Agenda of Regional Council Meeting

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 28 November 2018

Subject: Hawke's Bay Regional Pest Management Plan 2018-2038

Reason for Report

1. This item presents the recommendations of the Hearing Panel (the Panel) on the provisions of and submissions on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Pest Management Plan (HB RPMP) and seeks Council’s adoption of same for public notification of the decisions on 30 November 2018.

Key points

2. Development of a Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) is a statutory requirement for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council under the Biosecurity Act 1993 (the Act). It is also a key component of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Biosecurity Programme which provides a regional framework for managing existing and future pests.

3. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Biosecurity Programme is important to the region, given the threats posed by pests to our rural community and natural environment.

4. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is reviewing its Regional Pest Management Strategy 2013 to fulfil its requirements under the Act, including compliance with the National Policy Direction 2015 (NPD).

5. Council appointed a Hearing Panel, consisting of Mr John Simmons (Chair), Mr Apiata Tapine, Cr Paul Bailey and Cr Tom Belford to hear submissions on the Proposed Hawke’s Bay Regional Pest Management Plan (the Proposal) and make recommendations to the Council.

6. The Report and Recommendations of the Panel have been received by Council and are now available to be considered by Council for adoption as the Council’s decision on the Plan. If Council chooses not to adopt the Panel's recommendations on submissions either in full or in part for any submission (other than for minor corrections), then the Council must arrange to re-hear those matters in accordance with the Act.

Background

7. The process for “making” a regional pest management plan is prescribed under sections 70 to 75 of The Act. While the process contains some similarities with the regional plan making process under the Resource Management Act 1991, there are some significant differences. The process involves six key steps, which are summarised in Table 1 below.

Table 1 Steps to “make” a regional pest management plan under the Biosecurity Act

S70, First step	Plan is initiated by a proposal (s70 prescribes the matters that must be set out in the Proposal)	Completed by Hearing Panel by way of Minute 1
S71, Second step	Satisfaction on requirements	Completed by Hearing Panel by way of Minute 1
S72, Third step	Council is satisfied with consultation, or requires further consultation to be undertaken (for example through public notification of the Proposal)	Council meeting (24 April 2018)
Public notification of the proposal, receipt of submissions Hearing of submissions		2 February - 16 March 2018 July 2018
S73, Fourth step	Approval of preparation of a plan and decision on the management agency	Completed by Hearing Panel by way of Minute 3
S74, Fifth step	Satisfaction on contents of the plan and requirements (included in hearing panel report to Council as per sixth step)	Completed by Hearing Panel by way of ‘Report and Recommendations of the Hearing Panel’
S75, Sixth step	Hearing Panel recommendations to Council on submissions and the Plan. Council makes decision on Plan.	November 2018

8. The Proposed Regional Pest Management Plan was notified for public submissions on 2 February 2018.

9. This Proposal was developed after discussion and consultation with local communities, tangata whenua, central government agencies and industry, to ensure that the Plan’s objectives will be achievable and reflect the pest management aspirations of stakeholders and communities. A discussion document was released June 2017 on the future of pest management in Hawke’s Bay. Along with the usual communication channels, 4,500 letters were sent to stakeholders and an email was sent to organisations including the Department of Conservation, local authorities, Federated Farmers, OSPRI, TBFree Committee, Horticultural sector, Forestry sector, Ministry for Primary Industries, Fish & Game, Forest & Bird, Hawke’s Bay Marine group, QEII and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council contractors. The purpose of the discussion document was to seek the community’s views on the best approaches in a new regional pest management plan. A total of 98 submissions were received. This feedback helped shape the Proposed Regional Pest Management Plan.

10. Three appointed members of the Regional Planning Committee were members of the Biosecurity Working Party. The Biosecurity team presented both the discussion document and the Proposed Plan to the Māori Committee, and updated them on key items of interest and the process of engagement. Three emails were sent specifically to the Regional Policy Committee, Māori Committee and Post Settlement Government Entireties, one advertising the release of the discussion document for public consultation, one offering to meet with interested parties in person to discuss the Regional Pest Management Plan review and a final email advertising the release of the Proposed Plan for public consultation. A hui was held at Peak House, Te Mata Peak on 5 March on the Regional Pest Manage Plan.

