Agenda of Regional Council Meeting - Wednesday, 26 April 2023

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

26 April 2023

Subject: Independent review of HBRC's Flood Assets' performance during Cyclone Gabrielle

Reason for Report

1. This agenda item seeks the Council’s confirmation of the Terms of Reference for an independent review of the performance of HBRC’s flood protection and drainage assets during Cyclone Gabrielle, and to test whether drainage (maintenance) schemes remain fit for purpose in some catchments.

Officers’ Recommendations

2. Council officers recommend that the Council resolves a Terms of Reference that aligns with the broad intent of Council in undertaking the review, and delegates the Interim Chief Executive to finalise the Terms of Reference and the appointment of suitably qualified Review Panel members.

Executive Summary

3. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) wishes to record its intention in relation to an independent review. This Terms of Reference is intended to provide transparency for those members and organisations of the Hawke’s Bay community affected by the flood event, as well as stakeholders more generally, including relevant government ministers, in setting out the scope of the review to be undertaken by an independent Review Panel.

Background /Discussion

4. Cyclone Gabrielle was a Category 3 tropical cyclone, originating from the Coral Sea that tracked towards the north-east of the North Island of New Zealand. The most severe weather impacted Hawke’s Bay on Sunday 12 February and Monday 13 February, then reduced in intensity. At the onset of the cyclone, Hawke’s Bay had already recently experienced the wettest 6-month period since records begun. Rivers were expected to rise responsively to rainfall.

5. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) assessed that this was the largest recorded rainfall event in the region for several sites. Actual rainfall during Gabrielle exceeded forecasts by more than 250mm in one area. Of note was the Glengarry gauge, used to monitor the Esk Valley, which received 501mm over 24 hours - equal to nearly six months of rainfall and between 1am and 7am. Gabrielle delivered about 320mm of rain to our Newstead site, in the western hills of the Ahuriri catchment near Puketapu, which is about one-third of the usual annual rainfall there – most of it falling within 24 hours.

6. Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (HBCDEM) declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 0431hrs. A State of National Emergency was then declared by NEMA at 0843hrs 14 February 2023.

7. Extensive flooding due to rapidly rising rivers lead to extensive and widespread flooding across the region. Hawke’s Bay sadly experienced a loss of human life as well as the loss of many animals caught up in the swift flowing flood waters. Many other people were trapped on their rooftops or cars and needed rescue by helicopter or boat during the event.

8. Houses and buildings were flooded and people’s possessions lost, so this event has placed a huge pressure on our communities. A state of emergency was declared simultaneously with Civil Defence escalation across the region. Communities have also banded together to provide each other shelter and necessities as people work through the recovery process.

Options Assessment

Option 1

9. This option is for Council to resolve to initiate this specific independent review with the scope limited solely to the performance of HBRC’s flood protection and drainage schemes in accordance with the Terms of Reference (attached).

Option 2

10. Option 2 is for staff to proceed with the execution of the Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme & Upper Tukituki (UTT) Flood Control Scheme reviews as proposed, noting that some aspects of the proposed ‘independent’ review will be carried out as part of those reviews, already in train or being scoped, as follows.

Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme & Upper Tukituki (UTT) Flood Control Scheme Review

Scheme Review
Who performs	External consultant and peer reviewed supported by staff
What is objective?	1. Review of the event and response of the schemes 2. Review of the Scheme Infrastructure to identify options and improvements, including costs, to our scheme assets to improve performance for over (super) design events.
Likely Duration of Review	12-18 months
Likely cost and who pays?	$700k - General Rates funded
Indicative Dates	April 2023 – September 2024

11. The Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme & Upper Tukituki (UTT) Flood Control Scheme reviews will be undertaken whether or not a separate independent review is conducted.

Option 3

12. Option 3 is to apply an independent lens to the Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme & Upper Tukituki (UTT) Flood Control Scheme reviews and extending the scope to assess the performance of all HBRC-owned and operated flood protection, control and drainage schemes. An independent Review Panel would be engaged to conduct the reviews, which would also include a community engagement component to provide ‘community voice’ inputs.

13. The Review Panel’s HBRC flood protection, control and drainage schemes performance review report would then sit alongside the Cyclone Gabrielle Flood Report (outlined following), together providing a comprehensive picture of the effects and impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Cyclone Gabrielle Flood Report

Scheme Review
Who performs	HBRC staff supported by sector staff/consultants
What is objective?	Document the extent and impact of the flood event. This is a Level of Service Measure(LOSM).
Likely Duration of Review	6 months (LOSM target)
Likely cost and who pays?	2 FTE for 6 months - General Rates
Indicative Dates	September 2023

Significance and Engagement Policy Assessment

14. The decisions facing Council now to undertake an independent review have been considered against Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy, and staff consider that the decision is not significant enough to necessitate consultation, for the reasons noted below. In summary, staff consider the scope and decision to undertake the independent review are decisions for Council and are consistent with community feedback already received.

15. Once initiated, the independent review will be widely communicated to the public and engagement sought with impacted communities to provide ‘community voice’ inputs into the review.

Criteria for Significance	Assessment	Comment
The likely level of community interest	High	While interest is high, this review is in response to community feedback so considered to be supported by communities impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.
The likely impact or consequences for affected individuals and groups in the region	Low	We expect there may be psychosocial benefits from initiating the review independently, however few other tangible impacts on individuals or groups. As a group, Regional Council staff will be impacted however appropriate support mechanisms can be put in place.
How much a decision or action impacts on the rights and interests of tāngata whenua under the Treaty of Waitangi	Low	Rights and interests of tangata whenua will be considered throughout the review and not considered to be adversely impacted by these decisions to undertake the review.
How much a decision or action promotes community outcomes or other Council priorities	Low	Findings of the review will likely impact future community outcomes and Council priorities which will be subject to Significance and Engagement Policy assessment and consultation processes as appropriate. Undertaking an independent review aligns with all of our values set in the current Strategic Plan 2020-2025 (Partnership & Collaboration, Accountability, Transparency and Excellence).
The impact on levels of service identified in the current Long Term Plan	Low	Findings of the review will likely impact future Levels of Service which will be subject to Significance and Engagement Policy assessment and consultation processes for future Long Term Plans.
The likely impact of climate change factors in the region	Low	As above
the impact on rates or debt levels	Low	This may impact rates, depending on where it is funded and associated future decisions will be made by Council through the 2023-2024 Annual Plan process.
the cost and financial implications of the decision to ratepayers	Low	The independent review is estimated to cost upwards of $500k, excluding HBRC staff time, currently unbudgeted. This is considered low impact based on the Council’s total operating budget of $77M.
the involvement of a strategic asset	Low	The independent review itself will involve assessing Council’s strategic assets – Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme and Upper Tukituki Catchment Control Scheme, however the decisions associated with initiating the review do not directly involve those.

