Meeting of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council Māori Committee

 

 

Date:                       Wednesday 6 April 2022

Time:                      10.00am

Venue:

Council Chamber

Hawke's Bay Regional Council

159 Dalton Street

NAPIER

 

Agenda

 

Item          Title                                                                                                                                           Page

 

1.            Welcome/ Karakia/ Apologies / Notices

2.            Conflict of Interest declarations

3.            Alternate member for 6 April 2022 meeting                                                3

4.            Confirmation of minutes of the Māori Committee meeting held 2 February 2022

5.            Take Ripoata ā Takiwā – Taiwhenua Representatives' Updates              5

6.            HBRC Chair and Chief Executive's Verbal Updates on Current Issues

7.            Follow-ups from previous Māori Committee meetings                           35

8.            Call for minor items not on the agenda                                                       39

Information or Performance Monitoring

9.            Climate Action Ambassador and work programme                                  41

10.          Update on the PCA partial RPMP review process                                     47

11.          Coastal Hazards Strategy update                                                                   53

12.          March 2022 Statutory Advocacy update                                                     61

13.          Reports from Regional Council and committee meetings                       69

14.          Significant organisational activities looking forward through April 2022                                                                                                                               75

15.          Discussion of minor items not on the agenda                                            87

Parking

1.         Free 2-hour on-road parking is available on Vautier Street adjacent to the HBRC Building & on Raffles Street.

2.         There is free all day parking further afield – on Munroe Street or Hastings Street by Briscoes.

3.         There are limited parking spaces (3) for visitors in the HBRC car park – entry off Vautier Street – it would be appropriate that the “visitors” parks be available for the members travelling distances from Wairoa and CHB.

4.         If you do pay for parking elsewhere, please provide your receipt to the Receptionist for reimbursement – or include with your expenses claim for the meeting.

NB:         Any carparks that have yellow markings are NOT to be parked in please.


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: Alternate Member for 6 April 2022 Meeting

 

Reason for Report

1.       The Māori Committee Terms of Reference makes allowance for short term replacements (proxy) to be appointed to the Committee where the usual member/s cannot attend.

 

Recommendation

That Dianne Smith be appointed as a member of the Māori Committee as a short term replacement on the Committee for Dr Roger Maaka for the 6 April 2022 meeting.

 

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

 

Approved by:

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

 

 

 


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject:    Take Ripoata ā Takiwā – Taiwhenua Representatives' Updates

 

Reason for Report

1.        This item provides the opportunity for representatives of the four Taiwhenua (Te Whanganui-a-Orotū, Tamatea, Wairoa/Kahungunu Executive and Heretaunga) to raise current issues of interest in their rohe for discussion as per the reports attached.

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 Māori Committee receives and notes the Take Ripoata ā Takiwā – Taiwhenua reports.

 

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

 

Approved by:

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

 

 

Attachment/s

1

Lake Whatumā Learning Centre - Draft Concept Ideas

 

 

  



Lake Whatumā Learning Centre - Draft Concept Ideas

Attachment 1

 

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HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: Follow-ups from Previous Māori Committee Meetings

 

Reason for Report

1.        Attachment 1 lists items raised at previous meetings that require follow-up, who is responsible, when it is expected to be completed and a brief status comment. Once the items have been reported to the Committee they will be removed from the list.

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 Māori Committee receives and notes the Follow-ups from Previous Meetings staff report.

 

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

 

Approved by:

James Palmer

Chief Executive

 

 

Attachment/s

1

Follow-ups for April 2022 Māori Committee

 

 

  


Follow-ups for April 2022 Māori Committee

Attachment 1

 

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HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: Call for Minor Items Not on the Agenda

 

Reason for Report

1.      This item provides the means for committee members to raise minor matters they wish to bring to the attention of the meeting.

2.      Hawke’s Bay Regional Council standing order 9.13 states:

2.1          A meeting may discuss an item that is not on the agenda only if it is a minor matter relating to the general business of the meeting and the Chairperson explains at the beginning of the public part of the meeting that the item will be discussed. However, the meeting may not make a resolution, decision, or recommendation about the item, except to refer it to a subsequent meeting for further discussion.

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee accepts the following “Minor Items Not on the Agenda” for discussion as Item 15:

 

Topic

Raised by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authored by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

 

Approved by:

James Palmer

Chief Executive

 

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.  


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: Climate Action Ambassador and Work Programme

 

Reason for Report

1.        This item introduces the recently appointed Climate Action Ambassador to Committee members and outlines the work plan for this new role for early input from the Committee.

Recent appointment to Climate Action Ambassador role

2.        Pippa McKelvie-Sebileau started as Climate Action Ambassador on 1 February 2022. The role is sitting in the Strategy & Governance team, but she will work with staff from various Council teams and external stakeholders.

3.        Pippa is finishing her PhD in food resilience for communities and her background is in Psychology and Public Health, bringing a behavioural science lens to this work. She is working part-time in the role while finishing her PhD.

Strategic Fit

4.        In the most recent resident survey, 64% of the community consider the Regional Council the main environmental organisation in the region. However, the range of activities that the Council undertakes to mitigate and adapt to climate change can be hidden and largely unknown by the public.

5.        ”Climate change is at the heart of everything we do” has been a strap-line in the Council’s Strategic Plan since 2017 and has been used in range of community-facing material. This reflects Council’s activities at the frontline of climate adaptation such as coastal hazards, flood protection, water security and drought response as well as climate change mitigation in the form of active transport, environmental education, and good management practices on-farm, including afforestation and biodiversity protection.

6.        The Climate Action Ambassador role is the first dedicated staffing resource to climate action and is intended to enhance the Regional Council’s leadership role in this space.

Background

7.        The Government passed the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019, and the Council declared a climate emergency for the Hawke’s Bay region on 26 June 2019.

8.        Following the local election in 2019 and in the lead-in to the Long Term Plan 2021-2031, the Council refreshed its Strategic Plan to reflect current circumstances and new priorities. In particular: resilience was added into the vision, climate change is now reflected all four focus areas and the target was realigned to national timeframes – By 2025, HBRC is carbon zero and plays a leadership role in the region’s goal of net zero greenhouse gases by 2050.

9.        As part of the Long Term Plan 2021-31, a new activity of Community Sustainability was introduced focussing on developing and leading a coordinated community-wide response to reduce the Regional Council’s and the region’s carbon footprint. This includes the establishment of a Climate Change Ambassador role funded from the sale of a portion of the Council’s ‘carbon credits’ (NZUs) from existing plantation forests.

10.      The Climate Action Ambassador will co-construct plans and coordinate actions towards the Council achieving its goal of being carbon zero by 2025 and the regional goal for Hawke’s Bay to become net zero by 2050.

11.      In addition to the emissions reduction (mitigation) and offsetting work required to become carbon neutral, the Climate Action Ambassador will also support climate change adaptation work to build community awareness leading to resilience (alongside CDEM).

12.      Net-Zero GoalThree Foci for Climate Action Ambassador Activities: Reduce emissions / Offset emissions  / Adapt to ongoing changes in climate at the Council and at the regional level.

Continuous monitoringTogether – collective action for resilient communities

13.      This workplan proposes to use social science theory, recognising the role of social identity as a critical pathway to achieve collective action in response to environmental challenges (Milfont, 2020). The Council already has an existing base of excellent environmental information and scientists, and the aim of this role is to turn that science into practicable and implementable localised solutions for our regional communities. A major assumption of the workplan is that to engage the community and bring them along for change, we need to propose an alternative vision for an equitable and resilient future for our communities, and pathways to achieve this.

14.      The workplan will align with both the amendments to the Environmental Reporting Act to incorporate te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori, improving the coverage and effectiveness of environmental reporting and make it more meaningful and useful for Māori, as well as broader communities, local and central government, and other organisations.