11. A total of 54 submissions were received on the Proposed Regional Pest Management Plan. Public hearings were held on 5th, 6th and 9th July 2018, and 3 August 2018 at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Chambers in Napier.

12. Following the hearing of submissions on the Proposal, and in accordance with the delegations made to the Panel by Council, the Panel undertook Steps 3 to 5 of the plan making process. The Panel:

12.1. confirmed satisfaction with consultation in accordance with sections 72 and 73(1)

12.2. approved the preparation of a plan in accordance with section 73(1)

12.3. decided that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council would be the management agency for the Plan in accordance with section 73(2), and

12.4. confirmed satisfaction with the contents of the Draft Plan under sections 73 and 74.

13. During that time the Proposal was developed into a draft plan following further staff recommendations and directions from the Panel.

14. The Panel directed further amendments to the draft plan on 15 October 2018.

15. The Panel has now satisfied part of Step 6 of the process by providing its Report and Recommendations on the Plan to Council. The final part of Step 6 is for the Council to adopt the Report and Recommendations as its decision on the Plan and publicly notify its decision.

Hearing Panel Recommendations

16. The Panel has prepared a report under section 75(1) of The Act, setting out its reasons for accepting or rejecting submissions received on the Proposal and its recommendations to the Council.

17. The Report and Recommendations and the table setting out the Panel’s reasons for accepting or rejecting individual submissions are attached. Staff have summarised some of the key recommendations below.

17.1. Inclusion of a Feral Goat Coordinated Management Area (CMA) programme based on the same principles as the successful Possum Control Area (PCA) programme.

17.2. Inclusion of an old man’s beard programme along the Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges to support the Department of Conservation’s programme in preventing it establishing within the ranges.

17.3. Inclusion of a Wilding Conifer programme containing the following key elements:

17.3.1 Wilding conifers declared a pest when they meet the definition of ‘wilding conifer’ included in the Plan;

17.3.2 Scots pine, mountain pine and dwarf mountain pine are declared pests within the progressive containment area mapped in the Plan;

17.3.3 Contorta is declared a pest region-wide;

17.3.4 A Wilding Conifer programme that secures the investment in wilding conifer management long-term;

17.3.5 A 200m Good Neighbour Rule

17.4. Increase of the possum residual trap catch (RTC) requirement for the Good Neighbour rule from 4% to 5%. The Good Neighbour Rule requires land adjacent to properties within a Possum Control Area to maintain possum densities at or below a specific RTC requirement within a marginal strip no less than 500 metres. This includes Department of Conservation and forestry land.

Financial and Resource Implications

18. Funding for the Draft Regional Pest Management Plan has not been secured. Funding for the Proposed Regional Pest Management Plan was secured through the 2018-28 Long-Term Plan. However, the following funding is required to deliver the additional programmes included in the Draft Plan as a result of submissions and the hearing process:

18.1. Wilding conifer programme ($30,000)

18.2. Old man’s beard Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges buffer programme ($32,500)

18.3. Yellow bristle grass ($10,000)

19. The total quantum is $72,500 which will be sought through the 2019/2020 Annual Plan process through the Local Government (rating) Act 2002.

Risk assessment and legal compliance

20. External legal advice has been provided throughout the review of the RPMP in particular to ensure that the Proposal and processes followed comply with the Act (including the NPD), the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

21. Section 76 of the Act sets out the process for Applications to the Environment Court.

22. This provides that upon notification of the decisions, persons who made a submission on the Proposal may make an application (similar to an appeal) to the Environment Court on the following matters:

22.1 Any aspect of the plan

22.2 Whether the plan is inconsistent with the national policy direction

22.3 Whether the process requirements for a plan in the national policy direction, if there were any, were complied with.[1]

23. Applications must be made within 15 working days after the date of the public notice.

24. The period for applications will be open from 3 December 2018 to 17 January 2019.

Significance and engagement

25. The RPMP is a significant plan for the Council, as it establishes a region wide framework for pest management. It provides a stronger regulatory approach than previous plans for the management of emerging pest threats and threats posed to biodiversity values.

Consistency with council policy

26. This report does not propose a departure from Council policy.

Communication

27. A Communication plan has been prepared to support public notification of the decisions. Key elements of the communication plan include the following:

27.1 A public notice advising of the notification of the decisions, to be inserted into Hawke’s Bay Today, Wairoa Star and CHB mail (attached) on 30 November 2018.