Financial and Resource Implications

16. The independent review in accordance with the proposed Terms of Reference is estimated to cost upwards of $700k, not including HBRC staff time, and is unbudgeted expenditure. Within current budget constraints staff are considering where these costs can be attributed to for adding into the 2023-2024 Annual Plan process.

Decision Making Process

17. 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:

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

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

17.3. The decision to initiate this review is not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted Significance and Engagement Policy.

17.4. The persons affected by this decision are all those interested in and affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

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

Recommendations

That Hawke’s Bay Regional Council:

1. Receives and considers the Independent review of HBRC's Flood Assets' performance during Cyclone Gabrielle 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 Council can exercise its discretion and make decisions on this issue without conferring with the community or persons interested in the decisions.

3. Agrees to initiate an independent review of the performance of all HBRC-owned and operated flood protection, control and drainage schemes during Cyclone Gabrielle in accordance with the proposed Terms of Reference attached.

4. Delegates to the Interim Chief Executive, Bill Bayfield, finalising the scope for the review as contained in the Terms of Reference attached.

5. Instructs the Interim Chief Executive, Bill Bayfield, to engage Phil Mitchell as the Independent Review Panel Chair and 2-3 suitably qualified independent supporting panellists.

Authored by:

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Susie Young

Group Manager Corporate Services

Approved by:

Pieri Munro

Interim Chief Executive

Attachment/s

1 ⇩

draft proposed Flood Protection Assets performance Review Terms of Reference

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

26 April 2023

Subject: Affixing of the Common Seal

Reason for Report

1. The Common Seal of the Council has been affixed to the following documents and signed by the Chair or Deputy Chair and Chief Executive or a Group Manager.

Seal No.

Date

1.2

Staff Warrants

1.2.1 H. Gadia

(Delegations under Resource Management Act 1991 (Sections 34A(1) and 38(1); (Delegations under Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941; Land Drainage Act 1908; and Local Government Act 2002 (Section 177))

1.2.2 H. Patel

1.2.3 L. Simmonds

1.2.4 E. Atkins

1.2.5 K. Wedde

1.2.6 T. Maxwell

(Delegations under Resource Management Act 1991 (Sections 34A(1) and 38(1); (Delegations under the Biosecurity Act 1993 (Sections 103 and 105); Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 (s.86-92); Maritime Transport Act 1994 (Section 33G(a); Building Act 2004 (Section 317B); and Local Government Act 2002 (Section 177))

1.2.7 M. Mackintosh

Delegations under Resource Management Act 1991 (Sections 34A(1) and 38(1); (Delegations under the Biosecurity Act 1993 (Sections 103 and 105); Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 (s.86-92); Maritime Transport Act 1994 (Section 33G(a); Building Act 2004 (Section 317B); and Local Government Act 2002 (Section 177))

1.2.8 T. Thomas

1.2.9 S. Bateman

1.2.10 J. Mardle

(Delegations under Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941; Land Drainage Act 1908

4535

4536

4537

4538

4539

4540

4541

4542

4543

4544

23 March 2023

17 April 2023

20 April 2023

2. The Common Seal is used twice during a Leasehold Land Sale, once on the Sale and Purchase Agreement and once on the Land Transfer document. More often than not, there is a delay between the second issue (Land Transfer document) of the Common Seal per property. This delay could result in the second issue of the Seal not appearing until the following month.

3. As a result of sales, the current numbers of Leasehold properties owned by Council are:

3.1. No cross lease properties were sold, with 63 remaining on Council’s books

3.2. No single leasehold property was sold, with 75 remaining on Council’s books.

Decision-making Process

4. Council is required to make every decision in accordance with the provisions of Sections 77, 78, 80, 81 and 82 of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within these sections of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

4.1. Sections 97 and 88 of the Act do not apply

4.2. Council can exercise its discretion under Section 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Act and make a decision on this issue without conferring directly with the community or others due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided

4.3. That the decision to apply the Common Seal reflects previous policy or other decisions of Council which (where applicable) will have been subject to the Act’s required decision-making process.

Recommendations

That Hawke’s Bay Regional Council:

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. Confirms the action to affix the Common Seal.

Authored by:

Leone Andrews

EA to Group Manager, Corporate Services

Vanessa Fauth

Finance Manager

Diane Wisely

Executive Assistant

Approved by:

Pieri Munro

Interim Chief Executive

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

26 April 2023

Subject: Strategic Projects Report for February and March 2023

Reason for Report

1. This agenda item presents the Project Management Office’s (PMO) Strategic projects report for February and March 2023 for councillors’ information.

2. HBRC’s key strategic projects are tracked by the Project Management Office (PMO) and reported monthly throughout their lifecycle. These projects were selected because of their significance in terms of investment, risks, benefits, and interdependencies.

Key

*Risk status is inherent (eg. prior to mitigations and controls implemented) vs residual.

