Agenda of Environment and Community Committee

1 Apologies

Apologies from Cr C Fletcher, Cr D Newman and Mayor P Goff have been received.

2 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.

3 Confirmation of Minutes

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Tuesday, 12 September 2017, including the confidential section, as a true and correct record.

4 Petitions

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

5 Public Input

Standing Order 7.7 provides for Public Input. Applications to speak must be made to the Governance Advisor, in writing, no later than one (1) clear working day prior to the meeting and must include the subject matter. The meeting Chairperson has the discretion to decline any application that does not meet the requirements of Standing Orders. A maximum of thirty (30) minutes is allocated to the period for public input with five (5) minutes speaking time for each speaker.

5.1 Public Input: Weed Management and Implementation Policy

Purpose

1. The following speakers will address the meeting regarding Project17-weed management and the glyphosate reduction:

· Hana Blackmore on behalf of the Weed Management Advisory

· Julian Bartrom

· Alex Strever.

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) receive and note the public input presentations from Hana Blackmore on behalf of the Weed Management Advisory, Julian Bartrom and Alex Strever regarding Project17 – weed management and the glyphosate reduction.

6 Local Board Input

Standing Order 6.2 provides for Local Board Input. The Chairperson (or nominee of that Chairperson) is entitled to speak for up to five (5) minutes during this time. The Chairperson of the Local Board (or nominee of that Chairperson) shall wherever practical, give one (1) day’s notice of their wish to speak. The meeting Chairperson has the discretion to decline any application that does not meet the requirements of Standing Orders.

This right is in addition to the right under Standing Order 6.1 to speak to matters on the agenda.

At the close of the agenda no requests for local board input had been received.

7 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.”

8 Notices of Motion

There were no notices of motion.

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

Approval of the Ethnic Peoples and Youth Advisory Panels' 2017/2018 work programmes

File No.: CP2017/20332

Purpose

1. To approve the work programmes of the Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel and Youth Advisory Panel for the 2017/2018 financial year.

Executive Summary

2. The Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel and Youth Advisory Panel have developed their 2017/2018 work programmes for the approval of the Environment and Community Committee. The work programmes are in Attachments A and B.

3. The priorities of the Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel are:

· a safer Auckland for ethnic communities

· implementation of the Inclusive Auckland Framework

· culturally-competent council engagement

· increasing ethnic communities’ civic participation

· affordable accommodations for new migrants

· effective public transport for migrants.

4. The Youth Advisory Panel has aligned its work programme to the seven goals of I am Auckland, the Children and Young People’s Strategic Action Plan. The panel has chosen the following priority areas:

· environment and sustainability

· transport and accessibility

· homelessness

· youth engagement and civic participation.

5. All demographic advisory panels will advise on the council’s important strategies and policies, with a specific focus on the following items:

· Auckland Plan Refresh.

· The Long-term Plan 2018-2028.

6. Sunil Kaushal and Veisinia Maka, the chairs of the Ethnic Peoples and Youth Advisory panels will present their work programmes and priorities to the committee.

7. The Pacific Peoples and Rainbow Communities Advisory Panels will present their work programmes to the committee in November 2017.

Recommendations

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) approve the work programmes of the Ethnic Peoples and Youth Advisory Panels for the 2017/2018 financial year.

b) note that the lead officers of the advisory panels will update the panels’ work programmes to track progress.

Comments

8. On 10 November 2016 the mayor established six demographic advisory panels for the 2016-2019 term of the council. The role of the panels is to advise on the council’s regional agendas and effective engagement with diverse communities of Auckland. These panels are:

· Disability Advisory Panel

· Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel

· Pacific Peoples Advisory Panel

· Seniors Advisory Panel

· Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel

· Youth Advisory Panel.

9. Since their establishment for the 2016-2019 term, the advisory panels have advised on council’s policy development and engagement practices on the following plans:

· Auckland Plan Refresh

· Tākaro – Investing in Play

· I am Auckland – Children and Young Peoples’ Strategic Action Plan

· Investing in Aucklanders.

10. The terms of reference for the demographic advisory panels require each panel to develop a work programme to highlight in which priorities areas they will focus their advice. The work programmes define the panels’ focus areas for the 2017/2018 financial year.

11. Where possible the panels’ work programmes will align with the Auckland Plan and the forward work programme of the Environment and Community Committee.

12. The committee approved the work programmes of the Disability and Seniors Advisory Panels on 12 September 2017.

Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel priorities

13. The Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel has received information on the council’s focus areas relevant to its communities since May 2017, which has informed the development of its work programme. Information included an overview of the council’s community services, community policies and engagement practices.

14. The panel’s work programme is attached as Attachment A. The panel has decided on the following priorities for the 2017/2018 financial year:

· a safer Auckland for ethnic communities

· advice on the implementation of the Inclusive Auckland Framework

· culturally-competent council engagement

· increasing ethnic communities’ civic participation

· affordable accommodations for new migrants

· effective public transport for migrants.

15. Every Aucklander should feel safe. A sense of safety is particularly important for many migrants and international students who are new to Auckland. The panel’s work programme supports council initiatives for a safer and more welcoming environment for ethnic peoples.

16. The council has developed a diversity and inclusion framework to guide council staff in working more inclusively and effectively with Auckland’s diverse populations. The framework includes actions to improve diversity and inclusion outcomes for council staff and for all Aucklanders. The panel will advise on the implementation of the framework.

17. The council is mandated to engage with diverse communities on significant agenda items. The panel will advise council staff on culturally-appropriate approaches and practices to help them engage meaningfully with the growing number of ethnic communities in Auckland.

18. The council can better support and deliver services for ethnic communities when ethnic voices are effectively heard. It is important to increase the participation of ethnic communities in council initiatives and local government elections. Therefore, the panel will strongly support and contribute to the council’s civic participation initiatives.

19. The council's role in the development of infrastructure and the effective co-ordination of affordable accommodation is important for attracting and supporting the migrant talent that Auckland needs. Culturally accessible transport services will help ethnic peoples use public transport more frequently. Through its work programme, the panel will help the council develop more culturally diverse plans in the housing, transport and social infrastructure areas.

Youth Advisory Panel priorities

20. On 18 September 2017, the Youth Advisory Panel discussed and agreed its priorities which are closely aligned with the principles of I am Auckland, the Children and Young Peoples’ Strategic Action Plan. The panel’s work programme is attached as Attachment B.

21. The proposed Youth Advisory Panel work programme reflects the priority areas of the council and covers topics that include:

· environment and sustainability

· transport and accessibility

· homelessness

· youth engagement and civic participation.

22. The panel has a special focus on civic participation and in growing the number of young people represented on local government entities. The panel would like to work with the council to give effect to this aspiration. The panel is also keen to see how it can support council to work towards better achieving Goal seven of I Am Auckland: All Rangatahi will thrive, which the panel feels is currently not well delivered. The members would like to help the council focus on collaborative and intergenerational thinking and explore how kaupapa Māori can help deliver this goal.

23. The panel has agreed that topics that do not easily fall into the work programme but which require input from the panel may be considered through other means such as survey or email, as occurred during the development of the council’s public safety and nuisance bylaw review.

Shared priorities across all panels

24. All demographic advisory panels will contribute to the Auckland Plan Refresh and the Long-term Plan 2018-2028.

25. At an integrated panel meeting in September, the panels offered their views on a better Auckland to minimise existing barriers to full participation and social equality. The panels will also input into the council’s approach to the long-term plan and help the council to engage with diverse communities for submissions.

Panels’ advice and priorities through panel meetings

26. The panels will provide strategic and engagement advice to staff at their scheduled meetings. They will engage with the governing body through the chief liaison councillor and each panel liaison councillor. The panel chairs will present to relevant council committees on specific issues at the request of committee chairs.

27. The work programmes will help the panels track the progress of their advice and the panels’ lead officers will update the work programmes. The panels will revisit their priority areas at the end of this financial year to plan for the next financial year.

Local Board views and implications

28. The role of the demographic advisory panels is to advise the governing body and staff on regional issues. Local boards did not provide input into this process.

Māori impact statement

29. The I Am Auckland: the Children and Young People's Strategic Action Plan has been the underlying document guiding the Youth Advisory Panel’s work programme. Goal Seven of this plan is rangatahi tū rangatira (all Rangatahi will thrive), which guides the panel’s engagement with Rangatahi Roopu.

30. Four Youth Advisory Panel members identify themselves as Māori or of Māori descent. They offered their perspectives during the development of the work programme.

Implementation

31. The work programmes will guide panel meeting agendas. The work programmes are living documents which will be updated at each meeting to reflect progress.

32. The panels will review their work programmes at the end of each financial year and update their priorities where necessary.

33. The Pacific Peoples and Rainbow Communities Advisory Panel’s work programmes will be presented to the committee on 14 November 2017.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel work programme 2017-2018	13
b ⇩	Youth Advisory Panel work programme 2017-2018	17

Signatories

Author

Austin Kim - Principal Advisor Panels

Authorisers

Marguerite Delbet - General Manager Democracy Services

Phil Wilson - Governance Director

Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

ETHNIC PEOPLES ADVISORY PANEL WORK PROGRAMME 2017-2018
Priority areas for the Panel: · a safer Auckland for ethnic communities · advice on the implementation of the Inclusive Auckland Framework · culturally competent council engagement · affordable accommodations for new migrants · effective public transport for migrants · increasing ethnic communities’ civic participation		The Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel · contributes to improving the outcomes for ethnic communities and social cohesion as set out in the Auckland Plan · advises on council’s effective engagement with ethnic communities · is focused on regional issues that have a high impact, aligned with the forward work programme of the Environment & Community Committee.
Council initiative	Description	Panel’s input	Expected timeframes for advice Quarter (month if known)
			2017				2018
			Jul-Sep		Oct-Dec		Jan-Mar		Apr-Jun
IN-PROGRESS / UPCOMING AGENDA ITEMS
Auckland Plan Refresh	The Auckland Plan acts as the common platform for getting agreement on and working towards Auckland’s long-term future. Legislatively required, it must set a 20-30 year strategic direction for Auckland’s growth and development, integrating social, economic, environmental and cultural objectives. The plan provides the ability to coordinate and align land use and infrastructure planning and provision to match the rapid growth in Auckland. The current Auckland Plan was adopted in 2012. The plan is now being refreshed, and will be clearer and more focused on the key issues.	· Integrated panel workshops on 26 April 2017 helped the panel build awareness of the Auckland Plan Refresh, process and timing. · The panels offered additional feedback in May and provided advice on community groups. · Staff organised community workshops in May/June with community organisation stakeholders recommended by the panel. · The panel will offer feedback on the strategic framework in September 2017. · The panel will advise on engagement channels and approach with the ethnic communities prior to the formal consultation in Feb/March 2018. · The panel will consider a community forum as a way of supporting the formal consultation of the Auckland Plan Refresh.	Q3		Q4		Q1		Q2
Long-term Plan 2018-2028	The Long-term Plan sets out the priorities and funding for council activities that are planned over a 10-year period. It includes financial and non-financial information for the council and council-controlled organisations.	· To advise on the needs and priorities of ethnic communities · An integrated panel workshop will be organised in October 2017 for panels’ input prior to public engagement.	Q3		Q4		Q1		Q2
Inclusive Auckland (diversity and inclusion) Framework	The council has developed a diversity and inclusion framework to guide council staff in working more inclusively and effectively with Auckland’s diverse populations.	· To advise on council’s approach to working inclusively with diverse groups · Staff will seek the panel’s view in September 2017.	Q3	Q4		Q1		Q2
Engagement approach	The council is exploring best community engagement processes and practices for engagement with ethnic communities.	· The panel advised on council’s engagement approach to ethnic communities to the Citizens and Engagement unit. · The panel advise on the review of the Auckland Council Engagement Guidelines	Q3		Q4		Q1		Q2
Community forums	The panel is entitled to organise one or more community forum(s) within an operating budget to engage with ethnic communities on council’s substantial issues or issues important to the communities.	· The panel will design its community forum(s) to bring ethnic communities to discuss council issues and/or issues important to ethnic peoples.	Q3		Q4		Q1		Q2
Tākaro – Investing in Play	The council seeks panel’s input to ensure that council’s investment is directed to where it can deliver the greatest value to the most people.	· To advise on council’s strategic approach to council investments in play areas	Q3	Q4		Q1		Q2
Community Services	The Community Services Directorate delivers services to offer greater value for Aucklanders. The areas the Directorate covers include parks, recreation, community empowerment, community centres, events and arts and culture.	· To advise on community services to ensure community programmes and initiatives are accessible and inclusive of ethnic communities.	Q3	Q4		Q1		Q2
Regional Facilities Auckland	Regional Facilities Auckland offers cultural and social programmes, particularly for diverse communities by enabling services and processes that meet the needs of ethnic communities.	· To advise RFA to offer more inclusive services and programmes.	Q3	Q4		Q1		Q2
Investing in Aucklanders	The Community Policy Unit is starting a qualitative engagement process to elicit Aucklanders views on their lived experiences of inclusion and belonging, exclusion and social isolation. This work will also focus on the barriers to participation.	· To identify challenges for Auckland on how to respond and adapt to growth and a changing population · An integrated panel workshop will be organised in September 2017 for panels’ input.	Q3	Q4		Q1		Q2
Affordable housing including homelessness	The council is developing its position and role on affordable housing including homelessness, and will engage with the panel on the development and implementation plan.	· To advise on council’s policy approach to affordable housing and homelessness issues, including vulnerable groups.	Q3	Q4		Q1		Q2
International students initiative	Study Auckland of ATEED is seeking to create more meaningful youth inclusion opportunities amongst the international and domestic students living in Auckland. In particular creating off-campus activities involving travel, sport, entertainment, culture and food.	· To advise on Study Auckland programmes for international students	Q3		Q4		Q1		Q2
Advised and to close the feedback loop
Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw Review	The council is reviewing the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw. Main areas of the bylaw for panels’ advice include begging, car window washing and fireworks amongst many other issues.	· The panel advised on the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw Review in May 2017 · The engagement period for the bylaw review ended on Friday 30 June. All feedback received and research undertaken during the engagement period will now be collated and a findings report will be presented to the Regulatory Committee. · Staff will develop a report to the Regulatory Committee in September 2017.	Q3	Q4		Q1		Q2

