Agenda of Environment and Climate Change Committee

Environment and Climate Change Committee

11 February 2021

C40 Activity Update and Revised Leadership Standards

File No.: CP2020/19255

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To provide a brief update on the activities undertaken by Auckland in 2020 as a member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40, www.c40.org).

2. To provide an overview of C40’s revised Leadership Standards for member cities adopted by C40 on 1 January 2021 and seek endorsement of the Leadership Standards.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

3. Auckland was admitted into the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40, www.c40.org) in December 2015, joining cities like Los Angeles, Melbourne, Guangzhou, New York and Seoul in committing to bold action on climate change. Auckland’s 2018 reapplication to continue as a C40 innovator city (Resolution No. ENV/2018/149) was also accepted by C40.

4. Since its admission to C40, Auckland has derived a range of direct and indirect benefits through its C40 membership, including:

· tailored research and technical assistance in core issues for Auckland;

· training and assistance to subject experts across council and Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs);

· resourcing for a member of the Mayoral-appointed Climate Independent Advisory Group

· significant assistance in development and review of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan; and

· a platform for Mayoral climate declarations and visibility of Auckland’s work and leadership on a national and global stage.

5. Over the past five years, Auckland’s membership of C40 has been contingent on meeting a set of Participation Standards that demonstrate ambition and action in support of C40’s overarching objective to deliver on the most ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement at the local level.

6. On 1 January 2021, these Participation Standards were replaced with a new set of Leadership Standards for 2021-2024. These mandatory membership criteria set a new global benchmark for climate ambition and leadership.

7. The C40 Leadership Standards 2021-2024 are:

· 1. Plan. City has adopted a resilient and inclusive climate action plan aligned with the 1.5˚C ambition of the Paris Agreement, and updates it regularly;

· 2. Deliver. In 2024, city remains on track to deliver its climate action plan, contributing to increased resilience, equitable outcomes and halving C40’s overall emissions by 2030;

· 3. Mainstream. City uses the necessary financial, regulatory and other tools at their disposal to address the climate crisis and mainstreams their equitable climate targets into the most impactful city decision-making processes;

· 4. Innovate. City innovates and starts taking inclusive and resilient action to address emissions beyond the direct control of the city government, such as associated with goods and services consumed in their city;

· 5. Lead. Mayor and the city demonstrate global climate leadership and inspire others to act in support of the Paris Agreement.

8. Auckland’s historic C40 activity, alongside the adoption of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan and the climate-related investments in the proposed 2021-2031 Long-term Plan mean it is well placed to meet the new Leadership Standards.

9. However, meeting all the Leadership Standards over the next three years will require ongoing commitment and focus from Auckland. It will necessitate delivery on the ambition and climate commitments that Auckland has made, further review of our investment activities to ensure alignment with our climate goals and additional engagement of other cities to inspire and enable broader action on climate change.

10. For example, some specific requirements of the Leadership Standards that Auckland will need to deliver on in the next three years include:

· by 2024 demonstrate that emissions are on track with the city’s 2030 climate targets (Leadership Standard 2);

· integrate goals and actions of the city’s climate action plan into all relevant city decision making processes or governance structures (Leadership Standard 3);

· by 2024, research, develop or pilot (and share knowledge on) a new climate initiative (Leadership Standard 4);

· by 2024, adopt a city-wide strategy for addressing emissions from consumption of the city’s most relevant goods and services, across at least two sectors (Leadership Standard 4);

· seek to inspire at least five non-C40 cities to commit to develop an inclusive and resilient action plan consistent with the 1.5˚C target of the Paris Agreement (Leadership Standard 5);

· commence delivery by no later than 2022 towards targets as or more ambitious than those in at least three C40 Declarations (Leadership Standard 5); and

· collaborate with others to build a broad coalition supporting the city climate action implementation (Leadership Standard 5).

11. Failing to meet the mandatory Leadership Standards, or declining to adopt them, would require Auckland’s removal or withdrawal from C40, presenting a reputational risk to Auckland Council, given previous statements and commitments to climate action.

12. Two options for consideration have been identified:

· Option 1 is that Auckland commits to the new C40 Leadership Standards.

· Option 2 is that Auckland does not commit to these Leadership Standards and withdraws from the C40.

