Minutes of Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee

1. Welcome/Karakia /Apologies/Notices

The Chair welcomed everyone and Pieri Munro led a karakia to open the meeting.

Resolution

EICC88/21 That the apology for absence from Peter Paku and for lateness from Dr Roger Maaka be accepted.

Ormsby/Barker

CARRIED

2. Conflict of Interest Declarations

There were no conflicts of interest declared.

3. Confirmation of Minutes of the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee meeting held on 23 June 2021

EICC89/21

Resolution

Minutes of the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee held on Wednesday, 23 June 2021, a copy having been circulated prior to the meeting, were taken as read and confirmed as a true and correct record.

Ormsby/van Beek

CARRIED

Follow-ups from previous Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee Meetings

The item was taken as read.

· A query sought an update on the review of the arrangements between Napier City Council (NCC), Hastings District Council (HDC) and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) for infrastructure assets, specifically stormwater networks. In response Chris Dolley advised that the Terms of Reference has been agreed with Napier City Council and Morrison Lowe has been commissioned to carry out the review of the infrastructure planning process over the next 9 weeks. It is intended that a draft copy of the review will be presented at a future joint NCC-HBRC workshop.

· In response to a query about the status of the Memorandum of Transition for the Coastal Hazards Strategy funding model Chris Dolley advised that work has commenced on the document and the timeframe for delivery of the MoT will be presented at the next Joint Committee meeting for discussion and an update will be provided to this Committee thereafter.

· In relation to follow-up 1. Katrina Brunton advised that HBRC has engaged with NCC through their Long Term Plan process and Regulatory staff are satisfied with the proposed NCC infrastructure programme for significant improvement projects to meet performance requirements. HBRC regulatory responsibilities are confined to monitoring compliance with consent conditions and directing the rollout of NCC’s infrastructure is not a matter for HBRC to manage or monitor. A Joint NCC-HBRC workshop on Stormwater is scheduled 15 November and will provide the opportunity for councillors to discuss and explore associated issues and activities with their counterparts and officers. HBRC and NCC asset infrastructure staff meet monthly and are working well collaboratively strategically and operationally to deliver ambitious work programmes in a difficult operating environment.

· Councillor Rick Barker advised that one outcome of the HB CDEM Group Joint Committee meeting that considered two reports on the 9 November 2020 Napier flood event is the development of a programme of work to address each of the recommendations of both reports in relation to infrastructure assets, governance and management of the stormwater networks and the Civil Defence response.

EICC90/21

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the “Follow-ups from Previous Meetings”.

Ormsby/Barker

CARRIED

Call for Minor Items not on the Agenda

Recommendations

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee accepts the following “Minor Items Not on the Agenda” for discussion as Item 17:

Topic	Raised by
Karituwhenua Stream, Havelock North	Cr Craig Foss

Biosecurity 2020-21 Annual Report and 2021-22 Operational Plan

Iain Maxwell introduced the item noting that the 2021-22 Operational Plan does not yet reflect the proposed changes to Possum Management or the Plant Pest review.

Campbell Leckie acknowledged Mark Mitchell who led the team through this comprehensive piece of work while Campbell was seconded to the Right Tree Right Place project. Queries and discussions noted:

· the key outputs of 2020-2021 include the team visiting over 2,100 properties undertaking weed control or auditing and possum control monitoring undertaken across 127,000 ha (approximately 18% of the PCA area)

· a lot of the Plant Pest staff time has been consumed by the Chillean Needle Grass incursion

· Deer are a real concern and Council undertakes specific deer control that Landowners can apply for. A broader scale of control is not currently an option and Council is awaiting DoC’s National Deer Strategy to frame a regional control programme.

· Research reports containing underlying statistics and data, for example baseline birdlife, are available on the Council’s website

· In response to a query, the Committee was advised that the next joint OSPRI-HBRC report to EICC on Possum Control is expected early in 2022.