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

YOUTH ADVISORY PANEL WORK PROGRAMME 2017-2018
As workshopped in the Youth Advisory Panel’s induction members agreed to work towards giving a youth voice to the following identified priority areas: · environment and sustainability · transport and accessibility · homelessness · youth engagement and civic participation The Youth Advisory Panel will support and guide the seven goals of I am Auckland, the children and young people’s strategic action plan. The seven goals are: 1. I have a voice, am valued and contribute 2. I am important, belong, am cared about and feel safe 3. I am happy, healthy and thriving 4. I am given equal opportunities to succeed and to have a fair go 5. I can get around and get connected 6. Auckland is my playground 7. Rangatahi tu Tangatira (All rangatahi will thrive).			The purpose of the Youth Advisory Panel is to provide advice to governing body and council staff within the remit of the Auckland Plan on the following areas: · Auckland Council’s regional policies, plans and strategies including the Auckland Plan Refresh and the Long-term Plan 2018-2028. · regional and strategic matters including those that council-controlled organisations deal with · any matter of particular interest or concern to youth communities
Item	Description	Alignment with I am Auckland goals	Panel role and notes	Expected timeframe
Auckland Plan Refresh	The Auckland Plan describes how Auckland will grow in the future. Legislatively required, it must set a 20-30 year strategic direction for Auckland’s growth and development, integrating social, economic, environmental and cultural objectives while managing growth in Auckland. The current Auckland Plan was adopted in 2012 and is being refreshed with a focus on current issues.	Goal 1. I have a voice, am valued and contribute	· To advise on how the plan can reflect the needs and priorities of youth. · The panel discussed the Auckland Plan Refresh on 10 July 2017 and 18 September 2017. · The panel may consider a community forum as a way of supporting the formal consultation of the Auckland Plan Refresh.	Discussion regarding the development strategy of the Refresh on 18 September 2017 Advice on engagement channels and approach with the youth communities in Feb/March 2018.
I am Auckland	I am Auckland – Children and young people’s strategic action plan is going through a review process.	All	· The panel advised on the needs and opportunities for young people on 10 July 2017. · Opportunity for panel members to be in a working group for the I am Auckland review.	Ongoing
Long-term Plan 2018-2028	The Long-term Plan sets out the priorities and funding for council activities that are planned over a 10-year period. It includes financial and non-financial information for the council and council-controlled organisations.	Goal 1. I have a voice, am valued and contribute	· To advise on the needs and priorities of youth communities through the development of Auckland Council’s ten year budget · The panel may consider a community forum with a theme on the Long-term Plan.	An integrated panel session on the Long Term Plan is scheduled on 30 October 2017
Youth engagement	Council is undertaking a number of engagement initiatives including improving its youth engagement practices through enhancing council engagement guidelines. ‘Investing in Auckland’ project will elicit Aucklanders views on their lived experiences of inclusion and belonging, exclusion and social isolation. This work will also focus on the barriers to participation.	Goal 1. I have a voice, am valued and contribute Goal 4. I am given equal opportunities to succeed and to have a fair go	· On 24 July 2017, the panel advised on council’s engagement approach to youth communities · Review of the Auckland Council Engagement Guidelines. · To identify challenges for Auckland on how to respond and adapt to growth and a changing population and plan for youth voices and needs within this work.	An integrated panel session on ‘Investing in Auckland’ is scheduled for 25 September 2017.
Youth civic participation	Increasing youth participation and being inclusive to empower young people to participate in local decision making, 'We and advise that council work with young people to provide feasible opportunities of local engagement	Goal 1. I have a voice, am valued and contribute Goal 4. I am given equal opportunities to succeed and to have a fair go	· To advise council processes to ensure youth participation in local decision making · The panel acknowledges that that there is a lack of youth participation in local decision making and will advise council how to better engage young people and provide feasible opportunities for local engagement. · Request support from council staff t to advocate for increased youth representation in local government e.g. a specific youth seat on local boards.	TBC
Tākaro – Investing in Play	The council seeks the panel’s input to ensure that council’s investment is invested in ways which deliver the most benefit	Goal 6. Auckland is my playground	· To advise on council’s strategic approach to council investments in play areas. · The panel provided initial feedback to inform the development of a draft strategy in July 2017. Topics addressed by the feedback included: urban design, accessibility and inclusivity, motivation of play, safety and the provision of space for play in new developments. · The draft strategy will return to the panel to seek further feedback in March-April 2018.	March – April 2018
Regional Facilities Auckland	Regional Facilities Auckland offers cultural and social programmes, particularly for diverse communities by enabling services and processes that meet the needs of youth.	Goal 4. I am given equal opportunity to succeed and to have a fair go	· To advise Regional Facilities Auckland to offer more inclusive services and programmes. · Timeframes to be determined.	TBC
Homelessness	Auckland Council is determining its role in responding to homelessness; including emergency housing. Staff will engage with the panel on the policy development.	Goal 2. I am important, belong, am cared about and feel safe Goal 3. I am happy, healthy and striving	· To advise on council’s approach to homelessness with a special focus on youth homelessness.	Presentation scheduled for November 2017
Arts and Culture Work programme	Arts and culture programmes, particularly for Pacific, Ethnic and Youth.	Goal 6. Auckland is my playground	· To provide a youth perspective on councils Art and Culture work programme · To advise on the Satellites programme developed to acknowledge Auckland’s rapidly changing demographics and assist distribution to youth network	Presentation on Satellites programme is scheduled for November 2017
Auckland Transport	Provide advice to ensure that the consultation regarding transport is frequent, youth friendly and accessible.	Goal 5. I can get around and get connected	· To advise on Auckland Transport projects to ensure it caters for youth needs specifically on: o transport and network changes o cycling strategy o accessibility and safety.	Ongoing
Environment and sustainability	Auckland Council has an environmental and sustainability work programme which works towards a number of Auckland Plan outcomes.	Goal 2. I am important, belong, am cared about and feel safe Goal 4. I am given equal opportunity to succeed and to have a fair go I am Healthy,	· To advise on youth perspectives in the refresh of Auckland’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan · To receive updates on Auckland Council’s low carbon and sustainability work programme and provide feedback · To provide input to council’s youth environmental work programmes · To advise on council’s environmental protection , enhancement, and kaitiakitanga programmes.	Ongoing
Hauora Tāmaki Makaurau	Auckland Council has an advisory, policy and an advocacy role on policies and bylaws that impact on health and wellbeing.	Goal 3. I am happy, healthy and thriving	· To provide advice and a youth perspective on policies/ bylaws relating to public health and environmental programmes (e.g. Alcohol, drugs and synthetic drugs, smoking, prostitution, obesity and mental health) as and when they arise.	Ongoing
Youth Employment and training	Provide advice to employment programmes and support that are in place for youth (i.e. Youth Traction Hub, Job Fest, and Youth Summit)	Goal 4. I am given equal opportunity to succeed and to have a fair go Goal 3. I am happy, healthy and striving	· Youth Empowerment Manager from Community Empowerment Unit to provide an update on the Youth Connections and Community Action on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) work programmes. · Advise and inform employment pathway programmes including cadets, interns, undergraduates and graduates to ensure they are fit for purpose and appeal to a youth voice. · To advise on social procurement and social investment to create local employment opportunities, such as a local apprenticeship schemes for young people and support for eentrepreneurship.	February 2017
Rangatahi Roopu	Understand and respond to the aspirations of mana whenua, mataawaka, marae and other Maori organisations. Build and strengthen a relationship with Rangatahi Roopu as per Goal 7 of ‘I Am Auckland’.	Goal 7. Rangatahi Tu Rangatira (All young people will thrive)	· Commitment to partner and engage with mana whenua for advice on how to best respond to Māori aspirations and outcomes through advice to council from the panel · Foster a working relationship with Maori Youth organisations such as those at Te Ora and Tumuaki Rumaki · To seek advice from council’s matauranga Māori experts (e.g. Te Waka Angamua) to ensure the Youth Advisory Panel are supportive of Māori outcomes as reflected in the Māori Plan and other guiding documents. · Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) is looking for an opportunity to enhance the relationship between rangatahi and international students. To advise on how to effectively bring rangatahi with international students.	Ongoing ATEED presentation in November 2017 or early next year.

Community Forum

Community forums

The panel is entitled to organise one or more community forum(s) within an operating budget to engage with youth communities on council’s substantial issues or issues important to the communities.

Goal 1. I have a voice, am valued and contribute

Goal 2. I am important, belong, am cared about and feel safe

· The panel will design its community forum(s) to bring youth communities to discuss council issues and/or issues important to young people.

· It will recommend budget and outcomes as agreed by the panel.

TBC

OTHER TOPICS

Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw Review

The council is reviewing the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw. Main areas of the bylaw for panels’ advice include begging, car window washing and fireworks amongst many other issues.

Goal 1. I have a voice, am valued and contribute

· The panel advised on the Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw Review in May 2017.

· The engagement period for the bylaw review ended on Friday 30 June. All feedback received and research undertaken during the engagement period will now be collated and a findings report will be presented to the Regulatory Committee.

· Staff will develop a report to the Regulatory Committee in September 2017.

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

Progress report on the implementation of the Auckland Council Weed Management Policy

File No.: CP2017/20521

Purpose

1. To receive an update on the implementation of Auckland Council’s Weed Management Policy.

Executive summary

2. Auckland Council’s Weed Management Policy 2013 provides eight objectives to guide operational best practice for council and council-controlled organisations involved in weed management activities (see Attachment A).

3. A six category action plan was included within the policy covering:

· planning, policy and regulation

· operations

· identification and mapping

· governance, monitoring and research and reporting

· advocacy and education

· funding.

4. Since 2013, the action plan has been incorporated into current and ongoing council work programmes. This is evidenced in the 2017 renegotiation of maintenance and ecological contracts for local parks (known as Project 17). The new contracts are outcome-based, resulting in weed control only when required and include:

· mechanical edging for paving and hard edges in local parks resulting in a reduction in herbicide use (the existing practice of restricting weed control in playgrounds to manual removal was retained)

· a key performance indicator to reduce agrichemical use, tracking down from a baseline established in the first year of the contract

· an integrated approach to weed management including mulching and replanting, supporting better horticulture practice.

5. In 2015, the Weed Management Political Advisory Group was established to oversee the implementation of the policy, and to report back to the governing body on a six-monthly basis.

6. The forward work programme of the Weed Management Political Advisory Group includes community empowerment, local board engagement, the coordination of the community groups, and the monitoring of Auckland Council’s herbicide usage.

7. This report provides an update on how the Weed Management Policy has been incorporated into Auckland Council activities, and the ongoing programmes and processes that are in place to ensure the objectives and the vision of the policy is integrated across the council group. A further update will be provided to the Environment and Community Committee in April 2018.

Recommendations

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) receive the update on the implementation of Auckland Council’s Weed Management Policy.

b) note that a further update on the implementation of the Weed Management Policy will be provided to the Environment and Community Committee in April 2018.

Comments

Background

8. Auckland is one of the weediest cities in the world, second only to Honolulu in Hawai’i. Since 1769, up to 30,000 exotic plant species have been introduced to New Zealand. Exotic plants with no natural enemies can spread unchecked, displacing native plants and threatening biodiversity. Auckland’s warm and wet climate makes it particularly vulnerable to weeds.

9. Weed management is a statutory requirement for multiple departments across the Auckland Council group, with activities ranging from vegetation management (including grass edging), to pest plant control and ecological restoration.

10. As defined in the Weed Management Policy, to be considered a weed, a plant needs to be growing in the wrong place and having an adverse effect on people, Māori cultural values, infrastructure, other built assets or the natural environment. In the context of the policy weeds include, but are not limited to, pest plants. A pest plant is defined as an introduced plant subject to control or restrictions under the Auckland Council Regional Pest Management Strategy 2007-2012.

11. Sixteen regional authorities throughout New Zealand have adopted regional pest management strategies that provide strategic and statutory framework for effective management of pest plants, including the prioritisation of total control, containment and surveillance species.

12. Auckland Council’s Weed Management Policy was adopted by the Regional Development and Operations Committee in 2013 (resolution RDO/2013/137), and provides operational guidance for weed management across the council group. It was developed following a review of the weed management policies of Auckland’s legacy councils, national and international best practice, and the current trends in weed management, and iwi, stakeholder and public consultation.

13. The policy drives best practice weed management with eight objectives to be applied when determining weed management methodologies:

· take an integrated approach to weed management and vegetation control (prevention, control, education, restoration, and cooperation)

· ensure best practice in weed management and vegetation control

· minimise agrichemical use

· minimise non-target effects of agrichemical use

· ensure public health and safety

· protect and enhance the environment

· empower the community to manage weeds in accordance with the policy

· Deliver weed management and vegetation control which is value for money.

