRC issued an issued an infringement notice regarding unauthorised structures in the coastal marine area of Te Puna Inlet for the offence date of 19 September 2024. On 11 February 2025, the defendant emailed NRC and requested a hearing in respect of the alleged offence. Consequently, NRC filed a request for a hearing with the District Court and has served summons on the defendant. The first judicial conference is set for 7 April 2025.

Litigation

Next Court Event/Action

Prosecution

District Court

Discharge of sediment.

Now Crown case.

On 18 February 2025, the judgement on the defendant’s application for the dismissal of charges was released, in which the Court granted the defendant’s application to dismiss the charges. As a result of the decision, all four defendants are dismissed from all charges.

There are existing outstanding applications for costs by two defendants. The judge allowed the defendants to amend these applications by Friday 28 February 2025. Any response from the Crown is due by Friday 14 March 2025. 

Prosecution

District Court

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

Now Crown case.

On 3 March 2025, a judicial conference was held to discuss the dates for a pre-trial hearing following a matter raised by the defence lawyers in late December 2024. The pre-trial hearing is set down for 14 and 15 April 2025.

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. The respondents agreed to authorise the activity by applying for a resource consent. Further time was granted so that the respondents could prepare a resource consent application.

On 21 March 2025, NRC and the respondents filed a joint memorandum with the Court to update on the progress of resource consent application and seek further extension for application for enforcement orders. As the respondents need more time to prepare and formally lodge a resource consent application with the Council, the judge has granted an extension. An amended application for enforcement orders, together with a joint memorandum, shall be filed by 14 June 2025.

Abatement notice appeals & Enforcement orders

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.

On 20 December 2024, NRC filed an application for enforcement orders in respect of five FDE farms owned by the appellant (two of which are under appeal).

A period for hearings on both the abatement notice appeals and enforcement orders is scheduled for the weeks of 5 and 12 May 2025, with a 10-day hearing in Whangārei.

Abatement notice appeal

Environment Court

Unauthorised structures in the coastal marine area

On 11 December 2024, NRC issued an abatement notice regarding unauthorised structures in the coastal marine area of Te Puna Inlet. On 13 December 2024, the appellant filed an appeal against the abatement notice along with an application for a stay, which

was heard by the Environment Court on 5 and 6 March 2025.

On 20 March 2025, the Court released its decision, confirming the abatement notice and that the unauthorised structures must be removed from the coastal marine area. The Court reserved costs and NRC will be applying for costs against the appellant.

Infringement notice request for a hearing

Whangarei District Court

Unauthorised structures in the coastal marine area

On 11 December 2024, NRC issued an issued an infringement notice regarding unauthorised structures in the coastal marine area of Te Puna Inlet for the offence date of 19 September 2024.

On 11 February 2025, the defendant emailed NRC and requested a hearing in respect of the alleged offence. Consequently, NRC filed a request for a hearing with the District Court and has served summons on the defendant.

The first judicial conference is set for 7 April 2025.

4.13.4 Environmental Services

land management

Kotuku Dam property 2023 planting

A recent visit to the Kotuku Street property showed the 2023 native tree planting is looking really good. Plants are healthy and surviving the drought well so far.


Photos above: current day at Kotuku Dam

biodiversity

Lakes

The biodiversity lakes team spent a week in the Dargaville and Poutō area, conducting ecological surveys of seven dune lakes. Surveys were carried out to assess the ecological health of the lakes with NIWA divers monitoring plants along underwater transects, plant surveys along the lake edge, bird and fish surveys and eDNA samples. Divers resurveyed Taharoa and found an improvement in the submerged vegetation since the de-vegetated 2023 survey, which is promising. The team spent time with Patuharakeke Kaitiaki at Ruakākā Dune Lake, explaining the lake dynamics and issues facing the lake due to surrounding land use.

Staff on Roto Humuhumu undertaking a native fish survey

A lobster in a plastic container with a ruler

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Catch of the day – freshwater koura from Humuhumu. Scale is in millimetres!

CoastCare

CoastCare staff were involved in organising the Coastal Conversation events for Seaweek in March (with the Climate Action and Natural Hazards team and Whangarei District Council) and attended the four public events at Ruakākā, Waipu, Whananāki and Ngunguru. The guest speaker was coastal scientist Jim Dahm, with special guest speaker Dr Emma Ryan at the Ngunguru event. Jim gave a presentation on coastal processes and nature-based solutions for erosion mitigation at East coast open coast sites. At each event local community speakers gave short presentations on coastal protection and restoration projects. These speakers included representatives from CoastCare groups, hapū, kaitiaki organisations and schools.

Several working bees were attended by CoastCare staff in March:

· DOC’s Volunteer Wednesday at the northern end of Matapōuri to remove invasive weeds including agapanthus, ivy, gazania, and buffalo grass

· Ocean Beach weeding working bee organised by Ocean Beach Restoration Association (OBRA). Weeding and spraying was undertaken to release native plantings and old CoastCare signs were replaced.

· A Seaweek beach-clean up at Ruakākā reserve was organised with Bream Bay Coastal Care Trust and supported by DOC volunteers and staff and Patuharakeke Te Taio staff. Rubbish was removed from around the carpark and dunes by volunteers while Patuharakeke staff kayaked across the estuary to remove litter from the northern side.


