Agenda of Regional Planning Committee - Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Meeting of the Regional Planning Committee

Date: Wednesday 14 May 2025

Time: 11.30am

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. Confirmation of Minutes of the Regional Planning Committee meeting held on 12 February 2025

Decision Items

4. Implications of Resource Management Reform on the current Planning Work Programme 3

Information or Performance Monitoring

5. Resource Management Reforms 9

6. Hawke’s Bay Marine and Coastal Group: Assessment of progress on the Research Roadmap 23

7. Implementation of mana whenua planning documents 27

8. Reimagining Flood Resilience for the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga Flood Protection Schemes 31

9. May 2025 Policy Projects update 35

10. Te Muriwai o te Whanga Plan 37

Parking

There will be named parking spaces for tangata whenua members in the HBRC car park – entry off Vautier Street.

Regional Planning Committee Members

Name	Represents
Tania Hopmans (Co-chair)	Maungaharuru-Tangitu Trust
Tania Eden (Deputy Co-chair)	Mana Ahuriri Trust
Karauna Brown /Mana Hazel	Hineuru Iwi Trust
Laura-Margaret Kele	Tamatea Pōkai Whenua Trust
Nicky Kirikiri	Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana
Michelle McIlroy	Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa
Mike Mohi	Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa Trust
Jenny Nelson-Smith	Tamatea Pōkai Whenua Trust
Theresa Thornton	Ngati Pahauwera Development Trust
Hinewai Ormsby (Co-chair)	Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Thompson Hokianga (Deputy Co-chair)	Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Will Foley	Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Xan Harding	Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Charles Lambert	Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Jock Mackintosh	Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Di Roadley	Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Martin Williams	Hawke’s Bay Regional Council
Jerf van Beek	Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Total number of members = 18

Quorum and Voting Entitlements Under the Current Terms of Reference

Quorum (clause (i))

The Quorum for the Regional Planning Committee is 75% of the members of the Committee

At the present time, the quorum is 14 members (physically present in the room).

Voting Entitlement (clause (j))

Best endeavours will be made to achieve decisions on a consensus basis, or failing consensus, the agreement of 80% of the Committee members present and voting will be required. Where voting is required all members of the Committee have full speaking rights and voting entitlements.

Number of Committee members present Number required for 80% support

18 14

17 14

16 13

15 12

14 11

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Regional Planning Committee

14 May 2025

Subject: Implications of Resource Management Reform on the current Planning Work Programme

Reason for report

1. This report seeks a decision on the direction of the Kotahi work programme following recent announcements of Cabinet decisions regarding resource management reform, plus release of the Blueprint for resource management reform prepared by the Expert Advisory Group on Resource Management Reform.

2. This decision is being brought to the Committee to ensure optimal use of staff time and resources in effectively addressing hazards and risks, as well as ensuring the Council is in the best position to be ready and transition smoothly to the new proposed resource management system.

Staff recommendation

3. Staff recommend that the Committee considers the report and approves staff progressing either option two or three.

Executive summary

4. The report seeks a decision on redirecting the Kotahi work programme. A reoriented work programme is appropriate given that the Minister for RMA Reform Hon Chris Bishop released:

4.1. A report and recommendations from the Expert Advisory Group on Resource Management Reform titled ‘Blueprint for resource management reform’ and

4.2. Cabinet papers and minutes recording the Government’s intentions for replacing the RMA with two new acts. The two new Acts would focus on planning and natural environmental management.

5. The report seeks a decision on redirecting the Kotahi work programme following the release of the Blueprint for resource management reform, which proposes replacing the Resource Management Act with new legislation focused on planning and natural environmental management. With the proposed elimination of regional policy statements in favour of region-wide spatial plans, staff recommend proceeding with either option two (prioritising the Hazards & Risk chapter - RPS only) or option three (prioritising Hazards & Risk - RPS and rules).

6. Both recommended options prioritise hazards and risks, while addressing significant climate change considerations and impacts on tāngata whenua communities, whose lands are often in flood-prone areas and face various natural hazard vulnerabilities.

Background /Discussion

7. This paper is to be read in conjunction with the Resource Management Reforms agenda item included as part of the agenda pack for today’s meeting.

8. As discussed in the Resource Management Reforms paper, the Government has recently signalled its intent to replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) with two new pieces of legislation; one focused on planning and the other on natural environmental management.

9. The recommendations contained within the Blueprint for resource management and the accompanying Cabinet decisions if adopted will require the current Regional Resource Management Plan and Regional Coastal Environment Plan to both be replaced with a regional spatial plan and a natural environmental plan.

10. Previously this committee had agreed to progress with preparing a change to the Regional Policy Statement focused on four key areas: Hazards & Risk, Climate Change, Urban Form & Development, and Energy, Infrastructure & Risk and a work programme was developed to support that focus.

