Meeting of the Hawke's Bay Regional Council

 

 

Date:                 Wednesday 12 December 2012

Time:                9.00am

Venue:

Council Chamber

Hawke's Bay Regional Council

159 Dalton Street

NAPIER

 

Agenda

 

Item       Subject                                                                                                                  Page

 

1.         Welcome/Prayer/Apologies/Notices 

2.         Conflict of Interest Declarations  

3.         Confirmation of Minutes of the Regional Council Meeting held on 28 November 2012

4.         Matters Arising from Minutes of the  Regional Council Meeting held on 28 November 2012

5.         Update by the Maori Committee Chairman on the Meeting Held 4 December 2012

6.         Recommendations from the Regional Planning Committee

7.         Action Items from Previous Regional Council Meetings

8.         Call for General Business Items

Decision Items

9.         Affixing of Common Seal

10.       Shared Services - Formation of Council Controlled Organisations                              9

11.       Resourcing for the Ruataniwha Water Storage Project                                              37

12.       Local Governance Statement 2012 Update                                                               45

13.       Recommendations from the Environment and Services Committee

14.       Draft Tukituki Plan Change                                                                                         77

Information or Performance Monitoring

15.       Annual Plan Progress Report for First Five Months of 2012/2013 from 1 July 2012 to 30 November 2012                                                                                                           81

16.       Representation Review Process Update                                                                  151

17.       Leasehold Land Issues                                                                                              183

18.       Biodiversity Strategy Update                                                                                     187

19.       Chairman's Monthly Report (to be tabled)

20.       General Business                                                                                                      189

Decision Items (Public Excluded)

21.       Update on the Sale of Napier Leasehold Land Cash Flows                                     191

 


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL  

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Action Items from Previous Regional Council Meetings        

 

Reason for Report

1.      Attachment 1 lists items raised at previous 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. 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.

 

Recommendation

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

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew Newman

Chief Executive

 

 

Attachment/s

1View

Actions from Previous Council Meetings

 

 

  


Actions from Previous Council Meetings

Attachment 1

 

Actions from Regional Council Meetings

 

 

Meeting Held 28 November 2012

 

Agenda Item

Action

Person Responsible

Due Date

Status Comment

1

Looking Forward

Paper explaining the methodology used to determine leasehold land charges

PD

 

Paper on 12 December Council agenda

 

Meeting Held 31 October 2012

 

Agenda Item

Action

Person Responsible

Due Date

Status Comment

2

RMA Delegations

A process for advising Council when delegations have been exercised to be developed

IM

 

Discussions underway with other council’s to review useful and cost effective ways of doing this

 

 

 

 


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Affixing of Common Seal        

 

COMMENT:

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

 

 

Seal No.

Date

1.1

Leasehold Land Sales

1.1.1     Lot 4

          DP 10435

          CT  D4/788

-     Agreement for Sale and Purchase

      (no discount valuation fee paid after       30 June 2012)

-     Transfer

 

1.1.2     Lot 2

          DP 12533

          CT  D4/445

-     Agreement for Sale and Purchase

      (discount 17.5% resides at property)

 

1.1.3     Lots 3-4     

          DP 11332

          CT  B3/999

-     Agreement for Sale and Purchase

      (3 x discount 17.5% resides at       property and 2 x 10% discount       landlord)

 

1.1.4     Lot 4

          DP 5336

          CT  C2/472

-     Agreement for Sale and Purchase

      (no discount valuation fee paid after       30 June 2012)

-     Transfer

 

1.1.5     Lot 90

          DP 13696

          CT  F2/1338

-     Transfer

     

1.1.6     Lot 221

          DP 11194

          CT  B3/83

-     Agreement for Sale and Purchase

      (discount 17.5% resides at property)

 

1.1.7     Lot 35

          DP 12517

          CT  D4/977

-     Agreement for Sale and Purchase

      (discount 17.5% resides at property)

 

1.1.8     Lot 3

          DP 12414

          CT  D3/342

-     Transfer

 

1.1.9     Lot 222

          DP 6598

          CT  C2/341

-     Transfer

 

1.1.10  Lot 480

          DP 2451

          CT  56/136

-     Agreement for Sale and Purchase

      (discount 17.5% resides at property)

-     Transfer

 

1.1.11  Lot 40

          DP 13691

          CT  F2/1256

-     Agreement for Sale and Purchase

      (discount 17.5% resides at property)

 

 

 

 

 

 

3619

 

 

3632

 

 

 

 

3620

 

 

 

 

 

3621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3622

 

 

3631

 

 

 

 

3623

 

 

 

 

3624

 

 

 

 

 

3625

 

 

 

 

 

3626

 

 

 

 

3627

 

 

 

 

3628

 

3629

 

 

 

 

3630

 

 

 

 

26 November 2012

 

 

6 December 2012

 

 

 

 

26 November 2012

 

 

 

 

 

26 November 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26 November 2012

 

 

6 December 2012

 

 

 

 

26 November 2012

 

 

 

 

27 November 2012

 

 

 

 

 

28 November 2012

 

 

 

 

 

28 November 2012

 

 

 

 

3 December 2012

 

 

 

 

3 December 2012

 

3 December 2012

 

 

 

 

3 December 2012

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

2.       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:

2.1   Sections 97 and 88 of the Act do not apply;

2.2   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;

2.3   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 Council:

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.      Confirms the action to affix the Common Seal.

 

 

 

 

Diane Wisely

Executive Assistant

 

Andrew Newman

Chief Executive

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL  

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Shared Services - Formation of Council Controlled Organisations        

 

Reason for Report

1.      The purpose of this report is to obtain a decision from the Council to progress the formation of a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) – Hawke’s Bay Local Authority Shared Services Limited (HB LASS Limited) to undertake shared services initiatives. The Draft Constitution is presented for Council’s approval.

2.      The report also updates the Council on the outcomes of a meeting held on 5 November 2012 of all Hawke’s Bay Local Authority Chief Executives.

3.      This proposal arises from consideration and agreement by all the Hawke’s Bay Councils of the intent to establish the CCO through the adoption of their 2012/22 Long Term Plans. 

4.      The Council is required to give effect to the purpose of local government as prescribed by Section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002. That purpose includes meeting the current and future needs of communities for good quality local infrastructure, local public services, and the performance of regulatory functions that is most cost effective for households and businesses. Good Quality means infrastructure, services and performance that are efficient and effective and appropriate to present and anticipated future circumstances.

5.      This report concludes by recommending that the Council participates in the formation of HB LASS Limited and authorises the Chief Executive to undertake all necessary actions as appropriate.

Background

6.      The Council has considered previously several reports on this matter. In March 2012 the Council resolved to progress to consult on through the Draft Long Term Plan, the establishment of a shared services CCO.

7.      All Hawke’s Bay local authorities consulted on a shared services CCO through their Draft 2012/22 Long Term Plans. Each Council has reached a point where, subject to final resolutions, the formation of a shared services CCO can proceed.

Chief Executives’ Meeting

8.      The Chief Executives of all the Hawke’s Bay local authorities met on 5 November 2012 to consider the next steps towards the establishment of the CCO.

9.      The meeting discussed the matter of an independent chairman together with consideration of possible shared services initiatives for evaluation.  The Chief Executive team reached agreement on the following, which are explained further in the sections below:

·       Appointment of an independent chairman

·       Draft Constitution to be submitted to the Councils for approval

·       Definition of “shared services”

·       Timetable for the establishment of the CCO and key dates

·       Initial range of activities to be evaluated for progress


Independent Chairman

10.    The initial steps towards the establishment of a CCO followed consideration of the report “Pathway to the Future” that the Chief Executives of Hastings District Council and Napier City Council had commissioned from Harry O’Rourke Ltd. It was unclear at this point as to the position that the other local authorities were likely to take relative to the progression of the CCO initiative.

11.    Subsequent to this, the McGredy Winder & Co report “Future Prosperity of the Hawke’s Bay Region – Issues and Options” was released. It contained some commentary on Shared Services. Given the previous position of the Napier City Council on the matter of independent chairmanship the following could be considered as relevant.

The incentives for collaboration are weak and for it to be successful organisations need to be willing to cede some of their independence and sovereignty. It is unlikely that the region could secure the potential benefits of shared services without a major and enduring commitment from both political leaders and Chief Executives.”

12.    The Chief Executive of Napier City has now indicated that an Independent Chairman would be acceptable. None of the other councils expressed a position on this matter.

Constitution

13.    The Chief Executives agreed that (subject to agreed changes) the draft Constitution be submitted to the constituent Councils for approval and

a)   “That it be recommended to the constituent councils that the HB LASS Limited (HBLass) be established.

b)   That subject to the agreement of more than one of the Councils the formal steps of registering HB LASS Limited (HBLass) is undertaken by the Chief Executive Hastings District Council.

c)   That the Draft Constitution (Clause 13.1) be amended to provide:

The Local Authority Directors be the Chief Executive of the relevant Local Authority.

That the independent director (whom shall be Chair of the Board of Directors) shall be appointed by the Local Authority Directors.

d)   That upon registration of the Company the Chief Executive Hastings District Council convenes a meeting of the Directors to agree the Draft Statement of Intent for consideration by the shareholders and the appointment of the independent director (chair).”

14.    The Draft Constitution has been prepared and includes the following as to the appointment of Directors:

“13.1 The board shall consist of not less than three (3) and not more than nine        (9) directors, of whom:

 

a.      One shall be the Chief Executive of the Hastings District Council;

 

b.      One shall be the Chief Executive of the Napier City Council;

 

c.      One shall be the Chief Executive of the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council

 

d.      One shall be the Chief Executive of the Wairoa District Council

 

e.      One shall be the Chief Executive of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

 

f.       One shall be appointed by the Directors whom shall be independent of the shareholders and whom shall be appointed Chairperson. It is expected that the Chairperson will have appropriate governance, commercial acumen and information management skills.

 

g.      Up to three additional directors may be appointed by the board; such appointee must have one or more of the following skills:

i.       Specialist information technology skills;

ii.       Specialist financial skills

iii.      Specialist commercial skills; and

iv.     Specialist entrepreneurial skills”

15.    The Chief Executives have reached a consensus as to a suitable Independent Director.

16.    The Draft Constitution is appended as Attachment 1.

Definition of Shared Services

17.    Reaching a consensus among the Councils and Chief Executives to move forward with establishing the CCO is an important milestone in the progress of the development of shared services. The Chief Executives meeting agreed the definition of shared services to be :

“The provision of a service or activities (including procurement and service harmonisation) through a jointly owned provider or where one Council or more together performs the service for the other/s.”

18.    The Chief Executives agreed to a timetable that is designed to have the CCO registered by mid December 2012 together with a number of other key dates.

Activities for Evaluation

19.    The meeting identified an initial range of activities to be evaluated for progress.

20.    A total of sixteen distinct activities were considered. From these the consensus is for three activities to be initially evaluated. The Chief Executives also agreed to further consider adding two other opportunities once the scope of the initiative related to the two additional activities had been further developed.

21.    The initial activities to be evaluated are:

21.1.   Building Control

21.2.   Information Management Services – commencing with GIS

21.3.   Regional Call Centre

21.4.   The two additional areas of activity are Road Maintenance and Management, and Urban Water Services.

22.    The breadth of each proposed activity to be examined needs to be developed by the preparation of a brief to guide the detailed study.

23.    To be advanced at least two of the participating Councils need to agree to undertake the detailed study (fact finding), development of a proposal, and evaluation exercise. The parties need to agree to provide funding (if required) and the timeframe for the elements of the project. There is no obligation on any of the parties to agree to pursue any particular proposal.

24.    While there may be a desire to consider a wider list of activities for initial evaluation this needs to be tempered by the ability of the organisations to meaningfully participate in the development of the business case for the activities being considered.

25.    The timetable agreed to intends for the briefs for the initial three activities to be prepared for agreement in the week of 17 December with reporting back for decision making in March 2013. 

26.    The Chief Executives agreed, with respect to Water Services and Transport activity, that Hastings District Council would prepare a scoping discussion document to more clearly articulate the intent and scope of an evaluation exercise. The timing of consideration of these two activities will be dependent on the level of agreement there is towards progressing evaluation. The timing of further development of the other elements of Information Management will also need to be further considered by the board and partner Councils.

Criteria

27.    There is needed an agreed set of criteria against which any particular proposal can be objectively measured. Broadly criteria would be based on judgement of any proposal across the elements of benefits from either

27.1.   Efficiencies leading to reduced or mitigated costs, and/or

27.2.   Benefits to citizens and customers through coordinated, improved service delivery and/or, or

27.3.   More consistent and better understood services.

28.    It can be seen that the driver for shared services implementation should not just be financial and that the other elements identified carry some weight in reaching a decision to advance, or otherwise, any proposal. The evaluation will also examine and comment on the risks associated with implementation

29.    The criteria need some refinement but they provide an in principle focus for any evaluation. The New Zealand Government has embarked on a Better Government programme. This programme includes a Better Business Case tool that is now being implemented across government. It is expected that the principles that apply to the Better Business Case tool could provide a useful starting point for development of an evaluation.

30.    The agreement of all Hawke’s Bay Local Authorities through their Long Term Plan processes to participate in the establishment of HB Lass is a significant advance of the position that existed previously. All Hawke’s Bay local authorities are considering this matter before 17 December 2012 on the basis of this report.

31.    Subject to the approval of all Councils, the Chief Executives intend to meet in the week commencing 17 December (as Directors) to approve the Draft Statement of Intent to be referred to the Councils for comment so that the work programme can be implemented. It is intended to commence the development of proposals for evaluation immediately after 17 December with a view to reporting back in March 2013 or earlier if appropriate. The statement of intent is expected to include a work programme, budget and funding requirements for the CCO.

32.    Prior to participating in any detailed evaluation the financial implications of the evaluation will be considered. 

Options

33.    This report essentially updates the Council as to progress with progressing Local Authority shared services within Hawke’s Bay. It follows from the consultation undertaken during the 2012/22 Long Term Plan process where the requirements to consult prior to the establishment of a Council Controlled Organisation – in this case HB Lass were met.

34.    The Council has two main options:

Option one – Proceed with the formal establishment of the Council Controlled Organisation HB LASS Limited and through that vehicle pursue the implementation of shared services.

Option two – Status Quo; that is not pursue the establishment of HB Lass and continue to work together with Napier City Council and others on an ad hoc and informal basis for shared procurement and shared services opportunities.

An alternative option does exist to choose some other methodology to pursue Shared Services. As the Council has previously agreed, through the Long Term Plan process to become a shareholder in, and establish a CCO to pursue Shared Services this is not evaluated or considered further within this report.

Assessment of Options

35.    The adoption of option one will put in train the formal process to establish HB LASS Limited. It will give effect to earlier decisions made on a principle basis to gain the benefits that may accrue from shared services initiatives both in terms of operational efficiency and more co-ordinated service delivery to the community.

36.    The experience of others, notably the Bay of Plenty Councils and Manawatu Councils among others have shown the benefits in efficiencies, savings, improved service delivery and greater alignment of services that can arise from the CCO approach.

37.    Benefits that are expected to arise from a CCO include the ability to identify and deliver coordinated, improved and consistent services or efficiencies leading to reduced or mitigated costs, in a coherent and planned way.

38.    Establishing a CCO together with the other Hawke’s Bay Councils will give direct effect to the statutory obligation to act in accordance with the principles set out in Section 14 of the Local Government Act 2002 and in particular Section 14(1).

‘(e)  a local authority should collaborate and co-operate with other local authorities and bodies as it considers appropriate to promote or achieve its priorities and desired outcomes,

         and

(f)  a local authority should undertake any commercial transactions in accordance with sound business practices;”

39.    Staff are of the view that establishing a CCO as outlined would provide opportunities to benefit from the efficiencies that would be derived from closer working relationships, more particularly at least the opportunities that can arise from joint  procurement. A CCO would provide the appropriate vehicle for such a relationship.

40.    It could be argued that the instances of collaboration and sharing already outlined in earlier reports suggest that a CCO is not required. Officers are of the view, confirmed by the O’Rourke Report, that a CCO will enable greater gains to be made. The collaboration that exists has been shown internationally as a necessary precursor to successful Shared Service arrangements.

41.    The changes proposed by the Chief Executives to the constitution are not considered such as to limit the ability of the CCO to look widely and from a business-like manner at where best advantages can be gained from Shared Services. 

42.    It is considered that the Chief Executives have the skills, knowledge, and experience to guide the CCO given the nature and scope of its activities and will contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the CCO as contemplated by Section 57 of the Local Government Act 2002.

43.    Similarly the provisions of the Draft Constitution clearly contemplate that the independent Director will also meet the legislative intent.

44.    The direct financial implications of this decision are contemplated within the Councils budgets. The implications of individual projects will be considered on a case by case basis. The McGredy Winder report “Future Prosperity of the Hawkes Bay Region – Issues and Options” contained some commentary on Shared Services (See 10.9.1 (attached))

45.    Of relevance to this report the McGredy Winder report included the following statement -  “The range of services that can deliver benefits from joint or integrated delivery includes: the back-office functions associated with finance and treasury, GIS analytical and data maintenance functions, the collection and maintenance of rating and valuation data, all aspects of the rating process (including property valuation, producing and distributing invoices, collecting payments and operating multiple channels for payment, and debt collection), payroll services, HR services, mail and archive services, contact centre services, legal services, CCTV monitoring, traffic management, building consents, environmental health, and resource consent processing.”

46.    Further the report noted - “There have been relatively few published assessments of the benefits that have been secured through shared services. However, it appears that for back-office related services savings of between 3% and 9% per annum are possible if there is a real commitment to driving change. The combined council support expenditure of the councils is $35.7m per annum. Potential savings from back office shared services across all councils could therefore be in the range of $1m to $3.2m per annum.”

47.    And further – “Total local authority annual operating expenditure is $243.7m. Assuming that it was possible to achieve savings in the order of 3% to 5% across all council operations the maximum potential impact of a complete shared services approach would be between $7m and $12m per annum. That is equivalent to between 5% and 8% of total rates.”

48.    International commentary suggests similar views.

49.    Establishing the CCO as proposed provides in officers view the best opportunity at present for realising the savings contemplated by McGredy Winder. Clearly a focus of the CCO would be on striving to deliver activities in a way that is more efficient, effective and appropriate now and in the future.

50.    Financial provision for Shared Services has been provided for in the 2012/22 LTP ($20,000 – Project 874). It is expected that staff will be required to provide support and contribute to the development of individual initiatives. In some cases additional expenditure may be required for individual evaluation exercises. This will be generally absorbed within existing budgets.

51.    The option to reject this proposal would in essence result in the status quo with Councils collaborating on an ad hoc basis. As such there will not be the same “focus” on the attainment of the benefits that a CCO approach would give and achieving shared services benefits would be likely to be slow and haphazard.

52.    A CCO creates a formal vehicle for shared services to be advanced.

Preferred Option and Reasons

53.    For the reasons set out in the assessment, it is recommended that the Council should adopt Option 1 – that is to proceed with the formal establishment of the Council Controlled Organisation HB LASS Limited and through that vehicle pursue the implementation of shared services.

54.    The Council has through the Long Term Plan process given consideration to the views and preferences of persons likely to be affected by, or to have an interest in, this matter. Further it has taken into account all reasonably practicable options for the achievement of the objective of the decision and in the evaluation of those options applied itself to the considerations required by Section 77 of the Local Government Act 2002. The Council has also consulted in the manner contemplated by Section 56 on the Act. On that basis the Council can proceed to adopt the recommendations

Decision Making Process

55.    Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act).  Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

55.1.   The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

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

55.3.   The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.

55.4.   The persons affected by this decision are the ratepayers of the region. 

55.5.   Options that have been considered include doing nothing in relation to Shared Services. However this was not supported in the LTP. 

55.6.   The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

55.7.   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 Council:

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 on “Shared Services – Formation of Council Controlled Organisation”.

3.      Proceeds to participate as a shareholder in Hawke’s Bay LASS limited, a Council Controlled organisation.

4.      Approves the Draft Constitution, as attached.

5.      Authorises the Chief Executive to complete all documents and transactions as necessary to give effect to this decision, and that specifically authorise the establishment of the Council Controlled Organisation to be known as HB LASS Limited.

 

 

 

Liz Lambert

Group Manager

External Relations

 

 

Attachment/s

1View

Draft Constitution - HB LASS Ltd

 

 

  


Draft Constitution - HB LASS Ltd

Attachment 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRAFT

CONSTITUTION OF HB LASS LIMITED

All Councils

 

 

 

1 February 2012

 


 

Contents

CONSTITUTION OF HB LASS LIMITED.. 5

1.          Interpretation.. 5

1.1      Definitions. 5

1.2      Construction.. 5

2.          Constitution and the Companies Act 5

3.          Capacity of Company. 5

3.1      Capacity. 5

3.2      Rights, powers and privileges. 6

4.          Change of Name of Company. 6

5.          Shares. 6

5.1      Shareholders’ rights and powers. 6

5.2      Powers of shareholders. 6

5.3      Initial shares. 6

5.4      General rights of service shares. 7

6.          Issue of Further Shares. 7

6.1      Issuing of shares. 7

6.2      Pre-emptive rights on issue of shares. 7

6.3      Redeemable shares. 7

7.          Call on Shares. 8

7.1      Board may make calls. 8

7.2      Timing of calls. 8

7.3      Liability of joint holders. 8

7.4      Interest 8

7.5      Instalments. 8

7.6      Differentiation as to amounts. 8

7.7      Notice of default 8

7.8      Final payment date. 9

7.9      Forfeiture. 9

7.10        Cancellation of forfeited shares. 9

7.11        Cessation of shareholding. 9

7.12        Evidence of forfeiture. 9

8.          Transfer of Shares. 9

8.1      Freedom to transfer is qualified. 9

8.2      Pre-emptive provisions applying to Authority Shareholders. 9

8.3       Reconstruction transactions. 11

8.4      Board’s right to refuse registration.. 11

9.          Distributions. 11

9.1      Authorising of distributions. 11

9.2      Shares in lieu of dividends. 11

9.3      Deduction of unpaid calls. 12

9.4      Payments by electronic funds transfer 12

9.5      No interest 12

9.6      Unclaimed dividends. 12

9.7      Dividends on shares not fully paid up. 12

10.       Acquisition of company’s own shares. 12

11.       Management of Company. 13

11.1        Management 13

11.2        Powers. 13

11.3        Resolutions not binding. 13

12.       Proceedings at Meetings of Shareholders. 13

12.1        First Schedule modified. 13

12.2        Chairperson.. 13

12.3        Notice of meetings. 13

12.4        Voting. 13

12.5        Proxies. 14

12.6        Postal votes. 14

12.7        Resolutions in lieu of meeting. 14

13.       Appointment and Removal of Directors. 14

13.1        Number of directors. 14

13.2        Extended definition.. 15

13.3        Appointment and removal 15

13.4        Manner of appointment and removal 15

13.5        Default appointment 15

13.6        Tenure of office. 15

14.       Special Provisions Relating to Directors. 1516

14.1        Delegation.. 1516

14.2        Professional directors. 16

14.3        Interests of joint venture company. 16

14.4        Interested directors. 16

15.       Proceedings of Directors. 16

15.1        Proceedings of the board. 16

15.2        Regulation of meetings, quorum and convening. 16

15.3        Voting. 16

15.4        Vacancies. 17

15.5        Chairperson.. 17

15.6        Resolution in writing. 17

15.7        Method of meeting. 17

15.8        Minutes. 17

16.       Directors’ Indemnity and Remuneration.. 17

16.1        Indemnity authorised. 17

16.2        Directors’ remuneration.. 1718

17.       Notices. 18

17.1        Service. 18

17.2        Time of service by facsimile. 18

17.3        Time of service by post 18

17.4        Proof of service. 18

17.5        Service on joint holders. 18

18.       Liquidation.. 18

18.1        Distribution of surplus assets. 18

18.2        Distribution in specie. 19

19.       Removal from the New Zealand Register 19

 


 

CONSTITUTION OF HB LASS LIMITED

 

1.   Interpretation

1.1             Definitions

   In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

“Act” means the Companies Act 1993;

 

“Authority” means a local authority as provided for in the Local Government Act 2002;

 

“Company” means HB LASS Limited;

 

“Constitution” means this constitution as altered from time to time;

1.2             Construction

   In this Constitution, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

a.   The headings appear as a matter of convenience and shall not affect the construction of this Constitution.

b.   In the absence of an express indication to the contrary, references to sections, clauses, schedules and paragraphs are to sections, clauses, schedules and paragraphs of this Constitution.

c.   A reference to any statute, statutory regulations or other statutory instrument as from time to time amended or re-enacted or substituted.

d.   The singular includes the plural and vice versa and one gender includes the other gender.

e.   The words “written” and “writing” include facsimile communications and any other means of communication resulting in permanent visible reproduction.

f.    Words or expressions defined in the Act have the same meaning in this Constitution. 

 

2.   Constitution and the Companies Act

 

      The Company, the Board, each Director and each Shareholder have the rights, powers, duties and obligations set out in the Act except to the extent they are negated or modified by this Constitution.

 

3.   Capacity of Company

3.1             Capacity

      Subject to the Act and any other enactment and the general law the company shall have the capacity both within and outside New Zealand to carry on or undertake the following businesses or activities, to do the following acts and enter into the following transactions and no others:

 

a.   To provide shared information collection, processing, administration, management and associated services to local authorities.

b.   To provide such services to other parties where the board is satisfied that the provision of such services benefits the ability of the company to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of provision of those services by or on behalf of local authorities.

c.   Generally to do all acts, matters and things that the board considers necessary or conducive to further the undertaking of the transactions envisaged by paragraphs a. and b. in accordance with the Company’s Statement of Intent.

d.   The Company has no power to carry on any other business or activity.

 

The Company will fulfil all its statutory obligations as a Council Controlled Organisation under the Local Government Act 2002.

 

3.2             Rights, powers and privileges

      For the purposes of Clause 2 above and subject to the Act and any other enactment and the general law the company shall have full rights, powers and privileges.

 

4.   Change of Name of Company

 

            An application to change the name of the company may be made by a director of the company only if the application has been approved by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders.

 

5.   Shares

5.1             Shareholders’ rights and powers

      No person apart from a shareholder shall be an entitled person in relation to the company.

5.2             Powers of shareholders

      Except as required by the Act all powers reserved to shareholders may be exercised by an ordinary resolution.

5.3             Initial shares

   The company is to issue at registration the following classes of shares:

 

      Up to 5 Ordinary Shares for a consideration of $1,000 per share with the rights conferred on shareholders by the Act to the following Authorities:


 

 

Authority

Number of Shares

Hastings District Council

1

Napier City Council

1

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council

1

Wairoa District Council

1

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

1

 

5.4             General rights of service shares

      Subject to the approval of the ordinary Shareholders by Special Resolutions and to s.117 of the Act the Board may issue to local authorities which are to participate in a service or services to be provided by the company shares of a special class or classes and may prescribe the rights which are to attach to those shares.  Those rights must not include voting rights.