27.2 Hard copies of the Decision Report and RPMP will be available at HBRC offices upon request. Hawkes Bay Regional Council’s website page on pest management will be updated with:

27.2.1 the Panel’s Report and Recommendations adopted as the Council’s decision

27.2.2 the Hawke’s Bay Regional Pest Management Plan.

27.3 Submitters will be emailed to advise them of the Council's decision on the plan and provide details of how to view or obtain a copy of the Report.

Decision Making Process

28. Council is required to make every decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements in relation to this item and have concluded:

28.1. The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

28.2. A special consultative procedure on the Regional Pest Management Plan is being undertaken.

28.3. The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.

28.4. The persons affected by this decision are all persons with an interest in the management of pests for the protection of primary production or biodiversity values, or any person with a pest listed in the Proposed RPMP on their property. There have been opportunities (in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 1993) for any person to engage or make a submission the Proposed Regional Pest Management Plan.

28.5. The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

28.6. Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by, or have an interest in the decisions made, Council can exercise its discretion and make a decision without consulting directly with the community or others having an interest in the decision. Submitters affected by the adoption of the Panel's recommendations will have a right of appeal to the Environment Court.

Recommendations

That Hawke’s Bay Regional Council:

1. Receives the Report and Recommendations of the Hearing Panel.

2. Adopts the Report and Recommendations of the Hearing Panel as the Council's written report and decision on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Pest Management Plan under section 75 of the Biosecurity Act 1993.

3. Resolves to publicly notify Council's decision on the Hawke’s Bay Regional Pest Management Plan under section 75(4) of the Biosecurity Act 1993 on 30 November 2018.

Authored by:

Mark Mitchell

Team Leader/Principal Advisor, Biosecurity/Biodiversity

Campbell Leckie

Manager Catchment Services

Approved by:

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Attachment/s

⇨1	RPMP Hearing Panel Report and Recommendations	Under Separate Cover
⇨2	RPMP Hearing Panel Report Appendix 1 - Recommendations on Submissions	Under Separate Cover
⇨3	RPMP Hearing Panel Report Appendix 2 - Draft Hawke's Bay Regional Pest Management Plan 2018-2038	Under Separate Cover
⇨4	RMPM Hearing Panel Report Appendix 3 -Minutes of the Hearing Panel	Under Separate Cover
⇩5	RPMP Public notice

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 28 November 2018

Subject: Report and Recommendations from the Regional Planning Committee

Reason for Report

1. The following matters were considered by the Regional Planning Committee meeting on 31 October 2018, and are now presented to Council for consideration and approval.

Agenda Items

2. National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management Progressive Implementation Programme - Revised Third Edition – presented an updated Implementation Programme for the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (the NPSFM).

3. TANK (PC9) Plan Change and Decisions on Plan Change Matters – provided information, options considered and recommendations in respect of:

3.1. Issue 1: The management of nutrient loss and the management of risks of nutrient loss arising from land use changes that the TANK Group did not reach consensus on

3.2. Issue 2: The recommendations in respect of the protection of registered drinking water sources from the Joint Drinking Water Working Group

3.3. Issue 3: The completion of the policy and rules for managing stormwater discharges

3.4. Issue 4: The draft s32 evaluation report and update of further work in progress.

4. TANK (PC9) Consultation, Notification and Hearings Processes – provided the Committee with a further outline of the RMA processes around publicly notifying a plan change, focussed on the necessary steps prior to notification, including targeted pre-consultation, of the proposed plan change and also key features of the submission and hearing phase.

5. RPC Performance Review – Summary of Feedback from Appointers – provided the Appointers’ feedback received in response to the Regional Planning Committee performance review.

6. Three Waters – Matauranga Maori Presentation – Riki Ellison presented the “Māori Word view”.

Decision Making Process

7. These items were specifically considered at the Committee level.

Recommendations

That the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council:

1. That Hawke’s Bay Regional Council receives and adopts the Report and recommendations from the Regional Planning Committee including the Regional Planning Committee resolutions as follows.

2. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy, and that Council can exercise its discretion and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision.

TANK (PC9) Plan Change and Decisions on Plan Change matters

3. That the Regional Planning Committee adopts in principle, and subject to the Committee assessing and making a decision on the complete draft Plan Change and accompanying documents, the following provisions to be included into the draft TANK Plan Change (PC9) Version 8.