11. The new legislation proposals are signalling that a regional policy statement will no longer be required. This will instead be partially replaced with a region-wide spatial plan. As such, the Council’s previous work plan needs to be revisited.

12. It should be noted that all councils within the region have expressed a desire for the Hazards and Risks work to be progressed to support their own plan development.

13. Regional councils across the motu are in a similar situation of trying to understand how the latest announcement impact their work, and how to meaningfully progress work programmes in the face of uncertainty. Progressing the natural hazards work now will also ensure it is ready to directly inform the new spatial plan and district plans, reducing future delays, and position the region to respond quickly once the new planning framework is in place.

Options assessment

14. Following a workshop with members of the Regional Planning Committee in April, the following three options have been prepared for consideration by the committee to provide the best way forward with the Kotahi work programme considering the proposed resource management reforms. The text below outlines each of these options, which are then compared in the following table.

Option One – Status Quo

15. There would be no change to the existing work programme and work would continue preparing a new regional policy statement focusing on; Hazards & Risk, Climate Change, Urban Form & Development, and Energy, Infrastructure & Transport.

Option Two - Hazards & Risk: - RPS only

16. This option would see the Hazards & Risks chapter of the RPS prioritised and notified as a focussed change to the current RPS. It would partially address the Hawke’s Bay Independent Flood Review recommendations by including clearer directive objectives and policies relating to land use management in flood hazard areas, for example direct that district plans avoid unacceptable flood hazard risks. The three other focus topics would be paused until the Hazards & Risk work is completed.

Option Three - Hazards & Risk: RPS and regional rules

17. Lastly this option is the same as option two but would also include a change to the Hazard & Risk chapter of the Regional Resource Management Plan including potential changes to rules. Option 3 would also amend the RPS to enable the Regional Council to include rules for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating natural hazards. Under the current RPS provisions, responsibility for managing natural hazards (except coastal hazards) rests solely with territorial authorities.

Table 1: Option Analysis

	Advantages	Disadvantages	Risks	Other
Option 1 Status Quo	Allows all four focus topics to be considered jointly and subsequent policy to be developed holistically. Work has already begun. May be able to notify RPS changes prior to replacement legislation.	Would take the most time out of all options to progress. The RPS’s lifespan would be limited due to the proposed change in legislation. Allocation of resources to a process that could be ultimately stopped due to change in legislation.	Risk of becoming irrelevant due to legislative changes Possibility of appeal and being overturned. Uncertainty in consenting processing procedures. Potential for central government intervention. Perception of not using resources in the best way possible.	City and district councils can also progress changes to their own plans. Subject to national direction NPS expected to be unveiled mid-2025 and in effect late 2025. RMA replacement legislation introduced late 2025 and passed into law mid-2026.
Option 2 Prioritise Hazards & Risk	Fastest of all options. Would provide direction to other councils. Lowest cost option.	Rules do not align with RPS. Dependant on other local councils updating their own district plans with rules.	Could create uncertainty in processing consents.	Subject to national direction NPS expected to be unveiled mid-2025 and in effect late 2025. RMA replacement legislation introduced late 2025 and passed into law mid-2026.
Option 3 Fast track Hazards & Risk including rules	Inclusion of rules would create certainty for consent processing. Would provide a more holistic set of planning provisions. Will be picked up in new plan system for the transition period. Not as reliant on other local councils updating their own plans.	Will take longer than option two to develop supporting rules.		Subject to national direction NPS expected to be unveiled mid-2025 and in effect late 2025. RMA replacement legislation introduced late 2025 and passed into law mid-2026.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Risks

Other

Option 1

Status Quo

Allows all four focus topics to be considered jointly and subsequent policy to be developed holistically.

Work has already begun.

May be able to notify RPS changes prior to replacement legislation.

Would take the most time out of all options to progress.

The RPS’s lifespan would be limited due to the proposed change in legislation.

Allocation of resources to a process that could be ultimately stopped due to change in legislation.

Risk of becoming irrelevant due to legislative changes

Possibility of appeal and being overturned.

Uncertainty in consenting processing procedures.

Potential for central government intervention.

Perception of not using resources in the best way possible.

City and district councils can also progress changes to their own plans.

Subject to national direction NPS expected to be unveiled mid-2025 and in effect late 2025.

RMA replacement legislation introduced late 2025 and passed into law mid-2026.

Option 2

Prioritise Hazards & Risk

Fastest of all options.

Would provide direction to other councils.

Lowest cost option.

Rules do not align with RPS.

Dependant on other local councils updating their own district plans with rules.

Could create uncertainty in processing consents.

Subject to national direction NPS expected to be unveiled mid-2025 and in effect late 2025.

RMA replacement legislation introduced late 2025 and passed into law mid-2026.

