Minutes of Regional Transport Committee

1. Welcome/Karakia /Housekeeping /Apologies

The Chair welcomed everyone and Api Robin opened the meeting with a karakia.

Resolution

RTC16/25 That the apologies for absence from Councillor Tania Kerr, Angela Hallett, Nic Ganivet, Nick Flack and David Murray be accepted.

Price/Taylor

CARRIED

2. Conflict of interest declarations

Councillor Jeremy Harker declared an interest in relation to his role of Chief Executive of Quality Roading Services in Wairoa.

There were no conflicts of interest declared.

3. Confirmation of Minutes of the Regional Transport Committee meeting held on 16 May 2025

Councillor Kate Taylor noted that her attendance online had been intermittent when she was able to connect.

RTC17/25

Resolution

Minutes of the Regional Transport Committee meeting held on Friday, 16 May 2025, a copy having been circulated prior to the meeting, were taken as read and confirmed as a true and correct record.

Williams/Buddo

CARRIED

Public Forum

Niall Robertson and Guy Wellwood, on behalf of The Rail Advocacy Collective, spoke about re-opening the Napier-Gisborne rail line by way of a presentation (attached) – asking for the Committee’s support and advocacy to central government. Daniel Headifen made the offer to meet with representatives of TRAC for further discussion, noted the freight capacity of the line from the Central North Island to Napier Port and advised costs to repair the Napier-Wairoa line is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions.

Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035

The Chair introduced the item and acknowledged the work of staff to present the very thorough assessment of submissions and recommendations for the Committee’s decisions. Bryce Cullen provided an overview of some key points of submissions and how those have translated into the staff recommendations. Queries and discussions covered:

· In relation to a ‘community transport lead’ role, and with reference to the Waikato model, it is anticipated that the role and funding would be region-wide and include Wairoa and CHB.

· In relation to services to the Regional Sports Park, staff noted that future discussions will investigate the potential for a ‘hub and spoke’ model using under-used buses on weekends.

· Bus stops on the planned new routes will be agreed with the relevant city/district council through a collaborative process that will include consulting with the community.

· In relation to cash fares, the calculations carried out indicate that at a point it becomes more expensive collect cash than the income it represents. The National Ticketing System will enable more alternative payment methods with the eventual result of cash becoming obsolete.

· In relation to the Total Mobility Scheme it was noted that currently a tight line is being walked in terms of being close to the ceiling of fully allocated usage so taking an education approach rather than promotion to ensure those who may need the service are aware of it without promoting wider use.

· It was noted that the potential for on demand public transport is contained in several places in the RPTP as being subject to available funding, including with community transport.

· For Pakowhai Road, staff are investigating an appropriate service for those who rely on public transport as part of the final system design.

· Historically there’s been misalignment between the RPTP and supporting infrastructure however expectations for collaboration on infrastructure are now set out in the RPTP and staff of all councils have been working together, route by route.

· It was noted that the RPTP aligns with the legislation and GPS requirements however if HB is serious about its aspirations for pubic transport it is critical that the city and district councils bring the parts they are responsible for to the table, e.g. infrastructure to support uptake.

· It was proposed and agreed to change the cash policy to be after 6 months.

· It was noted that the recommendation to HBRC and CHB in relation to the commuter trial servie from page 14 needs including in the resolutions.

· It was suggested and agreed that Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga be included in the resolution about staff engaging with groups on the final bus routes.

· MyWay review findings were challenged by submissions. It was agreed to add the resolution ‘RTC continues to lobby for funding for MyWay as a complement to fixed route services building on the learnings of the MyWay trial.’

RTC18/25

Resolutions

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1. Receives and considers the Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035 staff report.

2. Agrees that the Regional Transport Committee can exercise its discretion and make the relevant decisions having consulted with the community and persons with an interest in the decision through the public consultation process undertaken between 31 March and 2 May 2025.

3. In response to feedback provided on the planned changes to the public bus services scheduled for implementation from early 2026:

3.1. Notes that the RPTP caters for school travel and any additional capacity considerations that may be required in Policy 2 “HBRC will provide service levels with targeted minimum long-term frequencies …”

3.2. Notes that staff will continue to engage with Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga, the communities, key stakeholders, and advocacy bodies to collaboratively refine and confirm the final routes and present the final recommended network to the 29 August 2025 Regional Transport Committee meeting.

3.3 Agrees that no changes or additions to the RPTP are required in relation to the planned changes to the public bus services feedback received.

