Agenda of Maori Committee - Wednesday, 8 June 2022

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Māori Committee

8 June 2022

Subject: Governance support for development of the Kotahi Plan

Reason for Report

1. At the All Governors wānanga on the 13 April 2022 Hawke’s Bay Regional Councillors, Māori Committee members and Regional Planning Committee Post Settlement Governance Entities (‘the Governors’) agreed to work in partnership to develop our Regional Resource Management Plan – Kotahi.

2. A formal commitment is sought from the Māori Committee via this paper for this All Governors approach to support the development of Kotahi, as well as seeking a commitment for the endorsement from the Māori Committee with regards to decision making. Similarly, a commitment is sought from the Regional Planning Committee at their meeting on the 15 June 2022.

Officers’ Recommendation

3. Officers are seeking a formal commitment from the Māori Committee to work in partnership with the Elected Members (Councillors) and Post Settlement Governance Entities (PSGE)of the Regional Planning Committee (RPC) to lead out the Kotahi engagement with tāngata whenua and the community.

4. Officers are seeking a formal commitment from the Māori Committee to work in partnership with officers, Elected Members, Post Settlement Governance Entities, such that the Māori Committee will consider and endorse to the Regional Planning Committee the decisions that are required to progress the development of the plan through to notification.

5. Officers are seeking support for the diarising of the All Governors hui to enable workshops and decision-making.

Executive Summary

6. At the All Governors wānanga on 13 April 2022 Hawke’s Bay Regional Councillors, Māori Committee members and Regional Planning Committee Post Settlement Governance Entities agreed to work in partnership to develop our Regional Resource Management Plan – Kotahi.

7. A formal commitment is now sought for this All Governors approach. This requires a commitment from Governors to be involved in takiwā engagement with tāngata whenua and the community, leading the initial engagement alongside staff in the community and making critical decisions to support the plan options and plan notification. This will be the first pou in the ground for Kotahi governance, a first marker of how we are going to work together.

8. It is important to note that a similar paper is being also presented to the RPC later this month. The items for decision within this item reflect a governance structure which is for both tāngata whenua Governors and tāngata Tiriti Governors. The mana and integrity of each Committee remains intact, however, it is imperative that the governance for Kotahi is cemented so that the entire Hawke’s Bay community is represented in the Plan. This governance structure acknowledges that as Governors, representation and accountability is not just to those parts of the community that have provided individuals with the mandate to be part of their respective committees, but to the community as a whole.

9. Attached to this item is the Kotahi high level engagement timeline. This is intended to set out the critical milestones for engagement and decision-making for Governors - as discussed at the hui in April.

10. Furthermore, this paper is seeking expressions of interest from Governors to be champions on the environmental topic working parties - again this was discussed at the wānanga in April.

Background /Discussion

11. Kotahi will be the new resource management plan for Hawke’s Bay and will combine the Regional Policy Statement, Regional Resource Management Plan and Regional Coastal Environment Plan. Having one plan supports a holistic, ki uta ki tai (mountains to sea) approach to managing our natural and physical resources. Kotahi will provide the direction for managing land and freshwater, air, coastal and marine environment, natural hazards, climate change, biodiversity, energy, transport and infrastructure and our urban environment.

12. In addition to the review of these plans, under the Government’s Essential Freshwater Programme new freshwater plans must be prepared that give effect to Te Mana o Te Wai. The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 requires these freshwater plans to be notified by December 2024. Because of this deadline, which has been set by the Government, there is a need to deliver Kotahi within a reasonably short timeframe. Over the next three years the plan will be developed, with engagement with tāngata whenua and the community being the initial focus of this work.

13. Kotahi will provide the policies and rules for how we manage the region’s natural and physical resources. The first step in the plan development process will require engagement with tāngata whenua and the community to understand the issues within the environment and the environmental outcomes which are being sought, taking a ki uta ki tai approach to environmental management through a broad but interconnected set of planning instruments.

The role of the Governors in the takiwā

14. At the All Governors wānanga on the 13 April 2022 Hawke’s Bay Regional Councillors, Māori Committee members and Regional Planning Committee Post Settlement Governance Entities agreed to work in partnership to develop Kotahi. This agreement extended to providing support for this critical mahi through attendance at key meetings/hui to launch Kotahi and engage with tāngata whenua and the community within the takiwā.

15. This was presented in draft as ‘Takiwā Governance’ (attachment 2) at the hui and identified the respective Councillors, Māori Committee members and PSGE representatives for each of the takiwā based on taiwhenua, settlement and constituency boundaries. There was an indication at the hui that the Governors who had been identified in the slide required further discussion and agreement, particularly with respect to the PSGE representatives and Māori Committee members. It was agreed that this would be discussed and determined ‘off-line’ amongst the tāngata whenua Governors. This is to occur without any input or direction through a formal committee process.

16. Once determined, it is anticipated that through this engagement the Governors will work together, listening to our communities to understand what they value about their environment and what the issues are in the takiwā. The information and feedback from the engagement will inform the development of solutions to affect positive change and clearly set out a vision for our Hawke’s Bay environment in the Plan.

17. It is important to note that staff will support the Governors in this engagement process. They will be developing supporting information for circulation in advance so that Governors have the necessary information to support their involvement in meetings, and to ensure that they are kept abreast of the topics and issues within the takiwā and region.

18. A further commitment made by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council at the April wānanga was to resource technical advisors to mana whenua. These technical advisors will work alongside staff to undertake the operational mahi which is required to ensure Kotahi meets its legislative requirements. Again, the appointment and selection of these advisors will be determined by the tāngata whenua Governors and does not require a formal decision to be made through committee. This resource will be fundamental to the success of the plan development; it is not expected that the Governors will have the capacity to be involved in the day-to-day operational activity and this technical resource will ensure that the Māori world view is represented in the plan.

19. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will continue to hold discussions with the Ministry for the Environment requesting Government funding to support this element of the process. It will also explore alternative resources and methods of support for mana whenua such as capability building.

20. Regardless of whether additional funds become available from Government it should be noted that the budgets set within the current Long Term Plan for both the Policy and Planning workstream and Māori Partnerships will continue to be utilised. It is acknowledged that the Māori Committee and Regional Planning Committee members will be remunerated for their involvement in this engagement process in recognition for their time, effort and expertise.

