Agenda of Regional Council Meeting - Wednesday, 23 February 2022

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 23 February 2022

Subject: Significant Organisational Activities Looking Forward through March 2022

Purpose of Agenda Item

1. The commentary following is for Councillors’ information, to highlight significant areas of Council activity. Significant Council resources are being directed toward various initiatives, which reflect the Council’s evolving agenda and it is considered important that Council is consistently informed of progress in areas that have or may create a high external profile.

Northern Catchment
Project / Activity Description	Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)	Group /Team or Section
Biodiversity and biosecurity	1. Possum dog surveys conducted in Whakatipu Mahia project have confirmed the field team’s confidence and understanding of the stage the possum eradication is at. Work over the next few months will be focused on areas the dogs have not visited in phase one and remaining risk areas in phase two. 2. Significant rainfall and road washouts on Mahia peninsula have hampered monitoring of scenic reserve and affected areas the team are able to work. This is likely to delay completion of possum control in the reserve for a period of time as we wait re-monitor results over the next month. 3. Work on barrier options to protect the eradication when complete next year are well underway and will continue over the next two months. 4. The aerial rook control programme has been completed and it was another successful year with only one sizeable new rookery found. The data from the control will be analysed over the next month.	ICM – Catchment Services
Whakakī Freshwater Improvement Fund Project	5. Resource consent has now been granted to provide for the construction of the weir in the new location within the Rahui Channel. Easement documents are now being progressed and we have engaged with the civil contractors to complete detailed design and aim to deliver works early in the new year. 6. Renovations of the former Whakakī school will be completed in during December including new roofing, external cladding, internal walls and electrical work.	ICM – Catchment Delivery
East Coast farmers Expo	7. East Coast farmers Expo being held on 23-24 February 2022.	ICM – Catchment Delivery
Marine Enhancement and Protection project	8. The NIWA vessel Ikatere will arrive in Napier weekend 12-13 February for a 12 day voyage mapping the subtidal habitats around the Mahia Peninsula. This is a continuation of the 2020/21 mapping and is co-funded with HBRC, MPI and NIWA.	ICM – Environmental Science

Central Catchments
Project / Activity Description	Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)	Group /Team or Section
Flood Control Schemes - Resilience Funded projects	9. Taradale stopbank strengthening physical works 35% complete. Landscape planning for reinstatement of berm underway in partnership with Waiohiki marae. 10. East Clive stopbank investigations and optioneering complete, HDC landfill optioneering to commence in February. Moteo stop bank investigations complete and preliminary design underway. 11. Roys Hill and Ngatarawa detailed design underway. 12. Wairoa sheet pile: Sheet piles and screw anchors installed. Planting and slope stabilisation underway.	Asset Management Engineering Regional Projects
Gravel Management	13. Hearing was held in December. 14. New set of conditions are now under review 15. A final decision by hearing panel is scheduled by end of March.	Asset Management Consents, Schemes
Waitangi Regional Park	16. All CCTV cameras are installed (Pakowhai Regional Park, Waitangi Regional Park, Pekapeka Regional Park) to provide surveillance of activities in these popular open spaces. 17. Stage III development of the Park includes safe vehicle access to the river and two ephemeral wetlands on the flat berm area is under the design and approval be the engineering lead. This will be delivered in the 4^th quarter of the financial year.	Asset Management Open Spaces
Hawea Historical Park / Karamu Stream Diversion	18. The cultural component of the Draft Management Plan is complete for Hawea Historical Park. It will be send for final review to Exact and council in upcoming month. 19. Stage 3 project delivery includes pathways around the park, construction work for widening of the confluence, and design of the bridge due to commence in March 2022.	Asset Management Open Spaces, Regional Assets
Bayview/ Whirinaki Cycleway	20. NCC confirmed their commitment to progressing the land matters as resourcing allows.	Asset Management Regional Projects
COVID fast-track consenting – ‘Riverbend Residential Development’	21. In later 2021, Environment Minister approved developers’ request to use streamlined consenting process under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Referred Projects Order 2020 for the Riverbend Residential Development. Consent process is being administered by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). HBRC will be involved as a party/submitter – not the decision-maker. Applicant is preparing application. No further action required by HBRC at this time.	Policy & Regulation Consents, Schemes, Policy & Planning, HBCDEM, etc.
Omaranui Landfill expansion resource consent applications	22. The decision was issued on 7 December 2021 in favour of the proposed expansion of the Omarunui Landfill. The appeal period closed in late January and no appeals were lodged	Policy & Regulation Consents
Tūtira Freshwater Improvement Fund Project	23. Lower Kahikanui Stream grade control to remediate the bed/bank erosion works began early January. 24. Detailed design of the proposed Guthrie Smith wetland development completed. 25. The lake is still deemed suitable for swimming.	ICM – Catchment Delivery
Ahuriri Catchment Group.	26. This group is ‘establishing’. An initial meeting in October assessed support for the formation of a catchment group for this area. There was full support from that meeting and a further meeting is scheduled for 10 November, with a general invite to interested residents and others. All points to the establishment of a successful group.	ICM – Catchment Delivery
Karamu River Catchment Collective Inc.	27. Existing umbrella group for rural subcatchments in the Karamu 28. Currently includes Paritua, Awanui & Raupare Subcatchments, Poukawa a likely addition soon 29. Final stage negotiation with MPI funding a coordinator and programme of water quality sampling, led by NZ Landcare Trust	ICM – Catchments Policy Implementation