 

6.   Issue of Further Shares

6.1             Issuing of shares

The board may only issue further ordinary shares in the company if the issue has been approved by a special resolution of the ordinary shareholders.

 

The board may only issue other classes of shares in the company

 

a.   If the issue has been approved by a special resolution of the ordinary shareholders, and

b.   If the further shares are an issue of an existing Class of Service Shares, and the issue has been approved by a special resolution of the existing Class of Service Shareholders.

 

The provisions of this clause apply whether or not the shares to be issued rank in priority to, equally with, or after existing shares of that class.

6.2             Pre-emptive rights on issue of shares

      The pre-emptive rights on the issue of shares contained in section 45 of the Act are hereby negated.  Subject to the provisions of Clause 6.1, the board is expressly permitted to issue further shares at any time ranking as to voting or distribution rights or both equally with, or in priority to or after, shares already issued by the company.

6.3             Redeemable shares

      Where the issue has been approved by special resolution of the ordinary shareholders the board may issue shares which are redeemable

 

a.   At the option of the company; or

b.   At the option of the holder of the share; or

c.   At a specified date;

 

for a consideration that is:

 

d.   Specified; or

e.   To be calculated by reference to a formula; or

f.    Required to be fixed by a suitably qualified person who is not associated with or interested in the company.

7.   Call on Shares

7.1             Board may make calls

      The board may from time to time make such calls as it thinks fit upon the shareholders in respect of any monies unpaid on their shares and not by the conditions of issue thereof made payable at a fixed time or times, and each shareholder shall, subject to receiving at least 10 working days’ written notice specifying the time or times and place of payment, pay to the company at the time or times and place so specified the amount called.  A call may be revoked or postponed as the board may determine.

7.2             Timing of calls

      A call may be made payable at such times and in such amount as the board may decide.

7.3             Liability of joint holders

      The joint holders of a share shall be jointly and severally liable to pay all calls in respect thereof.

7.4             Interest

      If a sum called in respect of a share is not paid before or on the time appointed for payment thereof, the shareholder from which the sum is due shall pay interest on that sum from the time appointed for payment thereof to the time of actual payment at such rate not exceeding ten percent (10%) per annum as the board may determine, but the board shall be at liberty to waive payment of that interest wholly or in part.

7.5             Instalments

      Any sum which by the terms of issue of a share becomes payable on issue or at any fixed time shall for all purposes be deemed to be a call duly made and payable at the time at which by the terms of issue the same becomes payable, and in case of non-payment all the relevant provisions hereof relating to payment of interest and expenses, forfeiture or otherwise shall apply as if the sum had become payable by virtue of a call duly made and notified.

7.6             Differentiation as to amounts

      The board may, on the issue of shares, differentiate between the holders as to the amount of calls to be paid and the times of payment.

7.7             Notice of default

      If any shareholder liable therefore fails to pay any call or any instalment thereof at the time appointed for payment thereof, the board may at any time thereafter serve notice on such shareholder requiring payment of the monies unpaid together with any interest which may have accrued.

7.8             Final payment date

      The notice shall name a further day (not earlier than the expiry of 10 working days from the date of service of the notice) on or before which the payment required by the notice is to be made, and shall state that in the event of non-payment on or before the time appointed the shares in respect of which the money was owing will be liable to be forfeited. 

7.9             Forfeiture

      If the requirements of any such notice are not complied with, any share in respect of which the notice has been given may be forfeited at any time before the required payment has been made by a resolution of the board to that effect.  Such forfeiture shall include all dividends and bonuses declared in respect of the forfeited share and not actually paid before the forfeiture.

7.10 Cancellation of forfeited shares

            A forfeited share shall be acquired by the company and immediately cancelled in accordance with section 58 of the Act.

7.11 Cessation of shareholding

      A shareholder whose share has been forfeited shall cease to be a shareholder in respect of the forfeited share, but shall, nevertheless, remain liable to pay to the company all money which, at the time of forfeiture, was payable by such authority to the company in respect of the share, but that liability shall cease if and when the company receives payment in full of all such money in respect of the share.

7.12 Evidence of forfeiture

      A statutory declaration in writing declaring that the declarant is a director of the company and that a share in the company has been duly forfeited on a date stated in the declaration shall be conclusive evidence of the facts therein stated as against anyone claiming to be entitled to the share.

 

8.   Transfer of Shares

8.1             Freedom to transfer is qualified

      Every change in the ownership of shares in the company shall be subject to the following limitations and restrictions:

 

a.   No share shall be sold or transferred by any shareholder that is an Authority unless and until the rights of pre-emption hereinafter conferred have been exhausted.

b.   No share shall be sold or transferred by any shareholder that is not an Authority unless the Board has approved the party that is to be the holder of the share.

8.2             Pre-emptive provisions applying to Authority Shareholders

a.   Transfer notice and fair price

Every Authority shareholder wanting to sell or transfer any share or shares shall give notice in writing to the board of the desire to sell or transfer such share or shares.  If such notice includes several shares it shall not operate as if it were a separate notice in respect of each such share, and the proposing transferor shall be under no obligation to sell or transfer only some of the shares specified in such notice.  Such notice shall be irrevocable and shall be deemed to appoint the board the proposing transferor’s agent to sell such shares in one or more lots to any Authority shareholder or shareholders of the company holding that class of shares at a price to be agreed upon between the party giving such notice and the board or, failing agreement between them within 20 working days of the board receiving such notice, at a fair price to be determined on the application of either party by a person to be nominated by the President for the time being of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand.  Such person, when nominated, and in certifying the sum which in that person’s opinion is the fair price for the share, shall be considered to be acting as an expert and not as an arbitrator and accordingly the Arbitration Act 1996 and any subsequent modifications or re-enactment thereof shall not apply.

 

b.   Offer to shareholders and consequent sale

Upon the price for such shares being agreed or determined as aforesaid (as the case may be), the board shall forthwith give notice to each of the Authority shareholders holding that class of shares (other than the Authority wanting to sell or transfer such shares) stating the number and price of such shares and inviting each of the Authority shareholders to whom the notice is given to state in writing within two months from the date of the notice whether such shareholder is willing to purchase any and, if so, what maximum number of such shares.  At the expiry of two months from the date of the notice the board shall apportion such shares among the Authority shareholders (if more than one) who have expressed a desire to purchase the same and as far as may be possible pro rata according to the number of shares already held by them respectively, or if there be only one such shareholder, the whole of such shares shall be sold to that Authority shareholder, provided, however, that no shareholder shall be obliged to take more than the maximum number of shares stated in that shareholder’s response to such notice.  Upon such apportionment being made or such one shareholder notifying such shareholder’s willingness to purchase, as the case may be, the party wanting to sell or transfer such share or shares shall be bound, upon payment of the said price, to transfer such share or shares to the respective shareholders or shareholder who have or has agreed to purchase the same and, in default thereof, the board may receive and give a good discharge for the purchase money on behalf of the party wanting to sell and enter the name of the purchasers or purchaser in the share register as holder of such shares so purchased.

 

c.   No Sale of shares not taken by shareholders

In the event of all such shares not being sold under the preceding subclause the party wanting to sell or transfer shall have no other rights to sell the shares not so sold and shall continue to hold them but that party may, at intervals of not less than 12 months, give a fresh notice to the Board under clause 8.2(a).  The provisions of this clause 8.2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to each such notice.  Nothing in this clause prohibits the Company from acquiring these shares in accordance with clause 10.

8.3             Reconstruction transactions

      Any share may be transferred by an Authority shareholder to any Authority which is to substantially undertake the activities of the shareholder, and the restrictions contained in the preceding clauses hereof shall not apply to any transfer authorised by this subclause but every such transfer shall nevertheless be subject to the provisions of clause 8.4 hereof.

 

      Any share may be transferred by a shareholder to a company which is in relation to such shareholder a holding company or a subsidiary company as defined in section 5 of the Act, and the restrictions contained in clause 8.1 hereof shall not apply to any transfer authorised by this subclause but every such transfer shall nevertheless be subject to the provisions of clause 8.4 hereof.

8.4             Board’s right to refuse registration

      Subject to compliance with the provisions of section 84 of the Act, the board may refuse or delay the registration of any transfer of any share to any Authority whether an existing shareholder or not:

 

a.   Required by law: if so required by law;

b.   Imposition of liability: if registration would impose on the transferee a liability to the company and the transferee has not signed the transfer;

c.   Failure to pay: if a holder of any such share has failed to pay on due date any amount payable thereon either in terms of the issue thereof or in accordance with the constitution (including any call made thereon);

d.   More than one class: if the transfer is in respect of more than one class of shares;

e.   Proof of ownership: if the transfer is not accompanied by such proof, as the board reasonably requires, of the right of the transferor to make the transfer;

f.    Pre-emptive rights: if the pre-emptive provisions contained in clause 8 hereof have not been complied with;

g.   Contrary to the interests of company: if the board acting in good faith decides in its sole discretion that registration of the transfer would not be in the best interests of the company and/or any of its shareholders.

 

9.   Distributions

9.1             Authorising of distributions

      Subject to the requirements of the Act the board may authorise a distribution by the company only where that distribution has been approved by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders.

9.2             Shares in lieu of dividends

      Subject to the requirements of the Act the board may issue shares wholly or partly in lieu of a proposed dividend or proposed future dividends upon terms that have been previously approved by a special resolution of the shareholders.

9.3              Deduction of unpaid calls

      The board may deduct from any dividend payable to any shareholder any sums of money, if any, presently payable by such shareholder to the company on account of calls or otherwise in relation to the shares on which such dividends are payable.

9.4             Payments by electronic funds transfer

            Any dividend, interest or other money payable in respect of shares shall be paid by electronic funds transfer to the registered account of the holder.

9.5             No interest

      No dividend shall bear interest against the company.

9.6             Unclaimed dividends

      All dividends unclaimed for one year after having been authorised may be invested or otherwise made use of by the board for the benefit of the company until claimed, and all dividends unclaimed for five years after having been declared may be forfeited by the board for the benefit of the company.  The board may, however, annul any such forfeiture and agree to pay a claimant who produces evidence of entitlement to the board’s satisfaction of the amount due to such claimant unless the opinion of the board such payment would embarrass the company.

9.7             Dividends on shares not fully paid up

      Subject to the rights of shareholders, if any, entitled to shares with special rights as to dividends, the board in authorising a distribution will determine the basis on which dividends will be paid on shares not fully paid up and may

 

a.   Either pay the dividend in full, or

b.   Pay the dividend in proportion to the amount paid to the company in satisfaction of the liability of the shareholder to the company in respect of the shares either under the constitution of the company or pursuant to the terms of issue of the shares.  No amount paid or credited as paid on a share in advance of calls shall be treated for these purposes as paid on the share.  All dividends shall be apportioned and paid proportionately to the amounts paid or credited as paid on the shares during any portion or portions of the period in respect of which the dividend is paid, but if any share is issued on terms providing that it shall rank for dividend as from a particular date that share shall rank for dividend accordingly.

 

10. Acquisition of company’s own shares

 

      For the purpose of sections 59 and 60(1)(b)(ii) of the Act, the company is hereby expressly authorised to purchase or otherwise acquire shares issued by it and, for the purpose of section 67A of the Act, the company is permitted to hold its own share.

 

11. Management of Company

11.1 Management

      The business and affairs of the company must be managed by, or under the direction or supervision of, the board.

11.2 Powers

      The board has all the powers necessary for managing, and for directing and supervising the management of the business affairs of the company.

11.3 Resolutions not binding

      Resolutions of shareholders under section 109 of the Act relating to the management of the company are not binding on the board.

 

12. Proceedings at Meetings of Shareholders

12.1 First Schedule modified

      The First Schedule to the Act is modified as hereinafter provided.

12.2 Chairperson

Subclause 1(2) of Schedule 1 of the Act is deleted and replaced with the following:

 

“1(2)    If any meeting of shareholders the chairperson of the board is not present within 15 minutes of the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting, the directors present shall elect one of their number to be chairperson of the meeting.  If at any meeting no director is willing to act as chairperson, or if no director is present within 15 minutes of the time appointed for holding the meeting, the shareholders present shall choose one of their number to be chairperson of the meeting.”

12.3 Notice of meetings

Clause 2 of Schedule 1 of the Act is amended by deleting subclause (4) and replacing it with the following:

 

“(4)      The chairperson may, and, if so directed by the meeting shall, adjourn the meeting from time to time and/or place to place, but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.  When a meeting is adjourned for thirty days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting.  Save as aforesaid, it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting.”

12.4 Voting

Clause 5 of Schedule 1 of the Act is amended as follows by deleting subclause (7) and replacing it with the following:

 

“(7)      In the case of an equality of votes, whether voting is by voice or show of hands or polls, the chairperson of the meeting shall be entitled to a second or casting vote.”

12.5 Proxies

      Clause 6 of Schedule 1 of the Act is amended by deleting subclause (5) and replacing it with the following:

 

      “(10)    The instrument appointing a proxy and a power of attorney or other authority, if any, under which it is signed or a notarially certified copy of that power or authority shall be deposited at the registered office of the company or at such other place within New Zealand as is specified for that purpose in the notice convening the meeting not less than 48 hours before the time for holding the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote, and in default the instrument of proxy shall be treated as invalid.”

12.6 Postal votes

            Clause 7 of the First Schedule to the Act providing for postal votes is deleted.

12.7 Resolutions in lieu of meeting

A shareholders’ resolution in lieu of meeting authorised by section 122 of the Act may consist of several documents in like form, each signed by one or more shareholders.  A facsimile of any such resolution shall be as valid and effectual as the original signed document with effect from completion of its transmission.

 

13. Appointment and Removal of Directors

13.1 Number of directors

The board shall consist of not less than three (3) and not more than nine (9) directors, of whom:

 

a.   One shall be the Chief Executive of the Hastings District Council;

b.   One shall be the Chief Executive of the Napier City Council;

c.   One shall be the Chief Executive of the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council

d.   One shall be the Chief Executive of the Wairoa District Council

e.   One shall be the Chief Executive of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

f.    One shall be appointed by the Directors whom shall be independent of the shareholders and whom shall be appointed Chairperson. It is expected that the Chairperson will have appropriate governance, commercial acumen and information management skills.

g.   Up to three additional directors may be appointed by the board; such appointee must have one or more of the following skills:

i.    Specialist information technology skills;

ii.   Specialist financial skills

iii.  Specialist commercial skills; and

iv.  Specialist entrepreneurial skills

13.2 Extended definition

For the purposes of rule 13.1, a reference to a named Authority shall include any person or body for the time being entitled to and holding the shares of that Authority in accordance with this Constitution.

13.3 Appointment and removal

A body or person which is entitled to appoint a director pursuant to clause 13.1 may remove any director so appointed and appoint a replacement director.

13.4 Manner of appointment and removal

Any such appointment or removal shall be in writing and served on the company and signed by the body or person entitled to make the appointment or removal.

13.5 Default appointment

Where any vacancy on the board has the effect of reducing the number of directors below three (3), and if the body or person entitled to appoint a replacement director fails to do so within two (2) months of the date on which the vacancy occupied, the board may appoint a replacement director: but any such appointment shall only be made at a board meeting of which fourteen (14) days notice in writing has been given to each director and the body or person concerned, and approved by a majority of the directors present at the meeting.

13.6 Tenure of office

Each director of the company shall hold office until:

 

a.   Removal: removal in accordance with the constitution; or

b.   Vacation of office: vacation of office pursuant to section 157 of the Act; or

c.   Insolvency: an arrangement or composition with creditors made by him or her; or

d.   Absence from meetings: vacation of office resulting ipso facto from being absent without permission of the board from 3 consecutive meetings of the board; or

e.   Resignation: written notice of resignation to the address for service of the company.

f.    In the case of the independent director (13.1 f.) and additional directors (13.1 g.) for a period of three years from initial appointment. Provided that these directors may be appointed for additional periods that in any one case shall not exceed a cumulative total of nine (9) years.

 

14. Special Provisions Relating to Directors

14.1 Delegation

Subject to section 130(1) of the Act, there are no restrictions on the ability of the board to delegate its powers other than the powers set out in the Second Schedule to the Act.

14.2 Professional directors

Any director may act by himself or herself or his or her firm in a professional capacity for the company, and a director or firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services as if he or she were not a director provided that nothing herein contained shall authorise a director or his or her firm to act as auditor to the company.

14.3 Interests of joint venture company

For the purposes of section 131(4) of the Act each director of the company is, when exercising powers or performing duties as director in connection with the carrying out of the joint venture, hereby expressly permitted to act in a manner which he or she believes is in the best interests of the shareholder or shareholders which appointed the director, even though it may not be in the best interests of the company.

14.4 Interested directors

Subject to complying with section 140 of the Act and as provided in section 144 of the Act there are no restrictions on a director of the company who is interested in a transaction entered into or to be entered into by the company voting on a matter relating to the transaction, attending a meeting of directors at which a matter relating to the transaction arises and being included among the directors present at the meeting for the purpose of a quorum, signing a document relating to the transaction on behalf of the company and doing any other thing in his or her capacity as a director in relation to the transaction as if the director were not interested in the transaction.

 

15. Proceedings of Directors

15.1 Proceedings of the board

The provisions of the Third Schedule to the Act are deleted and replaced as hereinafter provided.

15.2 Regulation of meetings, quorum and convening

The directors may meet together for the dispatch of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit.  The quorum necessary for the transaction of business by the board may be fixed by the board and, unless so fixed, shall be the majority of the board including not less than two shareholding  Local Authority Directors .  A director may, and an employee at the request of a director shall, at any time, by any means of communication, summon a meeting of the board.

15.3 Voting

      Questions arising at any meeting of the board shall be decided by a majority of votes.  In case of an equality of votes the chairperson shall have a second or casting vote, provided that, where two directors form a quorum and only two directors entitled to vote are present at a meeting, the chairperson of such meeting shall not have a second or casting vote.  No business shall be transacted when a quorum is not present.

15.4 Vacancies

The continuing directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in their body, but if and so long as their number is reduced below the number necessary for a quorum, the continuing directors or director may act only for the purpose of increasing the number of directors to the number necessary for a quorum or for the purpose of summoning a special meeting of the company.

15.5 Chairperson

The Chairperson shall be the independent director appointed pursuant to Clause 13.1 f.. If at any meeting the chairperson is not present within five minutes after the time appointed for the meeting, the directors present may choose one of their number to be chairperson of the meeting.

15.6 Resolution in writing

A resolution in writing, signed by all the directors for the time being entitled to receive notice of a meeting of the board, shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the board duly convened and held.  Any such resolution may consist of several documents in like form, each signed by one or more directors.  A facsimile of any such signed resolution shall be as valid and effectual as the original signed document with effect from completion of its transmission.

15.7 Method of meeting

A meeting of the board may be held either –

         

a.   By a number of the directors who constitute a quorum being assembled together at the place, date and time appointed for the meeting; or

b.   By means of audio, or audio and visual, communication by which all directors participating and constituting a quorum can simultaneously hear each other throughout the meeting.

15.8 Minutes

The board shall ensure that minutes are kept of all proceedings at meetings of the directors.

 

16. Directors’ Indemnity and Remuneration

16.1 Indemnity authorised

The company is hereby expressly authorised to indemnify and/or insure any director or employee against liability for acts or omissions and/or costs incurred in connection with claims relating thereto of the type specifically contemplated by subsections (3), (4) and (5) of section 162 of the Act to the maximum extent permitted by those subsections.

16.2 Directors’ remuneration

Subject to section 161 the payment of remuneration or the provision of other benefits by the company to a director for services as a director or in any other capacity may only be authorised by ordinary resolution of shareholders.

 

17. Notices

17.1 Service

A notice may be served by the company upon any director or shareholder either personally or by posting it by fast post in a prepaid envelope or package addressed to such director or shareholder at such person’s last known address or by delivery to a document exchange or by facsimile to the facsimile telephone number of such director or shareholder.

17.2 Time of service by facsimile

A notice served by facsimile shall be deemed to have been served on the day following completion of transmission thereof.

17.3 Time of service by post

A notice sent by post or delivered to a document exchange shall be deemed to have been served:

 

(a) In New Zealand

In the case of a last known address in New Zealand, at the expiration of 48 hours after the envelope or package containing the same was duly posted or delivered in New Zealand; and

 

(b) Outside New Zealand

In the case of a last known address outside New Zealand, at the expiration of 7 days after the envelope or wrapper containing the same was duly posted by fast post in New Zealand.

17.4 Proof of service

In proving service by post or delivery to a document exchange it shall be sufficient to prove that the envelope or package containing the notice was properly addressed and posted or delivered with all attached postal or delivery charges paid.  In proving service by facsimile, it shall be sufficient to prove that the document was properly addressed and sent by facsimile.

17.5 Service on joint holders

A notice may be given by the company to the joint holders of a share by giving the notice to the joint holder first named in the share register in respect of the share.

 

18. Liquidation

18.1 Distribution of surplus assets

Subject to the terms of issue of any shares in the company and to clause 18.2, upon the liquidation of the company the assets, if any, remaining after payment of the debts and liabilities of the company and the costs of winding-up (“the surplus assets”) shall be distributed among the shareholders in proportion to their shareholding provided however that the holders of shares not fully paid up shall only receive a proportionate share of their entitlement being an amount which is in proportion to the amount paid to the company in satisfaction of the liability of the shareholder to the company in respect of the shares either under the constitution of the company or pursuant to the terms of issue of the shares.

18.2 Distribution in specie

Upon a liquidation of the company, the liquidator, with the sanction of an ordinary resolution of shareholders and any other sanction required by law, may divide amongst the shareholders in kind the whole or any part of the assets of the company (whether they consist of property of the same kind or not) and may for that purpose set such value as the liquidator deems fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how the division shall be carried out as between the shareholders or different classes of shareholder.  The liquidator may, with the like sanction, vest the whole or any part of any such assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the shareholders as the liquidator thinks fit, but so that no shareholder shall be compelled to accept any shares or other securities whereon there is any liability.

 

19.      Removal from the New Zealand Register

           

In the event that:

 

(a) Cessation of business

The company has ceased to carry on business, has discharged in full its liabilities to all its known creditors, and has distributed its surplus assets in accordance with its constitution and the Act; or

 

(b) No surplus assets

The company has no surplus assets after paying its debts in full or in part, and no creditor has applied to the Court under section 241 of the Act for an order putting the company into liquidation;

 

The board may in the prescribed form request the Registrar to remove the company from the New Zealand Register.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

         

 

 

 

 


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL  

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Resourcing for the Ruataniwha Water Storage Project       

 

Reason for Report

1.      At its meeting on 28 November 2012 Council considered the issue of human resourcing for the next stage of the Ruataniwha Water Storage Project (RWSP) based on Council’s ongoing responsibilities and work programmes going forward.

2.      Council resolved the following:

Approves in principles, the concept of the rebalancing of the CE’s role for the 2013 year, noting the proposed amendments to the Executive Management Team through that period, but further explores the relationship of this role with HBRIC Ltd and HBRC and brings back a firm proposal from HBRIC LTD for the contracting if his and other Council staff’s services.”

3.      This paper therefore provides the following information to assist Council’s decision-making:

3.1.   A report, and series of recommendations to HBRC, from HBRIC Ltd on the proposed management structure, roles and accountabilities of key staff transferred from HBRC to HBRIC, and budget provision for their secondment.

3.2.   Further clarification on the split of duties between the Chief Executive and the proposed General Manager (Operations).

3.3.   A list of delegations of Chief Executive duties to the General Manager (Operations), for approval by Council.

HBRIC PROPOSAL FOR CONTRACTING OF cOUNCIL STAFF

Overview

4.      The RWS has entered the final critical stage to determine whether or not the scheme will proceed to construction. This phase is scheduled for completion around February in the 2014 calendar year. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) has resolved to transfer the project, its current IP and budget for the remaining phase to HBRIC Ltd for detailed governance oversight. HBRC has also resolved in principle to transfer, either by way of contractual relationship or secondment, key HBRC staff to the RWS for the duration of this phase. This paper covers the proposed management structure, roles and accountabilities, identifies the key staff for transfer, the preferred transfer method, the budget provision, charge rates and a payment method between HBRIC Ltd and HBRC.  The employment contracts will remain with HBRC.

Background

5.      Considerable institutional knowledge has been built up through both the Regional Council Leadership team and individual staff through the project feasibility phase. This institutional knowledge covers the vision for the scheme, critical relationships, proposed scheme design, risks to the schemes success, and an intimate understanding of the work strands needing completion over the following 13 to 14 months.

6.      With the transfer of the project from HBRC to HBRIC Ltd issues will inevitably arise if accountabilities are not clear. HBRC is relying on HBRIC Ltd to deliver the project to conclusion in a timely cost effective manner and in way that delivers the correct decision which may be, to build, not build, or defer the RWS.

7.    Directors have expressed concern that management is progressing very rapidly with the project and that there is a need for strong governance aligned to the work programme to ensure there is clear accountability and sufficient testing of management through the next 12 to 14 months.

8.      Staff involved need clarity for the period proposed on their roles, accountabilities and on the parameters on which their performance is assessed.

9.      It should be noted however that as the project “matures” the need for some if not all of these roles will lessen as the scheme transitions through a build to operating phase. This transition issue will require some careful thinking about succession management probably from mid-2013 onwards.

Options

10.    HBRIC Ltd could consider contracting its own team for the conclusion of this phase of the project.  If this course were followed then, at least for the short-term, there would be substantial loss of momentum in the project, loss of relevant institutional memory and a very high level of risk to key relationships.

11.    Doing nothing is not considered an option, i.e. if accountabilities remain blurred then both HBRC and HBRIC Ltd are exposed to risk.

12.    The preferred option is to second key staff to HBRIC Ltd for the balance of the project. Specifically staff who are estimated to have more than 50% of their time budgeted for the RWS should fall into this category. Note for the sake of completeness contractors and advisory roles central to the project are also outlined in table 1.