13. Staff recommend Option 1. commit Auckland to the new C40 Leadership Standards as the benefits of ongoing membership outweigh the risks of no longer being a member. Specifically, reputational and delivery risks in relation to council’s climate change activity and plans, as outlined in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri, are mitigated, in part, by ongoing membership of C40.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a) endorse Auckland’s commitment to meeting C40’s revised leadership standards, noting that this will require delivery on the regional climate commitments set out in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan and the endorsement of at least one further C40 declaration by 2022.

Horopaki

Context

Background

14. Auckland was admitted into the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40, www.c40.org) in December 2015, joining cities like Los Angeles, Melbourne, Guangzhou, New York and Seoul in committing to bold action on climate change. Auckland’s 2018 reapplication to continue as a C40 innovator city (Resolution No. ENV/2018/149) was also accepted by C40.

15. Since its admission to C40, Auckland has derived a range of direct and indirect benefits through its C40 membership, including:

· tailored research and technical assistance in core issues for Auckland;

· training and assistance to subject experts across council and Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs);

· resourcing for a member of the Mayoral-appointed Climate Independent Advisory Group

· significant assistance in development and review of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan; and

· a platform for Mayoral climate declarations and visibility of Auckland’s work and leadership on a national and global stage.

2020 C40 Activity

16. Over the past five years, Auckland’s membership of C40 has been contingent on meeting a set of Participation Standards that demonstrate ambition and action in support of C40’s overarching objective to deliver on the most ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement at the local level.

17. Through 2020, Auckland has met these participation standards through a range of activities, including:

· active involvement in a range of C40 technical networks and programmes, including: Waste to Resources; Air Quality; Food Systems; Urban Flooding; Zero Emissions Vehicles; Land Use Planning; Mobility Management; the Divest/Invest Forum; the Students Reinventing Cities competition; Women4Climate; and the Green Economy and Innovation Forum;

· progressing delivery of the C40 Declarations that Auckland has endorsed to (specifically, the Advancing Towards Zero Waste Declaration; and the Green and Healthy Streets Declaration) as well as broader C40 commitments and initiatives such as Deadline 2020 and the Global Green New Deal; and

· providing insights and experiences from Auckland’s climate activity including: case study information for C40’s Divesting from Fossil Fuels, Investing in Our Future toolkit and How C40 cities are implementing zero emission areas resource; and participating in a peer-to-peer information exchange on electric bus adoption and integration with Jakarta.

18. Auckland has also received technical support from C40 on key issues of most relevance to Auckland’s climate activities. In particular over the past year, this has focussed on:

· The technical review and approval of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan as ‘compliant with exception’ by C40’s Programme Board. The exceptions noted by the Programme Board require the following actions from Auckland:

o the city developing more specific adaptation goals and targets once more targeted data is available by October 2021.

o the city establishing a robust adaptation implementation monitoring system once goals are defined by October 2021.

o the confirmation of budget commitments to climate action through the 2021-2031 Long-term Plan/Ten Year Budget process.

· Support from C40, through the Thriving Cities Initiative, to integrate regenerative economic principles into Auckland’s COVID recovery and the Economic Development Action Plan that is currently being produced.

2021 to 2024 C40 Leadership Standards

19. On January 1, 2021, a new set of Leadership Standards for 2021-2024 came into effect and replaces the Participation Standards. These mandatory membership criteria were unanimously approved by C40’s Steering Committee and apply to all 97 C40 member cities, setting a new global benchmark for climate ambition and leadership.

20. The C40 Leadership Standards 2021-2024 are as follows:

· 1. Plan. City has adopted a resilient and inclusive climate action plan aligned with the 1.5˚C ambition of the Paris Agreement, and updates it regularly;

· 2. Deliver. In 2024, city remains on track to deliver its climate action plan, contributing to increased resilience, equitable outcomes and halving C40’s overall emissions by 2030;

· 5. Lead. Mayor and the city demonstrate global climate leadership and inspire others to act in support of the Paris Agreement.

21. Auckland’s historic C40 activity, alongside the adoption of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan and the climate-related investments set out in the proposed 2021-2031 Long-term Plan mean that Auckland is well placed to meet C40’s new Leadership Standards.