· Biodiversity benefits provide the ‘why’ for Council’s Pest Management programme

· Land owners/occupiers are responsible for the control of Pinus contorta on their land and can apply to Council for up to $3,000 to meet their responsibilities to eradicate it. Significant funding from Jobs for Nature is tackling wilding pine control on the Conservation Estate where most of the issue is located.

· Regional Pest Management Plan is a statutory document and its review is prescribed by the legislation. The RPMP was most recently reviewed in 2018 and made operative in 2019. Staff don’t anticipate the need for another s17a review of Biosecurity activities for many years and are working through the recommendations from the 2020 review to improve the delivery of Council’s biosecurity and biodiversity activities.

EICC91/21

Resolutions

1. That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the “Biosecurity 2020-21 Annual Report and 2021-22 Operational Plan” staff report.

2. The Environment and Integrated Catchments 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 persons likely to have an interest in the decision.

2.2. Adopts the Biosecurity Operational Plan for 2021-22.

Ormsby/Foley

CARRIED

Right Tree Right Place Project Acceleration

Iain Maxwell introduced the item, noting that councillors workshopped this in early August.

Michael Basset-Foss provided a brief overview and update on the project highlighting:

· Seeking agreement to bring forward up to $500,000 in operating expenditure from year 3 (2023-24) to year 1 (2021-22)

· Discussions underway with the Catchments Delivery team (CDT) to integrate the RTRP into their service offering with farmers

· The project plan is to plant up to 5 farms as a pilot project and to scale-up to move it to a market driven approach

· Focus areas for accelerated activity are farmer engagement and completion of detailed farm plans on a representative number of farm properties

· Success criteria in addition to financial returns

· Negotiations with a potential partner are underway and the partnership will be made public when both parties have agreed to enter into a partnership agreement.

· Intent for Council to initiate the programme but to then step away as an investor.

EICC92/21

Resolutions

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee:

1. Receives and considers the “Right Tree Right Place Project Acceleration” staff report.

2. Recommends that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council:

2.2. Approves the request for a change of timing, with up to $500,000 of expenditure brought forward from year-3 to year-1 of the approved 2021-31 Long Term Plan budget.

Williams/Barker

CARRIED

Enviroschools 2020-21 update

Drew Broadley introduced Sally Chandler, Community Engagement Coordinator who gave an update on activities undertaken through the Enviroschools programme. The item was taken as read with key highlights:

· The school programmes expose learners to work in Open spaces, biodiversity and freshwater focus aligned with TANK

· The recent Climate Action Camp delivered with particular focus on climate change

· A camp for secondary school learners in March 2021 enabled youth to identify actions and challenges, impacts and risks the climate crisis poses for Hawke’s Bay

· Collaboration of Enviroschools, HBRC, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Predator FreeNZ, The National Aquarium of NZ, Sustainable Coastlines and Forest & Bird Youth delivered the camp

· It was suggested the Youth Council is invited to attend the November EICC meeting.

EICC93/21

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the Enviroschools 2020-21 Update.

Barker/Williams

CARRIED

Possum Control Area Partial Plan Review Update

Iain Maxwell introduced Lauren Simmonds, Project Manager, noting this item is for information only and will be brought back for decisions as and when required.

Campbell Leckie highlighted:

· Proposing establishment of a Biosecurity Working Party to hear and decide on submissions

· A partial plan review will include a cost benefit analysis (CBA) and cost allocation report

· Cost of contracting out the delivery of the possum control across the region forms a key part in the overall partial plan review

· The actual cost of contracted possum control is unknown however an indicative cost can be determined through the CBA process

· The PCA partial plan review proposal will be developed over the next 4-5 months for presentation to Council early in 2022 for a formal public consultation, submission and hearing process

· Another factor that may be considered the rating basis (currently 70% targeted and 30% general rate funded) and rationale for the programme

· Opportunity for a streamlined process through a Biosecurity Working Party with delegated decision-making and staff will seek approval of the November EICC of the BWP membership and delegations.