Weed Management Policy implementation

14. Auckland Council has incorporated the Weed Management Policy’s six categories of actions into council policy and ongoing work programmes as follows:

Action 1. Planning, policy and regulation

15. The Weed Management Policy vision and objectives have been incorporated into the Auckland Unitary Plan. The Unitary Plan enables weed control on public and private land except where individual plants have been protected for reasons such as heritage values. The use of agrichemicals is a permitted activity under the plan provided there is compliance to the pre-set conditions such as the correct storage of agrichemicals and the training around their use.

16. The review of the Regional Pest Management Strategy 2007-2012 is currently underway, and the draft Regional Pest Management Plan will be reported to the Environment and Community Committee in late 2017 for approval for public consultation. The Weed Management Policy will support the Regional Pest Management Plan with operational guidance for weed management to protect and enhance the environment.

17. Incentives to landowners and community groups for weed control on public and private land are available through funding programmes managed by the Environmental Services department.

18. In collaboration with other regional councils, Weedbusters and Department of Conservation, high and emergent threat species are monitored and managed. The council family is working collaboratively to deliver best practice and effective weed control methodologies.

Action 2. Operations

19. In 2015, Auckland Council completed an operational review of weed management to identify where improvements can be made as required by the Weed Management Policy. The review had input and guidance from the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority, Auckland Transport, Watercare Services, and the Parks, Sport and Recreation, Stormwater (now Healthy Waters), and Environmental Services departments. The recommendations of the review included adopting outcome-based contracts.

20. In 2017, new Auckland Council maintenance contracts were negotiated that incorporate the recommendations of the review. The contracts are now outcome-based, meaning that weed management is only delivered when weed density requires it. In alignment with the Weed Management Policy objectives, the new contracts increased the use of mechanical methods to control vegetation, with chemical edging of hard surfaces changing to mechanical edging. This will result in a reduction of herbicide use in local parks. The existing practice of restricting weed control in playgrounds to manual removal was retained.

21. The maintenance contracts support integrated weed management with mulching to be maintained at specified levels, and the replanting of appropriate species for weed prevention. Quarterly vendor innovation workshops will be held from November 2017 with insights and learnings to be shared across the region.

22. There is a council-wide operational requirement to record and monitor herbicide usage. The reduction of agrichemical use has been included in the maintenance contracts, with progress in reducing usage against a baseline established in the first year.

23. A best practice weed management manual is under development. The manual will identify control options including biocontrol, manual, mechanical, herbicide and no control, as well as guidelines for delivery. The manual will be available for use by staff, contractors, volunteers, and environmental groups.

24. The council has a no-spray register, which allows landowners to apply to the council to not have their road frontage or boundary adjoining parkland treated with herbicide. The register can be accessed via the Auckland Transport website. Residents must agree to keep the road frontage and/or boundary tidy, and are required to reapply to stay on the register annually.

Action 3. Identification and mapping

25. There are over 950 total control pest plants (as defined by the Regional Pest Management Strategy) sites in Auckland currently being managed by the council. Total control pest plants are plants that are considered to be of high potential threat to the region with a limited density that means eradication is still possible. Species and site-specific data is recorded and analysed to understand the effectiveness of weed control and density trends.

26. In 2015, new sites of knotweed were recorded, and these were the first recordings of this species in New Zealand. Knotweed at a New Lynn site was determined as Fallopia multiflora using morphological and DNA testing. Final identification will only be possible during flowering this summer. In 2016, Cabomba Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana) was discovered in Henderson. These species are managed as a joint partnership between Auckland Council, the Ministry for Primary Industries, and the Department of Conservation.

27. Species and ecosystem data from Significant Ecological Areas is used to inform weed management prioritisation. This information is also used to guide local boards, and communities in developing weed management strategies and plans and sites of high ecological value. Data is also used to inform resource consent applications and weed management requirements. Environmental Services manage this in conjunction with other departments including the Research and Evaluation unit and Community Facilities.

Action 4. Governance, monitoring, research and reporting.

28. The Weed Management Political Advisory Group was established in 2015 to oversee the implementation and delivery of the Weed Management Policy. Membership from councillors, local boards and the Independent Māori Statutory Board is specified within the Weed Management Policy.

29. A Best Practice Reference Group was also established in 2015. This group of external experts provides the council with objective, technical advice on best practice weed management, and technically informed community input.

30. Auckland Council is working closely with external organisations and other regional councils to improve tools and knowledge around weed management. External collaborations include working with the Nursery Growers Industry New Zealand on agapanthus, Crown Research Institutes (for instance through the National Biocontrol Collective), and with other regional councils (e.g. leveraging off Northland Regional Council’s eligibility for EnviroLink grants).

31. Auckland Council’s Research and Evaluation unit monitor sites across the region for State of the Environment reporting and local board report cards which are available on the Auckland Council website.

Action 5. Advocacy and education

32. Supporting community-based weed management is a core part of the council’s approach to weed management. The council, in collaboration with Predator Free New Zealand Trust and the Department of Conservation, hosted the inaugural Auckland Pestival in June 2017. Over 400 people from 450 community groups across Auckland attended the Pestival which showcased current community led-conservation and technology trends, as well as providing feedback on how council and the Department of Conservation can support and expand community action. During the Pestival, the council announced its Pest Free Auckland programme, which aims to make Auckland pest-free by 2050. This includes expanding council action and supporting community and landowner pest eradication and restoration activities.

33. An example of this support is demonstrated through the collaboration with the Pest Free Kaipātiki Network to implement the Pest Free Kaipātiki Strategy, involving pest animal and plant removal, and habitat and species restoration projects across the local board area by community groups with support and technical advice from council staff.

Action 6. Funding

34. The provision of funding for operational delivery, technical and resource support for mana whenua, community groups and the public has been provided within existing budgets (approved through the Long-term Plan 2015-2025).

35. Grant and funding agreements have been modified to require all recipients of council funding for weed management programmes to adhere to council-approved best practice methods.

Weed Management Policy implementation – Forward work programme

36. Auckland Council will support best practice and ensure weed management activities align with the vision and objectives of the policy and the operational review with a programme of work including:

· Supporting local boards - Local boards have the delegated decision-making ability to increase regionally set weed management service levels with local board funds. At the August 2017 meeting of the Weed Management Political Advisory Group, the group identified the importance of community and local board engagement in driving positive weed management outcomes. Community Facilities will support informed local board decision-making with advice on efficacy, impact and costs of different weed management methodologies.

· Coordination of community weed management activities – The council will continue to support the coordination of various council departments and community groups that are involved in weed management to achieve the long-term best outcomes.

· Ensure continued best practice in weed management and vegetation control - Best practice for weed management will continue to be provided by internal subject matter experts, external reviews, weed methodology trials, the Best Practice Advisory Group, and vendor innovation workshops. Learnings will be shared across the council group, public, and mana whenua to promote continuous improvements in weed management.

· Berm management contracts - July 2018 - There are currently different vegetation control methods used across Auckland for berm maintenance. This is a result of continuing the various practices that were used by the legacy councils. In July 2018, there will be new contracts for berm management moving from Auckland Transport to Community Facilities. Community Facilities will be liaising with local boards on service levels within their area.

· Agrichemical (including glyphosate) usage - Glyphosate is a herbicide approved by the New Zealand Environmental Protection Authority. It is used by most road controlling authorities in New Zealand to control vegetation in the road corridor and is used by Auckland Transport and Auckland Council for some of the weed species managed by council. For the use of agrichemicals Auckland Council takes direction from the Environmental Protection Authority and central government. Should the Ministry for the Environment and the Environmental Protection Authority update its stance on glyphosate, Auckland Council will ensure that this is fully considered when making any decisions or changes to operation procedures.

· Monitoring of Auckland Council’s herbicide usage - Auckland Council vendor auditing includes the Weed Management Policy objective to minimise agrichemical use. In the new local park maintenance contracts the reduction in agrichemical use is to be tracked down from a baseline established in the first year of the contract. Non-compliance with this Weed Management Policy objective will have contractual implications.

· Community empowerment – herbicide reduction - In an outcome-based berm management contract, weed control is not required on berms maintained to the specified level. Community Facilities will work with the Weed Management Political Advisory Group to educate and empower the community to minimise herbicide use across the region.

· Working with other councils - Vegetation management and pest plant control is a nationwide requirement. Meetings have been scheduled with other regional councils to drive regional best practice and coordination.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

37. Local boards may have different weed management and pest control requirements depending on community input, level of urbanisation, pest plant populations, volunteer programmes and budgets. Local boards invest in priority weed control projects through their local environmental work programmes, and through the work delivered under ecological restoration contracts (Project 17 contracts).

38. An example of a local board funded weed management project is the Waitākere weed action project, funded by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board. In this financial year, the Waitākere Ranges Local Board have contributed $100,000 towards the project which focuses on working with Piha, Karekare and Huia communities to reduce the density of climbing asparagus on private properties, with a goal to achieve zero density of this weed within three seasons.

39. Information and operational guidance from council staff is provided to local boards to support their decision-making on weed management service levels.

Māori impact statement

40. Auckland Council and its council-controlled organisations recognise the kaitiaki role of mana whenua, and engage with mana whenua to determine appropriate management methodologies at sites of cultural significance.

41. Auckland Council is responsible for management of the 13 maunga under the Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Redress Act 2014. The maunga are owned by Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau and managed through Auckland Council under the governance of the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority. The Biosecurity and Regional and Specialist Parks teams within Auckland Council consulted with the Maunga Authority to define the methodology for control of identified pest plants on the maunga.

Implementation

42. The forward work programme for the continued implementation of the Weed Management Policy is covered with existing operational budgets.

43. A further update on the implementation of the Weed Management Policy will be provided to the Environment and Community Committee in April 2018 as an information memorandum.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Council's Weed Management Policy 2013	29

Signatories

Authors

Jenny Gargiulo – Senior Environmental Quality Assurance Specialist

Mike Tucker – Head of Health and Safety Quality Assurance and Environment

Authorisers

Rod Sheridan - General Manager Community Facilities

Barry Potter - Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

Healthy Hunua - Kohukohunui (Hunua Ranges) Pest Management

File No.: CP2017/20793

Purpose

1. To endorse the proposed approach to pest management for Kohukohunui (the Hunua Ranges regional parklands).

Executive summary

2. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the proposed 2018 pest management programme for the Hunua Ranges regional parklands (Hunua, Whakatiwai and Waharau, referred to as Kohukohunui in this report, amounting to around 17,000 hectares) and ongoing pest management for this area.

3. Kohukohunui is characterised by rugged terrain, low human population densities, and a number of important ecosystems supporting rare and endangered fauna and flora and other indigenous species. It is home to the only naturally occurring population of kōkako in mainland Auckland and supports one of the largest regional populations of long-tailed bats.

4. Protection of the ecological values of Kohukohunui is identified as a priority in the Regional Parks Management Plan 2010. This is delivered through a number of programmes identified in the Auckland Regional Pest Management Strategy 2007-2012.

5. In October 2014, the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee approved a change in pest control methodology for Kohukohunui, to include the aerial application of sodium-fluoroacetate (1080) commencing in mid-2015 (see Attachments A and B).

6. The decision to change pest control methodology was based on the significant threat that increasing animal pest densities posed to species and ecosystems within Kohukohunui. The aerial application of 1080 cereal pellets was recommended as the most effective method to reduce pest densities to target levels across the expansive parkland and to protect the significant ecological values within it.

7. Following the 2015 operation, monitoring confirmed that the pest management targets were achieved, in fact exceeded. The results from the operation were reported to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee in March 2016 (see Attachment C).

8. Following the 2015 operation, ongoing monitoring of pest densities is informing future pest management requirements. The most recent monitoring results have shown that pest densities have increased to levels where it is considered necessary to protect the ecological values at this site. This increase in pest numbers over time is expected for a mainland site where reinvasion occurs from outside the operational area.

9. As part of the process for seeking a change in methodology in 2014, consideration was given to the most suitable method for pest control within Kohukohunui, taking into account effectiveness at controlling target pest species (possums, rats and mustelids) and the ability to manage risks to public health and cost-effectiveness (refer Attachment A). Additional benefits were also identified including reduced ground-based disturbance to minimise risk of spreading kauri dieback disease and reducing the use of brodifacoum (a toxin known to accumulate in the environmental food chain).

10. While there is ongoing research and development occurring into alternative pest control tools, aerially applied 1080 remains the most effective method for landscape scale control across high value forested sites such as Kohukohunui.

11. A further aerial operation is proposed for Kohukohunui over winter 2018, with a goal of reducing possums and rats below five percent tracking or trapping index. This will be funded through the regional possum control budget. Opportunities to increase the operational area through support from the Department of Conservation, Waikato Regional Council and third party partnerships are being explored.

12. Developments in pest control technology will continue to be assessed against the use of aerial 1080. Until there is a method that can effectively and efficiently deliver the same level of results, aerially applied 1080 will continue to be used as one of the main pest management tools for Kohukohunui.

13. Subject to the approval of the Environment and Community Committee, the results of the pest control operation will be reported back to the committee following the 1080 application in winter 2018.

Recommendations

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) endorse the proposed 2018 pest management programme for Kohukohunui (the Hunua Ranges regional parklands), in particular the use of aerially applied 1080.

b) note that the aerial application of 1080 will continue to be used in Kohukohunui until a new methodology is identified that can deliver the same level of pest management outcomes in a safe and efficient manner.

c) note that best practice guidelines for this activity will be followed including the National Pest Control Agencies’ Aerial 1080 Pest Control Industry Guidelines and the Environmental Risk Management Authority’s Communications Guideline for Aerial 1080 Operations.

d) note that this decision is specific to Kohukohunui. Use of aerially applied 1080 in other areas would need to be considered on a case by case basis specific to each site.

e) endorse the establishment of a political advisory group (including mana whenua representation) to work with staff in the planning and implementation phases of the Kohukohunui 2018 pest management programme.

