Agenda of Māori Committee - Wednesday, 5 March 2025

Meeting of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council Māori Committee

Date: 5 March 2025

Time: 11.00am

Venue:

Council Chamber

Hawke's Bay Regional Council

159 Dalton Street

NAPIER

Agenda

Item Title Page

1. Welcome/Karakia/Housekeeping/Apologies

2. Conflict of Interest Declarations

3. Alternate member appointments 3

4. Confirmation of Minutes of the Māori Committee meetings held on 4 September and 6 November 2024

5. Call for minor items not on the Agenda 5

Information or Performance Monitoring

6. Reimagining flood Resilience for the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga Plains flood schemes 7

7. Update on the joint climate action work programme 11

8. February 2025 Statutory Advocacy and Resource Management reform update 13

9. Development of HBRC’s Annual Plan 2025-26 27

10. HBRC Chair and CE's verbal updates on current issues

11. Take Ripoata ā Takiwā – Taiwhenua representatives' verbal updates

12. Discussion of minor items not on the Agenda

Parking

1. Paid parking is available on Vautier Street adjacent to the HBRC Building & on Raffles Street.

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

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Māori Committee

5 March 2025

Subject: Reimagining flood Resilience for the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga Plains flood schemes

Reason for report

1. This item introduces a presentation on the Reimagining flood Resilience for the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga Plains flood schemes project.

2. The presentation will outline the key steps that are underway to progress this project, including:

2.1. a project plan overview

2.2. meaningful collaboration and the approach to partnership

2.3. Mātauranga Māori integration.

Background

3. On 13 and 14February 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle delivered an extraordinary amount of rainfall to the Hawke’s Bay region, generating the largest flood flows on record for many of the region’s rivers and severe flooding.

4. In late July 2023, an independent review was commissioned by HBRC to investigate the circumstances and contributing factors that led to flooding during Cyclone Gabrielle. The Hawke’s Bay Independent Flood Review (HBIFR) presented their report, containing 47 recommendations, to HBRC Councillors on 24 July 2024.

5. This project, Reimagining flood Resilience for the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga Plains flood schemes (the Reimagining Project) was established in direct response to the recommendations of the HBIFR, and the scheme reviews and capital works programmes that have been initiated post Cyclone Gabrielle.

6. External consultants, Traverse Environmental, have been engaged to work alongside HBRC staff on this project.

7. The Reimagining Project is intended to take a long-term view, to determine what flood resilience in Hawke’s Bay might look like in generations to come.

8. The intention is that outcomes from this project will be available to inform the next iteration of HBRC’s Long-term Plan, due to be released in 2027.

9. The Reimagining Project has been identified as a pilot initiative for the Mātauranga Māori Framework, Te Kāpehu, which has been developed by HBRC over a 12-month period and is now in its working draft phase.

10. Te Kāpehu is a practical tool designed to guide how the HBRC appropriately engages with and incorporates Mātauranga Māori in its work. It validates the holistic approach to Te Taiao inherent in Mātauranga Māori and reflects the worldview of mana whenua partners. By creating space for Mātauranga Māori in design and decision-making processes, the framework aims to achieve improved, sustainable, and culturally inclusive outcomes.

11. A resolution was passed by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council at their meeting on 18^th December to proceed with the Reimaging Flood Resilience Project.

12. It was also greed that $700,000 of funding be allocated through the 2025-2026 Annual plan for this project.

Considerations of tangata whenua

13. While developing this project, HBRC has considered the HBIFR recommendations alongside our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

14. Recognising the critical need to enable Mātauranga Māori and local knowledge to inform future resilience solutions, this initiative prioritises the inclusion of tangata whenua perspectives to ensure both technical and cultural appropriateness.

15. The approach is designed to test and refine the integration of Mātauranga Māori into our decision-making processes, and overall project management.

Discussion

Strategic fit

16. The Reimagining Flood Resilience Project is a key strategic initiative for HBRC. Its long-term, intergenerational focus benefits communities and Māori alike. By combining technical flood management with Mātauranga Māori, the project aims to deliver strategies that are both resilient and culturally attuned.

