Agenda of Environment and Services Committee

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Environment and Services Committee

Wednesday 07 August 2019

Subject: Future Farming Charitable Trust Funding Deed

Reason for Report

1. The purpose of this report is to provide the Future Farming Charitable Trust funding deed (attached) for review and recommendation to Council to approve and sign at their next meeting 28 August.

Background

2. The Future Farming Initiative (FFI) was created as an outcome of the Council’s consultation on the 2018-28 Long Term Plan.

3. Following the decision paper submitted to Council on 31 July 2019, a Council trustee (Tom Belford) has been appointed as a trustee of the Charitable Trust Board. Copies of the trust deed and draft funding deed were provided as background information documents to that decision paper.

4. At a meeting scheduled for 08 August, all trustees will sign the trust deed, initial resolution of trustees and incorporation/registration documents. These will then be sent to Simpson Grierson for immediate checking and filing. The Trust will be established upon execution of the trust deed and incorporation of the board should be confirmed within 5 days of filing.

5. Subject to Council’s decision on this paper, at that same meeting the trustees be asked to consider the terms of Council’s proposed funding deed under discussion today. Assuming the trustees agree to the terms, the document will be brought to Council on 28 August for final approval and sign off.

Budget Information

6. The total funding allocated to Future Farming from the Long Term Plan 2018-28 was $650,000 over 3 years. The recommended allocation of these funds was:

6.1. $150,000 for year 1 (2018-19)

6.2. $250,000 for year 2 (2019-20)

6.3. $250,000 for year 3 (2020-21)

7. The total spend for year 1 was $70,000 with the approved carry forward of $80,000 to year 2 (balance from the allocated $150,000).

Draft Funding Deed

8. The funding is premised on the basis that the balance of funding be provided to the Trust in two instalments (as per section 2.2 of the attached funding deed):

8.1. First Instalment: $330,000 ($250,000 + $80,000) which is the total for year 2 including carry forward from year 1 – payable after 28 August Council meeting approval and all parties have signed the agreement.

8.2. Second Instalment: year 3 allocation $250,000 payable on 1 July 2020. This would then conclude the agreed funding model from the Long Term Plan 2018-28.

9. The deed imposes (clause 2.3) a number of funding conditions on the trustees with the proviso that “[i]f any condition subsequent is breached at any time, the Council will not be required to pay any further amount of Funding to the Trust and the Council will be entitled to recover from the Trust Board the full amount of Funding paid to the Trust Board to the extent that such Funding has not been expended or committed to expenditure by the Trust Board in furtherance of the charitable purpose and functions of the Trust at the time of the breach.”

10. In addition to these conditions the trustees must at all times operate in accordance with the terms of the trust deed which itself establishes a wide range of checks and balances on the Trust and trustees related to:

10.1. Remaining faithful to the charitable purposes of the trust;

10.2. Taking into account the guidelines set down by the Establishment Working Group;

10.3. Retaining a Hawke’s Bay focus;

10.4. Providing for a council appointed trustee;

10.5. Formal governance and decision making criteria and accountability;

10.6. Managing trustee conflicts;

10.7. Financial management and record keeping, dispute resolution

Decision Making Process

11. 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:

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

11.2. The use of the special consultative procedure is not prescribed by legislation.

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

11.4. 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.

Recommendations

1. That the Environment and Services Committee receives and considers the “Future Farming Charitable Trust Funding Deed” staff report.

2. The Environment and Services Committee recommends that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council:

2.1. 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 or others likely to have an interest in the decision.

2.2. Approves the terms of the Funding Deed and instructs staff to submit the Funding Deed to the inaugural meeting of the Future Farming Charitable Trust for consideration and acceptance ahead of final approval by Council.

Authored by: Approved by:

Karina Campbell

Senior Project Manager

Tom Skerman

Group Manager Strategic Planning

Attachment/s

⇩1

Future Farming Charitable Trust - Funding Deed

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Environment and Services Committee

Wednesday 07 August 2019

Subject: Mahaanui Kurataiao Presentation - 9.30am

Reason for Report

1. This item presents discussions amongst tāngata whenua entities in our region about the potential to the set-up of an environmental management advisory service here in Hawkes Bay.

Background

2. Over 6 and 7 August, the HBRC Māori Partnerships team is hosting two guests from Mahaanui Kurataiao Ltd, the chief executive Tania Wati and Kyle Davis – Manager Mātauranga Taiao.

3. Mahaanui Kurataiao Ltd (MKT) is a charitable resource and environmental management advisory company established in 2007 by six Papatipu Rūnanga to assist and improve the recognition and protection of tāngata whenua values in their takiwā. Mahaanui Kurataiao is acknowledged by local government in that rohe as the preeminent ‘go to’ place for consents on behalf of those papatipu.

4. Mana whenua including RPC and MSC tāngata whenua were invited to a presentation and workshop yesterday (6 August) held at Pukemokimoki Marae, Napier.

5. All councils across the Hawke’s Bay Region have been invited to a MKT presentation and workshop at Napier City Council buildings on 7 August 2019, 11am to 2pm.

6. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Napier City Council, Hastings District Council, Wairoa District Council and Central Hawke’s Bay District Council have statutory and regulatory consent requirements that lead at some point to engagement and consultation with tāngata whenua.

7. Notwithstanding a functional role difference between Regional and District or City Councils, engagement with tāngata whenua, iwi and hapū is often fraught with difficulty. This can be as simple as councils not knowing who to engage with to a lack of technical knowledge and capacity within some tāngata whenua to contribute or respond to councils.