The Role of Māori Committee in Decision-making

21. As discussed at the hui in April, the role of the Māori Committee is essential to the success of both the engagement and decision-making required to support the plan development. The taiwhenua have strong links at marae and hapū level, which are incredibly important in terms of ensuring mana whenua are connected to the process, are able to be involved in setting the values and visions, have an opportunity to engage, have an understanding of the issues, and in how Kotahi proposes to address the environmental issues and deliver the environmental outcomes. The Māori Committee members will be very much at the ‘grass roots’ of the conversations with mana whenua. They will be an important connector between Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the Māori community.

22. To ensure that mana whenua is actively involved in the plan development for Kotahi it is imperative that the Māori Committee members have a role alongside the Councillors and PSGE representatives in the decision-making. Although it is acknowledged that the Hawke’s Bay Regional Planning Committee Act provides the RPC members with a formal decision-making role, through the All Governors hui it has been agreed that the Māori Committee will have the role of endorsing decisions prior to the RPC and Council formalising decisions through Committee. This endorsement by the Māori Committee strengthens the role of the taiwhenua members in determining the plan direction. It retains the integrity of the Māori Committee as its own entity, but now seeks to draw on the strength of the taiwhenua working alongside the RPC. This is a crucial step in order to recognise the Māori Committee’s mana as Treaty Partners and Governors and to obtain ratification of the plan throughout the various stages of the process.

23. As such it is intended to unite the two committees (Māori Committee and RPC) through the creation of the All Governors hui within the Committee calendar specifically for Kotahi workshops and decision-making. A draft calendar of All Governors hui meeting dates is appended to this report (attachment 3).

Topic Champions

24. The identification of ‘topic champions’ was also discussed at the hui and received support. Staff will be calling for expressions of interest for Governors to champion a topic. The champions will be expected to attend working party meetings to discuss issues, be a conduit for takiwā leaders to bring issues to the working parties, and bring options and solutions back to the All Governors meetings for decisions to be made. This will be additional work over and above the takiwā engagement.

Strategic Fit

25. The four pillars of the Strategic Plan - Land and Freshwater, Biodiversity, Infrastructure and Services - are all aspects which will form part of Kotahi. The objective to embed tāngata whenua values for all catchments in the resource management plan by 2025 will be met through the development of Kotahi. The support from the Māori Committee in the engagement and decision-making for the plan will ensure that this strategic objective is met in way that is appropriate and respects Te Ao Māori.

Significance and Engagement Policy Assessment

26. The decisions requested of the Committee are not significant in terms of Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy and do not require further consultation with the wider community.

Financial and Resource Implications

27. As noted above the resource requirements to support technical advisors (consultants or staff within existing employment to the PSGE or taiwhenua) is acknowledged and a commitment was made at the April hui for HBRC funding to support this.

28. The details of the funding available has not yet been confirmed as there are ongoing discussions with the Ministry for the Environment as to whether there is Government funding which might be forthcoming to support this element of the process. Should additional funds not be available then the budgets set within the current Long Term Plan for both the Policy and Planning workstream and the Māori Partnerships budgets will be used.

Decision Making Process

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

29.1. The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset, nor is it inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

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

29.3. The decision is not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy.

30. Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by, or have an interest in the decisions made, the Māori Committee can exercise its discretion and make these decisions without consulting directly with the community or others having an interest in the decision.

Recommendations

That the Māori Committee:

1. Receives and considers the Governance support for development of the Kotahi Plan 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. Agrees to work in partnership with the elected members (councillors) and Post Settlement Governance Entities of the Regional Planning Committee to:

3.1. lead out the Kotahi engagement with tāngata whenua and the community in the takiwā

3.2. consider and endorse the decisions which are required to progress the development of the Kotahi Plan through to notification

3.3. combine the Māori Committee and Regional Planning Committee meetings to form an All HBRC Governors group to workshop and make decisions on Kotahi.

Authored by:

Ceri Edmonds

Manager Policy & Planning

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Attachment/s

1 ⇩	Kotahi high level timeline
2 ⇩	Takiwa Governance
3 ⇩	June-December 2022 proposed schedule

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Māori Committee

8 June 2022

Subject: Operational Land Asset Policy

Reason for Report

1. This item seeks the endorsement of the Māori Committee for Council to adopt the Operational Land Asset Policy.

Executive Summary

2. This is a new Council policy, created to provide a framework for the assessment of and decisions on claims for the transfer of operational land holdings.

3. The policy does not signal a review or changed position from the status quo on HBRC’s operational land holdings, but merely provides staff a mechanism for reviewing requests that are received from time to time.

4. The policy may be used when Council has identified a parcel of land for review, or is responding to an external request to purchase, occupy, transfer or obtain an interest in operational land such as a lease, licence or easement.

5. The policy considers key criteria when assessing any land or property asset and aligns with the strategic plan, in particular the desire to recognise the cultural connection and whakapapa of tangata whenua to land and water, that brings with it an inseverable role of kaitiakitanga.

6. The policy applies to Council’s operational land portfolio which is primarily, but not exclusively, managed by the Asset Management group for the purposes of flood management. It may extend to land managed by other parts of the organisation for purposes such as soil conservation or forestry estate. It excludes investment property, leasehold land property portfolios providing investment returns, and commercial assets governed and managed within Council’s investment and treasury frameworks.

7. Council retains the right to refuse or decline any claim, or decide that the application of this policy is not the appropriate mechanism for evaluation of the claim, should the objectives of the claim fail to align with the purpose of the policy.

Funding and Resourcing the Business Case preparation

8. The policy presented includes a proposed business case framework. The cost of preparing business case(s) and the subsequent staff time contributing towards decision making will require funding. There is currently no dedicated funding within current work programmes.

9. It is proposed the business cases be prepared internally by Council staff and funded by Council up to $20,000 per business case. Many historical land ownership right matters are complex and will also require external consultancy advice and expertise.

10. The development of a business case could vary significantly depending on the complexity of the land ownership. In more complex cases the cost could be as much as $30k - $40k per business case. A number of options available for consideration for funding the costs include:

10.1. The requestor funds the costs

10.2. Council funds the costs – either charged to the scheme in which the land resides, or to the Governance and Partnerships cost centre

10.3. The cost is shared between the requestor and Council, by either ratio or cap where Council funds the first $10,000 or $20,000.