Option 3

Fast track Hazards & Risk including rules

Inclusion of rules would create certainty for consent processing.

Would provide a more holistic set of planning provisions.

Will be picked up in new plan system for the transition period.

Not as reliant on other local councils updating their own plans.

Will take longer than option two to develop supporting rules.

Subject to national direction NPS expected to be unveiled mid-2025 and in effect late 2025.

RMA replacement legislation introduced late 2025 and passed into law mid-2026.

18. When considering the options, consideration should be given to:

18.1. Proposals for a new national policy statement for natural hazards are expected to be released mid-2025 providing some additional certainty for preparing planning documents and resource consent decision-making.

18.2. The Government is considering legislative introducing a new Bill towards the end of July that would allow certain natural hazard rules to take immediate legal effect upon introduction. This means these rules could become enforceable as soon as a proposed plan change is publicly notified, rather than waiting for the complete approval process following submissions, hearings, decisions and potential court appeal proceedings.

18.3. Other councils within the region are not reliant on the Regional Council progressing an RPS plan change prior to them progressing changes to their own planning documents. However, consideration should be given to how to best work collaboratively in order to develop consistent planning documents.

Strategic fit

19. This planning work contributes to the achievement of all four of the Regional Council’s focus areas and helps work towards relevant recommendations from the Independent Flood Review.

Climate change considerations

20. Climate change has a significant interaction with hazards and risk, exacerbating existing risks and creating new hazards. It is recommended that this work continue in order to appropriately address these risks and hazards.

Considerations of tāngata whenua

21. A large portion of the land occupied by tāngata whenua in the region is low-lying, flood-prone and lacking flood protection, leaving people exposed to flooding, coastal erosion, storm surges and tidal inundation. Marae, urupā, and sites of significance, such as wāhi tapu, are also at risk of flooding or erosion as they are frequently located by the coast or near rivers.

22. Some Māori communities also do not have secure freshwater supplies and face shortages of household freshwater during droughts. Some whānau Māori, especially those in more isolated areas, experience significant differences in incomes, which can reduce their ability to protect against, and recover from natural hazard events.

23. This work would seek for mana whenua to be involved in natural hazard decision making and management processes, to the extent that they wish to be, including through the use where appropriate, as determined by mana whenua, of mātauranga Māori.

Financial and resource implications

24. There is no significant expenditure expected from this work as it has previously all been budgeted for or will be funded through business-as-usual funding sources.

25. It is also intended that where possible collaboration will occur with other teams within Council on engagement to minimise costs and avoid duplication in effort and resources.

Decision-making considerations

26. 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:

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

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

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

26.4. The persons affected by this decision are all persons with an interest in the region’s management of natural and physical resources under the RMA.

26.5. 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 the Regional Planning Committee recommends Council:

1. Receives and considers the Implications of Resource Management Reform on the current Planning Work Programme 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 directly with the community or persons likely to have an interest in the decision.

Either

3. Agrees that staff will proceed with a work programme that prioritises preparation of the Hazards & Risks chapter of the Regional Policy Statement for public notification as a change to the current Hawke’s Bay Regional Resource Management Plan (incorporating the regional policy statement) and pauses work on the three other focus topics until the Hazards & Risk work is completed.

4. Agrees that staff will proceed with a work programme that priorotises preparation of the Hazards & Risks chapter of the Regional Policy Statement, including changes to rules, for public notification as a change to the current Hawke’s Bay Regional Resource Management Plan (incorporating the regional policy statement) and pauses work on the three other focus topics until the Hazards & Risk work is completed.

Authored by:

Nichola Nicholson

Manager Policy & Planning

Belinda Harper

Acting Team Leader Policy & Planning

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Regional Planning Committee

14 May 2025

Subject: Resource Management Reforms

Reason for report

1. This report summarises the Government’s proposals for changes to the resource management system of legislation (including replacement of the Resource Management Act) that were announced by the Coalition Government in late March 2025.

2. These changes are significant because the Resource Management Act underpins most of the statutory functions and responsibilities of the Regional Council.

Executive summary

3. The Coalition Government has committed to reform the Resource Management Act. More information was announced in late March about the two new pieces of legislation that will replace the Resource Management Act – the Natural Environment Act and the Planning Act.

4. Each new Act will be supported by one set of national direction, to ensure it is implemented by councils and others in an efficient, nationally-consistent way. This national direction will also provide guidance on how to resolve conflicts between competing priorities

5. Under the new system, each region will have a single regulatory plan that will consist of a spatial plan chapter, an environmental chapter that regional councils will prepare, and planning chapters that territorial authorities will prepare.

6. The Bills will be released towards the end of the year and local government will be able to comment on the Bills during the Select Committee process. The Bills will be passed into legislation mid-2026.