Southern Catchments
Project /Activity Description	Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)	Group /Team or Section
Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme	30. Two contractors have been selected and contracts generated. Contractors have been invited to sign and first round extraction anticipated to start late February. The next round of tender river reaches have been selected and to be confirmed with Schemes. Anticipating the next tender to be sent to the pre-qualified contractors in March.	Asset Management Regional Projects, Schemes
Lake Whatumā Protection and Enhancement Project	31. Subsidised works targeting willow removal, pest plant and animal control, and native planting works commenced.	ICM – Catchment Delivery
Te Ikatiere Management Plan	32. The team met with Aramoana Environmental and Education charitable trust, local Iwi and the contractor on site at the beginning of February to get input/feed on the management plan before it is finalised by end of this month/beginning of March.	ICM – Catchment Delivery

Whole of Region
Project /Activity Description	Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)	Group /Team or Section
Outstanding Waterbodies Proposed Plan Change 7	33. The first Court-assisted mediation on three appeals was held in October 2021. Follow-up informal mediation session amongst parties scheduled for 23 February 2022.	Policy & Regulation Policy & Planning
Hill Country Erosion Fund	HCE Events 34. NIWA Riparian management course for staff – 2 Day (Feb 22)	ICM – Catchment Delivery
Low Flows	35. Reinstall water level recorder for measuring low flows in the Paritua Stream at the water wheel	ICM – Environmental Information
LiDAR tools project	36. Six potential projects that make use of the newly acquired LiDAR imagery are currently being scoped with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Procurement will be undertaken over March/April.	ICM – Environmental Science
HBMaC/Sustainable Seas Collaboration	37. A model has been developed to assess the impacts on marine benthic health from sediment discharge and bottom contact from fishing. Workshops are scheduled with the project team and HBMaC in February to discuss the modelling results and identify the combination of reductions in stressors that needed to provide for better benthic health (e.g. 1% reduction in sediment per year, 5% areas closed to fishing plus 5% reduction in bottom contact). These will then be modelled in combination.	ICM – Environmental Science
Reticulated Stock Water – Extension events	38. Five extension events are planned across the region in March. The Wairoa event will have a Maori agribusiness, hapu focus. These events will be dependent on Covid status at the time.	Catchments Policy Implementation
Fit for a Better World Programme	39. Providing input over next six months to the working Group to develop the Social Science for Change Science and Mātauranga Accelerator Plan under the Fit for Better World Programme	Catchments Policy Implementation

PMO: Strategic Projects & Key BAU Programme Reporting

Eighteen key strategic (or change) projects/ BAU programmes are being tracked by the Project Management Office (PMO) and shared monthly throughout the lifecycle of these projects. These projects were selected because of their significance in terms of investment, risks, benefits, and interdependencies.

*Risk is inherent vs residual risk (i.e., RAG status prior to mitigations and controls implemented).

Performance Indicators: Green = On Track, Amber = At Risk, Red = Off Track, Grey = Not started/On hold

Status Change Keys:

Project/Programme Title

Schedule

Risks*

Budget

Comment

Status Change

Right Tree Right Place Pilot

Procurement of farm/forestry consultancies is now a priority. Detailed farm planning work and farmer engagement to be undertaken from mid-February with the launch of a landowner survey. This requires identifying the approx. 400-500 priority RTRP farms across the region. Work continues with the Catchment Delivery Team to be the key farmer engagement interface and advisory. Progressing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with initial pilot farm requires legal/commercial input. Meetings with MPI and other ministries re partnership is ongoing.

Updated since 26 Jan

Regional Water Security Programme: Project 1: Heretaunga Water Storage

Ongoing assessment of the technical viability and consent-ability of medium -scale storage in the upper Ngaruroro River Catchment. Primary focus for H2 (half year) 2021-2022 is the continuation of pre-feasibility investigations incorporating now peer-reviewed findings to date. Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecological Assessments underway.

Project has experienced multiple disruptions through Covid and timelines are provisional, subject to what the investigations reveal and progress.

Updated since 26 Jan

Project 2: Managed Aquifer Recharge

Technical workstreams for consenting completed. Mana whenua engagement has taken nearly a year, however Cultural Impact Assessment workstreams, and subsequent mana whenua site visits took place on Nov/Dec 2021 with draft CIA dues 18 Feb 2022. Preferred site potentially impacted by location of new infrastructure by landowner (a risk we were proactively managing). Tranche 2 consent issue likely to create a degree of confusion with MAR consenting.