8. In November 2018 Te Pou Whakarae attended the Special Interest Group Māori (SIG Māori) held at Environment Canterbury, Christchurch. Mahaanui Kurataiao presented at the SIG. In early 2019 the HBRC Māori Committee (MC) was appraised in very general terms of Mahaanui Kurataiao.

9. At the 9 April 2019 MSC, the committee directed Te Pou Whakarae and the Māori Partnerships Team to arrange for Mahaanui Kurataiao to present to the Māori Committee.

10. Te Pou Whakarae met recently with his conterpart at Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Kataraina O’Brien. Bay of Plenty and Tauranga Moana have moved to adopt and adapt Mahaanui Kurataiao across their rohe. Earlier this year, the Chief Executive of Mahaanui Kurataiao, Tania Wati, visited Bay of Plenty to profile and assist that region’s understanding of Mahaanui Kurataiao.

11. A copy of the Mahaanui Kurataiao presentation and 2017-18 Audited Financial Report are attached to provide insight into MKT and mana whenua discussions in relation to the viability of an MKT-like service in this region.

Decision Making Process

12. 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 Environment and Services Committee receives and considers the “Mahaanui Kurataiao” presentation and report.

Authored by:

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Approved by:

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Attachment/s

⇩1	Mahaanui Kurataiao Taiao presentation
⇩2	Mahaanui Kurataiao Limited Performance report dated 30 June 2018

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Environment and Services Committee

Wednesday 07 August 2019

Subject: CLIMATE CHANGE – A REGIONAL RESPONSE

Reason for Report

1. This report is the first of a regular update on actions being taken in the wake of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s (HBRC) declaration of a climate emergency on 26 June 2019.

Recent Actions

2. The table below provides a brief update on actions giving effect to HBRC’s responses to the various climate response resolutions adopted by HBRC. It is an interim report, and the format will be modified as the comprehensive programme of work is developed.

Table 1: Climate Response Actions July 2019

Ref	Council resolution	Action taken
1	HBRC declares a climate emergency, recognising global warming to be an urgent and pervasive threat to human and ecological wellbeing	HBRC declared a climate emergency on 26 June 2019. Link to media release: https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/our-council/news/article/717/media-briefs-from-regional-council-meeting
2	Annual progress report in relation to existing work programme and additional future programmes relating to climate change	This will be developed to reflect the climate change work programme. A preliminary report on greenhouse gas emissions from HBRC activities is being prepared as an addendum to the 2018-19 Annual Report, and will be presented to the Corporate and Strategic Committee. As a regional leader on climate change, HBRC is in the process of gaining Enviromark accreditation, which assists organisations developing an Environmental Management System (EMS) to identify and manage environmental impacts, while also focusing on opportunities for continual improvement. In order to achieve Enviromark accreditation, annual site audits are undertaken to ensure the integrity of the supplied inf ormation and commitment to the sustainable business practices that are outlined in HBRC’s EMS. Enviromark allows for five levels of certification which relate to environmental awareness and performance – bronze, silver, gold, diamond and platinum. Establishing an EMS will provide a better channel to motivate and track environmental improvements which can be fed through to the organisational performance report. In addition, Enviromark establishes a good foundation to implement CEMARS (Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme) and Carbon Zero programmes which focus on measuring, managing, reducing and offsetting our carbon footprint.
3	Include climate change as a primary factor for consideration in its decision making processes	An interim amendment is being made to the Decision report templates for Council and all Committees, requiring the author to identify any relevant climate change strategic goal (from HBRC’s Strategic Plan 2017-2020) and how the matter contributes towards achieving the goal(s) through mitigation or adaptation.
4	Development of a comprehensive programme of work in response to climate change	Staff are working on a pathway to develop the regional climate crisis response, described in more detail in the Discussion section, following. The incoming Council will be briefed on the proposed pathway, including possible arrangements for the governance group charged with developing the climate response (in association with city and district councils, tangata whenua and key stakeholders).
5	Development of a programme of community engagement on climate change mitigation and adaptation	The separate report to this Committee, 2019 Market Research Results, shows perceptions of the regional community on a range of climate change matters. This will provide useful baseline information on community perspectives. The programme of community engagement will be developed in alignment with the comprehensive work programme, above. We envision a two-step process: 5.1 Firstly, through extensive engagement with the regional community (including tangata whenua, city and district councils and businesses) to develop a comprehensive programme 5.2 Secondly, the HBRC component of the comprehensive programme will be refined through the Long Term Plan consultation process.
6	Chief Executive to further reduce the Council’s greenhouse gas emissions and report annually on progress within the annual progress report	Since 2013-14, HBRC has been collating data on energy use, fuel use and air travel kilometres. Annual carbon emissions from electricity and gas use have been calculated for the Dalton Street offices since 2013-14. Into the future, Operations Group offices and their vehicle fleet will also be included in the emissions report. As noted above at 2, an initial report will be appended to the 2018-19 Annual Report, and relates to data for the Dalton Street office building only. The 2019-20 Annual Report will include more comprehensive reporting of corporate greenhouse gas emissions and actions taken to reduce these across all HBRC activities.
7	Advocates to the Ministry for the Environment to include greenhouse gas emissions in the consenting process under the Resource Management Act	The request to address this matter was raised in the HBRC submission to the Zero Carbon Bill, following. A submission is also being prepared on the ‘Action on Agricultural Emissions’ Discussion Document which has just been released by the Ministry for the Environment: https://www.mfe.govt.nz/consultation/action-agricultural-emissions Submission close on Thursday 13 August 2019.
8	Makes further submissions, as appropriate, to the Zero Carbon Bill	HBRC submission lodged on 16 July 2019, as noted above. A copy of this submission was attached to the Regional Council Agenda 31 July 2019 and is posted on the HBRC website submissions page.

