Agenda of Rural Advisory Panel

I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Rural Advisory Panel will be held on:

Date:

Time:

Meeting Room:

Venue:

Friday, 7 August 2020

12.30pm

Room 1, Level 26
135 Albert Street, Auckland

Ngā Hui a te Rōpū Kaitohutohu Take ā-Taiwhenua / Rural Advisory Panel

OPEN AGENDA

MEMBERSHIP

Chairperson	Deputy Mayor Cr Bill Cashmore	Auckland Council
Deputy Chairperson	Greg Sayers	Auckland Council
Members	Brent Bailey	Rodney Local Board, Auckland Council
	Alan Cole	Franklin Local Board, Auckland Council
	Lucy Deverall	Horticulture New Zealand
	Trish Fordyce	New Zealand Forest Owners Association
	Wilma Foster	Dairy New Zealand
	Richard Gardner	Federated Farmers
	Annaliese Goettler	Young Farmers
	Fiona Gower	Rural Women New Zealand
	Steve Levet	Rural Contractors New Zealand
	Craig Maxwell	Federated Farmers
	Greg McCracken	Fonterra Shareholders Council
	Andrew McKenzie	Beef and Lamb New Zealand
	Roger Parton	Rural Contractors New Zealand
	Wayne Scott	Aggregate and Quarry Association
	Geoff Smith	Equine Industry
	Peter Spencer	New Zealand Forest Owners Association
	Ken Turner	Waitākere Ranges Local Board, Auckland Council
	Keith Vallabh	Pukekohe Vegetable Growers
	Glenn Wilcox	Independent Māori Statutory Board

(Quorum 10 members)

Sonja Tomovska

Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere / Governance Advisor

3 August 2020

Contact Telephone: 021 615 961

Email: sonja.tomovska@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Terms of Reference

(Excerpt – full terms of reference available as a separate document)

The terms of reference set out the purpose, role and protocols of the Auckland Council Rural Advisory Panel for the 2019-2022 term of the council. Panel members must abide by the Code of Conduct for Members of Auckland Council Advisory Panels.

Purpose

As one of council’s engagement mechanisms with the rural sector in Auckland, the Rural Advisory Panel provides advice to the council within the remit of the Auckland Plan on the following areas:

· council policies, plans and strategies relevant to rural issues

· regional and strategic matters relevant to rural issues

· any matter of particular interest or concern to rural communities.

Outcomes

The panel’s advice will contribute to improving the outcomes of the rural sector as set out in the Auckland Plan. The panel will provide advice through its agreed work programme.

Work programme

The panel must develop a work programme for the term. The agendas should be focused and aligned with the Auckland Plan and the long-term plan.

Submissions

The panel cannot make formal submissions to Auckland Council on council strategies, policies and plans, for example, the annual plan. However, the panel may be asked for informal feedback during a consultative process.

In its advisory role to the council, the panel may have input into submissions made by the council to external organisations but does not make independent submissions, except as agreed with the council.

This does not prevent individual members being party to submissions outside their role as panel members.

Review

The form and functioning of the panel may be reviewed prior to or after, the end of the year 2022.

1 Apologies

At the close of the agenda no apologies had 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 Rural Advisory Panel:

a) confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Friday, 5 June 2020, as a true and correct record.

4 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.”

Rural Advisory Panel

07 August 2020

Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards 2020

File No.: CP2020/10297

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To congratulate Mathew and Sarah Bolton of Oete Goat Farm, winners of the Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards 2020, and to receive a presentation about their farm.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Attached is an article from the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust which outlines the background and operations of Oete Goat Farm and their successes to date. A short presentation from the Boltons will be provided at the meeting.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rural Advisory Panel:

a) congratulate Matt and Sarah Bolton for winning the 2020 Regional Supreme Award and thank them for their presentation.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Auckland Ballance Farm Environment Awards Winners 2020 - Media article	11