7. The Coalition Government also announced that 20 pieces of national direction will be released in the next few months. Some of this will be new direction, for example the management of natural hazard risks, and some will be an update or replacement of existing direction, e.g. National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

Strategic fit

8. The Resource Management Act and any future legislation will guide direction for the Regional Council and contribute to the achievement of all of its strategic outcomes.

Background

9. The Coalition Government has a Resource Management Act (RMA) Reform programme which has three phases:

9.1. Phase One included repealing the previous government’s reforms which happened in December 2023.

9.2. Phase Two includes introducing the fast-track consenting regime, and new and amended national direction.

9.3. Phase Three involves replacing the RMA.

10. In mid-2024 Cabinet approved 10 principles of reform to guide the direction for Phase Three. Some of the key principles were the enjoyment of private property rights, having a faster and less litigious process, a greater use of national standards and having one regulatory plan per region.

Discussion

11. In late March 2025, the Coalition Government released a Blueprint for Resource Management Reforms (Attachment 1) and announced more information on Phase Two and Phase Three of the reforms.

Phase Two

12. Twenty pieces of national direction will be released in the next few months as part of Phase Two. Some of this will be new national direction, for example direction on the management of natural hazard risks and a National Policy Statement for Papakāinga. Some will be an update on existing national direction, e.g. National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land. The graphic below shows the suite of national direction that will be released.

Phase Three

13. The Coalition Government announced that the Natural Environment Act and the Planning Act will replace the RMA. The dual act approach aims to reduce duplication and overlap between different laws and regulations, providing a clearer framework for managing effects on the natural environment.

14. The Natural Environment Act will focus on the use, protection, and enhancement of the natural environment; this includes our land, air, freshwater and coastal and marine water. There will be environmental limits and default human health limits defined in this Act. Regional councils will create plans under the Natural Environment Act.

15. The Planning Act will focus on land-use planning and regulation. It will enable the urban and infrastructure development New Zealand needs and will align with the Government’s Going for Housing Growth plan and the 30-year National Infrastructure Plan. It will create well-functioning urban and rural areas, including by separating incompatible land use. Territorial authorities will create plans under the Planning Act.

16. Each new act will be supported by one set of national direction, to ensure it is implemented by councils and others in an efficient, nationally-consistent way. This national direction will also provide guidance on how to resolve conflicts between competing priorities.

17. There will also be a spatial plan for each region. The spatial plan would be produced by all councils working collaboratively with central government, infrastructure providers and mana whenua. The spatial plan enables infrastructure and development while also looking at environmental constraints, e.g. natural hazards and highly productive soils. Attachment 2 shows possible layers of a spatial plan.

18. There will be one single regulatory plan for the region that will consist of a spatial plan chapter, an environmental chapter and planning chapters. There will no longer be a Regional Policy Statement under the new planning framework but the spatial plan will help to inform other parts of the plan for the region. This can be seen in Attachment 3.

19. In the proposed system, regional councils will contribute to the preparation of the regional spatial plan and prepare the Environment Plan. Regional councils will:

19.1. map environmental constraints for spatial plans (hazards, SNAs, ONFLs, etc)

19.2. identify and manage risks for natural hazards and protection of SNAs and ONFLS

19.3. set environmental limits to safeguard the environment and allocation limits

19.4. establish charging regime for use of natural resources

19.5. issue natural resource permits

19.6. undertake environmental monitoring.

Resource Consents

20. To help make the consenting system make sense to non-expert users of the system, there will be a change in name for resource consents. Permissions secured under the Planning Act will be called ‘planning consents’. Permissions secured under the Natural Environment Act will be called ‘permits’.

21. It is intended that fewer consents will be required in the new system because controlled activity and non-complying activity statuses will be removed, and only those who persons that are materially affected by an activity can participate in the consent and permit process.

Compliance, monitoring and enforcement

22. One of the ten principles from Cabinet is to shift the system from consenting to focusing more on ensuring people act consistently with the regulatory requirements. Discussion on recommendations remain ongoing and Te Uru Kahika is working to provide feedback to the Government.

Treaty Implications

23. The Blueprint recommended carrying the section 8 clause of the RMA, which is about Treaty principles, into the new legislation. This would develop the decision-making principles to guide how Treaty matters would be reflected in the new legislation. However, Cabinet ruled out inserting the section 8 clause into the new legislation.

24. Instead, Cabinet has committed to develop a Treaty clause that aligns with resource management objectives and Treaty objectives. This will most likely be a targeted clause.

Transition to the new system

25. The Blueprint expressed a desire for a rapid transition to the new system. It recommends that, under the new system, existing district plans become part of combined district plans under the Planning Act, and that regional plans become environment plans under the Natural Environment Act. Regional policy statements will need to be ‘switched off’ as the RPS will not transition to the new system. Planning consents, permits and compliance can begin under the new legislative framework once the existing plans are transitioned over to the new system.