Updated since 26 Jan

Project 3:
Regional Water Assessment

The Regional Water Assessment Interim Report (draft) was shared with Councillors and Executive at the workshop on 24 Dec 2021. A rough first cut of Water Asset Accounts received on 23 Dec 2021. Final report is being completed.

Updated since 26 Jan

Water Efficiency Programme Review (Future Water Use)

Landwise contracted to undertake scoping work and interviews with significant water users in conjunction with Regional Water Assessment engagements. Territorial Authorities (TAs), industry workshop is being held on 15 Feb 2022.

Updated since 26 Jan

Ahuriri Regional Park

Focus for the next year is to clarify vision, scope, and reconnect with Mana Ahuriri. Project governance meeting scheduled for 14 Feb 2022. NCC commenced technical work on stormwater detention and treatment. Proposal to pull budget forward from Yr. 3 of LTP in order to plan and execute preliminary work under consideration as part of the Annual Plan.

Updated since 26 Jan

Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy Implementation

In principle decision for HBRC to take a leadership role in the implementation of the strategy made subject to conditions. Internal review scoped. Draft Memorandum of Transition (MoT) approved by Joint Committee, Napier City Council and Hastings District Council. Further presentations to HBRC on MoT scheduled. S16 consultation scheduled for May 2022.

Updated since 26 Jan

On-demand Public Transport

Schedule is flagged amber as our preferred launch date is still dependent on external forces. Given the timing of the Omicron emergence, workforce availability will likely be exacerbated. Budget is currently in amber due to the need to mitigate disruption to the customer segment that don’t have equitable access to the technology to be able to use the service. There could be an unknown cost involved to be able to achieve equitable access for all.

Updated since 26 Jan

Kotahi Plan

The Māori Standing Committee met on the 2 Feb 2022 whereby ongoing commitment to working in partnership with the PSGEs of the RPC and Councillors was demonstrated. Further discussions will ensure at the RPC meeting 16 Feb 2022 and further at the All Governors Strategic meeting scheduled for the 23 Mar.

Updated since 26 Jan

Kotahi: Mohaka Plan Change

Due to COVID-19 red framework the hui held at the end of January was online, approx. 20 Mana Whenua attended this hui. There was representation from HBRC Māori partnerships at this hui. A progress report of the Māori-led workstream is being prepared and should be available later in February.

Updated since 26 Jan

Tukituki Plan Policy Implementation

Consents Team are continuing to process the Tukituki production land use consents. Deadline for submission of 2021 FEMP review submissions has now been set by the FEMP project and Compliance will follow with outstanding submissions and applications. Policy implementation team is working with the policy team to work through identified issues in the Tukituki catchment plan that will need addressing through the review processes and Kotahi.

Updated since 26 Jan

Farm Environmental Management Plans (FEMPs)

FEMP resubmissions were due on 31 May 2021. To date over 60 % of FEMP resubmissions have been received. 23 properties are being followed up by the compliance team. For all other properties yet to resubmit a FEMP, the providers or property owners will be contacted in Feb 2022 to inform them of compliance follow up after 31 May 2022. Provider capacity, consent prioritisation, and the review of Overseer have caused delays.

Updated since 26 Jan

Financial Upgrade Systems and Efficiencies (FUSE)

The FUSE project is now closed and has been handed over to the operational team to implement phase 2, which will focus on embedding and adoption of the system, maturity of organisational systems and processes, as well as a capability uplift in the transactional team within Finance. The Significant Operational Activities report will no longer track this project.

Updated since 26 Jan

Te Karamu Catchment Plan

N/A

This role is currently in the recruitment process. Interviews are scheduled for week commencing 14 Feb. Currently behind schedule to fill this position and commence development of plan.

Updated since 26 Jan

Ahuriri Catchment Plan

N/A

This role is currently in the recruitment process. Interviews are scheduled for week commencing 14 Feb. Currently behind schedule to fill this position and commence development of plan.

Updated since 26 Jan

TANK Plan Change

Awaiting decision from Independent Hearings Panel.

Updated since 26 Jan

Tank Plan Implementation

Communications plan and pilot materials to be developed and tested, in consultation with the Kotahi programme.

Pilot materials development is behind schedule due to a combination of staff illness & Science Team capacity constraints/lack of land science staff. Omicron has increased the risk of constraints in field-testing materials.

Updated since 26 Jan

Erosion Control Scheme (ECS) Programme (incl. Soil Conservation Nursery & HCEF)

Risks are amber due to shortages in labour market, quality of targeted plants available and rising material costs e.g., fencing materials.

Staff working hard to allocate last of the 2021-2022 budget, only fencing projects available given the time of year and time left – fencer availability is problematic.

Updated since 26 Jan

Ecosystem Prioritisation: Terrestrial

Almost all 6 projects are underway. There have been delays in sourcing fencing material which may impact completion dates. Fencing material costs have increased significantly but contingencies have covered this. EP budget is currently on track.