11. To manage Council resources, both people and financial, staff recommend including limits to the policy whereby only one request or business case is accepted for preparation by staff at any given time.

12. The policy has been drafted with a staff recommendation of shared costs, where Council funds the first $20,000 towards development of the business case, for Committee consideration.

Significance and Engagement Policy assessment

13. This policy is a decision-making framework and in itself does not trigger consultation in accordance with the Significance and Engagement Policy.

14. It is possible that a recommendation by staff on a particular land holding may trigger the Significance and Engagement Policy and, if that is the case, then the requirements of that policy will be met.

Climate Change considerations

15. Land may be held by HBRC for strategic purposes which may include for flexibility in managing schemes or assets with respect to the impact of climate change.

Considerations of Tangata Whenua

16. A determinant for the drafting of this Policy is four independent tangata whenua requests that Council has received, some dating back to early 2018. These relate to specific parcels of Council’s operational land holdings at Pōrangahau, Roys Hill – Ngatarawa, Waiōhiki and Ōhiti. Each of these requests will require extensive investigation, research and consultation with potential for a business case to Council.

17. Council’s desire and commitment is to achieve a close partnered working relationship with its Tīriti partner. That becomes evident in the co-governance and legislated relationship of Council with ten post-settlement governance entities across Te Matau a Māui region. Also, in the Māori Committee of Council and its enduring 25yr+ relationship with Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi through four of six Taiwhenua within the region.

18. Council recognises and acknowledges its Māori Committee and Regional Planning Committee. It is anticipated that this agenda item and draft policy, prior to its finalisation, will be brought before each of those committees for consideration and endorsement.

Financial and Resource Implications

19. The financial impact of any individual claim, on either Council income (annualised) or balance sheet, is expected to be immaterial based on the level of materiality, which during the FY20-21 audit was deemed to be $100k by Audit NZ.

20. For context as at 30 June 2021, annual income from grazing leases on infrastructure land totals $90k per annum. Significant assumptions used in land valuation value floodable land that is grazed at $6k per annum, and floodable land that is not grazed at nil.

21. However, for larger land holdings where divestment is being requested or considered, the financial impact may be more significant. The financial impact on income, and therefore on funding of Council operations and balance sheet treatment and impact, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Council’s standard decision-making processes apply to every decision made. If the financial impacts are assessed as significant or the asset is strategic, Council may need to consult ahead of making a formal decision.

22. Current Infrastructure land valuations are based on a 2017 valuation and are due for revaluation. Staff are progressing the revaluation of infrastructure land assets in parallel with development of this policy. Current valuations as at 30 June 2022 will be available for business case assessment, and to ensure that these land asset values are not misstated within financial statements.

Decision Making Process

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

23.1. The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset, nor is it inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

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

23.3. The decision is not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy.

23.4. Given the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, the Committee can exercise its discretion and make a decision recommendation to Council without consulting directly with the community.

Recommendations

1. That the Māori Committee receives and considers the Operational Land Asset Policy staff report.

2. The Māori Committee recommends that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council:

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

2.2. Adopts the Operational Land Asset Policy as endorsed by the Māori Committee.

Authored by:

Jessica Ellerm

Programme Director

Pieri Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Approved by:

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

1 ⇩

Operational Land Asset Policy 1 June 2022

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Māori Committee

8 June 2022

Subject: 3D Aquifer Mapping project status update (SkyTEM)

Reason for Report

1. This report provides a status update on the 3D Aquifer Mapping Project, including revisiting the objectives and outcomes sought, timeframes and partners involved.

Introduction and Executive Summary

2. The Hawke’s Bay 3D Aquifer Mapping Project (3DAMP) is a three-year initiative (2019–2022) jointly funded by the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF), Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) and GNS Science (GNS). The project applies Airborne Electromagnetic technology (SkyTEM) to improve mapping and modelling of groundwater resources within the Heretaunga Plains, Ruataniwha Plains and Poukawa and Otane Basins. 3DAMP involves collaboration between HBRC, GNS and the Aarhus University HydroGeophysics Group (HGG). The programme is also supported with specialist project management services from Project Haus.

3. Between January and February 2020, electromagnetic surveys were flown by SkyTEM Australia over the Heretaunga Plains, Ruataniwha Plains and Poukawa and Otane Basins. GNS have completed processing and modelling of all SkyTEM data. This work involved removing data impacted by electromagnetic noise and developing resistivity models. Work is underway to interpret basin-wide hydrogeological characteristics using the resistivity models and supporting data. Completion of this work is planned in stages based on the areas surveyed. This report provides an update on these work programmes.

3D Aquifer Mapping Project Background

4. The concept of using SkyTEM to map regionally significant groundwater resources was first proposed by HBRC staff during development of the Heretaunga groundwater model. This led to discussions between GNS and HBRC on the potential application of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) technology for groundwater mapping.

5. In 2017, following discussions with GNS, a proposal for an AEM survey was presented to Council as part of Science’s business case for the Long-Term Plan (LTP). This business case proposed to deliver a high-resolution geophysical dataset for the entire Heretaunga Plains aquifer system. At the request of the Regional Planning Committee (RPC) this was extended to include the Ruataniwha Basin and was adopted in the 2018-2028 LTP.

6. In 2018 and 2019, HBRC engaged GNS and Project Haus to carry out planning for the SkyTEM survey and to develop a strategy for all tasks required for processing, modelling, and interpretation of SkyTEM data, including refinement of groundwater knowledge and information (such as refining hydrogeological and groundwater models).

7. During 2019, with assistance from GNS and Project Haus, HBRC applied to the PGF for funding. The application included surveying the Poukawa and Otane Basins in addition to the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Plains. This was notified as successful in June 2019. In October 2019, SkyTEM Australia Pty Ltd was contracted by HBRC to acquire AEM data using SkyTEM technology. This survey was flown between January and February 2020.

3D Aquifer Mapping Project – Why are we doing this project?