3.1. Retain Policy 16(a) as provided in Draft Plan Change for TANK Catchments version 7.1.0 dated 8 August 2018.

3.2. Include rules for managing contaminant loss effects from land use change as proposed to the 31 October 2018 RPC meeting, and to consequentially amend Schedule 4 in accordance and as proposed to the 31 October 2018 RPC meeting.

3.3. Include provisions for managing drinking water as proposed to the 31 October 2018 RPC meeting.

3.4. Include provisions for managing stormwater as proposed to the 31 October 2018 RPC meeting.

National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management Progressive Implementation Programme - Revised Third Edition

4. Agrees that extending full implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management’s (NPSFM) policies out to 31 December 2030 in Hawke’s Bay is appropriate because:

4.1. meeting a 31 December 2025 timeframe would result in lower quality planning and

4.2. it would be impracticable for the Council to complete implementation of all of the NPSFM policies by 31 December 2025.

5. Adopts the updated (3^rd edition) 2018 Progressive Implementation Programme for the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management as proposed.

Reports

6. Notes that the following reports were provided to the Committee

6.1. TANK (PC9) Consultation, Notification and Hearings Processes

6.2. RPC Performance Review – Summary of Feedback from Appointers

6.3. Three Waters - Matauranga Maori Presentation

Authored by:

Gavin Ide

Manager Policy and Planning

Approved by:

Tom Skerman

Group Manager
Strategic Planning

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 28 November 2018

Subject: Affixing of Common Seal

Reason for Report

1. The Common Seal of the Council has been affixed to the following documents and signed by the Chairman or Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive or a Group Manager.

Seal No.

Date

1.1

Leasehold Land Sales

1.1.1 Lot 3

DP 14960

CT G4/477

- Transfer

1.1.2 Lot 1

DP DP17492

CT K1/1047

- Agreement for Sale and Purchase

1.1.3 Lot Lot 202

DP 6598

CT C2/396

- Agreement for Sale and Purchase

4275

4276

4279

26 October 2018

31 October 2018

2 November 2018

1.2

1.2.1 J. Gardiner

(Delegations under Resource Management Act 1991; Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941; Land Drainage Act 1908 and Civil Defence Act 1983 (s.60-64); Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 (s.86-91) and Local Government Act 2002 (s.174)

1.2.2 J. Genet

C. Johnstone

(Delegations under Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941; Land Drainage Act 1908; Civil Defence Act 1983 (s.60-64); Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 (s.86-91)and Local Government Act 2002 (s.174))

4277

4273

4274

31 October 2018

23 October 2018

2. The Common Seal is used twice during a Leasehold Land Sale, once on the Sale and Purchase Agreement and once on the Land Transfer document. More often than not, there is a delay between the second issue (Land Transfer document) of the Common Seal per property. This delay could result in the second issue of the Seal not appearing until the following month.

3. When reporting each month, it may appear there are more Common Seals issued than properties sold. This month shows the Common Seal being used 3 times, but only one property sale. This is due to the timing issue noted above, as one Common Seal was for a Land Transfer from last month. The listed sales in the table reflect the true movement of leasehold properties.

4. As a result of sales, the current numbers of Leasehold properties owned by Council are:

4.1. 3 cross lease properties were sold, with 75 remaining on Council’s books

4.2. 0 single leasehold properties were sold, with 110 remaining on Council’s books.

Decision Making Process

5. Council is required to make every decision in accordance with the provisions of Sections 77, 78, 80, 81 and 82 of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within these sections of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

2.1 Sections 97 and 88 of the Act do not apply

2.2 Council can exercise its discretion under Section 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Act and make a decision on this issue without conferring directly with the community or others due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided

2.3 That the decision to apply the Common Seal reflects previous policy or other decisions of Council which (where applicable) will have been subject to the Act’s required decision making process.

Recommendations

That Council:

1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy that Council can exercise its discretion under Sections 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision.

2. Confirms the action to affix the Common Seal.

Authored by:

Trudy Kilkolly

Financial Accountant

Diane Wisely

Executive Assistant

Approved by:

Jessica Ellerm

Group Manager
Corporate Services

James Palmer

Chief Executive

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 28 November 2018

SUBJECT: Significant HBRC Activities through December 2018 and January 2019

Reason for Report

1. The following commentary is provided for Councillors’ information, to inform them of significant issues and activities over the next couple of months.