15.      An essential element of this approach will be to establish community values for the Climate Action Plan, in partnership with tangata whenua in formal recognition of Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge and knowledge of cultural landscapes. As part of this theoretical work, it will be important to investigate alternative models for systems change and mindset shift regarding our relationship with the environment. For example, a tuakana / teina model will be discussed (as opposed to traditional stewardship of the environment models) based on the concept of reciprocity. In practice, a model recognising the power of our natural systems to inform and guide us, means that we need to ensure that our environmental monitoring systems are designed to learn from and constantly adapt to the information provided by our natural systems.

Discussion

16.      The key milestone in the near term is to develop a Regional Climate Action Plan by July 2023 with broad community involvement, support and engagement, which will feed into the 2024-2034 long term plans of the region’s councils. To achieve this, the work plan has been broken down into 3 inter-related and mutually reinforcing workstreams.


 

Workstream 1: Synthesise and communicate what we know about the current state of climate knowledge, emissions and risk in Hawke’s Bay

17.      Collate what we already know.

17.1.      Collate and communicate the trends in HB residents’ attitudes to climate change from various HBRC surveys, bringing the insights together into a narrative of how residents’ views are evolving and where the convergences and dissonances lie with regard to our regional risk profile and emissions.

17.2.      Summarise the trends in Statistics NZ published HB CO2 equivalent emissions profile since 2007, identifying the domains where the largest emissions increases are happening and accounting for the role of population growth.

17.3.      Use the NIWA Climate Change projected risk report to distil the scientific information into terms that are interpretable, meaningful and culturally acceptable to community.

17.4.      Collaborating with the Communications team, these three activities will be combined into an infographic as a communication tool.

Workstream 2: Deepen our understanding of climate issues in Hawke’s Bay and our ability to monitor changes through three commissioned reports

18.      Procure a Regional Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (see BOPRC  and Waikato Regional Council for examples). While Stats NZ offers a regional breakdown of GHG emissions across primary industries, goods-producing industries, services and households, the data is outdated by the time of publication (2020 data will be released in April 2022), and this does not give us city-based estimates or more granular categories of emissions. With the potential for Territorial Authority profiles in this regional report, we could look for co-funding opportunities for a breakdown of emissions by locality.

19.      Building from the HB regional carbon footprint, we will commission a Regional Options and Opportunities Cost-Benefit Analysis to identify the most feasible and impactful opportunities for innovation in mitigation and adaptation solutions, behavioural change interventions and further emissions reductions opportunities.

20.      Obtain a Regional Adaptation Risk Profile Assessment to identify community resilience and to quantify and qualify the risk for those communities, in terms that will mobilise community engagement and action. This report will go further than the 2020 NIWA report on Climate Change Projects in Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay, to model localised risk and identification of natural sites, services and people where infrastructure, activities, and community wellbeing may be impacted. With research demonstrating that communities of higher deprivation are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards, the risk of exacerbating existing inequities and creating new and additional inequities due to differential distribution of climate change impacts need to be identified so that they may be mitigated.

21.      In addition to the three analytical reports proposed above, we will continue to explore innovative ways to monitor and report our regional emissions to cement our leadership role.  Two examples include a dynamic carbon tracker by Dot Loves Data which can provide dashboard estimations of regional emissions with a two-month latency and an opportunity with the Deep South National Science Challenge to develop a tool to evaluate well-being impacts in Hawke’s Bay of climate change adaptation initiatives.

22.      This will be combined with a review of our current reporting on our own carbon footprint to ensure that it is fit for purpose, engaging and sufficiently sensitive to register the potential impact of our current interventions. Currently, we report our corporate carbon footprint quarterly via the Organisational Performance Report and it includes fleet, travel and energy use across four operating sites. The review will investigate the feasibility of including waste emissions, indirect emissions and including more sites.

23.      Alongside this work we will continuously monitor and communicate the national and regional policy context and responsibilities including the National Emissions Reduction Plan and the National Adaptation Plan (both due for release in 2022) to keep Committee members abreast of current thinking.

Workstream 3: Coordinate community engagement and communication

24.      In the Council’s Climate Crisis Survey 2020, the second most important action that residents felt the Council should be doing to address the impacts of climate change was ‘communication, information, education and public engagement’. There is a crucial need for the regional council to engage with the public in ways that promote community aspirations and relate the climate crisis in terms that are understandable and practicable. Of note, the action ranked of least importance by residents was ‘support / work with famers and primary industry’, yet agriculture accounts for 72% of our regional emissions, so this should become a key area of focus for public education and engagement. This may include the need for research into local farmers’ attitudes to climate change, knowledge of actions to reduce emissions and willingness to make changes to their farm system to be more environmentally sustainable.

25.      Using It’s time Canterbury as a model and working with the Council’s Marketing and Communications team, a series of public engagement and education activities will be planned around two pillars: increasing public education / awareness and co-designing the Regional Climate Action Plan. Rangatahi and tangata whenua voice will be front and centre in the co-design process to ensure that we meet our responsibilities of Te Tiriti and that the action plan is future proof. A public event will be planned to raise the profile of Climate Action and inform and engage community will be organised (like the Climathon Waikato or Auckland Climate Festival ).

26.      Building internal capability. In a 2021 survey of Council staff, 70% of respondents (n=63) said they had never attended any Climate Change workshops or training at their workplace. In initial engagements with staff, the need for a consistent and cohesive approach to Council communication has been highlighted by multiple teams. In response to this, we propose to work with the People & Capability team to offer tailored communications training (framing, engaging and messaging) to increase knowledge and awareness of local and international climate change issues, and build capability in communicating with the public about the work the Council is doing to mitigate and adapt to climate change. One potential trainer is Common Cause Australia who offer online training on how to communicate “to motivate pro-social and environmental action that is widespread, deep and enduring”.

27.      Cross-Council collaboration - the Climate Action Ambassador will work closely with the Climate Change lead from NCC and the HDC to create collective momentum and shared initiatives towards public engagement, emissions reductions and reporting. It is intended that this collaboration will assume responsibility to identify and select up to 10 actions to collaborate on that came out of a joint council workshop between HDC and HBRC late 2021.

28.      Actions are underway to reconvene the Regional Climate Leaders Forum (NCC, HDC and Airport already onboard) for 2022 with the inclusion of other key businesses and institutions including EIT, HBDHB, PanPac and Unison to collectively work together to transition to a low emissions economy and to highlight and champion local businesses already reducing emissions.

29.      The Climate Action Ambassador will also play a central role to galvanise grassroots community sustainability initiatives such as the HB Climate and Food Resilience Hub being led by the Environment Centre HB, Nourished for Nil and Re-Source. Support may take the form of, for example, seed funding for community initiatives, co-facilitation or promotion of events.

Feedback

30.      Feedback on the skeleton work plan is invited in discussion at the Committee meeting, or Pippa would welcome the opportunity to discuss with Committee members individually.

31.      In particular, Pippa is seeking introductions to local marae-based or hapū groups to ensure that tangata whenua voices are included in the development of the Action Plan. These may be groups who are already actively involved in protecting their marae against climate risks like sea level rise or flooding; and working to protecting the taonga of their natural systems; but it may also be groups who need more support.

32.     Similar feedback was also asked of the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee on 9 March 2022.

Next Steps

33.      Provide feedback to Pippa on the general approach and as appropriate, make contact with Pippa to discuss working with local marae-based, hapū and iwi groups.

34.      Pippa will collect the feedback offered and incorporate it into the work programme for the Climate Action Ambassador as appropriate.

Decision Making Process

35.      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 Māori Committee receives and notes the Climate Action Ambassador and Work Programme staff report and provides feedback on the proposed work programme.