Comments

Background – 2015 operation

14. Kohukohunui has the largest forest in mainland Auckland, characterised by rugged terrain, low human population densities, outstanding wildlife habitat and high ecological values.

15. Kohukohunui is home to the only naturally occurring population of kōkako in mainland Auckland. It is also the habitat for a number of rare and endangered fauna and flora including the long-tailed bat, Hochstetter’s frog, kākā, and toropapa. The park contains the largest areas of kauri-hard beech forest in the Auckland region; this forest type is significant in the context of the North Island’s flora. Importantly, Kohukohunui is currently free of kauri dieback disease.

16. The specific management focus for Kohukohunui as set out in the Auckland Regional Parks Management Plan 2010 is to ‘protect and enhance this outstanding wildlife habitat with high ecological values, and to cultivate an ethic of stewardship’. Pest management in the ranges supports the following objectives of the plan:

· lowering the threshold for possum control to a maximum of five per cent residual trap catch to reduce possum abundance over the whole park to improve forest health

· continuing integrated pest animal control at selected sites within the ranges, including the Kōkako Management and Hunua Falls pest control project areas…to allow for complete ecosystem recovery and reintroductions of rare and threatened species

· continuing the integrated pest animal eradication and management programmes in the Hunua Ranges onto neighbouring reserve land and adjoining private property.

17. Possums, rats and mustelids are all identified as pests in the Auckland Regional Pest Management Strategy. The strategy sets out that Auckland Council will deliver programmes to control these species in areas with high conservation value. Control programmes for rats and mustelids will be carried out as part of integrated pest management.

18. In October 2014, the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee approved a change in pest control methodology for Kohukohunui to include the aerial application of sodium-fluoroacetate (1080) commencing in mid-2015.

19. The decision to change pest control methodology was based on the risk that increasing animal pest densities posed to significant species and ecosystems in the parklands. Aerial application of 1080 cereal pellets was recommended as the most effective method to reduce pest densities to targeted levels across the expansive parkland and to protect the significant ecological values within it.

20. The 1080 bait application was carried out across two treatment blocks in August and September 2015 to reduce pest densities to below the agreed performance measure of five per cent tracking or trapping index.

Results

21. Post-operational monitoring results showed a successful reduction in rat densities across the operational area from 91.6 per cent to 1.03 per cent tracking or trapping index. Significantly, no rats were detected in the monitoring carried out in the high value Kōkako Management Area following the operation or in three subsequent monitors carried out at six-weekly intervals (refer Attachment C for a detailed overview of the operation). This level of control has never previously been attained through the previous range-wide ground-based pest control.

22. There have been significant benefits to the species being protected through the pest control programme, in particular kōkako. Over the past two breeding seasons 13 kōkako chicks have fledged from six monitored pairs, compared to no chicks in the 2014/2015 breeding season (Table 1). Monitoring of both Hochstetter’s frogs and long-tailed bats following the operation has shown these populations to be stable and in some localised areas they have increased.

Table 1. Comparison of kōkako breeding productivity

Season	Productivity per pair	Productivity per nest	From number of pairs
2016/2017	2.25	1.86	6
2015/2016	2.17	0.94	6
2014/2015	0	0	6
2013/2014	2	0.83	5
2012/2013	Minimum of 1.33 (different methodology)	n/a	6

23. General forest bird counts are also being conducted across a number of sites throughout the parkland and will provide information on changes in population of a range of species over time. While it is still too early to confirm definitive changes as a result of the 2015 operation, observations from staff with a long history of involvement in undertaking the bird counts have reported increased observation of bellbird and kākā since the operation.

24. In addition to the pest animal and native species monitoring that was carried out, over 300 samples were collected from the reservoirs supplying the public water supply and streams and rivers flowing from the operational area. No 1080 was detected in any of the samples tested.

25. The breakdown of 1080 pellets and poisoned possum carcasses was also analysed to provide site-specific data to inform the lifting of the public caution period (this is the time when warning signs are removed and baits or carcasses are no longer likely to pose a risk to humans or dogs).

Future management

26. With any mainland site of high conservation value, pest control is an ongoing requirement due to reinvasion of pests from surrounding untreated land and the gradual recovery of any pests remaining from the previous operation. Extensive post-operational monitoring has been carried out following the 2015 aerial operation to inform timing and requirements of future pest management. Residual trap catch (RTC) monitoring (the recognised protocol for determining post operational results for possum control) was carried out by an independent contractor directly after the operation in September 2015. Following on from the residual trap catch monitoring, council biosecurity officers have undertaken pest monitoring at three-nine month intervals since then, with the last monitor completed between February and April 2017.

27. Figure 1 below shows the average relative abundance for rats and for possums from before the 1080 application through to April 2017. Rat numbers remained low for the first six months following the operation and then have increased over time. This increase is expected and is due to some rats surviving the operation and reinvading from non-controlled areas such as the untreated buffers around the water reservoirs. The pre-operational possum residual trap catch data was considered to be unreliable due to the huge amount of rat interference and considered to be an under estimate.

28. Possum numbers have remained relatively low since the 1080 operation but monitoring results have shown that reinvasion is occurring from the untreated reservoir buffers and particular ‘hotspots’ around the parkland boundary.

Figure 1. Overall rat and possum relative abundance percentages from February 2015 to April 2017

29. A benefit of the reduced pest numbers following the 2015 aerial operation was the ability to redirect staff and volunteer resource usually spent filling bait stations into establishing an additional 350 hectares of ground-based control particularly focussed on managing stoats in the area intensively managed for kōkako. It is expected that similar benefits will be realised through the 2018 operation, efforts which will also support the re-establishment of kiwi.

30. Since the 2015 operation, Auckland Council has worked with landowners directly adjoining the park in identified hotspot areas with high value ecological values to undertake ground-based control to protect these areas and reduce the rate of possum reinvasion.

31. Re-treatment of Kohukohunui in the winter of 2018 using aerially applied 1080 is recommended to ensure that the benefits of the 2015 operation can continue to be realised. Consideration has been given to the range of pest management tools available for controlling the target pest species, which included a comparison of the toxins approved for predator control as well as trapping.

32. There are no new methods that have been approved for use since the methodology was approved in 2014. The options considered for the winter 2018 operation are:

· Option one – do nothing: This option would be a breach of the Regional Pest Management Strategy, and the Auckland Regional Parks Management Plan, and would result in a loss of previous benefits and investment in protecting Kohukohunui.

· Option two – undertake ground-based control using an alternative toxin or trapping: While there have been some advancements in self-resetting trap technology, ground-based trapping is used in some areas of the park to target stoats, due to the size and rugged nature of Kohukohunui and risk of spreading kauri dieback disease, ground-based control is not considered a practical or cost effective management option for the control of mustelids, possums and rats at this scale. In addition, there are no toxins that deliver the same targeted pest management outcomes as safely and effectively as 1080 (refer Attachment A for the comparisons of toxins).

· Option three – aerial application of 1080: This continues to be the recommended methodology for pest management in Kohokohunui, as it effectively controls the target predators in the area. Aerial application causes no disturbance to the forest ecosystems. Following auditing during the aerial operation and subsequent analysis of results of the 2015 operation, staff have determined that aerially applied 1080 can be safely undertaken again in 2018, and will deliver effective pest management outcomes. Future pest management within Kohukohunui is proposed to continue as a combination of aerial 1080 applications in accordance with best practice, and intensive ground control in areas such as the Kōkako Management Area and reservoir buffers.

33. Pest control technology developments will continue to be assessed against the use of aerial 1080. The aerial application of 1080 will continue to be used in Kohukohunui until there is a method that can effectively and efficiently deliver the same level of results as 1080. It is expected that pest management operations in Kohukohunui will be undertaken every three years, however the operations are expected to be less frequent as the pest populations decrease.

Watercare and water supply

34. Kohukohunui provides 65 per cent of Auckland’s potable water supply, safety of this supply is paramount. The 2015 operation demonstrated that by applying best management practices this supply can be assured.

35. Any future operation will involve Auckland Council and Watercare working collaboratively to develop appropriate risk management protocols. These may include setbacks from any water take, no fly zones over water reservoirs and water monitoring regimes as determined necessary by the Auckland Regional Public Health Service.

Financial implications

36. The range-wide predator control undertaken within Kohukohunui is funded out of the Biosecurity Regional Possum Control Programme budget. Following a competitive procurement process for the 2015 operation (covering the supply, transportation and aerial application of 1080 baits) the final contract price was $541,268 or approximately $25 per hectare which included the treatment of Department of Conservation-administered land and adjoining private land.

37. Staff resource was not captured during the 2015 operation but was delivered with existing staff across a number of council departments.

38. The council’s previous investment targeted at possums did not provide control over the whole of Kohukohunui but was delivered across the park on a rotational basis focusing on ‘hotspots’ at a cost of approximately $358,000 (excluding monitoring costs) per annum. Rats and stoats have previously only been controlled in the kōkako management areas.

39. Due to the success of the aerial 1080 operation, no range-wide pest control has been required to be undertaken since 2015. This has resulted in budget efficiencies that have been directed into other priority animal pest management.

40. The staff and budget requirement for the 2018 operation is contingent on a number of factors including: the market at the time of procurement, operational design and Medical Officer of Health requirements. The per hectare cost is anticipated to be similar or potentially less than the 2015 rate of $25 per hectare as there is greater certainty about achievability for contractors and potential for operational efficiencies identified following the 2015 operation.

41. The Department of Conservation contributed both in-kind and financial support for the treatment of its land and Waikato Regional Council’s annual contribution towards pest control around Kohukohunui was directed into the treatment of Waikato-based private land where landowners had sought to be included in the operation. A similar arrangement for the 2018 operation will be sought from both of these agencies.

42. Predator Free 2050 Limited has been established and is responsible for directing a significant amount of Crown investment into the Predator Free 2050 Programme, with a focus on breakthrough science and large scale predator control and eradication initiatives. The organisation is currently seeking Expressions of Interest from regional and local councils, community organisations, mana whenua, businesses, non-governmental organisations and other entities committed to broad-scale pest management initiatives. An expanded Kohukohunui programme may be a suitable candidate for these funds and staff are currently investigating.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

43. Kohukohunui lies within the Franklin Local Board boundaries, and is of regional significance due to its ecological values.

44. Local board members were invited to a workshop held with members of the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee in September 2014, the purpose of which was to enable discussion on the challenge, methodology and the alternatives for pest management in Kohukohunui, ahead of the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee meeting on 9 October 2014.

45. Regular workshops and communication with the local board occurred throughout the 2015 project with good support from the board. A Franklin Local Board representative also attended field trips, hui with mana whenua and contributed to local communications (including media) on the project.

46. The topic of pest management in Kohukohunui was discussed as part of a wider Pest Free Auckland workshop with the Franklin Local Board on 12 September 2017. Franklin Local Board members were also invited to a workshop on 27 September 2017 with members of the Environment and Community Committee to discuss the proposed 2018 pest management programme. At this workshop the Franklin Local Board representative indicated support for the use of best practice methods to manage pests in Kohukohunui, including aerially applied 1080 and noted the values of having a representative on the political advisory group.

Māori impact statement

47. Kohukohunui is of historical, customary, cultural and spiritual significance to Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Koheriki, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Pāoa, and Ngāti Whanaunga. Three iwi also have kaitiakitanga status; Ngati Maru Ruanga, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua and Tainui – Waikato. The maunga Kohukohunui is the highest peak within the Hunua Ranges, is a tūpuna maunga and an important boundary marker. Kōkako are a highly valued taonga species and mana whenua have been active partners in enabling kōkako more recently the introduction of kiwi.

48. The Auckland Regional Parks Management Plan 2010 recognises the relationship of mana whenua in Kohukohunui and includes consultation on the planning, protection, development and management of the park and Māori values they contain.

49. Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Te Ata, Ngāti Maru Runanga, Waikato-Tainui and Te Ākitai were identified as having a significant interest in the 2015 pest control operation. An engagement approach was developed and implemented through a mana whenua engagement plan.

50. This engagement allowed for effective Māori communication with mana whenua, a contribution to kaitiaki outcomes through the reduction of pest densities, the protection of significant ecological values and wai (water) monitoring and the development of Māori capacity through both direct involvement in the project and the newly established kaitiaki cadetship programme.

51. In providing support for the 2015 operation mana whenua noted the importance of protecting the ecological values of Kohukohunui but also noted concerns about the ongoing use of toxins generally. Auckland Council has continued to support national research initiatives to investigate new pest management tools and has also invested in trials utilising self-resetting trap technology.

52. Auckland Council has engaged with Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Tamaoho and Ngāi Tai. There is a genuine commitment of mana whenua and Council to maintain dialog to discover collective desires, aspirations and the most appropriate process, method, timeframe, costs for this work to be successfully actioned and achieved.

Implementation

53. Subject to endorsement from the Environment and Community Committee, operational planning to undertake pest management within Kohukohunui in winter 2018 would be required to commence in late October 2017 to ensure adequate time to engage with key stakeholders and landowners, obtain public health permission and procure a contractor to deliver the work. Although it is not anticipated that any further budget would be required, it will be necessary to carry this work out ahead of the 2018/2019 pest management budgets being confirmed in the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 process to ensure they are maintained at current levels to deliver on this project.