Significant Work Streams

TANK Plan Change		Project description	Activity Status Update
Group/Section	Team(s)	Project description	Activity Status Update
Strategic Planning	Policy	Progressing PC to notification	1. PC9 work programme through December circulated to Committee members on 18 September. 2. At 12 December RPC meeting, staff will present further papers for consideration, including ‘version 8’ draft PC9. 3. 29 & 30 November remain penciled in as potential dates for additional workshop and/or fieldtrip to highlight particular matters arising in PC drafting prior to last 2018 RPC meeting on 12 December.
ICM	Marine and Coast	Proposed targets for estuaries	4. Draft report on proposed trigger values for estuarine areas to be incorporated into Schedule 2 currently with reviewers.
	Hydrogeology	Heretaunga groundwater modelling	5. A report on development of stream depletion zones is being drafted 6. Work continues on packaging and documenting the groundwater models, to facilitate external distribution of the modelling tools used to inform development of PC9.
	WQE	WQE options report	7. Compiling report with rationale behind options for different water quality objectives and limits, trying to understand and accommodate suggestions by tangata whenua representatives is proving somewhat difficult but we are doing our best

Ngaruroro River & Clive River WCO application		Project description	Activity Status Update
Group/Section	Team(s)	Project description	Activity Status Update
Strategic Planning	Policy	WCO Special Tribunal proceedings	8. Stage 2 hearings to commence 26 February 2019 (for 4 weeks thereafter) to focus on the mid-lower reaches of the catchment. 9. Tribunal has directed Applicants to pre-circulate expert evidence on stage 2 hearing by 30 November. 10. Any expert evidence presented by submitters (including HBRC) is directed to be provided to the Tribunal by 25 January. 11. Policy team personnel in lead coordinating role with HBRC’s counsel and wider project team.
ICM	Hydrology/ Hydrogeology	WCO evidence	12. Significant amount of time is anticipated to prepare expert witness evidence to support HBRC’s submission to the Stage 2 Hearings.
ICM	Water quality and ecology	WCO evidence	13. There is uncertainty how much work will be involved for us in this space at the moment, it could be large.

CHB Water		Project description	Activity Status Update
Group/Section	Team(s)	Project description	Activity Status Update
ICM	Groundwater Science	Science to inform CHB Water Taskforce Group	14. Pre-feasibility assessment for a Groundwater Replenishment Scheme continues for the Ruataniwha Basin 15. Presentations and engagement with the TG continues. The Ruataniwha groundwater models will be refreshed in 2019 and preparation of input modelling and data is underway. The groundwater science team are looking to the TG for modelling objectives and potential solutions to investigate by scenario modelling.
	WQE	Sub catchment summaries Tuki implementation	16. Porangahau / Maharakeke and Kahahakuri water quality summary reports finalized and available online 17. Exploring relationships between DIN and MCI, and mean annual DIN versus seasonal median DINs, to better inform farm consenting requirements

Hawke’s Bay Drinking Water		Project description	Activity Status Update
Group/Section	Team(s)	Project description	Activity Status Update
Strategic Planning	Policy	Joint Working Group	18. JWG have presented to RPC recommendations for drinking water policy for TANK. Ongoing refinement of proposals. Advisory support to the Drinking Water Governance Joint Committee. 19. Next meeting scheduled in 2019.
Office of CE & Chair	Governance	HB DW Governance Joint Committee	20. Joint Committee has now meet four times, most recent meeting 7 November. 21. Next meeting scheduled in 2019.

Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy 2120		Project description	Activity Status Update
Group/Section	Team(s)	Project description	Activity Status Update
Asset Management	Engineering	Stage 4 Develop pathway options and solutions for priority cells, including funding considerations for consultation	22. Modelling of Tangoio to Clifton with pathway options. Wave and shoreline modelling.
Office of CE & Chair	Governance	Joint Committee	23. Meeting scheduled 10 December to continue discussion on funding.