8. The 3D Aquifer Mapping Project seeks to improve mapping and characterisation of groundwater resources in the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Plains, and in the Otane and Poukawa Basins. Aquifer mapping is traditionally based on well drilling, however, scarcity of lithological logs (particularly at depth or over difficult terrain) and low-quality of logging means existing lithological information is often missing or insufficient to fully capture regional and local-scale hydrogeological structures. This, coupled with the high cost associated with drilling and the high cost of professionally logging exploration wells, means characterising groundwater systems with a dedicated drilling programme is neither practical nor feasible.

9. Aerial Electromagnetic data provides a cost-effective, non-invasive data collection method to map large areas with a higher density of data coverage and the ability to cover areas with rugged terrain with minimal impacts to local activities. AEM data, combined with existing borehole data, provides considerable improvement in the understanding the hydrogeologic framework. Hydrogeologic frameworks provide the basis for understanding how groundwater systems work, such as where aquifers are confined/unconfined, where areas are prone to land surface contamination, how far and deep aquifers extend, and the composition of aquifer materials. This information is fundamental in developing quantitative tools such as numerical groundwater models which are used to assess the effects or resource activities on groundwater and surface water resources. The more accurately we can represent the real-world system the more certain our predictions become, and the better we manage the resource.

Summary of the work programme

10. The work programme for the 3D Aquifer Mapping project commenced September 2019 and completion is planned for June 2023. Key milestones are:

10.1. Complete airborne electromagnetic surveys of the Heretaunga, Ruataniwha and Otane/Poukawa aquifer surveys (completed)

10.2. Develop quality assured resistivity models using the SkyTEM data (completed)

10.3. Undertake a simple groundwater-relevant assessment of the resistivity models for Heretaunga Plains, Ruataniwha Plains and Otane/Poukawa Basin (work in progress)

10.4. Complete a more complex groundwater-relevant assessment of the resistivity models for Heretaunga Plains and Ruataniwha Plains considering factors such as confinement status and groundwater-surface water interaction (i.e., clay fraction models) (work in progress)

10.5. Develop Hydrogeological Models using the resistivity data and interpretations for Heretaunga Plains and Ruataniwha Plains (work in progress)

10.6. Refine numerical groundwater models using the resistivity data and interpretations for Heretaunga Plains (work in progress).

3D Aquifer Mapping Project – Update on deliverables

Otane and Poukawa Basins

11. GNS Science, in collaboration with Aarhus University in Denmark, have processed, and modelled the SkyTEM data collected from the Poukawa and Otane Basements. This involved removing electromagnetic noise and artefacts from the SkyTEM dataset and creating a detailed three-dimensional model of how the electromagnetic signal flows through the ground.

12. A report detailing this work has been published and made available online. A second report interpreting the resistivity models has been reviewed by Council and is currently with GNS for final signoff.

13. The SkyTEM survey reveals a detailed 3D resistivity picture of the subsurface, which in some locations extends down to 490 metres below land surface. The resistivity data has been used to delineate the Poukawa and Otane basins into three major hydrogeological units (HU) of which two of these units are further split into two hydrogeological subunits (sub-HU). The delineations provide significant refinement of the existing understanding of groundwater resources in the Poukawa and Otane basins.

Heretaunga Plains

14. GNS Science, in collaboration with Aarhus University in Denmark, have processed and modelled the SkyTEM data collected from the Heretaunga Plains. A report detailing this work has been published and made available online. A second report interpreting the resistivity models has been reviewed by Council and is currently with GNS for final signoff. This is likely to be completed end of June 2022.

15. The resistivity models identify resistivity structures associated with changes in lithology, such as depth to basement, geological layering, and the extent of the Ngaruroro River gravel aquifer system over the Heretaunga Plains.

16. This programme of work is supported by a data collection programme which included drilling an exploratory well on Morely Road at Tomoana, Hastings. Drilling was completed in March 2021 and datasets were reported in December 2021. A summary of drilling information and additional data available for assisting interpretations were collated in a separate report delivered in January 2022.

17. GNS Science is close to completing hydrogeological interpretations for the Heretaunga Plains using a combined approach of manually picking geological boundaries through visual assessments of data (manual delineation) and automated modelling using different statistical approaches.

18. Aarhus University from Denmark have developed hydrostratigraphic models using the resistivity models and available lithological logs. This information determines the clay fraction for different depth intervals. The amount of clay provides information about the permeability of the groundwater system, i.e., whether the materials are likely to be confining or not. The method produces multiple realisations which can be used to assist with uncertainty analysis within groundwater flow modelling.

19. An example showing a resistivity profile across the Heretaunga Plains and the manually delineated surfaces used to define the major hydrogeological units is shown below. Borehole data and surface geological maps provided calibration for the hydrogeological units.

Figure 1.0: Example of resistivity model and interpretations

Ruataniwha Plains

20. GNS Science, in collaboration with Aarhus University in Denmark, finalised processing and resistivity modelling for the Ruataniwha Plains in April 2022. The resistivity model for the Ruataniwha Plains identify resistivity structures associated with changes in lithology such as depth to basement and geological layering. The results are being used to help inform the Ruataniwha Groundwater model which is currently being development under a separate work programme.

21. The resistivity interpretations are supported by a data collection programme which was completed in October 2021. This involved drilling two exploratory wells on the Ruataniwha Plains. Information obtained from drill cuttings will be used to better understand how the SkyTEM data relates to lithology. Borehole reports for this work are due in the next couple of months.

22. Work is underway to interpret basin-wide hydrogeological characteristics from this dataset. This work is scheduled to be finalised after completion of interpretations for the Heretaunga Plains. A summary of drilling information and additional data used to assist with interpretations is currently being collated in a separate report due to be delivered July 2022.

23. This cross-section below shows a 2D view of the resistivity model in the Ruataniwha Plains. Blue-green shows low resistivity (likely corresponding to fine-grained material such as clay and silt) and yellow-red-purple shows high resistivity (likely corresponding to coarser-grained material such as gravel and limestone). Exact resistivity values differ by location as they are sensitive to many properties, and so the meaning of the different resistivity values will be assessed during the hydrogeological interpretation.

Figure 2.0. Example of output from the Ruataniwha Plains resistivity model

Numerical groundwater modelling

24. The SkyTEM data is being used to revise the Heretaunga Plains groundwater model. The objective of this work is to quantify how SkyTEM data reduces model uncertainty. The programme of work explores different methods for incorporating SkyTEM data into our modelling programmes.