 

Authored by:

Pippa McKelvie-Sebileau

Climate Action Ambassador

Desiree Cull

Strategy & Governance Manager

Approved by:

James Palmer

Chief Executive

 

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.  


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: Update on the PCA Partial RPMP Review Process

 

Reason for Report

1.        This item provides an update on the Possum Control Area (PCA) programme Partial Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) review process.

Executive Summary

2.        The PCA programme is a foundational biosecurity programme that delivers significant region wide biodiversity and other benefits. It is also a platform for future predator free Hawke’s Bay ambitions.

3.        There are a range of ways that a transition to large scale possum contracts could be phased, delivered, or funded. However, ensuring that the PCA programme will meet its levels of service long term will require significant additional investment. This is irrespective of whether delivery of possum control transitions to HBRC managed large scale contracts or remains with the current occupier responsibility model.

Strategic Fit

4.        The PCA programme sits within the RPMP. The RPMP plays an important role in achieving both the Biodiversity and Land strategic outcomes and goals in the HBRC Strategic Pan 2020-2025.

5.        Pest management sits within a biosecurity framework for the Hawke’s Bay region, which includes the RPMP, the Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Strategy and the HBRC Strategic Plan. Neighbouring Regional Pest Management Plans and national legislation, policy and initiatives have also influenced this Plan.

6.        All programmes sitting within an RPMP are required to have clear measurable outcomes, which are specified within the monitoring section. This monitoring section is integrated into the Biosecurity Annual Operational Plan, which goes to council for approval prior to each financial year. The Operational Plan sets out the operational delivery for each programme and the monitoring and reporting requirements. Staff report to council annually (November) on the progress of the Operational Plan.

7.        Failing to achieve the RPMP objective and council Level of Service Measures for the PCA programme could affect achieving the strategic outcomes and goals in the HBRC Strategic Pan 2020-2025 for Biodiversity and Land Background.

Background

8.        Council has agreed to undertake a partial plan review of the RRMP for the PCA programme to provide a policy platform for large scale HBRC managed contracts in the future.

Biosecurity Working Party

9.        The partial plan change process has been underway for 5-6 months and includes the creation of a Biosecurity Working Party BWP to provide guidance for staff during the process.

10.      Cr Will Foley has been appointed as chair of BWP.  The BWP has met twice, once to establish procedural matters and elect the chair and again to consider the policy development process, the engagement process, the appointment of an independent expert and the draft policy proposal.

11.      At the November Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee (EICC) meeting, staff noted that independent expert advice to the BWP could provide valuable support for BWP discussions, following which, at the December BWP meeting, staff were asked to assess 2-3 potential candidates and recommend a preferred candidate. An email to the BWP in January 2022 presented the biographies of two candidates.  The BWP subsequently supported contracting John Simmons and he has recently been engaged to support the BWP.

12.      An engagement process and timeline for the plan change proposal is being developed for external partners/stakeholders that staff will deliver.  More details on this are in the following section.

Consultation and Engagement

13.      Public consultation on the change of mode for possum control delivery is required under Section 70-72 of the Biosecurity Act 1993. Whether Council is satisfied that sufficient consultation on the proposal has taken place is a judgement for Council to make. Previous RPMP review processes have included consultation with key stakeholders and the broader interested community have had access to the proposal with sufficient explanation around the changes to provide informed feedback. Section 72 of the Biosecurity Act is provided as an attachment.

14.      Staff have had initial conversations with the Ministry for Primary Industries, Federated Farmers, OSPRI and Beef and Lamb to outline broadly the issues and proposed approaches. These discussions were positive with general support for the potential change to possum control – albeit with the caveat that there was a lot of detail still to be worked through. Additional key stakeholder consultation is proposed through March and April 2022 with public consultation proposed to begin about late May.

Next steps

15.      Recent changes in staff have created capacity issues and have precipitated a change in the timeframes to work the partial plan change process through the required steps. Staff had originally set an arbitrary date to conclude the process as 30 June 2022.  This had reflected the desire to match a change in the RRMP to a change in operational delivery of possum management.  Given recent council decisions to implement any changes through the 2024-2034 LTP and the recent staff departures, the timeframe will need to be moved to 30 October 2022 to allow staff to adequately meet the requirements set out in the Biosecurity Act to complete the process.  This requirement has been communicated to the BWP.

16.      For the balance of the current LTP, additional land areas will be added to our PCA monitoring programme to ensure that problem areas of high possum numbers are identified, and landowners encouraged to manage them prior to any new programme beginning. This will be fully funded within existing budgets.

17.      A continuation of the discussion on who pays for the future delivery of the revised PCA programme will be addressed in the broader council revenue and financing policy review. This broader review will begin in the next 4-6 months.

Decision Making Process

18.      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 Māori Committee receives and notes the Update on the PCA Partial RPMP Review Process staff report.

 

Authored by:

Lauren Simmonds

Project Manager - Biosecurity Review

 

Approved by:

Mark Mitchell

Team Leader Principal Advisor Biosecurity Biodiversity

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

 

Attachment/s

1

Section 72 of the Biosecurity Act 1993

 

 

  


Section 72 of the Biosecurity Act 1993

Attachment 1

 


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: Coastal Hazards Strategy Update

 

Reason for Report

1.        This item provides a progress update on the Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy (Strategy).

Background

2.        A paper on the Strategy was last presented to the Māori Committee at their meeting on 8 June 2021.

3.        That paper provided a summary of the Strategy and its development process and sought input and feedback on a proposed mana whenua engagement plan.

4.        This paper seeks to build on the last update to the Māori Committee, and to provide progress reports on:

4.1.         Activities under the mana whenua engagement plan

4.2.         A proposed Memorandum of Transition (MoT), and subsequent public consultation process

4.3.         The community workshop series that concluded in February 2022, and

4.4.         The Coastal Ecology Workstream, that has recently commenced and will be seeking input from mana whenua in the coming months.

Mana whenua engagement plan

5.        A mana whenua engagement plan was developed with input from the Strategy’s Joint Committee and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s (HBRC) Māori and Regional Planning committees. The current plan is attached.

6.        The plan was developed to guide engagement with mana whenua ahead of a formal consultation process on the Strategy, now planned for May/June 2022 (refer to discussion below).

7.        Engagement activities under the plan commenced from August 2021. Approaches were made to the marae, taiwhenua, and PSGE’s listed in the plan, initially by email, and then with a follow up phone call.

8.        A pre-recorded presentation was also developed and circulated to all groups, with an offer to meet to discuss and answer questions. 

9.        We have not had as much success as we had hoped, with only two hui held; Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga at their Te Runanganui o Heretaunga hui and Matahiwi Marae.

10.      The impacts of Covid on this process has been significant, particularly in terms of the practical ability to meet kanohi ki te kanohi. Staff also understand that Covid response and welfare efforts have placed strain on an already busy schedule for the organisations we are seeking to interact with.

11.      Staff intend to make a further approach in April to provide a heads up that the formal consultation process is coming (as discussed following), and to offer to meet or provide any further information.

Memorandum of Transition and Public Consultation

12.      The Strategy is now in Stage 4 of its development process (Implementation Planning and Response), which commenced in 2019.

13.      A key decision is required on which Council (or Councils) should lead this next phase of the project, which will necessitate the raising of new rates revenue to fund physical works programmes and other Strategy implementation tasks.

14.      Current legislation (principally the Local Government Act and Resource Management Act) creates overlaps and uncertainties about the respective roles of regional councils and territorial authorities in the funding and implementation of works under the Strategy. This has led to delays in confirming a preferred implementation model.

15.      To facilitate an outcome, Napier City Council, Hastings District Council and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) collectively agreed to engage Raynor Asher QC to lead a Funding Review.

16.      Mr Asher was tasked with answering the question:

Which Council or councils should lead and fund the implementation of coastal hazard mitigation projects (including design, consenting, construction and maintenance cost) under the Strategy?