Integrated Catchment Management		Project description	Activity Status Update
Section	Team	Project description	Activity Status Update
Catchment Services	Biodiversity	HB Biodiversity Strategy	24. Regional Biodiversity Foundation Trustees strategic direction workshop and planning for 2019 activities
		Predator Free Hawke’s Bay	25. Finalising control, monitoring and research plans for Predator Free Mahia 26. Employ Whakatipu Mahia – Predator Free Mahia predator control cadets and coordinator
	Biodiversity	Biodiversity and priority ecosystems	27. Complete selection of ten initial priority ecosystem sites, engage with landowners and finalise site management prescriptions
	Animal pest management	Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP)	28. Notify 15 day submitter appeal period for the draft Regional Pest Management Plan 29. Central Hawke’s bay Possum Control Area programme monitoring beginning
	Plant Pest management		30. Continue Chilean needle grass control season 31. Chinese privet flowering season starting – deal with complaints
Northern Catchment			32. Work is continuing with landholders on the Mahia Peninsula to fence off and protect the Taiporutu Catchment, next door to the Whangawehi. In combination with the work going on with the Whakatipu Mahia Predator Free Project, there are significant opportunities to align our work and optimise the outcomes they deliver. 33. The portacom is now officially up and running at the Wairoa office, enabling the team to spread themselves out a bit now. We will be recruiting an Catchment Management Administration support person this month
Environmental Science	Water Quality & Ecology	WQE	34. Preparing for our second round of data collection for Ecosystem Health, which will occur between December and April 35. Supporting operations to monitor ecological effects of new herbicides
	Hydrology / Hydrogeology	Heretaunga Plains	36. Field investigations of groundwater and surface water interaction are underway for the Paritua/Karewarewa stream. This was an area of unfavorable uncertainty with the Heretaunga groundwater model and the investigation intends to resolve this.
		Regional State of the Environment	37. Preparation and analysis for 5-yearly State and Trends reporting will commence for: i) Regional groundwater levels ii) Regional groundwater quality iii) Regional river flows
	Land		38. Continuing final preparations for New Zealand Soil Science Society conference 39. Continuing trial field work data collection for new regional riparian monitoring program 40. Continue collecting data for forage crop mapping project 41. Complete draft report for shelter belt mapping 42. Review point analysis reports (x4) 43. Continue compilation of regional wetland inventory 44. Continue with wind erosion study across Heretaunga Plains.
	Marine & Coast		45. Portfolio images have been received for the Wairoa Hard multibeam mapping undertaken in May, work will be ongoing to add detail and context to some aspects of this work – Marine Hotspot. 46. Additional mapping of subtidal systems is scheduled to December – Marine Hotspot. 47. Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge meeting with Hawke’s Bay Marine and Coast Group (HBMaC) 30^th November to discuss potential collaboration.
	Climate & Air		48. Continued work on the outdoor burning tool 49. Climate briefings ongoing over spring and summer
Environmental Information	Environmental Monitoring		50. Summer monitoring programmes are underway. 51. Fish Barrier survey started.
Environmental Information	Data management		52. Draft Data strategy for ICM produced. 53. WIS busy with upcoming irrigation season 54. Continued data management support provided to Hydrology and Water quality teams
Freshwater Improvement Fund projects /Hotspots	Tutira		55. Air curtain in Waikopiro is performing well so far this season, with the pulsed operation successfully breaking an early bloom of diatoms. Pursuing the option of a secondary surface aerator primarily designed for oxygen generation (as opposed to mixing) to be on stand-by in case another oxygen crash occurs. 56. Lake Orakai sampling has commenced, and we will be sampling Lake Opuahi on a monthly basis due to deteriorating water quality trends in this lake
	Whakaki		57. Bird surveys undertaken in Whakaki to provide a baseline from which to assess performance of the lake and wetland rehabilitations. Good populations of bitterns, spotless crake and fernbirds observed. 58. Meetings are being held with affected parties to obtain approvals prior to submitting resource consent application 59. The monitoring platform is working superbly, and is a real testament to our highly skilled Environmental Information Section
	Ahuriri		60. Source modelling for the Ahuriri Catchment progressing well. 61. Planting and fencing effort ongoing. 62. Fish passage designs for the Wharerangi stream feasibility underway. 63. Assessment of volume of invasive tubeworm contracted.
	Whatuma	WQE	64. Lake Inflows and outflows are being monitored and showing signs of extremely elevated phosphorus levels in both the inflows and the lake outflows. These data will be more thoroughly analysed in the new year. 65. Discussions have begun around the ownership and long term management opportunities for the lake.
		Erosion Control Scheme	66. The first of the Erosion Control Plans are being completed by staff across the three catchment areas, and applications for funding are being tested following the new interim operating procedures.