Before and after photos of one of the weeded sites at Matapōuri where ivy was removed

Some of the staff and volunteers with litter collected at the Ruakākā Beach clean-up day

Guest speakers Jim Dahm and Dr Emma Ryan taking questions at the final Coastal Conversations Event at Ngunguru

March 2025

Wetland

A site visit with the Compliance team was undertaken to work with the landowner to remove pine trees from a top wetland.

The team hosted two brief workshops with Wendy Ambury (Love Bittern Project) at the Water St Office for NRC staff. The aim was to support wetlands through an Australasian bittern lens. The first workshop provided tamariki education and resources for the Enviroschools team, while the second addressed species information and support across NRC teams.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Hydrology

Given the timing of this report, the full data set for March is not yet available. The Hydrology climate report for March, with a full analysis, will be posted on the NRC website in early April. Below is a brief summary of results to date.

A map of the island

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Rainfall

· The rainfall map below shows the rainfall totals in mm recorded at NRC’s rainfall recording stations for March (as at 26 March).

The Highest rainfall totals for the month were recorded along the mid-west coast at the Waimamaku at Wekaweka Road station with 55.5mm, and the Tutāmoe at Tutāmoe station with 45mm.

River Flows

· River flows were low throughout Northland.

Groundwater

· Groundwater levels were low throughout Northland.

Science

Three new monitoring bores in the Aupōuri Aquifer have been installed with data loggers to record groundwater level. The three locations are in the northwest, east and south of the aquifer (see figure below). These temporary data loggers will record the groundwater level at these locations until they can be upgraded to permanent telemetered sites and integrated into our State of the Environment monitoring network.

Our Hydrology team have upgraded a remote monitoring station within the Kaimaumau Wetland to include telemetry. The site is only accessible by helicopter, so the team were dropped off on the remote patch of land with all the gear they needed, then went to work setting up the site. At the end of the day, they called the helicopter back and were picked up and transported back out of the wetland.

Location of three new monitoring bores in the Aupouri Aquifer.


Site access via helicopter	Monitoring station within the Kaimaumau Wetland	Staff completing checks

Water Quality Field Operations

· NRC have partnered with Ngati Kuri to sample six recreational bathing sites at three estuaries within their rohe with the aim of establishing predictive water quality models on Safeswim (safeswim.org.nz). Ngati Kuri kaitiaki rangers are undertaking the field data collection, with council covering the laboratory analysis costs.

· Shellfish Abundance surveys at Hokianga, Kellys Bay, Taipā, and Houhora have been completed for 2025. Results, including for previous years, have been uploaded to a purpose built ShinyApp (web dashboard) for the iwi and hapū that we work with.

POLICY AND PLANNING

Resource Management Reform

On 24 March the government made announcements regarding the proposed next phase of Resource Management Reforms. A Blueprint for Reform Report has been prepared by an Expert Advisory Group. This provides the starting point for the government designing the new system. The Reports recommendations are a fundamental shift in regulatory philosophy toward regulatory restraint, greater efficiency and consistency, with fewer bespoke rules and more reliance on national standards, spatial planning, and outcomes-based tools. Key elements include:

· Two new Acts:

· The Natural Environment Act to manage environmental protection and limits.

· The Planning Act to enable land use, development, and infrastructure delivery.

· A National Policy Direction under each Act to provide succinct, central guidance to resolve tensions between development and protection.

· Clear direction on how the Treaty of Waitangi is to be reflected in the exercise of functions under both Acts.

· There will be one regulatory plan per region with the aim of simplifying and standardising planning processes.

Property rights are emphasised with land use presumed allowed unless it causes harm to others or the environment. In some cases, overlays that significantly limit land use may require compensation for affected landowners.

Changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme - Limits on Forestry Conversion on LUC 1-5

On the 25 March 2025 the Ministry for Primary Industries announced further details on the limits to forestry conversion including a ban on registering exotic forest in the ETS on LUC 1-5 land converted from farmland. There is also a limit on how much medium versatility farmland can be converted to ETS forest land. Some exemptions to the policy are detailed on the MPI website with the new restrictions due to come into force by October 2025.

4.13.5 Biosecurity

Incursions

Waipū Caves Goat Control 

A significant increase in goat numbers around the Waipū Caves area was reported. A control plan is being developed in collaboration with the Department of Conservation (DOC) and local landowners. This work is scheduled to commence in late April to early May. 

Hikurangi-Wild Pig Management 

Pig control near a deer farm at Hikurangi has been undertaken due to ongoing issues with pigs breaching deer netting, leading to deer escapes. Five pigs have been captured so far and ongoing monitoring is in place to ensure continued management of the situation. 

Wallaby sighting Mamaranui

A report of a possible wallaby sighting on a farm at the southern tip of the Kaihu Forest and Tutamoe Range was received this month by hunters who suspected they spotted a wallaby during a night shoot the previous weekend. Staff undertook a site visit to set up surveillance using trail cameras, and suspect droppings collected at the site was sent to EcoGene for DNA analysis. Photos of the droppings were also shared with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council and initial feedback from their teams suggested they resembled wallaby droppings. 

Additional detection efforts were carried out this week, covering 23 kilometres with a wallaby tracking dog and 9 kilometres of thermal drone surveillance over farmland. No sign of wallabies were found. However, the drone imagery revealed extensive hare and possum activity in the area. 

EcoGene also confirmed the sample sent down for analysis was from a sheep and the images were reviewed, with no evidence of wallabies detected. 

