Agenda of Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Sub Committee

I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee will be held on:

Date:

Time:

Meeting Room:

Venue:

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

9.30am

Council Chamber
Orewa Service Centre
50 Centreway Road
Orewa

Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee

OPEN AGENDA

MEMBERSHIP

Chairperson	Janet Fitzgerald, JP
Deputy Chairperson	Brenda Steele
Members	Beth Houlbrooke
	Greg Sayers

(Quorum 2 members)

Raewyn Morrison

Local Board Democracy Advisor

4 June 2015

Contact Telephone: (09) 427 3399

Email: raewyn.morrison@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee

17 June 2015

ITEM TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

1 Welcome 5

2 Apologies 5

3 Declaration of Interest 5

4 Confirmation of Minutes 5

5 Leave of Absence 5

6 Acknowledgements 5

7 Petitions 5

8 Deputations 5

9 Public Forum 5

10 Extraordinary Business 5

11 Notices of Motion 6

12 Rodney Natural Heritage Fund Round 2 2014/2015 7

13 Rodney Heritage Item Assistance Fund Allocation (Round 2) 2014/2015 25

14 Consideration of Extraordinary Items

1 Welcome

2 Apologies

At the close of the agenda no apologies had been received.

3 Declaration of Interest

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have.

4 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Tuesday, 14 October 2014, as a true and correct record.

5 Leave of Absence

At the close of the agenda no requests for leave of absence had been received.

6 Acknowledgements

At the close of the agenda no requests for acknowledgements had been received.

7 Petitions

At the close of the agenda no requests to present petitions had been received.

8 Deputations

Standing Order 3.20 provides for deputations. Those applying for deputations are required to give seven working days notice of subject matter and applications are approved by the Chairperson of the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Sub Committee. This means that details relating to deputations can be included in the published agenda. Total speaking time per deputation is ten minutes or as resolved by the meeting.

At the close of the agenda no requests for deputations had been received.

9 Public Forum

A period of time (approximately 30 minutes) is set aside for members of the public to address the meeting on matters within its delegated authority. A maximum of 3 minutes per item is allowed, following which there may be questions from members.

At the close of the agenda no requests for public forum had been received.

10 Extraordinary Business

Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“An item that is not on the agenda for a meeting may be dealt with at that meeting if-

(a) The local authority by resolution so decides; and

(b) The presiding member explains at the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public,-

(i) The reason why the item is not on the agenda; and

(ii) The reason why the discussion of the item cannot be delayed until a subsequent meeting.”

Section 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

“Where an item is not on the agenda for a meeting,-

(a) That item may be discussed at that meeting if-

(i) That item is a minor matter relating to the general business of the local authority; and

(ii) the presiding member explains at the beginning of the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public, that the item will be discussed at the meeting; but

(b) no resolution, decision or recommendation may be made in respect of that item except to refer that item to a subsequent meeting of the local authority for further discussion.”

11 Notices of Motion

At the close of the agenda no requests for notices of motion had been received.

Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee

17 June 2015

Rodney Natural Heritage Fund Round 2 2014/2015

File No.: CP2015/10392

Purpose

1. This report presents the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee with funding recommendations for applications received during the second funding round of the Rodney Natural Heritage Fund (RNHF).

Executive Summary

2. Auckland Council considers there is a net public benefit derived from providing individuals and community groups caring for the environmental and natural heritage with funds designated towards the restoration and conservation of Auckland’s natural resources.

3. This report presents funding recommendations and information on the seven applications received for the second round of the RNHF within the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Local Board areas.