Asset Management		Project description	Activity Status Update
Group/Section	Team(s)	Project description	Activity Status Update
Regional Assets	Engineering	Northern	67. Nuhaka River Road – river realignment – delayed for redesign. 68. Wairoa Playground sheet pile wall – additional tie-back work required – construction underway.
		Central	69. Bridge and gauging structure for forestry road at Tutira – being designed. 70. Flood report – Esk/Mangaone – plan to have report by early/mid December. 71. Westshore renourishment – Construction underway, due to be finished early Dec. 72. Awanui Stopbank – planning and discussion for last portion – right bank.
		Southern	73. UTTFCS – work is progressing on analysis of options for changes to rating system. Engineering is working with rates dept. One option developed at present, further options to be developed. Report back through rates dept.
		Gravel Resource Consents	74. Significant work completed answering Section 92 requests for further information now completed. Consent to be notified prior to Christmas.
	Open Spaces	Pākōwhai Regional Park Carpark	75. Construction is in progress on the new carpark at Pakowhai Park with completion scheduled for Dec 2018 and updated signage to be installed soon after.
	Open Spaces	Hawea Park / Karamu Stream Diversion	76. Draft park management plan preparation. 77. Trust Deed lodged with Māori Land Court – hearing December 5. 78. Next stage to development management plan is underway with hapu – Hui on Nov. 29 79. Planning meeting for this activity scheduled for 23 October.
		Waitangi Regional Park	80. Estuary enhancement Stage 2. 81. Lower Tūtaekurī Floodplain Wetland proposal (funded by NKII/Port/Higgins/Te Wai Maori Fund/HBRC) cost estimate being prepared.
		Forestry	82. Tūtira forestry road scheduled for Dec 2018. 83. Tūtira replanting and management plan in development.
	Cycle Networks	NZCT Priority Project Waimarama Road Safety Project	84. Review of Project Implementation Plan with Hastings District Council.
		New Zealand Cycle Trail Business Case Hawke’s Bay Trails 2018-2023	85. Completed, with CBA and now with panel for approval.
		NZCT Priority Project Ahuriri Underpass Flooding Safety Issues	86. Working with NZTA around solutions.
		Hawke’s Bay Trails Paper Map re-print/review with HBT	87. Updates with Official Partners now included and with HB Tourism to do cover & print.
		Hawke’s Bay Regional Cycle Plan 2015 - Review	88. Review requested and workshop to be facilitated with key stakeholders.

Regulation		Project description	Activity Status Update
Group/Section	Team(s)	Project description	Activity Status Update
Resource Consents		Large/ significant application Processes	89. Te Mata Mushrooms Air discharge remains on hold waiting for the application for related consents required from HDC to catch up. The application has been lodged with HDC as required. The application is on hold at HDC awaiting further information. If the HDC application is notified it is likely to require a joint hearing. 90. HBRC gravel extraction Ngaruroro Tukituki, Waipawa and Tutaekuri. Further information has been provided. Applications are due to be notified late November. 91. There are four resource consent applications in process for discharging stormwater and drainage water into the Ahuriri Estuary. Landcorp farm discharge consent is on hold pending application by NCC for the Onehunga Road pump station. NCC have two other discharge consents lodged for stormwater discharges from the West Shore tidal gates and from Lagoon Farm. These are on hold pending discussion with affected parties. 92. 50. Ruataniwha Tranche 2 groundwater takes. There are 8 applications for this water. These applications are on hold while applicants complete modelling work. Further information may be requested.
		Hearings	93. Port of Napier hearing completed and decision issued on 5^th November. Appeal period closes on 26^th November. 94. Wantara Holdings. Application to take water from Otane groundwater. Affected neighbours submitted opposing and negotiations had not resolved the matter so a hearing was scheduled. The submission was then withdrawn and hearing cancelled. Consent has been granted by staff delegation.
		Appeals/ Environment Court	95. PanPac Expert witness mediation held 18 – 19 September. Env Ct to determine process once this has been received. No further instructions from Ct. One s274 party (CEAC) has withdrawn.
		IRIS implementation	96. Go live date November 26.