25. SkyTEM data is also being used by GNS to refine localised groundwater models around Bridge Pa. The objective of this work is to better understand the stressors effecting flow in the Paritua Stream.

Deliverables and where to find results?

26. Reports associated with the 3D Aquifer Mapping Project are available online and linked to the Council’s 3D Aquifer Mapping website - https://www.hbrc.govt.nz/hawkes-bay/projects/3d-aquifer-mapping-project/.

27. Report findings, along with an overview of the project, have been summarised and published within an ESRI StoryMap through our 3D Aquifer Mapping website. The StoryMap is being developed in stages aligning with the completion of modelling and interpretations in each of the surveyed areas. The second release on StoryMap will focus on summarising findings for the Heretaunga Plains. The StoryMap provides an embedded tool for the public to interact with the results.

Figure 3.0: An example of the interactive webmap available to the public on StoryMap

Timelines for release of public information

Description	Milestone	Target Completion date
Electromagnetic Survey	SkyTEM survey report	Completed 2020
Resistivity modelling	3 x SkyTEM processing and resistivity modelling reports	Completed 2022
Hydrogeological modelling	Hydrogeological models and reports	Heretaunga Plains: July 2022  Ruataniwha Plains: June 2023
Groundwater flow and transport   modelling	Heretaunga   groundwater model and report	June 2023

Decision Making Process

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

Recommendation

That the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee receives and notes the Update on the 3D Aquifer Mapping Project (SkyTEM).

Authored by:

Simon Harper

Team Leader - Hydrology & Groundwater Science

Anna Madarasz-Smith

Manager Science

Approved by:

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Māori Committee

8 June 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.

Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee (EICC)

2. Dr Roger Maaka represents the Māori Committee on the EICC, which met on 11 May 2022 in Wairoa. Highlights from the meeting are covered following.

2.1. A Mahia predator control presentation was delivered by Terence Maru from the Rongomaiwahine Iwi Trust. It covered a variety of projects currently being undertaken, their strategic plan and the future direction of the Trust.

2.2. A Marae riparian protection works presentation by Katarina Kawana covered awa restoration, fencing, pest control and native nursery projects currently being undertaken. The Wairoa awa restoration project has evolved from concern for the river; its kaupapa is to raise awareness of the environment, the flora and fauna and restoring the mauri of the awa.

2.3. The Integrated Catchment Management response to recent flood events in Wairoa provided an update on the activities undertaken by the ICM team in response to the impacts of recent flooding in the Wairoa area including:

2.3.1. Immediate response taken by HBRC staff during and following the flood event including follow up phone calls made to farmers with a wellbeing focus

2.3.2. Working closely with the Wairoa District Council which is the lead recovery agency for the event. HBRC will continue to support the coordinated recovery that will be active for many months and years to come once the formal recovery has concluded.

2.4. The Update on IRG Flood Control Resilience funded projects item updated on the current status of the four projects approved for funding as part of the Crown’s Flood Control Resilience Funding with the Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG).

2.5. The River Managers Special Interest Group business case item provided an update on work being undertaken by the regional council sector to obtain ongoing central Government co-investment in flood protection and river management schemes.

2.6. The Air Quality Compliance with National Environmental Standards for Particulate Matter item presented an assessment of the likelihood that Hawke’s Bay’s urban airsheds and rural towns will be able to consistently meet existing air quality standards, and whether these could comply with the proposed new standards. Implications of the updated World Health Organisation (WHO) air quality objectives and guidelines were also raised, noting:

2.6.1. Upgraded monitoring instruments will be required in larger towns. Newer/more accurate instruments are being progressively introduced in Napier and Hastings; ultimately replacing the existing ones.

2.6.2. New air quality standards for Hawke’s Bay communities will be developed through the Kotahi plan change process.

2.7. The Coastal Bird Survey results provided a summary of the results of a baseline survey of indigenous bird values along the Hawke’s Bay coastline. Discussions noted:

2.7.1. A total of 321km of Hawke’s Bay coastline was surveyed in 1km sections and all bird and marine mammal species counted.

2.7.2. A total of 79 bird species and two marine mammal species were detected during this survey. 57 bird species (72%) are native or endemic to New Zealand, and 28 of these species (35%) are ranked as either Nationally Threatened or At Risk under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

2.7.3. Key findings of the survey include that Hawke’s Bay supports 16% of the global population of pohowera / banded dotterel, Tūturiwhatu / New Zealand dotterels have experienced a substantial increase in population size and breeding range along the Hawke’s Bay coastline since 2011 due to a successful species recovery plan, and Hākoakoa / sooty shearwaters were re-discovered to be breeding on Te Motu-o-Kura /Bare Island.

Regional Transport Committee (RTC)

3. Api Robin represents the Māori Committee on the Regional Transport Committee, which is scheduled to meet this coming Friday, 10 June and will discuss:

3.1. The Regional Passenger Transport Plan review, with the focus of improved public transport across the region

3.2. Communications with Waka Kotahi (NZTA) in relation to State Highway 5 and the decision to reduce the speed limit to 80km/hr on a 76km section of it

3.3. Formalising representation on the Regional Transport Committee for the active transport sector (cycling, walking)

3.4. An update on the Gisborne rail link.

Corporate and Strategic Committee (C&S)

4. Peter Eden represents the Māori Committee on the C&S, which met on 1 June 2022. Highlights from the meeting include:

4.1. a recommendation to Council to adopt the Annual Plan 2022-2023

4.2. a recommendation to Council to participate in a Regional Sector Shared Services Council Controlled Organisation

4.3. The Operational Land Asset Policy item provided a new policy which is to provide a framework for assessing claims to transfer operational land holdings which the Committee recommended that Council adopt with the endorsement of the Māori Committee and Regional Planning Committee. The consideration of the policy by the Māori Committee is the subject of an item on today’s Agenda.

4.4. The Organisational Performance report and the Financial report for the period to 31 March 2022 highlighted:

4.4.1. New for the dashboard this quarter is the Strategic Projects report with traffic light status for Risk, Schedule and Budget, and a status commentary for the month of April. This is the same content as in the Significant Activities Report that is received at Council each month. This will be updated monthly in the dashboard.