22. However, achieving all of the Leadership Standards set out by C40 over the next three years will require ongoing commitment and focus from Auckland. Meeting the Leadership Standards will necessitate delivery on the ambition and climate commitments that Auckland has made, further review of our investment activities to ensure alignment with our climate goals and additional engagement of other cities to inspire and enable broader action on climate change.

23. For example, some specific requirements of the Leadership Standards that Auckland will need to deliver on in the next three years include:

· by 2024 demonstrate that emissions are on track with the city’s 2030 climate targets, or that the city has done all in their power to achieve such, and that the city is taking the necessary actions to increase resilience as set out in their individual climate action plan (Leadership Standard 2);

· integrate goals and actions of the city’s climate action plan into all relevant city decision making processes or governance structures (Leadership Standard 3);

· by 2024, research, develop or pilot (and share knowledge on) a new climate initiative (e.g. climate budgeting, divest/invest, Thriving Cities approach, improve green and just informal settlements upgrading, innovative green finance, climate migration, etc.) (Leadership Standard 4);

· by 2024, adopt a city-wide strategy for addressing emissions from consumption of the city’s most relevant goods and services, across at least two sectors (for example construction, food, private transportation, textiles, electronics & household appliances, etc.); this should include inputs through a broad stakeholder engagement (Leadership Standard 4);

· seek to inspire in the lead up to international climate negotiations (COP 26) in 2021, at least five non-C40 cities to commit to develop an inclusive and resilient action plan consistent with the 1.5˚C target of the Paris Agreement and take ambitious action through collaboration and experience sharing bi-laterally or in other city networks (Leadership Standard 5);

· commence delivery by no later than 2022 towards targets as or more ambitious than those in at least three C40 Declarations, and annually report progress (Leadership Standard 5); and

· collaborate, unilaterally or through C40, with businesses, citizens, labour unions and others, through establishing formal platforms such as a City Business Alliance or less formal processes, to build a broad coalition supporting the city climate action implementation (Leadership Standard 5).

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

2021 to 2024 C40 Leadership Standards

24. The following table provides an overview of each of the new C40 Leadership Standards and how they will be measured by C40 alongside an assessment of Auckland Council’s current progress towards meeting these standards.