Performance Indicators (RAG): u= Off Track, n = At Risk, l = On Track

Status Change over last 6 months: how the status has tracked between August 2022 and March 2023

Project/Programme Title	Schedule	Risk*	Budget	Status Change over last 6 months
1. Land for Life (Monthly reporting)	l	n	l		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	l		l	l	l	n	n
				Risk	n		n	n	n	n	n
				Bud	l		l	n	l	n	n
1.1 Since the cyclone the project team has been working closely with the catchment team to reposition the project as a key tool to support farms move from recovery to a more resilient future based on a more appropriate mosaic of land use that aligns with the landowners’ vision. The farm planning process is central to the Land for Life model. 1.2 Farm plans for 12 farms are complete and will be reviewed with farmers when they have capacity to engage. Discussions have ramped up with MPI to partner in scale-up efforts. Discussions with banks/implementation partners about financial models are underway. 1.3 The repositioning efforts, farmer availability and consultancy capacity have delayed the project by several months. This is positive so as to align with recovery efforts. 1.4 Financial modelling, business case development and scale-up planning continues. A current gap is engagement with farmers, and the project is working with the catchment management team to resolve this when farmers are ready to engage. 1.5 Despite repositioning and delays, the project is running under budget with surplus funds being available to support repositioning of the project and scale-up efforts under guidance from the project's Steering Group. 1.6 Risks remain on supply chains of seedlings and labour to support scale up. This is being offset through support by HBRC and MPI efforts to scale-up pole nursery capacity and consider planting requirements. 1.7 Continuing to partner with organisations involved in developing lower cost methods for planting natives.
2. Regional Water Security Programme (Monthly reporting)	n	u	n		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	n		n	n	n	n	n
				Risk	l		n	n	n	n	n
				Bud	n		n	n	n	n	u
2.1 CHB Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR): Draft consent conditions have now been received following a series of delays incurred through the consent process (largely due to flood events in Auckland and Hawke’s Bay impacting personnel). The conditions are under technical review and proposed amendments are to be negotiated. Engagement with mana whenua and CHBDC is underway in preparation for a consent decision being made public. Monitoring data is to be captured in April providing a robust baseline for the trial period. Implementation/construction planning is underway. The project is exposed to inflationary pressures, and assuming a successful consenting outcome, budget will need to be closely managed during the final design and construction phase 2.2 Heretaunga Water Storage: Conducted a post-cyclone reconnaissance in March. Geologists affirmed that landslide area didn’t move and despite significant flooding/debris/landslide damage it didn’t undermine the key credentials of the site for water storage. Technical investigations on the alternate dam alignment at the preferred dam site are progressing with a draft report anticipated early May. Peer review report of the landslide/seismic assessment has been issued. A further peer review of the alternate dam site alignment will be commissioned in June. Preparation for a full Feasibility Business Case is underway and anticipated to be presented in July pending technical investigations and the peer review. Funding will need to be secured to commit to a full Feasibility Study. 2.3 Regional Water Assessment: Final report was presented to CHBDC, HDC and NCC in January/February. Preparing to present the final report to Councillors in May, and at the full Council meeting at the end of June. This will include the summary document designed for public dissemination. 2.4 As previously noted, timelines have slipped due to a number of factors. None-the-less, all three projects continue to progress with the Regional Water Assessment and CHB MAR both achieving important milestones, and the conclusion of a significant body of technical work for Heretaunga Water Security is due mid-year.
3. Ahuriri Regional Park (Quarterly reporting)	n	n	u		Sep	Dec
				Sch	l	n
				Risk	n	n
				Bud	n	n
3.1 Work has been underway to appoint a Project Manager. The recommended Project Manager will be presenting to the Joint Committee on 5 May. 3.2 Staff have signalled to Council through the development of the annual plan that the HBRC investment into the proposed Regional Park should be considered in the context of Cyclone Gabrielle Recovery funding requirements. 3.3 Budget expenditure for the financial year is at risk as it is dependent on the project manager being appointed to set the project in motion. Financial performance is within budget, however project launch and recruitment of resources may lead to under expenditure for 2022-23. 3.4 Current risks are: availability of project management resources to develop foundation project management plan for this significant project, HBRC's financial commitment which is under consideration by Council, and project delivery which has increased since last report. 3.5 Risks are being managed by the host organisation Napier City Council. The appointment of the project manager will see the development of project risk assessment as one of the foundation project management documents. 3.6 Funding commitment decisions for HBRC will be determined through the annual plan process.
4. Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy (Monthly reporting)	u	n	l		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	l		l	l	l	l	l
				Risk	n		n	n	n	n	n
				Bud	l		l	l	l	l	l
4.1 The February and March Joint Committee meetings were cancelled due to the Cyclone response taking precedence. These were key meetings to brief new Councillors on the Joint Committee and advance discussions on the funding model for implementation. 4.2 August target for notifying the Strategy will not be met. 4.3 Internal resources available to contribute to Strategy development are limited at this time. 4.4 Future project schedule to be developed with the Joint Committee at their next meeting in May, with consideration of revised Council priorities, resource availability, and Long Term Plan processes.
5. Kotahi Plan (Monthly reporting)	u	u	l		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	l		l	l	l	l	l
				Risk	n		n	n	n	n	n
				Bud	l		l	l	l	l	l
5.1 The effects of Cyclone Gabrielle (February 6-16) have put the Kotahi programme on hold as recovery efforts took priority.
6. TANK Plan Change (Quarterly reporting)	n	u	n		Sep	Dec
				Sch	n	n
				Risk	l	u
				Bud	n	n
6.1 During this quarter, the Council’s 25 January 2023 memorandum set out a proposed topic structure for mediation and identified a number of preliminary matters for consideration by the Court prior to appeals being referred to mediation. 6.2 Parties initially had until 17 February 2023 to file their comments in response. As a consequence of Cyclone Gabrielle affected parties were given an extension till 10 March to respond. 6.3 Three memoranda have been filed in response seeking an alternative topic allocation to that proposed. Subsequently an amended topic allocation and order was circulated on the 4 April. 6.4 Regarding budget, in this mediation phase legal fees are likely to be the most significant cost. 6.5 Cyclone Gabrielle has added a further dimension as it is unknown how this will impact on those parties who are expected to be involved. There is an impact on HBRC ability to undertake this BAU when the core focus of the organisation is on recovery of the region. These risks are largely outside of our control.
7. Farm Environmental Management Plans (FEMP) (Monthly reporting)	l	n	l		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	l		l	l	l	l	l
				Risk	l		n	n	n	n	n
				Bud	n		l	n	l	l	l
7.1 The 2024 cycle planning has been completed, and steering group approved the project plan at the end of January. A communications plan has been developed. 7.2 Staff for FEMP Project utilised for response to Cyclone Gabrielle throughout March. 7.3 The only additional action since February has been providing feedback to FEMP implementers who have already been through an assessment about the findings from their FEMP. 7.4 Timeframes and activities for the 2024 FEMP cycle is to be re-assessed as the FEMP team is able to transition to BAU alongside wider organisational requirements, and clear outcomes decided if 2024 FEMP cycle proceeding or not. 7.5 Budget is on track with the exception being if the submission portal for 2024 through ICT Business Solutions is chosen. The current estimate for this work is over budget. 7.6 Risks are around the impact of the national requirements of Freshwater Farm Plans. Further details are due in 2023.
8. IRG Flood Control & Drainage Programme (Monthly reporting)	l	l	l		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	l		n	l	n	n	n
				Risk	n		n	n	n	n	n
				Bud	l		n	n	n	n	n
8.1 This work programme was put on hold following Cyclone Gabrielle with response efforts taking priority.
9. Revenue & Financing Policy/ Rates Review (Monthly reporting)	l	n	n		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	l		l	l	l	l	l
				Risk	n		n	n	l	n	n
				Bud	l		l	l	l	l	l
9.1 Project has been delayed by two months due to the Cyclone. Timeline has been reset to work through Stage 2 with Council over the next eight months. 9.2 On track to meet the new deadline for consultation, which is now November 2023. 9.3 Project is resourced largely through current staff however this will become more difficult as more of the finance team work on the Recovery programme. 9.4 Risks are around staff being able to complete the modelling work required, and dependent on recruiting sufficient resources to cover the Regional Recovery work.
10. Enterprise Asset Management (Monthly reporting)	u	u	l		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	n		l	l	l	l	l
				Risk	u		n	n	u	u	u
				Bud	l		l	l	l	l	l
10.1 Progress stalled over February and March as Asset Management staff were deployed to the front line of the response, and into recovery of Cyclone Gabrielle. 10.2 A new ICT project manager has been employed after a long vacancy, and project management work is being picked up. 10.3 This project remains a high priority for HBRC. Asset Management staff are not fully back to BAU, and determining the next steps will be crucial. 10.4 The main risk remains that Asset Management staff SMEs have been redeployed into recovery and rebuild work. Their roles in supporting this project going forward are under discussion. Phasing of the project work is likely to change.
11. Emissions Reduction Plan (Monthly reporting)	l	n	l		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	l		l	l	l	l	n
				Risk	n		n	n	n	n	n
				Bud	l		l	l	l	l	l
11.1 All practitioner emissions reduction workshops (planning & infrastructure, building & construction, transport, agriculture, and forestry) were cancelled after the Cyclone. 11.2 Practitioner and core project staff availability (from HBRC, NCC and HDC) was reduced during the emergency response period. 11.3 Project has been rescoped to include only 4 chapters: Working with Nature (workshop held), Waste (workshop held), Transport (drafting within project team NCC & HBRC), and emissions considerations in the rebuild. 11.4 Aim to maintain a similar timeline and present the first iteration of emissions reductions actions in these areas to the first Joint Committee on Climate Action on 22 May 2023. 11.5 Risks around the reliance on collaborative teamwork from NCC and HDC to co-draft chapters of the plan, and those staff roles have changed since the Cyclone 11.6 The reduced scope plan is now much more council-led than led by the practitioner group so will require more community engagement once complete.
12. Synergy (Monthly reporting)	n	n	n		Aug		Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan
				Sch	l		l	n	n	n	n
				Risk	n		n	n	n	n	l
				Bud	l		l	l	l	l	l
12.1 A number of workshops were run pre-Cyclone for the Accounts Payable Workstream, however work on Synergy stalled after 14 Feb due to lack of resources. 12.2 We are now starting to pick this up again, focusing on document scanning for Accounts Payable and we have our vendor for the current document scanning (OCR) solution coming to help us work through outstanding issues on 11 April. 12.3 The Payroll and Organisation Management Workstream is close to complete. We expect to be arranging an auditor in April/May to review the system and processes as part of this workstream’s sign-off criteria. 12.4 Little progress has been made on the Legacy Database Retirement workstream 12.5 The schedule continues to evolve. As we start each new workstream we are better able to clarify what needs to be completed and the timeline can be refined. 12.6 Project resourcing is a key issue with lack of dedicated project team members, high demand for resource support to complete project tasks, and regional recovery and BAU priorities making availability of Finance and ICT staff to support the project low. 12.7 In managing our risks, we expect more resources to become available in May, however there is no Project Manager, and we await a review of budget and priority post-Cyclone. Due to the Cyclone impact we didn't use support hours from Attura consultancy, but these have been rolled over and are ongoing.
13. Transport Choices (monthly reporting)	l	n	l	New Project
13.1 The project is in the development phase with plans such as communications & engagement, and monitoring & evaluation currently being put together. This is in partnership with Waka Kotahi and is mostly templated. 13.2 The funding for the first phase has been made available after signing the memorandum of understanding, and getting the high-level timeline and budget signed off. 13.3 The project is roughly one month behind schedule due to the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. This is not a concern to Waka Kotahi, and there are other councils in the same position. The project is still considered on track. 13.4 The total budget for the project, across two financial years, is $1.39M. This is 100% funded by Waka Kotahi. We have been allocated approximately $270K for the strategic development phase, which has only been an internal cost to date. 13.5 Current present risks are delays due to availability of internal and external resources. This is not currently an issue, but presents a risk to the development of the project, due to the strict timeline for completion.