4.4.2. New for the report are a sample of measures from the new Customer Experience software (Zendesk). See page 10 of the report.

4.4.3. In response to committee member feedback, both LOSM and Activity reporting have been centrally reviewed more closely to ensure consistency between traffic light status and commentary and more accurately reflect known issues with for example, Covid-19 disruption. As a result, there has been a shift from green to amber across both sections of the report when compared to last quarter.

4.4.4. Electricity use at Guppy Road, Wairoa and Raffles Street offices has been included in the report in addition to the main office at Dalton Street, and fuel use by all HBRC vehicles, including Works Group equipment/plant has been included.

4.4.5. The daily impacts of Covid-19 continue to disrupt delivery and planning. While delivery for most levels of service is on track to be achieved, some significant impacts to large scale projects will not be recoverable this financial year.

4.4.6. The Long Term Plan (LTP) capital work programme will require re-profiling across the remaining 8 years of the 10-year plan horizon to account for changes to project scoping, building internal capability and shifts in the external operating environment.

4.5. The HBRIC Ltd quarterly update provided a quarterly update on the activities for the third quarter of the 2021-2022 financial year.

4.5.1. Income has been as expected, but recent market volatility has led to a significant reduction in net asset value (by $42m) to $403m at March 2022.

4.5.2. The FoodEast food innovation hub has been scaled back with construction now due to start early 2023.

4.5.3. The Port of Napier dividend met expectations. The Wharf 6 project is due for completion shortly and is on time and on budget.

4.6. The HBRC People Plan and Health, safety and wellbeing Strategic Plan were presented.

4.7. The HBRC Forestry provided a summary of the Council’s forestry assets, including the Tūtira mānuka plantation.

Regional Council

5. 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 6 April 2022, there have been two Regional Council meetings and three Committee meetings. The Co-chairs will provide verbal updates on discussions from these.

Decision Making Process

6. 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: Approved by:

Annelie Roets

Governance Advisor

Leeanne Hooper

Team Leader Governance

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Māori Committee

8 June 2022

Subject: Significant Organisational Activities Looking Forward through June 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 project milestone for a ‘Proof of Absence’ across the trapping network has been delayed by Covid and several storms in the Mahia area and is now planned to be fully installed and operational by the end of May. The network will be supported by possum dog surveys due to run in May/June.	ICM – Catchment Services
Whakakī Freshwater Improvement Fund Project	2. Construction of the weir will be underway, and it is expected to be completed by 30 June.	ICM – Catchment Delivery
Wairoa flood event	3. Staff are developing content for delivering woolshed workshops with appropriate agencies to help flood-affected landowners farm through winter.	ICM – Catchment Delivery
Reticulated stock water and Intensive winter grazing workshop	4. Wairoa event was previously disrupted due to storm events. This will be delivered before the end of June. Date still to be confirmed.	ICM – Catchments Policy Implementation
Wairoa event mapping	5. High resolution (0.5m) satellite imagery from the March rainfall event has been contracted and collected and is in the process of being downloaded. Orthophotography (by plane at 0.3m resolution) will also be collected in spring. This imagery will be analysed to obtain a spatial understanding of the number and extent of landslides as well as improving our SedNetNZ model, and landslide susceptibility models.	ICM – Environmental Science and ICT - GIS

Central Catchments
Project / Activity Description	Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)	Group /Team or Section
Flood Control Schemes - Resilience Funded projects	6. Taradale stopbank strengthening physical works 70% complete, with construction to be completed by mid-June. Landscape planning for enhancement of berm is underway in partnership with Waiohiki Marae and is progressing well. 7. East Clive optioneering is now completed with preferred option now going into detailed design. 8. Moteo stop bank detailed design is underway. 9. Ngatarawa detailed design completed, and native forest planting is now being implemented (planting on site).	Asset Management Engineering Regional Projects
Gravel Management	10. Hearing was held in December 2021. 11. New set of conditions is now being submitted to the hearing panel for consideration. 12. A final decision by the Hearing Panel is anticipated by end of May 2022.	Asset Management Consents, Schemes
Waitangi Regional Park	13. Stage 3 development of the park includes safe vehicle access to the river and two ephemeral wetlands (wet or dry depending on season) on the flat berm area; delivery expected in June-July 2022 by the Regional Projects Team and Works Group. 14. A funding application for infrastructure for cultural events at the marquee site, and to service the proposed toilets at Waitangi Regional Park was submitted to the Tourism Infrastructure Fund (MBIE). Awaiting a response to this application.	Asset Management Open Spaces
Hawea Historical Park / Karamu Stream Diversion	15. The Hawea Historical Park cultural component of the Draft Management Plan is complete and currently under internal review, with the final management plan to be brought to Council for consideration - implementation by the end of 2022. 16. Stage 3 project delivery includes construction work for widening of the confluence and enhancement work of the old Karamū Stream (flood gate) area, as well as pathway formation within the park and native planting around the carpark. This project is being managed by the Regional Projects team.	Asset Management Open Spaces, Regional Assets
Ahuriri tributaries catchment group	17. Open day to discuss formation of this group at Holt’s Maraetara property. Date to be finalised.	ICM – Catchments Policy Implementation
Consenting of all pump stations within schemes	18. Consent planner has been engaged to work with us to start collecting data required for consent application for all pump stations. The first stage we will be focusing on collecting data on water quality and a fish passage investigation.	Asset Management Environmental Engineer

Southern Catchments
Project /Activity Description	Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)	Group /Team or Section
Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme	19. Two contractors are making good progress extracting gravel on the Tukipo and Makaretu. 20. The anticipated release of the next tender has been delayed due to the rain event. Is under internal review – to be released by end of May 2022. 21. Targeted areas require a new survey due to recent flooding, to confirm gravel quantities before sending tenders to market - this is now being progressed by engineering team. 22. Chilean needle grass exemption has been received from the HBRC Biosecurity team, allowing extraction in previously prohibited areas in Waipawa (with some restriction on use of material). This will be in the next tender round.	Asset Management Regional Projects, Schemes
Tukituki Land Care (Catchment Group collective) workshop	23. Second workshop helping to develop formation of this ‘umbrella’ group collective structure for sub-catchment groups will be held 9 June 2022.	ICM – Catchments Policy Implementation
Farm Environmental Management Plan (FEMP)	24. After 31 May any Tukituki FEMPs not reviewed and resubmitted will have details passed to the compliance team for follow up.	ICM – Catchments Policy Implementation and Compliance teams