EICC94/21

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the “Possum Control Area Partial Plan Review Update” staff report.

Foss/Foley

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 11.04am and reconvened at 11.22am.

10.

An Introduction to the Catchments Policy Implementation Work Programme

Iain Maxwell introduced Brendan Powell and Louise McPhail. Discussions traversed:

· Tangata whenua engagement very important through Kotahi with the Policy and Planning team and will eventually also flow through into policy implementation work

· Policy Implementation team ensures that necessary resources and processes are in place to effectively implement regulations, and interprets new rules and regulations for communicating to landowners

· Focus has been on the Tukituki Plan Change, but now includes TANK and NES implementation and development work on Kotahi

· Working collaboratively with National and regional sector working groups

· Strategic objectives include that land use is managed to ensure pathogens and contaminants (including sediment) are being reduced and water is being allocated sustainably to highest value use

· The Ministry for the Environment is preparing a National regulatory requirement in relation to sediment. Once it has been promulgated, it will need to be reflected in the Kotahi Plan Change.

EICC95/21

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the “An Introduction to the Catchments Policy Implementation Work Programme” staff report.

Williams/Barker

CARRIED

11.	Tukipo Wetland
	Deferred to 10 November 2021 EICC meeting.

12.

Update on the 3D Aquifer Mapping Project (SkyTEM)

Simon Harper introduced the item highlighting the progress made on the 3D Aquifer mapping project. Discussions traversed:

· 3D Aquifer Mapping project is a 3-year initiative jointly funded by the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), HBRC and GNS Science and a total budget of $4.86M

· Currently, additional geological data being gathered for model calibration through an exploratory drilling programme on the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha plains

· Processing and modelling of SkyTEM data in the Poukawa and Otane Basins is complete

· Work underway to develop resistivity models and interpret basin-wide hydrogeological characteristics for Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Basins

Te Whakaheke o Te Wai

· 5 year research project to better understand flow sources, pathways and groundwater travel times

· Explores how mātauranga Māori can be used to reduce model uncertainty and improve groundwater management

· GNS Science were attracted to the Hawke’s Bay for testing their methodology because of the trust and familiarity they have with the Heretaunga Plains model

· The work in Bridge Pa helps address Policy 44 proposed in the TANK Plan Change in the Paritua/Karewarewa Streams (to further refine the Heretaunga Plans Aquifer Model to improve model outputs for this catchment and to carry out resource investigations to understand natural stream flow regimes and feasible options for remediation)

Zara Rawlinson, Hydrogeophysicist (GNS) gave a short presentation on the 3D Aquifer Mapping project highlighting:

· 7,786 kms of transient electromagnetic and magnetic (TEM) survey data collected

· Use the resistivity data and interpretations to develop Geological models

· Refine existing numerical groundwater models for Heretaunga Plains

· Next steps include multiple workstreams such as additional data collection, exploratory drilling and ground-based TEM surveys, capturing drone footage and interviews, updating Leapfrog Geological models and developing a communications strategy for delivering the 3D aquifer mapping products.

EICC96/21

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the “Update on the 3D Aquifer Mapping Project (SKYTEM)” staff report.

Ormsby/Kirton

CARRIED

13.

Update on the Whakaheke o Te Wai (TWOTW): MBIE Funded Endeavour Programme and Heretaunga Plains Groundwater Case Studies

Simon Harper introduced Catherine Moore, Principal Groundwater modeler, and Dr Uwe Morgenstern, Team Leader Water Dating Research Laboratory whose presentation highlighted:

· Five different ground models at different scales are being developed within the Heretaunga Plains

· An archive of mātauranga Māori is being compiled which focusses on identifying the long-term changes in the groundwater-surface water system of the Heretaunga Plains

· Source Protection Zone (SPZ) modelling can estimate source protection zones using analytical models

· Bridge Pa model looks into why Paritua stream largely stopped flowing and what it would it take to get it flowing again as well as exploring mātauranga Māori as a data source in modelling for improvement of freshwater protection and safety; providing a numerical voice to Iwi concerns to gain a better appreciation of the value of combining indigenous knowledge with western science

· The TWOTW research programme received $9.5M from the MBIE Endeavour Fund and HBRC provided an “in-kind” contribution via data collection programmes and modelling support

· Ngāti Kahungunu and Taiwhenua are collaboratively involved through this project.