They and their accountabilities include:

 

Table 1

 

Staff member

Role

RWS Accountabilities

Andrew Newman

CEO HBRC & MD HBRIC Ltd

·      Accountable to HBRIC Ltd Board

·      Team leadership – including advisors – Financial and Legal

·      Investor relations

·      Oversight of ownership structures

·      Risk oversight

·      Transition management

Graeme Hansen

 

GM Water Initiatives HBRC

Project Manager RWS

·      Technical Project oversight and technical team lead

·      Budget management

·      Design and construction oversight

·      Optimisation oversight

·      MPI – IAF lead

·      Land owner liaison  and procurement

Larissa Coubrough

 

Contracts and Planning

·      Project planning focus

·      IAF admin

·      EPA document preparation

·      Land owner liaison

Michael Bassett-Foss

 

Economic Development Manager – HBRC

Business Development – RWS

·      Business development including:

-      Water uptake

-      Processors

-      Downstream BD

-      Pan Sector lead

Grant Pechey

 

Economic and Commercial Advisor – HBRC

·      Oversight of commercial legal workstream incl. budget management

·      Uptake incentives and modelling

·      Economic optimisation (of infrastructure)

Monique Benson

 

Client advisor water

·      Farmer uptake - support

·      Technical support  - consenting

Heath Caldwell

 

Company Manager HBRIC Ltd

Management Accountant – RWS

·      Budget management and financial reporting

·      Cash flow management with HBRC

Stephen Daysh

 

Planning consultant

·      EPA Management

·      Consent condition management including partner alignment

·      RMA legal oversight

BNZ Advisory

 

Financial Advisor

·      Financial modelling

·      Investor Consortium

·      Ownership structure

·      D&C procurement

Commercial Legal

 

Commercial legal advisor

·      SPV construction

·      Water uptake contracts

·      D&C contracts and risk

·      General legal as required

13.    For the purpose of clarity the staff members report to the Managing Director of the Board for all aspects of their RWS accountabilities.

Financial Implications

14.    The financial implications of seconding the above HBRC staff are outlined in Table 2.

Table 2

Staff member

Charge out rate

(per hour)

Budgeted hours

to be charged to RWS

(to 31 Dec 2013)

% of

time

Available

Total cost

Andrew Newman

$120

1,080

60%

$129,600

Graeme Hansen

$120

1,240

69%

$148,800

Larissa Coubrough

$90

1,150

64%

$103,500

Michael Bassett-Foss

$90

900

50%

$81,000

Grant Pechey

$ 90

1,020

57%

$91,800

Monique Benson

$65

1,200

67%

$78,000

Heath Caldwell

$90

400

22%

$36,000

Total

 

 

 

$668,700

15.    The total cost of the identified HBRC staff totals $668,700, which makes up around 8.5% of the total budget for the RWS of approximately $7,900,000.

16.    The above staff will remain on the HBRC payroll throughout the term of the secondment.  Each hour of work on the RWS project will be recorded through electronic timesheets and invoiced to HBRIC Ltd on a bi-monthly basis, subject to the sign-off of Graeme Hansen.

17.    Further HBRC staff time has been budgeted throughout the next 13 to 14 months on the RWS, but with this time totalling less than 30% of their time. A list of these staff, which together equates to a total of $126,050 to be charged to RWS, is as follows.

Rob Christie                  Drew Broadley

Malcolm Miller               Sally Chandler

Nathan Heath                Stu Davey

Ian Millner                      Darrel Hall

Helen Shea

 

HBRIC Ltd – Financial Implications of Managing RWS up to 31 December 2013

Table 3:  Estimated Costs

Item

 

$

Purchase of Feasibility Study from HBRC

 

3.7m

Phase 2 of RWS which includes design, procurement and EPA process

 

7.9m

(includes MPI funding of $2.5m)

Total

 

$11.6m

 

18.    It is proposed to fund HBRIC Ltd on the following basis for the above expenditures.

18.1.   An advance of $3.7m from HBRC to HBRIC Ltd for the purchase of the feasibility.

18.2.   Phase 2 will be funded on a monthly basis by transfer from HBRC to HBRIC Ltd, this monthly transfer dependent on cash flows appears to be in the order of between $450,000 - $500,000.  More details will be provided to the HBRIC Ltd Board meeting on 21 December on the cash flow implications of MPI funding.

19.    A detailed budget is currently being finalised for phase 2 of the RWS Scheme up to the end of the consenting process. One element of the detailed budget will be a cash flow statement which will outline the amounts and timing of advances from HBRC to HBRIC Ltd which will enable the funding of all costs in relation to phase 2 of the RWS Scheme.

20.    This budget will be presented to the HBRIC Ltd Board at its meeting on 21 December 2012. It is proposed that this detailed budget, including the cash flow statement, will be presented to Council early in the New Year once adopted by the HBRIC Ltd Board.

21.    A funding agreement between HBRIC Ltd and the Ministry for Primary Industries will also be presented at the HBRIC Ltd Board meeting on 21 December 2012. Upon approval of the budget this agreement will be signed by the HBRIC Ltd Board which will outline a sharing of costs by the two parties for certain elements of phase 2 of the RWS Scheme.

22.    The conclusion of this part of the paper is that the following recommendations have been approved by the HBRIC Board HBRC approval is now sought as follows:

22.1.   Approves the assignment of the staff to HBRIC Ltd, the roles and accountabilities as outlined in table one.

22.2.   Approves the charge rates and budgeted hours as outlined in table two and the proposed charging arrangement between HBRC and HBRIC Ltd, noting that a full budget and cash flow will be presented to the Board at its 21 December meeting.

22.3.   Notes the financial implications of managing the RWS project to 31 December 2013 and the proposed cash flow transfers from HBRC.

22.4.   Notifies its resolutions to HBRC for its Council meeting on 12 December 2012 (this is being done via this paper and will not be included in the final recommendations at the conclusion of the paper).

Role Clarification

23.    HBRC has sought further clarification around the split in staff responsibilities between HBRC and HBRIC, and around the undertaking of the CE’s duties for 2013. 

24.    In addition to the time allocations described in the HBRIC section of this paper specifically for the RWS additional staff time is required to support the administration of the HBRIC Board (preparation of agendas, preparation of financial information, attendance at meetings, etc).  This staff time will be supplied by Andrew Newman, Heath Caldwell and Diane Wisely.

25.    One of Council’s decisions on 28 November was to “instruct Council staff to develop a reporting template to monitor impacts of the Ruataniwha Water Storage project on Council’s functions and cash flows and report these regularly to the Corporate and Strategic Committee.” HBRC’s financial interests in the RWS and the responsibility for this reporting will lie with the Group Manager, Corporate Services.

26.    Similarly HBRC’s position on the Tukituki plan change and/or consent conditions for the Ruataniwha dam will be overseen by the General Manager (Operations) and the Group Manager, Strategic Development or the Group Manager, Resource Management (as appropriate).

Delegated Authority

27.    Council has agreed in principle to the rebalancing of Chief Executive duties for the 2013 year, with the operational aspects of Council’s business to be managed by a General Manager (Operations).

28.    The Chief Executive Officer is the sole employee of the Council, and has the responsibility of then employing staff to deliver the Council’s direction as developed through the local government and resource management planning processes. The Council has delegated to the Chief Executive the requirements necessary for him to perform this role.

29.    During 2013 it will be necessary for the Chief Executive to delegate a number of his delegations to the General Manager (Operations) in order for her to have the authority of the Chief Executive in a number of functions. A legal due diligence is being carried out on these delegations to ensure that the process is legally complaint.

30.    It is proposed that, with the approval of Council,  the following be delegated by the Chief Executive to the General Manager (Operations):

30.1.       The ability to enter into contractual commitments for:

30.1.1.       Purchase of goods required by the Council; or

30.1.2.       Engagement of services; or

30.1.3.       Any purposes connected with the day-to-day administration or daily functions of Council

up to a maximum of $200,000 as sole signatory, and up to $400,000 with the joint signature of the Group Manager, Corporate Services.

30.2.       The Resource Management Act 1991 powers, duties and functions of the Chief Executive, as set out in the Delegations Register approved by Council on 18 April 2012.

30.3.       The authority to represent the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council with the standing of  Chief Executive for the following purposes:

30.3.1.       As the Council’s appointee on the Board of Directors of HB LASS Ltd

30.3.2.       As the Council’s appointee on the Hawke’s Bay Coordinating Executive Group on the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group.

Decision Making Process

31.    Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act).  Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

31.1.   The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

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

31.3.   The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.

31.4.   The persons affected by this decision are the staff named in this report in the first instance.

31.5.   There were no other options considered other than those presented in this paper.

31.6.   The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

31.7.   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 Council:

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.      Adopts the following recommendations from the Board of HBRIC ltd:

2.1.      Approves the assignment of the staff to HBRIC Ltd, the roles and accountabilities as outlined in Table One.

2.2     Approves the charge rates and budgeted hours as outlined in table two and the proposed charging arrangement between HBRC and HBRIC Ltd, noting that a full budget and cash flow will be presented to the HBRIC Board at its 21 December 2012 meeting.

 

2.3     Notes the financial implications of managing the Ruataniwha Water Storage project to 31 December 2013 and the proposed cash flow transfers from HBRC.

3.      Notes the clarification of roles within HBRC around reporting and response to the Ruataniwha Water Storage Project.

4.      Approve the following delegations by the Chief Executive to the General Manager (Operations):

4.1.      The ability to enter into contractual commitments that are provided for in the Annual Plan budgets that cover:

4.1.1.      Purchase of goods required by the Council; or

4.1.2.      Engagement of services; or

4.1.3.      Any purposes connected with the day-to-day administration or daily functions of Council.

up to a maximum of $200,000 as sole signatory, and up to $400,000 with the joint signature of the Group Manager, Corporate Services.

4.2.      The Resource Management Act 1991 powers, duties and functions of the Chief Executive, as set out in the Delegations Register approved by Council on 18 April 2012.

4.3.      The authority to represent the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council with the standing of  Chief Executive for the following purposes:

4.3.1.      As the Council’s appointee on the Board of Directors of HB LASS Ltd

4.3.2.      As the Council’s appointee on the Hawke’s Bay Coordinating Executive Group on the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group.

 

 

 

 

Liz Lambert

Group Manager External Relations

 

Andrew Newman

Chief Executive

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL  

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Local Governance Statement 2012 Update        

 

 

Reason for Report

1.      The purpose of this paper is to present the 2012 update of Council’s Local Governance Statement (the Statement) to Council for approval and adoption.

2.      Section 40 of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act) requires that each local authority must prepare and make publicly available a Local Governance Statement within six months after each triennial election of the members of the local authority. The most recent Local Governance Statement 2010-2013 was adopted by Council on 27 April 2011 and subsequently published and made available to the public.

3.      Further, section 40(3) of the Act states “a local authority must update its governance statement as it considers appropriate” and Council resolved, at its meeting on 17 December 2003 to Delegate to the Chief Executive the requirement and authority to update this Statement on an annual basis no later than 31 December each year”.

4.      Due to the ‘interim’ nature of the yearly updates subsequent to the ‘triennial’ publication, it was further proposed and agreed that those yearly updates would be made available on Council’s website only. Therefore the updated 2012 version of the Local Governance Statement will be published on Council’s website only.

Contents of the Local Governance Statement

5.      A Local Governance Statement is a collection of information about the processes through which the Council engages with its community, how the Council makes its decisions, and how citizens in the region can influence those processes. Its purpose is to help support the purpose of local government by promoting local democracy by providing the public with information about ways to influence local democratic processes.

6.      Specifically, the Act requires that the Statement includes information on:

“(a)    the functions, responsibilities, and activities of the local authority; and

(b)     any local legislation that confers powers on the local authority; and

[(ba)  the bylaws of the local authority, including for each bylaw, its title, a general description of it, when it was made, and, if applicable, the date of its last review under section 158 or 159; and]

(c)     the electoral system and the opportunity to change it; and

(d)     representation arrangements, including the option of establishing Maori wards or constitutencies, and the opportunity to change them; and

(e)     members’ roles and conduct (with specific reference to the applicable statutory requirements and code of conduct); and

(f)      governance structures and processes, membership, and delegations; and

(g)     meeting processes (with specific reference to the applicable provisions of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and standing orders; and

(h)     consultation policies; and

(i)      policies for liaising with, and memoranda or agreements with, Maori; and

(j)      the management structure and the relationship between management and elected members; and

(k)     equal employment opportunities policy; and

(l)      key approved planning and policy documents and the process for their development and review; and

(m)    systems for public access to it and its elected members; and

(n)     processes for requests for official information.”

2012 Update Changes

7.      As Councillors are aware, the Representation Arrangements to apply for the 2013 and 2016 elections are currently being reviewed and hence this is noted.

8.      The Committee structure and membership information has been amended as well, to reflect the changes implemented 1 July.

9.      As the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2012 is now in effect, changes relating to the reorganisation provisions have also been included as appropriate.

10.    There were also minor wording and grammatical amendments as well as amendments to dates in the Key Approved Planning and Policy Documents section.

Decision Making Process

11.    Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

11.1.   The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

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

11.3.   The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.

11.4.   The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

11.5.   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 Council:

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.      Approves the Local Governance Statement 2012 Update for publication to the Regional Council website.

 

 

 

 

Leeanne Hooper

Governance & Corporate Administration Manager

 

Paul Drury

Group Manager

 Corporate Services

 

Attachment/s

1View

2012 Updated Local Governance Statement

 

 

  


2012 Updated Local Governance Statement

Attachment 1

 

CONTENTS

1.      WHAT IS A GOVERNANCE STATEMENT. 3

2.      FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES. 3

3.      REGIONAL COUNCIL / DISTRICT AND CITY COUNCILS  -  WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?  4

4.      LEGISLATION.. 4

4.1     National Acts. 5

4.2     Local Acts. 5

4.3     By-Laws. 5

5.      THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE THAT SYSTEM... 5

5.1     Electoral System Adopted. 5

5.2     Process to Change the Electoral System.. 5

6.      REPRESENTATION OPTIONS. 6

6.1     Maori Constituencies. 6

6.2     Review of Representation. 6

6.3     The Re-organisation Process. 6

6.4     Constituencies. 7

7.      MEMBERS’ ROLES AND CONDUCT. 8

7.1     Members’ Roles. 8

7.2     Code of Conduct. 8

8.      GOVERNANCE STRUCTURES AND PROCESSES. 9

8.1     Permanent Committees. 9

8.2     Joint Committee. 9

8.3     Committee Purpose, Membership. 9

8.4     Hawke’s Bay Regional Councillors. 13

9.      MEETING PROCESSES. 14

10.         CONSULTATION POLICIES. 15

10.1  Council’s Policy and Guidelines for Community Consultation. 15

10.2  Consultation Requirements. 15

10.3  Special Consultative Procedure. 15

10.4  Partnership with Maori 16

11.         MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES AND RELATIONSHIPS. 16

11.1  Chief Executive. 17

11.2  Council’s Groups. 17

12.         COUNCIL ORGANISATIONS. 18

13.         EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES (EEO) POLICY. 18

13.1  Introduction. 19

13.2  Council Policy. 19

13.3  Equal Employment Opportunity Goals. 19

14.         KEY APPROVED PLANNING AND POLICY DOCUMENTS. 19

15.         INFORMATION PROCESSES. 23

15.1  System for Processing Complaints. 23

15.2  Process for Requests for Official Information. 23

 

 

 


 

1.    What is a Governance Statement ?

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Governance Statement is a collection of information about the processes that Council uses to engage with the region’s residents.

 

It outlines how Council makes decisions and shows how residents can influence those processes. It also promotes local democracy by providing the public with information on ways they can influence local democratic processes.

 

Council’s Governance Statement is a requirement of Section 40 of the Local Government Act 2002. Council must update the governance statement within six months of each triennial election.

 

This current Governance Statement was adopted by Council on 12 December 2012.

 

 

2.    Functions, Responsibilities and Activities

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has been established as part of the framework of Local Government whose purpose is to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities. These decisions and actions are to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities, in the present and for the future.

 

All councils now have the full capacity, rights, powers and privileges to carry on or undertake any activity or business, do any act, or enter into any transaction. However, the Regional Council must exercise these powers wholly or principally for the benefit of all or a significant part of its region and not for the benefit of a single district.

 

Functions

It is important to note that there are numerous statutes, which specifically identify regional councils as having a specific function and role in various activities. These include:

·      Biosecurity Act 1993

·      Building Act 2004

·      Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002

·      Hawke’s Bay Endowment Land Empowering Act 2002

·      Land Drainage Act 1908

·      Land Transport Management Act 2003 and Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008

·      Local Electoral Act 2001

·      Local Government Act 2002

·      Local Government (Rating) Act 2002

·      Maritime Transport Act 1994

·      Public Transport Management Act 2008

·      Resource Management Act 1991

·      Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941

 

These statutes have, to date, principally directed and determined the present responsibilities and activities of the Council.

 


Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Council include:

·      Formulating the region’s strategic direction in consultation with the community to produce the Long Term Plan (LTP) (formerly Long Term Council Community Plan)

·      Determining the services and activities to be undertaken

·      Managing principal tasks

·      Administering various regulations and upholding the law

·      Monitoring the delivery of the planned outputs included in the Long Term Plan and Annual Plan

·      Ensuring the integrity of the management control system

·      Safeguarding the public interest

·      Ensuring effective succession of elected members

·      Reporting to ratepayers

 

Activities

The Regional Council has identified the following future goals:

·      A vibrant community

·      A prosperous region

·      A clean and healthy environment

 

To achieve these goals the Council has the following groups of activities:

·      Regional Resources

·      Regulation

·      Governance and Community Engagement

·      Land Drainage and River Control

·      Biosecurity

·      Emergency Management

·      Transport

·      Strategic Planning

 

3.    Regional Council / District and City Councils  -  What’s the Difference?

·      The boundaries of the region are generally based on river catchments, while district and city council territories are based on population and communities of interest.

·      The Regional Council has historically, and through legislative direction, concentrated more on the ‘natural environment’ - water,  air, land, coastal- with a long-term view to make sure these are used sustainably, and are just as available and just as good (if not better) in the future as they are today. The Resource Management Act 1991 is one of the principal Acts behind the work of regional councils and many of our activities are aimed primarily at benefiting the environment. We also have responsibility for functions that are more appropriately carried out on a regional basis such as economic development, land transport planning, river control and land drainage and plant and animal pest control.

·      City and district councils concentrate more on the built environment and deliver services to their local communities, such as drinking water, sewage disposal, rubbish disposal, roading, swimming pools, libraries and parks and deal with subdivisions.

 

4.    Legislation

The Council is subject to a wide range of different pieces of legislation (Acts) that other corporate bodies and individuals are subject to (e.g. Income Tax Act, Employment Relations Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, Fair Trading Act). However, being a creature of statute and specifically the Local Government Act 2002 there are many other Acts which are particularly relevant to the Regional Council and its functions and roles. These include:

4.1          National Acts

·      Biosecurity Act 1993

·      Building Act 2004

·      Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002

·      Land Drainage Act 1908

·      Land Transport Management Amendment Act 2008

·      Land Transport Management Act 2003

·      Local Electoral Act 2001

·      Local Government Act 2002 (LGA)

·      Local Government Official Information Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA)

·      Local Government (Rating) Act 2002

·      Maritime Transport Act 1994

·      Public Transport Management Act 2008

·      Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA)

·      Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941

4.2          Local Acts

·      Hawke’s Bay Endowment Land Empowering Act 2002

4.3          By-Laws

·      Hawke’s Bay Regional Council By-Law 1990

·      Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Navigation and Safety By-Laws 2012

Copies of these By-laws are available for reference at the Council’s Napier office.

 

5.    The Electoral System and the Opportunity to Change that System

5.1          Electoral System Adopted

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council currently operates its elections under the ‘First Past the Post’ (FPP) electoral system. This form of voting is used in parliamentary elections to elect Members of Parliament to constituency seats. Electors vote by indicating their preferred candidate(s), and the candidate(s) that receive the most votes is declared the winner regardless of the proportion of votes that candidate(s) obtained.

 

The other option permitted under the Local Electoral Act 2001 is the ‘Single Transferable Vote’ system (STV). This system is currently used in District Health Board elections and some local authority elections. Electors rank candidates in order of preference. The number of votes required for a candidate to be elected (called the quota) depends on the number of positions to be filled and the number of valid votes. The number of candidates required to fill all vacancies is achieved:

·      first by the counting of electors’ first preferences

·      then by a transfer of a proportion of votes received by any candidate where the number of votes for that candidate is in excess of the quota then by the exclusion of the lowest polling candidates and the transfer of these votes in accordance with voters’ second preferences.

5.2          Process to Change the Electoral System

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001 the Council can resolve to change the electoral system; or conduct a binding poll on the question; or electors can demand a binding poll. A poll can be initiated by at least 5 per cent of electors signing a petition demanding that a poll be held. Once changed, an electoral system must be used for at least the next two triennial general elections, i.e. we cannot change our electoral system for one election and then change back for the next election.

 

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council reviewed its electoral system in August 2011 and the decision was made to retain the first past the post voting system for the 2013 and 2016 elections.

 

6.    Representation Options

6.1          Maori Constituencies

The Local Electoral Act 2001 gives Council the ability to establish separate constituencies for Maori electors. The Council may resolve to create a separate Maori constituency or conduct a poll on the matter, or the community may demand a poll. The demand for a poll can be initiated by a petition signed by 5% of the electors within the region.

 

At its meeting on 23 November 2011, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council resolved to not establish Maori constituencies in the Hawke’s Bay region for the 2013 and 2016 elections, and publicly notified the electors’ rights to demand a poll on this issue.

6.2          Review of Representation

The Local Electoral Act 2001 requires the Council to determine its representation arrangements on the first occasion either in 2003 or in 2006 and subsequently thereafter at least once in every period of six years after the first determination. The Council conducted its first determination in 2006 and commenced its 2012 Representation Review by resolution at its 14 December 2011 meeting.

 

Following the procedures set out in the Local Electoral Act 2001 and guidelines published by the Local Government Commission, the Council notified its Final Proposed Representation Arrangement for the 2013 and 2016 Regional Council elections on 27 October 2012.

 

It is proposed that the Council comprise nine (9) councillors elected from four (4) constituencies with constituency boundaries reflecting those of the territorial authorities; being Wairoa, Hastings, Napier and Central Hawke’s Bay. This proposal will be submitted to the Local Government Commission for determination, and the Council will receive the Commission’s decision by 10 April 2013.

6.3          Re-organisation Processes for Local Authorities

The Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2012 sets out procedures which must be followed during proposals to:

·      Make changes to the boundaries of cities, districts, within the region;

·      Create one or more territorial local authority within the region;

·      Create a unitary authority, i.e. the transfer of functions of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to a City or District Council;

·      Transfer a particular function or functions to another Council.

 

Proposals for a boundary alteration or transfer of functions from one local authority to another will be considered either by a joint committee of the affected local authorities or an appointed local authority, or by the Local Government Commission (if the local authorities refer the proposal to the Commission or if the local authorities cannot agree on which of them should deal with the matter or appoint a joint committee within 60 days of receiving the proposal).

 

Proposals for the establishment of a new district or the creation of a unitary authority will be dealt with by the Local Government Commission and cannot be implemented without a poll of electors.

 

Further information on these requirements can be found in the Local Government Act 2002 Amendment Act 2012. The Local Government Commission also provides guidelines on procedures for Local Government reorganisation.

6.4          Constituencies

The Hawke’s Bay region is currently divided into four constituencies. The following map and table show the number of representatives and the approximate population of each constituency.

Constituency

No.

Members

Approximate

Population

Wairoa

1

8,430

Central Hawke’s Bay

1

16,370

Napier

3

57,780

Hastings

4

72,690

 

9

155,270

 

*these figures are rounded 2011 population estimates, being the most up-to-date available, provided by the Government Statistician

 

 

 


 


7.    Members’ Roles and Conduct

7.1          Members’ Roles

The Chairman and Councillors of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council have the following roles:

·      Setting the strategic direction of Council and formulating its policy

·      Monitoring the performance of the Council organisation and its Chief Executive

·      Representing the interests of the region (on election all members must make a declaration that they will perform their duties faithfully and impartially, and according to their best skill and judgement in the best interests of the region)

·      Employing the Chief Executive (under the Local Government Act the local authority employs the Chief Executive, who in turn employs all other staff on its behalf)

·      The Chairman is elected by the members of the Council at the first meeting. In addition to the role as a member, the Chairman has the following roles:

Presiding member at Council meetings. The Chairman is responsible for ensuring the orderly and effective conduct of business during meetings (as determined by standing orders).

Advocate on behalf of the community. This role may involve promoting the community and representing its interests. Such advocacy will be most effective where it is carried out with the knowledge and support

Ceremonial Head of Council.

Provider of leadership and feedback to other elected members on teamwork and Chairmanship of committees.

 

The Deputy Chairman is elected by the Members of the Council at the first meeting of the Council. The Deputy Chairman exercises the same roles as other elected Members. In addition, if the Chairman is absent or incapacitated, or if the office of Chairman is vacant, then the Deputy Chairman must perform all the responsibilities and duties, and may exercise the powers of the Chairman (as summarised above).

 

The Council may create one or more Committees of Council. A Committee Chairman is responsible for presiding over meetings of the Committee, ensuring that the Committee acts within the powers delegated by Council.

7.2          Code of Conduct

Elected members have specific obligations governing their conduct, which are set out in the following legislation:

·      Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002, which includes obligations to act as a good employer in respect of the Chief Executive and to abide by the current code of conduct and standing orders

·      The Local Authorities (Members’ Interests) Act 1968 which regulates the conduct of elected members in situations where there is, or could be, a conflict of interest between their duties as an elected member and their financial interests (either direct or indirect)

·      The Secret Commissions Act 1910, which prohibits elected members from accepting gifts or rewards which would be seen to sway them to perform their duties in a particular way

·      The Crimes Act 1961 regarding the acceptance of gifts for acting in a certain way and the use of official information for private profit

·      Under Schedule 7 Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2002 Council is required to adopt a Code of Conduct for members of the Council as soon as practicable after the commencement of the Act being 1 July 2003.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, at its meeting held on 3 November 2010, adopted a Code of Conduct. A copy can be made available on request to the Administration Manager (ph 833 8017).


 

8.    Governance Structures and Processes

Regional Council and Committee meetings are open to the public, except where items of business specifically exclude the public. Meeting dates and times are published in Hawke’s Bay Today and on Council’s website www.hbrc.govt.nz. Following the elections in October 2010 Council reviewed its committee structure and established the following committees effective 1 July 2012.

 

 

Flowchart: Alternate Process: HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


8.1          Permanent Committees

·      Environment and Services Committee

·      Corporate and Strategic Committee

·      Regional Planning Committee

·      Hearings Committee

·      Tenders Committee

·      Maori Committee

·      Regional Transport Committee (required by statute)

8.2          Joint Committee

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Joint Committee (required by

statute)

8.3          Committee Purpose, Membership

The Regional Council

Council develops or approves all major policy and deals with all other issues concerning its responsibilities which have not otherwise been delegated to Committees of Council or its Chief Executive. It deals with issues which are not the responsibility of the Chief Executive but require Council consideration.