4. Seven applications to the Rodney Natural Heritage Fund were received during the second funding round.

5. These applications have been assessed against the fund criteria and funding recommendations are presented to the committee for their consideration. It is recommended that five applications totalling $17,721.25are approved and two applications are declined.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Sub Committee:

a) approve the following grant allocations from the Rodney Natural Heritage Fund:

i) Allocation of $3,000 to application RNH14_150012 from T&M Stazyk Partnership, as a contribution towards native plants.

ii) Allocation of $2,075 to application RNH14_150015 from Sara Kinsley-Smith, as a contribution towards the fencing and tractor cost of the project.

iii) Allocation of $4,500 to application RNH14_150017 from Gecko Trust, as a contribution towards a community facilitator.

iv) Allocation of $7,096.25 to application RNH14_150019 from D. Fraser Family Trust, as a contribution towards fencing materials, fencing labour and planting.

v) Allocation of $1,050 to application RNH14_150020 from Richard Wongsarot, as a contribution towards native plants.

b) decline the following grant applications to the Rodney Natural Heritage Fund:

i) Application RNH14_150016 from Christine Marie Wild as the application has been funded through the Auckland Council’s Biosecurity Team.

ii) Application RNH14_150018 from Eamon Cooney as the application’s project site provides limited opportunities for biodiversity, environmental and/or community benefit.

Discussion

6. The Rodney Natural Heritage Fund (RNHF) is a legacy Rodney District Council contestable fund open to the public to support community initiatives to restore, protect and enhance the biodiversity and natural habitats within the former Rodney District for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations.

7. The RNHF supports a wide cross-section of the local community and provides funding support to individuals and community groups for project which have previously included.

· pest and weed control

· restoration planting

· riparian protection

· fencing

8. All applications to the RNHF are reviewed against fund eligibility criteria set out in the fund guidelines and then subject to a merit assessment against the following criteria.

Significance and biodiversity: The significance of the natural area and biodiversity present within it. Assessment of significance and biodiversity will consider the quality and rarity of the ecological feature; size shape and connectivity of the area, age of the vegetation present, quality, biological gradients and presence of any threatened species.

Enduring environmental outcomes: The anticipated improvement in the natural values of an area given the proposed management actions.

Legal protection: The legal status of the natural area, with preference given to proposed projects on private land which result in legal protection of the area of natural value.

Compliance with good practice: The extent to which the project reflects best practice as outlined in the Auckland Council Regional Pest Management Strategy, Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal section or various Council guidelines on the regions native plants and animals.

Funding necessity: The importance of funding to secure the future of an at risk item/place, whether the project is likely to be successfully completed, based on the activities and time frames listed in the application and whether other sources of funding are available.

Community education and partnership: The educational or scientific value of the site will be assessed, including potential for the applicant to connect with other landowners form partnerships and share knowledge.

9. The current interim approach to community funding endorsed by the Regional Development and Operations Committee (RDOC) in May 2011 allocated decision-making responsibility over the RNHF to the Northern Local boards. In March 2014, the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee endorsed the extension of this interim approach to community funding for the 2014/2015 financial year.

10. In May 2014 the Northern Joint Funding Committee resolved to establish two sub-committees to consider and determine the funding applications and funding amounts of the legacy Rodney District and North Shore City councils. Authority to consider and determine all the Rodney District Council legacy funding applications, including applications to the RNHF, was delegated to the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee.

11. RNHF grant allocation recommendations are presented to the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee twice a year. The second funding round for the RNHF opened for applications on 2 February 2015 and closed on 13 March 2015.

Table One. Summary of RNHF application assessment periods.

	Application cut-off date	Funding decisions expected
Funding meeting 1	22 August 2014	October – November 2014
Funding meeting 2	13 March 2015	May - June 2015

12. Nine applications to the RNHF round one were received and supported with grants totalling $52,278.75.

13. The availability of environmental and natural heritage funding and information on the 2014/2015 funding rounds has been promoted through the Auckland Council website, through Auckland Council publications, press advertisements in local print media, community workshops and an email notification to community stakeholders.

Consideration

Current Applications

14. Seven applications to the RNHF round two were received. In total $57,327.61 was requested by these applicants from an available funding pool of $17,721.25.

15. All applications to the RNHF met the scope of works and eligibility criteria for funding. Application assessments have been completed by a Auckland Council’s biodiversity specialist and grant allocation recommendations have been made in line with the RNHF assessment criteria and funding policy.

16. Funding recommendations and detailed assessment summaries for each eligible application are presented to the subcommittee for their consideration as per attachment B on this report.

17. Based on the assessment of these applications it is recommended that the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee allocate $17,721.25 to five of the seven applications received. Funding is recommended as a contribution towards environmental and conservation works for each project.