26. Once the existing plans are placed in the new system, there is a 12-month timeframe to create spatial plans.

27. Once the regional spatial plan is created, councils will begin work on creating a new environment chapter and planning chapters.

Indicative Timeframe for Phase 2 and Phase 3

28. The diagram attached (Attachment 4) shows that we are expecting the two Bills to be released late this year and to go through the Select Committee process over the New Year period. The Bills will be passed into legislation before the General Election in 2026.

Next steps

29. The Planning and Policy team will continue to actively monitor for any further announcements and updates from the Coalition Government. Once the Bills are released, the team will look at provisions, particularly transition arrangements, so we make sure we are prepared for the new system. This will also help the team to submit or work with other local authorities to submit through the Select Committee process.

30. The Planning and Policy team will continue to work on projects that will transition to the new system. For example, mapping of Highly Productive Land will continue with the team working on Plan Change 9 TANK appeal proceedings. The Blueprint recommended that local government continued work on plan changes that have been notified under the RMA until all appeals are resolved.

31. At today’s meeting the RPC will decide on next steps for the Kotahi work programme. Once we have direction from the RPC staff intend to continue work with the Joint Taiao Operational Group on a direction to progress the mahi.

32. There are likely to be implications from these changes to the RMA for governance, functions, roles and responsibilities for a braid range of teams and functions across the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s business. The two new Acts are intended to be enacted mid-2026 which is at a time when local government is preparing for the next round of long-term plans.

Decision-making considerations

33. 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 Regional Planning Committee receives and notes the Resource Management Reforms staff report.

Authored by:

Nichola Nicholson

Manager Policy & Planning

Anne Bradbury

Team Leader Policy & Planning

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

1 ⇩	Blueprint for Resource Management Reforms
2 ⇩	Possible layers of a spatial plan
3 ⇩	Regulatory Plan
4 ⇩	Indicative timeframe for Phase 2 and Phase 3

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Regional Planning Committee

Wednesday 14 May 2025

Subject: Hawke’s Bay Marine and Coastal Group: Assessment of progress on the Research Roadmap

Reason for report

1. This item is to provide the Regional Planning Committee (RPC) with the first progress report for the Hawke’s Bay Marine and Coastal Group (HBMaC).

Executive summary

2. The Hawke’s Bay Marine and Coastal Group (HBMaC) is a collaborative initiative established in 2016 to address concerns over localised depletion of inshore fish stocks and environmental degradation in the region’s coastal marine area.

3. Bringing together government agencies, tangata whenua, and fishing stakeholders, HBMaC aims to achieve a healthy and functioning marine ecosystem by prioritising research-driven environmental management.

4. Research outcomes include: assessments of the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle (2023), habitat mapping, report on Key Ecological Areas (KEA), and improved understanding of catch effort of the Hawke’s Bay fisheries, amongst others.

5. By synthesizing scientific research, policy frameworks, and indigenous knowledge, HBMaC remains committed to ensuring long-term sustainability for Hawke’s Bay’s marine environment and fisheries.

6. Looking ahead, the group will focus on: communicating the research back to their represented groups and the community; reinvigorating its membership, including re-engaging with mana whenua to better integrate mātauranga Māori; and continue to fill identified research gaps.

Strategic fit

7. This work provides information to support decision making in resource management, including regional plans.

8. The research outcomes support HBRC’s Strategic Plan Goals for:

8.1. healthy, functioning and climate-resilient biodiversity

8.2. identifying key species and habitats

8.3. identifying priority restoration areas.

Background

9. HBMaC was formed in response to a perceived depletion of inshore finfish stocks and environmental degradation in Hawke’s Bay. Of key concern were the influences of upstream inputs into the marine environment, including sedimentation and contaminants.

10. The realisation that the complexity of interests and legislation in the Coastal Marine Area (CMA) were a barrier to effective management drove the model of a collaborative group, with membership across the different interest groups and legislative entities.

11. In 2016 the Hawke’s Bay Marine Information Review was presented to Council, and HBMaC was introduced. Reporting is to the RPC through the Terms of Reference.

12. The HBMaC Group Research Roadmap was produced with the vision to “achieve a healthy and functioning marine ecosystem in Hawke’s Bay that supports an abundant and sustainable fishery”. The Roadmap covers three core research themes:

12.1. Terrestrial and coastal linkages

12.2. Ecosystem and habitats

12.3. Fisheries.

13. Between 2016 and the present, research has been conducted by members of the group under these themes working towards the gaps identified in the Review.