PARTNERSHIPS

This month the Partnerships team have been busy supporting community-led projects and attending events. The highlight of the month was a community kiwi release at Parua Bay, which is within the Whangārei Heads High Value Area, that was attended by approximately 300 people. This event, held on 23 March, was coordinated by Backyard Kiwi with support from the NRC and Kiwi Coast (see picture below).

A group of people standing in a field

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Cr Amy McDonald, NRC Biosecurity Partnerships staff, and Kiwi Coast volunteer at the Parua Bay kiwi release (23 March 2025)

Four birds were taken from the Matakohe-Limestone Island kiwi creche and released in bush close to Parua Bay. Each bird was fitted with a transmitter so that it can be followed for a period of time to ensure that it settles into its new surrounds. Following kiwi and conducting regular health checks are particularly important now due to the very hot and dry weather Northland has experienced over the last few months. This has resulted in difficult foraging conditions for kiwi, especially on islands where these conditions are more extreme. Many offshore islands in Northland are home to kiwi populations, and there is a risk that the condition of kiwi will deteriorate if these dry conditions continue. The birds taken off Matakohe Island for release were all weighed and considered to be under weight. If these birds put on weight quickly and regain condition now that they are on the mainland, it may initiate more transfers from islands to better protect Northland’s kiwi populations.  

Across the Mid North High Value Area, roaming dogs (see picture below), not dry conditions, are currently more of a threat to kiwi and other wildlife. Disturbingly, nine kiwi in the last few months have been killed by roaming dogs. The dogs suspected of killing these kiwis are thought to be owned, but just poorly contained. While managing roaming dogs is not the NRC’s responsibility, it is disappointing that the hard work community groups have done over many years protecting native wildlife from predators is being undermined by poorly behaved dog owners.

A dog running on a grassy hill

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Roaming dog caught o trail camera on the Purua Peninsula: Note the collar

Across the Tutukaka, Kiwi Link, and Piroa-Brynderwyns High Value Areas it has be largely ‘business as usual’; however, these projects have been working hard to complete their annual outcome monitoring reports. In the Piroa-Brynderwyns HVA, kiwi and bittern were surveyed with kiwi being detected across much of the intensively trapped project area and bittern detected at ‘The Sanctuary’ (see pictures below).

A map of a large area

AI-generated content may be incorrect. A bird in the grass

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Far left: areas across Piroa-Brynderwyns HVA where kiwi were detected. Left: kiwi and bittern recorded at ‘The Sanctuary’.

Five-minute bird count (5MBC) analyses for Kiwi Link and Tutukaka HVAs have also been completed. While 5MBC monitoring is only in its second year in the Tutukaka HVA meaning that population trends are not able to be seen yet, the Kiwi Link have finished their seventh year of surveys. This project continues to have healthy populations of key forest species. Riroriro (grey warbler), piwakawaka (fantail), and kotare (kingfisher) are showing positive population growth, while tui and kukupa have maintained stable numbers. Although the miromiro (tomtit) has experienced a slight decline in recent years, these changes fall within the margins of error for this relatively uncommon bird. It was encouraging to note that the locally uncommon korimako (bellbird) were once again recorded on the Kiwi Link (see graph).

A graph of different colored lines

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The NRC urban programme, Tiakina Whangārei, has been supporting the Tokotoko Solutions Work Ready Programme by providing a weed workshop, practical weed management experience on the Waimahanga Track in Onerahi , and necessary field equipment. Tokotoko Solutions are wanting to support urban Landcare groups in Whangārei, which will increase the amount of weed management work that can be accomplished across Whangārei.

PREDATOR FREE

March saw a small group of the Predator Free team undertake the first possum night shoot exercise at Whangārei Heads. With help from contractor Owl Optics, a 94ha block of mixed farmland and bush was targeted using handheld thermal cameras and a thermal drone. The aim was to gauge the level of possums remaining in the area which had already had a high level of knock-down work done.

The results were very pleasing with only one possible possum sighting, indicating that the elimination work that has been done recently has been successful. In addition six kiwi were observed feeding out on the pasture.

On the back of this positive monitoring work, the project is now confident to transition an additional 500ha into the final detect & response phase – the last stage before elimination can be claimed. A combined 3,600ha is now in the final phase of elimination.

A map of a field

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A fenced in area with a sign

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Night Shoot/Possum Monitoring:

Results Logged 06.03.2025

Possum 1

Cat 2

Kiwi 6

Caulerpa Update

Phase III Exotic Caulerpa Project: A governance group with members from NRC, MPI, JBL, and Cawthron was formed to ensure clear communication among key parties. Two meetings were held on 17 and 31 March discussing:

· Equipment due diligence checks

· Risks and controls of exotic Caulerpa fragmentation

· H&S risk register update

· Construction schedule review

· Upcoming work/issues

A drawing of a machine

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Andrew Johnson (JBL) presented updated schematics for the submersible dredge planer (SDP) and detailed the subsea hydraulic power unit/control system requirements. Key points:

· The HPU/Control system is a removable module on the SDP chassis.

· It includes a hydraulic power unit, electronic control system, navigation, video, and sonar data capabilities.

· Specifications for hydraulic and electrical connections were provided.

· Two HPU options: Surface power supply and Subsea power supply.

Figure. Updated draft schematic of the submersible dredge planer (SDP) with the addition of buoyancy pods for the dredge head.