Members:

­  Elected Members: All Councillors

­  Chairman: Fenton Wilson

­  Deputy Chairman: Ewan McGregor

The Chairman of the Maori Committee attends all Council meetings and has speaking rights only.

 

Environment and Services Committee

This committee considers and recommends to Council strategies, policies, rules and other methods, with regard to the HBRC responsibilities or involvement with Land Drainage and River Control under the Local Government Act 2002; Land Drainage and Rivers Control Act 1941 and Land Drainage Act 1908; Biosecurity under the Local Government Act 2002 and the Biosecurity Act 1993; Resource Management Act 1991; National Policy Statements, National Environmental Standards and relevant associated legislation; and maritime and navigation safety under the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

Members:

­  Elected Members: All Councillors

­  Appointed Members: Peter Paku, Rangi Puna

­  Chairman: Councillor Kevin Rose

Corporate and Strategic Committee

This committee considers and recommends to Council strategic planning initiatives including development of the Council’s Strategic Plan and other strategic initiatives with external stakeholders including District and City councils.

Members:

­  Elected Members: All Councillors

­  Appointed Members: Chairman of the Maori Committee (Mike Mohi) and one other nominee from the Maori Committee (Barry Wilson)

­  Chairman: Councillor Eileen von Dadelszen

­  Deputy Chairman: Councillor Ewan McGregor

 

Regional Planning Committee

This committee considers and recommends to Council strategies, policies, rules and other methods for inclusion in the Regional Resource Management Plan and the Regional Coastal Environment Plan. This committee also considers and recommends to Council strategies and processes to ensure effective implementation of policies, rules, research, monitoring and enforcement to satisfy the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991, National Policy Statements, National Environmental Standards and relevant associated legislation.

Members:

­  Elected Members: All Councillors

­  Appointed Members: Treaty Claimant Group representatives (9)

­  Chairman: Chairman Fenton Wilson

­  Deputy Chairman: Toro Waaka

 

Hearings Committee

This committee considers and recommends to Council processes, policies and guidelines to ensure effective management of resource consent and plan development processes.

Pursuant to Section 34(1) of the Resource Management Act (RMA) Hawke’s Bay Regional Council delegates the following functions, powers and/or duties under the RMA:

·      To hear and make decisions on submissions received on any statutory documents prepared by the Council which have been subject to a formal submission process under the Resource Management Act 1991.

·      To hear and make decisions on applications arising out of the Council’s regulatory responsibilities as follows

o notified applications where submissions have been made and submitters wish to be heard;

o reviews of conditions (s.128) where consent holder and/or submitters wish to be heard;

o notified applications where submissions have been made and where the Committee considers it necessary to hold a hearing;

o objections to decisions made under delegated authority by staff, where they wish to be heard (S357);

o and where the staff recommendation is to decline any application for reasons other than inadequate information.

·      To determine other related discretionary process matters that may be associated with a Hearing such as waivers of time, as appropriate under the Resource Management Act 1991.

·      To hear and make decisions on objections against costs under Section 36(6) of the Act and objections to the levying of Financial Contributions under Section 108 of the Act.

·      To authorise the resolution and settlement of appeals and references through formal hearings or mediation in front of the Environment Court and to either generally or from time to time delegate to officers the authority to resolve and settle appeals and references through formal mediation before the Environment Court.

·      To hear and make decisions on lapsing of consents under Section 125 of the Act where a decision of an officer acting under delegated authority is subject to an objection.

·      To consider and authorise the lodging of an appeal or reference to the Environment Court against a decision of a territorial local authority on an application, designation or proposed plan or plan change or variation to a plan on which the Regional Council had lodged a formal submission.

·      Pursuant to section 82 of the Biosecurity Act (BA) the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council delegates the following functions, powers and/or duties under the BA:

to hear and make decisions on submissions received on any statutory documents prepared by the Council which have been subject to a formal submission process under the Biosecurity Act.

to authorise the resolution and settlement of appeals and references through formal hearings or mediation heard before the Environment Court or any other judicial body which relate to the preparation of any statutory documents prepared under the Biosecurity Act by Council and to either generally or from time to time delegate to officers the authority to resolve and settle appeals and references through formal mediation.

·      The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council delegates to the Hearings Committee Chairman, the appointment of Hearings Committee members to a Hearing Panel to undertake functions set out above and the appointment of the Chair of the Hearing Panel.

Members:

­  Elected Members: Councillors Christine Scott (Chairman), Eileen von Dadelszen (Deputy Chair), Tim Gilbertson and Fenton Wilson

­  Appointed Member: Mike Mohi

 

Tenders Committee

This committee’s role is to consider and accept tenders which exceed the delegated authority of the Chief Executive; and to consider and decide on exemptions to Council’s Contracts and Tenders policy as set out in section 2.1.4.2 of Council’s Policy Handbook.

Members:

­ Elected Members: Fenton Wilson (Chairman), Ewan McGregor (Deputy Chairman),

Councillors Kevin Rose and Eileen von Dadelszen

 

Maori Committee

The Maori Committee includes both elected Councillors and members appointed by various Maori groups. The committee makes recommendations to the Council on matters of relevance affecting Maori people of the region and helps fulfil the Maori consultative undertaking of Council, particularly with regard to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti O Waitangi).

Members:

    Elected members: Councillors Ewan McGregor, Liz Remmerswaal, Tim Gilbertson and Chairman Fenton Wilson (ex officio)

    Appointed Members: Wairoa - Adrian Manuel, Fred McRoberts, Pat Hohipa; Ahuriri - Rangi Puna, Heitia Hiha, Barry Wilson; Heretaunga - Haami Hilton, Marei Apatu, Peter Paku; Tamatea - Liz Graham, Marge Hape, Mike Mohi (Chairman); Proxy Members - Miriama Hammond (Wairoa), Terry Wilson (Ahuriri)

 

Regional Transport Committee

This committee includes Regional Councillors and appointees from transport interests and other councils in the region. The aim is to prepare both the Regional Land Transport Strategy and the Regional Land Transport Programme for approval by the Council, and consider other issues related to Transport which have a regional impact, including public and coastal transport.

Members:

­  Elected Members:  Councillors Alan Dick (Chair) and Liz Remmerswaal

    Appointees from:  Wairoa District Council, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, NZ Transport Agency representatives of the five objectives of the New Zealand Transport Strategy, and a cultural representative.

 

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Joint Committee

The Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 requires all local authorities within a region to form a Civil Defence Emergency Management Group as a joint standing Committee under Clause 30(1)(b) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002.

 

The Joint Committee is composed by including a representative from each local authority that is a member of the Group. Representatives must be a chairperson or mayor of that local authority or an elected person from that local authority, who has delegated authority to act for the chairperson or mayor.

Members: 

    Chairman Fenton Wilson – Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (Chairman), Barbara Arnott - Mayor Napier City, Lawrence Yule - Mayor Hastings District, Les Probert - Mayor Wairoa District, Peter Butler - Mayor Central Hawke’s Bay District.

 


8.4          Hawke’s Bay Regional Councillors

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fenton Wilson, Wairoa, Chairman

0274 984483
chairman@hbrc.govt.nz

Ewan McGregor, Hastings, Deputy Chairman

Ph 06 873 4288,
 ewan-mac@xtra.co.nz

Alan Dick, QSO, Napier

Ph 06 844 4645, alizdick@xtra.co.nz

image description

 

Tim Gilbertson, Central Hawke’s Bay

Ph 06 857 8975, tim@waitukai.co.nz

Neil Kirton, Napier

Ph 06 844 8618, nkirton@xtra.co.nz

Liz Remmerswaal, Hastings

Ph 06 877 7596, lizrem@gmail.com

Kevin Rose JP, Hastings

Ph 06 878 4385,
kjrose@clear.net.nz

Christine Scott, Napier

Ph 06 835 6950, chscott@inspire.net.nz

Eileen von Dadelszen JP, Hastings

Ph 06 877 8174, evond@xtra.co.nz

 


 

9.    Meeting Processes

The legal requirements for Council meetings are set down in the Local Government Act 2002 and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).

 

All Council and committee meetings must be open to the public unless there is reason to consider some items ‘in committee’. Although meetings are open to the public, members of the public do not have speaking rights unless prior arrangements are made with Council. The LGOIMA contains a list of the circumstances where Councils may consider items with the public excluded. These circumstances generally relate to protection of personal privacy, professionally privileged or commercially sensitive information, and the maintenance of public health, safety and order. The Council agenda is a public document, although parts may be withheld if the above circumstances apply.

 

Agendas are available from reception two days before each meeting or on the Council website. The Council also hosts public meetings on occasions, at venues throughout the region, to discuss planning issues, work programmes or other concerns that require public input.

 

The Chairman is responsible for maintaining order at meetings and may, at his or her discretion, order the removal of any member of the public for disorderly conduct, or remove any member of Council who does not comply with standing orders.

 

Minutes of meetings must be kept as evidence of the proceedings of the meeting and are made publicly available, subject to the provisions of the LGOIMA.

 

For an ordinary meeting of Council, at least 14 days notice of the time and place of the meeting must be given. Extraordinary meetings generally can be called on three working days notice.

 

During meetings the Chairman and Councillors must follow Standing Orders (a set of procedures for conducting meetings). The Council may suspend Standing Orders by a vote of 75% of the members present.


 

10.  Consultation Policies

10.1       Council’s Policy and Guidelines for Community Consultation

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council adopted its own consultation policy in December 2003 entitled “Policy and Guidelines for Community Consultation”.

 

A copy of Council’s Policy and Guidelines for Community Consultation can be obtained from the Administration Manager (Phone 06 833 8017, email info@hbrc.govt.nz) and is available on the Council’s website www.hbrc.govt.nz.

10.2       Consultation Requirements

The Local Government Act 2002 sets out consultation requirements and principles (sections 75-90) for Council to follow when making decisions. For decisions, Council should:

·      Assess the problem or issue to be addressed, the options for addressing it, and the costs, benefits, and impacts of those options

·      Consider the views of the community at all stages of the decision-making, particularly including persons likely to be affected by or interested in the matter, and the views of Maori (especially where land or water are affected)

·      Consult prior to making any decision or predetermination of an option

·      Make decisions in the interests of the community’s cultural, economic, environmental, and social well- being, now and in the future

·      Provide reasons for decisions made, and identify and explain any inconsistency with other Council plans or policies.

10.3       Special Consultative Procedure

The Local Government Act 2002 has specific procedures that Council must follow when making certain types of decisions. The special consultative procedure (predominantly set out in sections 83-89) are regarded as a minimum process that Council must use when adopting an Annual Plan or Ten Year Plan, or when making decisions that trigger specific criteria within section 97 of the Local Government Act 2002 or Council’s ‘Policy on Significance’.

The objective of Council’s ‘Policy on Significance’ is to ensure that the community of Hawke’s Bay is fully consulted and able to actively participate in the consideration of issues, proposals, decisions or other matters which are significant, and/or which involve Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s strategic assets.

The special consultative procedure consists of the following steps:

 

        STEP ONE: Preparation of a statement of proposal and a summary.

·      The Council must prepare a description of the proposed decision or course of action. The statement must be available for distribution throughout the community and must be available for inspection at the Council office and may be made available elsewhere. The Council also has to prepare a full and fair summary of the proposal, which must be distributed as widely as the Council considers being reasonably practicable. That statement must be included on an agenda for a Council meeting.

 

    STEP TWO: Public notice.

·      The Council must publish a notice in one or more daily newspapers, or in other newspapers of equivalent circulation, of the proposal and of the consultation being undertaken.

 

    STEP THREE: Receive submissions.

·      The Council must acknowledge all written submissions and offer submitters a reasonable opportunity to make an oral  submission. The Council must allow at least one month (from the date of the notice) for submissions.

 

    STEP FOUR: Deliberate in public.

·      All meetings where the Council deliberates on the proposal or hears submissions must be open to the public (unless there is some reason to exclude the public under the LGOIMA). All submissions must be made available unless there is reason to withhold them under LGOIMA.

 

    STEP FIVE: Follow up.

·      A copy of the decision and a summary of the reasons will be provided to submitters. There is no prescribed format for such a summary.

 

By law, the Council must follow the special consultative procedure before it:

·      adopts a Ten Year Plan or Annual Plan

·      amends a Ten Year Plan

·      adopts, revokes, reviews or amends a bylaw

·      changes the mode of delivery for a significant activity (for example from the Council to a

·      Council-controlled organisation or from a Council-controlled organisation to a private sector organisation) if this change is not provided for in the Ten Year Plan.

 

The Council may be required to use the special consultative procedure under other legislation, and it may use this procedure in other circumstances if it wishes to do so.

 

The Council can and does consult outside of the special consultative procedure. When it is adopting its Ten Year Plan, Annual Plan or regional plan it will hold formal meetings with community groups and other interested parties. At these meetings the Council will seek views on the matters the Council considers to be important and identify issues of concern to the community. The Council holds meetings with stakeholder groups either six monthly or annually, to discuss current Council issues.

10.4       Partnership with Maori

Council has a Charter between the Maori Committee of Council and the Council itself. The Charter contains the Council’s commitments to a number of issues including policies that directly relate to sections 14 (Principles relating to Local Authorities), 81 (Contributions to decision making processes by Maori) and 82 (Principles of Consultation) of the Local Government Act 2002. This Charter is available from the Council on request and is accessible through the Council’s web site.

 

The Maori Committee consists of three Councillors and 12 Maori members who are nominated representatives from the four rohe (areas) of Ngati Kahungunu that are within the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council boundary.

 

 

11.  Management Structures and Relationships

Council is supported by a professional corporate organisation, led by the Chief Executive. Officers provide Council with policy advice and are responsible for implementing Council’s policies to achieve the results Council wants.

 

The Chief Executive and staff are responsible for managing day-to-day issues and implementing Councils’ decisions and policies. The organisation is structured under seven Groups, each of which is headed by a Group Manager. They are:

Resource Management              Asset Management                     Water Initiatives

Strategic Development               Corporate Services

Operations                                       External Relations

 

The Human Resources Manager reports directly to the Chief Executive.

 

The Executive Team comprises the Group Managers of the seven Groups and is headed by the Chief Executive. The Executive Team considers organisation-wide issues and provides a key linkage between Councillors and staff. They ensure what is undertaken within the seven Groups is consistent with Council’s goals and objectives in the Long Term and Annual plans.

 

The elected members and Council staff work together at different levels to decide what activities should be done to achieve the community’s vision and goals, and to plan how they can best be undertaken. This takes place within a framework of competing priorities, timeframes, resources, decisions of Council, and within the overall goal of growing and developing the region in a sustainable environmental, social, cultural and economic context.

11.1       Chief Executive

The Local Government Act 2002 requires the Council to employ a Chief Executive whose responsibilities are to employ other staff on behalf of the Council, implement Council decisions, and provide advice to Council. Under the Local Government Act 2002 the Chief Executive is the only person who may lawfully give instructions to a staff member. Any complaint about individual staff members should therefore be directed to the Chief Executive, rather than the Chairman or Councillors.

 

The Chief Executive is appointed by the Council in accordance with section 42 and clauses 33 and 34 of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002. The Chief Executive implements and manages the Council’s policies and objectives within the budgetary constraints established by the Council.

 

Under section 42 of the Local Government Act 2002, the responsibilities of the Chief Executive are:

·      implementing the decisions of the Council

·      providing advice to the Council

·      ensuring that all responsibilities, duties and powers delegated to the Chief Executive or to any person employed by the Chief Executive, or imposed or conferred by any Act, regulation or bylaw are properly performed and exercised

·      managing the activities of the Council effectively and efficiently

·      maintaining systems to enable effective planning and accurate reporting of the financial and service performance of the Council

·      providing leadership to the staff of the Council

·      employing staff (including negotiation of the terms of employment for the staff).

 

The Chief Executive has a performance agreement with the Council, which expires not later than 5 years from 21 May 2007.

11.2       Council’s Groups

Set out below are the names of the Group Managers responsible for each Council group, and the functions carried out within each Group.

 

 

12.  Council Controlled Organisations

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has established a Council Controlled Organisation in the Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company Limited (HBRIC Ltd). Council has a 100% shareholding in HBRIC Ltd, which has a 100% shareholding in the subsidiary company, the Port of Napier Limited (PONL).

 

The nature and scope of HBRIC Ltd’s activities is to:

·      Own and management the investment assets and liabilities transferred to it by Council from time to time

·      Make new investments and dispose of current investments in pursuit of its objectives

·      Investment in and management of a range of financial and physical assets in accordance with Council’s investment policy detailed in the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2012-22, section 5

·      Raise funds for investment, but at no time by selling any of Council’s 100% shareholding in HBRIC Ltd itself or PONL without Council undertaking a special consultative process

·      Assist its subsidiary and associated companies to increase shareholder value in regional prosperity through growth and investment.

 

Equity Interests

·      The Council has a number of equity securities carrying voting rights in a variety of companies, which it has invested in as part of its investment policy. However, none of these investments fall within the category of a Council controlled organisation and, therefore, Council has no ability to dictate the appointment of Directors or otherwise influence the direction of these companies in any meaningful way. The Council’s role is purely as an investor and, therefore, the performance of the Company is monitored from an investment perspective only. This monitoring is conducted for Council by Frank Pearson of Pearson Investment Services.

 

Each of these organisations delivers services, or in some way supports the achievement of the objectives in the Council’s Long Term  and Annual plans.

 

13.  Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Policy

13.1       Introduction

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has had a strong commitment to an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy and Programme since 1990.  The philosophy and reasoning for adopting an EEO Policy have become an integral part of the operations of Council. All new staff are issued with a pamphlet outlining the Council’s commitment to EEO.

13.2       Council Policy

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunities for all employees and potential employees.  The Council regards the elimination of any discrimination and the provision of equal opportunities, as essential principles in the management of staff resources.

              

The Council affirms this commitment through a policy of positive action by adopting constructive policies and practices for equal opportunities in all aspects of employment, including: recruitment, selection and appointment, education, training and development, career planning and promotions. Personnel policies shall apply equally to all staff employed by Council. The Council actively endorses the policy of giving preference to the person best suited to the position - this is known as the merit principle. However, no employee or potential employee, shall gain any advantage or suffer any disadvantage for reasons such as: race,  colour, disability, nationality or ethnic origin, gender, age, marital status, personal sexual preference, religious or political beliefs.

13.3       Equal Employment Opportunity Goals

The programme goals are:

·      To provide equal employment opportunities for any person applying for a position with  the Council

·      To establish a workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination

·      For all staff to have an understanding of, and commitment to, Equal Employment Opportunity policies and practices

·      The achievement of equitable training and personal development for all staff employed by the Council.

A full copy of the Council’s EEO policy is available from the Human Resources Manager (Phone 06 833 8072).

 

14.  Key Approved Planning and Policy Documents

The following have been identified as key Council planning and policy documents. A number of these documents are currently under review. To view or to find out more about these plans, reports, policies and strategies see Council’s website: www.hbrc.govt.nz.

 

The Council has prepared a number of plans and strategies under various pieces of legislation, including the Local Government Act 2002, Resource Management Act 1991, Biosecurity Act 1993, the Land Transport Management Act 1998 and the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989.

 


Biosecurity Act

Plan

Detail

Purpose

Regional Pest Management

Strategy 2006

 

Operative December

2006

Provides the framework for managing defined pests in the region and sets out objectives Council wishes to achieve. Currently going through a review with new Strategy expected to be operative in 2013

Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy 2006

Operative December

2006

Provides the framework for managing pests arising from pipfruit production sites. Currently going through a review with new Strategy expected to be operative in 2013.

 

Resource Management Act

Plan

Detail

Purpose

Regional Coastal

Plan

Operative June

1999 (To eventually be superseded by Regional Coastal Environment Plan)

To assist Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s role under the RMA of promoting the sustainable management of natural and physical resources within the coastal marine area.

Regional Policy Statement & Regional Resource Management Plan

Operative August

2006

Subject issue-by-issue rolling review

To assist Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s role under the RMA by setting out a policy framework for managing natural and physical resource use in an integrated manner across the whole of the region (the regional policy statement), and regional planning provisions applicable for the region, excluding the coastal environment

Proposed Regional

Coastal Environment Plan

Notified August

2006. As amended by Decisions issued 19 July 2008 (subject to several appeals to the Environment Court)

To assist Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s role under the RMA of promoting the sustainable management of natural and physical resources within the coastal environment.

 


Local Government Act

Plan

Detail

Purpose

Annual Report year end

30 June 2012

Operative July

2012

This report compares actual performance with proposed performance set out in Council’s planning documents, and contains audited financial statements, set of accounts, and annual financial reports which assess Council’s financial performance against budget

Long Term Plan (LTP)

2012-22

Operative July 2012

This plan, which includes the Annual Plan 2012/13, includes some information on Council’s policies, actions and funding that are to be undertaken over the ten years of the planning period. This Plan includes community outcomes, policies and statements required by the Local Government Act 2002.

Annual Plan

2012/13

Operative July

2012

This plan includes budgets, funding and financial statements for that year, which are contained within the LTP 2012-22.

Asset Management

Plans

Operative

2012

These plans focus on the management of flood control and drainage scheme assets; the level of service they provide; and their improvements and replacement. There are 3 plans for Council’s flood and drainage schemes, and these are updated regularly.

Triennial

Agreement

Operative

February 2011

This agreement promotes cooperation between local authorities for communication and coordination, also to avoid duplication when engaging communities and exercising general empowerment.

Navigation Safety

Bylaws

Operative

15 January 2012

The Navigation Safety Bylaws 2012 provide for Council to regulate or control navigation of vessels in the navigable waters within its region out to the 12 mile limit and also to regulate related activities for the purpose of safety, such as the mandatory carriage of lifejackets. In addition, the bylaws enable certain areas to be reserved for certain activities in the interest of separating conflicting recreational activities.

 


Land Transport Management Act 2003 and Amendment Act 2008

Plan

Detail

Purpose

Regional Land

Transport Strategy

2012-42

Adopted

June 2012

The Regional Land Transport Strategy identifies what is needed in Hawke’s Bay to achieve an affordable, integrated, safe, response and environmentally sustainable land transport system, now and in the future. The strategy sets out a framework and covers all forms of land transport in the region including cars, cycles, trucking and rail.

 

Public Transport Management Act 2008

Plan

Detail

Purpose

Regional Public

Transport Plan

2011-14

Adopted

September 2011

The Regional Public Transport Plan describes the public transport services the Regional Council proposes to be provided in the region from 2011-14. The Plan specifies the urban bus services and Total Mobility Scheme funding and operations. Provisions in the plan reflect any proposed changes to transport services, the reviewed operation of the Total Mobility Services, service level guidelines for bus services, and the requirements for road markings and bus route signage.

 

Council Policies

Plan

Detail

Purpose

Policy Handbook

Continually updated

Sets out the policy and procedures adopted by Council, covering carrying out of tenders, delegations, regional landcare schemes, leasehold land freeholding and transfer procedures, etc.

Community Engagement Plan 2010-2013

Replaces the Environmental Education Strategy 2006 and summarises Council’s public communication activities and actions in the short to medium term.

Community Engagement and Communications Strategy

To Identify Strategies for Council to use to effectively engage the community and to respond to key issues and risks.

 


 

15.  Information Processes

15.1       System for Processing Complaints

All complaints are dealt with through the Chief Executive’s office. Complaints are received and acknowledged by the Chief Executive’s Executive Assistant, then recorded onto an action list stating the action required, person responsible and timeframe for action (10 days from the date of letter). The complaint is then sent through to the appropriate Group Manager to action and respond. A copy of correspondence to the complainant and a record of any action taken is sent to the Chief Executive for his information.

15.2       Process for Requests for Official Information

Under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA) any person may request information from the Council. Any request for information is a request made under LGOIMA. You do not have to say you are making a request under LGOIMA.

Once a request is made the Council must supply the information unless reason exists for withholding it. The LGOIMA says that information may be withheld if release of the information would:

·      Endanger the safety of any person

·      Prejudice maintenance of the law

·      Compromise the privacy of any person

·      Reveal confidential or commercially sensitive information

·      Cause offence to tikanga Maori or would disclose the location of waahi tapu

·      Prejudice public health or safety

·      Compromise legal professional privilege

·      Disadvantage the local authority while carrying out negotiations or commercial activities

·      Allow information to be used for improper gain or advantage

 

The Council must answer requests within 20 working days (although there are certain circumstances where this timeframe may be extended). The Council may charge for official information under guidelines set down by the Ministry of Justice.

 

If it is necessary to obtain information under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act, please contact the Administration Manager or Communications Co-ordinator, but note that information is usually readily available without the need for a formal request.

 


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Recommendations from the Environment and Services Committee

 

Reason for Report

1.      The following matters were considered by the Environment and Services Committee on Wednesday 5 December 2012 and are now presented to Council for consideration and approval.

2.      Item 10 Intensive Land Use Approach – Pilot Implementation Plan - following discussion by the Environment & Services Committee, it was requested that the following changes be made and brought back to Council for the December 12 meeting. Amended report attachment 1.

Decision Making Process

3.      These items have all been specifically considered at Committee level.

 

Recommendations

The Environment and Services Committee recommends that Council:

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.

Makara Scheme Review

2.      Receives this report together with the attached Philpott report.

3.      Instructs staff to seek ratepayer feedback on specific options through a special consultative process under the Local Government Act 2002, with a hearing held to consider submissions early in the 2013 year.

Regional Open Spaces

4.      Endorse the Regional Parks Network Plan subject to any changes that the Committee may wish to make.

5.      Note that Part 2 (Policies & Objectives and Part 3 (Individual Park Plans) of the Regional Park Network Plan are yet to be completed. Management plans for each of the individual open space areas will be reviewed or developed in accordance with the indicative programme set out in the briefing paper.  Parts 2 & 3 will require Council approval prior to adoption and implementation.

Intensive Land Use Approach – Pilot Implementation Plan

6.      That Council endorses the Land Management intensive land use nutrient mitigation approach report.

 

 

 

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

 

 

Attachment/s

1View

Intensive Land Use Approach - Pilot Implementation Plan

 

 

  


Intensive Land Use Approach - Pilot Implementation Plan

Attachment 1

 

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Environment and Services Committee

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Intensive Land Use Approach - Pilot Implementation Plan

 


Reason for Report

1.      A large part of the role of the HBRC Land Management team is to positively influence land use practices and their impact on water quality. Intensive land use, such as dairying and cropping, has the potential to have a significant impact on water quality, habitat protection, biodiversity and erosion.

2.      Over the past 2 years the land management team has increased its focus on areas of intensive land use. Currently three staff are focussed on intensive land use issues.  It is proposing to restructure resources to effectively build this by an additional two staff members in the next 12 months.