17.      Following receipt of Mr Asher’s final report and recommendations, the proposal being considered by the three Councils is that HBRC lead Strategy implementation.

18.      This would see HBRC leading the response to coastal hazards risks within the Napier and Hastings districts, and the transfer of existing coastal hazard mitigation assets held by Napier City Council and Hastings District Council to HBRC.

19.      These arrangements have been outlined in a proposed Memorandum of Transition (MoT).

20.      To give effect to the arrangements set out in the MoT, HBRC will need to notify a proposal for a significant new activity under s.16 of the Local Government Act.

21.      To meet the requirements of s.16 and the Hawke’s Bay Region’s Triennial Agreement for the Triennium October 2019 - 2022, HBRC must consult on this proposal with all territorial authorities in the region.

22.      At the time of writing:

22.1.      Hastings District Council and Napier City Council have confirmed their agreement to the MoT

22.2.      HBRC formally confirmed agreement to the MoT by resolution on 30 March 2022

22.3.      Wairoa District Council has confirmed their support for the proposal set out in MoT

22.4.      Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has workshopped the proposal and is due to formally consider it at a meeting on 6 April.

23.      Should all Councils confirm agreement to the MoT:

23.1.      The Chief Executives of HBRC, Napier City Council (NCC) and Hastings District Council (HDC) will be invited to execute the MoT, in accordance with the resolutions passed by each Council

23.2.      The Minister of Local Government will be informed of the proposal and the reasons for it, in accordance with the requirements of the s.16(2) of the Local Government Act

23.3.      HBRC will notify the proposal under s.16 of the Local Government Act (this is targeted to occur in May 2022).


 

Community Workshops

24.      Through 2021 and into early 2022, the Strategy has been hosting a community workshop series.

25.      The purpose of the workshops has been to test our work as we have developed further detail on the pathways recommended by the community panels in 2018.

26.      All former panel members and some new community members were invited to participate in the series.

27.      There was some mana whenua participation early on, however this dropped away as the series progressed. This has left a gap in terms of direct involvement by mana whenua and is a key area of improvement for the Strategy; by re-inviting all former panel members, the Strategy essentially relied on a mana whenua representative appointment process from 2017. In retrospect, this was not the right approach; discussions with the PSGE’s who originally appointed those members should have preceded that invitation.

28.      The workshops covered:

28.1.      Design – providing and testing concept designs for the first step in each of the recommended pathways.

28.2.      Managed retreat – supported by Tonkin + Taylor, discussions on what managed retreat might look like in Hawkes Bay, noting it is a poorly defined term and is not well described in terms of how it would practically be achieved within New Zealand’s’ current legislative framework.

28.3.      Triggers – developing adaption thresholds (the impacts of coastal hazards that we want to avoid) and triggers (decision points). Together, these will describe the circumstances and events that will “trigger” actions with enough lead time to avoid thresholds being reached.

28.4.      Engagement – discussion around how to effectively engage with the wider community on the work of the Strategy.

29.      The workshop series has now concluded, however the participants have signalled ongoing interest in being involved as Strategy development continues.

Coastal Ecology work stream

30.      The adaptive pathways developed and recommended by the Community Assessment Panels through the Strategy are proposed to reduce natural hazards risks for people and their communities along the coast.

31.      Any action taken on the coast to reduce hazards risks is also likely to intervene in natural coastal processes and has the potential to cause adverse environmental effects.

32.      As an example, beach renourishment is commonly used to offset erosion losses and build up the beach crest and has been recommended in a number of locations within the Strategy area. Mana whenua engaged in the Strategy development process have highlighted concerns about the potential for smothering of important ecosystems, particularly reef systems, from beach renourishment.

33.      While natural character and environmental considerations were taken into account in the pathways development phase, we now (through work undertaken in the Design Workstream) have more information and detail on the potential physical works that would be required to implement the recommended pathways.

34.      We need to ensure that the pathways have been robustly tested from a coastal ecological perspective, and that good baseline data is available to inform future assessments of environmental effects and resource consenting processes.

35.      The Coastal Ecology Workstream has been established under the Strategy for this purpose.

36.      With support from HBRC’s Anna Madarasz-Smith (Team Leader Marine & Coasts), Table 1 below has been developed to set out the key steps that form the Coastal Ecology Workstream.

Table 1:Coastal Ecology Workstream structure and key tasks

37.      The first task (as identified in Table 1) is to undertake a gap analysis, to determine the current state of knowledge about coastal ecology within the project area, and what new information would be required to allow a robust assessment of effects for the proposed works.

38.      Dr Shane Kelly from Coast & Catchment has been engaged to undertake this work.

39.      Dr Kelly’s report notes that there is a significant body of existing data and knowledge about coastal ecology in the Strategy area, however, there are gaps, and for consenting purposes site and activity specific information will be required.

40.      The following potential effects/key issues/values areas are described in his report and the state of knowledge and knowledge gaps for each noted:

40.1.      Smothering by deposited or redistributed sand and gravel

40.2.      Accelerating the spread and proliferation of marine pests

40.3.      Sediment suspension

40.4.      Burying benthic communities beneath structure

40.5.      Hardening of the shoreline

40.6.      Effects caused by changes in coastal processes

40.7.      Physical disturbance of the Coastal Marine Area (CMA) during construction

40.8.      Dune planting

40.9.      General effects on Ahuriri Estuary

40.10.    General effects on coastal vegetation

40.11.    General effects on birds

40.12.    General effects on fish.

41.      The report notes that it will also be of critical importance to evaluate the cumulative impacts of the proposed interventions.

42.      With the completion of the gap analysis, we will now seek to commence the second phase of work (engagement) under the Coastal Ecology Workstream. This will enable a full suite of knowledge gaps to be identified, and a monitoring programme to be designed and implemented.

43.      Engaging with mana whenua is a key part of this work, however, noting the challenges with engaging effectively at this time, the timeframes to complete this phase are unclear.

Next Steps

44.      The key next step for the Strategy is to confirm the lead agency for implementation. As noted, the proposal is that HBRC take this role, and this requires a consultation process under s.16 of the Local Government Act.

45.      If all Councils agree to the proposed MoT, this s.16 consultation process is planned to commence in May/June.

46.      If HBRC’s lead role is confirmed by this process, the Strategy can be developed into a full proposal, including for public consultation through HBRC’s Long Term Plan. This would occur following the 2022 local body elections.

Decision Making Process

47.      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 Māori Committee receives and notes the Coastal Hazards Strategy Update staff report.

 

Authored by:

Simon Bendall

Coastal Hazards Strategy Project Manager

 

Approved by:

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

 

 

Attachment/s

1

Coastal hazards mana whenua engagement plan

 

 

  


Coastal hazards mana whenua engagement plan

Attachment 1

 

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HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: March 2022 Statutory Advocacy Update

 

Reason for Report

1.        This item reports on proposals forwarded to the Regional Council and assessed by staff acting under delegated authority as part of the Council’s Statutory Advocacy project.

2.        The Statutory Advocacy project (Project 196) centres on local resource management-related proposals upon which the Regional Council has an opportunity to make comments or to lodge a submission.  These include, but are not limited to:

2.1.         resource consent applications publicly notified by a territorial authority

2.2.         district plan reviews or district plan changes released by a territorial authority

2.3.         private plan change requests publicly notified by a territorial authority

2.4.         notices of requirements for designations in district plans

2.5.         non-statutory strategies, structure plans, registrations, etc prepared by territorial authorities, government ministries or other agencies involved in resource management.

3.        In all cases, the Regional Council is not the decision-maker, applicant nor proponent. In the Statutory Advocacy project, the Regional Council is purely an agency with an opportunity to make comments or lodge submissions on others’ proposals. The Council’s position in relation to such proposals is informed by the Council’s own Plans, Policies and Strategies, plus its land ownership or asset management interests.