Updated since 26 Jan

Partial Pest Plan Review

A consultant has now been appointed to support the preparation of the proposal, and the first draft proposal was well received by the Biosecurity Working Party. A community engagement strategy is being developed, and key stakeholder engagement is underway with constructive conversations held with MPI, Beef and Lamb and Federated Farmers. Initiating discussion with Forestry groups is now a priority.

Updated since 26 Jan

Flood Control & Drainage Scheme – IRG: Heretaunga Flood Control & Drainage Scheme Levels of Service

Risks being managed are resource availability (consultants and contractors), COVID-19 programme delays and archaeological findings that may cause delay.

Physical works have commenced and are ongoing at Taradale. All investigations complete for Moteo, East Clive, Ngatarawa and Roys Hill are complete. Construction for these sites is due to commence in Oct 2022.

No change since 6 Dec 2021

Flood Control & Drainage Scheme – IRG: Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme

Risks being managed are market engagement, achieving targeted extraction volumes within allocated budget and funding timeframe, COVID-19 programme delays. First round tender has 4 submissions, demonstrating active market engagement. Tender assessment carried out week of 17 Jan 2022, with two preferred tenderers. Contracts and consents have been compiled and to be signed by contractors. Spending expected to catch up when next tender rounds are sent to market and awarded.

Updated since 26 Jan

Flood Control & Drainage Scheme – IRG: Wairoa River, River Parade Erosion

Risks being managed are COVID-19 programme delays (COVID-19 worksite protocols) for working in the new COVID-19 traffic light system Wairoa currently a RED ZONE, Temporary Traffic management in place awaiting guardrail to be installed and slope earthworks to be complete. cultural impact assessment (outcomes/ recommendations)

Updated since
26 Jan

Revenue & Financing Policy/ Rates Review (incl. Scheme Rating Reviews)

Project scoping has commenced following the appointment of the new CFO. Resource to the project have now been transitioned. Phase 1 first principals to be completed before local government elections, Phase 2 post elections. Workshops to be scoped and scheduled soon.

Updated since
26 Jan

Enterprise Asset Management

Budget allocated may not be sufficient to achieve all desired outcomes. Preliminary Steering Group meeting held late Jan 22 to discuss next steps, budget, resourcing requirements. Project plan under development. Currently resourcing and working to establish relationships within other councils and commercial entities – like Unison – to understand real world application of the product, best practice and lessons learnt. Looking to deliver smaller pieces of functionality at regular intervals that add value and build upon and strengthen the framework and foundation that was added during the FUSE project