Discussion

3. The declaration of a climate emergency and urgently taking responsible actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change creates an opportunity to engage with the regional community in new and much more open and engaging ways.

4. The following pathway is envisaged for developing and implementing the comprehensive work programme:

Table 2: Development of a Comprehensive Climate Response

Stage	Time-frame	Action	Detail
1	By Dec 2019	Establish a preliminary framework and process for regional decision-making	This will include: · Governance, working jointly and engaging with tangata whenua and city and district councils · Stakeholder and community engagement · Technical advice, including the potential to build in-house capability and/or out source One possibility for governance is to extend the mandate and membership of the Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Joint Committee, to become a region-wide Climate Change Response Joint Committee. This could reflect the possible change of the proposed Coastal Hazards Contributory Fund to a region-wide Climate Hazards Contributory Fund. Tangata whenua interests are critical, and we expect the Regional Planning Committee and Maori Committee will be actively involved in establishing the new, region-wide governance entity. Any delegated powers would be clearly specified, together with accountability for exercise of such powers.
2	By Dec 2019	Bring together the current state of knowledge for Hawke’s Bay on the environment, climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and communities that are vulnerable to climate change impacts	HBRC will collate information that is already available on: · Climate effects, including greenhouse gas emissions · Land use impacts · Business impacts · At risk physical infrastructure · At risk property, including housing and businesses · Vulnerable communities · Climate change impacts on tangata whenua We note that Statistics NZ is preparing an initial report on greenhouse gas emissions by region, allocating emissions by broad industry groups and households. The report is due out by the end of this year, and draws from the national report on environmental accounting: https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/environmental-economic-accounts-2019-data-to-2017
3a	By early 2020	Prepare initial climate change risk and opportunities report	The initial programme will identify actions already in progress, and identify opportunities for extension of these initiatives Key initiatives already underway include: · Clifton – Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy · Future Farming · Freshwater Security Scheme · Right Tree Right Place · Sustainable Homes · Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy · Transport, including public and active transport · Heretaunga Plains Flood Scheme Level of Service review An assessment is being made of internal capabilities and capacity, with the intention of contracting in specialist knowledge as necessary to complete this report (and the climate readiness report). Any significant additional resourcing will be identified by resolution of HBRC, or through the Annual Plan process for the 2020-21 financial year.
3b	By early 2020	Prepare climate change readiness report	This stage will include: · A high level summary of the climate crisis and its implications for Hawke’s Bay · HBRC responsibilities as regional leaders · A summary of the risks and opportunities · An assessment of the risks for HBRC and for the wider community, economy and environment in the region. This assessment will align with national and international standards for climate action.
4	Through-out 2020	Undertake extensive community engagement	Collaborating with the community to develop the Hawke’s Bay response to the climate crisis We anticipate undertaking extensive consultation with the regional community from early 2020, developing the draft community response programme. Initially we would expect to establish the high level outcomes and new initiatives, which would inform the refresh of HBRC’s Strategic Plan. Concepts and more detailed implementation ideas would be further developed as the year progresses. This engagement is expected to take most of the year, to enable as many people and sectors of the community to become involved Engagement with the community might canvas matters such as: · Feedback on the initial risk and opportunities assessment and climate change readiness report · Awareness of climate change & implications · Attitudes to climate risk · Issues, outcomes & opportunities · Community initiatives, champions and funding opportunities · Response priorities · Maintaining the focus on the climate response This engagement will inform development of the Long Term Plan work programme for HBRC and establish the demand for leadership of broader, region-wide response initiatives
5	During 2020-21	Test and refine mitigation and adaptation programmes with the wider community	The proposed HBRC work programme would be developed and tested through the Long Term Plan 2021-31 process A more comprehensive regional programme, extended to guide region-wide actions and investment, aligning responses being taken across different sectors of society, could be consulted on at the same time We anticipate that there will be programmes for both mitigation and adaptation addressing: · How to mainstream climate responses · Local action plans · Targets, metrics and monitoring · Reporting progress
		Identify information, monitoring and reporting requirements; and prioritise research
		Build programmes into budget and accountability systems
		Consult on proposed LTP and comprehensive regional programme
6	From 2021	Establish more permanent governance, advisory and support structures	Include mechanisms for ongoing engagement with tangata whenua, communities and businesses
7		Continue to actively manage the mitigation and adaptation work programmes	Adjust as necessary in light of evolving circumstances and improved knowledge
8		Continue to monitor, report and communicate with communities and government	Maintain momentum over the long term

5. Throughout, we intend to ensure that HBRC is able to access and make best use of national and international expertise to help prepare our regional community for change and align our response nationally.

Next Steps

6. Staff are currently assessing our internal resources and the need for any additional external expertise to collate all relevant information, with the intention of assembling a climate response project team and resource dedicated to progressing the response across the region.

7. The afforestation project report on Right Tree, Right Place, is due in early September, and will be reported to the incoming Council.

8. The incoming Council will be fully briefed on opportunities to develop the comprehensive climate response programme with our regional partners and the community.

9. Where possible, we will use existing programmes, such as the Future Farming initiative, to channel funding for research and community initiatives.