Project Summaries
1. Land for Life A pilot on up to five farms with loans offered to landowners to plant trees on marginal land that can earn a return and enhance regenerative farming practices. Run in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and the Ministry for Primary Industries to accelerate erosion control work and extend the programme to more farms.
2. Regional Water Security Programme Investigating water supply options aiming to ensure Hawke’s Bay has long-term, climate-resilient, and secure supplies of freshwater for all. This supports the Kotahi Plan and includes: 2.1 exploring above ground, medium-scale water storage options in the Ngaruroro catchment for and on behalf of the community 2.2 setting up a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) trial in Central Hawke’s Bay to determine whether MAR is a viable water storage option and can contribute to water security in the area We will also work with water users to drive more efficient and effective use to complement water storage following the completion of a comprehensive 40-year Regional Water Assessment.
3. Ahuriri Regional Park Working alongside Napier City Council and Mana Ahuriri Trust to redevelop the Lagoon Farm site into a Regional Park to address water quality issues in the Ahuriri Estuary, as well as enhance biodiversity, and cultural and recreational benefits for the community.
4. Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy Working in collaboration with coastal communities and local entities for more than eight years to develop the Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy 2120. We now need to confirm which council or councils will take charge and lead this work, and are undertaking consultation, proposing that HBRC should take charge of coastal hazard adaptation between Clifton and Tangoio, as recommended by an independent Funding Review. This would give the Regional Council the mandate to finalise the Strategy. This includes consulting the community on the full implications of implementation, such as the timing and detailed costs of physical works, and who pays for what through the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 process.
5. Kotahi Plan Developing a combined resource management plan for the Hawke’s Bay region. It will refresh how we manage the use and protection our natural and physical resources looking at all aspects of the environment. This includes land and freshwater, air, the coastal and marine area, climate change, biodiversity, urban form and development, natural hazards and risks, energy, transport, and infrastructure. Kotahi will combine and update the existing Regional Policy Statement, the Regional Resource Management Plan, and the Regional Coastal Environment Plan into one, while also giving effect to the new policies, planning and technical standards from central government.
6. TANK Plan Change (Policy) Proposed TANK Plan Change (PPC9) will add new rules to the Regional Resource Management Plan to manage water quality and quantity for the Tūtaekurī, Ahuriri, Ngaruroro and Karamū (TANK) catchments. TANK Plan Change (Implementation): TANK Subcatchments Community Engagement An external communications project, intended to inform rural landowners about the Proposed Plan Change 9 (PPC9) framework and to promote catchment group formation. It is a precursor to the overall PPC9 Implementation, the latter contingent on a decision awaited from Hearings Commissioners and any subsequent appeals.
7. Farm Environmental Management Plans (FEMPs) These aim to address environmental outcomes and actions to improve environmental performance on properties over 4 hectares initially within the Tukituki region in three-yearly submission cycles.
8. IRG Flood Control and Drainage Programme Project 1: Heretaunga Flood Control & Drainage Scheme We are reviewing and upgrading flood protection assets across the Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro, Lower Tukituki and Clive rivers, to increase flood protection across the scheme from a 1 in 100 to a 1 in 500-year event. Project 2: Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme: Gravel Extraction We are removing gravel from the Upper Tukituki River to improve flood protection in Central Hawke’s Bay. Decreased demand for gravel has seen a build-up of gravel (aggradation). Extracting gravel from the riverbeds helps increase river capacity and reduces the risk of water inundation of neighbouring properties during a flood.
9. Revenue & Financing Policy/ Rates Review (incl. Scheme Rating Reviews) First principles review of our Revenue and Financing Policy, and full review of our rating system. The aim is to improve transparency for who pays what, ensure legal compliance, simplify the Policy and provide more flexibility in applying the Policy. Consultation is planned to take place towards the end of 2023 prior to the next Long Term Plan when the amounts rated for many Council services will likely change.
10. Enterprise Asset Management Aims to embed an Asset Management Information System that 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 improve efficiency, allowing us to confidently identify assets (both spatially and uniquely within a register), manage and maintain our current infrastructure through whole-of-life, and assess risk to determine when changes or additions are required.
11. Emissions Reduction Plan Development of an inaugural Regional Emissions Reduction Plan by July 2023 with broad community involvement, support, and engagement, which will integrate with the next long term plans of the region’s councils. The Emissions Reduction Plan will be informed by a greenhouse gas emissions inventory to establish the carbon footprint at the city, district, and regional level. A first for Hawke’s Bay.
12. Synergy The enhancement of already implemented TechnologyOne modules to ensure a stable foundation for the future stages of the TechnologyOne ERP deployment at HBRC.
13. Transport Choices HBRC secured funding of $1.39 million from central government to upgrade eight bus stops in the region and create two new stops. The funding is part of a Transport Choices package included in the Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) led by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Project Summaries