14. In 2024 the group identified that a progress report was timely to inform resource management reform.

Discussion

15. The stocktake review report (Attachment 1) has met the following research goals:

15.1. Set environmental baselines and conditions for land use that would reduce or mitigate impacts sedimentation on the CMA

15.2. Supported tangata whenua monitoring and species management

15.3. Set benchmarks in terms of biodiversity and the distribution and state (quality) of subtidal marine habitats and other coastal species across Hawke’s Bay

15.4. Identified factors and processes limiting habitat extent and state

15.5. Identified where conservation and restoration efforts may be most effective

15.6. Improved understanding of habitats crucial to the survival, growth and productivity of key species

15.7. Improved understanding of fishing activities, changes to fish stocks and catch effort in Hawke’s Bay.

16. This research will support and inform:

16.1. Policy setting and thresholds

16.2. Integrated catchment planning

16.3. Spatial planning

16.4. Conservation, enhancement and restoration efforts and strategies

16.5. Customary management efforts

16.6. Marine protection.

Next steps

17. The group recognises that success will require drawing on the strengths of all participants and an integrated approach to marine management.

18. HBMaC continues to be a research-focused group and will identify remaining research gaps to focus future research and monitoring.

19. Going forward the group will focus their efforts on:

19.1. Communicating research back to key decision-makers, kaitiaki, taiao management teams, environmental managers, and policy and planning teams. This will provide for a more holistic and effective knowledge base on which decisions can be made.

19.2. Supporting regional initiatives aimed at improving coastal and marine health for future generations.

19.3. Ensuring longevity and representativeness of the group through membership review and re-engagement of past members, as well as seeking funding options.

Decision-making considerations

20. 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 Regional Planning Committee receives and notes the Hawke’s Bay Marine and Coastal Group: Assessment of progress on the Research Roadmap staff report.

Authored by:

Becky Shanahan

Senior Scientist Marine & Coasts

Shelley King

Policy Planner

Andrea Glockner

Scientist Marine and Coasts

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

1 ⇨

Hawke’s Bay Marine and Coast Stocktake Review Report 2025

Under Separate Cover

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Regional Planning Committee

Wednesday 14 May 2025

Subject: Implementation of mana whenua planning documents

Reason for report

1. This item provides an update to the Regional Planning Committee (RPC) on work progressing jointly by Māori Partnerships, Policy, and Consents Teams to implement a consistent system for the receipt and implementation of the suite of instruments available to mana whenua to participate in the Resource Management system.

Executive summary

2. A working group has been established consisting of staff from Māori Partnerships, Policy and Consents teams to review the receipt and implementation of mana whenua planning documents as part of the suite of instruments available to mana whenua in the current resource management system.

3. A workplan is being developed to implement an internal receipt, storage and implementation system for mana whenua planning documents in readiness for resource management reform, to fulfil statutory requirements, to achieve integrated management, and to better reflect mana whenua aspirations in catchment management.

4. It is anticipated that a piece of work will be undertaken to communicate these processes and changes to mana whenua.

Strategic fit

5. This work assists all workstreams at HBRC to deliver on the mana whenua participation and Tiriti partnership values in the delivery of programmes that are aimed at achieving Council’s strategic goals.

Background

6. In 2024 during work on Visions and Values under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater 2020 and the Regional Policy Statement it was identified that there was a need to review how mana whenua planning documents were being received and implemented internally at HBRC.

7. A working group between Policy, Consents and Māori Partnerships was established in late 2024 to address the need for better processes around iwi hapū management plans (IHMPs). The scope has been broadened to look at socialisation of these planning documents across the organisation.

8. In February 2025 a preliminary review was completed. From this review we know:

8.1. the current state of HBRCs receipt, storage and implementation of mana whenua planning documents is fragmented and under-socialised.

8.2. the intent of these documents to promote integrated management is not consistently realised, resulting in mana whenua seeing a variation in the expression of their views at place.

9. Currently a work plan is being developed to provide a structured approach to move HBRC into a progressive space for Tiriti partnerships based on the currently available instruments.

10. Resource management reform has created further uncertainty for both mana whenua and council, therefore it was identified as a priority project to implement in 2025 by the Policy and Planning Team and Māori Partnerships.

Discussion

11. The following table outlines the proposed stages of this project:

Stage	Objective	Key Changes
Stage 1: Receipt	Mana whenua planning documents are received, with the option of being formally received through committee meetings, and stored according to tikanga, and their value recognised and acknowledged	External website/Pataka Lodgement/receipt Standard operating procedures Document storage and access Funding options
Stage 2: Socialisation	Ensure that mana whenua planning documents are understood across HBRC as a connector to Māori Planning and Management spaces, and relationships with mana whenua are enhanced	Review Feedback Standard operating procedures Comms (poster, Snappy) Staff workshops
Stage 3: Embed in practice	Processes within HBRC have transparent accountability in participation and decision-making that reflects the aspirations of mana whenua as expressed through their planning documents.	Standardised inclusion in reporting and decision papers Statement of use/permission level clarity Frameworks for collaboration Promotion of participation agreements
Stage 4: Integrated management (Tiriti partnership in practice)	The regions resources are managed in a Tiriti-based partnership between mana whenua and HBRC to the benefit of environment, community, and future generations.	Guidance and workshopping for MWHR, JMAs and Transfer of Powers Mātauranga framework inclusion into policy cycle

Next steps

12. The Working Group will continue working towards preparing documents.

13. A subsequent paper will report to the next RPC meeting outlining progress made and introducing relevant documents.

Decision-making considerations

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

Recommendation

That the Regional Planning Committee receives and notes the Implementation of mana whenua planning documents staff paper.