Caulerpa Surveillance: 

Surveillance at Whangaruru and Whangamumu covered 4713 meters of seafloor over 19 transects, with no exotic Caulerpa found. Further surveys at Matauri Bay confirmed sightings as native Caulerpa (Caulerpa flexilis). The Conquer Caulerpa Trust inspected an additional 17,890 meters of seafloor in the Bay of Islands, discovering a new incursion at Paroa Bay on 28 March, which was reported to MPI.

A satellite view of land

AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Transects by the Conquer Caulerpa Trust in March 2025 in the Bay of Islands, showing exotic Caulerpa absence (green lines) and presence (orange lines).

Hull surveillance 

Hull surveillance was conducted in Ōpua Marina, Whangaroa Marina, Houhora Harbour and Tutukākā Marina over March 2025 by NRC divers and dive contractors. In total 440 hulls were surveyed in March 2025.

*Hull Surveillance Programme Results*	Total this period	Total   YTD
Pathways Plan Compliance if Moving*
Number of vessels surveyed this period	440	1487
% Pathways Plan Compliance* if Moving (all vessels) *	36.8	51.6
Vessels found with Marine Pests
Sabella spallanzanii (fanworm)	32	155
Styela clava (clubbed tunicate)	8	77
Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp)	0	0
Eudistoma elongatum (Australian droplet tunicate)	17	32
Pyura doppelgangera (sea squirt)	0	0

* This is the percentage of vessels surveyed that complied with the acceptable level of ‘light fouling’ as defined in the Marine Pathway Plan. Note: actual compliance is higher given not all these vessels will move from one designated place to another. 

4.13.6 Governance And Engagement

Te Tiriti Partnerships and Relationships

Wananga Waiora 2025

The second Wānanga Waiora was held at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds Tahuaroa Function Centre on March 26. Hosted by Whangaroa Taio Ltd with support from NRC, the event provided a unique opportunity for Te Taitokerau kaitiaki and hapū to come together and share te mātauranga o te taiao.

Presentations included many of our kaitiaki and hapū from across Te Taitokerau and acknowledged the importance of the partnership with council and the work we do on the ground operationally as well.

Whaea Nora Rameka (Ngāti Rehia) Retirement from Te Ruarangi

Te Ruarangi’s longest-serving member, Ngāti Rehia’s Whaea Nora Rameka, has officially announced her retirement from the rōpū, leaving behind a legacy of incredible leadership and wisdom. Whaea Nora is the epitome of a mana wahine and exemplar for us all and was pivotal in helping to strengthen Te Tiriti partnerships between Te Taitokerau hapū and NRC.   

A special farewell was held for Whaea Nora on April 10 at Motātau Marae following this month’s Te Ruarangi hui.

 Economic Development

· Joint Regional Economic Development Committee – Regular meeting held on 7 March to, among other things, initial discussion on draft Northland Inc Statement of Intent (SOI) 2025/26, and commenced preparations for next meeting on 28 April.

· Northland Inc – Interviews held for applicants short-listed for the position of director. Discussion on draft SOI were held with Te Ruarangi and council.

· Northland Economic Quarterly e-newsletter– Issue 45 distributed and available on-line at https://www.nrc.govt.nz/your-council/online-services/enewsletters/. This issue included analysis of recently released data on the Regional Economic Profile for Northland that is produced by Infometrics and available at https://rep.infometrics.co.nz/northland-region. For example, it included regional comparisons of exports to GDP, self-employment, industrial diversity and the contribution of tourism to economic activity.

· Hosted a Northland council forum on community wealth building with Gareth Hughes, Director of WEAll Aotearoa, part of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance.

Community Engagement

Rangatahi Executive Panel (REP) progresses

Work to support the design of a youth voice at council has continued with around hundreds of responses to a youth survey collected over the summer period. This gives us quantitative insights into how well young people know what council does, what matters to them, how important it is for them to have a voice at council and their appetite to see more youth leaders in our rohe. Once analysed, results will be shared with the councillor REP subgroup. The next step is in-depth qualitative focus groups running across the rohe throughout April where young people, alongside councillors from the REP subgroup can input into how a group could work. The results from this will be translated into a set of informed recommendations around youth voice being prepared for council.

Te Taitokerau Māori Business 2025 (7 March)

The awards recognise and celebrate business success. Council sponsored a newly created award in the EnTvironmental Awareness and Management category, focusing on climate action mahi. The winners were Tu Mai Rā Energy Northland General Partnership Limited, formerly known as Solartive. They are actively providing environmentally sustainable power options to whānau, marae, and hapū in our rohe.

Te Raki Councillor Peter-Lucas Jones received the Te Hiringa: Te Tihi Award for his international achievements, including being named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in AI in 2024. Pita Tipene (Ngāti Hine) won this year’s Māori Business Leader Award.

Ballance Farm Environment Awards (19 March)

This year’s Regional Supreme Award Winners were Rob and Mandy Pye of Mangere Falls Farm, a beef farm in Kokopu. Rob and Mandy also won Northland Regional Council’s Water Quality Enhancement Award, recognising outstanding work to enhance freshwater quality in streams and rivers on their farm. The winners' field day will be held on Wednesday, 7 May.

Regional Supreme Award Winners Rob and Mandy Pye of Mangere Falls Farm with Chair Geoff Crawford.

Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine (28 – 30 March)

The festival began at Otiria Marae on Thursday evening with a pōwhiri attended by council staff. Council sponsors the festival, and staff attended with an information display stall on Friday and Saturday, promoting tangata whenua funding opportunities, land management advice, marae preparedness, and conducting our rangatahi executive panel survey – engaging with tamariki and rangatahi.


Photos above: Left: Tu Mai Rā Energy – who had their NRC trophy and certificate from the Māori Business Awards, on display at Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine. Right – In the centre a council staff member with two wahine at Te Āhuareka o Ngāti Hine.

Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards

Applications closed on March 30, and we received around 40 applications. Further information will be provided in next month’s report. Judging will take place during April and May.

Supporting the business

Throughout March, the Community Engagement team provided extensive support to help achieve business objectives across various departments. Of note:

· Marsden Maritime Holdings, Northport proposal – information development, promotional activity and feedback mechanisms to support council’s consultation.

· Biosecurity: cross-agency planning session on high pathogenicity avian influenza, and working with MPI and other agencies on Caulerpa communications.

· Governance: Developing a communications and engagement plan for the upcoming elections and working collaboratively with internal teams and district councils.

· Transport: media and communications support around the incidents of rock-throwing at CityLink buses

· Biodiversity: production of new CoastCare banners and signage for community and education events. Production and installation of signs at designated areas to support the rules around Vehicle Exclusion Zones on beaches and dunes.

· Coastal conversations - worked with Whangārei District Council and Seaweek to provide coordinated communications support provided for Coastal Conversations events.

· Climate Action conference - created a video to promote the learnings from the Climate Action Te Taitokerau Conference 2025.

· Seaweek - We worked with Mountains to Sea, and local student to produce a musical video ‘Sea Song’ and publish it on social media to celebrate Seaweek and promote the marine protected areas.

· Science - Created and shared a video on social media to support the work in monitoring Air Quality in the science team.

Digital engagement

Overall performance across social media platforms:

Profile	Audience	Net audience growth	Published posts	Impressions	Engagements	Engagement rate (per impression)	Video views
Reporting period 1 – 31 Mar	21,496 ↑0.8%	162 ↓65.3%	79 ↑3.9%	189,837 ↓48.1%	15,736 ↑58.6%	8.3% ↑206.1%	62,660 ↓15.3%
Compare to 1 – 28 Feb	21,335	467	76	365,866	9,921	2.7%	74,012
Facebook	15,125	29	23	161,944	13,424	8.3%	38,565
LinkedIn	3,431	86	8	9,853	1,643	8.5%	0
Instagram	2,367	39	37	18,040	608	3.4%	18,597
YouTube	573	8	11	N/A	61	N/A	5,495

Top three posts reaching the most people:

Media release on diverted bus services due to stone throwing incidents, a trending video style highlighting reporting deer in Northland, and a video about the kina cull at Mimiwhangata.

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

Sentiment: Positive responses received on video reels featuring NRC staff and community members. Negative sentiment related to the CityLink stone throwing incidents.

eNewsletters distributed during this period:

Economic Quarterly – Issue 45: Subscribers: 329 Open-rate: 13%

Kōrero mai - User Fees & Charges: Subscribers: 535 Open-rate: 41.3%

Marsden Maritime Holdings Limited and Northport: Subscribers: 537 Open-rate: 45.2%

Top three website pages:

Pest Control Hub

Tsunami evacuation zones

MMH and Northport Proposal

Key Performance Indicators	*Nov-24	Dec-24	Jan-25	Feb-25	Mar-25
WEB
# Visits to the NRC website	35,982	36,247	54,737	44,139	54,382
E-payments made	9	16	13	8	12
# subscribed web alerts (cumulative)	1,642	No data	1,655	1,662	1,676
# subscribed to eNewsletters (cumulative)	5,553	No data	5,526	5,532	5,536
Cdem sOCIAL MEDIA (CUMULATIVE)
# CDEM Facebook fans	36,786	No data	36,907	36,861	37149
# CDEM Overall Facebook Reach (30D)	4,839	No data	144,764	30,436	336,937

* Short reporting month (completed 25 November).

No data due to Christmas break.

Media liaison

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

· Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust celebrates successes with public field day

· New Sirens Tested in Northland’s Six-Monthly Tsunami Siren Test

· Changes to tsunami evacuation maps for Northland

· MMH Northport deal would increase NRC shareholding

· Northland Expressway news a ‘game changer’, RTC chair

· CityLink bus service diverted after more stone throwing incidents

A number of media enquiries were also received and responded to during March. Combined, this activity helped generate 100 items mentioning Northland Regional Council as reported by media monitoring agency Truescope.

Education

Far North Wai Fencing course

Rangiputa Station on Karikari Peninsula hosted local youth for NCEA fencing training. They learned about keeping livestock out of waterways and choosing the right fencing. Participants visited a lake fenced by past students and planted by contractors, then fenced off their own waterway on assessment day.


Pamu farmer and Wai Fencing tutor, instructs students in effective temporary electric fencing.	Rangiputa station waterway fenced by past Wai Fencing students, then planted up by farm contractors.

Marine ecosystems education underway

A new marine ecosystems education programme is underway for children near Mimiwhangata and Cape Brett. Schools and early childhood centres can choose from snorkelling, marine biodiversity and taonga sessions, and ocean videography presentations by Experiencing Marine Reserves and Young Ocean Explorers.