1. Land for Life

A pilot on up to five farms with loans offered to landowners to plant trees on marginal land that can earn a return and enhance regenerative farming practices. Run in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy and the Ministry for Primary Industries to accelerate erosion control work and extend the programme to more farms.

2. Regional Water Security Programme

Investigating water supply options aiming to ensure Hawke’s Bay has long-term, climate-resilient, and secure supplies of freshwater for all. This supports the Kotahi Plan and includes:

2.1 exploring above ground, medium-scale water storage options in the Ngaruroro catchment for and on behalf of the community

2.2 setting up a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) trial in Central Hawke’s Bay to determine whether MAR is a viable water storage option and can contribute to water security in the area

We will also work with water users to drive more efficient and effective use to complement water storage following the completion of a comprehensive 40-year Regional Water Assessment.

3. Ahuriri Regional Park

Working alongside Napier City Council and Mana Ahuriri Trust to redevelop the Lagoon Farm site into a Regional Park to address water quality issues in the Ahuriri Estuary, as well as enhance biodiversity, and cultural and recreational benefits for the community.

4. Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy

Working in collaboration with coastal communities and local entities for more than eight years to develop the Clifton to Tangoio Coastal Hazards Strategy 2120. We now need to confirm which council or councils will take charge and lead this work, and are undertaking consultation, proposing that HBRC should take charge of coastal hazard adaptation between Clifton and Tangoio, as recommended by an independent Funding Review. This would give the Regional Council the mandate to finalise the Strategy. This includes consulting the community on the full implications of implementation, such as the timing and detailed costs of physical works, and who pays for what through the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 process.