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Warren Maclennan - Manager Planning - North/West
Authoriser	Warren Maclennan - Manager Planning - North/West

Rural Advisory Panel

07 August 2020

Outdoor Fire Safety Bylaw Review

File No.: CP2020/10128

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To workshop with the Rural Advisory Panel about outdoor fire management, safety, nuisance, and enforcement in rural Auckland.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

Auckland Council is reviewing the Outdoor Fire Safety Bylaw 2014

2. The purpose of the Outdoor Fire Safety Bylaw 2014 (the Bylaw) is to protect public health and safety by regulating the use of outdoor fires and fire hazards including:

· lighting outdoor fires in urban areas

· lighting outdoor fires in rural areas

· conditions for lighting outdoor fires in all areas at all times

· total fire band during periods of extreme fire hazard

· live ash or smouldering substance

· storage of combustible materials.

3. The Bylaw is being reviewed and this will determine whether the Bylaw:

· is still required

· is consistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and Fire Emergency New Zealand Act 2017.

4. The Bylaw works within a wider system of management which includes:

· Auckland Council Unitary Plan - which regulates activities that discharge contaminants into the air, such as outdoor burning, in order to protect air quality

· Auckland’s Public Safety and Nuisance Bylaw 2013 - which prohibits the lighting of fires, fireworks and flares in all public places, except for fires contained in an outdoor fire device designed for outdoor cooking or when prior council approval has been obtained

· Fire and Emergency New Zealand who holds responsibility (formally held by Auckland Council) for: setting fire seasons, open-air fire controls, regulating vegetation and removal of open-air fires and fire hazard.

Rural panel feedback sought to inform bylaw review

5. Staff appreciate that fires are used as a management tool in rural areas for:

· removal of organic rubbish

· invasive weed clearance

· land preparation

· grass growth regeneration

· stock access improvement.

6. Rural Advisory Panel feedback is sought to inform the findings report on the bylaw review to:

· gain a wider perspective on the use of outdoor fires in rural areas

· explore practice changes or issues with outdoor fires observed over the last five years

· understand views about how outdoor fire rules and regulations work

· explore changes/ experiences in the management and enforcement of outdoor fires rules following the authority change from Auckland Council to Fire and Emergency NZ

· receive general feedback on the management of outdoor fires from a safety, nuisance or air quality perspective.

7. Staff would appreciate advice on organisations or contacts that could assist the Bylaw review.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rural Advisory Panel:

a) provide feedback on the use and management of outdoor fires, from a safety, nuisance or air quality perspective, to support the Outdoor Fire Safety Bylaw 2014 review.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

8. Rural Advisory Panel members are encouraged to provide any additional feedback by 20August 2020 (refer feedback form Attachment B).

9. All feedback will be included in a findings report that will be presented to the Regulatory Committee in October 2020. Based on findings report, council will determine whether the Bylaw should remain unchanged, be amended, or be revoked.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Outdoor Fire Safety Bylaw 2014	17
b ⇩	Rural Advisory Panel Question Form	31

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Antonia Butler - Policy Manager

Authorisers

Kataraina Maki – General Manager - Community & Social Policy

Warren Maclennan - Manager Planning - North/West

Rural Advisory Panel

07 August 2020

Central government decisions on Action for Healthy Waterways

File No.: CP2020/10154

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To receive an information memo and overview from the Auckland Plan Strategy and Research department outlining the central government decisions for the Action for Healthy Waterways package.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. On 28 May 2020, central government announced decisions on the Action for Healthy Waterways package. An information memo dated 9 July 2020 was addressed to members of the Planning Committee.