3.      The key issue with intensive land use is nutrient (phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N)) runoff and leaching into surface and ground water. High nutrient levels in the region’s rivers results in unwanted weed and algal growth particularly during periods of low flow.

4.      This report sets out a proposed approach to managing the effects of intensive land use on water quality, through the adoption of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) and sub-catchment “nutrient hotspot” mitigation. An intensive assessment of water quality has been undertaken throughout the Ruataniwha Plains. This has identified that:

4.1.      P is the critical nutrient which is resulting in algae growth in the rivers.

4.2.      Some of the tributaries have much higher levels of nutrients than others.

5.      Land Management staff will be preparing a non-regulatory implementation proposal to accompany the Tukituki Plan change. The following discussion outlines the fundamental approach to be included in that report.

6.      The briefing paper updates Council on this approach.

Discussion

7.      A considered non-regulatory implementation process will be significant in influencing the achievement of water quality outcomes. The proposed Plan Change has provided an opportunity for individual landholders, sub-catchment stakeholders and industry to proactively respond to wider community expectations for the managing water quality issues within catchments. Land management will play a key role in facilitating that process.

8.      A generalised regulatory approach to manage phosphorus is accepted as being too coarse to address the specific nature of phosphorus loss from the landscape, other than the regulation of stock exclusion from waterways. While some regulation and compliance will be required to underpin any mitigation approach, significant reductions in nutrients entering waterways across the Tukituki Catchment can be achieved through the adoption of GAP by land users.

9.      It is anticipated that much of the phosphorus impacting on water quality within sub-catchment hotspots is arising from specific parts of a farm e.g. porous soils, or a wet area draining directly to a water body, or through specific farming activities e.g. silage feed areas. These are referred to as critical source areas. By identifying and focussing cost effective mitigation measures to these critical source areas it is expected that a significant portion of the nutrient run off can be stopped, minimising the resource implications and maximising the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Identifying and addressing these will however require a detailed sub-catchment assessment and a collaborative approach with land owners and industry.

10.    The Land Management Team is developing two complementary approaches to affect the management actions required by land users to address the problem.

10.1.    Implementing a catchment wide nutrient management framework. This will involve:

10.1.1.   Awareness raising and transitional support to landholders dealing with the implications of the plan change on their existing land use.

10.1.2.   Working closely with the primary sector to develop a framework and suite of practice change mechanisms (i.e incentives, training, field days, farm planning templates etc) and processes to support the adoption of GAP.

10.1.3.   The creation and implementation of a marketing strategy to target and operationalise the GAP practice change mechanism.

10.1.4.   A framework for auditing and reporting on the adoption of GAP to Council and catchment stakeholders.

10.2.    Sub-catchment hotspot mitigation will involve -

10.2.1.   Developing stakeholder governance structures to assist develop, drive and audit sub-catchment plan implementation. Undertake analysis of the key characteristics and manageability of nutrient issues within sub-catchments, understand the socio-economic drivers and barriers to change, establish rapport with key community stakeholders and build up the collaborative support, processes and resources required to influence change in these sub-catchments.

10.2.2.   Collaboratively working with sub-catchment communities in the design, decision making and implementation of a sub-catchment nutrient management plan via a participatory community engagement and capacity building program.

11.    Support for the project from the primary sector industry groups is essential for the success of this process. Preliminary discussions to date have indicated that there will be strong support from industry.

12.    The approach set out in the proposed implementation process is consistent with the Hawke’s Bay Land and Water Management Strategy and recommendation 15 of the third Land and Water Forum Report (Land and Water Forum 2012). There will also be a number of spin off benefits from the approach, including:

12.1.    A collaborative approach involving multiple parties should build trust and confidence between those parties and result in a more durable response.

12.2.    While the focus will be on environmental outcomes, these will not be sustainable unless there is a positive impact on farm profitability and community and cultural wellbeing.

12.3.    In the absence of complete information at the commencement of the process, the approach can be adapted over time as the understanding of the issues, and the impact of specific interventions is improved. This will allow desired outcomes and responses to be modified over time, innovation to occur, and peripheral benefits to be realised.

Financial and Resource Implications

13.    The project is estimated to cost $159,000 over its initial 12 month duration. Note this is approximately allocated as $59,000 external RLS funded costs and $100,000 internal staff time.

14.    The staff resource will include two land management staff with periodic support from the science group.

15.    In addition there will be a need to support on farm initiatives to mitigate nutrient loss from sub-catchment critical source areas through strategies like riparian strips, and creating wetlands to strip nutrients.

16.    Staff propose that this is funded as follows:

16.1.    Ruataniwha water storage project – should the RWS project proceed it is likely that it will include funding for the mitigation of intensive land use impacts and biodiversity offsets. This funding could be aligned with the Land Management Team initiatives. However this is unlikely to support this process for the next few years.

16.2.    The Regional Landcare Scheme has a funding provision of $800,000. Staff propose that this is allocated approximately as set out in the table below.

 

2012/13

2013/14

2014/15

Research

$120,000

$80,000

$75,000

Subsidy on poles

$200,000

$200,000

$200,000

High scoring RLS projects and QEII initiatives

$250,000

$245,000

$250,000

Projects supporting the Trees on farms initiative

$0

$0

$0

Fund external funding requirements for pilot specific initiatives

$59,000

$75,000

$75,000

Projects supporting intensive land use nutrient mitigation

$171,000

$200,000

$200,000

TOTAL

$800,000

$800,000

$800,000

Note that where there is significant demand for RLS subsidy in any one of the above areas, staff may adjust the subsidy rate provided to, as far as possible, match supply and demand.

16.3.    The Central and Southern Scheme was established in 2003:

16.3.1.   to fund stream and river control work where there are no clear individual beneficiaries, or the number of beneficiaries is large and the quantum of work small; and

16.3.2.   to purchase land adjacent to rivers and streams where Council ownership would be prudent.

16.4.    Where land adjacent to rivers and streams is planted to mitigate the impacts of nutrient entering waterways, HBRC should secure that land either through purchase or through an easement. Costs associated with the securing and planting of land could be met through this Scheme. As at 30 June 2012 the Scheme operational account had a credit of $319,678. This has built up over a number of years because no suitable parcels of land have become available to purchase.

16.5.    A budget of $10,000 per year is included within the overall Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme budget to maintain small tributary streams. Once new planting is established, this could be maintained by the Scheme. An increase of the current budget for maintenance of small streams could be accommodated within the Scheme with a modest increase in Scheme targeted rates.


Decision Making Process

17.    Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act).  Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following.

17.1.    The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

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

17.3.    The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.

17.4.    The persons affected by this decision are primarily the owners of land within the target catchments.

17.5.    The option that is presented in this report is consistent with the Hawke’s Bay Land and Water Management Strategy which resulted after the consideration of a range of possible approaches.

17.6.    The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

17.7.    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.

 


 

Recommendation

The Environment and Services Committee recommends that Council:

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.

 


 

 

 

 

Campbell Leckie

Manager Land Services

 

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Draft Tukituki Plan Change

 

Reason for Report

1.      The purpose of this report is for Council to endorse the draft Tukituki Plan Change as giving effect to the key approaches that Council adopted in October.

2.      Following Council’s endorsement of the draft plan change and any other direction that might be given, staff will continue to work on the provisions with the aim of presenting a final Tukituki Plan Change to the Council for adoption at the Council meeting on 30 January 2013, following the Corporate and Strategic Committee meeting.

3.      The draft Tukituki Plan Change and planning maps are provided under separate cover.

Draft Tukituki Plan Change

4.      The plan change comprises a number of elements as follows:

4.1.      A new section 5.9 in Chapter 5 of the Regional Resource Management Plan

4.2.      A new section 6.9 in Chapter 6 of the Regional Resource Management Plan

4.3.      A series of Schedules containing planning maps and supporting information

4.4.      Consequential amendments in Chapters 5 and 6.

5.      Attachment 1 also contains a preamble and some flow charts following new section 6.9 to help people find their way through the new permitted activity land use rule.

6.      An analysis as to how the draft Tukituki Plan Change gives effect to the key approaches agreed to by Council is provided in the table below.

Key Approach

How the Draft Tukituki Plan Change gives effect to it

Setting water allocation limits as generally outlined in the Tukituki choices discussion document.

There are 3 water allocation limit policies, TT8, TT9 and TT10.  Policy TT8 recognises the desired security of supply and acknowledges that this is not achievable in the catchment given the minimum flow limits and existing levels of abstraction. It also recognises the interconnectedness between groundwater and surface water.  It sets allocation limits around current consent allocations (seasonal). Policy TT10 provides for a high flow allocation.  The allocation limits do not apply to Community Irrigation Scheme takes but provision is made for such applications to be a discretionary activity.

Setting minimum flow limits based on 90% habitat protection for longfin eel for Waipawa River at SH 2 and Tukituki at Tapairu Rd, transitioning from current over a 3-5 year period.

Minimum flows are set in Policy TT7 along with dates for when they take effect (2017 as currently drafted). Minimum flow management sites have also been rationalised in the Ruataniwha basin.

Setting minimum flows limits for Tukituki at Red Bridge based on 90% habitat protection for trout, transitioning from current over a ten year period.

As above. The protection of trout habitat in the Lower Tukituki remains the objective with respect to the minimum flow limit but 10 years is provided before the desired minimum flow will apply.  Work is still continuing on alternative or supplementary supply from the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme.

Allowing applications to be lodged to take water for community irrigation schemes over and above the core allocation limits.

As indicated previously, applications for community irrigation scheme takes is provided as a discretionary activity (Rule 55 of the Regional Resource Management Plan, refer Rule TT3).

Policy TT13 sets out the circumstances where community irrigation scheme takes would be considered.

Recognising phosphorus as the limiting nutrient in the mainstem of the river system and setting in stream phosphorus targets as a means of reducing periphyton growth.

Surface and groundwater quality limits are set in Policies TT1, TT2, TT3 and Tables 5.9.1 and 5.9.2.

Phosphorus limits are still to be confirmed pending catchment nutrient modelling that is currently underway.  In any event, limits are likely to be exceeded by current levels.  A date of 2030 is proposed as the target date.

Nitrate-nitrogen limits are based on toxicity thresholds for aquatic species.  There may be some slight refinement of these numbers as the NIWA report is finalised.

The draft plan change does not set nitrogen loads for the water management zones nor does it allocate nitrogen to the land.  Instead the plan will include a methodology Council will follow determine the nitrogen (root zone) and phosphorus (instream) load from the concentration limits and to monitor current leaching loads. Policy TT4 outlines the overall approach. This differs from the approach outlined in the Tukituki Choices document.

Managing nitrogen for nitrate toxicity based on a 95% ANZECC protection threshold for zone 1, and the 90% ANZECC protection threshold for zones 2, 3 and 5. 

Managing nitrogen and phosphorus at current in-stream nitrate levels for Zone 4.

Setting other water quality limits to maintain the life supporting capacity of freshwater bodies and associated ecosystems.

Table 5.9.1 also includes parameters which could be described as life-supporting capacity indicators – water clarity, macro-invertebrate community indices and percentage sediment cover, temperature and dissolved oxygen limits.

Reviewing land management policies and practices and regulatory approaches over riparian margins.

The approach to land management is reflected in Policies TT4 and TT5 under the heading of Implementing Nitrate-Nitrogen and Phosphorus Limits and Rule TT1, a permitted activity rule for Use of Production Land. Rule TT1 effectively permits current land uses at current Nitrogen leaching rates but require by 31 December 2018 those leaching rates to be consistent with industry good practice and for the nitrogen conversion efficiency to also be consistent with industry good practice. The primary sector industry groups are very supportive of the time provided for industry to develop these frameworks.

This rule is largely on the premise that any significant intensification of land use is only likely with new irrigation water becoming available. It is intended that the Ruataniwha Water Storage applications will include an application for the use of production land in accordance with Rule TT2 so it is not expected that this rule framework will generate a large number of activities requiring consent.

Rule TT1 also includes conditions for stock exclusion from water bodies. There is a flow chart following section 6.9 which helps determine what is required in that regard.

As part of the non-regulatory approach, Council will  be working at catchment, sub-catchment and farm level in collaboration with industry in order that farmers are aware of the water quality status in their catchment and good practice leaching rates and nitrogen conversion efficiency so that they can plan for any changes to farming practices that may be required.  This will form a separate document which will complement the Tukituki plan change.

 

7.      The policies and rules support five freshwater objectives for the Tukituki River catchment.

8.      The Draft Tukituki Plan Change has been drafted in light of Change 5 to the Regional Policy Statement.

 

 

Section 32 report

9.      A ‘Section 32 Report’ is a requirement of the section 32 of the Resource Management Act. It must summarise the evaluation of the objectives, policies and rules in relation to alternatives, effectiveness and efficiency and costs and benefits.

10.    Staff are preparing this document with the view that any Board of Inquiry will need a document that integrates the plan change provisions and the Ruataniwha Water Storage project into an overall Tukituki Catchment Strategy.  The report will therefore provide the strategic context as well as discuss the key resource management issues and approaches that have been considered as part of the development of this plan change.

11.    It will also be a useful document for people considering the plan change, providing explanations to the policies in a more narrative style as well as describing options that were considered before deciding on a particular approach.

What the Draft Plan Change does not contain

12.    Amendments to the Resource Management Act have slimmed down the contents of regional plans.  Principal Reasons (explanation in the RRMP context) and Anticipated Environmental Results are not longer required.  The draft Tukituki Plan Change does not contain these matters, instead they will be provided in the Section 32 report.

Regional Planning Committee

13.    The Regional Planning Committee is being fully briefed on the Tukituki Strategy at a workshop on Monday 10 December 2012.  This workshop will be followed by a Regional Planning Committee meeting where it will consider a paper to endorse the key approaches that Council determined at the October meeting.  The intention is that the workshop will sufficiently inform the Committee so that they are in a position to make a decision on the recommendation.

Decision Making Process

14.    Council is required to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act).  Staff have assessed the requirements contained in Part 6 Sub Part 1 of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

14.1.   The decision does not significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

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

14.3.   The decision does not fall within the definition of Council’s policy on significance.

14.4.   The persons affected by this decision are all persons and organisations who made comments on Tukituki Choices, all residents and ratepayers within the Tukituki River Catchment and all persons with an interest in the region’s management of natural and physical resources under the RMA.

14.5.   Options that have been considered include not presenting the draft plan change to the Council for endorsement, and only presenting the final plan change for adoption in January 2013.  By presenting the draft plan change to Council, it puts it into the public arena, and provides more transparency of process. It also gives an opportunity for stakeholders to talk directly to staff about aspects of it if they wish, but there is insufficient time for the Council to consider informal submissions on the draft plan change.

14.6.   The decision is not inconsistent with an existing policy or plan.

14.7.   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 Council:

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 titled ‘Draft Tukituki Plan Change’.

3.      Endorses the draft Tukituki Plan Change as giving effect to the key approaches agreed to at the 31 October meeting.

4.      Gives any further direction to staff for the development of the final plan change to be adopted by Council as follows:

 

 

 

Helen Codlin

Group Manager Strategic Development

 

Andrew Newman

Chief Executive

 

Attachment/s

1

Draft Tukituki Plan Change 6

 

Under Separate Cover

2

Tukituki Sub Catchments Map

 

Under Separate Cover

3

Water Management Zones Map

 

Under Separate Cover

4

Surface Water Allocation Zones & Minimum Flow Sites Map

 

Under Separate Cover

5

Groundwater Allocation Zones Map

 

Under Separate Cover

   


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Annual Plan Progress Report for First Five Months of 2012/2013 from 1 July 2012 to 30 November 2012

 

Reason for Report

1.      This Annual Plan Progress Report is a full report and covers the first five months of the 2012/13 financial year ending 30 June 2013.  This report consists of commentary on financial results to 30 November 2012 and various other reports.

Summary of Financial Position to 30 November 2012

2.      The actual result covering the Council’s general funded operations for the first five months of 2012/13 is a deficit of $138,723.  This compares with the Annual Plan budget deficit of $704,490 for the full year.

Comment on Financial Results for Five Months to 30 November 2012

Groups of Activities

3.      A narrative report of actual performance against the performance targets contained within the published 2012/13 Annual Plan forms part of the Attachments.

4.      This report establishes that the net expenditure on groups of activities for the first five months is 39% of forecast, as against an equal monthly pro-rata comparative of 42%.  The comparative figure for the five months to 30 November 2011 was 39%.

5.      Strategic Planning at 42% shows net expenditure in projects is running in line with expected pro-rata percentage. 

6.      Land Drainage & River Control at 36% shows overall expenditure in projects is running slightly behind of the expected pro-rata percentage.  The majority of the projects are running behind the expected pro-rata percentage due to the timing of projects with increased costs expected as the projects progress in the summer and autumn months.  This is being offset by the Westshore Coastal Works project which has now been completed but has yet to be invoiced to the Napier City Council for 50% of the costs, and engineering consultancy which has expenses that will be on-charged once the projects are completed.

7.      Regional Resources at 38% shows overall expenditure in projects is running behind the expected pro-rata percentage.  This is mainly due to the timing of projects with increased costs expected as the projects progress especially in regards to consultancy and lab testing. A large portion of time has been spent on the Tukituki choices project during the first quarter of the financial year, and it is anticipated that the other science projects included in the budget will accelerate during the reminder of the year.

8.      Regulation shows a net expenditure of 51% of budget.  Expenditure on regulation is close to budget at 36%, however billing for consents and compliance is below budget as the majority are billed at the end of the year.

9.      Biosecurity shows a net expenditure of 35%.  This is mainly due to the timing of projects with increased costs expected as the projects progress in the summer and autumn months.

10.    Emergency Management shows a net expenditure of 16% of budget.  This is due to projects such as fault line mapping, tsunami inundation mapping and CDEM group exercises only using a small portion of their budgets.  These projects will progress substantially in the second half of the year.

11.    Transport shows a net expenditure of 22% of budget.  This is mainly due to the low expenditure for the Regional Land Transport Strategy project with increased costs expected in the second half of the year.

Operations Group

12.    Operations Group reports a profit of $118,750 for the five months to 30 November 2012.  This is slightly below expectations due to a slow start to the year but productivity and plant operation have increased significantly in the last two months indicating that targets should be meet for the year.

Regional Income

13.    Total regional income receipts represent 39% of forecast for the first five months, as against a pro-rata of 42%. The main issues in regional income are:

Investment Company

13.1.   The LTP 2012-22 budgeted for a minimum return of 6% on advances made by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) to Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company Ltd (HBRIC Ltd) for investment in the Ruataniwha Water Scheme (RWS) and Ngaruroro project.  At its meeting in October 2012 Council resolved that advances made to HBRIC Ltd to cover RWS phase 1 (feasibility) and phase 2 (design, procurement and EPA process) would not attract a funding cost up to the completion of that process estimated to be 31 December 2013.  Accordingly no revenue is included in Council’s operating statement from this source.

Other Investments

13.2.   Napier leasehold land rental revenue has been budgeted at $935,000 for the six months ending 31 December 2012. Subsequent to this date it is anticipated that HBRC will approve the sell down of leasehold cash flows and the revenues received from leasehold land rentals will be used to pay the party that have purchased the continuing cash flows. Accordingly the expectation would be for 83% of the budget representing six months’ cash flows from rentals would be earned at 30 November 2012. This has not been achieved as the number of freeholdings undertaken under Council’s discount policy to lessees exceeds the provision in the Annual Plan. It is further anticipated that the receipts from these additional sell downs will increase Council’s investment income from interest.

13.3.   Interest on investment term deposits is tracking at 22% instead of a pro-rata of 42%. The main reason for this is the annual interest budget assumed that cash available for investment will increase on 31 December 2012 by approximately $40m as a result of the sell down on Napier leasehold land cash flows.

Other Activities

13.4.   The Disaster reserve interest and dividends shows a large negative for the five months. This is due to the increasing cost of commercial insurance cover for disaster damage being paid within the first three months of the financial year but being funded from dividend and interest from the Regional Disaster Damage reserve over the 12 months period.

General Funding for Capital Projects

14.    The general funding requirement for capital projects is $82,560 or 25% of budget due to Targeted rates exceeding expenditure.

Heatsmart Progress Report

15.    The following is an update on progress made in the allocation of Clean Heat grants and loans, and loans for insulation as part of the Heatsmart programme.


 

VOLUMES

Loan Type

5 Months to 20 November 2012

LTP

Pro Rata

 

Actual

Budget

Target

Actual

Over Budget

Volumes

Volumes

Volumes

(Target 42%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insulation Loans

600

250

395

66%

Clean Heat Loans

450

188

214

48%

Clean Heat Grants

300

125

424

141%

TOTAL

1,350

563

1,033

77%

 

EXPENDITURE (EXCL GST)

Loan Type

5 Months to 20 November 2012

LTP

Pro Rata

 

Actual

Budget

Target

Actual

Over Budget

$000

$000

$000

(Target 42%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insulation Loans

1,140

475

700

61%

Clean Heat Loans

1,255

523

526

42%

Clean Heat Grants

183

76

268

147%

TOTAL

2,578

1,074

1,494

58%

 

Key Points

16.    The programme is currently delivering ahead of targets. 395 insulation and 638 clean heat packages were completed up to 20th November 2012.

17.    The expenditure against budget reflects the high number of grants compared to loans issued.

18.    The cash flow for the programme will be reviewed in February to reflect the changing ratios of grants to loans.

19.    The number of applications per month is expected to reduce over the summer months.

Non recoverable costs re appeals and referrals direct to the Environment Court

20.    For the year to date costs for appeals and referrals to the Environment Court have amounted to $47,302. This includes staff time and external costs.

21.    Two appeals have been finalised. The AFFCO consent order has been signed off by the Environment Court. The Twyford appeals have been withdrawn.

22.    Drafting of evidence has proceeded on the Mexted et al appeals. There was some possibility of a revised proposal being submitted which may have helped resolve the appeals.  However these have not been advanced to date. A separate appeal has been lodged with the High Court over the extent of the evidence provided by the appellants (going beyond the scope of their submissions and grounds for appeal). The Regional Council will have only minor involvement with this. This has been decided in favour of the appellants. HBRC is seeking to recover its costs.

23.    The appeal against the Napier City Council waste water outfall remains on the books. The Environment Court determined that it not be proceeded with but this decision was successfully appealed against to the High Court by Mr Church. The High Court directed the Environment Court to reconsider this matter. The outcome of this will determine whether the actual appeal should proceed to be heard. Staff and lawyers of HBRC and NCC did meet with Mr and Mrs Church and their lawyer in September to allow Mr Church to outline his concerns and to see if these could be resolved. This process did not achieve any resolution. The Environment Court is hearing this on 6 December.

24.    The following table summarises costs for appeals that were still ongoing at the start of this financial year. Costs to date for the 2012/13 year to date are shown in the shaded column. Costs for previous years are also shown and these are summed to provide a running total for each appeal.

 


 

Appeal Summary as at 18 October 2012

Appeal Name

Date of Council Approval to Defend Appeal

Estimated Cost of the Appeal as Advised to Council

Actual Costs of Appeal (Appropriate Years)

Comments

2010/11

2011/12  

2012/13

to date

Total to date

Twyford / Raupare

(402109)

Wed 25 May 2011

Noted $150,000.00 on similar appeal

$22,506

$25,050 ext*

$49,450

$3,182 ext

$5,201

$77,157

The Appeal has been withdrawn. Council are working with Twyford groups to explore water management options.

AFFCO

(402046)

Wed 23 Sept 2009

Not estimated

$81,321

$39,783 ext

$46,307

$4,143 ext

$4,820

$132,448

Appeal has now been settled

Mexted, Williams and Malherbe

(402051)

Thurs 10 June 2010

Not estimated

$8,366

$38,513 ext

$49,956

$20,313 ext

$21,718

$80,040

Appeal ongoing - Environment Court scheduled and deferred. May be settled by consent order. Have received advice that a revised proposal is due.  A High Court appeal has been lodged and heard. Council is seeking costs for this.

NCC BTF Waste water outfall

(402113)

 

 

 

$24,320 ext

$28,043

$12,887 ext

$15,563

 $43,606

The Environment Ct determined that the appeal was not to be proceeded with as it was lodged late. This decision was successfully appealed to the High Court by Mr Church. The Environment Ct is to convene to reconsider the point of lateness and if required the appeal will then proceed to be heard. Hearing is scheduled for 6 December

*External costs 

 

$17,342

$40,525

 

The sum to date for external legal and consulting advice

Total costs

$294,733

$27,898

$47,302

 

Total includes internal staff time plus external costs.

 

Balance Sheet

25.    Public Equity, which reflects the net value of all the Council’s assets and liabilities, has decreased by 2,889,000 or 0.6% since the beginning of the year.  $1,625,000 of this was due to Loss of Sale on Leasehold Land

26.    Property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and infrastructure assets have increased by $4,135,000 or 2.5% since the beginning of the year reflecting the purchase of fixed assets and construction of infrastructure assets in the period offset by depreciation and amortisation charges.  Substantial payments for infrastructure were made to capital projects for Healthy Homes $1,226,000 and Ruataniwha Water $891,000.

27.    Investment property has decreased by $10,850,000 or 16% since the beginning of the year reflecting the disposal of endowment leasehold land properties

28.    Accounts receivable have increased from the beginning of the year by $12,600,000 with the invoicing of rate demands in October in line with similar levels this time last year.

29.    Borrowings have decreased by $429,100 due to scheduled repayment of loans.  No loan draw downs have occurred this year.

30.    Accounts Payable have decreased since the beginning of the year by 3,000,000 as year-end invoices have been paid and accruals have been reversed.

31.    Income in advance shows significant movement of $8,975,000 from the beginning of the year due to the accrual of rate revenue in advance which is reduced proportionately over the year.

32.    Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Financial Assets (summarised on the Financial Summary page) show a decrease of $3,488,000 since the beginning of the year.  This reflects the cost of council operations prior to receipt of PONL final dividend in December 2012 and rates revenue in January 2013.

Cash Reserve Investments

33.    The average rate of interest being earned on liquid investments is currently 4.13%. This rate is lower than the rate assumed in the 2012/13 year of the LTP 4.15% for both short and long-term bank investments.

34.    The pie chart in the attachment entitled “Allocation by Institution” shows the percentage of Council investments placed with various institutions. Council policy requires that no more than 25% of investments be placed with any non government–guaranteed institution of groups of associated institutions.

Decision Making Process

35.    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.