5. Kotahi Plan

Developing a combined resource management plan for the Hawke’s Bay region. It will refresh how we manage the use and protection our natural and physical resources looking at all aspects of the environment. This includes land and freshwater, air, the coastal and marine area, climate change, biodiversity, urban form and development, natural hazards and risks, energy, transport, and infrastructure. Kotahi will combine and update the existing Regional Policy Statement, the Regional Resource Management Plan, and the Regional Coastal Environment Plan into one, while also giving effect to the new policies, planning and technical standards from central government.

6. TANK Plan Change (Policy)

Proposed TANK Plan Change (PPC9) will add new rules to the Regional Resource Management Plan to manage water quality and quantity for the Tūtaekurī, Ahuriri, Ngaruroro and Karamū (TANK) catchments.

TANK Plan Change (Implementation): TANK Subcatchments Community Engagement

An external communications project, intended to inform rural landowners about the Proposed Plan Change 9 (PPC9) framework and to promote catchment group formation. It is a precursor to the overall PPC9 Implementation, the latter contingent on a decision awaited from Hearings Commissioners and any subsequent appeals.

7. Farm Environmental Management Plans (FEMPs)

These aim to address environmental outcomes and actions to improve environmental performance on properties over 4 hectares initially within the Tukituki region in three-yearly submission cycles.

8. IRG Flood Control and Drainage Programme

Project 1: Heretaunga Flood Control & Drainage Scheme

We are reviewing and upgrading flood protection assets across the Tūtaekurī, Ngaruroro, Lower Tukituki and Clive rivers, to increase flood protection across the scheme from a 1 in 100 to a 1 in 500-year event.

Project 2: Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme: Gravel Extraction

We are removing gravel from the Upper Tukituki River to improve flood protection in Central Hawke’s Bay. Decreased demand for gravel has seen a build-up of gravel (aggradation). Extracting gravel from the riverbeds helps increase river capacity and reduces the risk of water inundation of neighbouring properties during a flood.

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

First principles review of our Revenue and Financing Policy, and full review of our rating system. The aim is to improve transparency for who pays what, ensure legal compliance, simplify the Policy and provide more flexibility in applying the Policy. Consultation is planned to take place towards the end of 2023 prior to the next Long Term Plan when the amounts rated for many Council services will likely change.

10. Enterprise Asset Management

Aims to embed an Asset Management Information System that 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 improve efficiency, allowing us to confidently identify assets (both spatially and uniquely within a register), manage and maintain our current infrastructure through whole-of-life, and assess risk to determine when changes or additions are required.

11. Emissions Reduction Plan

Development of an inaugural Regional Emissions Reduction Plan by July 2023 with broad community involvement, support, and engagement, which will integrate with the next long term plans of the region’s councils. The Emissions Reduction Plan will be informed by a greenhouse gas emissions inventory to establish the carbon footprint at the city, district, and regional level. A first for Hawke’s Bay.

12. Synergy

The enhancement of already implemented TechnologyOne modules to ensure a stable foundation for the future stages of the TechnologyOne ERP deployment at HBRC.

13. Transport Choices

HBRC secured funding of $1.39 million from central government to upgrade eight bus stops in the region and create two new stops. The funding is part of a Transport Choices package included in the Government’s Climate Emergency Response Fund (CERF) led by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Key Strategic Projects Pipeline
Title	Group	Estimated Start
Regional Water Efficiency Programme (‘Future Water Use’)	Asset Management (Water Security)	TBC
Biosecurity Information System	Integrated Catchment Management	TBC
Clive River Dredging 2030	Asset Management (Regional Assets)	TBC
On Demand Public Transport (Napier trial)	Policy & Regulation (Transport)	TBC
Urban Catchment Plans (Te Karamū & Ahuriri)	Asset Management (Regional Assets)	TBC

Decision-making Process

3. 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 Hawke’s Bay Regional Council receives and notes the Strategic projects report for February and March 2023.

Authored by:

Hariza Adlan

Performance & Data Analyst

Sarah Bell

Team Leader Strategy & Performance

Approved by:

