Agenda of Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Meeting of the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Date: Wednesday 11 August 2010

Time: 9.00am

Venue:

Council Chamber

Hawke's Bay Regional Council

159 Dalton Street

NAPIER

Agenda

Item Subject Page

1. Welcome/Notices/Apologies

2. Conflict of Interest Declarations

3. Confirmation of Minutes of the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee held on 11 May 2010

4. Matters Arising from Minutes of the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee held on 11 May 2010

5. Consideration of General Business

6. Actions from Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee meetings

Information or Performance Monitoring

7. Plantation Drain Enhancement Update

8. Future of Pest Management Project

9. Update on Tutira Carbon Sequestration Project

10. Flood Control and Drainage Asset Audit Report 2008/2010

11. General Business

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2010

SUBJECT: Actions from Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee meetings

INTRODUCTION:

1. On the list attached as Appendix 1 are items raised at Council meetings that require actions or follow-ups. All action items indicate who is responsible for each action, when it is expected to be completed and a brief status comment for each action. Once the items have been completed and reported to Council they will be removed from the list.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS:

2. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that as this report is for information only and no decision is required in terms of the Local Government Act’s provisions, the decision making procedures set out in the Act do not apply.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. That the Committee receives the report “Action Items from Council Meetings”.

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

1 View

Actions from Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee Meetings

Actions from Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee Meetings

Attachment 1

Actions from Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee Meetings

The following are a list of items raised at Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee meetings that require actions or follow-ups. All action items indicate who is responsible for each action, when it is expected to be completed and a brief status comment for each action. Once the items have been completed and reported back to the Committee they will be removed from the list.

11 May 2010

Agenda Item

Action

Person Responsible

Due Date

Status Comment

Council branding

Identify public access entry points, parks etc.

Discussions with Consultant regarding proposed symbols on signs

11 August

Graeme Hansen to brief the committee

Actions from Council Meetings

28 July 2010

	Agenda Item	Action	Person Responsible	Due Date	Status Comment
1.	General Business – Rural Pathways	Financial information required to relate cost of grazing in relation to the cleaning of pathways	AN/GH	Aug 10	Costs to be updated and circulated by memo for Councillor information

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2010

SUBJECT: Plantation Drain Enhancement Update

REASON FOR REPORT:

1. This report is to update the Asset Management Biosecurity Committee on progress with the Plantation Drain upgrade proposal. This is part of the Waterways Enhancement Project (Projects 290 to 299).

Background

2. The LTCCP provided for the Plantation Drain project to commence in the 2009/2010 financial year and continue for a number of years through an annual budget provision.

3. The Plantation Drain enhancement is part of an initiative to enhance and manage Council administered waterways using the multi-value approach adopted by Council in August 2007. The multi-value approach requires equal consideration of all waterway values including ecology, recreation, culture, heritage, landscape, as well as drainage functions.

4. Since the adoption of the multi-value approach staff have been pursuing methods of benchmarking and prioritising streams for enhancement. This work is to be used for programming future projects and associated funding. Asset Management Plans incorporate the multi-values philosophy.

5. The multi-value assessment has advanced to a stage where the values have been measured by experts in the relevant fields. These are ecology, landscape, recreation, culture, heritage, drainage, safety and planning.

6. As an example of how the measurement criteria operate (for what can be difficult values to measure), the cultural values assessment criteria will be demonstrated by staff. These assessments have been carried out by Hetia Hiha and Arapere Riki (Maori Community Liaison).

7. A landscape plan has been prepared with consultation with Napier City Council and this was presented to Council at the previous AMBS meeting. Further design refinements have been done and work is now proceeding with the contract documentation. The proposal is to begin construction in February 2010 with completion at the end of March. Planting will take place in the winter months.

8. A presentation by staff and the Landscape Architect to the Napier City Council is scheduled for 19 August 2010. This presentation is to update the councillors on the project.

9. Staff have been assisted by a Maori community liaison person to inform the local Maori community, schools and community groups of the proposed works, and has received good feedback. A number of interviews and presentations have been made to various Ahuriri Hapu and Maori Community Groups and individuals. These contacts include:

a) Hapu descendants associated with the enhancement site location

b) Individuals who hold knowledge or stories of the site area such as Kuia and Koroua (Hapu elders).

c) Contacts who hold portfolios or positions relating to the environment, conservation, cultural, historical and hapu tikanga or protocols.

d) Mana Ahuriri Incorporated (Represent the 7 Hapu of Ahuriri for Treaty Claims Settlement).

e) Kaitiaki and Whanau associated with local marae Pukemokimoki

f) Grandparents, parents, school children.

g) Maori educators and educational communities:

i. Te Kura Kaupapa o Te Ara Hou

ii. Te Kura Reo Rua o Maraenui (Bi-lingual primary school)

iii. Maraenui Kohanga Early Childhood Centre

10. All individuals interviewed were of the same general opinion that the project is to be commended because the activity of enhancement will bring wellbeing and a much needed upgrade to the whenua or site being enhanced. All groups and individuals were happy to give their support to the project.

11. In addition to the community liaison, staff have conducted a questionnaire type of survey at various locations around the Napier waterways to gauge the current use of the corridors and to ascertain what users thought of enhancement. This survey forms part of the values assessment and ranking.

12. A public information pamphlet has been produced to outline the project and provide key contacts.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS:

13. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee :

1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted policy on significance and that Council can exercise its discretion under Sections 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided.