3. This information memo is copied to members of the Rural Advisory Panel for information purposes (Attachment A).

4. Gazettal of the various regulatory tools arising from this central government package are now expected in August 2020. Auckland Plan, Strategy and Research departmental staff will provide an overview of the central government decisions at the Rural Advisory Panel meeting of 7 August 2020.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rural Advisory Panel:

a) receive the information memo dated 9 July 2020 and thank Dave Allen, Manager Natural Environment Strategy, Auckland Plan Strategy and Research department and his colleagues for an overview of the central government decisions on the Action for Healthy Waterways package.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Central government decision announcements on Action for Healthy Waterways package - 28 May 2020	35

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Dave Allen - Manager Natural Environment Strategy

Authorisers

Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Warren Maclennan - Manager Planning - North/West

Rural Advisory Panel

07 August 2020

Operational response to drought

File No.: CP2020/10490

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To advise the Rural Advisory Panel of Auckland Council’s operational drought response actions and seek feedback on the potential impact on rural communities.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. Since October 2019 the Auckland region has experienced the worst drought in its recorded history.

3. Water shortages initially impacted residents in rural areas that use rainwater tanks. However, as the drought has persisted throughout autumn of 2020, water shortages are now impacting on the municipal network.

4. If the drought persists through to the next summer the resulting water shortages will severely impact on the lives of Aucklanders and our economic recovery from COVID-19.

5. The resilience of communities who relied on water tanker deliveries over the 2019-20 summer is a priority, given Watercare’s proposal to reduce access to bulk supply points if the municipal storage reaches 30%.

6. Healthy Waters is investigating potential aquifer sources from Auckland Council sites, government sites, and private sites as needed.

7. Additional work is being undertaken to increase the uptake of rainwater tanks and encourage existing tank users to invest in additional storage.

8. When the official water restrictions were announced in May 2020 Auckland Council began work on making alternative sources available. This has included non-potable water. The larger challenge of providing potable water is the focus of this report.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rural Advisory Panel:

a) endorse the ongoing operational drought response actions

b) advise staff on the possible demand from rural communities including non-residential consumers.

Horopaki

Context

9. In February 2020, emergency water supplies were activated across the region to supplement residents with rainwater tanks who had run dry. At this time, there was no concern raised for the municipal supply and so additional tankers were used to shuttle supply to remote areas.

10. Between 6 January and 31 May, 640 million litres of water was delivered by these tankers and Watercare’s commercial bulk supply to rural communities.

11. In addition, potable water collection sites were opened for people to collect small quantities of water for domestic use. This was limited to 20 litres per person in the household per day, though the limits were not strictly enforced. Those accessing this had completely run out of water in their tanks. This service provided essential health and sanitary supply.

12. To date, Auckland Council has not provided specific support for stock given the support available through Ministry for Primary Industries.

13. Council leisure centres and community facilities were opened for shower and bathroom needs.

14. These supplies were enabled because there was sufficient supply from the Watercare network. In the event of more severe water restrictions, it is unlikely that they will be able to be made available again.

15. When the official water restrictions were announced in May 2020 Auckland Council began work on making alternative sources available. This has included non-potable water. The larger challenge of providing potable water is the focus of this report.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

16. High priority areas have been identified for additional sources based on demand over the 2019/2020 summer period and the population that live within a 5km radius of that area.

17. The map in Attachment A indicates the current priority areas and the population not connected to the Watercare network.

18. The chart in Attachment B shows the demand for bulk carrier supply across the permanent and temporary filling sites across Auckland. There was a notable spike in the week of 16 March due to COVID-19 alert level 4 lockdown being announced.

19. The high demand for these sources will not be able to be sustained in the event of harsher drought conditions. In the event of Watercare closing or reducing access to these supply points, this volume will need to be sourced elsewhere.

20. While additional sources across the region are being identified, it is not anticipated that they will be sufficient to meet the demand provided for in early 2020. Additional water saving measures will need to be taken by all Aucklanders in order to preserve the available supply.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

21. Climate change predictions indicate that there will be more extended dry periods in the future. The Auckland Climate Action Framework (ACAF) includes provisions for drought. This operational work reflects the policy directives from ACAF, adopted by the council on 21 July 2020.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

22. Auckland Council is working closely with Watercare in developing these operational alternatives. In some cases, budget will be shared between Watercare and Auckland Council.