10. By early 2020, we expect that Central Government will have provided further direction with respect to critical related matters, such as the management of the 3 Waters (Water supply, wastewater and stormwater). This will help determine the nature of some key parts of the climate response work programme.

11. HBRC will continue to participate in community-led responses, as requested, over the next few months and until the community engagement programme gets fully underway in 2020.

12. Staff will continue to actively monitor all central government proposals for their implications with respect to climate change in Hawke’s Bay, and make submissions as appropriate.

Decision Making Process

13. 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 Environment and Services Committee receives the “Climate Change – A Regional Response” staff report.

Authored by:

Ceri Edmonds

Manager Policy and Planning

Dale Meredith

Senior Policy Planner

Approved by:

James Palmer

Chief Executive

Attachment/s

⇩1

Submission on Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill 2019

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Environment and Services Committee

Wednesday 07 August 2019

Subject: 2019 Market Research Results

Reason for Report

1. This report provides a summary of findings from the Regional Council’s two-yearly independent survey of Hawke’s Bay residents.

Background

2. The purpose of the research is to ascertain Hawke’s Bay residents’ current attitudes to the environment, to measure their awareness of and satisfaction with the Regional Council, and to confirm preferred methods of communication with the Council.

3. This research helps staff to monitor community perceptions of the Regional Council’s work and to evaluate and adapt services delivery.

4. In 2019, the Regional Council also sought residents’ opinions regarding climate change.

5. Research was conducted between 29 April and 14 June 2019, drawing 800 regionally representative responses from telephone surveys, the Regional Council’s website and Facebook pages, postal surveys and face-to-face distribution.

6. Regional survey results are available at hbrc.govt.nz, #hbrcsurvey.

Key Findings

7. Recall of the Regional Council as the main ‘environmental organisation’ has increased over time and is now at 76.5%. Residents mainly see the role of the Regional Council in environmental management, waterways/ coast management and water management. Water (65.1%) is the main issue of concern in Hawke’s Bay.

8. 64.6% of Hawke’s Bay residents are ‘somewhat to very concerned’ about the impact of climate change. 29.8% believe the Regional Council should give ‘high to very high’ priority to address the impacts of climate change.

9. Matters of most concern to regional residents include reducing slime and algae, improving water security, and monitoring water levels and quality.

Key findings: Perception Summary

10. 73.7% of residents stated the value of services they receive from their Regional Council rates is ‘acceptable to very good’.

11. Asked for the first time, around one-quarter of residents were satisfied with the Regional Council ‘overseeing the environment performance of local councils’ (22.6%) and ‘overseeing the environmental performance of farmers/ growers’ (26.0%). The Regional Council’s performance in relation to ‘Tukituki catchment water quality’, ‘protecting Ahuriri estuary’ and ‘Lake Tūtira water quality’ was rated on average just below 3 out of 5. ‘Protecting the region’s biodiversity’ rated most highly at 3.05.

Rating the Regional Council’s work

12. Email (43%) is the preferred way to receive information from the Regional Council, followed by social media (39%), a letter/ flyer (37.9%), radio (30.7%), websites (30.6%), newsletters (22.3%) and newspapers (17.6%). Facebook is the most used digital service at 82%.

Next Steps

13. Staff will workshop the results of the market research in August/September to identify areas where Regional Council services can be modified or improved.

Decision Making Process

14. 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 Environment and Services Committee receives the “2019 Market Research Results” staff report.

Authored by:

Drew Broadley

Community Engagement and Communications Manager

Approved by:

Jessica Ellerm

Group Manager Corporate Services

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Environment and Services Committee

Wednesday 07 August 2019

Subject: Youth Environment Council Presentation – 11.00am

Reason for Report

1. This item provides the opportunity for representatives of the Council’s Youth Environment Council to provide their perspectives on Climate Change.

Background

2. Bernadette Yafar, Raman Dhillon and Jyothis (Jojo) Jose, students from Hastings Girls’ High School are presenting on behalf of the Youth Environment Council.

3. Young people make up more than half of the global population. Our generation is increasingly raising their voices about climate change and the devastating reality of our future that this climate crisis poses. We young minds, have chosen not to be the voiceless future of humanity and are no longer accepting to be stagnant.

4. We want progress and we want change. So, that future generations won’t suffer the consequences of our lack of action and responsibility in minimising the effects of our carbon footprint. This is the rising sea levels, gas emissions, deforestation, pollution and loss of biodiversity.

5. As the youth we wish to see a society that is environmentally conscious and united in changing our consumer choices. When we collectively make these conscious efforts, the industries which have us, as a youth, as their target demographics will be the most affected - and this is where we can achieve the most change.

6. We are asking youth across Hawke’s Bay:

6.1. What is the most concerning global issue for this generation?

6.2. Why should we, as youth, care about environmental issues such as climate change?

6.3. What can the youth do in helping with these environmental issues?

Individual Efforts

7. We, as youth, would like to do our part in, individually, minimising our impact on the environment the most effective way.

8. Sometimes, it may seem that, our individual efforts are useless when compared to the harm that’s being done by big scale industries e.g. oil, transport, chemical/manufacturing and agriculture industries.

9. However, if we adopt the mindset that we can make a difference, we will be able to push our individual impact to the absolute limits and maximise the impact that we can make.