4.        The summary outlines those proposals that the Council’s Statutory Advocacy project is currently actively engaged in.

Decision Making Process

5.        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 Māori Committee receives and notes the March 2022 Statutory Advocacy report.

 

Authored by:

Nichola Nicholson

Intermediate Policy Planner

Gavin Ide

Principal Advisor Strategic Planning

Approved by:

Ceri Edmonds

Manager Policy and Planning

 

 

Attachment/s

1

March 2022 Statutory Advocacy Update

 

 


March 2022 Statutory Advocacy Update

Attachment 1

 

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HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: Reports from Regional Council and Committee Meetings

 

Reason for Report

1.        This item provides information from recent meetings attended by Māori Committee representatives, and the opportunity for the Committee to discuss any matters of particular interest arising from those meetings.

Hearings Committee

2.        Dr Roger Maaka and Katarina Kawana represent the Māori Committee on the Hearings Committee, which met on 2 March 2022 and considered:

2.1.         The Appointment of a Hearing Panel for the Tukituki Tranche 2 Resource Consent Applications to take groundwater from the Tranche 2 allocation set up under the Tukituki Plan Change. Eight applicants have applied for the total of 15 million cubic metres of water per year across the two Ruataniwha plain zones. There were 65 submissions lodged. The Committee appointed a Hearing Panel comprising (Chair) Brent Cowie or Paul Cooney (one as back up), Tony Petch and Rau Kirikiri or Antoine Coffin (one as back up).

2.2.         The Appointment of a Hearing Panel for the Ravensdown Resource Consent Applications for the discharge of contaminants to air; the discharge of stormwater to land, the discharge of stormwater to water; vegetation clearance and soil disturbance activities in the Coastal Margin associated with the erection, reconstruction, placement, alteration, extension, removal, or demolition of stormwater and process water treatment and discharge structures and wetland restoration activities; and the taking of groundwater. Twelve submissions were received, mainly raising concerns about the effects of the stormwater discharge on the receiving waters and on cultural values associated with these waters. The Committee appointed a Hearing Panel comprising councillor Martin Williams (Chair), Louise Wickham, Malcolm Green, and councillor Hinewai Ormsby

2.3.         The Conflict of Interest Management for Tangata Whenua Commissioners item presented proposed guidance for the management of conflicts of interest for local Māori commissioners. The committee resolved in support of the guidance with the following amendments to be incorporated.

2.3.1.     add - Are there aspects of the application which require mātauranga understanding specific to the rohe?

2.3.2.     add - Does this application provide a suitable opportunity for including new tangata whenua appointments to the Panel?

Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee (EICC)

3.        Dr Roger Maaka represents the Māori Committee on the EICC, which met on 9 March 2022 to consider:

3.1.         The Developing Ways of Working with Rural Women item Dr Edgar Burns’ research on the environmental contributions and leadership of women to support improved on-farm environmental practices and climate change readiness. The report suggested that council considers being more systematic in establishing ways that women can be engaged with, including developing greater and more varied connections with regional rural women through opportunities, learning and support.

3.2.         The Climate Action Ambassador and Work Programme item introduced the recently appointed Climate Action Ambassador to Committee members and outlined the work plan for this new role. This item is on today’s agenda for the Māori Committee to consider and provide feedback on.

3.3.         The Update on IRG Flood Control Resilience Funded Projects item provided updates on the four projects part-funded by the Crown’s Flood Control Resilience Fund and highlighted:

3.3.1.     Project 1:  Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme (HPFCS) Levels of Service - $20m Physical works to strengthen the Taradale stop bank have commenced and are targeted for completion in May 2022 and looking at Moteo upgrade prior to winter 2022. HBRC has committed to deliver 8 stop bank strengthening projects over the three-year period.

3.3.2.     Project 2:  Upper Tukituki Gravel Extraction Flood Control Scheme - Gravel extraction has started and the next tender round will go to market in March 2022.

3.3.3.     Project 3:  Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme SH50/Waipawa Erosion - has been completed and a closedown report be prepared for IRG. No further reporting will be done on this project.

3.3.4.     Project 4:  Wairoa River, River Parade Erosion - Engineering and construction work is substantially completed and earthworks and slope stabilisation are underway with planting and grassing to be completed in April, working with tāngata whenua.

3.3.5.     To meet Social Procurement Outcomes contractual obligations, HBRC has proposed initiatives such as collaborating with Waiohiki Marae’s Kaitiaki Rangers and investment in the nursery and upskilling of marae staff and whanau.

3.4.         A recently developed a progressive procurement toolkit has been shared with river managers across the sector, and HBRC has been taking a leadership role with other regions in assisting with social procurement outcomes.

3.5.         The Ecosystem Prioritisation Programme (EPP) Update item provided an update on the Ecosystem Prioritisation Programme and associated Jobs for Nature projects, highlighting:

3.5.1.     The EPP came into effect in 2018 to protect high biodiversity value remnants and success hinges on close working relationships with key stakeholders and land occupiers.  Projects include Birch Hill, Motumokai Bush, Puahanui Bush, Gillies Bush and Pakuratahi Bush.

3.6.         The Predator Free Hawke's Bay Close Out Report item presented the summary of activities undertaken over the last decade as part of the Predator Free Hawke’s Bay project, and highlighted:

3.6.1.     Council has invested considerably in Predator Free Hawke’s Bay (PFHB) over the last decade and the investment is due to conclude and the end of this financial year.

3.6.2.     The aim of the close out report is to capture the learnings in a way that is useful to other predator free projects, to determine the best pathway forward for a predator free region.

3.6.3.     Next steps include staff working alongside James Buwalda to prepare a companion technical report outlining the benefits from the investment and key lessons to be considered for future Predator Free investment.

3.7.         The Update on the PCA Partial RPMP Review Process item provided an update on the Possum Control Area (PCA) programme Partial Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) review process which has had its timeframe for completion extended to 30 October 2022 to allow staff to adequately meet the requirements set out in the Biosecurity Act, with implementation to occur in 2024-2025. This item is on today’s agenda to provide an update for the Māori Committee.

Regional Transport Committee (RTC)

4.        Api Robin represents the Māori Committee on the Regional Transport Committee, which met on 11 March 2022 and considered:

4.1.         The National Freight Strategy verbal presentation by Napier Port presentation covered:

4.1.1.     Napier Port views transport as being a ‘networked infrastructure’ across road, rail and ports rather than each being a separate transport mode

4.1.2.     Eighty percent of Napier Port customers are currently within 100km of the port, however they are looking for a more customer cargo oriented approach and becoming a supply chain network rather than simply a port, particularly for potential customers across the lower and central north island regions

4.1.3.     Napier port currently obtains 34% of contestable cargo available from the lower and central north island regions, accounting for 10% of its freight volumes, is looking to increase volumes through growth from these regions and has an inland port at Longburn for this purpose

4.1.4.     Freight movement is now being discussed at a national level. There is an NZ freight and supply chain strategy in place, led by the Ministry of Transport, that aims to improve connectivity between freight modes and avoid waste across transport networks.

4.2.         The Road Safety s17a Review Outcomes Report item sought approval from the Regional Transport Committee to progress the preferred option for service delivery recommended by the Service Delivery Review of HB Roadsafe functions subject to Section 17a of the Local Government Act 2002. The preferred option is a fully collaborative regional approach to road safety with a strengthened Regional Transport Committee role to ensure effective governance and decision-making, and a focussed Road Safety Group to identify priorities and set the annual Programme.

4.3.         The On Demand Public Transport update item advised that the one-year Hastings trial will commence in late May 2022 under the ‘MyWay Hawke’s Bay’ banner.  Lessons learnt from the trial will be applied to a full public transport review.