54. Future pest management within Kohukohunui is proposed to continue as a combination of aerial 1080 applications in accordance with best practice, and intensive ground control in areas like the Kōkako Management Area, until such time as more effective methods become available. The effectiveness of control and benefits to native species will continue to be monitored.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	9 October 2014 - Regional Strategy and Policy Committee report, Item 9 - Pest Management Options for the Hunua Ranges Regional Parklands	59
b ⇩	9 October 2014 - Regional Strategy and Policy Committee resolutions, Item 9 - Pest Management Options for the Hunua Ranges Regional Parklands	77
c ⇩	3 March 2016 - Regional Strategy and Policy Committee report, Item 11 - Project Hunua 2015 Post Operation Report	79

Signatories

Authors

Rachel Kelleher – Manager Regional Parks

Phil Brown – Biosecurity Manager

Authorisers

Mace Ward - General Manager Parks, Sports and Recreation

Barry Potter - Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

Western Isthmus Water Quality Improvement Programme

File No.: CP2017/21525

Purpose

1. To agree the recommended option for a joint Watercare Services Limited (Watercare) and Auckland Council programme that addresses water quality issues in the western isthmus area and recommends that the approved option is considered as part of Long-term Plan 2018-2028 process.

Executive summary

2. The Western Isthmus Water Quality Improvement Programme was initiated in response to the long-standing concerns around the water quality in the streams and harbour within the western part of Auckland’s inner city.

3. A project was jointly undertaken by Watercare and Auckland Council to develop a proposed programme of works to improve water quality, to enable growth and to reduce wet weather overflows. The programme of works will be considered as part of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028.

4. Watercare and Auckland Council agreed the terms of reference for this project including criteria for the analysis of options to improve water quality in the western isthmus. Analyses were undertaken for ten catchments in the western isthmus (see Attachment A for map of catchments). Three main options are presented for the Environment and Community Committee’s consideration including:

· Option One: Do nothing

· Option Two: Continue with existing planned for and budgeted works such as the central interceptor and stormwater upgrades

· Option Three: (Recommended) Increase investment in parallel with existing planned for and budgeted works to achieve improved water quality outcomes. The recommended option is described in more detail in Attachment B to this report. In summary it includes:

o constructing a new 4.5m diameter tunnel from the proposed Central Interceptor termination point at Western Springs through to Grey Lynn

o constructing new wastewater infrastructure to enable growth

o constructing new stormwater enhancements including separation of the combined networks.

5. Option Three (increased investment in parallel with existing planned for and budgeted works to achieve improved water quality outcomes) is recommended as it will have the most benefits by:

· greatly reducing wet weather overflows in the next decade

· enabling growth

· improving water quality, and

· giving communities confidence that the council group is committed to improving water quality.

6. The recommended option (Option Three) (refer Attachment B) has a current capital cost estimate of $1.825 billion (in today’s dollars), as outlined in the draft programme (refer Attachment C). A portion ($1.23 billion) of this cost is budgeted for within the current Long-term Plan.

7. The recommended option would require an increase of $595 million in the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 funding. This would mean an increase of $310 million within Watercare’s wastewater infrastructure capital programme in the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 and an increase in Auckland Council’s (Healthy Waters) budget by $285 million in the Long-term Plan 2018-2028. The current funding split between the two entities would need to be agreed through the business case development process.

8. A joint workshop of Auckland Council’s Governing Body and the Watercare Board considered the recommended option on 20 September 2017. Subsequently the Watercare Board formally endorsed the recommended technical option (Attachment G).

9. This report asks the committee to note the work and agree that Option Three (Recommended) be considered as part of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028.

Recommendations

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) note the technical and strategic work undertaken jointly by Auckland Council and Watercare to address water quality issues in the western isthmus area specifically to reduce wastewater overflows, provide for growth, and improve stormwater management.

b) note the endorsement of the recommended technical option by the Watercare Board as described in correspondence dated 27 September 2017.

c) agree that Option Three (Recommended) is the best practicable option, taking into account the council’s wider responsibilities to manage environmental outcomes.

d) approve that Option Three, the western isthmus water quality improvement programme, now be considered as part of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028, specifically recommending that the programme includes:

i) a new tunnel from the Central Interceptor’s termination point at Western Springs through to Grey Lynn

ii) bringing forward $310 million of Watercare investment, from decade two and three to decade one, to increase wastewater capacity for growth and reduce wet weather overflows in the area

iii) bringing forward $285 million of Healthy Waters investment, from decade two and three to decade one, to improve stormwater management, allow capacity for growth and reduce wet weather overflows

iv) funding separation of private combined systems, where appropriate.

e) note that the recommended programme, while reliant on the central interceptor and planned stormwater upgrades, will not impact on those timeframes and costs, nor will it impact on the resource consents for the Central Interceptor, Watercare Network Discharge Consent or the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant.

f) note that the recommended programme and budgets are subject to public consultation and consideration as part of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 process.

g) note that a decision to approve the recommended option and budgets will be of high significance under Auckland Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy and as a result, there would be a requirement for consultation. Compliance with the relevant sections of the Local Government Act 2002 will occur as part of the development of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 process.

h) agree that, subject to the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 process, that Auckland Council will take all necessary action to progress Option Three in a timely and collaborative manner with Watercare.

Comments

Context

10. The Western Isthmus Water Quality Improvement Programme (formerly CANOPy) was initiated in January 2017 in response to long-standing concerns about the ongoing water quality issues in the western part of Auckland’s inner city, and the timing required to address these issues.

11. The proposal to initiate this programme of work was discussed at a joint Watercare Board and Auckland Council Governing Body workshop on 15 February 2017.

12. The purpose of the programme was to develop a cost effective, timely and integrated programme that:

· optimises existing and committed wastewater and stormwater infrastructure to improve the water quality of the Western Isthmus waterways and Waitematā Harbour by reducing high volume and high frequency wastewater overflows,

· enables the anticipated urban growth in the project area without causing further environmental effects generated by these overflows,

· will not compromise Watercare’s existing Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant and network discharge consents, or Auckland Council’s stormwater discharge consents, and

· gives communities confidence that efficient and effective steps are being taken to improve water quality in a timely and progressive manner.

13. The project was undertaken jointly by Watercare and Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters department, and was guided by the terms of reference of the programme as agreed by the chief executives of each organisation. Watercare, council staff and technical experts worked closely to develop options that addressed the brief as per the terms of reference.

14. A joint workshop of the Auckland Council Governing Body and Watercare Board, held on 20 September 2017, discussed the western isthmus water quality improvement programme. The Governing Body and Watercare Board both endorsed in principle that the recommended option be formally agreed by both entities so that it can be considered as part of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028.

15. The Mayoral Intent for the 10-year Budget (Long-term Plan) 2018–2028 outlines the priorities and work plans that will inform council’s direction for the next 10 years. Specifically it describes that the 10-year budget should have a clear focus on ‘protecting our environment with a particular emphasis on improving water quality in our harbours and addressing climate change challenges’ alongside three other main priorities relating to investment in Auckland’s transport network, housing, and making Auckland a great place to live, work and visit.

16. The mayoral intent also notes that upgrading and building Auckland’s water infrastructure is a top priority for the next decade with the objective of ‘substantially reducing wastewater overflows including, where practicable and financially viable, separating stormwater from wastewater’.

Options Analysis

17. These inputs and direction have informed the options to improve water quality in the western isthmus area. Three main options are presented for the committee’s consideration:

· Option One: Do nothing

· Option Two: Continue with existing planned and budgeted works such as the Central Interceptor and stormwater upgrades

· Option Three: (Recommended) Increase investment in parallel with existing planned for and budgeted works to achieve greater water quality outcomes including:

o constructing a new 4.5m diameter tunnel from the proposed Central Interceptor termination point at Western Springs through to Grey Lynn

o constructing new wastewater infrastructure to enable growth

o constructing new stormwater enhancements to enable separation of the combined networks.

18. The three options have been analysed against the outcomes sought and the advantages and disadvantages of each option are described in the table below.

Table 1: Comparison of Options – Western Isthmus Water Quality Improvement Programme

Options	Advantages	Disadvantages
Option 1 – Do nothing	· Could release funding for other council investment priorities	· Does not provide capacity for growth · Does not reduce overflows to acceptable levels – see Attachment D · No improvement to water quality outcomes · Mana whenua and community outcomes not met · Will not meet consent requirements · Will not achieve Safeswim outcomes
Option 2 – Continue planned for improvements	· Can be delivered within existing budgets over a ten year period · Some water quality improvements · Some reduction in wet weather overflows · Will enable growth · May achieve some limited Safeswim outcomes	· Does not significantly reduce wet weather overflows to acceptable levels within the next decade – see Attachment E · Limited to water quality improvements · Mana whenua and community aspirations partially met
Option 3 – Increase investment in parallel with existing planned for and budgeted works to achieve greater water quality outcomes (Recommended Option)	· Will deliver a significant reduction in wet weather over a ten year period – refer Attachment F · Reduces public health risks associated with wet weather overflows · Will achieve the greatest Safeswim outcomes with the majority of sites suitable for swimming · Enables wastewater infrastructure to meet growth · Enhances stormwater management in the western isthmus area · Gives mana whenua and communities confidence that the council group is committed to improving water quality outcomes	· More short term local disruption particularly in areas being separated · More interaction with private homeowners, particularly in those areas to be separated · May require additional funding to deliver the outcomes over a ten year period

Recommendation and Rationale

19. Staff recommend that Option Three (increased investment in parallel with planned works to achieve greater water quality outcomes) is progressed as it will have the most benefits with the existing and planned infrastructure including:

· greatly reducing wet weather overflows

· enabling growth

· improving water quality, and

· giving communities confidence that the council group is committed to improving water quality.

20. Specifically the main benefits of the recommended option include:

· a significant reduction in wet weather overflows and substantial improvement in swimability through stormwater enhancements and the removal of permanent no-swim signs such as at St Marys Bay.

· reducing public health risks associated with wet weather overflows

· enabling wastewater infrastructure to meet growth

· enhancing stormwater management in the western isthmus area

· allowing design works to proceed immediately in areas such as St Marys Bay and Herne Bay, with construction planned to start in early 2019

· working towards meeting Watercare’s Statement of Intent obligations of no more than two wastewater spills per annum, and the Auckland and Unitary Plan’s objectives of removing stormwater from the wastewater network

· development of a joint concept design, scoping of works and business case approvals to ensure that neither Watercare’s existing or future Māngere wastewater treatment plant operations, nor network discharge consents and Auckland Council’s stormwater discharge consents, are compromised.

21. Reducing the number and volume of wet weather overflow points is a key criterion for assessing the water quality outcomes sought. The most telling way to assess which option achieves the most water quality outcomes is by comparison of expected overflows points and frequency in the subject area that would result from the three options as follows:

· Option One – Do Nothing – Attachment D. Over 218 overflow points are estimated to overflow wastewater more frequently than twice per year on average, of these around 43 spill points are estimated to overflow almost every time it rains.

· Option Two – Continue Current Programme – Attachment E. This option targets some of the largest wastewater overflows within the catchment, reducing the frequent spill locations, most notably the locations that spill every time it rains are reduced from 43 points to 31 points. Around 214 locations are expected to spill greater than twice per year on average.

· Option Three (Recommended Option) – Increase investment in parallel with existing planned for and budgeted work – Attachment F - reduce overflow points to ten locations that are anticipated to overflow 2-6 times per year on average, as a result of heavy rainfall.

Impact on existing works and commitments

22. The impact of the proposed programme on existing timeframes, costs and legal responsibilities was a key consideration in assessing the recommendation of Option Three. It is critical that any option developed does not impact negatively on both council and Watercare’s ability to discharge their responsibilities. Specifically the recommended programme, while reliant on the central interceptor and planned stormwater upgrades, will not impact on those timeframes and costs.

23. In addition, the recommended option does not impact on the resource consents for either the Central Interceptor, Watercare Network Discharge Consent or the Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plan.

Financial Implications

24. The recommended option (option three) (refer Attachment B) has a current capital cost estimate of $1.825 billion (in today’s dollars), and includes the works outlined in the draft programme (refer Attachment C). A portion ($1.23 billion) of this cost is budgeted for within the current Long-term Plan 2015-2025.

25. The recommended option would require an increase of $595 million in the Long-term Plan 2018-2028. This would mean an increase of $310 million within Watercare’s wastewater infrastructure capital programme in the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 and an increase in Auckland Council’s (Healthy Waters) budget by $285 million in the Long-term Plan 2018-2028. This means bringing forward investment from decades two and three to decade one of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028.

26. The current and recommended investment over the ten years of the Long-term Plan is shown in Figure 1 below. The current funding split between the two entities would need to be agreed through the business case development process.

27. In order to ensure that the best outcome is achieved in each catchment, a joint concept design and scoping of works for each catchment will be undertaken and submitted through the regular council and Watercare approval processes.

Figure 1: Funding profile of the recommended option for the Western Isthmus Water Quality Improvement Programme

28. The Mayoral intent requests advice from officers on ‘securing the funding to construct the central interceptor, including the potential for a special purpose vehicle to finance this development’ and ‘other projects and funding options that contribute to water quality improvement including stormwater separation where practicable, green infrastructure and further measures to stop wastewater overflows.’

29. Any additional funding for the recommended option could be considered and consulted on as part of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 process. This report recommends that option three is recommended to be considered via that process, staff will work on the funding options requested as part of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 process.