Lake Ngatu event supported

The education team supported the Graeme Dingle Foundation – Kiwi Can event at Lake Ngatu alongside Ngati Kahu. Together they delivered a wonderful day for local tamariki, packed full of activities in, about and for our wai.

Facilitating Enviroschools communities

During March, Enviroschools Facilitators visited or held specific online interactions with over 70 enviroschools communities.

Local Government Official Information Requests (LGOIMA)  

In March 2025, we received 50 LGOIMA requests, which is 28 more than in March 2024. This continues the overall upward trend for LGOIMA requests each year.

Awaiting clarification about one potential LGOIMA breach.

4.13.7 Community Resilience

Transport

Transport Planning

Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035

The Draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035 (RPTP) has been completed. A copy of the draft document has been forwarded to NZTA for comment and to ensure all content requirements been met.

Following receipt of New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) feedback and, if required, amendment to the document, the RPTP will be finalised and presented to the Regional Transport Committee for consideration and comment. The document will then be released for public comment.

A timetable for consultation will be completed following receipt of NZTA feedback.

Transport Operations

Retendering Process for 2027 Contracts

Staff have commenced work on the NZTA requirements for the retendering of the CityLink, SchoolLink, and BusLink services. This to be completed in full by 30 June 2027 when all these contracts must be renewed.

Running alongside the tender process is the investigation into the feasibility and viability of introducing electric buses into the CityLink (Whangarei) urban service. This investigation will include a recommendation on the best way to implement any move electric buses.

Otangarei Route 4 – Stoning of Buses

Following on from a number of incidents where stones were thrown at buses, the Otangarei service (Route 4) is still avoiding Matai Street. A meeting has been scheduled between staff and Otangarei Community Leaders to try and prevent further occurrences.

T2 Lane Progress Update

Whangarei District Council plans to have the T2 lane from Kamo to Bank Street operational by the end of May or early June 2025. A policing and monitoring system is being implemented and will be operational in August. Communications will go out to the public during this period. Staff continue to engage with the bus operator in regard additional buses and drivers being available when required.

Rose Street Upgrade / Vine Street

Construction is underway on the Rose Street Bus Terminus upgrade, scheduled completion by July 2025. The CityLink services continues to operate from temporary facilities in Vine Street. Staff continue to work with the bus operator to mitigate any disruptions during the construction period.

Total Mobility Scheme (TM)

Total mobility Trips and client travel for March 2025:   

Whangarei – 1,764 clients undertaking 2,030 trips  

Far North – 382 clients undertaking 361 trips 

Rivers

The Quarry Road Bridge extension work is progressing with 4 of the eight piles cast on 4 April. The remaining piles should be installed over the next two weeks which will lead to the pile caps and beam placement scheduled for late May.

Awanui River Coastal Stop-bank Work is approaching completion for this works season, and has included a section of the coastal banks that regularly overtopped during King Tides.

Whangatane Spillway Stop-bank Set-back SH-10 work is nearing completion for the season. Staff will continue to work with local hapū over the winter to resolve the matter of the unoccupied house with a view to completing the work planned for this construction season, in the spring.

Upper Kawakawa Nature Based Solutions to Flooding

Delivery of flood modelling for 4 problem roads in the upper catchment is expected shortly. This information will assist FNDC to progress a business case to raise and install culverts where overland flow paths have been blocked causing flooding. These maps show the height needed to get the roads less interrupted by frequent flood events as well as the impact of raising the roads on surrounding whenua.

Staff have also completed a multi criteria analysis through GIS of the Taumarere catchment showing the process from site selection to implementation of nature-based solutions on site: where, what, how, funding, monitoring requirements etc. Staff will present this analysis to the community late in May 2025.

MCA showing combined risk of sediment and nutrients into waterways in the Taumarere Catchment to target sub catchments for NBS implementation for greatest gain

High risk sub catchment showing where Nature Based Solutions could be installed at a 1meter resolution. Green shows potential wetland restoration, orange, hill country planting, pink circles and triangles are silt traps and leaky barriers, dark green is riparian planting. This is available for the entire Taumarere catchment.

Kawakawa Deflection Bank

Work will start on the right-hand bank of the Waiomio Stream, to bench the right-hand bank, allowing early flood water to spill onto the floodplain. A prestart meeting with monitoring officer, hapū, contractor and interested parties is scheduled for Tuesday 8 April.

Otiria Moerewa

Staff are completing detailed design for a swale in the KiwiRail yard down Kingi Road to provide further protection to residents, marae and Kingi Road. This work will be an addition to the current contract of work with Kiwirail.

Kaeo Stage 2

Staff are working through environmental reports that are required for the work and a community meeting will take place next week for the community to feed into these plans (wetland enhancement, planting plan, fish relocation etc.). Staff are waiting for the CIA from Whangaroa Runanga before the resource consents will be granted. A project brief was sent to the local Whangaroa Whispers newspaper on request from the committee.

A 3D image of the new river channel (purple) and deflection bank (red and orange)

Northland Flood Prone Marae

The team visited 6 marae and have completed flood mitigation works on 7 marae thus far, these works were in the nick-of-time for 3 of our marae following the heavy rain event on 3 and 4 April.

CDEM

Operationally the CDEM team has been assisting the Kaipara District Council (KDC) Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to conduct debriefing sessions from the Mangawhai Tornado and Initial Action Planning considering Level 4 Water Restrictions implemented under the KDC Drought Management Plan (DMP), and minimal significant rain on the forecast for April.