10. We do believe, however, that there are harmful industries that are more targeted towards our demographic. Therefore, if we, as youth, are able to make a change on this, then our impact will be huge:

10.1. Reducing and reusing our daily expendables so that they last longer e.g. reusable shopping bags, takeaway cups, tupperware

10.2. Reducing our contribution to the fast fashion industry – not getting up in the flurry of new trends and styles that are mass produced at the expense of our environment

10.3. Adopting and integrating reducetarian values into our daily life – whatever small change will help

10.4. Being aware of our consumerist behaviours – not justifying our consumerist tendencies with buying ‘eco-friendly’ marketed items.

Raising Awareness

11. A word synonymous to teenagers nowadays is social media. However, what we may not directly realize is the power social media gives us. The strong ability to connect and empower people from across the nation/globe can be unexpected:

11.1. Mobilizing our peers via social media to start discussions and debates on environmental issues.

12. Promoting knowledge and education.

13. Reducing the spread of misinformation so that other information spread by youth can be considered more credible.

Mass Initiatives

14. School strike for climate:

14.1. Nationwide protests – helps to captivate the attention of the government.

15. Extinction Rebellion.

16. The efforts of our Youth Environmental Council:

16.1. Beach cleanups

16.2. Participating in Global Environmental events – World Oceans Day

16.3. Movie night: Showcasing Wall-E, 18 August 2019 at 2.00pm, Havelock North Functions Centre, 30 Te Mata Road

16.4. Quiz night: 13 September 2019, Napier Girls High School

16.5. Furthering our knowledge – YEC is planning to visit Ben Knight’s Sustainable farm.

Decision Making Process

17. 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 Environment and Services Committee receives the “Youth Environment Council Update” report and presentation.

Authored by:

Jake Brookie

Youth Environment Council Facilitator

Approved by:

Leeanne Hooper

Principal Advisor Governance

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Environment and Services Committee

Wednesday 07 August 2019

Subject: Airborne Electromagnetic (SkyTEM) Surveys of Hawke's Bay Aquifer Systems

Reason for Report

1. Airborne electromagnetic surveys of Hawke’s Bay’s major aquifer systems are scheduled for summer 2019-20. The reasons for this report are to:

1.1. Inform the Committee on the scope and expected outcomes of the surveys

1.2. Provide an update on the Provincial Growth Fund contribution to the surveys and what this funding will achieve

1.3. Provide budget details along with delivery timeframes.

Background

2. Current knowledge of Hawke’s Bay aquifer properties has been obtained from sparse drilling logs, which are insufficient for capturing the variability of complex aquifer systems. Furthermore, drilling logs are generally from relatively shallow bores, are often not accompanied by reliable pump test data, and little is known about properties of the deeper aquifer systems.

3. To address this knowledge gap, the Science business case in 2017 for the Long Term Plan (LTP) included a proposal for an airborne electromagnetic survey of the Heretaunga aquifer system. The business case proposed to deliver a high resolution geophysical dataset for the entire Heretaunga Plains that can be used to interpret the hydrogeology of the sub-surface. The Regional Planning Committee subsequently requested the proposal be extended to include a survey of the Ruataniwha Basin and this was included, along with the Heretaunga survey, in the LTP that was adopted for 2018-28.

4. The surveys aim to significantly advance our ability to holistically image and characterise major aquifers at system-wide scales and depths, with the resolution required for local understanding.

5. This proposal underpins actions and outcomes listed in the 2017-2021 Strategic Plan as things that council will continue to do; and will do differently:

6. Water Quality, Safety and Uncertainty. Kia kounga, kia haumaru, kia pumau te pai o te wai

6.1. Aquatic ecosystems are protected and enhanced for all to safely enjoy, and all water users have knowledge on what water is available to meet their needs

6.1.1. Land use is managed to ensure pathogens and contaminants are being reduced, and water is being allocated sustainably to highest value use

6.1.2. Identify/protect Hawke’s Bay’s outstanding freshwater bodies

6.1.3. Better understand trends/risks for each catchment

6.1.4. Work with stakeholders in high risk areas to design viable solutions

6.1.5. Ensure efficiency of water use

6.1.6. Investigate alternative sources

6.2. Smart, Sustainable Land Use. Kia koi, kia ukauka te whakamahinga o te whenua

6.2.1. Focus on managing the effects of intensive land use/irrigation

7. The proposal also links to Sustainable Services and Infrastructure in relation to:

7.1. transforming natural resources to economic prosperity; along with

7.2. providing regional leadership and enhancing relationships and partnerships (especially with identification of safe drinking water supplies)

8. Drivers include the NPS-FM and objectives set in RRMP Tukituki Plan Change 6, along with the future TANK plan change

Scope and deliverables of the surveys

9. The surveys will be undertaken using the SkyTEM airborne electromagnetic technique, which is widely accepted globally as the best method for mapping water resources. The Danish Government and Universities collaborated to develop the SkyTEM technique specifically for efficient and effective mapping of groundwater resources and in 2004 launched the service commercially.

10. Since then, the technology has been used to map large aquifer systems in countries including Denmark, Netherlands, India, China, US, Canada and Australia. SkyTEM is proven capable of mapping subtle changes between sand, clay, silt, gravel and tills that define the location and potential vulnerability of groundwater resources.