Whole of Region
Project /Activity Description	Significant Upcoming Milestone(s)	Group /Team or Section
Erosion Control Scheme	25. June is the beginning of the planting season. Harvest of our poplar and willow nursery will start, and pole orders will be delivered across the region throughout June and July. 26. Catchment advisors will be supporting/advising landowners to deliver on their erosion control plans.	ICM – Catchment Delivery
River flows	27. Flows continued to be measured and ratings updated across the region as the rivers recede after recent rainfall events. Repairs at Wairoa railway bridge, Marumaru and Wharerangi sites are underway to ensure the network continues to run at full capacity	ICM – Environmental Information
Rural professional extension event	28. Grazing winter crops; covering regulations, intensive winter grazing plan module, catch crops. Date to be confirmed. Currently being planned.	ICM -Catchments Policy Implementation
Pan Sector, Primary Sector Group	29. Third meeting of this group will be scheduled for June with a focus on shared awareness to provide consistent messaging on policy implementation and opportunities for primary sector input to policy development.	ICM -Catchments Policy Implementation
3D Aquifer mapping project (SkyTEM)	30. Processing and modelling of SkyTEM data finalised for the Ruataniwha Plains in May. This marks a significant milestone with processing and modelling now complete for all surveyed areas. Interpretation of these datasets is underway with results expected near the end of the year.	ICM – Environmental Science

PMO: Strategic Projects & Key BAU Programme Reporting

Fifteen 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:

	Project/Programme Title	Schedule	Risks*	Budget	Comment	Status Change
1	Right Tree Right Place Pilot (RTRP)				Responses to the RTRP survey of landowners are now being analysed. Follow-up will include a review of the pipeline of potential RTRP farms and identification of priority farms. Catchment advisors will be involved in this work. Development of the commercial arrangement for the initial pilot farm continues with support from a legal advisor. Farm/forestry planning continues with pilot farm 2. A Request for Interest has been issued for a lead forestry advisor to support agri and regenerative ag leads in the work involved with farm selection, streamlining farm/forestry plans and information needed for business case development for a scaled-up RTRP programme.	Updated since 27 April
2	Regional Water Security Programme: Project 1: Heretaunga Water Storage				The project team has finalised the scope of works for next phase of investigations based on independent peer review of technical Pre-feasibility. This is now in contractor site walkover and procurement phase. Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecological reviews are completed and awaiting reports – which will help further inform planning and consenting requirements. Lowland Stream Solutions is investigating streamflow maintenance trial options.	Updated since 27 April
	Project 2: Managed Aquifer Recharge				Technical workstreams for consenting is completed. Mana whenua engagement process now extending beyond 18 months. The project team remains hopeful that this will be concluded shortly, and the production of a Cultural Impact Assessment can pave the way for the final package of the consent application, finalise landowner agreements and procurement of scheme construction.	Updated since 27 April
	Project 3: Regional Water Assessment				Industry forum held on 17 February and presented to regional leaders on 7 March. Additional internal HBRC support being mobilised for report finalisation.	Updated since 27 April
3	Water Efficiency Programme Review (Future Water Use)				Meetings with industry and municipal water users underway.	Updated since 27 April
4	Ahuriri Regional Park				The project is in the 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 with Mana Ahuriri representatives (6) and agreed on a joint committee proposal to move project governance forward. The Terms of Reference is being drafted.	Updated since 27 April
5	Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy Implementation				The Memorandum of Transition has been agreed by all councils, and WDC and CHBDC support the S16 process. Audit NZ has advised that the proposed S16 consultation document will receive an adverse audit opinion due to uncertainty about implementation costs and rating. Parallel work streams for consultation under S16 and S82 of the LGA are running concurrently until council agree preferred process.	Updated since 27 April
6	On-demand Public Transport				A group (100) of bus riders has been recruited as part of the 2-week pilot to test the service and troubleshoot ahead of 7 June launch. The first bus arrives in HB mid-end of May to be included in photoshoots for promotion. The remainder will arrive before the pilot. Engagement with our community is ongoing and in full swing. The launch event will include prominent personalities to maximise publicity and celebrate this key moment for public transport in HB. The operational side of the project is on track, including customer service support.	Updated since 27 April
7	Kotahi Plan				An All Governors wānanga was held on 13 April. Discussion was on the proposed governance structure in the takiwā, critical inputs from Governors through the plan development process and operational mahi for staff and technical advisors. Council acknowledged the resourcing requirements for mana whenua and committed to providing support/funding. Work is commencing on defining workstreams, working groups and producing a high-level project timeframe for Governors.	Updated since 27 April
7	Kotahi: Mohaka Plan Change				The Mohaka ‘team’ of staff and technical advisors to NPDT met on the 30 March to review progress and next steps. The Māori-led workstream has been focussing on the values ‘pou’ desktop assessment and wānanga with mana whenua. It is intended to report back to RPC at the next meeting following approval from the Leaders’ rōpū on the values and visions.	Updated since 27 April
8	TANK Plan Change				Still awaiting decision from Independent Hearings Panel.	No change since 27 April
8	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 build is underway. Community testing of communications elements are running in parallel where opportunities present.	Updated since 27 April
9	Farm Environmental Management Plans (FEMPs)				Extended FEMP deadline of 31 May 2022 is looking unlikely to be met with 127 FEMPs still underway with providers and 20 properties lodged with the Compliance Team. All properties not resubmitted past the extended deadline will be passed to the Compliance Team. Of eligible land area in Tukituki, 75.4% is covered through the 594 FEMP resubmissions plus 344 Low Intensity submissions have been received (increase of 4% of land area since last update). Audit trials are ongoing, and the recruitment of the FEMP Auditor has started. A project brief and schedule has been collaboratively developed, with key milestones and deliverables, looking to optimise success in the 2024 FEMP cycle.	Updated since 27 April
10	Erosion Control Scheme (ECS) Programme (incl. Soil Conservation Nursery & HCEF)				Risks are amber due to shortages in the labour market (fencers and planting crews), and rising material costs (largely due to Covid-19) Harvest of our poplar and willow poles starts in June. We have prioritised our poles for Wairoa as the recent floods have caused significant damage ge. A reduction in the number of expected poles have reduced the number of hectares claimed for in the Hill Country Erosion Fund (HCEF) Programme. HCEF promotional video on reversion works has been filmed in the Gisborne/Wairoa area. Nursery development is progressing well.	Updated since 27 April
11	Partial Pest Plan Review				The draft proposal was submitted to the Biosecurity Working Party for second review. Legal advice has been sought regarding potential changes for the Revenue and Financing Policy. Reporting opportunity will be at next Council meeting on 25 May 2022. External stakeholder engagement has nearly concluded, and local possum contractors have been asked for feedback on the proposed new model. An engagement plan is underway with a video filmed which will be ready for release at the public consultation phase which will occur 1-31 July 2022.	Updated since 27 April
12	Flood Control & Drainage Scheme – IRG: Heretaunga Flood Control & Drainage Scheme Levels of Service				Physical works are ongoing at Taradale although delays have occurred due to two significant weather events. All investigations are complete for Moteo, East Clive, Ngatarawa and Roy’s Hill, and design procurement ongoing for Ōmarunui. Construction for Ngatarawa, Moteo and East Clive is due to commence in October 2022. Two additional FTEs are being recruited to assist in programme delivery.	No change since 27 April
	Flood Control & Drainage Scheme – IRG: Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme				First round extraction has started with two contractors on the Makaretu and Tukipo. Some delays in extraction have occurred due to adverse weather and high river levels. Spending is expected to catch up when the next tender rounds are sent to market and awarded. Surveying is underway to confirm availability in each cross section for the next tender round.	Updated since 27 April
	Flood Control & Drainage Scheme – IRG: Wairoa River, River Parade Erosion				Temporary traffic management in place awaiting guardrail to be installed and slope earthworks to be complete. We are implementing some of the recommendations in reinstatement and planting. Minor damage has occurred to the site as a result of two weather events. This will be made good prior to completion of landscaping.	No change since 30 March
13	Revenue & Financing Policy/ Rates Review (incl. Scheme Rating Reviews)				Workshop material has been prepared and is ready to be delivered on 1 June 2022. This is a delayed start due to the availability of an external consultant. Phase 1 (first principles) is scheduled to be completed before local government elections (October); phase 2 after the elections. To reduce the reliance on external consultancy expertise and mitigate risk of non-delivery, internal capability is being built and additional workshops added within existing timeframes. Formulaic delivery of material and a structured approach will be required to stay within tight timeframes.	Updated since 27 April
14	Enterprise Asset Management				An exercise to map current processes and data is underway. A demonstration from the vendor to view specific asset capabilities is scheduled. Workshops are to be scoped and scheduled. Data accuracy and confidence has been added to the scope. Current risks presently being managed are resource availability, data, Covid-19 related. Focus is on the synergy project to ensure a solid platform to build on.	Updated since 27 April
15	Urban Catchment Plans (Te Karamū Catchment Plan/ Ahuriri Catchment Plan)			N/A	Karamū Catchment Coordinator commenced on 4 April. The Ahuriri Catchment Coordinator post remains vacant A high-level project plan will be presented to EICC in quarter 4.	No change since 27 April