Updated since
26 Jan

Project Summaries

1	Right Tree Right Place Pilot on up to five farms to understand the detail set-up costs, partnership, and delivery options. Under the trial, we would offer a loan to landowners to plant trees on their erodible land. Opportunities being explored with The Nature Conservancy.
2	Regional Water Security Programme PGF funding has allowed us to investigate water supply options through two projects: Heretaunga Water Storage and Managed Aquifer Recharge in Central Hawke’s Bay. A 50-year Regional Water Assessment will inform the work, including regional water supply and demand into a future challenged by climate change.
3	Ahuriri Regional Park Working alongside NCC to redevelop the Lagoon Farm site into a Regional Park will allow for stormwater detention and wetland treatment for improved environmental outcomes, as well as providing cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities.
4	Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy Implementation Working with HDC and NCC to implement the long-term (100 year) adaptive strategy for responding to coastal erosion and coastal inundation in priority areas of the coast between Clifton and Tangoio.
5	On-Demand Public Transport A new form of public transport that replaces fixed routes with an on-demand service. This will be a trial in Hastings which uses innovation and technology to lower the region’s transport emissions, provide better transport choices for the community and will give more equitable access to public transport.
6	Kotahi Is a combined resource management plan for the Hawkes Bay region. The Regional Policy Statement and Regional Plan combined, and the Regional Coastal Environment Plan are due for review. In addition, the NPSFM 2020 requires us to develop a plan to give effect to Te Mana o Te Wai.
7	Tukituki Plan Policy Implementation Implementation of statutory deliverables related to the Tukituki Plan, with particular focus on changes arising from the Government’s response to the Science Advisory Panel’s review of Overseer. Farm Environmental Management Plans (FEMPs) FEMPs aim to address environmental outcomes and actions to improve environmental performance on properties over 4ha within the Tukituki region at this stage 3 yearly submission cycle – first resubmission was due 31 May 2021.
8	Financial Upgrade Systems and Efficiencies (FUSE) – Project is now closed The implementation of the new financial system TechOne. FUSE will standardise processes, and improve transparency and accessibility of financial data, and financial process efficiencies.
9	Te Karamu Catchment Plan The new plan will collate intelligence on all parties and their activities in the Karamu Catchment. This will be utilised to provide visibility on activities within the catchment and identify options to influence for improved water quality and biodiversity outcomes.
10	Ahuriri Catchment Plan The new plan will collate intelligence on all parties and their activities in the Ahuriri catchment. This will be utilised to provide visibility on activities within the catchment and identify options to influence for improved water quality and biodiversity outcomes.
11	TANK Plan Change (Policy) Proposed TANK Plan Change (PPC9) will add new rules to the Regional Resource Management Plan to manage water quality and quantity for the Tūtaekurī, Ahuriri, Ngaruroro and Karamū (TANK) catchments. TANK Plan Change (Implementation): TANK Subcatchments Community Engagement An external comms project, intended to inform rural landowners about the PC9 framework and to promote catchment group formation. It is a precursor to the overall PC9 Implementation, the latter contingent on a decision awaited from Hearings Commissioners and any subsequent appeals.
12	The Erosion Control Scheme (ECS) Provides access to a grant for Hawke's Bay landholders to implement soil conservation measures on highly erodible land, keeping soil on the hills and out of waterways. It provides significant financial support for erosion control work such as non-commercial tree planting, protection fencing, land retirement and assisted reversion. Hill Country Erosion Fund (HCEF) Is Central Government funding to support ECS activities and events that are targeted at educating and supporting staff and landowners with the reduction of hill country erosion. Soil Conservation Nursery The primary purpose of the nursery is to grow poplar and willow poles for erosion control and are managed primarily for the ECS and Works Group, river control plantings.
13	Future Water Use ‘Future Water Use’ – making better use or the water we must complement water storage. Work with water users to drive more efficient and effective use to complement water storage.
14	Ecosystem Prioritisation: Terrestrial This programme focuses on protecting and enhancing 700 Ecosystem Prioritisation sites across the region. To achieve this, we have partnered with internal and external stakeholders alongside land occupiers. The main actions are deer fencing, pest plant and animal control and some enhancement planting. Ecosystem Prioritisation: Coastal and Marine The Coastal and Marine team have undertaken scientific investigations to identify biodiversity prioritisation sites off the coast of Mahia and Clive, using Zonation software to inform spatial management. The outcomes and recommendations have been concluded and can now move forward to implementation phase.
15	Partial Pest Plan Review Investigating changing the current Possum Control Area Programme from an occupier responsibility model to a large-scale contract model. A contracting model will secure the continued success long term of the outcomes delivered by low possum numbers and increase the biodiversity benefits from consistently low possum numbers.
16	Flood Control and Drainage Scheme – IRG Project 1: Heretaunga Flood Control & Drainage Scheme Aims to review and upgrade flood protection assets across the Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro, Lower Tukituki and Clive rivers, to increase flood protection across the scheme to a 1 in 500-year event. Project 2: Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme: Gravel Extraction Seeks opportunities to subsidise transportation of gravel from this scheme with a focus on competitive tendering and supporting the local economy. Project 3: Wairoa River, River Parade Erosion Provide steel sheet piled erosion protection works on left bank of the Wairoa river.

Enforcement Actions
40. There are 10 active prosecutions before the court, at various stages therefore not able to comment publicly on. There are 3 further investigations in progress likely to lead to prosecution.
Date	Type of Enforcement Action	Status
Sep 2021	Burning prohibited items	Before the court
Jun 2021	Discharge to land/water	Before the court
Apr 2021	Contravention enforcement order	Before the court
Feb 21	Discharge to land that may enter water	Before the court – NG
Jan 21	Discharge to air - odour	Before the court – Plea to enter
Nov 20	Discharge to land that may enter water	Before the court – NG
Jul 20	Discharge to land that may enter water	Before the court – NG
Jun 20	Discharge to land that may enter water	Before the court – NG
Jun 20	Discharge to land that may enter water	Before the court – NG
Mar 20	Discharge to land that may enter water	Before the court

Environment Court Proceedings
Date	Type of Proceedings	Status
Feb 2022	Three Environment Court appeals against HBRC’s decisions on submissions re. Outstanding Water Bodies Plan Change (PC7). In June 2021, those decisions were issued by an Independent Panel made on behalf of HBRC.	Preliminary Environment-Court assisted mediation session held on 27 October. Further informal mediation session amongst parties scheduled 23 February 2022.
	Appeals to Environment Court on the Draft Water Conservation Order application for Ngaruroro River.	Before the Environment Court. Hearing held in 2021. Awaiting Environment Court decision.

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 Organisational Activities Looking Forward through March 2022” staff report.