11. The SkyTEM survey will deliver an asset that provides the basis for applications including:

11.1. precise 3D hydrogeological models for entire aquifer systems (see Figure 1 for an example) and, consequently, greatly improved conceptual understanding of aquifer systems and variability of aquifer properties;

11.2. improving the reliability of groundwater flow modelling predictions, including at small spatial scales;

11.3. enhancing understanding of groundwater and surface water interaction;

11.4. exploring the extent of deep groundwater resources and aquifer properties;

11.5. precise identification of boundaries that define groundwater recharge areas, confined aquifers and semi-confined areas;

11.6. identifying areas of vulnerability to contamination from land use activities and discharges to groundwater; and

11.7. significantly reducing the uncertainty of groundwater transport modelling predictions that are sensitivity to small scale variability, such as pathogen transport. This will be particularly valuable for identifying source protection areas based on risks of pathogen contamination to drinking water supplies.

Figure 1. Example of a 3D geological model developed using SkyTEM data and borelog information. Along with being a powerful visualization tool, this model is ready for application in a groundwater flow model, such as MODFLOW.

12. The Heretaunga and Ruataniwha surveys will deliver resistivity data every 11 metres along transects approximately 200 metres apart, to depths of approximately 300 metres. Figures 2 and 3 show the SkyTEM flight paths for the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha surveys, along with the locations of wells greater than 50 metres depth. There are very large distances between wells in areas with demand for groundwater resources and, with known variability within these aquifer systems, SkyTEM will provide far greater certainty of aquifer properties throughout these areas.

Figure 2. Heretaunga Plains Survey - SkyTEM Flight Paths (green lines) and location of wells greater than 50 m depth (blue circles).

Figure 3. Ruataniwha Survey - SkyTEM Flight Paths (green lines) and location of wells greater than 50 m depth (blue circles)

13. To illustrate the value of electromagnetic surveys, Figure 3 shows the poor knowledge gained from 518 drilling logs in an area of Denmark, compared with the outcome from a ground-based electromagnetic survey with 1400 TEM soundings. The conceptual understanding of aquifer structures was significantly different after the ground-based TEM survey, which was subsequently verified by new boreholes. The TEM survey also revealed completely unknown aquifers in the area. For regional scale mapping, SkyTEM is much more cost effective, provides significantly more soundings, and delivers more accurate data than these ground based surveys.

Figure 4. Comparison of borehole and ground-based TEM mapping in an area of Denmark. The dark blue areas are thick aquifers, while red colours show areas with no aquifer or a thin aquifer.

14. Following the airborne surveys, electromagnetic data will then be processed to provide a smooth, multi-layer resistivity model for each transect throughout the survey area. An example is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5. Example inversion showing resistivities at depths to 500 m below ground level.

15. A similar model is produced for each transect, which may then be interpreted collectively along with borehole data to produce a 3D geological model for visualization of entire aquifer systems. As an example, slices through a 3D geological model for an aquifer system in Denmark are shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. Slices through a 3D geological model constructed using SkyTEM data and information from boreholes.

16. The transect models are also particularly valuable for informing groundwater flow models that are used for water resource management. An example of improved groundwater modelling is shown in Figure 7, which is one outcome of an airborne survey that Otago Regional Council co-funded in 2007 to explore groundwater resources. While the Otago electromagnetic survey only used five frequencies (compared with SkyTEM that uses a full spectrum and provides substantially greater vertical resolution), the data provided valuable information on their groundwater systems.

17. Along with identifying previously unknown groundwater resources, the Otago electromagnetic data greatly improved groundwater models used for water resource management. In Figure 7, a Cromwell groundwater model is shown on the left. Using drilling information, the original groundwater model had only three large areas with unique aquifer properties. After applying the resistivity knowledge from the electromagnetic survey (middle picture), the groundwater model was able to capture the variability of aquifer properties that are now understood to exist in the aquifer (right hand picture). This enables water resource management to be more fully informed by the groundwater models.

Figure 7. A Cromwell groundwater model is shown on the left. Using drilling information, the original model had only three areas with unique aquifer properties. Resistivity models from an electromagnetic survey are shown in the middle picture, which informed revision of the groundwater model to capture the considerable variability of aquifer properties that are now understood to exist in the aquifer (right hand picture).

18. The Hawke’s Bay SkyTEM surveys will deliver information in greater detail than these historic surveys and will generate substantially more knowledge than we currently have on the region’s major aquifer systems.

Provincial Growth Fund contribution

19. The Regional Council’s Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) application to support the SkyTEM surveys has been successfully accepted and this will substantially increase the outputs from the SkyTEM research. The additional funding will also enable the Otane and Poukawa Basins to be surveyed. The areas to be surveyed with the additional funding are shown in Figure 8.

Figure 8. SkyTEM survey areas including the Otane and Poukawa Basins that were enabled with PGF support.

20. Along with increasing the size of survey areas, the PGF support will enable the following additional outputs:

20.1. Support from Aarhus University (Denmark) including oversight of the project

20.2. Additional fieldwork and data collection, including deep drilling to improve SkyTEM data interpretation

20.3. Substantially more interpretation of SkyTEM data and translation into 3D geological models

20.4. Revision of the Heretaunga groundwater flow and transport models to capture new information delivered by the SkyTEM surveys.

21. In addition to the PGF support, GNS Science has committed $300,000 co-funding toward additional data collection, interpretation, mapping and groundwater modelling. The respective contributions from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, PGF and GNS Science are shown below:

Source of Funding	$ (excl. GST)	Status
Provincial Growth Fund	2.154M	Subject to contract
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council	1.854M	Confirmed
Cash contribution	(1.644M)
In kind contribution	(0.210M)
GNS Science	0.300M	Confirmed
TOTAL:	4.308M

Budget and timeframes

22. Governance for this project is to be agreed with the Provincial Development Unit, however it is anticipated that the Project Board will include Executives from the Regional Council and GNS Science.