4.4.         The Public Transport Update item provided the Committee with an update on bus patronage, including that GoBus reduced timetable and services are now likely to be in place until the end of May 2022.

4.5.         The Roadsafe Update item provided the Committee with an update on road safety statistics in the region and road safety activities undertaken by Road Safe Hawke’s Bay including advice that the road safety expo will now be a virtual event and that the nation-wide Waka Kotahi Road to Zero advertising campaign is underway.

4.6.         The Transport Manager’s Update covered a snapshot of relevant transport matters, and highlighted:

4.6.1.     A Ministry of Transport review of road user charges is underway

4.6.2.     A judicial review of the Waka Kotahi process for development of the National Land Transport Plan (NLTP) is commencing soon. Councils have until 14 March 2022 to join / support this review.

4.7.         The Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Central Region – Regional Relationships Director’s Report highlighted:

4.7.1.     Waka Kotahi’s (WK) recent National Land Transport Plan (NLTP) includes a review of the budget for 2024-2027; seeking $2b more for infrastructure costs in that period.

4.7.2.     Regional Land Transport Plans (RLTP) will need to carefully set out how emission reductions will be prioritised in each region and will also need to identify/ classify roads for their specific current and future uses to assist when developing public, active and commercial transport options.

4.7.3.     A review of WK’s speed management guide is underway. A speed limit register is being developed to record, update and share data to enable better speed limit decisions to be made across and between regions.

4.7.4.     The quality and timeliness of road maintenance on state highways is under great pressure and WK is undertaking a review of road maintenance quality.

4.7.5.     In 2023 WK will carry out technical assessments on two sections of SH2 and one section of SH50, spanning some 350km in total. These are speed assessments similar to the recent SH5 one.

Corporate and Strategic Committee (C&S)

5.        Peter Eden represents the Māori Committee on the C&S, which met on 16 March 2022 and considered:

5.1.         The Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy - Memorandum of Transition (MoT) item presented the proposed MoT to confirm Council roles and responsibilities for the implementation of the Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy (Strategy). The item sought, and was granted, the committee’s recommendation to Council to endorse the Memorandum of Transition as proposed.

5.2.         The Order of Candidates Names on Voting Documents item sought a decision on the order of candidates’ names would appear on voting documents for the next (2022) local body elections. The Committee recommendation to Council was for the names to be arranged in random order.

5.3.         The Proposal to Participate in Regional Sector Council-Controlled Organisation item asked for, and received, a Committee recommendation for participation in a Regional Sector Shared Services Council Controlled Organisation to Council, subject to consultation. Because participation in the CCO is a relatively procedural matter staff also recommended a streamlined consultation be undertaken. A Statement of Proposal for consultation will be provided to the April 2022 Regional Council meeting for adoption.

5.4.         The Updated HBRC Appointment and Remuneration of Directors Policy item sought the committee’s recommendations to Council for amendments to the Policy on the appointment and remuneration of directors to the Council’s investment company, the Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRIC), and its subsidiaries. The changes support changes to the investment mandate of HBRIC to grow its investment portfolio by up to $100m over the next decade, made in the Investment Policy in the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan. Changes include:

5.4.1.     Explicit statements that support initiatives that lead to an inclusive recruitment and selection process that is open and transparent and upholds Council’s commitment to achieve diversity and inclusion on CCO boards

5.4.2.     Preference that councillors are not eligible for appointment as directors to subsidiaries of HBRIC to maintain separation of the role of elected representatives.

5.4.3.     Napier Port is a strategic asset for the region and as an IPO requires directors be appointed solely based on skills and qualifications and separated from political influence.

5.5          The HBRIC and Foodeast Draft Statements of Intent (SoI) item presented the SoIs for HBRIC and Foodeast Limited Partnership (Foodeast) for the Committee’s feedback. The SoIs now go to Council for additional feedback by 1 May 2022 (LGA Sch8 cl3) to enable delivery of the completed Statement of Intent to Council on or before 30 June 2022 for adoption.

5.6.         The HBRIC Quarterly Update item provided Council with a quarterly update on the activities of Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRIC) for the second quarter of the FY2021-22 financial year including:

5.6.1.     Shares of Napier Port Holdings (NPHL) down 10% however, dividends appear to be on track.

5.6.2.     HBRIC received endorsement and feedback from the Māori Committee for the proposed name change and rebrand to Te Matau Investments Ltd.

5.6.3.     Tom Skerman has been seconded to HBRIC as CE for 2 days a week, replacing Blair O’Keeffe who has resigned.

5.7.         The Organisational Performance Report for the Period 1 October - 31 December 2021 item presented the Organisational Performance Report which highlighted:

5.7.1.     Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the civil defence group over the last 2 years

5.7.2.     A Carbon Policy is to be developed.

5.8.         The Corporate Plan Implementation item provided an update on progress implementing the 2021-2024 Corporate Plan, and highlighted the IT capital work programme delivery and next steps of the TechnologyOne system integration. It was noted that:

5.8.1.     The Corporate plan was developed alongside the 2021-2024 LTP to provide the support base for the ambitious LTP work programme.

5.8.2.     Significant capital ($30m) allocated through the 2021-2031 LTP to underpin Council’s ability to deliver its ambitious work programme.

5.8.3.     ICT Capital Work programme is an integrated work programme with prioritised portfolios within each enterprise group such as FUSE, Asset Management Operations, Water Allocation Calculator, IRIS next generation, Freshwater Accounting SharePoint, Nintex Platform process automation, Aerial imagery, LiDAR and GIS infrastructure.

5.8.4.     Proposed next steps for FUSE (TechOne) will improve functionality within the current modules across the board as well as introduce two or three new features and functionality.

Regional Council

6.        Co-chairs Michelle McIlroy and Mike Paku are invited to attend Regional Council meetings and workshops with full speaking rights (no voting rights). Since the Māori Committee last met on 2 February 2022, there have been two Regional Council meetings. The Co-chairs will provide verbal updates on discussions from those hui.

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, the decision-making provisions do not apply.

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee receives and notes the Reports from Regional Council and Committee Meetings.

 

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

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: Significant Organisational Activities Looking Forward through April 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.     The Whakatipu Mahia team is focusing on trapping the remaining possums in the Mahia Scenic reserve which is proving to be a challenge.

2.     The Proof of Absence network is planned to be fully installed and operational by the end of April and will be supported by possum dog surveys due to run over April/May and July.

3.     The wetland monitoring program for this year has been completed, covering Porangahau and Southern Coastal Catchments.

4.     Ecosystem Prioritisation programme has increased with funding through the Jobs for Nature programme with 1.3m dedicated to deer fencing and pest control resulting in 374ha of high biodiversity being protected.

5.     Delivered a $1m One Billion Trees native planting programme which will see 174ha planted across HB.

6.     Auditing of wilding pine contractors both aerial and ground based under MPI programme in Kaimanawa and Rangitaiki areas.

ICM – Catchment Services

Whakakī Freshwater Improvement Fund Project

7.     Resource consent and easement has been granted for the weir to be located near the New Bridge ‘The Landing’ and construction is set to begin shortly.

8.     A six-week construction period has been estimated and key dates are:

- Site establishment 11 April

- Construction start date 18 April

- Completion 23 May.

9.     Due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation impacting staff availability, these dates may be subject to change.

ICM – Catchment Delivery

 


Central Catchment

Project / Activity Description

Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)

Group /Team or Section

Flood Control Schemes - Resilience Funded projects

10.   Taradale stopbank strengthening physical works 35% complete. Landscape planning for reinstatement of berm underway in partnership with Waiohiki Marae.

11.   East Clive stopbank investigations and optioneering complete, HDC landfill optioneering to commence in March. Moteo stop bank investigations complete and preliminary design underway.