Authored by:

Michael Bassett-Foss

RTRP Project Manager

Allan Beer

Team Leader Biosecurity - Animal Pests

Sarah Bell

Team Leader Strategy & Performance

Jack Blunden

Team Leader Compliance - Urban & Industrial

Vicki Butterworth

Cycle Network Coordinator

Desiree Cull

Strategy & Governance Manager

Peter Davis

Manager Environmental Information

Harry Donnelly

Project Engineer

Ben Douglas

Forest Management Advisor

Ceri Edmonds

Manager Policy and Planning

Russell Engelke

Team Leader Open Spaces

Craig Goodier

Principal Engineer

Martina Groves

Manager Regional Assets

Sandy Haidekker

Senior Scientist

Belinda Harper

Senior Planner

Nathan Heath

Area Manager Northern Hawke's Bay

Dr Andy Hicks

Team Leader/Principal Scientist Water Quality and Ecology

Rob Hogan

Manager Compliance

Gavin Ide

Principal Advisor Strategic Planning

Dr Kathleen Kozyniak

Principal Scientist (Air)

Campbell Leckie

Manager Catchment Services

Anna Madarasz-Smith

Team Leader Marine, Air and Land Science

Lynn McCowan

Executive Assistant Integrated Catchment Management

Julie-Anne McPhee

Senior Project Manager

Malcolm Miller

Manager Consents

Mark Mitchell

Team Leader Principal Advisor Biosecurity Biodiversity

Te Wairama Munro

Relationships Manager - Central & Internal

Thomas Petrie

Programme Manager Protection & Enhancement Projects

Brendan Powell

Manager Catchments Policy Implementation

Lauren Simmonds

Project Manager - Biosecurity Review

Dr Jeff Smith

Manager Science

Jolene Townshend

Acting Manager Catchment Delivery

Richard Wakelin

Senior Catchment Advisor (Policy Implementation)

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 23 February 2022

Subject: Report from the 2 February 2022 Māori Committee Meeting

Reason for Report

1. This item provides a summary of the 2 February 2022 Māori Committee meeting discussions for Councillors’ information, along with the opportunity for the Co-chairs to provide additional context to Council as they wish.

Agenda Items

2. The regular Take Ripoata ā Takiwā – Taiwhenua Representatives' Updates covered:

2.1. Concerns were raised about leachate from historical tanalised timber processing by Carter Holt at its Wairoa site, close to the Awatere (spawning) Stream and about the Affco meatworks oxidation pond emptying out over the Christmas period without any advance notice to tangata whenua.

2.2. Feedback from Taiwhenua Boards to date are supportive of the direction of 18 January 2022 tangata whenua hui discussions and the formation of a collaborative Taiao group, bound by Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, to progress the mahi for Kotahi.

2.3. When raised in the Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga update, there was general agreement by Taiwhenua representatives present that they oppose the Waka Kotahi decision to permanently lower the speed limit for the 76 km stretch of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Eskdale and Rangitaiki from 100km/hr to 80km/hr. Concerns expressed were about degradation of the road over the last 10 years, driver frustration causing more accidents with a lower speed limit and the need for more Police visibility, road maintenance, driver education and passing lanes.

2.4. Concerns raised about the health of coastal areas and plundering of resources including in and around Pōrangahau, as well as about the change of colour and taste of Kūtai (mussels) collected from Pania Reef. Last year’s Motiti settlement found that regional councils could impose restrictions on fishing activities and through the Kotahi “Marine workstream” Council will have discussions with tāngata whenua and MPI about restrictions on fishing methods and activities, working with the communities and kaitiaki who live there.

2.5. The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries has approved a bylaw prohibiting the taking of kina, kōura (rock lobster), kuku (mussels) and pāua from within the Te Hoe Mātaitai Reserve (from Waikokopu to Opoutama).

3. The Verbal Updates on Current Issues and Activities by the HBRC CE and Chairman covered:

3.1. Covid 19 impacts on Council service delivery and measures to protect the wellbeing and health of staff

3.2. Pleased with the progress made with the strong relationships being built between Council, the Regional Planning Committee (RPC) and the Māori Committee to find ways to work together effectively, faster, to progress the Kotahi Plan before the end of 2024.

4. The Tangata Whenua Hearing Panel Commissioners' Conflicts of Interest Management item proposed guidance for the management of conflicts of interest for local Māori commissioners for the Committee’s feedback and support for implementation. Feedback from Committee members included:

4.1. Māori want to see their faces reflected on the Hearing panels

4.2. Some Māori in roles advocating for Māori will always consider they have a conflict and may never serve on a Panel considering anything in their Rohe

4.3. National review of the Commissioners and the process of appointing them, and suggested staff investigate the recommendations that came out of the review for any useful assistance

4.4. Clearly there is a need for local knowledge about local issues to provide context to the Hearing panel.

5. The Committee resolved:

5.1. Supports the involvement of more local tangata whenua as Resource Consent Hearing Commissioners.

5.2. Supports the proposed guidance to avoid conflicts of interest, incorporating the feedback provided by Committee members today.

6. The Primary Industry Pan Sector Group Representation item advised the Māori Committee about the recent reconstitution of a Primary Industry Pan Sector Group (PIPSG) and sought a recommendation from the Committee on Māori for representation on the group. Feedback from the Committee included:

6.1. Concerned that the role does not always coincide with the whakaaro/thinking of Māori

6.2. Difficult to find a “mandated” Māori as each individual is mandated for a certain group and location

6.3. Suggested it is not about finding one person, but constructing a co-governance group outside of the PIPSG, that allows a wider range of representation, to liaise with Māori and industry groups and that someone on that body transfers the knowledge to PIPSG

6.4. Suggested that Mike Paku has a conversation directly with PIPSG to clarify the Māori perspective and what representation is most appropriate.