23. Project milestones and deliverables are listed below along with budgets for each milestone:

Description	Payment Criteria	Budget $NZ (excl. GST)	Deliverable Date
Planning and preparation (complete)	GNS reports on Logistics and ground-based TEM study (completed)	$ 100,000	Completed
Electromagnetic Survey	SkyTEM survey report	$1,200,000	1 May 2020
Additional data collection and deep drilling	Deep drilling logs and reports on field data collection	$ 818,000	July-Dec 2020
Data processing and inversions	High quality EM datasets and inversions	$ 580,000	Nov 2020
Database	Database asset	$ 100,000	Mar 2021
Interpretation and 3D geological modelling	Geological modelling	$ 790,000	Jul 2021
Groundwater flow and transport modelling	Revised Heretaunga groundwater models and report	$ 420,000	Dec 2022
Project management, communications, oversight and governance	Status/Project reports	$ 300,000	Bi-monthly or quarterly
	TOTAL	$ 4,308,000

Final comments

24. SkyTEM will deliver outputs described in this report. However, expectations (reported in media or otherwise) beyond these deliverables should be regarded as beyond the scope of this project. For example, SkyTEM will not enable precise quantification of groundwater volumes in aquifers, although it may enable improved estimates of groundwater volume. Notwithstanding, this is a largely irrelevant metric for water allocation and management because large volumes of groundwater can still remain in aquifer systems after excessive pumping has adversely affected existing environmental phenomena including connected surface water systems.

Decision Making Process

25. 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 Environment and Services Committee receives the “Airborne Electromagnetic (SkyTEM) Surveys of Hawke's Bay Aquifer Systems” staff report.

Authored by: Approved by:

Dr Jeff Smith

Team Leader/Principal Scientist – Hydrology/Hydrogeology

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Environment and Services Committee

Wednesday 07 August 2019

Subject: August 2019 Hotspots Update

Reason for Report

1. To provide an update on the Hotspots environmental projects.

Lake Tūtira (Te Waiū o Tūtira, the Milk of Tūtira), HBRC partnership with Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust, 2018-2022

2. Project Vision: To restore the mauri of Lakes Tūtira, Waikōpiro, and Orakai, making place that families can happily return to, and where children can swim”. By empowering and aligning community, implementing well-researched actions now, the goal of restoring the mauri of Lakes Tūtira and Waikōpiro, making them swimmable by 2020, is achievable and realistic.

3. Objective One: Iwi/hapū, Māori landowners, farmers, community and local authorities are aligned in their vision for Tūtira through establishment of an Integrated Catchment Management Plan (ICMP) and Farm Environmental Management Plans (FEMP).

4. Integrated Catchment Management Plan: A final draft was presented to the project’s Governance Group at the previous meeting on 10 June. A summarised version is currently being prepared for the community, this version will be presented to the Governance Group at the upcoming meeting on 21 August for approval before presenting to the community at a final workshop to be held at Tūtira School.

5. Farm Environmental Management Plans: Farm Environment Management Plans are continuing to be developed for identified properties with planting plans being established for next winter.

6. So far this winter 4,269 native plants have been installed in riparian margins with further willow and polar pole planting underway.

7. Objective Two: Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust (MTT) will develop and establish a cultural monitoring programme (CMP) and will support the water quality education program in Tūtira.

8. Cultural Monitoring Programme update: MTT continue to progress the CHI Monitoring programme, currently under review with hapū and NIWA with monitoring expected to begin late 2019.

9. Objective Three: The Papakiri Stream will be reconnected to Lake Tūtira, and an outlet will be created by 2021 at the southern end of the lake complex, to provide longitudinal flow and fish passage, improving the mauri of the lake.

10. Papakiri Stream reconnection: There is on-going engagement with the chairperson of the Tūtira B7 & B19 Land Blocks. Following assistance from Pieri Munro this engagement has progressed with the chairperson now reviewing and discussing the proposal with the trustees before providing feedback to HBRC.

11. Southern Outlet: The report detailing the Consequences of reduced flows for fish habitat in the Mahiaruhe Stream has been completed by the Science team.

12. While the further assessment of environmental effects of the proposed southern outlet diversion is to be completed by the Environmental Science team in the coming weeks. This includes the consequences of the expected water quality effects on the 3 lakes due to increased through flow, the potential benefits to tuna populations, and any other identified ecological effects.

13. Deborah Hofstra from NIWA has been contracted to undertake a further assessment in August 2019 on any potential risk of the southern outlet spreading Hydrilla.

14. Objective Four: Sediment mitigations will be established at critical source areas within the Kahikanui and Te Whatu-Whewhe sub-catchments, reducing sediment entering the lake system.

15. Consultants have completed geotechnical testing and produced a revised sediment plan. This is being reviewed internally before being presented to the Governance Group for approval at the upcoming meeting.

16. An external contractor has begun the process of preparing the resource consent application in relation to the installation of the sediment traps with potential works scheduled to begin late 2019.

17. Objective Five: An aeration curtain is installed in Lake Tūtira, improving the water quality to a swimmable level.

18. The air curtain trial in Waikōpiro will continue throughout the coming summer to provide addition data on the outcome of the trial. The air curtain and aerator is expected to begin operation in August/September depending on lake conditions.

19. A recommendation to proceed with both the costings and the resource consenting process required for an air curtain installation has been made to enable the air curtain proposal to be advanced, pending final technical confirmation. This is to be discussed at the upcoming Governance Group meeting.