Risks

30. Option One and Two represent different levels of risk to the council group. Option One represents significant strategic, reputation and financial risks as it would limit capacity for growth and services needed for a rapidly growing city. It would also be an inadequate asset management approach which could lead to infrastructure failure. In addition it represents a reputational and regulatory risk through the continued degradation of water environments and non-compliance with resource consent conditions. Option Two represents lower reputational risk but does not meet community and council expectations in relation to water quality outcomes.

31. While there are less reputational and strategic risks associated with the recommended Option Three some risks remain; specifically there are regulatory, community, and costs and funding risks.

32. The regulatory risks relate to the proposed new tunnel and compliance with existing resource management consents, designations and land owner approval under the Local Government Act 2002 in addition to the discharge consent required for new stormwater outfalls to allow combined properties to be separated. Staff will mitigate and minimise these risks to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory responsibilities.

33. The community risks relate to disruption, property owner objections, injurious affection and expectations as to the outcomes and what council can afford. Staff will work to minimise and mitigate disruption through integrated planning with Auckland Transport and others and effective stakeholder management. Objections to work by private landowners are a low likelihood, high consequence risk with potential impacts on timeframes, budget and outcomes. Council will work with private landowners to resolve any disagreement before looking at using any compulsion powers such as those under the Public Works Act and Local Government Act.

34. The last major risk category is financial, specifically potential cost variance due to unknown conditions and that the proposed programme is contingent on Long-term Plan outcomes. Planning and site specific due diligence will mitigate this risk, if the recommended option is approved via the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 process.

Collaboration

35. The development of the options and the recommendation of Option Three is the result of a collaborative process between Auckland Council and Watercare.

36. As described above, the recommended programme was considered by the Auckland Council Governing Body and Watercare Board at a joint workshop on 20 September 2017.

37. Following the joint workshop with the Watercare Board and the Governing Body on 20 September 2017 the Watercare Board discussed the western isthmus work in further detail in their board meeting on 21 September 2017. Correspondence dated 27 September 2017 (Attachment G) from Watercare’s Chief Executive to Auckland Council’s Chief Executive, describes the board’s satisfaction with the collaboration to date and their acceptance of the recommended option on the proviso that Watercare still needs to know:

· how the Western Isthmus will be funded;

· how this will impact on Watercare; and

· how the project will be governed.

38. Subject to this consideration and any agreement via the Long-term Plan 2018-2028, Watercare and Auckland Council will continue to work collaboratively to progress this water quality improvement programme, in line with the agreed terms of reference. This may also include joint governance and funding arrangements.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

39. Five local boards sit within, and are impacted by the western isthmus study area; Albert-Eden, Waitematā, Puketāpapa, Whau and Māngere-Ōtāhuhu. All have local board outcomes relating to water quality improvements and support local community-led waterway restoration. In addition some have advocacy points within their Draft Local Board Plans that maintain advocacy for healthy waterways, low impact design and the reduction of wastewater discharges.

40. Many of these local boards have received feedback from communities on the topic of reducing wet weather overflows and improving water quality within their areas. Early discussions on this proposed programme of work have been held with all boards and workshops with the five boards are scheduled to occur in early October 2017. Staff will provide verbal feedback from these workshops at the committee meeting.

Māori impact statement

41. Wai and water quality are important topics for Māori. The Schedule of Issues of Significance for Māori in Tāmaki-Makaurau refers to environmental protection and management. Mana whenua have a distinct kaitiaki role and have repeatedly expressed concerns in relation to poor water quality, wastewater overflows and the mixing of waters.

42. If approved this project will directly contribute to council actions identified in issue 2.6 of the Schedule of Issues of Significance by improving water quality outcomes and managing discharges into water bodies.

43. The following mana whenua entities have an interest in this area (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei, Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki, Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngāti Tamaoho, Te Ākitai Waiohua, Te Ahiwaru Waiohua, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Tamaterā, Te Patukirikiri, Waikato-Tainui).

44. Staff note that early engagement in partnership with mana whenua to promote kaitiakitanga and embed mana whenua values into this work will be critical to the success of this programme.

45. Preliminary discussions with mana whenua representatives have indicated a strong interest in this project at a governance level. In these discussions mana whenua representatives have noted that improving water quality and reducing the overflows are important but that the impacts on both harbours needs to be considered.

46. Subject to endorsement of the recommended option staff will seek direction from mana whenua as to how they would like to engage with the programme and develop a plan for mana whenua engagement.

Implementation

47. If agreed, the recommended option will be a significant decision under the general criteria Auckland Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. Compliance with the relevant sections of the Local Government Act will occur as part of the development of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028.

48. Early community engagement on the issues has already commenced and a community workshop to commence early engagement on the options and recommendation is scheduled for Monday 16 October 2017. Staff will provide a verbal updated on the community views from this workshop at the committee meeting.

49. The recommended option has significant financial, environmental and community impacts. The Environment and Community Committee cannot make a decision that pre-empts the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 process. Consequently this report asks the committee to note the work and agree that the recommended option be considered as part of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028.

50. If the recommended option is agreed as part of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028 further joint governance and funding approaches will need to be agreed.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Western Isthmus Catchments Map	103
b ⇩	Western Isthmus Programme - Option Three - Map	105
c ⇩	Proposed Western Isthmus Programme - timeline for works	107
d ⇩	Overflow Outcomes - Option One - Do Nothing	109
e ⇩	Overflow Outcomes Option Two - Current Work	111
f ⇩	Overflow Outcomes - Option Three - Western Isthmus Improvement Programme	113
g ⇩	Letter Watercare to Auckland Council - 27 September 2017 - Western Isthmus	115

Signatories

Author

Craig Mcilroy, General Manager, Healthy Waters, Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Authorisers

Barry Potter - Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

Approve the Smokefree Policy 2017 - 2025 and Implementation Plan

File No.: CP2017/21062

Purpose

1. To adopt the amended, Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025 and Implementation Plan.

Executive summary

2. On 8 August 2017, the Environment and Community Committee resolved (ENV/2017/113) that :

· staff to further revise the Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025 and the Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025 Implementation Plan taking into account feedback from the 8 August 2017 Committee discussion

· staff report back to the Committee in October 2017

· establish a political working group consisting of Councillors Hulse, Filipaina, Collins, Darby, Hills, Cooper, Quax and an IMSB member to provide oversight of policy development and its implementation.

3. On 21 August 2017, responses to concerns raised by stakeholders on 8 August 2017 were presented to the political working group for decision. Staff have modified the Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025 (the Policy) and the Smokefree Policy 2017 - 2025 Implementation Plan ( Implementation Plan) to reflect the decisions of the political working group.

4. The political working group also agreed that staff provide implementation funding advice for consideration in the 2018 – 2028 Long-term Plan process.

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) adopt the Smokefree Policy 2017 - 2025 in Attachment A and the Smokefree Policy 2017 - 2025 Implementation Plan in Attachment B.

b) endorse that implementation resources are subject to funding consideration within the Long-term Plan 2018-2028.

Comments

Political directions

5. In 2013 the council adopted the original smokefree policy defining the council’s commitment towards making Auckland smokefree by 2025.

6. In 2016 staff conducted a review of the 2013 Smokefree Policy. The findings of the review were presented to a council committee at meeting on 4 August 2016. The following resolutions came from that meeting (REG 2016/65/66 and 67):

a) agree that its response to the findings of the smokefree policy review is to progress:

i) the revision of the existing smokefree policy, strengthening our existing policy framework and intent to 2025, with a more targeted demographic approach and a greater emphasis on more effective implementation. This is to include investigation of whether council contracts, leases, licences, events and grants stipulate a smokefree requirement

ii) the investigation of a smokefree bylaw – commence the statutory process for investigating a draft smokefree bylaw to complement the council’s Smokefree Policy.

b) agree that, as part of this work, Auckland Council will develop an action plan to target those most in need, including Māori, Pasifika and vulnerable populations.

7. The Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025 (the Policy) and the Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025 Implementation Plan (Implementation Plan) were presented to the Environment and Community Committee at a meeting on 8 August 2017. The following resolution came from that meeting (ENV/2017/113):

That the Environment and Community Committee:

· request staff to further revise the Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025 and the Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025 Implementation Plan taking into account feedback from the 8 August 2017 Committee discussion

· request staff to report back to the Committee in October 2017

Response to stakeholder concerns raised at the 8 August 2017 committee meeting

8. As requested, staff summarised the concerns raised by stakeholders at the committee meeting and developed potential options to respond to each concern. The responses were presented to the political working group for discussion and decision at a meeting held on 21 August 2017.

9. The table below lists each concern from the stakeholder, the relevant content in the original 2013 policy that the concern relates to, and the decision(s) made by the political working group regarding that concern.

Table 1: Stakeholder concerns and political decisions

Stakeholder concern	Relevant content in the original 2013 policy	Political working group decision
Removal of the Auckland Plan targets	The 2013 policy contained a strategic alignment diagram which identified specific smokefree targets in the Auckland Plan	· Reinstate the strategic alignment diagram in the Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025 This includes the two smokefree targets identified in the Auckland Plan
Removal of the mid-term smoking prevalence rate targets	The 2013 policy included Ministry of Health mid-term smoking prevalence rate targets	· These targets are no longer listed by the Ministry of Health therefore it is inappropriate for them to be included in the policy · The Implementation Plan contains Section 4 – Monitoring and evaluation provides appropriate detail regarding how progress towards the smokefree goal will be monitored
Timeframes for outdoor places going smokefree are removed	The 2013 policy specified 31 May 2018 as the date that areas identified in Phase 3 would become smokefree (including al fresco dining)	· In order to provide better clarity, the Policy will specifically state ‘Smokefree spaces to be rolled out starting in November 2017’ as a heading. This will replace the previous heading ‘Future smokefree spaces’
No mention of the council endorsing the smokefree policy to external contractors	Section 3.4 of the 2013 policy says ‘In order to lead by example, the council will also urge all council staff and contractors to respect and adhere to the Smoke-free Policy at all times’	· No modification necessary The Policy has been strengthened by the removal of ‘voluntary’ and ‘non-regulatory’ language that was in the original 2013 policy Eleven activities are identified in the Implementation Plan which specifically address the inclusion of smokefree requirements in the council’s contracting
The policy should cover e-cigarettes	The 2013 policy did not define smoking, therefore did not specifically include or exclude e-cigarettes	· Include the Ministry of Health’s (and the Smokefree Environments Act 1990’s) definition of smoking in the Policy to provide clarity · As the definition of smoking does not cover vaping, this would specifically exclude vaping or e-cigarettes from the Policy · Staff will keep a watching brief on vaping research and practice issues within New Zealand

Stakeholder concern

Relevant content in the original 2013 policy

Political working group decision

Removal of the Auckland Plan targets

The 2013 policy contained a strategic alignment diagram which identified specific smokefree targets in the Auckland Plan

· Reinstate the strategic alignment diagram in the Smokefree Policy 2017 – 2025

This includes the two smokefree targets identified in the Auckland Plan

Removal of the mid-term smoking prevalence rate targets

The 2013 policy included Ministry of Health mid-term smoking prevalence rate targets

· These targets are no longer listed by the Ministry of Health therefore it is inappropriate for them to be included in the policy

· The Implementation Plan contains Section 4 – Monitoring and evaluation provides appropriate detail regarding how progress towards the smokefree goal will be monitored

Timeframes for outdoor places going smokefree are removed

The 2013 policy specified 31 May 2018 as the date that areas identified in Phase 3 would become smokefree (including al fresco dining)

· In order to provide better clarity, the Policy will specifically state ‘Smokefree spaces to be rolled out starting in November 2017’ as a heading. This will replace the previous heading ‘Future smokefree spaces’

No mention of the council endorsing the smokefree policy to external contractors

Section 3.4 of the 2013 policy says ‘In order to lead by example, the council will also urge all council staff and contractors to respect and adhere to the Smoke-free Policy at all times’

· No modification necessary

The Policy has been strengthened by the removal of ‘voluntary’ and ‘non-regulatory’ language that was in the original 2013 policy

Eleven activities are identified in the Implementation Plan which specifically address the inclusion of smokefree requirements in the council’s contracting

The policy should cover e-cigarettes

The 2013 policy did not define smoking, therefore did not specifically include or exclude e-cigarettes

· Include the Ministry of Health’s (and the Smokefree Environments Act 1990’s) definition of smoking in the Policy to provide clarity

· As the definition of smoking does not cover vaping, this would specifically exclude vaping or e-cigarettes from the Policy

· Staff will keep a watching brief on vaping research and practice issues within New Zealand

Additional items discussed at the political working group meeting

Request not to reference Māori with vulnerable communities

10. Staff were requested to remove the reference of Māori and vulnerable communities within the same context in the Policy and Implementation Plan. Specifically this includes:

· revising the Policy outcome # 7 by removing the specific reference to Māori, Pacific and vulnerable communities so it reads as ‘Public empowerment / cultural shift – Smokers feel supported by their community to stop smoking’

· reframing Section 3.2 of the Implementation Plan to refer to the council’s focus on communities that have a high smoking prevalence rate.

Too many activities in the Implementation Plan

11. Staff were requested to reduce the number of activities in the Implementation Plan to ensure the listed activities had the greatest impact.

12. The activities listed in the Implementation Plan were reviewed and reduced from 102 to 71. Many of the activities are derived from stakeholder consultation and require collaboration with various groups, many are already under way.

13. The table below compares the number of activities across the three categories, between the version of the Implementation Plan presented at the committee meeting, and the modified version presented in Attachment B.