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 CHB. 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 Hawke’s 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 three 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 Erosion Control Scheme 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 Provides steel sheet piled erosion protection works on left bank of the Wairoa river.
14	Enterprise Asset Management Aims to embed an 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.
16	Urban Catchment Plans (Te Karamū Catchment Plan/ Ahuriri Catchment Plan) Will track the development of the Te Karamū and Ahuriri catchment plans, following the appointment of the Catchment Coordinators.

Key Strategic Project Pipeline
Title	Group	Estimated Start Date
Tukituki Plan Change Policy Implementation (Land Use Consents)	Policy & Regulation (Consents)	Will be reviewed next month
Clive River Dredging 2030	Asset Management (Regional Assets)	TBC
On Demand Public Transport (Napier trial)	Policy & Regulation (Transport)	TBC

Enforcement Actions
There are 11 active prosecutions before the court, at various stages therefore not able to comment publicly on. There are three 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 - order granted
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 – awaiting sentencing
Jul 20	Discharge to land that may enter water	Before the court – awaiting sentencing
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 – awaiting sentencing

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).	Mediation continues through 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 – no update since previous report.

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 June 2022 staff report.

Authored by:

Mell Anderson

Project Manager Hill Country Erosion Scheme

Michael Bassett-Foss

RTRP Project Manager

Allan Beer

Team Leader Biosecurity - Animal Pests

Sarah Bell

Team Leader Strategy & Performance

Desiree Cull

Strategy & Governance Manager

Peter Davis

Manager Environmental Information

Harry Donnelly

Project Engineer

Ceri Edmonds

Manager Policy & Planning

Russell Engelke

Team Leader Open Spaces

Craig Goodier

Principal Engineer

Martina Groves

Manager Regional Assets

Sandy Haidekker

Team Leader Fresh Water & Ecology

Nathan Heath

Area Manager Northern Hawke's Bay

Gavin Ide

Principal Advisor Strategic Planning

Tim Jones

Project Engineer

Dr Kathleen Kozyniak

Team Leader Marine Air & Land Science

Anna Madarasz-Smith

Manager Science

Julie-Anne McPhee

Senior Project Manager

Malcolm Miller

Manager Consents

Mark Mitchell

Team Leader Principal Advisor Biosecurity Biodiversity

Thomas Petrie

Programme Manager Protection & Enhancement Projects

Brendan Powell

Manager Catchments Policy Implementation

Becky Shanahan

Senior Scientist Marine & Coasts

Mike Signal

Team Leader Pollution Response and Enforcement

Richard Wakelin

Senior Catchment Advisor (Policy Implementation)

Jolene Townshend

Acting Manager Catchment Delivery

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.

1 ⇩	Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Taiwhenua report - Marei Apatu
2 ⇩	Te Whanganui Orotu Report - Peter Eden

Topic	Raised by