 

Recommendation

1.      That Council receives the Annual Plan Progress Report for the first five months of the 2012/13 financial year.

 

 

 

 

Manton Collings

Corporate Accountant

 

 

Paul Drury

Group Manager

Corporate Services

 

Attachment/s

1View

Financial Report for the 5 Monthds Ending 30 November 2012

 

 

2View

Strategic Planning Group of Activities Summary

 

 

3View

Land Drainage & River Control Group of Activities Summary

 

 

4View

Regional Resources Group of Activities Summary

 

 

5View

Regulation Group of Activities Summary

 

 

6View

Biosecurity Group of Activities Summary

 

 

7View

Emergency Management Group of Activities Summary

 

 

8View

Transport Group of Activities Summary

 

 

9View

Governance & Community Engagement Group of Activities Summary

 

 

  


Financial Report for the 5 Monthds Ending 30 November 2012

Attachment 1

 














Strategic Planning Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 2

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   STRATEGIC PLANNING

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1 – Economic Development

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

Regional Economic Development Strategy mission statement: “To make Hawke’s Bay the best location in which to visit, work, invest, live and grow”.

 

Comprehensive visitor strategy in place within an overall regional marketing plan.

2012-2014

­ Quarterly reporting to Council on key performance indicators.

 

HB Tourism Ltd (HBT) provides a quarterly report to Council. Overall results for Hawke’s Bay for the year ending August showed a flat result with only 0.1% growth in guest nights.

Brand “Hawke’s Bay’ and tagline “Get me to Hawke’s Bay” continue to be used in all communication. HBT has taken a far stronger domestic focus with F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic in November and Grab a seat campaigns with Air New Zealand.  The first Tourism Awards for the region was held in September.

 

Long term Regional Economic Development Strategy.

2012-2015

­ Annually review and progress the regional economic development strategy.

2016-22

­ Demonstrate tangible benefits from implementation of the regional economic development strategy.

 

 

Business Hawke’s Bay convened a reference group in August to prioritise regional economic development topics.  Since then a steering group involving HBRC and key economic development practitioners has undertaken a refresh of the Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS). This will be released shortly.

Investment for research and development and business development.

 

2012-2022

­ At least $800,000 per annum achieved for Research and Development investment.

 

The MSI Regional Partner has generated $1,112,744 in grant funding into Hawke’s Bay working with 30 businesses. There is a large pipeline of funding preparing for the application process.

Sustainable regional growth.

2012-2015

Develop and initiate sustainable primary production programmes.

2016-22

Demonstrate value from ongoing implementation of programmes.

 

Work continues with the Primary Pan Sector group. The most recent meeting was held on 21 November to assist review Plan changes in relation to nutrient and water management for the Ruataniwha catchment.  The Pan Sector group will be actively involved with assisting drive uptake in water consents for the Ruataniwha Water Storage scheme.

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   STRATEGIC PLANNING

 

·     

Plan change for Natural Hazards publicly notified (July2013).

·     

­ At all times there is a regional plan in force for the HB coastal marine area.

­ New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) put into action in accordance with statutory requirements.

 

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 2 – Strategy and Planning

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will help the community prepare for the future.

 

Number of Embracing Futures Thinking events held.

Each year

­ Host 3 Embracing Futures Thinking events.

 

No events held to date although a breakfast meeting was held as part of the Tukituki Choices engagement.

Trends review completed.

2013-14

­ Refresh the Trends and Environmental Scan analysis.

 

Not yet started

Agreement reached on Spatial Planning Framework.

2014-15

­ Reach agreement on regional and lower North Island spatial planning framework.

 

Not yet started, although informal discussions occur as part of the Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy implementation.

 

HBRC will integrate land and water and biodiversity management to deliver environmental, economic, social and cultural outcomes.

Action plans and monitoring reports prepared for:

-     Land and Water Management Strategy.

-     National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

Each year

­ Prepare action plans and monitoring reports for:

1.   Land and Water Management Strategy.

2.   National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management

­ Hold a Land and Water Symposium to engage the wider community.

 

No reports prepared to date.  Reporting will be linked to annual reporting of Council’s progressive implementation of the NPS for Freshwater Management.  That progressive Implementation Programme was adopted by Council in September 2012.

Regional Biodiversity Strategy completed.

 

Develop a Regional Biodiversity Strategy as follows

2012- 13:  Finalise scope of strategy and begin preparation of the draft.

2013-14:  Consult on the draft and prepare final Strategy

2014-15:  Prepare programme for work relevant to HBRC for inclusion in the next Long Term Plan.

 

Project scoping commenced and completed.  Terms of Reference for Working Group have been developed.  Strategy outcomes have been drafted via an ‘intervention logic model’ facilitated by Landcare Research staff.  Strategy outcomes are to be presented to first Steering Group meeting in December.  Regional biodiversity inventory programme is underway.

 

HBRC will establish and maintain clear and appropriate policy in a responsive and timely manner that will enable sustainable management of the region’s natural and physical resources.

 

 

 

­ Status of Resource Management Plans and Policy Statements.

­ No more than 2 years elapse from notification of a plan change to decisions on submissions being issued.

2012-13

­ Plan change for Tukituki River Catchment publicly notified (July 2012)

­ Plan change for Taharua /Upper Mohaka catchment publicly notified (Feb 2013)

­ Decisions on submissions on Plan Change 4 Built Environment adopted by Council.

2014-15

Plan change for Heretaunga Zone publicly notified (July 2014).

In addition to the performance targets, Change 5 to the Regional Policy Statement was publicly notified on 2 October.  Change 5 is now following the RMA’s Schedule 1 process for submissions, further submissions and hearings.  29 submissions have been received on proposed Change 5.

Stakeholder engagement on the Tukituki plan change and the Ruataniwha Water Storage project occurred via the Tukituki Choices discussion document.  This set out 4 land and water management scenarios, with and without storage and the implications of those options.  3 public meetings and 2 breakfast meetings were held.  164 responses were received.  Council endorsed key approaches for the development of the plan change.

For Taharua / Mohaka, Council has supported, in-principle, the concept of a ‘catchment management plan’ being a key component of the Taharua plan change. Immediate next steps involve further negotiations between major landowners about nitrogen (N) mitigation options and responsibilities.  For wider Mohaka catchment, supporting science progressing, stakeholder engagement has commenced during the period.

Submissions on Change 4 are scheduled to be heard by a Hearing Panel on 7 December.  Panel will make recommendations for Council’s consideration.

Stakeholder engagement process has commenced in relation to regional plan change for the Greater Heretaunga / Ahuriri catchment area.

2013-14
Regional Coastal Environment Plan

2012-13

­ Regional Coastal Environment Plan (RCEP):

·    Settlement of appeals.

·    Minister of Conservation approval of plan provisions relating to the coastal marine area.

·    Variation 1 (Rivermouth Hazard Areas) – Decisions issued on submissions.

·    Preliminary assessment of how RCEP gives effect to 2010 NZ Coastal Policy Statement.

2013-14

­ Scoping and prioritising of plan changes required to give effect to 2010NZCPS.

2014-15

­ Start review of coastal hazard zones if re-assessment (Project 322) necessary.

­ Notify plan change to give effect to 2010 NZCPS.

2015-16 to 2021-22

­ RCEP effectiveness reporting.

­ Rolling review of RCEP provisions.

All RCEP appeals have been settled without the need for formal Environment Court hearings.  Council adopted the revised RCEP plus its associated Variations 1-3 on 31 October 2012 and has now referred the coastal marine area-related provisions of the RCEP to the Minister of Conservation for her approval.  The RMA requires Ministerial approval of regional coastal plans before those plans can be made operative.

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   STRATEGIC PLANNING

 

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 3 – Policy Implementation

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will promote integrated management by proactively communicating its policies and responsibilities through dialogue and submissions on district plans, consent applications and central government initiatives.

Lodging of submissions on district plans, district planning applications and central government initiatives where there are relevant regional council policies.

 

2012-22

­ Submissions made on district plans, district planning applications and central government initiatives reported to HBRC’s Environment and Services Committee.

­ Staff of HBRC and territorial local authorities to meet at least twice a year to discuss integration issues and steps to improve the regional and district plan are identified and acted upon.

Regular reports have been presented to Environmental Management Committee and Maori Committee on submissions/ comments made under Statutory Advocacy project.

Comments and submissions express the Regional Council’s interests in land use and resource management decisions being made by other councils and agencies.

No formal submissions or appearances made to date by Council on central government proposals.  Nevertheless, Council’s interests have been represented at various levels of engagement with Government on scoping and drafting of proposals and guidance materials still being finalised.

Regional Council has opportunities to submit on proposed NPSs and NESs like any other person, and often submits to ensure NPSs and NESs do not require costly and unnecessary implementation actions disproportionate to any benefits of the national instrument.

HBRC Policy staff convene “Hawke's Bay Council Planners’ Forum” comprising key resource management policy managers and advisors from each of the Hawke's Bay councils.  Principal purpose of Forum is to assess and share opportunities to harmonise content of regional and district plans in Hawke's Bay. Current principal focus has been preparation of a programme to implement the Joint Natural Hazards and Land Use Planning strategies.

 

 

 

 

 

HBRC will help communities without sewers improve the management of domestic wastewater.

Number of interest free loans approved.

 

­ Provide a fund to help the territorial authority-led upgrading of community wastewater systems in communities without sewers ($200,000pa contributions capped at $1,000,000)

­ Non-regulatory initiatives developed and implemented to complement regional plan policy development that implements National Policy Statements and/or National Environmental Standards.

No activity for the wastewater assistance fund to date.

Clean Heat programme is ongoing.

 HBRC will investigate and manage contaminated sites to ensure public health and safety and environmental protection.

Number of top priority (Category 1) contaminated sites investigated

Maintain a database of potentially and confirmed contaminated sites

2012-22

­ To administer and maintain the database, including checking of record details, site visits to GPS areas of contamination, transfers to Territorial Local Authorities (TLA) as per agreed protocol and advising landowners of the contaminated sites status of their property.

Environmental Activities database completed and access given to Territorial Local Authorities to enable test runs of database.  Meetings held with Hastings District and Napier City Councils to progress transfer of information protocols.  Checking of information on database continues.

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   STRATEGIC PLANNING

 

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 4 –State of the Environment Reporting

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will monitor and provide accurate information to the community so that it understands the State of the Environment (SOE) for Hawke’s Bay.

Data quality as assessed against HBRC’s quality assurance system.

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of State of the Environment monitoring data available through HBRC’s website.

2012-13

­ Apply for International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) accreditation.

 

 



2012-22

­ Maintain the current level of SOE data on HBRC’s website.

­ Continue to make information from the following monitoring sites available through HBRC’s website:

·    All telemetered river flow sites

·    All telemetered rainfall sites

·    All telemetered climate stations

·    All data collected, processed, analysed and stored in accordance with ISO requirements.

 

·    Maintain ISO accreditation.

 

 

The Environmental Science Section has applied for accreditation in terms of Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard ISO9001:2008.  The Quality Management System operated by the Section has successfully negotiated a Stage 1 audit, and was recently (27 and 28 November 2012) subject to a more exacting two day on-site assessment and audit.  The verbal feedback received during the audit visit was positive, suggesting that accreditation was likely.

 

Existing levels of data availability have been maintained.

 

Telemetered river, rainfall and climate data are available through HBRC’s website as required.

 

Data were collected in compliance with ISO 9001:2008 and in conformance with the performance standards defined in the Environmental Science Quality Management System documentations.

ISO accreditation is currently awaited.

State of the Environment Monitoring Report.

2012-22

Annual Update State of the Environment Reports available by June each year.

2013-14

State of the Environment Monitoring Report available.

 

 

Preparation of the Annual update SoE report is currently on-track.

 

 

Not applicable during 2012/2013

 


Land Drainage & River Control Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 3

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   LAND DRAINAGE & RIVER CONTROL

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1a – Flood Protection  & Drainage Schemes: Heretaunga Plains Scheme

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will maintain an effective flood control network that provides protection from frequent river flooding to communities and productive land within the Heretaunga Plains Scheme.

 

The level of protection in technical terms is to convey a flood discharge with a 1% probability of being exceeded in any one year (1%AEP) safely to the sea.

A full assessment of the capacity and integrity of flood control works is completed every twelve years by a chartered professional engineer with interim audits undertaken annually.

2012-15 

­ Review of the current level of service (LOS) provided by the Heretaunga Plains Scheme to determine whether they are still appropriate or should be increased.

The report to Council in August 2011 outlined the economic analysis and options. Consultation with the public over the preferred option with cost implications was included in the LTP 2012-22.

There is 111.2 km of stopbank in the HP Scheme. Currently the design Level of Service (LOS) (1%AEP capacity) is provided.

There is 192.7 km of river berm edge protection. Current assessment is that the scheme is back to 100% effectiveness and is at no more than a low risk of failure.

The level of service will be reported as:

­ Kilometres and percentage of floodway that provide the design level of service.

2012-22

­ Tutaekuri, Ngaruroro & Lower Tukituki Audits: No change.

 

 HBRC will maintain an effective drainage network that provides protection from frequent flooding from smaller watercourses to communities and productive land within the Heretaunga Plains Scheme.

A full assessment of the capacity and integrity of the drainage network within each drainage catchment is completed every twelve years by a chartered professional engineer with interim audits undertaken annually.

2013-14 and 2014-15

­ Review the current level of service provided by the scheme  and determine new level of service measures and targets.

2015-onwards

­ To be defined by the level of service review.

The Level of Service (LOS) review for the drainage network is programmed to begin once the bulk of the review for the rivers is complete. This is programmed to begin this year but has not begun to date due to resourcing issues.

HBRC will protect and enhance the scheme’s riparian land and associated waterways administered by the Regional Council for public enjoyment and increased biodiversity.

The level of service will be reported as the length of scheme riparian land enhanced. (Each side of a waterway measured separately and includes new planting and inter-planting).

­  Tutaekuri; Tukituki; Ngaruroro

Ongoing

0.5km of riparian land enhanced a year (on average).

2012-13

Complete Tutaekuri Ecological Management Plan and implement ecological management plans (EMP’s) on Heretaunga Plains Rivers.

 

This year’s planting programme will begin at the start of winter.

 

The Tutaekuri Ecological Management is substantially complete following field investigation. Implementation of EMP’s is ongoing. Gravel extractors are required to manage sites to allow for nesting birds, native planting ongoing.

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   LAND DRAINAGE & RIVER CONTROL

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1b – Flood Protection  & Drainage Schemes: Upper Tukituki Scheme

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will maintain an effective flood control network that provides protection from frequent river flooding to communities and productive land within the Upper Tukituki Scheme.

 

The level of protection in technical terms is to convey a flood discharge with a 1% probability of being exceeded in any one year (1%AEP) safely to the sea.

A full assessment of the capacity and integrity of flood control works is completed every twelve years by a chartered professional engineer with interim audits undertaken annually.

Full Scheme Reviews:

­ Upper Tukituki:  Start Date  2013/14; completion date 2014/15.

­ Waipawa:  Start Date 2015/15; completion date 2015/17

­ Tukipo:  Start Date  2017/18

­ Makaretu:  Start Date  2018/19

­ Manga-o-nuku:  Start Date  2019/20

­ Minor Streams:  Start Date 2020/21

Annual maintenance of flood control scheme ongoing and managed through the annual contracts process.

 

Reviews not due to begin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

­ There is 76.8 km of stopbank in the Upper Tukituki Scheme. Currently 95% the current design LOS (1%AEP capacity) is provided.

­ Some reaches remain with reduced free board (distance between design flood level and the top of the stopbank) and they will be addressed in the LOS review.

­ There is 212.2 km of river berm edge protection. Current assessment is that 95% are at no more than a low risk of failure. The rivers in the Upper Tukituki Scheme suffer some flood damage from time to time or are under repair with young vegetation; hence the downgrading.

The level of service will be reported as:

­ Kilometres and percentage of floodway that provide the design level of service.

2022

­ Upper Tukituki Increasing to 98%.

2022

­ Waipawa increasing to 100%.

2015-16

­ River View Edge Risk: Review of the current level of service provided by the Scheme to determine whether they are still appropriate or should be increased.

 HBRC will protect and enhance its scheme riparian land and associated waterways for public enjoyment and increased biodiversity.

The length of Scheme riparian land enhanced by inter-planting with alternative native and exotic species (each side of a waterway measured separately).

Ongoing

­ 0.5km of riparian land enhanced a year (on average).

 

Planting is carried out later in the year in the winter.

 

 

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   LAND DRAINAGE & RIVER CONTROL

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1c – Flood Protection  & Drainage Schemes: Other Schemes

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will maintain an effective flood control and drainage network that provides protection from frequent flooding to communities and productive land within designated Scheme areas.  These Schemes include:

­  Makara Flood Control

­  Paeroa Drainage

­  Porangahau Flood Control

­  Ohuia – Whakaki Drainage

­  Esk River

­  Whirinaki Drainage

­  Maraetotara

­  Te Ngarue

­  Kopuawhara Flood Control

­  Poukawa Drainage

­  Kairakau (proposed)

­  Waimarama (proposed)

 

A full assessment of the capacity and integrity of flood control works is completed every twelve years by a chartered professional engineer with interim audits undertaken annually.

 

The level of service will be reported as:

­ Percentage of assets that provide the design level of service.

2012-15

­  Kairakau and Waimarama Flood Protection Schemes accepted by community and operation phase begun.

­  No change to other schemes.

 

2015-16 to 2022-23

­  Increase to 98%.

 

Current Levels of Service are being achieved across most the smaller schemes. Levels of Service vary across the schemes, depending on their purpose. Estimated to be operating at 95% or higher after allowing for periodic flood damage.

The Makara No1 dam failed following a flood in April 2011 and community consultation and repair solutions are being discussed.

 

Kopuawhara suffered damage in the April Floods and significant repair work is required to bring the scheme back to pre-flood protection standard.  Council agreed in November how this work would be funded. Further modelling work has been carried out but to date no affordable solution has been found.

The main Ohuia pump and pump station requires urgent replacement.

A scheme is now in place for Kairakau.

A Waimarama scheme has yet to be discussed with the wider community.


Land Drainage & River Control Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 3

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   LAND DRAINAGE & RIVER CONTROL

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 2 – Investigations and Enquiries

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will be available to provide expert advice on drainage, flooding, and coastal erosion issues.

 

All queries are dealt with by appropriate qualified and experienced staff.

 

Ongoing

­ No Change.

 

Many flood, drainage and coastal queries are handled by staff.

HBRC will provide up to a 30% subsidy for river control and flood protection where the criteria set out in the Regional Council’s guidelines for technical and financial assistance are met.

 

Value of subsidies provided annually.

Ongoing

­ $42,000 plus inflation of subsidy money is provided each year at a subsidy rate of 30%.

To date $7,024 of subsidy money has been taken up.

 HBRC will provide a consultancy service for drainage, flooding, and coastal erosion issues according to individual project agreements on a full cost recovery basis.

 

Cost recovery.

Satisfaction with Service.

Ongoing

­ Full costs of any consultation work are recovered.

­ Major clients are satisfied with service provided.

Consultancy work is ongoing for Gisborne District Council, Hastings District Council and Napier City Council. Work has been well received by these councils.

 

Demand for consultancy work for developers has continued but pressure on resources has meant this work has been turned down.


Land Drainage & River Control Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 3

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   LAND DRAINAGE & RIVER CONTROL

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 3 – Sundry Works

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will ensure that the beach at Westshore has erosion checked to 1986 erosion line.

(The 1986 line was the extent of erosion before beach renourishment began. This line is identified on a series of posts along the foreshore)

The comparison of annual beach cross section surveys to the 1986 erosion line.

Ongoing

­  Erosion does not extend landward of the 1986 line.

 

The annual nourishment project is successful in holding the Westshore coastline seaward of the 1986 measurements.  The 2012/13 renourishment work has been completed.

HBRC will maintain river mouths so that they do not flood private land above a specified contour subject to suitable river, sea and weather conditions that will allow a safe and successful opening to be made.

Incidences of flooding of private land above levels as specified in the River Opening Protocol.

Ongoing

­  Private land above a specified contour is not flooded as a result of a river mouth being closed.

 

There have been no reported incidences of private land flooded as a result of a river mouth being closed.


Regional Resources Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 4

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   REGIONAL RESOURCES

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1 – Land Management

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

Viable and resilient farming systems are being achieved through sustainable land use.

Annually reporting on research project outputs and how they have contributed to sustainable land management outcomes.

 

Ongoing

· 2012-13 Develop a Research Strategy.

· Continue a programme of research and extension to investigate and field trial issues relevant to sustainable land management in Hawke’s Bay.

· Actively seek collaboration with primary product organisations undertaking research relevant to HB. 

 

·    Coastal Hill Country GRAAS project initiated in collaboration with MPI

·    The Huatokitoki water harvesting, drainage project will be completed over the coming months. The novel crops have had limited success due to the initial weed control undertaken. The earthworm studies were presented on Rural delivery TV programme. There are four farmers in the catchment that have trials of anecic (deep burrowing) earthworms in areas on their properties. These will be monitored over the next 5 years.

·    The development of a research strategy is on hold while staff engage time into the RWS and plan changes processes.

·    Staff are in a conversation with a range of industry groups.  One objective of these discussions is for more collaboration on research.

 

Outputs achieved through HBRC Regional Landcare Scheme.

Ongoing

­ Regional Landcare Scheme (RLS) reviewed outcomes to be implemented by June 2014.

­ Report in the operation plan how RLS activity directly contributes to sustainable land management.

­ Annual output targets delivered from the RLS investment to be established and implemented as part of the annual operating plan.

·    Number of poles purchased ex the Nursery is 37,726 poles to 277 properties.

·    Soil conservation & environmental enhancement projects – 81 projects (26 soil conservation – 380 & 55 Environmental Enhancement – 383)

·    Riparian strip projects = 29 (9 within priority area of Tukituki Catchment)

·    Wetland projects = 8 (4 within the Tukituki Catchment )

 

The following knowledge transfer community group work took place:

·    Sustainable Land Use Alternatives – Huatokitoki Field trip (15 participants)

·    Financial Resilience Workshop – Huatokitoki Group (22 participants)

·    Community engagement process around Trees on Farms – 2 x farmer workshops (12 participants)

·    Future forages systems field day (Part of East Coast Drylands Project - HBRC Sponsored) x 2 events – 75 participants

·    Wairoa Hill Country Project – Ruakituri community group   – shade house school day - 10 students & 15 parents

·    Wairoa Hill Country project – Whakaki community group – 2 meetings & 16 participants

·    Ballance farm awards - all 2012 entrants visited and selection of winner occurring now.

9 events – 165 participants

 

The operational plan will show the focus of Regional Landcare Scheme activity and alignment with the regional afforestation programme and the intensification of land use.

­ A portion of Regional Landcare Scheme subsidy will be targeted, and the level of subsidy varied, to encourage initiatives that more effectively respond to environmental change.

Area of erosion prone class VIe and VIIe hill country planted through the regional afforestation programme.

2012-13

· Regional afforestation programme will be finalised and promoted.

2013-14

· 500ha planted.

2014-15

· 1,500ha planted.

2015-22

· 1,750ha planted.

·    The Regional afforestation programme is on hold until a decision is made in the 13/14 annual plan.

·    High UMF manuka is being trialled at Tutira as a possible opportunity for steep erodible hill country land use.

 HBRC will increase its knowledge of the region’s land, soil and terrestrial habitats so it is aware of any current and likely future issues that may arise.  This knowledge will allow for a timely and effective response that enables land sustainably for future generations.

 

Design and coordinate a land use monitoring programme that enables HBRC to identify and monitor the impacts of land use intensification on soil and water quality throughout the region.

 

2012-13

­ Develop and monitor indicators for plains soil erosion, riparian enhancements by June 2013

 

 

Erosion – Plans for measurement of sediment loads in selected rivers and erosion modelling of specific catchments is underway.

Riparian enhancement – working in conjunction with land management, a programme is under development to monitor water quality and biodiversity of new areas of riparian protection.

 

 

Regional baseline hill country erosion monitoring.

 

 

2012-13

­ Regional baseline hill country erosion survey to be completed by June 2012. Report completed by December 2012.

­ Plains erosion monitoring programme to begin by December 2013.

­ Erosion monitoring repeated (about every 5 years but contingent on any major regional storm event).

Indicators are being developed and monitored as follows;

Land use change derived from latest GIS data and supported by ground proofing.  This work is underway.

Farm inputs – supported by ‘overseer’ and consent data is underway. A comprehensive nutrient leaching model (including overseer outputs) has been developed for the Taharua catchment. Similar work for the Ruataniwha is under development.

Terrestrial habitats – An extensive aerial, ground and GIS survey of the Karamu and Tukituki catchments has been undertaken (draft reports received February 2012). This includes herpetofauna, avian and indigenous flora) and identifies areas of significance for resource management.

Integrated catchment management including staged computer modelling & monitoring of the:

­  Mohaka

­  Heretaunga

­  Tukituki

2012-15

­ Catchment models developed for Taharua and the entire Mohaka catchment.

2014-2016

­ Start modelling of Heretaunga catchments (initially investigating the Ngaruroro and Tutaekuri sub-catchments) to identify environmental issues

2016-2022

­ Continue Tukituki and Heretaunga catchment investigations and begin prioritisation of other catchments in order to identify environmental issues

 

A nutrient model for Taharua has been completed by NIWA. This establishes a relationship between Nitrogen (N) losses from land and concentrations in stream. This model needs recalibration with more recent data, but this is currently on hold as the water storage project is demanding time input from the same people. A nutrient model for N and Phosphorous (P) in the Tukituki will be completed in 2012.

 

Hawke’s Bay’s land resource is maintained for future generations

­ Area of erosion prone land with tree cover

 

­ Baseline erosion monitoring

 

See Regional Afforestation Scheme

A combination of monitoring techniques are being investigated that can be used in conjunction with the ‘kiwi image’ satellite imagery. This has led to a baseline erosion monitoring report for the region.

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   REGIONAL RESOURCES

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 2 – Air Management

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will have adequate knowledge about the level of air pollutants that may impact on public health and aesthetic values so that it can manage air quality for human health needs and aesthetic values.

 

State of the Environment monitoring programme for:

­  Air quality

­  Climate

 

2012-22

­ Monitoring undertaken in accordance with the Regional Air Quality Monitoring Strategy.

 

2012-22

­ Report on breaches of the National Environmental Standards in accordance with the standard.

 

Routine PM10 monitoring is on track.  Screening PM10 equipment has been deployed in Waipukurau to determine the requirement for additional monitoring. 

 

Public health notices were issued for 11 exceedances measured in the winter period.

Emissions Inventory and Airshed Modelling.

2011-12

­ Complete an airshed modelling update.

 

A strategy is being developed to determine concentrations of NES contaminants.  This will be done by an external contractor.

 HBRC will provide financial assistance for those who qualify for insulation and clean heat support.

Number of clean heat systems installed under financial assistance programme.

2012-22

­ Up to 1,500 ‘clean heat’ systems installed under HBRC’s financial assistance programme a year.