2. Receives the report.

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Gary Clode

Manager Engineering

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2010

SUBJECT: Future of Pest Management Project

REASON FOR REPORT:

1. This report provides the committee with an update on the MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) future of pest management (FOPM) project.

Background

2. Over the last 18 months MAF BNZ has led a significant multi stakeholder project focusing on pest management in New Zealand. The intention of the project has been to resolve some key barriers to more effective pest management in New Zealand. The project has been strongly supported by regional councils as a key stakeholder.

3. The first major phase of the project has been completed with the release of the national action plan for public submission in July. Regional councils have collectively submitted on the national action plan through Local Government New Zealand. A copy of this submission is attached.

4. Key objectives of the approach set out in the document are:

4.1. More coordinated Central / Local Government and industry approach to pest management

4.2. More clarity on roles and responsibilities particularly around some aspects such as marine pests and regional council roles in pest management

4.3. Streamlining and simplifying pest management strategies

4.4. Establishing a central "toolbox manager" to ensure that effective and safe pest control tools are available in future

4.5. Providing a way to assign lead accountability for a pest issue where this is unclear

4.6. A national system for measuring effectiveness of pest management

4.7. Binding the Crown to Regional Pest Management Strategies.

5. It is likely that regional councils will have the following specific functions more clearly defined in legislation and policy:

5.1. Acting as leader for pest management systems within a region

5.2. Ensuring that pest management in the region optimally contributes to relevant community and national strategies

5.3. Ensuring that regional pest management strategies are more closely aligned with the national policy direction

5.4. Facilitating communication and co-operation between those involved in pest management to enhance effectiveness, efficiency and equity of programmes

5.5. Providing pest and pathway management programmes to protect the public interest where best placed to do so.

6. The initial phase has already seen some significant barriers to more effective pest management in New Zealand substantially resolved. Most notable among these is that the Crown has agreed to be bound to Regional Pest Management Strategies (subject to these strategies meeting as yet to be defined national policy guidelines). This is a very positive development that local government has sought for some time.

7. Changes arising from FOPM and the possible impacts on regional pest management will become clearer over the next 12-18 months. Staff will provide a future paper to the committee that will discuss in more detail what the proposed changes may mean for the management of pests in the Hawkes Bay region.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS:

8. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee :

2. Receives the report.

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Campbell Leckie

Biosecurity Manager

Attachment/s

1 View

LGNZ Submission to MAF

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2010

SUBJECT: Update on Tutira Carbon Sequestration Project

REASON FOR REPORT:

1. This agenda item provides an update on the development of Council’s Tutira Carbon Sequestration Property.

Background

2. The 319 ha property was purchased in July 2009. Approximately 109 ha of the property was planted in two species of eucalyptus trees in July 2009.

3. Council adopted a strategy for the further development of the property in September 2009.

4. As part of the planting contract the contractor was required to undertake a survival count over the areas planted during the summer months. This assessment showed that the plantings were generally growing well, however two areas were identified where further infill planting is required. These two areas (approx 3 ha of E regnans and 1 ha of E fastigata planting) will be replanted during the 2010 winter planting season.

5. Follow up release spraying of trees was undertaken as planned during the 2009 spring.

6. A lease for grazing of the block was let in January 2010. The grazier took some time to bring in sufficient stock numbers to effectively graze the property, however grazing has been effective during the winter. Lambs were used to graze grass among the 2009 winter planting during May and June 2010, thus reducing competition on the new trees.

7. Winter rains have caused some damage to tracks on the block. A drop out on the main access track was repaired early in the winter, but further work is required to improve the main access track so that trucks are able to gain access to the property. This work will be undertaken once weather conditions allow. An assessment of the property farm tracks will be made at the end of winter and repair works necessary to allow for the effective management of the property will be undertaken.

8. Approximately 40 ha of additional planting is programmed for 2010. This is planned for August 2010.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS:

9. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee:

2. Receives the report ‘Update on Tutira Carbon Sequestration Project’.

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2010

SUBJECT: Flood Control and Drainage Asset Audit Report 2008/2010

REASON FOR REPORT:

1. Annual audits are carried out as a requirement of the asset management plans for the Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme (Project 265) and the Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme (Project 286) to:

a) Observe progress of the major river works from year to year

b) Ensure that the design philosophy is sound and is effective

c) Assess the effectiveness of current maintenance and management regime in delivering the scheme level of service

d) Gauge the effectiveness of particular design methods and techniques

e) Observe failed areas and learn from these what works and what does not

f) Determine if the current maintenance is adequate to achieve the aims of the scheme and design assumptions

g) Determine the effect on channel capacity and design grade.

2. An audit has been completed by Council’s engineering staff late in the 2009/10 financial year to cover the period since the last audit reported to Council in 2009. The audit report is attached to this paper as Appendix 1. The audit covers the whole range of flood control works related to the major scheme rivers. It covers the scope of the inspections and describes the state of the major scheme rivers with the Level of Service (LOS) achieved.

Background

3. From the sample audits carried out throughout the year and this final audit, the Levels of Service described in the current Asset Management Plans have, by and large, been achieved. The exceptions to this have been described and have either been attended to or are in the process of being attended to.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS:

4. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee:

2. Receives the Flood Control and Drainage Asset Audit Report 2008/10.

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Gary Clode

Manager Engineering

Attachment/s

River Maintenance Audit

Under Separate Cover

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 11 August 2010

SUBJECT: General Business

INTRODUCTION:

This document has been prepared to assist Councillors note the General Business to be discussed as determined earlier in Agenda Item 6.

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