18. It is recommended that two applications to be declined as one can receive the necessary support to complete the project from the Auckland Council biosecurity group while the other one only offers limited community and environmental outcomes.

Local Board Views

19. This report seeks the views of affected local boards.

Maori Impact Statement

20. The provision of community funding to support environmental and natural heritage initiatives provides opportunities for all Aucklanders to undertake projects, programmes and activities that benefit Maori. The significance of the site to Maori and the extent to which applications recognise Maori Perspectives is considered as part of the application assessment process.

General

21. Finance and resourcing requirements for the delivery of RNHF 2014/2015 are within current environmental incentive budgets provided in the 2014/15 annual plan.

22. Annually $70,000 is available for allocation through the RNHF. In the first funding round the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee approved the allocation of $52,278.75 to nine applications leaving $17,721.25 available for allocation in the second funding round.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a View	RNHF Guidelines	11
b View	Rodney Natural Heritage Fund - Applicant Reports (Round 2)	15

Signatories

Authors

Sonia Parra - Environmental Funding Coordinator

Tamarisk Sutherland - Environmetnal Funding coordinator

Authorisers

John Dragicevich - Manager Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Lesley Jenkins - Relationship Manager

Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee

17 June 2015

Rodney Heritage Item Assistance Fund Allocation (Round 2) 2014/2015

File No.: CP2015/10403

Purpose

Executive Summary

2. Auckland Council considers there is a net public benefit derived from providing individuals and community groups caring for privately owned heritage features with funds towards maintenance and conservation costs.

3. This report presents funding recommendations and information on the eight eligible applications to the second round of the RHIAF received from within the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board areas during the second funding round of 2014/2015.

4. These applications have been assessed against the fund criteria and funding recommendations are presented to the committee for their consideration. It is recommended that eight applications totalling $41,419 are approved for funding.

Recommendation/s

That the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Sub Committee:

a) approve the following grant allocations from the Rodney Heritage Item Assistance Fund:

i) Allocation of $4,000 to application RHIA14_150002 from G. W. Tipling Trust, as a contribution to re-roofing the original part of the building.

ii) Allocation of $6,000 to application RHIA14_150006 from Helensville and District Historical Society Inc. as a contribution to re-roof the Waitoki School building.

iii) Allocation of $14,419 to application RHIA14_150007 from Otakanini Topu as a contribution towards fencing two pa (Kaituna and Te Hihi) and an urupa (Pukehutu).

iv) Allocation of $2,000 to application RHIA14_150008 from the Jane Richardson as a contribution to re-piling the railway cottage to ensure good foundations.

v) Allocation of $2,500 to application RHIA14_150009 from the Riverhead Citizens Hall Society Inc. as a contribution towards the costs of repairing the roof and replacing weatherboards only.

vi) Allocation of $2,500 to application RHIA14_150010 from Linda and Evan Ward as a contribution towards to repainting the exterior of the building.

vii) Allocation of $8,000 to application RHIA14_150011 from Waimauku Presbyterian Church as a contribution towards to repairs and replacement to one side (southern side) of roof.

viii) Allocation of $2,000 to application RHIA14_150012 from Lance Gravatt as a contribution towards to repairing the cast iron grave fence, the balance could be used as a contribution to the restoration plan.

Discussion

5. The Rodney Heritage Item Assistance Fund (RHIAF) is a legacy Rodney District Council contestable fund which is open to the public for the purpose of conserving, restoring, and protecting valued heritage items within the former Rodney District for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations.

6. The RHIAF supports a wide cross-section of the local community and provides funding support to individuals and community groups for heritage preservation projects. The following types of projects are eligible for funding.

· Physical works projects for heritage buildings, and archaeological sites such as fencing, painting or building work

· Protective measures such as fencing to protect archaeological sites, earthquake strengthening or fire protection

· Professional services e.g. research, conservation reports, conservation plans, heritage plans, conservation work specifications, management plans or supervision work

· Maintenance of heritage trees such as pruning

7. Applications to the RHIAF are assessed against the following criteria.

· Significance: The project needs to have high heritage significance and regard will be given to whether the resource is scheduled for protection in the Auckland Council District Plan (Rodney Section). The project needs to enhance the qualities for which the heritage item is valued.