Authored by:

Shelley King

Policy Planner

Jack Smith-Ballingall

Māori Partnerships Manager - Central & Internal Relationships

Nichola Nicholson

Manager Policy & Planning

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Regional Planning Committee

Wednesday 14 May 2025

Subject: Reimagining Flood Resilience for the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga Flood Protection 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.

Background

3. On 13 and 14 February 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.

Strategic fit

13. 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.

Collaboration and partnership mechanism

14. 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. Council remains committed to genuine collaboration.

Timeframes

15. Table 1 outlines the project phasing and timeframes.

Table 1: Updated Project Phasing and Timeline

Project Phase	Timeframe
Phase 1: Project Design (current phase)	September 2024 – June 2025
Phase 2a: Community socialisation	February 2025 – June 2026
Phase 2b: Stakeholder Reference Groups	July 2025 – December 2025
Phase 3: Long-term Plan preparation and consultation	June 2026 – June 2027 (HBRC LTP)
Phase 4: Implementation Programme	July 2027 onwards

Project structure

16. Tamatea Pōkai Whenua (TPW), Central Hawke’s Bay District Council (CHBDC), Hastings District Council (HDC), Mana Ahuriri (MA), Napier City Council (NCC) and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) have been identified by Council as partners in the Reimagining Project.

17. Figure 1 outlines the project structure agreed to by this Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

Figure 1: Reimagining Flood Resilience Project Structure

18. Discussions on the project structure have also been held with some project partners and remain ongoing.

Decision-making considerations

19. 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 Regional Planning Committee receives and notes the Reimagining Flood Resilience for the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga flood schemes staff report and presentation

Authored by:

Louise McPhail

Manager Recovery (Asset Management)

Simon Bendall

Project Lead - Traverse Environmental

Approved by:

Chris Dolley

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Regional Planning Committee

Wednesday 14 May 2025

Subject: May 2025 Policy Projects update

Reason for report

1. This report provides an outline and update of the Council’s various resource management projects currently under way.

Resource Management Policy Project update

2. The projects covered in this report are those involving reviews and/or changes under the Resource Management Act to one or more of the following planning documents:

2.1. the Hawke's Bay Regional Resource Management Plan (RRMP)

2.2. the Hawke's Bay Regional Policy Statement (RPS) which is incorporated into the RRMP

2.3. the Hawke's Bay Regional Coastal Environment Plan (RCEP).

3. The table below shows current projects, with recent updates highlighted in green and underlined.

Table 1. Project Update

Project	Update	Next intended reporting to RPC
’PC7’ Outstanding waterbodies plan change	1. On 23 April 2025, the Environment Court issued its decision and report on PC7 appeals. This followed a hearing held over 12-14 March and 23-24 April 2024. 2. Staff are currently reviewing the Environment Court’s decision and its implications. 3. Any party to the PC7 appeals may yet challenge the Environment Court’s decision by lodging a ‘point of law’ appeal with the High Court. At the time of writing, the 15 working day period for parties to file a High Court appeal remained open. 4. In its decision, the Environment Court has stated “costs are reserved but not encouraged.”	An update will be given following closure of the timeframe for any party to file High Court appeal proceedings. For now, the matter remains ‘sub-judice’.
’PC9’ Greater Heretaunga/ Ahuriri catchment area plan change (aka TANK)	1. Environment Court-assisted mediation is finished. 2. A large number of appeal points remain unresolved. 3. Preparing for Environment Court hearing which is likely to be in the first half of 2026. 4. Rule 71 and 71a have been withdrawn from the TANK PC9 in order to remove duplication with the flood protection bylaw currently being prepared.	Updates from staff as and when new information becomes available.
Implementation of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 (NPS-UD)	1. In March 2025, hearings were held for submissions on the draft Napier-Hastings Future Development Strategy. 2. The Hearings Panel of five independent commissioners will prepare a report and its recommendations in the coming weeks. The report and recommendations will then be considered by the Napier-Hastings Future Development Strategy Joint Committee before being referred back to the three partner councils (Napier City, Hastings District and Hawke’s Bay Regional councils).	Updates from staff as and when new information becomes available.
Flood Protection Bylaw	1. Council agreed to progress the Flood Protection Bylaw under the Local Government Act. 2. Work is currently underway.	Updates from staff as and when new information becomes available.
Implementation of the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land 2022 (NPS-HPL)	1. Council is required to identify highly productive land (HPL) in the region and publicly notify HPL maps in the Regional Policy Statement no later than 12 October 2025. 2. The Government has announced intentions to remove LUC 3 from the NPS-HPL’s definition of HPL, but no legislative amendments have yet come into effect. 3. Currently coordinating inputs into HPL mapping project with HBRC’s land science experts. 4. Engaging with TLAs as part of preliminary mapping work.	Updates from staff as and when new information becomes available.