12.   Roys Hill and Ngatarawa detailed design underway.

13.   Wairoa sheet piles and screw anchors installed, planting and slope stabilisation underway.

Asset Management

Engineering

Regional Projects

Gravel Management

14.   Hearing was held in December.

15.   New set of conditions are now under review

16.   A final decision by Hearing Panel is anticipated by end of March. 

Asset Management

Consents, Schemes

Waitangi Regional Park

17.   All CCTV cameras are installed (Pakowhai, Waitangi and Pekapeka Regional Parks with noticeable reduction in illegal dumping in these three popular open spaces

18.   Stage III development of the park includes safe vehicle access to the river and two ephemeral wetlands (wet or dry depending on season). Construction will start shortly, and the development will be delivered in April-June 2022.

19.   A funding application for the proposed toilets at Waitangi Regional Park will be submitted to MBIE by 28 March 2022.

Asset Management

Open Spaces

Hawea Historical Park / Karamu Stream Diversion

20.   The cultural component of the Draft Management Plan is complete for Hawea Historical Park. It is under internal review and will be presented to Council in coming months.

21.   Stage 3 project delivery includes pathways around the park, construction work for widening of the confluence and design of a pedestrian bridge due to commence in April 2022.

Asset Management

Open Spaces, Regional Assets

Bayview/ Whirinaki Cycleway

22.   NCC confirmed their preference to follow an iWay / commuter route for NCC sections of the proposed cycleway.

23.   Negotiations will commence with MBIE to alter the funding agreement to reflect the status of this trail.

Asset Management Regional Projects

Tūtira Freshwater Improvement Fund Project

24.     Lower Kahikanui Stream grade control works to remediate the bed/bank erosion and to reconnect the stream to the flood plain have been completed with planting scheduled for April/May.

25.     The Te Waiū o Tūtira Fresh Water Improvement Fund Project reaches completion on 31 March with final reporting due in April.

ICM – Catchment Delivery

 


Southern Catchment

Project /Activity Description

Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)

Group /Team or Section

Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme

26.   Two contractors have been selected and contracts generated. Contractors have been invited to sign. One contractor started in February, other to start mid-March – delay due to rain. The next tender round of river reaches has been selected. Anticipating the next tender to be sent to the pre-qualified contractors late March.

Asset Management

Regional Projects, Schemes

Porangahau / Maharakeke Catchment Group – Massey Project

27.    The Catchment Group has joined the Taranaki and Manawatu regions and Dairy NZ in the Catchment Solutions – Enhancing Rural Capability to Achieve Essential Freshwater Outcomes project led by Massey University.

28.    The project is seeking $2.77m funding from Ministry for Environment to demonstrate novel edge-of-field technologies to communities, and to develop extension and education packages that share expert knowledge, tools and skills that lead to improvements in fresh water quality.

ICM – Catchments Policy Implementation

Tukituki Land Care (TLC) group

29.    April - Tukituki based catchment group leaders are meeting to explore options to develop an umbrella entity. The group’s primary objective is to provide a more joined-up approach to applications for funding from government and other sources to promote improvements in the catchment.

ICM – Catchments Policy Implementation

Te Ikatiere Management Plan

30.   The draft Te Ikatiere Management Plan is to be circulated to key people for feedback.

ICM – Catchment Delivery

 


Whole of Region

Project /Activity Description

Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)

Group /Team or Section

Hill Country Erosion Fund

31.   Application round for the next 4 years funding opens.

32.   Irrigation upgrade commences at the pole nursery.

33.   The final pole stocktake will be completed ahead of the June harvest.

ICM – Catchment Delivery

Low Flows

34.     Low flows continue to be measured and the data passed to compliance as river levels remain low.

ICM – Environmental Information

Monitoring Programmes

35.     Much of the freshwater ecology monitoring is being pushed through to late March or April due to the river flows late in the season. Recreational water quality programme finishes this week.

ICM – Environmental Information

Covid disruption to reticulated stock water workshops and catchment group meetings

36.    One of the five planned reticulated stock water events (Sherenden) went ahead in March. Events scheduled for Rissington (15/3/22), Takapau and Wallingford (16/3/22) were postponed due to Covid-19 implications (Patoka and Takapau Schools were closed at the time)

37.    Events postponed will be re-scheduled for May and will coincide with the planned Wairoa event

38.    Delivery was already ahead of milestone requirements for the MPI contract, so there are currently no implications for contract delivery.

39.    Covid-19 within rural communities is currently affecting event attendance and the viability of some events that cannot be shifted to an on-line format.

ICM - Catchments Policy Implementation

Grazing Winter Crops (Intensive winter grazing) workshops

40.    Workshops scheduled for 5 April at Makaretu and Sherenden 21 April 2022.

41.    Format is to help landowners understand regulations, guidance on developing a winter grazing module, establishing catch crops post grazing, winter animal health checks (vet presentation).

ICM - Catchments Policy Implementation

Coastal Habitat Mapping

42.   NIWA recently completed 11 days of seabed mapping - seven days’ work at Mahia, three days’ work at Clive, and one day at Tangoio. A total of 66km2 was mapped and will added to the mapping undertaken in 2021.

ICM – Environmental Science

 


PMO: Strategic Projects & Key BAU Programme Reporting

Seventeen 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 (RAG): Green = On Track, Amber = At Risk, Red = Off Track, Grey = Not started/On hold

 

Status Change Keys:

Table

Description automatically generated

 

 

Project/Programme Title

Schedule

Risks*

Budget

Comment

Status Change

1

Right Tree Right Place Pilot

Work has progressed on the addressable market for RTRP and landowner surveys have been sent to approx. 500 target farms. The CDT has assisted to filter these farms and are involved with follow-up engagement with landowners to have surveys completed. The survey will help further filter target farms and identify barriers and opportunities for the programme. Work continues to progress with the initial pilot farms with farm/forestry plans about to be completed on pilot farm #2. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is working towards increasing resourcing for commercial modelling support for the due diligence component of the project.

Updated since 23 Feb

2

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. Project team reviewing scope of works for next phase of investigations based on independent peer review of technical pre-feasibility. Terrestrial and aquatic ecological assessments nearing completion.

Lowland stream solutions investigations subject to on-going mana-whenua engagement.

Updated since 23 Feb

Project 2: Managed Aquifer Recharge

Technical workstreams for consenting completed. Mana whenua engagement process now extending into 18 months but project team is hopeful that this will be concluded shortly and the production of a CIA can pave the way for the final package of the consent application.

Updated since 23 Feb

Project 3:
Regional Water Assessment

The Regional Water Assessment Interim Report (draft) was shared with Councillors and Executive at the workshop on 24 Nov 2021. Industry forum held on 17 Feb and presentation to Regional Leaders on 7 March.

Updated since 23 Feb

3

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.

Updated since 23 Feb

4

Ahuriri Regional Park

The project is in a planning phase to set up the right governance model with NCC, HBRC and Mana Ahuriri. There is a risk that this project could be protracted given the many issues that surround the Ahuriri Estuary and current resourcing of Mana Ahuriri to respond. The working group has met and recommended a Joint Committee structure composing of NCC, HBRC and Mana Ahuriri. Engagement is ongoing with Mana Ahuriri on their recommended model going forward for the project. Budget and schedule remain on track given that several years was allowed for planning, definition, and design prior to any construction.

Updated since 23 Feb

5

Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy Implementation

Key focus for the Strategy remains the confirmation of arrangements for implementation as between HBRC, NCC and HDC. The Funding Review led by Raynor Asher QC has set out clear recommendation, and these are in the process of being agreed through a Memorandum of Transition (MOT). Key timeframe risk is Local Body Elections. Budget for 2021-2022 Financial Year is not under stress. Decision process is partially complete with recommendation for HBRC to take the lead and sign the MoT was passed at the C&S Committee on 16/3

Updated since 23 Feb

6

On-demand Public Transport

With a date for buses arrival secured, the schedule is on track with a launch date 6 June. Workforce (driver and HBRC) availability will be closely monitored but risks have been somewhat mitigated. The budget is back on track with a decision to run a full on-demand service rather than retain a schools-only service. The engagement strategy is gaining traction and branding has been approved.