Te Whanganui-ā-Orotu (Ahuriri Estuary)

20. Mechanical removal of a large area of Ficopomatus enigmaticus is scheduled to begin Monday, 29 July 2019.

21. Works Group have fabricated a floating pontoon that will assist with Ficopomatus enigmaticus removal that will significantly speed up the process.

22. Planting this winter includes 14,936 native plants from the riparian plant program and 240 poplar and willow poles.

23. Planting programmes are now being developed for next winter. Some of these include working through One Billion Trees funding applications with landowners.

Freshwater Improvement Fund (FIF): Whakakī Lake (Sunshine, wetlands and bees will revitalize the taonga of Whakakī).

24. FIF application process update: All resource consents have been obtained, the deed of grant with MfE was signed and funding has been confirmed. Cultural risk assessments being undertaken by Iwitea and Whakaki maraes, focused on identifying Wahi Tapu, are scheduled to be completed by the 1 November. No physical work on the recirculating wetland or weir will take place before this cultural assessment has been completed.

25. There is currently a halt on works until 1 November associated with the construction of the weir at the bequest of the Whakaki Lake Trust who have asked if there could be an independent reviewed carried out on the impact of the weir. We are currently working with the WLT trust to clarify the purpose of the review and identify appropriately qualified and experienced people for the job.

26. We are currently working with both Iwitea and Whakaki Marae in the undertaking of a Cultural Impact Assessment of the areas of works associated with the FIF project. This work has been partly funded out the Whakaki Catchment Pilot PGF project and Northern HB Catchment Management discretionary fund. Negotiation is continuing with Whakaki marae around the terms and funding associated with the CIA.

27. A mesocosm trial is being designed which will isolate a small part of the lake bed and improve water clarity to see whether macrophytes can regenerate on their own, given suitable conditions.

28. Update Hot Spot Whakakī FY18-19: Hereheretau Station is continuing the retirement of the Rahui channel with nearly 3 km fenced off since May 2019. The farm Manager was generous and gave a wider buffer between the water’s edge and the fence. In time, this buffer will be vegetated and could also allow a walkway to be developed.

29. Weed control on pampas has been carried out on the Whakaki sand dunes but also around Iwitea. This work is really important as we have already retired significant areas of land which could become soon a target for this exotic weed. This work will have to be ongoing if we want to protect our investment. Support from landowners has been great.

30. Pest control on hares was carried out around Iwitea for the second time. Once again the tallies were significant with 46 hares and seven cats shot in two nights. This work is critical prior to the establishment of trees around Lake Te Paraoa.

Lake Whatumā

31. Our long term objective is to partner with tangata whenua, and other key stakeholders, for the long term restoration and management of Lake Whatumā. We want to help create a foundation that will provide a platform for establishing a shared vision and collaborative decision making, to pursue potential actions for enhancing Lake Whatumā.

32. The 2018-19 financial year has been about investigating the potential opportunity to invest in significant long-term mitigations to enhance Lake Whatumā. The investment proposal is subject to a separate paper to this committee.

33. At the 19 June Environmental Services Committee meeting the investment proposal was presented. As an outcome of the related discussion, the decision to continue dialogue with the Lake owners was put forward as an action.

34. A Hawke’s Bay Regional Council staff member and the representative for the Lake owners have since met and discussions are continuing in this space.

Marine

Subtidal Habitat Investigations

35. Mapping of the ‘Clive Hard’ area is scheduled for 12 days in June (weather dependent). This will provide similar products to the ‘Wairoa Hard’ and allow us to assess the spatial extent of the Clive Hard.

36. Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) work is ongoing on the Wairoa Hard to examine and then describe the benthic habitat.

Sediment Characteristics and Behaviour

37. Sediment sampling has been conducted in northern Hawke Bay to inform sediment transport and fate information.

38. A contract is being set up to engage a PhD student from the University of Waikato under the supervision of Dr Karin Bryan (UoW) and Dr Jose Beya (HBRC) to deliver a hydrodynamic model of the Bay with associated sediment transport information. This will be for a period of 3 years from next financial year.

Decision Making Process

39. 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 Environment and Services Committee receives and notes the “August 2019 Hotspots Update” staff report.

Authored by:

Nicolas Caviale-Delzescaux

Land Management Officer - Extensive Hill Country

Dean Evans

Catchment Manager Tukituki/Southern Coasts

Dr Andy Hicks

Team Leader/Principal Scientist Water Quality and Ecology

Anna Madarasz-Smith

Team Leader/Principal Scientist Marine and Coast

Thomas Petrie

Project Manager Environmental Hotspots

Jolene Townshend

Programme Manager ICM Group

Approved by:

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

GENERAL SUBJECT OF THE ITEM TO BE CONSIDERED	REASON FOR PASSING THIS RESOLUTION	GROUNDS UNDER SECTION 48(1) FOR THE PASSING OF THE RESOLUTION
Potential Acquisition of Land at Lake Whatuma	7(2)(i) That the public conduct of this agenda item would be likely to result in the disclosure of information where the withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).	The Council is specified, in the First Schedule to this Act, as a body to which the Act applies.
Forest Harvest Procurement, Tūtira and Tangoio Forests	7(2)(i) That the public conduct of this agenda item would be likely to result in the disclosure of information where the withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).	The Council is specified, in the First Schedule to this Act, as a body to which the Act applies.

Topic	Raised by