2012-22

­ Provide loan assistance to homeowners region wide for home insulation under HBRC’s financial assistance programme.

 

 

The programme has delivered 638 clean heat packages up to 20 November 2012.

 

395 financial assistance packages for insulation have been delivered up to 20 November 2012.

Hawke’s Bay’s air is suitable to breathe

Compliance with National Environmental Standard (NES) for Air Quality

­ Napier Airshed meets NES: No more than 1 exceedance by 2016

­ Hastings Airshed meets NES: No more than 3 exceedances by 2016 and no more that 1 exceedance by 2020.

No PM10 exceedances were measured in Napier during winter 2012.

One PM10 exceedance was reported for Awatoto during winter 2012. 

Ten PM10 exceedances were measured in the Hastings airshed during winter 2012.


Regional Resources Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 4

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   REGIONAL RESOURCES

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 3 – Water Management

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will increase its knowledge of the region’s water resources in terms of quantity, quality and habitats so that a policy framework can be developed to sustainably manage the water and land resources within Hawke’s Bay.

State of the Environment monitoring programme for:

­ Climate

­ River flows

­ Groundwater levels

­ Surface water quality

­ Groundwater water quality

­ Aquatic ecosystems

2012-15

­ Establish 1 climate station a year.

­ Monitoring undertaken in accordance with State of the Environment monitoring strategy (reviewed in 2012 to reflect national reporting and regional consistency).

­ Upgrade rainfall sites.

 

Upgrade of rainfall sites has been scheduled and is underway.

Routine monitoring programmes have been established for surface and qroundwater quality, surface and coastal ecology, surface flows, groundwater levels, a selection of air quality and climate variables.  Surface water sampling has increased from quarterly to monthly sampling across the region. A soil quality monitoring program has also been implemented which assesses a range of land-use types on a rotational basis. 

These data are used for monthly, annual and five-yearly State of Environment reporting, as well as other resource management purposes.

Knowledge available to inform environmental flow and allocatable volume review of the following river catchments and groundwater basins:

Tukituki River; Ngaruroro River; Karamu Stream; Tutaekuri River; Ruataniwha Plains ; Heretaunga Plains.

2012-15

­ Groundwater Allocation report 

·   Ruataniwha Plains, Heretaunga Plains.

­ Environmental flow, and Allocation Reports for the:

·   Karamu Stream and Tutaekuri River

 

Groundwater allocation was extensively investigated for the Ruataniwha Plains aquifer during 2012 to meet Tukituki Plan change requirements.

A draft report that included assessment of environmental flows and groundwater allocation in the Karamu Stream catchment was completed during 2012.

A draft report summarising surface and groundwater resource availability and demand was completed for the entire region during 2012.

Knowledge available to inform review of water quality objectives and setting limits.

2012-15

­ Review of water quality guidelines and objectives completed and reported.

 

Water quality guidelines were investigated for the Tukituki River catchment as a component of the Tukituki Plan Change process.  Technical investigation defined limits in terms of flows and concentrations of key water quality variables required to meet water quality objectives or values. 

Knowledge available to manage nutrient inputs to rivers.

2012-13

­ Report on Nutrient limits: Tukituki River, Mohaka River.

2012-15

­ Report on Nutrient limits: Ngaruroro River, Tutaekuri.

 

Water quality guidelines were established  for the Tukituki River catchment as a component of the Tukituki Plan Change process.  The processes leading to these targets were summarised in a series of reports.

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 3 – Water Management

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will increase its knowledge in terms of potential regional water demand and availability and how it is valued so that it can strategically plan for regional economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits.

 

Regional Water Values study.

 

2012-13

­ Regional Water Values study completed.

 

 

Values were identified following consultation with stakeholders in the Tukituki River catchment in 2012. 

Consultation leading to identifying stakeholder values for the Tutaekuri, Ahuriri, Ngaruroro and Karamu catchments commenced in October 2012.

 HBRC will encourage efficient and effective water use to maximise the benefits of the water allocated.

Number of active water user groups.

 

Implementation of water efficiency tools by Water User Groups.

2012-22

­ Continue to establish and facilitate Water User Groups on a catchment priority basis.

­ In conjunction with Water User Groups, investigate and apply for research grants relating to water use and resource allocation efficiency.

­ Continue to transfer latest water efficiency and allocation information to Water User Groups.

 

Work undertaken with established water user groups, facilitating meetings, workshops and developing project scopes for research grant work. 

 

 

Number of consent holders with water meters operating using telemetry or web/text systems.

2012-2013

­ Cumulative total of 677 consents using telemetry or a web entry system.

­ Complete verification procedures and establish verification programme.

2013-2014

­ Cumulative total of 1000 consents using telemetry or a web entry system.

2014-2019

­ Cumulative total of 1200 consents using telemetry or a web entry system.

2019-2022

­ Continue to progress consents away from manual paper reporting to direct electronic reporting methods.

 

Target surpassed, 613 individual resource consents are now using Council’s web entry system to report their water use and a further 321 operating telemetry, total 934 consents using the system

 

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   REGIONAL RESOURCES

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 4 – Coastal Management

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

Hawke’s Bay’s water resource is available for future generations

Allocation limits and water quality limits.

 

Implementation of National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

 

Refer to other performance targets listed within this table.

RRMP amended to incorporate policies.  Consents issued now give regard to these policies.

 

In September 2012 the council adopted and published its implementation programme to progressively implement the NPS for Freshwater Management by 2030.

HBRC will measure water quality at key recreation sites and make the results available to ensure public health and safety

Recreational water quality monitoring programme and website management

 

Ongoing

­ Weekly monitoring of key recreational sites as per recreational water quality monitoring plan

­ Recreational  water  information available on website and social network site within 2 days of results being available

­ Identification of pollution sources for sites that regularly exceed guidelines.

 

The recreational water quality monitoring programme commenced in November 2012. 

Recreational data was made available as soon as possible, following technical enhancement of the HBRC website.

 HBRC will continue to monitor, research and investigate coastal processes to inform coastal planning including climate change and coastal hazards.

 

Annual coastal monitoring and investigation programme including:

­ Beach profiling

­ Storm monitoring

­ Sediment transport and processes investigation and modelling.

­ Hazard prediction including tsunami, inundation, erosion, storm surge

 

Ongoing

­ Annual monitoring and investigation  programme completed and reported each year

 

3 monthly north and south surveys have been done.  Annual HB series is scheduled for Dec/Jan.

The annual report is programmed to be completed by end of March 2013.

 

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 4 – Coastal Management

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will provide long term, relevant and specific information on Hawke’s Bay’s coastal ecosystems, so that it and the community can remain engaged with, and informed of, the current state and potential threats to the health of coastal environments.

 

Identify the state and health of selected regional beaches, reefs and estuaries;

Identify the state and health of near-shore coastal waters and coastal sediments;

Maintain an operative and relevant Coastal Monitoring Strategy.

Ongoing

­ Monitoring undertaken in accordance with State of the Environment Monitoring Strategy (2006) and reported on annually.

 

The sandy beach monitoring programme was completed during November 2012.

 

HBRC will increase its knowledge of coastal ecosystems through targeted research and investigations so that it is better able to understand and respond to the effects of activities on the coastal environment.

Undertaking specific investigation and/or research, and reporting on these outcomes where appropriate

­ Targeted investigations into coastal receiving environments receiving stormwater discharges.

­ Saline transition zones in regional estuaries will be identified.

 

Sediment quality for the inner harbour was reported during  August 2012.

Loggers were deployed in the Ahuriri estuary during September 2012 and in the Waitangi estuary in November 2012.


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   REGIONAL RESOURCES

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 5 – Gravel Management

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

River-bed gravel is equitably allocated to gravel extractors.

The gravel allocation process complies with the Regional Resource Management Plan

Ongoing

­ No compliance issues with gravel extraction.

The gravel allocation process has complied with the RRMP and there are no compliance issues.  The gravel allocation process for the 2013/14 year will occur from March to May 2013.

 

River gravel management activities have no significant adverse effects on river ecology and water quality.

No reported incidences of adverse impacts following gravel extraction or beach raking activities.

Ongoing

­ No reported incidences of adverse impacts following gravel extraction or beach raking activities.

 

Gravel extraction has been managed to avoid adverse impacts on the ecology. Ecology management plans (EMP’s) for the Ngaruroro have been developed and for the other major rivers are currently being developed to manage the ecology more effectively. Gravel extractors are aware of the requirements of the EMP.

Knowledge necessary for sustainable management of riverbed gravel is improved.

Completion of investigation and research work recommended in riverbed gravel scoping study.

Ongoing

­ Annual Programme of work completed.

Preliminary research  work on sediment modelling has been carried out for the Ngaruroro River and work has started on the Tukituki.

 


 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   REGIONAL RESOURCES

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 6 – Open Spaces

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will provide public access to, and manage existing Council owned parks and wetlands for multi-purpose benefits.

Levels of service associated with all open space areas are set out in current management plans.

2012

­ Complete an open space vision and management plan and where appropriate further development programmes for all open space areas and facilities.

 

Ongoing

­ Implement management plans to deliver levels of service established.

Regional Park Network Plan for HBRC open space assets is being progressed. Objectives include developing a regional park framework that is consistent nationally and defines clear levels of service for parks delivery and maintenance provision (increasing opportunity for partnering & integration into initiatives such as nature central).

 

 HBRC will actively look for opportunities to provide the public with opportunities to enjoy open space available within the region with opportunities assessed against the HBRC Open Space policy and evaluation criteria.

Open space policy and evaluation criteria. 

 

Note $915,000 remaining in HBRC open space and community facilities to provide for opportunities.

Ongoing

­ Continue to assess affordable open space opportunities in accordance with the open space vision.

­ Action any opportunities approved by Council.

The annual contribution of $30,000 toward the operational costs for the Te Mata Park has been actioned.

 


Regulation Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 5

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   REGULATION

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1 – Resource Consent Processing

 

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 

 HBRC will ensure that accurate information about resource consent requirements and processes is readily available.

Application and submission guides are available in electronic and hard copy form.

 

2012-22

­ No verified reports of inaccurate information being given in relation to resource consent requirements.

2012-22

­ Electronic application and submission forms, application and submission guides are available through HBRC’s website.

 

No verified reports of inaccurate information in relation to resource consent requirements.

Forms are available through the website and are updated as required

 HBRC will process resource consent applications in a timely manner.

100% of resource consents processed within statutory timeframes set down in the Resource Management Act 1991.

2012-22

­ 100% of resource consents processed within statutory timeframes.

 

193 resource consents issued. All within statutory timeframes.

213 resource consents currently in process

 

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 2 – Compliance Monitoring

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will check that consent holders comply with the resource consent conditions imposed to protect the environment.

Number of consents monitoring in accordance with the adopted compliance monitoring strategy.

2012-22

­ 90% of programmed inspections/reports completed each year.

­ 95% of monitored consents achieve an overall grading of full compliance.

 

Inspections are down on previous years due to staff focus on Water Measuring Device Regulation implementation.

 

% of compliant consents is not calculated until year end.

HBRC will provide a 24 hr/7 day a week pollution response service for reporting environmental problems.

Duty management/Pollution Management response system.

2012-22

­ 24 hour duty Management/pollution management response system maintained.

Target achieved with no downtime.


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   REGULATION

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 3 – Maritime Safety and Navigation

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will provide local navigation safety control of shipping and small craft movements to ensure the region’s navigable waters are safe for people to use.

The Navigation Safety Bylaws and Port and Harbour Safety Management System.

20012-22

­ Bylaws to be reviewed in 2016.

­ Maintain a Maritime New Zealand accredited Safety Management System for the Napier Pilotage Area.

­ Marine accidents and incidents are investigated and acted upon using education and enforcement as appropriate.

­ Region wide risk assessment and review of current work programme with forward looking recommendations by 1 July 2013.

­ Review community education effectiveness by 1 July 2013.

 

Safety Management System has been audited by MNZ. Audit passed with no corrective actions required.

 

Incidents have been investigated with education and enforcement action used where appropriate.

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   REGULATION

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 4 – Building Act Implementation

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

Process Building Act consent applications within timeframes.

Contract with Waikato Regional Council to process dam consents on behalf of Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC).

2012-22

­ Maintain contract with Waikato Regional Council, for the processing of dam building consents.

Contract maintained.

Maintain an accurate Dam Register and help dam owners prepare dam safety assurance programmes in accordance with Building Act timeframes.

All known dams have been recorded on the Dam Register, and dam owners informed of Building Act requirements.

 

2012-22

­ 100% of dams comply with regulation requirements that come into force in July 2012.

No action, regulations still not in force.

HBRC will investigate illegally built dams and will ensure that they are removed or made compliant.

An illegally built dam is made compliant or removed within six months of identification.

2012-22

­ 100% of dams comply with regulations.

No illegal dams identified.

 


Biosecurity Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 6

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   BIOSECURITY

 

·     

 

·     

 

·     

 

·     

Routine plant pest inspections of areas infested with plants controlled under HBRC Regional Pest Management Strategy.

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1 – Regional Biosecurity Programme

 

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 

 HBRC will develop and implement regional pest management strategies that improve biodiversity and economic prosperity.

Pest Management Strategies:

Maintain a current Regional Pest Management Strategy.

2016-2017:

­ Review the current Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) by 2017 unless required by legislation to undertake a review before that.

The Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) and Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy have been reviewed.  Proposed documents were adopted by HBRC in December 2011, submissions received and heard in February 2012.  The reference made to the Environment Court has had its second mediation and mediation looks likely to have resolved the appeal.

There are a number of initiatives underway that will inform the next review of the RPMS which will be required within eighteen months due to a review of the Biosecurity Act. These include a regional goat stakeholder working group, forming a regional biosecurity coordination forum and initiatives associated with identifying effective long term management strategies for argentine ants.

Undertake research and investigation to quantify and/or increase the economic, biodiversity or animal/human health benefits of pest control.

Ongoing

­ Undertake at least one research/investigation initiative annually.

There is one research project that is currently being scoped to re run the survey of the PCA programme that was previously completed in 2006.

 HBRC will provide effective pest management programmes that improve regional biodiversity and economic prosperity.

 

Regional Animal Pest Control and Bovine Tb Vector Control Programmes:

Hectares of rateable land kept at low possum numbers. Low possum numbers means no more than five possums caught per 100 traps set out at night.

2016-17

­ By 2016 all rateable land will be reduced to low possum numbers (total rateable land in Hawke’s Bay = 1,000,000ha).

 

Rateable land in transition from the Animal Health Board programme:

2012-13:  20,000ha

2013-14:  30,000ha

2014-15:  30,000ha

2015-16:  40,000ha

2016-22:  unable to predict.

 

Rateable land in Possum Control Area (PCA) Programme:

June 2013:  490,000ha

June 2014:  534,000ha

June 2015:  584,000ha

June 2016:  624,000ha

 

Of the PCAs monitored, less than 10% of the monitoring lines exceed 5% trap catch.

There are currently 16,082ha’s or 4 projects that will be included into PCA programme in the 12/13 financial year.  These projects are Cross Hills (3,937), Eripiti (3,735), Mangaroa (3,620) & Pohora (4,790). All PCA projects are being carried out in the Wairoa District. At 30 June 2013 a total of 907,740ha’s of rateable land is being kept at low possum numbers. This comprises 507,740ha’s of PCA’s and 400,000ha’s of AHB vector control operations.

The number of active rook nests treated annually across the region.

Ongoing

­ Monitoring indicates a downward trend in active rook nest numbers in both areas (North and South of SH5).

 

Aerial rook control has been carried out and completed in all known rookeries across the region during the 2012 rook breeding season. 29 new rookeries where located across the region this year, 3 in the eradication zone and 26 in the control zone. A total of 95 active nests were aerial treated across the eradication zone north of SH5 compared with 90 in the 2011/2012 financial year.

A total of 686 active nests were aerial treated across the control zone south of SH5 compared with 657 in the 2011/2012 financial year.

 

Response time to rabbit complaints/enquiries.

Ongoing

­ An initial response is given within 5 working days of receipt of each rabbit related complaint/enquiry

 

2 rabbit enquires have been received and followed up with to date.  All enquires have been responded to within 5 working days of receiving their initial call.  Assistance was provided in the form of environmental topic’s, one on one advice, and where appropriate a demonstration on best use of either Pindone rabbit pellets or magtoxin, which is used for fumigating rabbit borrows.

McLean Scale four indicates that there are pockets of rabbits with signs and fresh burrows very noticeable.  Two properties have had rabbit management plans prepared in 2012/13.

Responsiveness to properties identified with rabbit populations over McLean Scale 4.

Ongoing

­ A management plan is prepared within four months for each property identified with rabbit numbers above McLean Scale 4.

 

Plant Pest Control:

Ongoing

­ All known infestations of ‘occupier responsibility’ Total Control plant pest sites are visited annually.

­ All known ‘service delivery’ Total Control plant pest sites are visited annually and plants controlled. 

­ All Privet sites identified through complaints controlled within 6 months of complaint.

­ The land around all known infestations of Total Control plants is inspected at least every 3 years.

­ All areas of high potential risk are visited annually and checked for possible new plant pest incursions.

A total of 750 visits have been made this year on total control plant pest properties. Of these 361 were urban visits.

Total Control Service delivery visits and control have been undertaken on Spiny emex and White edged nightshade by Council officers. Control work has been completed by contractors for Nassella tussock.

The urban Privet programme continues to perform well with a total of 141 properties having had Privet removed by the contractor or council staff.

Leaflets were distributed for Purple Ragwort in the Te Mata Peak area and for Blue passionflower in the Taradale and Clive area. Control for Blue passionflower has started. Inspections have been carried out on land around known infestations of total control plants, as time has allowed.

The Taradale sites were revisited in the Autumn. Inspections were carried out on land around known infestations of total control plants in years 1-3.

New infestations of Purple ragwort outside of Havelock North have been controlled. New Chilean needle grass sites have been monitored and controlled.  All known high risk sites continue to be visited annually to check for possible plant pest incursions. A total of 20 Earthmoving machines were inspected after being washed down.

 


Emergency Management Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 7

 

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

 

·     

 

 

·     

·     

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1 – HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will reduce the impact of long term natural and man-made hazards to life and property, eliminating these risks if practicable, and if not seek the reduction of their impact.

 

Assessment of natural and manmade hazards will be completed for at risk areas in Hawke’s Bay.

2012/15

­ Review Hazardscape Assessment as part of the review of the HBCDEM Plan.

2012-22

­ Advocate to Territorial Authorities for the consideration and inclusion of hazard information as part of their land use planning functions

­ In conjunction with TAs, provide public advice on the impacts of hazards.

­ Complete changes to the Resource Management Act 1991 statutory plans that reflect the integrated approach of the Joint Hazard Strategy.

 

­  Hazardscape Assessment completed following Risk Assessment Workshop 23 July 2012 - determines priorities for significant CDEM Group risks.  Results will be published in the Reduction Section of the new HBCDEM Group Plan to be approved by the Joint Committee.

­  On-line Hazard database has been maintained – a report on the on-going management of hazard information in the HB Region will be presented to CEG in November 2012.

­  Advocacy continues to be made & CEG have endorsed the “HB Joint Hazard Strategy for Local Authority Land-Use Planning” and a proposed implementation plan has been developed.

 

Number of hazards research projects commissioned each year.

2012-22

­ At least one new research project commissioned each year.

­  Faultline mapping is proposed for the Ruataniwha-Makaroro area in Central HB – GNS are to provide proposal.

­  Tsunami mapping work is to be completed by HBRC for CHB by June 2013

­  Natural Hazards Platform has been approached to assist HB in an updated evaluation of liquefaction potential.

Percentage of surveyed residents that are aware of hazard risks & can identify earthquake, flooding, and tsunami as major hazards in Hawke’s Bay.

2012-22

­ Awareness of earthquake, flooding/heavy rainfall and tsunami hazard risks show an increase over time.

­ Specific target more than 50% of residents can identify tsunami as one of the region’s major hazards by 2018.

­ As measured in a 3 year survey.

­  The last regional survey in 2008 asked residents to identify hazard risks to their livelihood:

·      94% identified earthquake

·      60% identified flooding/heavy rain

·      34% identified tsunami

Survey planned in Sept 2011 was cancelled and the HBRC is currently reviewing future survey requirements.

Satisfaction of Territorial Authorities and professionals involved in land use planning decision making with the quality, format & relevance of hazard information supplied.

2012-22

­ All Territorial Authorities and planning professionals are satisfied with the quality, format and relevance of hazard information supplied/available as assessed by an evaluation and feedback form every 3 years.

 

A survey undertaken June 2011 resulted in 67% of the responders rating the quality of hazard information from the HBRC has excellent, very good or good, while 33% gave no response.  83% said the information was relevant.  Next survey due 2014.

 HBRC will maintain and where appropriate increase the readiness of Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (HBCDEM) and the community to respond to a civil defence emergency.

 

 HBRC response to a Civil Defence emergency is coordinated, appropriate, effective and efficient.

 

2012-13

­ Complete the Review of the HBCDEM Plan

­ Complete framework for Training Needs Analysis and Training Programme with partner organisations.

2012-22

­ Complete HBCDEM Group Training Directive.

­ Maintain three yearly exercise programmes.

­ Corrective Actions that the HBCDEM group has responsibility for are implemented in accordance with the Corrective Action Plan.

 

The review of the Group Plan has commenced.  The Hazardscape review and risk analysis is complete.  A draft of the strategic sections has been completed and agreed to in principle.  A part time fixterm position to coordinate the review of the plan was filled in November 2012.  It is expected to complete the review by August 2013.

 

The training directive will be completed post the Group Plan review.

 

The corrective actions plan for the recommendations of the CAR is being reviewed quarterly by the Coordinating Executives Group.

 

The level of support provided to the HBCDEM Group in directing and co-ordinating personnel and resources for response and recovery operations.

20012-13

­ Complete the review of the HBCDEM Plan.

2013-14

­ Completed welfare work plan.

­ Conduct induction training for incoming Joint Committee members post 2013 elections.

2012-22

­ An active Welfare Advisory Group which meets at least 4 times a year.

 

The review of the Group Welfare Plan will be conducted post the Group Plan review.

 

The Welfare Advisory Group is meeting at least quarterly and is making good progress in coordinating welfare planning and cooperation between different welfare agencies.

The percentage of surveyed residents prepared to cope for at least three days on their own.

2012-22

­ 90% residents have enough food stored for three days and had some way of cooking without electricity.

­ 75% have enough water stored.

­ As measured by three yearly survey.

 

Survey results in 2008 showed 96% had enough food stored, with 92% having some alternative way of cooking without electricity.

55% had enough water stored not including water in the hot water cylinders.  Survey planned in Sept 2011 was cancelled and the HBRC is currently reviewing future survey requirements.

 

A National MCDEM survey in July 2011 showed 66% of NZers had taken steps to prepare themselves or their household, up from 44% the previous year.

 

 HBRC will ensure that appropriate levels of response capabilities are in place and maintained across the Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management (HBCDEM) Group.

Established Emergency Management Plans including training and procedures.

 

2012-13

­ Continue to develop the capability of the Group Emergency Coordination Centre in Hastings.

­ Complete capacity review of existing Emergency Operations Centre facilities in HBCDEM Group.

 

 

2012-22

­ Maintain Plans and Standard Operating Procedures and ensure Group Emergency Coordination Centres can be ready for operation within 6 hrs of event.

­ Effectively and efficiently manage any emergency events from initial warning until a safe situation returns.

 

 

The GECC is equipped fully and operational.
Minor enhancements identified during training and testing are being implemented.

Reviews will occur in parallel with the  implementation  of EMIS.

Maintain the CDEM Group’s emergency management and civil defence capacity with the capability of effectively responding to an emergency event.

2012-22

­ Maintain established teams, training programmes, Emergency Operations Centre, Manuals, in accordance with HBCDEM Group Plan.

 

 

Contact List of trained team members are maintained

Development of Training activities incorporating the new EMIS operating platform is on schedule for delivery in early 2013.

 HBRC will ensure the recovery from emergencies is managed in accordance with the scale of the event.

Facilitate and maintain Lifelines Group who have effective input into Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group plans.

 

Dedicated CDEM Group Recovery Manager appointed.

 

A relevant CDEM Group Recovery Plan is adopted and maintained.

2012-13

­ Appoint Group Recovery Manager.

­ An active Lifelines Group which meets at least 4 times a year.

2014-13

­ Complete Group Recovery Plan.

­ Complete an engineering Lifelines work programme.

2012 – 2022

­ Partner Territorial Authorities have appointed local recovery managers.

 

A Group Recovery Manager has been appointed by the Joint Committee.

The HB Engineering Lifelines Group has appointed a new Chairman.

 

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 2 – Hazard Assessment & Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Response

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will ensure it has an emergency response capability that can provide regional hazard assessments and warning systems to the Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group and to manage Council assets.

 

Effectiveness of response capacity and capability.

Ongoing

­ Maintain established Teams, training programmes, Emergency Operations Centre, Manuals and Business Continuance Plan.

CDEM teams maintained, with RT & Call Centre training sessions held to date and 8 new staff inducted in the Council’s emergency requirements.

EOC’s and manuals maintained.

A biennial review of the BCP was commenced Nov 2012 with IT risks identified.  Due to be completed by April 2013.

24hour duty management system is in place.

Ongoing

­ Operate an effective 24-hour Duty Management Service and respond to urgent public enquiries and complaints in a timely professional manner.

24 hour duty mgt response system maintained with 249 calls logged to date.

 

80 warnings or watches of severe weather or other hazardous events have been received ytd and have been effectively and efficiently managed including 3 volcanic eruptions, Tongariro 6/7 August & 21 Nov and White Island 8 Aug.

 

 HBRC provide reliable warning of flooding from the region’s major rivers to at risk communities in the Wairoa, Tutaekuri, Ngaruroro and Tukituki areas.

Percentage of time that priority telemetered rainfall and river level sites are operational throughout the year.

­ Priority sites: 98%

­ Overall: 92%

 

Percentage of time that priority telemetered rainfall and river level sites are operational throughout the year:

2012-19:  98% average for all key sites

99.66% on key sites

99.71% overall

A flood forecasting system is available on the web to advise the community on likely rainfall and flooding.

 

Percentage of the region at risk of flooding from large rivers, covered by a flood forecasting model.

Percentage  of the region covered by a flood forecasting model

2014-15:  70%

2021-22:  100%

 

The Ngaruroro, Tukituki and Tutaekuri rivers make up the central and southern flood forecasting model. In the North the Wairoa River catchment is covered by a flood forecast model. To date 70% of the  region is covered with a model.

Ongoing

­ No decrease in model performance.

Verification work is carried out when there is a flood event to improve the models.

Information available on HBRC’s website during storm events.

Ongoing

­ No change

Currently information on the Council web is available for larger flood events.