Strategic Planning	Project description	Activity Status Update
Group/Section / Team(s)	Project description	Activity Status Update
Project Management Office		97. The PMO roll-out is progressing well through the pilot projects. A full-day training course on “Project Management Essentials” was provided on 22 November for applicable Project Managers by an external facilitator. This course was based on the PMO’s methodology and framework and encompasses best practice principles. The first monthly summary report has been presented to the Executive Team with positive feedback. The first quarterly report will be presented to Corporate and Strategic in December.
RMA Planning		98. Next update report due to be presented to 12 December RPC meeting. 99. On 4 October, Environment Court issued a second decision in relation to the definition of ‘wetland’ as proposed in plan change 5. Court has directed HBRC to provide a ‘tracked changes’ version of the provisions as would-be amended by the Court’s decision. Currently awaiting further instructions from the Court. Council will be presented with consolidated version of Change 5 for its approval to become operative sometime in early 2019.
Statutory Advocacy		100. Next update report intended to be presented to 12 December RPC meeting. 101. Anticipating Bill for Stage 1 of RMA amendments late 2018 or early 2019. Details pending Bill drafting.
	Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy & NPS for Urban Development Capacity	102. HPUDS Implementation Working Group (‘IWG’) met on 19 November. Effectively a ‘reset’ of the IWG’s work, supported by a small number of council technical officers. Next IWG anticipated ~March/April 2019. 103. Also continuing to support quarterly reporting on urban development metrics as required by the NPS for Urban Development Capacity.
Transport	Regional Land Transport Planning Public Transport Road Safety	104. Draft Regional Public Transport Plan to be reviewed by Regional Transport Committee in December before consideration by Council. 105. First phase of testing of HBRC’s new ticketing system takes place in January in Dunedin. Subject to successful testing, our system will go live on 15 April 2019. 106. Google Transit feed is now live on the internet, meaning prospective passengers can plan a bus journey using Google Maps. This facility will be prominent on the new standalone goBay website, due to go live in early December. 107. Major roading projects which have been top priorities in the Regional Land Transport Plan are nearing completion. The Pakowhai Links roundabout and Whakatu Arterial Link will facilitate the free flow of traffic across the Heretaunga Plains and to Napier Port. 108. NZTA reports that car trips on key arterial routes in the region have declined as a result of fuel price increases. HBRC bus services between Napier and Hastings are carrying more passengers than last year, although suburban routes continue to decline.

Decision Making Process

2. Staff have assessed the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only, the decision making provisions do not apply.

Recommendation

That the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council receives and notes the Significant HBRC Activities through December 2018 and January 2019 report.

Authored by:

Mike Alebardi

Team Leader Pollution Response

Paul Barrett

Principal Consents Planner

Genevieve Bennett

Project Manager HB Biodiversity Strategy

Gary Clode

Manager Regional Assets

Desiree Cull

Strategy and Projects Leader

Peter Davis

Manager Environmental Information

Ben Douglas

Forest Management Advisor

Rina Douglas

Senior Planner

Dean Evans

Catchment Manager Tukituki/Southern Coasts

Mark Heaney

Manager Client Services

Nathan Heath

Catchment Manager (Wairoa/Mohaka)

Dr Andy Hicks

Team Leader/Principal Scientist Water Quality and Ecology

Gavin Ide

Manager Policy and Planning

Dr Kathleen Kozyniak

Principal Scientist (Air)

Campbell Leckie

Manager Catchment Services

Dr Barry Lynch

Team Leader/Principal Scientist (Land Science)

Anna Madarasz-Smith

Team Leader/Principal Scientist Marine and Coast

Malcolm Miller

Manager Consents

Martin Moore

Harbourmaster

Brendan Powell

Catchment Manager (Central)

Anne Redgrave

Transport Manager

Dr Jeff Smith

Team Leader/Principal Scientist – Hydrology/Hydrogeology

Dr Stephen Swabey

Manager Science

Jolene Townshend

Project Manager, Resource Management

Approved by:

Liz Lambert

Group Manager Regulation

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

Tom Skerman

Group Manager Strategic Planning

Jessica Ellerm

Group Manager Corporate Services

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

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