4. It should be noted that similar periodical reporting is also presented to the Council as part of the quarterly reporting and end of year Annual Plan reporting requirements.

Decision-making considerations

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

Recommendation

That the Regional Planning Committee receives and notes the May 2025 Policy Projects update.

Authored by:

Nichola Nicholson

Manager Policy & Planning

Approved by:

Katrina Brunton

Group Manager Policy & Regulation

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Regional Planning Committee

Wednesday 14 May 2025

Subject: Te Muriwai o te Whanga Plan

Reason for report

1. This report introduces Gareth Boyt from Mana Ahuriri Trust to present the Te Muriwai o Te Whanga Plan. It also provides the Regional Planning Committee with an update on feedback received from Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga and the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee (EICC) regarding Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s (HBRC) implementation of the Plan.

Background

2. Te Muriwai o Te Whanga Plan is a statutory planning document developed under the Ahuriri Hapū Claims Settlement Act 2021. It sets out a vision, values, and framework to restore and enhance the mauri of Te Whanganui-a-Orotu (Ahuriri Estuary).

3. The Plan was formally received at Waiohiki Marae on 14 February 2024 by Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga.

4. Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga is a permanent statutory committee established through the Settlement Act to promote the protection and enhancement of the environmental, economic, social, spiritual, historical, and cultural values of Te Whanganui-a-Orotu. HBRC is represented on the Komiti by Chair Hinewai Ormsby.

5. Since the formal receipt of the Plan, HBRC staff have taken early steps to integrate its intent into internal workstreams and to begin scoping partnership opportunities. Direction has also been provided by both Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga and the Environment and Integrated Catchments Committee.

Recent committee updates

6. In April 2025, the Plan was formally presented to both Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga and the EICC.

7. Both committees expressed strong support for the kaupapa and endorsed the Plan in principle. However, they also requested that HBRC provide further detail on implementation planning, including:

7.1. Prioritisation of actions

7.2. Phasing and sequencing of workstreams

7.3. Resourcing and potential funding requirements

7.4. Implications for the Annual Plan and wider HBRC planning processes.

8. As a result, HBRC staff have been tasked with developing a more detailed implementation framework. This will be brought back to Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga for further consideration before any significant commitments are made.

Strategic fit

9. The Plan aligns with Council’s Strategic Plan 2020–2025, contributing to outcomes under both Healthy Environment and Partnerships with Tangata Whenua.

10. It also reflects Council’s statutory obligations to give effect to Treaty settlements, and supports related work across Treaty principles, resource management, and catchment restoration.

Significance and Engagement Policy Assessment

11. The significance of this work has been assessed as moderate under Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy, based on:

11.1. High level of interest from tangata whenua and Treaty partners

11.2. Strong alignment with Council’s strategic goals

11.3. Ongoing public interest in the health of Te Whanganui-a-Orotu

11.4. No immediate large financial commitments

11.5. No changes to Council’s strategic assets or core services at this stage

12. Engagement will continue through Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga and direct partnership with Mana Ahuriri Trust.

Financial and Resource Implications

13. While the Plan outlines future-focused aspirations, implementation will be phased over time.

14. Scoping is underway to determine potential budget implications. Future funding for joint initiatives may be sought through the Long Term Plan or external sources.

15. At this stage, no additional funding is being requested; however, time and resourcing needs are being assessed.

Next steps

16. HBRC staff will continue working with Mana Ahuriri Trust and Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga to:

16.1. Identify priority actions

16.2. Align implementation with existing and planned HBRC workstreams

16.3. Bring back an implementation approach for further review and endorsement.

Decision-making considerations

17. 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 Regional Planning Committee receives and notes both Gareth Boyt’s presentation on Te Muriwai o Te Whanga, and the update on HBRC’s implementation planning.

Authored by:

Jack Smith-Ballingall

Māori Partnerships Manager - Central & Internal Relationships

Te Kaha Hawaikirangi

Kaihautū Pūtaiao - Mātauranga Māori

Approved by:

Te Wairama Munro

Te Pou Whakarae

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.