Desiree Cull

Strategy & Governance Manager

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

26 April 2023

Subject: Significant organisational activities through May 2023

Reason for Report

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

Significant activities by group

Asset Management Group
Project /Activity description	Significant upcoming milestone(s)	Team or Section
Napier urban waterways	1. All activities associated with the new resource consent compliance are on track.	Regional Assets
Clive River dredging	2. No significant action since 14 February. Work put on hold and stakeholders informed. A workshop paper is being presented as part of the Agenda for the 26 April Council Meeting.	Regional Projects
Wairoa	3. Asset inspections – final technical inspections to be completed by AMG, consultants and BOPRC. 4. Scheme reviews being carried out on Opoho and Ohuia schemes. 5. Ohuia Pump Station expecting arrival of new pump within the next month, but otherwise functions to level of service.	Operations
Central Hawke’s Bay	6. Series of nine Community Meetings: Locality Recovery Planning "Community Conversations" with CHBDC. 7. Makara – dewatering Dam #4 complete. Cyclone response and BAU de-siltation and tree removal to be programmed for suitable conditions with ratepayer consultation. 8. Cyclone stopbank and fencing repairs continuing. 9. Annual maintenance programme in progress.	Operations
Napier Meeanee NCC MOU	10. This work has been delayed due to the cyclone response.	GM
Gravel extraction	11. Existing Authorisations are in place and being actively monitored, predominantly on the Tukituki Catchment. 12. Applications for new gravel Authorisations being processed, with survey provided by applicant where required. 13. Industry meeting scheduled for 21 April 2023. 14. Tangata Whenua Operational Groups inaugural meetings scheduled for 2 May (Tukituki), 3 May (Tūtaekurī), and 4 May (Ngaruroro). 15. Allocations for sustainable gravel extraction for the 2023-2024 FY will be finalised in May 2023.	Operations
Napier Meeanee Scheme Review	16. The completed review has been delivered by Stantec 17. This is being reviewed currently. 18. A workshop will be held on 19 April to collate comments and finalise the review.	Regional Assets
Hastings Karamu Scheme Review	19. A project plan has been created to deliver the scheme review. 20. Work has started on verifying assets and asset sizing prior to modelling, with staff ground truthing culverts and drainage channels. 21. Post Cyclone Gabrielle, a truncated and expediated review will be undertaken to develop capital planning further.	Regional Assets
Cyclone Gabrielle Response	22. Rapid Rebuild of stopbanks continues to progress at pace. Fourteen breaches have been permanently repaired and all other breach sites in execution/construction phase (with exception of new breaches discussed below). Further repair sites are expected to be completed each week over the next 2-3 weeks. 23. A number of additional breaches have been identified in Central Hawkes Bay. 3 PODs are actively progressing repairs in a prioritised manner. 24. Suitable material and materials testing remains our most critical task. 25. River and Waterway Assets inspections have been carried out with support from Environment Southland, Otago Regional Council, Environment Canterbury and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. 26. An intensive process is underway to analyse, score and prioritise repair strategies for each of the assets inspected. 27. Pumpstations have been repaired to be able to undertake most of their functionality, as of pre-Gabrielle. 28. A review of the pumpstations is underway. The outcome of this review will inform future development around the pumpstations. 29. The drain silt excavation programme is underway as part of the recovery. 30. Business as usual Asset Management Maintenance Contract, eg mowing, starting up again where possible.	Regional Assets/ Operations
Regional Parks	31. Significant damage has occurred on our regional parks from Cyclone Gabrielle. 32. A big effort has been made to get Waitangi and Pākōwhai open to the public, involving contractors, HBRC works group and Jobs for Nature workers. Waitangi Improvements 33. No action since 14 February. Work put on hold and stakeholders informed. Awaiting direction on Business as Usual (BAU) project. - pending new project manager Waitangi: Partially open 34. Ongoing wood, silt and other flood debris removal. Over 350 wooden pallets removed. Fuel tanks, shipping containers and chemical containers safely removed. 35. Carpark and Ātea a Rangi open to public. Pākōwhai: Open 36. Bridges repaired and tracks open. Ongoing maintenance work. 37. Over 150 wooden pallets removed. Pekapeka: Partially Open 38. Major damage to boardwalks. 39. Main carpark open to the public. Tūtira: Closed 40. Significant damage to fences and tracks plus siltation. Hawea Historic Park 41. No action since 14 February. Work put on hold and stakeholders informed. Awaiting direction on BAU projects. Pending new project manager.	Regional Projects/ Operations
Cycle Networks	42. Currently 70% of the Hawke’s Bay Trails Great Ride network is open, still damaged but able to be used, repairs continuing. 43. 30% closed – significant stopbank damage, slips or bridges destroyed (4x Tutaekuri) and repair will need coordination with all councils, NZTA and Kiwirail. These are Medium/Long term phases of repair. Will do separate costings and applications for these. 44. Completed the ‘Managing Great Rides (MBR) Extreme Events application to MBIE. This is to cover 100% of damage for short term repairs to the 70% open sections only - $300k applied for, which includes some resilience work.	Regional Assets

Integrated Catchment Management Group
Project /Activity description	Significant upcoming milestone(s)	Team or Section
Hill Country Erosion (HCE)	45. Final review of 2023-27 HCE contract with amendments. 46. HCE staff x 6 contracts to be extended for 12 months and then an additional 3 years once the contract is signed. 47. Variations negotiated in the current contract for the 4Q to enable the use of funding to support nursery development.	Catchment Management
Soil Conservation Nursery	48. The objective for the next month is to ensure power is supplied to the nursery, which is imperative for the successful harvest and survival of poles for the region this season. Within the next 4 weeks, the nursery has to be functioning and ready for harvest commencing in the first week of May. 49. Full electrical re-wiring is to be completed and electrical safety certification (ESC) is signed off by Laser Electrical. The ESC will be supplied to Unison and should provide power back to the nursery to ensure the pumps and irrigation can be used for the harvesting of poles. 50. Installation of 2 pumps for both nursery blocks, pump shed completed. Waterforce to complete switchboard for irrigation pumps. 51. Grading, metaling, and limestone of access track, yard, and main tracks in the Allen Road nursery. Creation of new access to the Harris block. 52. Debris is to be removed with priority on all blocks that are to be harvested this season. 53. Drawings completed for 3 bay pole shed and submitted for consent by Wiff Builders. Delivered and ready for building within 4 weeks. 54. Equipment to be purchased for harvest.	Catchment Management
Erosion Control Scheme	55. Catchment Advisors continue to contact landowners who have yet to complete erosion control plans. The aim is to check in on them and offer technical advice where possible while understanding if they could proceed with planned works for this financial year, or if these need to be deferred. Some would rather reinstate ECS works that have been damaged (fences, trees etc.) rather than implement newly planned work. We are prioritising those that have invested with us to date ahead of new works. 56. Northern staff will be attending the remaining Wairoa Community Development Trust “Backyard BBQs” at various venues throughout Wairoa, Nuhaka, Mahia, Putere etc. 57. Pole harvest number have been finalized – 22,500 poles will be produced. The harvest will be smaller than previous years due to the redevelopment programme, poor growing conditions in some blocks and flood damage.	Catchment Management
Balance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) Supreme winner field day	58. The 2023 East Coast BFEA Supreme Winner is Greg and Gail Mitchell, Mitchell Dairy Farms Ltd. A field day will be held on their property on 18 May, 142 High Rd, Patoka.
Rural Impact Assessment Survey	59. A two-phase framework has been proposed with phase one to be an in-depth survey of trusted key advisors to gain a better picture of the most affected communities. 60. Phase two of the impact assessment is to understand the community's potential needs, which will help identify our role in supporting our rural communities recover.
Post-cyclone rural recovery workshops	61. Porangahau and Elsthorpe catchment group workshops have been put on hold by the MPI On Farm Support team. CHB communities are currently running their own “Community Conversations” sessions. Workshops will progress when the groups are ready, with assistance from HBRC. 62. Interest from other agencies to deliver post-cyclone rural recovery workshops in collaboration with HBRC to meet our farmer/grower needs. 63. Meeting proposed with other agencies to seek appetite for a collaborative & coordinated recovery extension programme to be rolled out across the region.	Catchment Management / Catchments Policy Implementation
Hydrology and WQ	64. Radio faults at Kaharanaki repeater site have been fixed and an audit undertaken. External reviews are underway for the Telemetry system and Repeater stations. Esk river at Berry Road has had its access track repaired and the site continues to be upgraded to provide the best level of service with redundancy measures in place in case of instrument or communication failures. Planning is underway to upgrade the temporary site installs at Mangaone and Puketapu sites. All rain gauge sites across the region have been inspected and calibrated. 65. Water Quality & Ecology team has increased its sampling from 3 monthly to monthly in an effort to accurately define changes in streams and rivers.	Environmental Information
Post-Cyclone Science	66. The Environmental Science team have been working on the rapid development of a post-Cyclone monitoring programme with an aim to gain understanding of the effects of the Cyclone on the region’s natural resources. 67. High frequency monitoring is required of the regions rivers and estuaries to understand whether the baselines previously identified have changed post-Cyclone. 68. The Science team have been working with both the HBRC Recovery team and central government to identify science needs and potential sources of funding. 69. Funding has been approved by MBIE for air quality monitoring to identify potential health effects resulting from the silt deposits becoming airborne.	Environmental Science
Biosecurity	70. All biosecurity staff have been removed from GECC. 71. Controlled Area Notice to allow gravel movement in a section of the Tukituki has been edited and rereleased in print media and online in response to community feedback. Legal advice was again sought in this process. This gravel is specifically for use in rural infrastructure repairs post cyclone Gabrielle and carries strict controls around usage. 72. Woolly nightshade work continues in the rural area as access roads reopen, specifically Glengarry/Patoka. 73. Phragmites work has commenced in urban Napier and Havelock North and is approximately 80 percent completed. 74. Our Wairoa-based Biosecurity Advisor continues to assist our Asset Management team by assessing our Wairoa assets for damage and reporting maintenance needs back to the Asset Management Team. 75. Alligator weed (an Exclusion pest under the RPMP) has been found on a survey of Lake Hatuma as at 12-4-23. Expert staff from Horizons Regional Council assisted with this initial survey and identified the plant. Landowners adjacent to the lake have been notified via mail drop or phone call, signage formulated and erected at access points to the lake. Delimiting survey is yet to be completed. The Mangatarata Stream due to be surveyed in its entirety on Wednesday 19 April by the entire team plus 2 staff from Horizons. Expert advice on control and surveillance sought from NIWA, Horizons, Waikato Regional Council at this stage. 76. Possum maintenance has resumed in the Tutaekuri conservation area and the Erepeti scenic reserve in Northern Hawke’s Bay (Wairoa) 77. All PCA possum monitoring schedule to be carried out in the Wairoa are for 22-23 has now been deferred to 23-24 – approximately 85,000ha, 78. Erepeti PCA maintenance assistance contract in the top end of the Ruakituri Valley in Wairoa 3,760ha has also been deferred to 23-24.	Biosecurity
Biodiversity and Priority Ecosystems	79. As staff return to BAU, all completed and planned projects within the priority ecosystem and protection and enhancement programmes are being assessed for damage and feasibility from the impacts of the cyclone.	Biodiversity