· Funding necessity: Priority of the proposed works in the overall maintenance of the heritage values of the resource, including the necessity or urgency of the work. Consideration is given to whether alternative sources of funding are available for the proposed works, including the ability of the applicant to obtain funding from other agencies and their need for financial assistance.

· Public access and educational value: The degree of physical or visual access or other clear public benefit such as educational value. The project relates to maintenance of the heritage resource in the public interest rather than works that are intended to provide private benefit. The project should enhance local amenity and public access to the heritage feature/site and benefit the wider community.

· Compliance with good practice: The project meets the International Council on Monuments and Sites New Zealand Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage that provides recognised and standard principles for works proposed for heritage resources. The proposed project forms part of an overall plan for the restoration, conservation and/or protection of the heritage values of the resource (rather than ad-hoc work or routine maintenance).

· Recognising Maori perspectives: Projects taking place on sites with significance to Maori or related to the care of marae artefacts and art works should be consistent with tikanga Maori and conservation techniques.

8. The current interim approach to community funding endorsed by the Regional Development and Operations Committee (RDOC) in May 2011 allocated decision-making responsibility over the RHIAF to the Northern Local boards. In March 2014, the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee endorsed the extension of this interim approach to community funding for the 2014/2015 financial year.

9. In May 2014 the Northern Joint Funding Committee meeting resolved to establish two sub-committees to consider and determine the funding applications and funding amounts of the legacy Rodney District and North Shore City councils. Authority to consider and determine all the Rodney District Council legacy funding applications, including applications to the RHIAF, was delegated to the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee.

10. RHIAF grant allocation recommendations are presented to the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee twice a year. The second funding round for the RHIAF opened for applications on 2 February 2015 and closed on 13 March 2015.

Table One. Summary of RHIAF application assessment periods.

	Application cut-off date	Funding decisions expected
Funding meeting 1	22 August 2014	October - November 2014
Funding meeting 2	13 March 2015	May - June 2015

11. One application to the RHIAF round one was received and supported with a total grant $8,581.

12. The availability of heritage funding and information on the 2014/2015 funding rounds has been promoted through the Auckland Council website, through Auckland Council publications, press advertisements in local print media and an email notification to community stakeholders.

Consideration

Applications

13. Eight applications to the RHIAF round two were received. In total $283,242 was requested by these applicants from an available funding pool of $41,419.

14. Eight applications to the RHIAF met the scope of works and eligibility criteria for funding. Application assessments have been completed by an Auckland Council Heritage Advisor and grant allocation recommendations are made in line with the RHIAF assessment criteria and funding policy.

15. One application for restorative work is ineligible as the applicant has not provided relevant information to support the project.

16. Funding recommendations and detailed assessment summaries for each eligible application are presented to the subcommittee for their consideration.

17. Based on the merit assessment of these applications it is recommended that the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee allocate $41,419 to the eight eligible applications received. Funding is recommended as contributions towards conservation works for each project.

Local Board Views

18. This report seeks the views of affected local boards.

Māori impact statement

19. The provision of community funding to support historic heritage initiatives provides opportunities for all Aucklanders to undertake projects, programmes and activities that benefit Maori.

20. The significance of the site to Māori and the extent to which applications recognise Maori Perspectives is considered as part of the application assessment process. Application RHIAF14_150007 aims to protect a Māori heritage site, the Topu is an extremely important ancestral landscape intimately connected to tribal and marae identity. The views of mana whenua, (the applicants), have been taken into account during the assessment process.

General

21. Finance and resourcing requirements for the delivery of RHIAF 2013/2014 are within current heritage incentive budgets provided in the 2013/14 annual plan.

22. Annually $50,000 is available for allocation through the RHIAF. In the first funding round the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee approved allocation of $8,541 to two applications leaving $41,419 available for allocation in the second funding round.

Implementation Issues

23. No implementation issues have been identified. The fund will be allocated in accordance with the decision of the Rodney and Hibiscus Coast Subdivision Local Board Funding Subcommittee.

Attachments