Meaningful collaboration and partnership mechanism

17. Initially, a co-design approach was proposed to involve partners such as Tamatea Pōkai Whenua Trust, Mana Ahuriri Trust, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc, and local councils. Early engagement and capacity assessments have led to a refined model.

18. The Council remains committed to genuine collaboration. Alternate oversight mechanisms are being explored to enable an adaptive framework that supports flexible, iterative engagement and participation of tangata whenua partners.

19. The project and governance structure continues to be refined but several key elements have been proposed, including:

19.1. PSGE and Iwi representation will be included in the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), supported by dedicated mātauranga Māori expertise.

19.2. A partnership oversight mechanism will be identified to provide strategic guidance and enable meaningful collaboration with Māori.

19.3. Early input from project partners, tangata whenua and mana whenua will continue to be sought to inform the project development.

Application of Te Kāpehu

20. The project will pilot Te Kāpehu to integrate Mātauranga Māori into flood resilience strategies. The framework comprises five components:

20.1. Te Paewai (The Horizon):
This component identifies the current context by pinpointing areas where Mātauranga Māori is relevant and focuses on immediate challenges, such as the vulnerability of culturally significant sites and papakāinga to flood events, ensuring that traditional knowledge informs our risk assessments.

20.2. Te Pae Tawhiti (The Distant Horizon):
Guides the Project in articulating the shared intergenerational aspirations of HBRC and mana whenua, establishing a clear, forward-looking vision for sustainable flood resilience.

20.3. Ngā Pou Matua (The Direction Markers):
Uses core values—whakapapa, mana, tapu, and mauri—as ethical and cultural guides for decisions, ensuring that technical measures also uphold the intrinsic value of Māori heritage.

20.4. Ngā Whare (The Star Houses):
Translates these values into practical guidelines, informing engagement protocols and ensuring that every aspect of the Project reflects the spirit of traditional knowledge.

20.5. Te Waka (The Vessel):
Symbolises the importance of sustained, equitable partnerships between HBRC and mana whenua, ensuring that collaborative processes drive Project progress.

21. The application of Te Kāpehu within the project will include, but not be limited to:

21.1. mapping relevant activities to ensure traditional knowledge is embedded at critical junctures

21.2. establishing protocols for the use and protection of Mātauranga Māori in consultation with mana whenua

21.3. implementing mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation using culturally based indicators, with regular reviews to refine the approach

21.4. facilitating regular hui and workshops with the Māori Committee to ensure continuous feedback and adaptation.

Next steps

22. The following next steps have been identified:

22.1. complete the development of the project structure.

22.2. maintain regular engagement with the Māori Committee through workshops and progress updates to review progress and seek feedback and input on the approach to tangata whenua considerations.

Decision-making considerations

23. 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 Reimagining flood Resilience for the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga Plains flood schemes staff report and presentation.

Authored by:

Simon Bendall

Project Lead - Traverse Environmental

Louise McPhail

Manager Recovery (Asset Management)

Te Wairama Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Approved by:

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Māori Committee

5 March 2025

Subject: Update on the joint climate action work programme

Reason for report

1. This item introduces a verbal update on work progressing in the joint climate action work programme overseen by the Climate Joint Action Committee.

Background

2. In November, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council staff provided an update on the joint climate action work programme being progressed with oversight from the Climate Action Joint Committee.

3. This included an update on the Regional Climate Change Risk Assessment project that commenced in September 2024 under the workstream ‘Climate information to support risk-informed decision making’. The Committee requested another update on this work at this meeting.

Discussion

4. A verbal update on the risk assessment project will be provided at the meeting. The findings of the risk assessment will be presented to the Climate Action Joint Committee on 31 March 2025, where next steps from the report will also be considered. At this meeting, the Climate Joint Action Committee will also confirm the joint climate action work program for the coming year.

5. To support the public release of the report, the Climate Action Technical Advisory Group have engaged a communications consultant, Reputation Matters. This will include communications collateral to support governors in having conversations about this work, and opportunities for further work and action, with their respective entities.

6. Staff will also provide a verbal update on other emissions reduction focused work being progressed through this work programme.

Decision-making considerations

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

Recommendation

That the Māori Committee receives and notes the Update on the joint climate action work programme staff report.