4. In response to feedback provided on whether to retain cash as a form of payment for bus tickets:

4.1. Agrees that cash fares will be removed as a form of payment across the network when cash fares reduce to less than 5% of total ticket transactions for a period of at least 6 months and having given no less than 2 months notice to the community.

4.2. Amends the RPTP to reflect the approach to cash payments detailed in 4.1 above.

5. In response to feedback provided in relation to Total Mobility eligibility assessment:

5.1. Agrees to the amendment of the RPTP to include a new policy (#68) Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will work in partnership with ACC and approved assessment agencies to investigate where there may be gaps in the current Total Mobility and ACC transport schemes when providing for individuals requiring transport assistance and options to fill these gaps.

5.2. Agrees to the amendment of the RPTP to include Policy (#95). Hawke’s Bay Regional Council will investigate alternative funding and operational models for undertaking eligibility assessments for the Total Mobility Scheme, with the aim of ensuring long term sustainability, improved accessibility, and consistency of service.

6. In response to feedback provided on proposed changes to the Total Mobility Scheme, agrees that the RPTP is amended as proposed for consultation.

7. In response to feedback provided in relation to free travel for disabled support persons:

7.1. Notes that Policy #35 in the RPTP currently deals with fare exemptions for companions.

7.2. Agrees that no changes or additions to the RPTP are required in relation to the free travel for disabled support persons feedback received.

8. In response to feedback provided in relation to service enhancement and collaboration:

8.1. Agrees to the amendment of the RPTP to include new Policy (#45) Through the contract held between HBRC and Service Providers, require customer service training be completed by all bus drivers and support staff annually. Additionally, ensure any new drivers receive service / network specific customer service training as part of the on boarding process.

8.2. Agrees to the amendment of the RPTP to modify the wording in Policy (#90) Ensure driver training is provided annually around disabled and mobility impaired users with a view to ensuring they are assisted to utilise the service and have a positive customer experience.

9. In response to feedback provided in relation to Community Transport:

9.1. Notes that staff will investigate and quantify potential resourcing requirements for an HBRC Community Transport Lead role ahead of the next Long Term Plan process.

9.2. Notes that staff will propose, as part of the next LTP process, that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council considers introducing general rate funding for the establishment of a regional Community Transport Fund for both operational funding and staff funding.

9.3. Agrees to amend RPTP Table 11 in response to Community Transport feedback received, to read "Identify existing initiatives and support the establishment of a Trust to run Community Transport services across the region, including Wairoa, Central Hawke’s Bay and satellite communities around Napier & Hastings.

10. In response to feedback provided in relation to other comments on the draft RPTP:

10.1. Notes that a comprehensive marketing, communications, and engagement plan will be developed for the implementation of the new network, and that this will be shared with the RTC at te 29 August 2025 meeting.

10.2. Agrees that no changes or additions to the RPTP are required in relation to the other comments on the draft RPTP feedback received.

11. Recommends to both HBRC and CHBDC that appropriate funding is included in their 2026-27 Annual Plan to enable a trial commuter service to commence in 2026-27, subject to suitable co-funding from NZTA.

12. RTC continues to lobby for funding for MyWay as a complement to fixed route services building on the learnings of the MyWay trial.

13. Accepts the amendments to the Regional Public Transport Plan as proposed for consultation and above.

14. Recommends that Hawke’s Bay Regional Council adopts the Regional Public Transport Plan 2025-2035 that incorporates the amendments agreed above.

Williams/Price

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 11.31am and reconvened at 11.35am

Regional Transport Programme June 2025 update

Bryce Cullen introduced the item, which was taken as read, which includes an updated programme of work aligned to the 2024 Regional Land Transport Plan and noted:

· A draft timeline for the upcoming 2027-30 RLTP review has been released and includes NZTA releasing evidence to the sector to inform the development of the strategic front end section early this month, the release of release of NZTA modelling in March 2026 and a draft GPS by May 2026, then 1 August 2027 deadline for RLTP submissions to NZTA.

· Katrina Brunton advised that with Resource Management reform, the RLTP will have more importance through the region’s spatial plan, and that staff (transport and policy/planning) are currently working collaboratively with TAs on that.

· It was noted that the local share that provides funding for RoadSafe HB is formalised through an MoU with each of the local councils as set by NZTA.

· Active transport is an important part of the transport network.

RTC19/25

Resolution

That the Regional Transport Committee receives and notes the Regional Transport Programme June 2025 update staff report.