Peak flood forecast river flows agree within 25% of the actual flows.

 

Ongoing

­ No decrease in performance.

Apart from providing flooding potential advice to Wairoa, no significant events occurred during the period.

 HBRC will continue to improve its knowledge and understanding of flood risks from the areas exposed to severe weather events and the effects of runoff onto low lying land and into the network of drains, streams and rivers of the region.

 

Percentage of area mapped for flood hazard, including the impact of climate change.

2014-15:  100%

­ To update flood hazard information for high risk communities.

 

2021-22:   100%

­ Up to date flood hazard information available for lower risk communities.

 

97% of the high risk communities have been mapped (excluding climate change effects).

 

 

 

20% of the low risk communities have been mapped (excluding climate change effects).

 

 HBRC will to respond to oil spills within the Hawke’s Bay Coastal Marine boundary and maintain a Tier 2 oil spill response plan which identifies priority areas in HB for protection in the event of a major spill.

Current Tier 2 Oil Spill Plan is in place and training is being implemented.

­ Operative Marine Oil Spill Plan is maintained, along with trained personnel.

The current operative plan dated Aug 2010 has been maintained and is available on-line and 2 staff attended MNZ Regional Responder training.

2 oil spills incidents have been responded on 7 Sept and 21 Nov 2012.  The Sept spill was significant – the largest diesel spill response in HB to date.  The Team were commended for their efforts with both responses managed so environmental impacts were minimised.

Oil Spill exercise on boom deployment held at PONL on 29 November 2012.

 


Transport Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 8

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   TRANSPORT

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1 – Regional Road Safety

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will engage, co-ordinate and implement sustainable regional road safety initiatives so that Hawke’s Bay roads and pathways are safe and accessible, and that the emotional and financial costs of road traffic crashes are reduced.

Effectively implement Regional Safety Action Plans with the relevant objectives of the Regional Land Transport Strategy; Safer Journeys 2020; and the New Zealand Injury Prevention Strategy.

 

2012-22

­  Regional Safety Action Plans for Wairoa, Napier, Hastings, and Central Hawke’s Bay will be reviewed quarterly with a focus on key issues to be addressed.

­  Road safety programmes are implemented to reduce the incidence and severity of road traffic crashes and to align with the key outcomes and issues in the RoadSafe Strategic Plan.

2012-22

­  Key road safety partners have attended the scheduled Road Safety Action Plan meetings, including ACC, Police, Hawke’s Bay District Health Board, New Zealand Transport Agency and traffic safety engineers.  Completion /or non-completion of activities are reviewed and the following three months activities discussed.

­  Implementation of key road safety priorities are on track for delivery to date.  The RoadSafe team have a scheduled meeting to review all work plans in December 2012.

 

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 2 –  Regional Land Transport Strategy

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

Through the region’s transport strategy HBRC will promote improved integration of all transport modes, land use and efficient movement of freight.

Approved Regional Land Transport Strategy in place.

2012-13

­ Complete review of Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS) by July 2012.

­ Implement and report on current RLTS as required by statute.

 

2015

­ Review of RLTS completed by July 2015.

2012-13

­ The Regional Land Transport Strategy for 2012-2042 (RLTS) was adopted in June 2012.

­ RLTS is monitored by the Transport Advisory Group and regular reports are provided to the Regional Transport Committee.

 

 

Three yearly Regional Land Transport Programme approved.

2012-15

­ Implement and report on Regional Land Transport Programme 2012-15 as required by statute.

2015-18

­ Regional Land Transport Programme submitted to New Zealand Transport Agency by July 2015, following public consultation.

2012-15

­ The Regional Land Transport Programme is monitored by the Transport Advisory Group and regular reports are provided to the Regional Transport Committee.

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   TRANSPORT

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 3 –  Subsidised Passenger Transport

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will provide an accessible bus service and appropriate service infrastructure within and between the Napier, Hastings and Havelock North urban areas that will be expanded to meet the increasing need for public transport for the people of Hawke’s Bay.

In accordance with Regional Land Transport Strategy.

2012-15

­ Build on the improvements made over the last 3 years and ensure current levels of services are maintained and target any increase in funding towards improving existing services.

 

2012-15

­ Improvements on Route 20 (Flaxmere services) were introduced in October to address overloading issues.

­ Improvements to Route 17 (Parkvale, Akina services) were introduced in November to provide an expanded service on this route.

 

Continue improving signage, infrastructure and information at all bus stops.

2012-13

­ Implement bus-stop service level standards (as outlined in Regional Public Transport Plan).

 

2012-15

­ Install four additional bus shelters each year (two in Hastings and two in Napier).

2012-13

­ In consultation with Napier City and Hastings District Councils appropriate signage and infrastructure at bus stops have been installed in Hastings and Napier. This continues to be a key focus through both cities. Unique bus stop signage is due to be rolled out in early 2013 commencing in Hastings.

 

2012-15

­ Four additional bus shelters are installed each year (two in Hastings and two in Napier).

 

Where bus routes exist, at least 90% of residences and businesses are in the following walking distances of a bus stop:

­ 500m:   normal conditions

­ 600m:   low density/outer areas.

2012-15

­ Increase the number of bus stops in Hastings and Napier to meet the measure by 100%.

 

2012-15

­ Where appropriate, and in consultation with Napier City Council and Hastings District Council, additional bus stops are installed.

 

Changes in technology to be utilised to provide a better service.

2012-13

­ Investigate a text-to-bus service.

­ Investigate online top-ups for smartcards.

2012-13

­ A text-to-bus service has been investigated, due to cost and limitations of this service it is not proposed to implement this at this stage. Other options will continue to be looked at.

­ Due to limitations of the current electronic ticketing system online top-ups are not yet available.

 

 

 

 

 

Fare payment systems are to be simple to understand; reviewed regularly and accurately record passenger trip information.

Fare levels will be reviewed annually.

 

2012-13

­ An in-depth review of fares and fare structure to be undertaken.

 

2013-19

­ Fare reviews to be undertaken annually.

2012-13

­ An in-depth review of fares and the fare structure will be undertaken in early 2013.

Integration with other modes.

Improve integration between public transport and walking and cycling.

2012-13

­ Investigate installation of bike racks on buses and all options to carry bikes on buses.

2012-15

­ Investigate installation of secure bike racks at major bus stops.

2012-13

­ Bike racks were installed on 14 buses on Council’s main routes in August 2012.

2012-15

­ Secure bike racks were installed during 2012 at Havelock North and Hastings main bus stops. Napier City Council installed a secure bike facility at the main bus stop in Napier.

 

Continue to provide and deliver the Total Mobility scheme in Napier, Hastings and Waipukurau for those unable to use public transport due to serious mobility constraints.

 

Membership is increased and service delivered in accordance with New Zealand Transport Authority guidelines.

2012-15

­ Increase by at least 5% a year.

2012-15

­ Membership increased to 11% as at October 2012 compared to October 2011.

 


Governance & Community Engagement Group of Activities Summary

Attachment 9

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 1 – Community Partnerships

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will engage in strategic relationships that help better achieve its vision and purposes.

Formalisation of strategic alliances that are sector and institutionally-based.

2012-15

­ Create a bi-annual forum of primary production sector associations.

 

 

 

­ Determine shared services opportunities with Hawke’s Bay Councils and wider regional sector allies.

 

 

 

 

2016-22

­ HBRC continues to work in partnership with strategic allies to progress strategic goals.

 

 

Pan-sector group of primary production sector agencies meets 3-4 times per year. This is coordinated by the Land Management Team and is focussed on sustainable land use and mitigation of land use effects on water quality.

 

Initial documentation developed for establishment of HB Local Authority Shared Services company. To be brought to Council in December 2012.

 

“Nature Central” wider regional sector initiative -scope of the partnership has been agreed and work is underway on implementation through relevant work programmes

 HBRC will work in partnership with treaty claimant groups to govern natural resources and to jointly explore sustainable economic opportunities in Hawke’s Bay.

 

Regional Planning Committee operating successfully.

2012-15

­ Regional Planning Committee permanently established.

 

Draft legislation to establish the committee permanently is being considered by Regional Planning Committee members, in the expectation that it will be included as an attachment to the Treaty settlement legislation for Maungaharuru-Tangitu Iwi Inc in April 2013.

 HBRC will contribute to support the development of Regional Public Infrastructure projects.

Evaluation of Regional Public Infrastructure projects and which to support.

2012-22

­ Assess projects to be funded under HBRC’s Community Facilities Fund as follows:

·    Projects proposed by Hastings District Council up to the value of $2.5m.

·    Projects proposed by Wairoa District Council up to the value of $500,000.

 

 

Council approval has been given for funding of $500,000 to both the Wairoa Community Centre upgrade (WDC) and the Te Mata Visitor and Education Centre in Hastings district. A further $2M is earmarked for regional hockey facilities subject to an agreed plan for hockey facilities from all parties.

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

·     

·     

·     

·     

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 2 – Community Engagement & Communications

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will communicate its purpose and direction to the community. The community will know what it is being done and why.

On-time delivery of Annual Plan, plan change, State of the Environment and statutory documents.

2012-15

­ Long Term Plan, State of the Environment, Annual Report, Tukituki Plan change.

2016-22

­ Long Term Plan, State of the Environment, Annual Report.

 

2012-22 Long Term Plan, Tukituki Choices, Our Place (including special Tukituki Choices edition) and SOE Report have been delivered on time, in print and electronic formats.

Councillors, Executive and staff available to speak/inform on HBRC activities.

2012-15

­ Measure number of interactions.

2016-22

Measure number of interactions.

Supported HBRC community engagement for Tukituki Choices, Ruataniwha Water Storage, Wineries Ride launch, with presence at CHB Show and HB Home & Garden Show.

Number of media releases generated; uptake of digital technologies.

2012-15

­ 90 Releases; Number of social media posts.

2016-22

­ 90 Releases; Number of social media posts.

60 HBRC releases up to 20 November 2012. Active use of HBRC’s refreshed website, social media, video and images, including digital portals i.e. Giggle TV.

Regional newsprint media coverage averages > 90% positive/neutral.

2012-15

­ Not less than 95% average

2016-22

Not less than 95% average

 

Media coverage at 95.75% positive/neutral from July-October 2012.

HBRC will provide opportunities for the community to be involved in its decision making processes. Community engagement will be a key component of all major programmes and projects.

Number of council meetings and workshops.

2012-15

­ Open reporting of Council/Committee items.

2016-22

­ Review of Council/Committee meeting communications coverage and approach.

Twenty Council and Committee meetings held in reporting period. Of these, 5 meetings had a public-excluded component, covering a combined total of four topics.

Clearly flagged opportunities for input, submissions and other feedback into HBRC documents.

2012-15

­ Refresh and maintain annual HBRC Communications Plan

2016-22

­ Review of Communications structure and processes.

Continuous improvement is an element of all communications strategy and individual communications plans are prepared around projects and activities.

Number of public meetings, workshops and public events (includes awards and field days).

2012-15

­ Meetings, workshops & events strongly considered for major projects and in HBRC’s statutory role

2016-22

­ Consider best approach to engage public: meetings, workshops, events

Tukituki Choices: 6 well-attended public events. 164 public comments received which were loaded to Council website.

HBRC will provide information that is relevant to the community and communities of interest. Information will be audience appropriate.

Delivery of updates on HBRC activities and progress.

2012-15

­ Generate region, community and consent holder/ catchment newsletters

2016-22

­ Conduct review of all newsletters

 

 

Generated newsletters to Tutira, CHB and Wairoa, plus Leaders Briefing, “In the Zone” (water management), HuB (biodiversity) and Step Out (education).

Facilitation of agreed stakeholder groups.

2012-15

­ Audit number of groups

2016-22

­ Audit and revalidate groups

 

 

Yet to be undertaken

Timely delivery information to communities of interest.

2012-15

­ Appropriate ‘tool’ selected according to programme needs

2016-22

­ Audit of communication tools

 

 

Monthly meetings held i.e. RWSP Stakeholder Group, Water user Groups, Pan-sector Group.

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 3 – Response to Climate Change

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will increase the community’s resilience to climate change

HBRC’s corporate total annual Greenhouse Gas emissions measure in carbon dioxide equivalents (excluding Port of Napier Ltd)

2012-22

­ Reduce corporate (excluding Port of Napier Ltd) carbon emissions from 2005/06 by:

·      10% by 2014

·      20% by 2020

·      30% by 2050

 

 

­ Monitor and report on HBRC carbon emissions.

­ Quantify current and future carbon off-sets

Number of sectors through which HBRC promotes/influences reduction in carbon emissions and adaptation to climate change

2012

­ Establish a process to monitor and report regional carbon emissions with the first report completed by 30 June 2012

­ Funding for conversion of 100 dwellings to solar hot water.

2013-19

­ Continue to increase HBRC’s influence in initiatives to improve regional resilience to the impacts of climate change.

­ Continue to update and report regional carbon emissions at least every 3 years.

2013-17

­ Funding for conversion of 200 dwellings in Year 2; and 300 dwellings per annum in Years 3-5.

 

 

­ Establish a process to monitor and report on regional carbon emissions

­ Proactively seek initiatives through which HBRC is able to influence or promote a reduction in regional carbon emissions

­ Proactively seek opportunities to make investments that provide a satisfactory return and result in sustainable use of the region’s resources for HBRC’s investment portfolio.

­ Establish appropriate financial procedures for the repayment of loans through voluntary targeted rates.

 


GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 4 – Community Representation & Regional Leadership

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

 HBRC will provide the community with a channel for representation through elected members and Iwi to enable access and influence on decision making.

Councillors’ attendance at monthly Council and Committee meetings achieving at least 90% attendance of elected and appointed members.

2012-22

­ Attendance rate of 90%.

Council held 8 meetings over this period, with attendance rate of 87.5%. 12 meetings of other Committees were held during this period with attendance rate of 85.63%.

Attendance at Maori Committee meetings.

2012-22

­ Attendance rate of 80%

The Maori Committee has held 2 meetings to date with an attendance rate of 86.67%.

10 Year Plan/Annual Plan consultation during April and May with the final Plan being adopted by HBRC by 30 June.

2012-22

­ Consultation and submission period of at least 30 days.

Annual Plan for 2013/14 currently being complied.

Comply with the provisions of the Local Electoral Act 2001.

2012-22

­ Determine the appropriate representation for the region.

­ Elections to be held every three years. The next election is in October 2013.

Next Election is in October 2013.

 HBRC will aim to maximise Local Government effectiveness and efficiency.

Facilitate and report on Local Government efficiencies achieved.

2012-22

Complete a review, in consultation with territorial authorities within the region, which will cover:

­ Opportunities for inter-regional and central government collaboration.

­ How the Hawke’s Bay economy might be further diversified and made more resilient.

­ The role of Local Government in Hawke’s Bay in enabling socioeconomic development, and the effectiveness of Local Government structures including planning and compliance frameworks are to be studied.

The Study on Improving the Social and Economic Performance of Hawke’s Bay was initiated in April 2012 with the appointment of McGredy Winder & Co.

The Terms of Reference called for two phases of work. The first phase was completed in August 2012 and comprises the following:

·        An analysis of historic and current economic and social performance of the region, the trends in these areas and what they mean for Hawke’s Bay.

·        An analysis of current policies, priorities, interventions, legislative requirements and structural settings in or affecting Hawke's Bay and any apparent gaps, inconsistencies or policy clashes.

·        An identification and analysis of significant inhibitors to prosperity that affect Hawke's Bay.

·        How the Hawke’s Bay economy might be further diversified and made more resilient

Phase 2, which will evaluate the changes, initiatives and priorities identified in Phase 1, is currently underway.

 

GROUP OF ACTIVITY:   GOVERNANCE AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

 

Service Levels and Performance Targets

Activity 5  – Investment Company Support

Level of Service Statement

Level of Service Measure

Performance Targets

 

2012/13 Progress Report

 for 5 months to  30 November 2012

HBRC will provide support services to the Investment Company and to any associated subsidiaries of the Investment Company.

A number of Board meetings to be supported by HBRC staff.

2012-22

­ Provide support for the Board meetings of the Investment Company and subsidiaries.

­ Finalise the Statement of Corporate Intent.

 

Finance, administration and Executive level support have been provided for the Board Meetings and committees.

 

The 2013-14 Statement of Corporate Intent is pending.

 


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Representation Review Process Update        

 

 

Reason for Report

1.      This report provides Council with an update on the Representation Review Process currently under way.

Background

2.      At the Regional Council meeting held on 14 December 2011, Council was advised of the need for a representation review prior to the 2013 Local Body elections, including the underlying statutory principles and requirements and the timeline to undertake this review.

3.      At its meeting on 15 August 2012 Council completed the first stage of the representation review and determined its initial proposal by resolution. This proposal was publically notified on 18 August 2012 and open to submissions for a period of one month.

4.      Council considered the submissions received on its initial proposal on 25 October 2012, and advised its final proposed Representation Arrangements for the 2013 and 2016 elections by public notice on 27 October 2012.

Appeals and Objections

5.      During the period for appeals and objections, which closed Tuesday 27 November 2012, Council staff received 2 appeals and 1 objection.

6.      The appeals from Hastings District Council and the Hastings District Rural Community Board both argue that the proposed single Hastings constituency should be split into 1 rural constituency with 1 elected representative and 1 urban constituency with 3 elected representatives.

7.      The objection by Napier City Council relates to their support for Council’s initial proposal to have Hastings North and Hastings South constituencies, each with 2 elected representatives, and their opposition to Hastings being split into Urban and Rural constituencies.

8.      The appeals and objection are attached in full.

Current Status

9.      In line with Council’s agreed timeframes and legislative requirements, staff are collating all of the relative documentation for submission to the Local Government Commission (the Commission). This documentation will include:

9.1.      Copies of the resolutions on the initial and final proposals

9.2.      A copy of the public notice of the final proposal

9.3.      All submissions made on the local authority’s initial proposal

9.4.      All appeals and objections received

9.5.      Information concerning the communities of interest and population of the district, region or community, or any proposed electoral subdivision, as is held by the local authority and is necessary for the Commission’s determination of the appeals and objections

9.6.      Detailed maps showing the existing electoral subdivisions of the local authority or community and the proposed subdivisions

9.7.      Officer reports to the local authority, which provide background information and make recommendations, including financial impacts of any proposals.

The Role of the Commission

10.    In accordance with the Local Electoral Act section 19R, the Commission must consider the appeals, objections and other information forwarded to it and determine the representation arrangements for the local authority. In making its determination, the Commission is able to make any enquiries that it considers appropriate and may, but is not obliged to, hold meetings (Hearings) with the parties.

11.    Once the Commission has received Council’s documentation, the Commissioner will advise whether a Hearing will be held and when that will take place (likely February or March 2013).

12.    The Commission must complete its duties and issue its determination before 11 April 2013.

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.

 

 

Recommendation

1.      That Council receives the Representation Review Process Update report.

 

 

 

 

Leeanne Hooper

Governance & Corporate Administration Manager

 

Paul Drury

Group Manager

Corporate Services

 

Attachment/s

1View

Hastings District Council Appeal Against HBRC Final Proposed Representation Arrangements

 

 

2View

Hastings District Rural Community Board Appeal Against HBRC Proposed Final Representation Arrangements

 

 

3View

Napier City Council Objection to HBRC Final Proposed Representation Arrangements

 

 

  


Hastings District Council Appeal Against HBRC Final Proposed Representation Arrangements

Attachment 1

 















Hastings District Rural Community Board Appeal Against HBRC Proposed Final Representation Arrangements

Attachment 2

 











Napier City Council Objection to HBRC Final Proposed Representation Arrangements

Attachment 3

 






HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL  

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Leasehold Land Issues

 

Reason for Report

1.      The purpose of this paper is to update and report on issues related to Napier Leasehold endowment land portfolio and the relevant Council policies.

Background

2.      With the creation of the Regional Council in November 1989, 1983 lessees were transferred from the Hawke’s Bay Harbour Board.  All the leases are controlled by lease agreements identifying annual rentals and lease renewal dates under a 21 year “Glasgow” lease renewal period.

Concession on Lease Payments

3.      Council has over the years applied slight modifications to the management of leases consistent with the lease agreements.

4.      In the early 1990’s, Council changed the method of valuing cross lease properties for lease renewal purposes.  Previously the land under each cross lease unit had been valued individually, but following the methodology change the total area of land was valued and the rent divided equally amongst the cross lease lessees. This resulted in lower rentals paid by cross lease lessees.

5.      At the same time a reduction of market value of the land was granted to lessees with unused potential on single site properties (one dwelling) on sections sized 600 or more square metres.  The unused portion being the garden areas.  Again, this move was beneficial to lessees.

6.      Council also introduced the deferred rental payment system to assist those lessees who were experiencing financial hardship.

Fair Annual Ground Rental

7.      In 2000, Council resolved to abide by the wording of the lease agreement when determining the basis of the renewal rent.  All leases created prior to 1970 have the renewal basis as 5% of the land market value and after 1970, the leases are subject to “Fair Annual Ground Rental” wording which in recent years has been equated at 6.25% of the land market value.    Both lease renewal methodologies are subject to a valuation   and the valuers regularly review the “Fair Annual Ground Rental” percentage.

Freeholding

8.      Following the introduction of the Hawkes Bay Endowment Land Empowering Act 2002, some lessees have had the opportunity to freehold their leasehold land at a greater allowance or discount above the previous limit of 30% of the land market value. 

9.      Since August 2011, 373 lessees have freeholded for a total discounted price of $25m whereas the land market value was $40m. 

10.    At present, the Council only has 654 lessees left on 482 properties.

Lease Renewal

11.    Invariably, at the time leases are renewed at the expiry of each 21 year renewal period, lessees become concerned by the increase of the new rent.  However there has only been one arbitration on the valuation for renewal purposes, and in this case the arbitration referee found for the Council’s valuer and actually increased the annual rent.

12.    There was another valuation arbitration in November 2011 for freeholding purposes which resulted in the referee confirming the valuation of the Council’s valuer.

 

Arrears of Rent

13.    One time consuming aspect of managing the portfolio is dealing with lessees who repeatedly have rent arrears. Staff attempt to work with the lessee to remedy the situation.  When rent payments are not being received, the first step is for Council to use a debt collection agency then, if this is unsuccessful, a demand is made on the mortgagee banks of the lessees for the payment of arrears.

14.    In time Council may also have to apply to the High Court to auction the properties when the rent arrears accumulate to unmanageable levels. Under the lease agreement, when a lessee is in default of the lease, the Council can re-enter and claim the property.

Current Statistics

15.    Set out in Attachment 1 are some updated statistics for Council’s Napier leasehold land.

Decision Making Process

16.    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.

 

Recommendation

1.      That the Council receives the report.

 

 

 

 

John Keenan

Revenue Accountant

 

 

Paul Drury

Group Manager

Corporate Services

 

Attachment/s

1View

Napier Leasehold Land Statistics as at 30 November 2012

 

 

  


Napier Leasehold Land Statistics as at 30 November 2012

Attachment 1

 


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL  

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Biodiversity Strategy Update        

 

Reason for Report

1.     This report is to provide an update to Council on the preparation of the regional biodiversity strategy.

Background

2.     The 2012-22 Long Term Plan (LTP) Outlines Councils intent to prepare a regional biodiversity strategy which will include a wide range of stakeholders in its preparation and the ultimate commitment to a regional strategy.

3.     The specific LTP outputs are as follows:

3.1.   2012-13 finalise scope of strategy and begin preparation of draft strategy

3.2.   2013-14 Consult on the draft strategy and prepare the final biodiversity strategy

3.3.   2014-15 prepare the programme for work relevant to HBRC for inclusion in the next long term plan

Proposed governance structure

4.     The current structure proposed to assist in the preparation and finalisation of the strategy is to have a core working group (CWG) to provide technical expertise, help deliver information to the steering group and facilitate integration of steering group ideas into the strategy. The CWG membership is a cross functional HBRC project team and key external stakeholders with relevant expertise such as the Department of Conservation. The steering group (SG) will comprise a wider range of organisations with an interest in regional biodiversity and will provide governance level guidance on strategy development, content and process.

5.     Over the last few months there have been a range of activities undertaken by the CWG in preparation for the first SG meeting which is proposed for February 2013. These include:

5.1.   A Landcare Research biodiversity outcomes based workshop to set some initial context on higher level strategy outcomes for discussion at the SG.

5.2.   An initial analysis of where the key areas for alignment may be with other national or regional biodiversity related initiatives

5.3.   Collating draft stakeholder GIS data relevant to regional biodiversity current state to present an initial snapshot at the first SG meeting.

5.4.   Preparation of a draft CWG and SG terms of reference for discussion at the first SG meeting

5.5.   Initial broad areas for early SG advice including the scope of the strategy, and the role (if any) of a biodiversity accord and regional biodiversity forum in more integrated regional biodiversity management.

5.6.   Identifying the potential SG participants.

6.     Activities to be completed prior to Christmas include -

6.1.   Send out a letter of invitation to all potential SG members.

6.2.   Final CWG meeting for the year.

6.3.   Gain confirmation from Councillors on who wants to participate in the Regional Biodiversity Strategy Steering Group. It is recommended that the number is limited to 3 Councillors.

6.4.   Draft an initial broad project plan to set some deliverables context for the biodiversity strategy over the next two years.

Decision Making Process

1.      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.

 

Recommendation

1.      That Council receives the update report on the Regional Biodiversity Strategy.

2.      Confirm the names of Councillors who wish to participate in the regional biodiversity strategy Steering Group process.

 

 

 

 

 

Campbell Leckie

Manager Land Services

 

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

 

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL  

Wednesday 12 December 2012

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.

Item

Topic

Councillor / Staff

1.   

 

 

2.   

 

 

3.   

 

 

4.   

 

 

5.   

 

 

 

  


HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL  

Wednesday 12 December 2012

SUBJECT: Update on the Sale of Napier Leasehold Land Cash Flows      

That Council excludes the public from this section of the meeting, being Agenda Item 21 Update on the Sale of Napier Leasehold Land Cash Flows with the general subject of the item to be considered while the public is excluded; the reasons for passing the resolution and the specific grounds under Section 48 (1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution being as follows:

 

GENERAL SUBJECT OF THE ITEM TO BE CONSIDERED

REASON FOR PASSING THIS RESOLUTION

GROUNDS UNDER SECTION 48(1) FOR THE PASSING OF THE RESOLUTION

Update on the Sale of Napier Leasehold Land Cash Flows

7(2)(i) That the public conduct of this agenda item would be likely to result in the disclosure of information where the withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

The Council is specified, in the First Schedule to this Act, as a body to which the Act applies.

 

 

 

 

Paul Drury

Group Manager

Corporate Services

 

 

Andrew Newman

Chief Executive