Ngā whakaaweawe ā-rohe me ngā tirohanga a te poari ā-rohe

Local impacts and local board views

23. Many local boards that have residents reliant on rainwater tanks (Rodney, Hibiscus and Bays, Upper Harbour, Waitakere, Henderson-Massey, Papakura, and Franklin).

24. Boards were generally pleased with the support provided by the Tanker to Tanker Transfers and welfare water sites. Some board members also provided valuable assistance to the operations negotiating site access and liaising with the water carriers.

25. In addition, Waiheke Island and Aotea Great Barrier have no network supply. Water supply alternatives are being developed specifically for these areas given their isolated locations.

26. Healthy Waters will continue to liaise with local board as specific sites are identified for additional supply points.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

27. Healthy Waters recognises the high significance of wai to mana whenua and the need to consider the rights and concerns of Māori in relation to water. Wai puna (aquifer water) is considered the most sacred water source and as such must be treated appropriately.

28. The Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum were briefed on the drought response on 23 July and provided the following feedback:

· Sought further engagement with the forum Chairs and greater participation in the drought response.

· The have concerns about Aquifer health and management in Auckland and would like more research undertaken, in particular sharing the findings of the Wellsford Aquifer study

· Re-iterated that Council needs to be putting te mauri o te wai at the centre of decision making

· Mana whenua should be partners in the process and promote Māori-led campaigns for water efficiency

· Would like to see the scope include rural marae.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

29. The financial impact of COVID-19 and the resulting Emergency Budget for the 2020 2021 financial year has major implications for Council funding drought relief. There is no allocation for this programme in Healthy Waters capital budgets.

30. Currently, Watercare has agreed to cover Healthy Waters costs for the provision of Non potable water, this is under review on a month by month basis as they are also under pressure to reduce expenditure.

31. Auckland Council and Watercare are seeking funds from central government to support this programme as part of the wider Auckland drought relief investments. We have estimated the capital cost of the programme to establish the bore sites to be $6 Million.

32. Under the constraints of the Emergency Budget we will not be able to fund a Tanker to Tanker transfer operation in the coming summer.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

33. To date, emergency supply has not included specific provision for stock watering. It is likely that another dry summer will trigger the need for emergency support for people with stock. Auckland Council will continue to work with central government to provide support for properties with livestock.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

34. Subject to government funding, staff are aiming to make the first additional water sources operational by December.

35. Adjustments will be made to the type of support provided based on funding availability and demand from each area, or if other areas show a need for additional sources.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Spatial demand assessment	51
b ⇩	Demand on Watercare bulk filling sites (January – May 2020)	53

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Elizabeth Johnson - Senior Specialist – Wai Ora Strategic Programmes

Andrew Chin - Head of Healthy Waters Strategy

Authoriser

Andrew Chin - Head of Healthy Waters Strategy

Warren Maclennan - Manager Planning - North/West

Rural Advisory Panel

07 August 2020

Discussion on Topics for Next Meeting

File No.: CP2020/10477

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To ask for members’ views on a range of topics for consideration at the next meeting.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. As we go to the new quarterly format of Panel meetings, the next meeting will be in November 2020. It would be useful to receive the Panel’s views on possible topics for that meeting.

3. Based on Panel Member feedback prior to the last election, possible topics could be:

· Long Term Plan progress

· Reform of RMA

· Discussion with environmental groups about RMA changes

· Climate Action Plan work

· Auckland Transport matters

· Any other topics.

Note that in general the meeting can normally only take a maximum of four topics.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rural Advisory Panel:

a) discuss and prioritise topics for the November 2020 meeting.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Warren Maclennan - Manager Planning - North/West
Authoriser	Warren Maclennan - Manager Planning - North/West

Author	Sonja Tomovska - Governance Advisor
Authoriser	Warren Maclennan - Manager Planning - North/West