7. The Proposed Schedule of 2022 Council and Committee Meetings item proposed the schedule of meetings for Council and its committees for 2022 for the Committee’s consideration and agreement. The Committee noted:

7.1. Separate Māori Committee and Regional Planning Committee meetings will continue to be scheduled to discuss matters on their respective business, but will be less frequent once the All Governors ‘collective taiao’ model details have been agreed with tangata whenua and the new model is implemented.

8. The Committee resolved:

8.1. Accepts the 2022 Schedule of Meetings as proposed, subject to change and to agreement with the Regional Planning Committee and advises the Regional Council accordingly.

9. The Rebranding and Name Change for HBRIC Ltd item sought the Maori Committee’s endorsement and feedback on a proposed name change for HBRIC. The Committee was in support of the name change, providing feedback including:

9.1. Time for a fresh start and like that it (Te Matau Investments Hawke’s Bay) captures the region and the whole population with the hook visual representing Hawke’s Bay.

10. The Committee resolved its endorsement of the new name Te Matau Investments Hawke’s Bay and requested that the final re-brand, graphics and colouring be brought back to the Māori Committee.

11. The Māori Partnerships Team Roles and Responsibilities item outlined the new Relationship Manager roles and responsibilities and noted other changes within the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s (HBRC) Māori Partnerships Group to align more closely with Kotahi and future work programming flowing from the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan.

12. The February 2022 Statutory Advocacy Update item provided a regular update from the Policy team and reported on proposals forwarded to the Regional Council for comment. As well, James Palmer provided a verbal update on Central Government’s Resource Management System reform programme which covered:

12.1. Central Government is working closely with advisors from the Iwi Chairs Forum and a range of other different mechanisms to build elements of the reforms.

12.2. The Exposure draft that went to the Select Committee last year introduced the concept of Te Oranga o te Taiao and what that means in legislation is being worked through as well as obligations for Councils with respect to Te Tiriti.

13. The Significant Organisational Activities through February 2022 item highlighted significant areas of Council activity, as provided to the 26 January 2022 Regional Council meeting.

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 and the matters were all considered by the Committee, the decision-making provisions do not apply.

Recommendation

That Hawke’s Bay Regional Council receives and notes the “Report from the 2 February 2022 Māori Committee Meeting”.

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

Leeanne Hooper

Team Leader Governance

Approved by:

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 23 February 2022

Subject: Report from the 3 February 2022 Extraordinary Regional Transport Committee Meeting

Reason for agenda item

1. This item provides a summary of discussions and considerations of the extraordinary Regional Transport Committee meeting held on 3 February 2022 for Council’s information, alongside any additional commentary the Committee Chair wishes to add.

Agenda items

2. At the beginning of the meeting the Committee passed a procedural motion moved by the Chair, to suspend Standing Order 19.8 Non - Financial Conflicts of Interest to allow full participation in the discussion, debate and voting by some members with conflicts of interest, particularly representatives of Hastings District Council and Waka Kotahi.

3. The K Goodspeed Deputation on behalf of the Te Pohue and Districts Community item provided the Committee with an opportunity to hear directly from a representative of the Te Pohue and surrounds rural community affected by the Waka Kotahi decision to reduce the speed limit on a section of State Highway 5 (SH5). The Deputation highlighted:

3.1. A poll conducted on Axel Alexander’s State Highway 5 Issues Facebook page on 26 January 2021 showed that 96% of the of 2272 respondents were opposed to the speed limit reduction

3.2. The Te Pohue community is calling for an injunction to halt the speed limit reduction.

4. Following the deputation, the Chair provided an opportunity for Linda Stewart to speak on behalf of Waka Kotahi, to provide the rationale for and outline the process undertaken to arrive at the decision to lower the speed limit on the 76 km stretch of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Eskdale and Rangitaiki from 100km/hr to 80km/hr effective 18 February 2022. The Waka Kotahi presentation highlighted:

4.1. The purpose of the change is to save lives and prevent serious injuries; Waka Kotahi did not consider economic impacts other than the social costs of death and serious injury to the community.

4.2. Fifteen sections of SH5 covering approximately 80 km were assessed, and a speed reduction was deemed appropriate for all sections. The speed assessment that Waka Kotahi used identified 80 km/hr as the safe and appropriate speed for the road to reduce fatalities and serious injury by 65%. A 90km/hr limit was not considered as it is a non-standard speed limit. A 90km/hr limit would only reduce death and injury by 10%.

4.3. Waka Kotahi admits consultation with Iwi was not well managed.

4.4. Waka Kotahi noted that consultation is not a vote on the matter being consulted on.

4.5. Maintenance carried out on SH5 amounts to $2.9M per annum.

4.6. A business case for the long-term future of SH5 is being developed. Deferring / delaying a speed decision until it is completed would see more deaths on the highway.