Policy and Regulation Group
Project /Activity description	Significant upcoming milestone(s)	Team or Section
Plan Change 9 (TANK plan) appeals	80. HBRC submitted a memo to the Environment Court on 23 January suggesting grouping of appeal points/topics. 81. Parties initially had until 17 February 2023 to file their comments in response. As a consequence of Cyclone Gabrielle, affected parties were given an extension to 10 March to respond. 82. Three memoranda have been filed by parties in response seeking an alternative topic allocation to that proposed by HBRC. Subsequently an amended topic allocation and order was circulated on 4 April. The Environment Court is yet to confirm if it is satisfied with the amended topic allocation proposal.	Policy
Plan Change 7 (Outstanding waterbodies) appeals	83. Four appeals were lodged with the Environment Court and parties asked the Environment Court to set a hearing date in mid-2023 for those matters where agreements could not be achieved. 84. A revised evidence exchange timetable has been agreed with Hearings now scheduled on or after 20 November 2023.	Policy
Napier-Hastings Future Development Strategy (FDS)	85. HBRC, HDC and NCC adopted the Terms of Reference as proposed and agreed to appoint the Napier-Hastings Future Development Strategy Joint Committee and appointed their respective members. 86. First meeting of the new Joint Committee is scheduled for 27 April. Further meetings are currently scheduled for 3 August, 26 October and 12 December 2023. The FDS work programme is currently being re-evaluated in light of disruptions caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.	Policy
Ngaruroro River Water Conservation Order (WCO) High Court appeal	87. High Court appeal hearing had been scheduled to commence on 8 May 2023, but has recently been cancelled pending clarification from one of the parties about their status and interests in proceedings. New High Court hearing date is yet to be confirmed.	Policy

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 through May 2023 staff report.

Authored by:

Mell Anderson

Project Manager Hill Country Erosion Scheme

Peter Davis

Manager Environmental Information

Harry Donnelly

Project Engineer

James Feary

Operational Response Manager

Dan Fake

Freshwater Ecologist

Craig Goodier

Principal Engineer

Simon Harper

Team Leader Hydrology & Groundwater Science

Rob Hogan

Manager Compliance

Gavin Ide

Principal Advisor Strategic Planning

Jon Kingsford

Project Manager

Dr Kathleen Kozyniak

Team Leader Marine Air & Land Science

Anna Madarasz-Smith

Manager Science

Ken Mitchell

Asset Management Engineer

Richard Wakelin

Manager Rural Recovery

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

Iain Maxwell

Group Manager Integrated Catchment Management

Pieri Munro

Interim Chief Executive

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

General subject of the item to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution	Grounds under section 48(1) for the passing of the resolution
Investment Strategy review outcomes	s7(2)(b)(ii) That the public conduct of this agenda item would be likely to result in the disclosure of information where the withholding of that information is necessary to protect information which otherwise would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information	The Council is specified, in the First Schedule to this Act, as a body to which the Act applies.

Topic	Raised by