EICC97/21

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the “Update on the Whakaheke o Te Wai (TWOTW): MBIE Funded Endeavour Programme and Heretaunga Plains Groundwater Case Studies” staff report.

Ormsby/Barker

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 1.07pm and resumed at 1.20pm.

14.

Update on IRG Flood Control Resilience Funded Projects

The item was taken as read, with David Keracher highlighting:

Project 1 – Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme Level of Service:

· At least 8 prioritised stopbank sites will be upgraded through the course of the project

· Assessment and upgrade of remaining (31) sites will continue beyond the initial 3-year programme

· Every known archaeological site has been mapped and liaising with local archaeologist to ensure consistency using a risk management tool

· Omaranui stop bank upgrade required and scheduled to be undertaken during year 2

Project 2: Upper Tukituki Gravel Extraction Flood Control Scheme

· Prioritisation undertaken to allow extraction where critical to the flood protection of the UTT scheme

· Submissions received relating to cost for extraction and transportation will underpin the project’s rationale for reasonable subsidised costs, specifically relating to transportation of material

· Public meetings with ratepayers and contractors have been held to provide updates on project status

· Expectation is that gravel extraction will commence by the end of October.

Project 3: Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme

· Ecological assessment was undertaken and has resulted in an overall net positive effect on biodiversity – ecological benefit of this include natural habitat for endangered bird species with natural formed beaches for breeding and nesting

· River channel has now taken a well-established braided formation

· Project completed at a total value of $1.25M

Project 4: Wairoa River, River Parade Erosion

· Detailed design has been completed and physical work is due to start Spring 2021

· Enabling works have been completed by Wairoa District Council

· Cultural Impact assessment is pending.

EICC98/21

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the “Update on IRG Flood Control Resilience Funded Projects”.

Ormsby/van Beek

CARRIED

16.

Call for Certificate of Appreciation Nominations

The item was taken as read.

EICC99/21

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and considers the “Call for Certificate of Appreciation Nominations” staff report and requests that Councillors endeavour to provide nominee details as requested, to Peter Martin by 4pm on Thursday, 30 September 2021.

Barker/Foss

CARRIED

17.

Discussion of Minor Items not on the Agenda

Topic

Raised by

Karituwhenua Stream, Havelock North:

· Shocked to find a lot of waste pollution around Karituwhenua Stream

· A longstanding “dumping site” alongside the stream is leaking plastic and contaminants into the waterway, down to the Karamu Stream

· Believes that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has a responsibility to look after this waterway and do a clean up

· HBRC to take the lead and encourage responsible organisations to clean up rivers

· Need to take stronger enforcement and prosecute organisations for this behaviour.

Cr Craig Foss

15.

Public Use of Rivers

Chris Dolley introduced the item, which was taken as read. Martina Groves presented on current work with discussions noting:

· Increased expectations from the community in regard to the provision of space for recreational activities

· Current issues are rubbish dumping, vandalism, freedom camping, and illegal or antisocial behaviour causing significant health and environmental damage

· Key focus areas are Level of Service (LoS) upgrade, Iwi consultation and engagement and long term capital work programme

· Next steps include engagement with Iwi to enhance the understanding of the cultural values and history of the area.

EICC100/21

Resolution

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and considers the “Public Use of Rivers” staff report and supports the staff proposal to proceed with the iwi consultation with the assistance of the Māori Partnerships group.

van Beek/Barker

CARRIED

Pieri Munro closed the meeting with a karakia.

Closure:

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 2.03pm on Wednesday, 8 September 2021.

Signed as a true and correct record.

DATE: ................................................ CHAIRMAN: ...............................................