Table 2: Change in the Implementation Plan activities per category

category of activities	previously	revised
currently in action	14	15
planned for this year	37	30
in the future 2019 – 2025	51	26
TOTAL	102	71

Indicative costs for key implementation methods provided to the working group

14. Staff presented the indicative costs for two key implementation methods required for the Policy’s successful implementation. These are:

· a public awareness campaign – estimated to cost between $200,000 - $700,000 per annum depending on the extent of the target audience

· a full-time implementation coordinator position to drive the council’s smokefree activities (with both internal and external stakeholders) – estimated cost is $120,000 per annum for a minimum of two years.

15. It was agreed that staff provide implementation funding advice for consideration in the 2018 – 2028 Long-term Plan process.

Minor edit

16. Staff have removed the word ‘large’ in relation to events both within the Policy and Implementation Plan to clarify the intention that activities listed for smokefree implementation relate to all council events.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

17. The original 2013 policy gave local boards the discretion to implement the policy at a local level. Local boards are delivering on smokefree objectives to various degrees depending on priorities and resource availability.

18. Staff conducted informal engagement with local boards through the 2016 Smokefree Policy Review process.

19. Local board feedback and recommendations have been incorporated into the Smokefree Policy 2017 - 2025 and the Implementation Plan.

Māori impact statement

20. Māori currently have the highest smoking rates of any group in Auckland.

21. Reducing the smoking prevalence rates amongst Māori is a shared goal across the smokefree sector including Māori health groups.

22. The council, in partnership with Healthy Families Manukau, Manurewa – Papakura and the Counties Manukau District Health Board, are part of a smoking cessation intervention project which focuses on Māori. The information collected from this project to date has been incorporated into the Policy and Implementation Plan.

Implementation

23. The Implementation Plan outlines the council’s commitment to deliver specific activities within this 2017/2018 financial year.

24. Funding for activities listed in the Implementation Plan either as ‘currently taking place’ or ‘in this year (2017 - 2018)’ will be resourced through existing department budgets or from the $468,536 allocated as capital expenditure in this year’s Annual Plan budget.

25. Activities identified ‘in the future 2019 - 2025’ will remain subject to future decisions on resource allocation and budget including funding decisions in future annual plans and in the 2018 - 2028 Long-term Plan.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Smokefree Policy 2017 - 2025 (showing track changes)	123
b ⇩	Smokefree Policy 2017 - 2025 Implementation Plan (showing amendments made)	133

Signatories

Author

Kimberly Rees - Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Kataraina Maki - GM - Community & Social Policy

Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

Regional Park Management Plan 2010 - Variation to incorporate land at Te Arai

File No.: CP2017/20250

Purpose

1. To seek approval to publicly notify the intention to vary the Regional Parks Management Plan 2010 to incorporate regional parkland at Te Arai.

Executive summary

2. The council owns and manages 78 hectares of land for regional park purposes at Te Arai Point. In 2015, an additional 217 hectares of open space land was vested in council for regional parks purposes as part of a development of the former pine forest to the north of Te Arai Point. A further 180 hectares of land has been identified as public open space as part of a development of the former pine forest to the south of Te Arai Point.

3. Both development areas to the north and south of Te Arai Point are subject to precinct plans in the Auckland Unitary Plan. The open space in the north has yet to be rezoned and designated for open space purposes within the Auckland Unitary Plan. The transfer of the northern open space land is subject to an agreement requiring the developer to replace the pine forest with native vegetation and fund a ranger to manage the land during a 5 year transition period. The transfer of the land in the south would be subject to a development agreement, prior to vesting.

4. The Department of Conservation (DoC) manages extensive coastal and riparian marginal strips and a small stewardship block adjoining the council land. Consideration needs to be given to whether a management agreement should be entered into between the council and DoC for the integrated management of the public lands in the area.

5. The variation will provide the development and management policy framework to enable the additional public open space to be managed and developed as an integrated whole with the existing council-owned parkland and the land managed by DoC.

6. The northern vested open space land and former local reserves are subject to the Reserves Act 1977. The variation would follow the Reserves Act 1977 process with two formal public consultation stages. The formal classification of this land under the Reserves Act needs to be determined during this process.

7. It is anticipated that the intention to vary the management plan will be notified in November with the closing date for public submissions in late January.

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) approve public notification of its intention to vary the Regional Parks Management Plan 2010 to vary the policy relating to the existing regional parkland at Te Arai Point and to incorporate the open space vested to the north, the open space to be vested to the south, and the areas of local park that were transferred to regional park management in 2013, and invite written suggestions on the proposed variation

b) recommend to the Planning Committee the zoning of the vested land (Lots 300 – 303, DP 483489) as Open Space and its designation for regional park purposes within the Auckland Unitary Plan

c) approve the vested and transferred land being protected in perpetuity by Order in Council in terms of Section 139 of the Local Government Act 2002

d) approve the General Manager, Parks, Sports and Recreation to determine the transfer of the management of adjoining Department of Conservation land to the council by way of a management agreement or similar arrangement.

Comments

Parkland at Te Arai

8. The council acquired 50 hectares of land at Te Arai Point for regional parks purposes in 2008. A further 28 hectares of land, formerly allocated to the Rodney Local Board as a local park, was transferred to the regional park management in 2013. In 2015, an additional 217 hectares of open space land was vested in the council for regional parks purposes as part of a development of the former pine forest to the north of Te Arai Point. The land south of Te Arai Point is subject to a precinct plan in the Auckland Unitary Plan and will be developed for rural coastal development in the near future. The intention is that approximately 180 hectares of this land will be transferred to the council as public open space at the time subdivision occurs.. Refer to attachments A, B and C.

9. Te Arai Point is an increasingly popular surfing and fishing location and the former Crown-owned commercial forests to the north and south have traditionally been used by campers, horse riders and mountain bikers. The Te Arai coast is on the route of the increasing popular Te Araroa national trail.

10. The existing regional parkland at Te Arai comprises an elevated headland containing walking and horse riding trails and provides panoramic vistas along Pakiri Beach. The beach to the north is the feeding and nesting areas for the nationally vulnerable northern New Zealand dotterel and the critically endangered fairy tern. The headland contains significant natural features, including two pristine dune lakes and wetlands, and is of cultural significance to mana whenua. The current management policies contained in the Regional Park Management Plan (RPMP) are focused on maintaining and enhancing these values. The adjoining land that was formally local parkland contains the main arrival area at Te Arai Point, including car parking and toilet facilities.

11. The existing public parkland at Te Arai, together with the additional land to be vested, will provide an opportunity to consider an integrated system of trail systems catering for a range of outdoor recreation activities such as, tramping, mountain biking, horse riding, camping and a range of informal coastal activities, such as surfing and fishing. It will also provide the opportunity to place a management framework around visitor activity that has, up until now, had a low level of management and will provide a higher level of protection for the wildlife and sensitive ecosystems in the locality.

12. The Department of Conservation (DoC) manages extensive coastal marginal strips along the entire coastline, riparian marginal strips up two streams and a small stewardship block at Te Arai Point adjoining the council land. It is recommended that, in the interests of integrated management of these lands, the council seeks to enter into a management agreement or similar arrangement with DoC for the coordinated management of these lands.

13. The vested land was transferred to council on the basis that it be classified under the Reserves act 1977. It is recommended that the appropriate classification be considered in the first phase of consultation with the public and be confirmed prior to the notification of the draft variation.

Regional Parks Management Plan 2010 (PPMP)

14. The RPMP is the guiding policy framework for regional parks. The RPMP has two components; the general management principles and policies, which apply to all regional parks, and the specific policies and concept plans that apply to each specific park. The general policies of the RPMP automatically apply to land once it is purchased for regional park purposes. New land however requires a variation to the RPMP to incorporate the specific details for the management of that park.

15. The RPMP was developed under the Reserves Act 1977 and the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA). The Reserves Act requires that management plans be prepared and kept under continuous review for land held under that Act. Management plans are not mandatory under the LGA. However the regional parks network is a strategic asset for the council and requires that the land be managed in terms of public policy developed in terms of section 83 of the LGA. While only approximately 10 per cent of regional parkland is held under the Reserves Act, in the interests of integrated management, it is prudent to prepare management plans for regional parks utilising the procedures set out in the Reserves Act.

Scope of the variation

16. The RPMP includes the 50 hectares of existing regional parkland at Te Arai Point but currently does not cover the open space vested to the north, the open space to be vested to the south, or the areas of local park that were transferred to regional park management in 2013. The variation will bring all these lands into the RPMP management framework. It may involve minor adjustments to the layout details on the existing regional parkland at Te Arai but will not involve a review of the conservation focus relating to the existing parkland.

17. The land to the south of Te Arai Point will be formally vested in the council at the time of lodging the first subdivision approvals, which may be approximately 12 months away. The local community has clearly signaled the need to complete the planning for the northern open space progressed as soon as possible. It is prudent however in progressing the planning for the northern area that the total area is planned as an integrated whole in anticipation of the southern land being transferred to council in the future.

18. The variation will replace Section 17.16 Te Arai Regional Parkland of the RPMP and amend Map 16.

19. The table below sets out the key stages and proposed timeframes:

Stage	Timeframe
Collation and commissioning of work necessary to inform the variation, including cultural values assessment from mana whenua. Considerable resource material has been generated by the resource consenting requirements for the adjoining private developments.	August – October 2017
Mana whenua engagement	August 2017 - ongoing
Workshop with Rodney Local Board	August 2017
Report to Environment and Community Committee seeking approval to initiate variation to the RPMP	October 2017
Public notification of the intent to vary the operative RPMP, call for public submissions and hold open days on the park over the summer period.	October 2017
Analysis of public submissions and development of a draft variation.	January–February 2018
Classify the vested land under the Reserves Act 1977	February 2018
Workshop with Rodney Local Board	March 2018
Report to the Environment and Community Committee seeking approval to formally notify the draft variation	March 2018
Report to Regulatory Committee on appointment of commissioners to hear public submissions	March 2018
Public consultation period (including open days on the park).	April - May 2018
Analyse submissions and prepare final draft variation and hearings report	June 2018
Hearings on submissions	July 2018
Report to the Environment and Community Committee with recommendations on adoption of the draft variation to the RPMP	August 2018

20. It is recommended that independent commissioners be appointed to hear submissions on the draft variation and that they recommend any changes to the draft variation back to the Environment and Community Committee for approval. The appointment of appropriate commissioners will be sought through the Regulatory Committee at the time of notifying the draft variation.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

21. The Rodney Local Board was briefed on the project in August. They commented on the need to protect the ‘wilderness’ qualities of the area and protect the unique dune systems along the Pakiri coastline from inappropriate uses, such as motorised activity. Once the draft variation is completed, it will be reported to the local board to seek their input prior to it being reported to the Environment and Community Committee for endorsement for public notification.

Māori impact statement

22. The lands that are subject to the developments at Te Arai were the subject of treaty settlement arrangements with Te Uri o Hau for the northern area, and Ngati Manuhiri for the southern area. Hui and site visits have been held with representatives of both iwi. Both iwi have undertaken to prepare cultural values assessments to provide guidance in the development of the draft variation.

23. The regional parkland at Te Arai has not yet been formally named. Mana whenua will be invited to offer appropriate names for areas of the land as part of the variation process.

Implementation

24. Funding has been committed from the adjoining development towards park development and its operational costs for the first five years. This will cover the development of some public infrastructure, such as parking areas, planting programmes and the funding of a ranger.

25. Funding after the first five years will be incorporated into Long-term plan funding.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Existing regional parkland at Te Arai Point	159
b ⇩	Land vested in council - north of Te Arai Point	161
c ⇩	Land to be vested in council - south of Te Arai Point	163

Signatories

Author

Neil Olsen - Service and Asset Planner

Authorisers

Mace Ward - General Manager Parks, Sports and Recreation

Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

Revocation of Road Reserve - 315A Glengarry Road, Glen Eden

File No.: CP2017/20676

Purpose

1. To consider a submission on the proposal to revoke the road reserve status on land at 315a Glengarry Rd, Glen Eden under s.24 of the Reserves Act 1977 and decide whether to seek the consent of the Minister of Conservation to lift the reserve status.

Executive summary

2. On 11 April 2017 the Finance and Performance Committee resolved that the property at 315A Glengarry Road, Glen Eden be sold, subject to the revocation of the road reserve status over the land.

3. The land totals 4,105 square metres. It is a narrow, level section only 20 metres wide by 205 metres deep. There is housing to the south and undeveloped residential land to the north. An aerial photograph is included as Attachment A.

4. Panuku has completed the public notification process for reserve revocation under the Reserves Act 1977.

5. A public notice was placed in printed local media and on the council’s website on 13 July and the notification period ran through to the 15 August 2017. Adjoining owners were notified by personalised letters on 11 July.

6. Mana whenua were notified on 16 June and the mana whenua notification period closed on 15 August, co-terminus with the public notification period.

7. No objections were received from eleven iwi contacted and no objections were received from adjoining owners, or from the public during the notification period.

8. On 17 August a member of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board submitted an objection to the revocation proposal using the Board’s email address.

9. Legal services have advised that local board considerations are made in internal council consultation processes, but a local board is not able to make an objection in a public notification process. However, a local board member is able to make an objection in a personal capacity and that is how this objection has been treated.

10. The objector requested an opportunity to speak at a hearing, but under the Reserves Act the s.24 process does not provide for a hearing of submissions. The submission is included as Attachment B.

11. The objection has been reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Policy team who have advised the land is not required for park. This advice is consistent with the advice provided during the rationalisation process for this property. The officers’ advice is included in Attachment C.

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) note the objection received and officers’ advice.

b) agree to submit a request to the Minister of Conservation to uplift the road reserve status on land situated at 315A Glengarry Road, Glen Eden, being Lot 41 DP19309 pursuant to s.24 of the Reserves Act 1977.