4.7. It was noted that future development and safety improvements of SH5 would only be designed to bring it to an 80km/hr standard.

4.8. The ‘Stay Alive on 5’ campaign has been in place for approximately 12 months. Waka Kotahi acknowledged that during this time there had not been any deaths on State Highway 5. It was noted by Waka Kotahi that education and enforcement (the Stay Alive on 5 campaign) are only one component of road safety.

5. The Position on Waka Kotahi SH5 Speed Limit Reduction item provided the Committee with some background on the Waka Kotahi decision to reduce the speed limit and the opportunity to consider a Committee position to put forward to Waka Kotahi and the Minister of Transport. Committee representatives of NZ Police, AA, the HBRC Māori Committee, TLAs, Napier Port and the Road Transport Association highlighted:

5.1. Representatives of Heretaunga, Wairoa and Te Whanganui a Orotū Taiwhenua stated, at the 2 February 2022 HBRC Māori Committee meeting, their opposition to the Waka Kotahi decision to reduce SH5 speed limit and support for the community advocating against it.

5.2. The Road Transport Association opposes the speed reduction as it anticipates that annual costs for its members will rise by more than $6.8 million p.a.

5.3. The Police support all efforts to reduce accidents on NZ roads. The speed at which an accident happens determines the outcomes and level of injuries sustained.

5.4. The AA submitted opposing the speed limit reduction and believe that only specific trouble spots should have been targeted. AA also considers that a lack of regular maintenance is an issue, with significantly less resurfacing being undertaken compared to 10 years ago.

5.5. While the Port of Napier Limited understands that road safety needs to be put first, the reduced speed limit on SH5 will impact the ability to get freight through to the Port of Napier thus reducing the Port’s competitiveness with other port options. Port of Napier requests that infrastructure improvements to the road be investigated as an alternative.

5.6. Hastings District Council believes Waka Kotahi continues to undervalue SH5 by carrying out a ‘desk top exercise’ to introduce a speed reduction, rather than undertaking a comprehensive analysis of all options to improve safety on the highway.

5.7. SH5 is a strategic link for Hawke’s Bay and while major roading projects are underway in other regions, SH5 just gets a speed limit reduction and some modest safety improvements. This seems particularly unfair as it also appears that the plan is to maintain safety on SH5 by keeping the 80km/ hr speed limit permanently rather than looking at a wide range of strategies and plans of action.

6. Following considerable discussion, the following resolutions were passed.

That the Hawke’s Bay Regional Transport Committee:

1. Receives and considers the “Position on Waka Kotahi SH5 Speed Limit Decision” staff report.

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 the Committee 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.

3. Submits the following position statement to Waka Kotahi in relation to the decision to lower the speed limit for the 76 km stretch of State Highway 5 (SH5) between Eskdale and Rangitaiki from 100km/hr to 80km/hr effective 18 February 2022

3.1. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Transport Committee (HBRTC) opposes the decision to reduce the speed limit on a permanent or long-term basis, and:

3.1.1. formally requests that Waka Kotahi presents the detailed technical report underlying its decision to lower the speed limit, including details of the process undertaken and criteria for analysis of submissions, to the HBRTC, as soon as possible {prior to 18 February 2022} and prior to the next scheduled HBRTC meeting on 11 March 2022

3.1.2. formally requests that Waka Kotahi undertakes a review of its 17 December 2021 decision, including with reference to a 90km/hr option

3.2. The HBRTC advises that, should Waka Kotahi fail or refuse to undertake the review formally requested in 3.1.2 above, the HBRTC will pursue legal options to challenge the decision (and seek to have it set aside)

3.3. The HBRTC formally requests that Waka Kotahi commits to a State Highway 5 Programme Business Case for road corridor improvements of sufficient scale, nature and extent to enable the current 100km/h speed limit to be retained or reinstated for the 76 km stretch of SH5 between Eskdale and Rangitaiki, with that Programme Business Case (including funding) to be confirmed by 30 June 2022

3.4. The HBRTC continues to support the safe system approach including the education and enforcement success of the ‘Stay Alive on 5’ programme.

3.5. The HBRTC Chair will write to the Minister of Transport on the Committee’s behalf, recording the position of the Committee and the regional concern for an equitable level of investment in the critically important State Highway 5 corridor over the short, medium and longer term.

Hazlehurst/Williams

Stewart abstained

CARRIED

Decision Making Process

7. 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 and the matters were considered at the Committee level, the decision-making provisions do not apply.

Recommendation

That Hawke’s Bay Regional Council receives and notes the “Report from the 3 February 2022 Extraordinary Regional Transport Committee meeting”

Authored by:

Peter Martin

Senior Governance Advisor

Leeanne Hooper

Team Leader Governance

Approved by:

Katie Nimon

Transport Manager

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

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