Capability and capacity building continues with on-going CIMS training, WDC EOC exercise and Function Lead Training conducted in this reporting period.

Construction of the Tsunami Siren Upgrade continues with over 92.5% of the sirens now constructed throughout Northland. Tsunami Siren Testing is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Sunday, April 6, 2025. This will mark the first activation of the new Tsunami Siren network and will feature an updated testing process. Instead of the usual two activations (10 minutes at 10:00 AM and 1 minute at 10:30 AM), there will be a single activation at 10:00 AM for approximately 1 minute.

The new Tsunami inundation models went live in March. This resulted in one of the largest number of views on Facebook for the Civil Defence Northland page in its history and a fantastic effort from CDEM Public Information Manager to ensure questions were answered.

The warning boards are also being replaced at coastal locations. This work will take some time as it’s a physical task with over 100 boards around Te Tai Tokerau.

The maps within our response plans are also being replaced.

Climate

Climate Action Conference

The conference fostered some rich korero focussed on enabling regional resilience and increased prosperity for the people of Te Taitokerau whilst simultaneously providing solutions to the climate crisis. David Wood did some visual scribing of the key themes, one example of which is shown below.

Te Uru Kahika Climate Collaboration workshop

A 2-day workshop was held in Christchurch which brought together climate champions from across the regional sector to foster climate leadership and collaboration and identifying funding and resources for critical projects that address climate adaptation priorities within the Specialist Interest Group (SIG) network.

The priority areas which are now being finalised as proposals to feed into the Regional CEOs 25/26 business planning process are:

Water resilience Strategy

Comms package for transitioning at scale

Data/information needs for spatial planning

A longer-term cross-SIG climate work programme is also being developed.

Natural Hazards

In the week of the 24 – 28 March Ewaters staff received the trial version of the Waitangi River early flood model. This project has central government funding and is due to be completed on time. In the coming weeks Ewaters will be delivering training to Council’s Hydrology, Rivers and Natural Hazards staff. Staff will work with Hydrology to assess the system before identifying a preferred region wide solution.

Snapshot of the Te Taitokararu Early Flood Forecast system on 3 April showing river levels forecast during the Orange Rain Warning.

The Wairoa Flood Model is on track for delivery by the end of April 2025. Part of the delivery for this model is delivery of the actual flood model to NRC which will allow NRC staff to use the model (e.g. local, specific modelling) and supporting Kaipara District Council works.

Staff are working to identify Peer Reviewers for these two projects to ensure that the information provided to NRC is robust and meets Good Practice.

The cross-sectional survey of the Wairoa and Kaihu Rivers is scheduled for the week beginning 14 April.

Three tenders to investigate options for flood mitigation for urban Whangarei have been received an evaluation panel of staff from WDC and NRC are assessing those tenders. A decision will be made in the next few weeks.

Working with Rivers Team and external experts we have revised the methodology for modelling of ‘overtopping events’, i.e. those events that exceed the capacity of flood protection works. This methodology will be more cost effective We are working on a project plan for this work

Enquiries

Rivers and Natural Hazard staff have received 174 logged enquiries to date.

Note this number is the tally of logged enquiries (through the IRIS system).

Maritime

During March ten maritime incidents were reported, the majority related to abandoned vessels or offences. Scheduled maintenance was carried out on 6 aids to navigation in the Bay of Islands area, primarily servicing buoys, painting, cleaning and battery replacement. The team conducted 12 trips providing skipper assistance to other departments, mostly supporting biosecurity and water quality operations.

13 cruise ships visited the Bay of Islands with only 1 cancellation during March. The season is now drawing to a close with just 4 more ships scheduled. The total ship bookings this year was 79, of which 8 visits cancelled. Two of these were booking errors on the part of the cruise company. The forecast for next season continues to show a decline which is the case across New Zealand, below is an update from the NZ Cruise Association (NZCA) showing the decline.

Statistics report from NZ Cruise Association

Key reasons given for the NZ reduction include:

· Biofouling Risks: Despite compliance with biofouling standards, the risk of denial into New Zealand persists, threatening brand reputation and leading to additional costs for passenger refunds and port cancellations. This is also a major concern to cargo and shipping lines who are key deliverers of New Zealand’s supply chain.

· Uncertainty: Cruise lines face challenges with the timing and scope of new regulations and costs within the booking window (18-24 months). As passengers book and pay for their trips up to two years in advance, any additional costs introduced within that booking window means cruise lines can't recover these costs from passengers who have already paid for their itineraries. This unpredictability complicates planning, yield management, and resource allocation. The uncertainty regarding a possible Milford cruise ban is also very concerning.

· Executive-Level Perception: Senior cruise line executives have a perception that New Zealand is difficult to operate in, and an unwelcoming destination to the cruise industry.

· Costs increasing: Significant and compounding cost increases including from central government agencies, ports, and regional authorities are putting New Zealand at a competitive disadvantage compared to other destinations, with New Zealand now the most expensive place in the world for a cruise ship to visit.

Whangarei Harbour Safety System

Work is ongoing to update all the harbour safety system documentation for a marine safety code peer review due end of July this year. For Whangārei this involves multiple stakeholders risk assessments and safety systems.