Updated since 23 Feb

7

Kotahi Plan

The All Governors Hui is scheduled 23 March.  Bill Hamilton will be facilitating this meeting and will recap the progress made at the previous hui last December and workshop how the Governance structure will work to support Kotahi in the forthcoming years.

Updated since 23 Feb

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.

No change since 23 Feb

8

TANK Plan Change

Awaiting decision from Independent Hearings Panel.

No change since 23 Feb

 

Tank Plan Implementation

Communications plan and pilot materials for rural sub-catchments to be developed and tested, in consultation with the Kotahi programme.

TANK Dashboards design nears completion, build expected to occur in April for publication in May.  Community testing to run in parallel within Covid-19 constraints.

Updated since 23 Feb

9

Tukituki Plan Policy Implementation

Consents Team are continuing to process the Tukituki production land use consents. Transition stage moving from implementation to business as usual for the Consents and Compliance teams with ongoing support from the Policy implementation (Regulation) team. Continue to support the FEMP project particularly with establishing the audit process. Work with the Policy team on the review of the Tukituki Catchment Plan as part of the wider Kotahi project.

Updated since 23 Feb

Farm Environmental Management Plans (FEMPs)

FEMP resubmissions were due on 31 May 2021. A 12-month deadline of May 2022 is in place, with all outstanding properties and providers recently contacted to make aware and related compliance consequences if not reviewed. 66 % of eligible land has been covered by a FEMP to date and currently 35 properties being followed up by compliance. Risks and schedule remain high due to dates and number of FEMPs to be reviewed.

Updated since 23 Feb

10

Te Karamu Catchment Plan

 

 

 

Appointment to role made and commencing early April.

The decision was made to roll reporting for the development of catchment plans into a single item.

Updated since 23 Feb

11

Ahuriri Catchment Plan

 

 

 

This role remains vacant.

The decision was made to roll reporting for development of catchment plans into a single item.

Updated since 23 Feb

12

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

Risks are amber due to shortages in labour market (fencers and planting crews) and rising material costs e.g., fencing materials.

Staff working hard to allocate last of the 2021-2022 budget, as only fencing projects available given the time of year and time left. Since fencer availability is problematic Catchment Advisors are reaching out to fencing contractors to advise them of our scheme and keeping an updated contractor list.

Updated since 23 Feb

13

Ecosystem Prioritisation: Terrestrial

Five of the seven projects are now underway. There have been delays in sourcing fencing material. The last two sites are estimated to start in March. Moving into winter, weather may cause some delays.

Although materials have increased, the EP budget is currently on track.

Updated since 23 Feb

14

Partial Pest Plan Review

The draft proposal has been submitted to the Biosecurity Working Party for first review. External stakeholder engagement has commenced with Forestry Groups about to be informed. A public consultation has been tentatively scheduled to commence from mid-June to mid-July. Timeline has been extended to October 2022 as there have been staffing resourcing changes, and an extension will allow more time to get the process correct. The EICC has been reported back to with findings from the BWP. The BWP has appointed an independent expert to run through the process and hear submissions after the public consultation period.

Updated since 23 Feb

15

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 23 Feb

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 extraction has started with one of two contractors on the Makaretu and Tukipo. The second contractor is due to start week of 8 March. Spending expected to accelerate when next tender rounds are sent to market and awarded.

Updated since 23 Feb

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

Risks being managed are Covid-19 programme delays. Temporary traffic management in place awaiting guardrail to be installed and slope earthworks to be completed. Cultural impact assessment is complete and some of the recommendations are being implemented in reinstatement and planting.

No change since 23 Feb

16

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

 

Project scoping has commenced following the appointment of the new CFO. Transition of resource to the project is being worked through. Phase 1 first principals to be completed before local government elections, Phase 2 post elections.  Workshops to be scoped and scheduled soon.

Updated since 23 Feb

17

Enterprise Asset Management

Mapping exercise to commence to diagram current processes and data. Demonstration from vendor to view specific asset capabilities scheduled. Workshops to be scoped and scheduled once BA resource starts (early April). Data accuracy and confidence added to scope. Risks presently being managed are resource availability, data, and Covid-19 related.

Updated since 23 Feb

 

Project Summaries

1

Right Tree Right Place

Pilot on up to five farms to understand the detailed 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

Future Water Use

Making better use of the water, we must complement water storage.  Work with water users to drive more efficient and effective use to complement water storage.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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 and 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.

7

Kotahi Plan

A combined resource management plan for the Hawkes Bay region.  The Regional Policy Statement and Regional Plan will be combined with the Regional Coastal Environment Plan, which is due for review.  In addition, the NPSFM 2020 requires us to develop a plan to give effect to Te Mana o Te Wai.

8

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 Sub catchments Community Engagement

An external communications 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.

9

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 of the 3 yearly submission cycle – first resubmission was due 31 May 2021.

10

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)

Provides 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; managed primarily for the ECS and Works Group, river control plantings.

11

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 has 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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

Enterprise Asset Management

Aims to embed a Asset Management Information System which integrates into and expands on the Enterprise Resource System (ERP) that was introduced during the Finance Upgrade Systems & Efficiency (FUSE) project. The goal is to provide a solution that improves HBRC operational efficiency allowing it to confidently identify assets (both spatially and uniquely within a register), manage and maintain its current infrastructure through whole-of-life, and assess risk to determine when changes or additions are required, while aligning with strategic goals through the prioritisation of capital investment.

15

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

First principles Review of Revenue and Financing policy and full review of rating system. The aim of the review is to improve transparency and fairness for who pays what, ensure legal compliance and simplify the policy thereby providing more flexibility in application.

 


Enforcement Actions

 

43.     There are 11 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

 

Oct 2021

Burning prohibited items

Before the court – First appearance

Sep 2021

Burning prohibited items

Before the court – First appearance

Jun 2021

Discharge to land/water

Before the court – First appearance

Apr 2021

Contravention enforcement order

Before the court

Feb 21

Discharge to land that may enter water

Before the court – Plea to be entered

Jan 21

Discharge to air - odour

Before the court – Plea to be entered

Nov 20

Discharge to land that may enter water

Before the court – Plea to be entered

Jul 20

Discharge to land that may enter water

Before the court – Plea to be entered

Jun 20

Discharge to land that may enter water

Before the court – Plea to be entered

Jun 20

Discharge to land that may enter water

Before the court – Not Guilty Plea

Mar 20

Discharge to land that may enter water

Before the court – Guilty Plea to be entered

 


Environment Court Proceedings

Date

Type of Proceedings

Status

June 2021

Three Environment Court appeals lodged against Independent Panel decisions made in June 2021 on submissions to Outstanding Water Bodies Plan Change (PC7).

Following mediation held in February further mediation is being scheduled for April amongst parties.

2021

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 Māori Committee receives and notes the Significant organisational activities looking forward through April 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

Forests and Reserves Officer

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

Tim Jones

Project Engineer

 

Dr Kathleen Kozyniak

Principal Scientist (Air)

 

Anna Madarasz-Smith

Team Leader Marine, Air and Land Science

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

Becky Shanahan

Senior Scientist Marine and Coasts

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

Māori Committee

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Subject: Discussion of Minor Items not on the Agenda

 

Reason for Report

1.        This document has been prepared to assist committee members note the Minor Items to be discussed as determined earlier in Agenda Item 8.

 

Topic

Raised by