Comments

12. 315A Glengarry Road Glen Eden is a 4,105m² site that was vested in the Crown as road reserve upon subdivision of the original parcel of land in 1926. It subsequently vested in Auckland Council pursuant to successive legislation. As a site set aside for road reserve, it has a long and narrow shape with a 20m frontage to Glengarry Road. The revocation of the road reserve statue is subject to s.24 of the Reserves Act 1977.

13. The land to the north and south of this land is zoned ‘Residential - Single House’ and the value of the land will be comparable to the use of the land for that purpose.

14. Following a thorough consultation process to determine if council should retain 315A Glengarry Road for a public work, the Finance and Performance Committee resolved on 11 April 2017 to dispose of the property, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of any statutory process, and the revocation of the road reserve status (FIN/2017/50).

15. This decision had been supported by the recommendation of officers that the land was not required for roading purposes, nor for open space purposes.

16. The Waitakere Ranges Local Board did not support the disposal of the land during the rationalisation process and resolved that the land should be retained for future public open space purposes (Resolution WTK/2017/7).

17. Following the resolution to dispose, Panuku implemented the notification process for the revocation of the road reserve status in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977.

18. On 16 June eleven iwi were notified of the proposal to request the revocation. Three iwi responded with requests for information and these are described in the Maori impact statement section below and the responses to them. On closure of the notification period no objections had been received from iwi to the revocation proposal.

19. Adjoining owners were notified of the proposal by personalised letters and the public were notified by way of a notice published in the Western leader on 13 July 2017. The notice was also placed on the public notice section of Auckland Council’s website for the duration of the notification period, which ran from 13 July to 15 August 2017.

20. No submissions were received during the public notification period. On 17 August a member of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board submitted an objection to the revocation of the road reserve status on behalf of the Board.

21. Legal services have advised that local board considerations are made in internal council consultation processes, but a local board is not able to make an objection in a public notification process. However, a local board member is able to make an objection in a personal capacity.

22. In the objection a request was made to speak at a hearing. The section 24 process under the Reserves Act requires the administering authority for the reserve to consider submissions, not to hear submissions. Any request to the Minister of Conservation to revoke a reserve needs to attach copies of the submissions received and information on how the administering body considered those submissions.

23. The objector is of the view that the land would make an ideal park for community uses such as gardens, orchards and play area. It notes generally that Glen Eden is significantly under-provided with parks, with little space for informal recreation and no room for community gardens and orchards. It also notes residential intensification will increase the need for open space.

24. Following receipt of the objection, Panuku requested the Parks and Recreation Policy team to review the points raised and comment. Their advice is that there are eight grounds to support the position that there is no significant reason to retain the property for open space purposes. The advice also addresses specific comments in the objection. The advice is included in Attachment C.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

25. The Waitākere Ranges Local Board did not support the disposal of the property during the rationalisation process and confirmed this at its business meeting on 23 February 2017 (WTK/2017/7).

26. The local board member is the sole objector to the road reserve revocation proposal and the objection is included as Attachment B.

Māori impact statement

27. Eleven iwi authorities were contacted during the rationalisation process, and the same eleven authorities were again invited to comment on the proposal to revoke the reserve status.

28. Ngati Te Ata Waiohua advised there was immense cultural significance attached to the land and suggested it be returned to Ngati Te Ata Waiohua, or that alternatively redress or compensation might be due. Ngati Te Ata Waiohua was advised that as the land is in the ownership of Auckland Council it is not subject to right of first refusal provisions; however, if the reserve status is lifted Ngati Te Ata Waiohua would be given notice prior to the marketing of the property and that such notification would assist Ngati Te Ata Waiohua in considering cultural opportunities.

29. Ngati Whanaunga advised that the Glengarry Road property could offer Ngati Whanaunga the ability to consider commercial and cultural opportunities and asked that this be considered. Ngati Whanaunga was advised that if the road reserve status of the property was revoked, Ngati Whanaunga would be given notice prior to the marketing of the property.

30. Te Kawerau a Maki responded on 8 August with a number of questions relating to the status of the property and its disposal, but did not make any objection to the proposal to revoke the road reserve status. Responses to the questions were sent on 9 August.

Implementation

31. If the Committee agrees to proceed with the application to revoke the road reserve status, council officers will forward the resolution to the Department of Conservation together with the objection received.

32. If the Minister approves the request, a notice will be published in the New Zealand Gazette authorizing the revocation and this will be submitted to Land and Information New Zealand for title purposes. Panuku will then seek to change the zoning of the property from Open Space to Residential Single House prior to sale of the land.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	315A Glengarry Road - Aerial Photo	169
b ⇩	Objection from Waitakere Local Board	171
c ⇩	Consideration of Objection - Parks and Recreation Policy	173

Signatories

Author

Nigel Hewitson – Manager Property Disposal, Panuku

Authorisers

David Rankin - Chief Operating Officer, Panuku

Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer

Environment and Community Committee

17 October 2017

Exchange of part of Taniwha Reserve for other land

File No.: CP2017/21181

Purpose

1. To obtain approval to publicly notify a proposed exchange of part of Taniwha Reserve, Glen Innes, with the Tāmaki Regeneration Company under section 15(2) of the Reserves Act 1977.

Executive summary

2. The Tāmaki Regeneration Company is undertaking a development in northern Tāmaki. The development consists of 117 dwellings on 2.3 hectares of land.

3. The proposed development is located adjacent to Taniwha Reserve, Glen Innes.

4. The Tāmaki Regeneration Company has proposed an exchange of 375m² of their land at numbers 4 and 6 to 8 Harlow Place, Glen Innes with 132m² of land at Taniwha Reserve under section 15 of the Reserves Act 1977.

5. The proposed land exchange aims to:

· improve sightlines and physical access into Taniwha Reserve

· improve the safety of users accessing the reserve by removing the existing accessway

· provide better connectivity with the open space network in the area.

6. The proposed land exchange has merit when considered against the assessment criteria of the Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy 2013.

7. The proposed land exchange has been initiated by the Tāmaki Regeneration Company. A decision is required by the Environment and Community Committee to pursue the proposed land exchange through public notification under section 15(2) of the Reserves Act 1977.

8. Staff recommend that the committee approve public notification of the proposed land exchange.

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Community Committee:

a) approve statutory notification under section 15(2) of the Reserves Act 1977 of a proposed exchange of 132m²of Taniwha Reserve, 193-195 Taniwha Street, Glen Innes (Pt Lot 142 DP 42356) for 375m²of land at 4 Harlow Place, Glen Innes (Lot 4 DP 39662) and 6-8 Harlow Place, Glen Innes (Lot 121 DP 39662) as shown in Attachment C of the agenda report.

Comments

Background

9. The Tāmaki Regeneration Company is undertaking the redevelopment of approximately 1,000 properties throughout northern Tāmaki, collectively known as the Large Scale Development.

10. Line Epping Stage One is the first area for redevelopment. The land area is approximately 2.3 hectares.

11. The Tāmaki Regeneration Company proposes to demolish 29 of the 32 existing dwellings on the site. The three remaining dwellings will be relocated and renovated and 117 new dwellings will be constructed. The development will involve creating three new road connections and revising the current open space layout (refer Attachment A).

12. The land proposed for the redevelopment is located adjacent to Taniwha Reserve, Glen Innes (refer Attachment B).

13. Taniwha Reserve is classified as a recreation reserve under the Reserves Act 1977. It does not have a reserve management plan in place.

14. To enable efficient use of the site and improve access to Taniwha Reserve, the Tāmaki Regeneration Company seeks to exchange 132m² of Taniwha Reserve with land totalling 375m² at 4 and 6 to 8 Harlow Place, Glen Innes (refer Attachment C).

15. The proposed land exchange is expected to have positive benefits to the community including:

· improve sightlines and physical access into Taniwha Reserve

· improve the safety of users accessing the reserve by removing the existing accessway

· provide better connectivity with the open space network in the area.

Reserves Act 1977 land exchange process

16. Section 15 of the Reserves Act prescribes the process for a land exchange between reserves and other land. The process has four key steps:

· the administering body (in this case the Auckland Council) publicly notifies its intention to undertake the land exchange and calls for objections in writing, allowing a period of at least one month for objections to be received

· after a period of at least one month following public notification the administering body considers all received objections to the proposed land exchange

· the administering body passes a resolution supporting the land exchange if it considers it appropriate to do so in light of all objections received

· a copy of the resolution supporting the land exchange is forwarded to the Department of Conservation along with all the objections for authorisation under delegation from the Minister of Conservation for land derived from the Crown.

17. Relevant mana whenua must be consulted when Auckland Council is performing its functions and duties under the Reserves Act 1977.

Acquisition assessment

18. Staff have undertaken an initial assessment of the proposed land exchange.

19. Open space acquisition opportunities, including land exchanges, are assessed against the criteria of the council’s Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy 2013.

Assessment conclusion

20. The proposed land exchange has merit when considered against the assessment criteria of the Parks and Open Space Acquisition Policy 2013.

21. Staff recommend that the committee approve public notification of the proposed land exchange.

Table 1: Initial assessment of the open space configuration which would result from the proposed land exchange

Acquisition criteria	Comment	Rating
Meeting community needs, now and in the future	High priority: · the proposed land exchange would improve physical access into Taniwha Reserve and will lead to improved safety outcomes as the current accessway is only three meters wide.	High priority
Connecting parks and open spaces	High priority: · the proposed land exchange would improve the connectivity of the network of open space walkways throughout the area.
Protecting and restoring Auckland’s unique features and meanings	Not a priority: · there are no known heritage, cultural or natural values of significance located within the areas proposed for exchange.
Improving the parks and open spaces we already have	High priority: · the proposed new access would provide high quality access and improve the functionality of Taniwha Reserve.

Risks

22. There are no risks to the council if the statutory requirements of the Reserves Act 1977 land exchange process are followed correctly.

23. All risks sit with the applicant, as there is no guarantee that the proposed land exchange will be:

· approved by the governing body for notification

· supported by mana whenua through the consultation process

· supported by the public through the consultation process

· supported by the governing body following public consultation.

· authorised by the Minister of Conservation (or their delegate) for land derived from the Crown.

Costs

24. Council and the applicant will share all costs associated with processing the land exchange.

Next Steps

25. If the committee approve commencing the land exchange, staff will work with the applicant and begin the Reserves Act 1977 process as soon as practicable.

Consideration

Local board views and implications

26. At its 26 September 2017 meeting the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board resolved (MT/2017/167 refers) that it:

b) supports the public notification under section 15(2) of the Reserves Act 1977 of a proposed exchange of 132m² of Taniwha Reserve, 193-195 Taniwha Street, Glen Innes (Pt Lot 142 DP 42356) for 375m² of land at 4 Harlow Place, Glen Innes (Lot 4 DP 39662) and 6-8 Harlow Place, Glen Innes (Lot 121 DP 39662) as shown in Attachment C of the report on agenda;

c) notes that this proposed exchange item occurs before our public consultation on the Open Space Network Plan. However it will not have an effect on the substance of the Open Space Network Plan as this exchange relates to 132 m² of Taniwha Reserve that will enable better access and amenity of the reserve.

Māori impact statement

27. Consultation with mana whenua will be undertaken as part of the statutory process under the Reserves Act 1977.

28. The provision of quality parks and open spaces facilitates Māori participation in outdoor recreational activity.

29. Additional benefits include:

· demonstrating Auckland Council’s commitment to the Active Protection (Tautuaku Ngangahau) Principle of the Treaty of Waitangi

· helping make Auckland a green, resilient and healthy environment consistent with the Māori world view and their role as kaitiaki of the natural environment.

Implementation

30. Typically there is a six week lead-in time before commencing statutory consultation. A range of communication and engagement collateral will need to be developed and staff will need to reprioritise existing work.

31. The land exchange process under section 15 of the Reserves Act 1977 is expected to take a minimum of six months to complete.

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	The layout plan of the Line Epping Stage One development	179
b ⇩	The location of the Taniwha Reserve and Line Epping Stage One development area	181
c ⇩	The configuration of the Line Epping Stage One development area	183

Signatories

Authors

Emma Golightly - Team Leader - Parks and Recreation Policy

Jordan Hamilton - Policy Analyst

Authorisers

Paul Marriott-Lloyd - Senior Policy Manager

Kataraina Maki - GM - Community & Social Policy

Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer

Chairperson	Cr Penny Hulse
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Alf Filipaina
Members	IMSB Member James Brown	Cr Daniel Newman, JP
	Cr Dr Cathy Casey	Cr Dick Quax
	Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore	Cr Greg Sayers
	Cr Ross Clow	Cr Desley Simpson, JP
	Cr Fa’anana Efeso Collins	Cr Sharon Stewart, QSM
	Cr Linda Cooper, JP	Cr Sir John Walker, KNZM, CBE
	Cr Chris Darby	Cr Wayne Walker
	Cr Hon Christine Fletcher, QSO	Cr John Watson
	Mayor Hon Phil Goff, CNZM, JP	IMSB Member Glenn Wilcox
	Cr Richard Hills
	Cr Denise Lee
	Cr Mike Lee

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Environment and Community Committee Forward Work Programme	187
b	20170913_Workshop Minutes and presentation (Under Separate Cover)
c	20170927_Workshop Minutes (Under Separate Cover)
d	20170929_Global Activity Memo - Oct 2017 (Under Separate Cover)

Authors	Tam White - Senior Governance Advisor
Authorisers	Dean Kimpton - Chief Operating Officer