Williams/Buddo

CARRIED

Public Transport June 2025 update

Russell Turnbull introduced the item and noted that CCTV is up and running thanks to NZTA for co-funding, and that HBRC has partnered with NCC and HDC libraries to run a school holiday promotion. Longer term passenger data was requested.

RTC20/25

Resolution

That the Regional Transport Committee receives and notes the Public Transport June 2025 update.

Buddo/Price

CARRIED

RoadSafe Hawke's Bay June 2025 update

Bryce Cullen introduced the item, which was taken as read, and noted the significant amount of work, including road safety school events, that the Roadsafe team continues to deliver despite budget cuts.

RTC21/25

Resolution

That the Regional Transport Committee receives and notes the RoadSafe Hawke's Bay June 2025 update staff report.

Williams/Taylor

CARRIED

11.

Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) June 2025 update

The item was taken as read.

· Daniel Headifen noted that Kiwirail has completed all of its Cyclone Gabrielle repair works south of Napier and is working with HBRC in relation to the Tutaekuri rail bridge at Awatoto.

Daniel Headifen left the meeting at 12.03pm

Lower North Island Freight Strategy update

Russell Turnbull introduced the item and highlighted the critical nature of this work. Discussions covered:

· Funding is the biggest roadblock to getting this work done

· Katrina Brunton advised that an enquiry has been launched into ports and the maritime sector which will usefully deliver findings that can feed into the freight strategy.

RTC22/25

Resolution

That the Regional Transport Committee receives and notes the Lower North Island Freight Strategy update.

Williams/Buddo

CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 12.06pm and reconvened at 12.32pm

10.

NZTA / Waka Kotahi Central Region Regional Relationships Director’s June 2025 update

Linda Stewart provided an update (speaking to the presentation included as an attachment to the Agenda) on the speed detection camera network, noted that the deadline for speed limit reversals to be implemented is 1 July 2025, that the NZTA Board decided not to make changes to the enhanced funding assistance rates (FAR) for emergency works, and that feedback from the recent consultation showed there was not majority support for retaining the 80km/h speed limit on SH5 so the speed limit reverted to 100km/h on 28 May 2025.

A request was made for a presentation of the future form of the Expressway be provided to the RTC, and agreed that once the NZTA Board has made the necessary decisions that can happen. The future form must meet the requirements for the Roads of National Significance and will not incorporate cycle lanes or walking access for active transport.

RTC23/25

Resolution

That the Regional Transport Committee receives and notes the NZTA / Waka Kotahi Central Region Regional Relationships Director’s June 2025 update.

Williams/Buddo

CARRIED

12.

Verbal Advisory Representative reports

Ian Emmerson noted the industry’s pleasure at the opening of the new ‘Manawatu gorge’ road, a roughly 15-18% decrease in revenue across the country, and that rail resurrection opportunities are worthwhile pursuing.

Craig Daly advised that AA intends to get more involved in Road Safety initiatives and will contact staff to discuss opportunities to work together with Road Safe HB.

Matt Radford noted interesting findings of a recent health survey including that the rate of physical activity in HB has increased to 55% from 40%, and the reduction to 3% saying public transport is a barrier to accessing GP services. Once the data has been translated into a format that can be shared with the public, an undertaking was given to share that with the Committee.

Api Robin suggested that Gold Card fares should apply 24/7, that there should be engagement with the bus drivers and their union in relation to driver education, and acknowledged the Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga submission to the RLTP.

It was suggested that councils be given the opportunity to provide updates as part of this item, which is generally a written report for other regional transport committees; and agreed that the opportunity will be provided in future.

CHB just received approval for a $100M 10 year maintenance contract, having completed $45M of cyclone recovery repairs and another $29M under way.

Submission to the Parliamentary enquiry into ports and the maritime sector

Katrina Brunton suggested that an RTC submission focused on the Lower North Island and HB freight strategies as well as the importance of the connectivity to Napier Port for the region

Resolution

RTC24/25 That the Regional Transport Committee delegates to the Transport Technical Advisory Group, the preparation of a submission to the Parliamentary enquiry into ports and the maritime sector for the Chair’s signature and lodgement by 13 July 2025.

Taylor/Buddo

CARRIED

The Chair led the group in offering a closing karakia.

Closure:

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 1.12pm on Friday, 6 June 2025.

Signed as a true and correct record.

Date: ................................................ Chair: ...............................................