Authored by:

Jack Smith-Ballingall

Māori Partnerships Manager - Central & Internal Relationships

Amberley Gibson

Climate Change Lead Strategic Advisor

Approved by:

Te Wairama Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Attachment/s There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Māori Committee

5 March 2025

Subject: February 2025 Statutory Advocacy and Resource Management reform update

Reason for Report

1. This item updates the status of reports on proposals forwarded to the Regional Council and assessed by staff acting under delegated authority as part of the Council’s Statutory Advocacy project. This edition features a new-look style. Feedback on this new style is invited.

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

2.1. resource consent applications publicly notified by a territorial authority

2.2. reviews and changes to district plans overseen by a territorial authority

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

3. From time to time, the Statutory Advocacy project also coordinates the Regional Council’s feedback on resource management-related proposals from central government agencies such as Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Primary Industries and Parliamentary Committees etc.

4. In all cases, the Regional Council is not the decision-maker, applicant nor proponent.

5. Copies of formal submissions made by the Regional Council on resource management-related proposals can be viewed online at www.hbrc.govt.nz (keyword #hbrcsubmissions).

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 February 2025 Statutory Advocacy and Resource Management reform update.

Authored by:

Gavin Ide

Principal Advisor Strategic Planning

Nichola Nicholson

Acting Manager Policy & Planning

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

1 ⇩

Statutory Advocacy Update February 2025

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Māori Committee

5 March 2025

Subject: Development of HBRC’s Annual Plan 2025-26

Reason for report

1. This iitem provides the Māori Committee with an update on the development of Council’s Annual Plan 2025-26.

2. This follows the update staff presented to the Māori Committee on 6 November 2024.

Background

3. Annual plans are prepared and adopted under section 95 of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA). Council is required to produce an annual plan in the years between long-term plans. Long-term plans are reviewed and adopted every three years. The Annual Plan 2025-26 is Year 2 of the Three-Year Plan 2024-2027 (our long-term plan equivalent post Cyclone Gabrielle).

4. An annual plan provides an opportunity for small adjustments or variances from the long-term plan to reflect changes since the plan was adopted.

5. If the proposed annual plan includes significant or material differences from the content of the long-term plan for that financial year, Council must consult under the principles of consultation under section 82 of the LGA.

Development of Annual Plan 2025-26

6. The Council has held several workshops since staff last updated the Māori Committee in November 2024.

7. Staff were asked to explore potential areas for cost savings and alternative funding options to reduce the forecast 18.3% average rates increase while prioritising flood resilience. Additional costs have also been identified now we have better information on new work that needs doing and on costs for existing work.

8. Council will adopt the proposed Annual Plan for consultation on 26 March 2025. Subject to any last minute changes, Council is working towards consulting on an average rates increase of 9.9% plus a new targeted rate to fund Mangarau Stream flood resilience work. This new targeted rate impacts some Hastings district ratepayers.

9. This is significantly lower than the average rates increase of 18.3% forecast for Year 2 of the Three Year Plan, therefore Council has resolved to consult.

10. Council will be consulting on the following:

10.1. Mangarau Stream – a new targeted rate, with the funds being passed to Hastings District Council who own and manage the asset and who will undertake the work. Options for consultation include the length of time for the rate to be collected.

10.2. Amending two targeted rates – Passenger Transport and the Upper Tukituki Flood Resilience Scheme.

11. Council is also consulting concurrently on:

11.1. Revenue and Financing Policy – amendments to the above two targeted rates, and other minor changes.

11.2. Rates Remission and Postponement Policies.

11.3. Hawke’s Bay Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035.

Next steps

12. The timeline is outlined below.

13. Staff are finalising the consultation material, including the supporting information, to present to Council on 26 March 2024 to adopt for consultation.

14. Consultation takes place from 31 March to 2 May 2024. Hearings and deliberations are held in May and June, with Council scheduled to adopt the Annual Plan on 25 June 2025.

Decision-making considerations

15. 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 Development to HBRC’s Annual Plan 2025-26 staff report.

Authored by:

Mandy Sharpe

Senior Corporate Planner

Approved by:

Desiree Cull

Strategy & Governance Manager

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

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