Components of the Whangārei Harbour Safety Management System

Attachments/Ngā tapirihanga

Nil

Commonly used terms and abbreviations
AP	Annual Plan
CEO	Chief Executive Officer
CPCA	Community Pest Control Areas
DOC	Department of Conservation
FNDC	Far North District Council
GIS	Geographic Information System
IHEMP	Iwi/Hapū Environmental Management Plan
ILGACE	Iwi and Local Government Chief Executives Forum
KDC	Kaipara District Council
LAWA	Land, Air, Water Aotearoa
LEA	Local Electoral Act 2001
LGA	Local Government Act 2002
LGNZ	Local Government New Zealand
LIDAR	Light detection and ranging
LTP	Long Term Plan
MBIE	Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
MfE	Ministry for the Environment
MOT	Ministry of Transport
MPI	Ministry for Primary Industries
MTAG	Māori Technical Advisory Group (a sub-group of Te Ruarangi)
NES	National Environmental Standards
NINC	Northland Inc. Limited
NIWA	National Institute of Water and Atmosphere
Non-elected member (Te Ruarangi)	One of the up to twenty-one appointed iwi and hapū members from Te Taitokerau. Members are appointed in accordance with the Terms of Reference.
NPS	National Policy Statement
NPS-FM	National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management
RMA	Resource Management Act 1991
RP	Regional Plan
Te Ruarangi caucus	Comprises the non-elected iwi and hapū members of Te Ruarangi
TKoT	Te Kahu o Taonui (Iwi Chairs)
TOR	Terms of Reference
TPK	Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Maori Development)
TTMAC	Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party (former name of Te Ruarangi)
TTNEAP	Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan
TWWAG	Tāngata Whenua Water Advisory Group
WDC	Whangarei District Council

Action	Status
Staff to review the timing of the Statement of Intent (SOI) to ensure there is sufficient time for input moving forward.	Completed. The SOI was presented to Te Ruarangi for their feedback at the 13 March Te Ruarangi meeting. Northland Inc’s chair and chief executive were in attendance.
Staff to discuss with Northland Inc the actions identified by Te Ruarangi including an economic development summit that supports the implementation of Taiki ē Action 29.	In progress. The proposition for an economic development summit was raised at the Te Ruarangi meeting on 13 March. During this meeting, a subgroup was formed to explore potential options for the summit and to work with staff on the next steps. An in-depth discussion with Northland Inc is still pending.
Staff to consider a process to work on an annual economic development workplan for Te Ruarangi and this could be also part of an orientation for the new council in the next triennium.	Completed. This will be considered as part of the induction preparation for new councils.
Staff to look at what safeguards exist when reviewing the SOI.	Completed. Te Rerenga provides key values and guidelines, with its acknowledgement of He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi as foundational documents for Te Taitokerau.
Staff to establish a feedback loop after JREDC’s meeting about the submission.	Completed. The media release regarding the proposed Northland Regional Deal was emailed on 3 April 2024 to Te Ruarangi members, along with supporting FAQs, and public version of the application document. There is a paper in the 8 May Te Ruarangi agenda.
Te Ruarangi Co-Chairs to raise concerns with JREDC members about the feedback given about the regional deals process by both TTMAC and Te Kuaka.	Completed. The Joint Regional Economic Development Committee meeting considering the regional deals proposal was held 21 February 2025.

2025 Te Ruarangi meeting dates	Type of meeting
13 February	Formal
20 February	Additional workshop scheduled due to the tight timeline for providing regional deals feedback to JREDC.
13 March	Formal
10 April	Marae-based hui hosted by Ngāti Hine at Mōtatau Marae
8 May	Formal
12 June	Marae-based hui – Te Tāpui Marae, Matauri Bay
10 July	Formal
14 August	Marae-based hui – TBC
11 September	Formal
9 October	Nil - elections
13 November OR 11 December	TBC one further marae-based hui for 2025. Nb: following the 2022 local government election, Te Ruarangi (TTMAC) did not reconvene until February 2023.

TITLE:	Record of Actions – 13 March 2025
From:	Sally Bowron, Strategy, Governance and Engagement Team Admin/PA
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 02 May 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 02 May 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 02 May 2025

TITLE:	Te Ōhanga Māori - Māori Economy Statistics & Report
From:	Darryl Jones, Economist; Emmanouela Galanou, Economic Policy Advisor and Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 02 May 2025

TITLE:	Igniting Northland's Potential: Light Touch Regional Deal Proposal - Update
From:	Darryl Jones, Economist and Emmanouela Galanou, Economic Policy Advisor
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 02 May 2025

TITLE:	Central Government Legislative Changes
From:	Julian Hansen, Kaiārahi Kaupapa Māori - Senior Māori Technical Advisor; Ruben Wylie, Pou Tiaki Taiao and Tami Woods, Policy and Planning Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Ruben Wylie, Pou Tiaki Taiao, on 02 May 2025

TITLE:	Wastewater standards submission
From:	Tami Woods, Policy and Planning Manager
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Ruben Wylie, Pou Tiaki Taiao, on 02 May 2025

TITLE:	Wānanga Waiora - report and presentation
From:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 02 May 2025

TITLE:	Mōtatau marae-based hui - report
From:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 02 May 2025

TITLE:	Te Ruarangi meeting schedule 2025
From:	Sally Bowron, Strategy, Governance and Engagement Team Admin/PA and Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on 02 May 2025

TITLE:	Working Party Updates Report
From:	Meloney Tupou, Maori Governance and Engagement Support Admin
Authorised by Group Manager/s:	Auriole Ruka, Pou Manawhakahaere - GM Governance and Engagement, on date 02 May 2025