	Leadership Standard	Measured By	Implications for Auckland Council
1	Plan: City has adopted a resilient and inclusive climate action plan aligned with the 1.5˚C ambition of the Paris Agreement, and updates it regularly	· City climate action plan, reviewed as compatible with the C40 Climate Action Planning Framework, is adopted by the city (Mayor/Council/other) by 2021 and reviewed or updated at least every five years.	Action to meet leadership standard requirement planned or in progress: · Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri has been approved as ‘compliant with exception’. Work on addressing the exceptions, focused on the development of adaptation targets is currently in progress. · Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri also includes a regular review period in line with the requirement.
1		· Updated GPC GHG inventory is reported at least every two years (based on data no older than three years) and a Climate Change Risk Assessment reviewed at least every five years is in place.	Action to meet leadership standard requirement planned or in progress: · Auckland Council (RIMU) issues a regional inventory annually. · Auckland Council (RIMU) developed a climate change risk assessment series to support the development of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri. The intention has been to keep this updated.
2	Deliver: In 2024, city remains on track to deliver its climate action plan, contributing to increased resilience, equitable outcomes and halving C40’s overall emissions by 2030	· By 2024 demonstrate that emissions are on track with the city’s 2030 climate targets, or that the city has done all in their power to achieve such, and that the city is taking the necessary actions to increase resilience as set out in their individual climate action plan.	Further work needed to meet leadership standard requirement: · Meeting the emissions targets set out in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri is not plausible without bold, ambitious action from a range of stakeholders. It is noted that the measurement of this standard recognises that some actions may be outside of the city’s control, however further work is required to be able to demonstrate that the city has done all in its power to achieve the targets set out in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri.
		· By 2024, demonstrate how actions from the city’s climate action plan being implemented contribute to delivering social and economic benefits (e.g. improved air quality), to reducing inequality and to driving a just transition for workers into decent, green jobs.	Action to meet leadership standard requirement planned or in progress: · Reporting against the region’s long- and medium-term climate commitments will form part of the regular monitoring and review of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri. · Consideration of the co-benefits of action identified within the Plan can be incorporated within this reporting.
		· Share annually a status on the implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions from the city’s climate action plan (as per the city's own Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting system). Demonstrate detailed progress on high-impact actions related to C40 Declarations the city has committed to or actions the city is supported to deliver through C40 Regional Sectoral Programmes.	Action to meet leadership standard requirement planned or in progress: · Reporting on the implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions will form part of the regular monitoring and review of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri. · Auckland is a signatory to two main C40 declarations: the Green and Healthy Streets declaration (formerly the Fossil Fuel Free Streets declaration); and the Zero Waste Declaration. Regular reporting to C40 on progress against these declarations occurs under the current participation standards.
		· Report annually city progress through a globally recognised platform used by C40 (currently CDP) to help set a global baseline and inspire others.	Action to meet leadership standard requirement planned or in progress: · Auckland already provides an annual disclosure through the CDP platform under the C40’s current participation standards.
3	Mainstream: City uses the necessary financial, regulatory and other tools at their disposal to address the climate crisis and mainstreams their equitable climate targets into the most impactful city decision-making processes	· Integrate goals and actions of the city’s climate action plan into all relevant city decision making processes or governance structures. This should include at least one of the following: o City budget // City bylaws // City spatial plans // Departmental sectoral strategies // Project design guidelines // City procurement mechanisms // City emergency response systems // Divesting the city pension fund from fossil fuels and/or increasing sustainable investment // Other relevant city processes, structures or policies.	Further work needed to meet leadership standard requirement: · These activities will be key to the successful implementation of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri and achieving our climate commitments. · Work is currently underway to integrate climate considerations within procurement, business case and broader political and organisational decision making. These considerations will need to be integrated into all relevant decision-making processes or governance structures to meet this leadership standard.
4	Innovate: City innovates and starts taking inclusive action to address emissions and climate risk beyond the direct control of the city government, such as associated with goods & services consumed in their city	The city is required to achieve at least two of the following: · By 2024, research, develop or pilot (and share knowledge on) a new climate initiative (e.g. climate budgeting, divest/invest, Thriving Cities approach, improve green and just informal settlements upgrading, innovative green finance, climate migration, etc.).	Action to meet leadership standard requirement planned or in progress: · Auckland is currently progressing activity in a number of these areas, e.g. green finance and sustainable investment, regenerative economic principles, climate related migration.
		· By 2024, adopt a city-wide strategy for addressing emissions from consumption of the city’s most relevant goods and services, across at least two sectors (for example construction, food, private transportation, textiles, electronics & household appliances, etc.); this should include inputs through a broad stakeholder engagement.	Further work needed to meet leadership standard requirement: · A number of actions within Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri are already focussed on reducing consumption-based emissions. These include actions in Priority 2: Built Environment, Priority 4: Economy, Priority 5: Community and Coast and Priority 6: Food. · Additional work may be required to draw these actions into a city-wide strategy for addressing emissions.
		· Annually report on progress with implementation of any specific actions to address emissions from the city’s consumption of the most relevant goods and services.	Action to meet leadership standard requirement planned or in progress: · Reporting on the implementation of mitigation and adaptation actions will form part of the regular monitoring and review of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri. · Consideration of actions focussed on addressing consumption emissions can be incorporated within this reporting.
5	Lead: Mayor and the city demonstrate global climate leadership and inspire others to act in support of the Paris Agreement	The Mayor must: · Annually act as a C40 Ambassador by sharing city best practices in climate action through at least one activity: e.g. press/media engagement, joining C40-led campaigns, leading on an area of work within C40, etc.; and support peer C40 mayors in times of climate or other crisis or when cities’ local climate policies are under threat (if requested by the city and politically feasible); and · Participate in person or virtually in the C40 Mayors Summit when organised and participate annually in at least one other relevant mayoral C40 event, such as regional C40 events, or host an in-city climate event on behalf of C40.	Further work needed to meet leadership standard requirement: · The Mayor already undertakes many of these activities, however it is clear from C40 that they are seeking renewed and visible commitment and action from member Cities’ leadership. · More active involvement in C40-led communications campaigns and annual participation (virtually or in person) in at least one other event beyond the C40 Mayors Summit may require additional resource and time from the Mayor. · A designate for the Mayor has previously attended events on his behalf; it is understood that this would still meet the leadership standards going forward.
		And cities must achieve annually at least one of the following [Note: Innovator cities, such as Auckland will be required to achieve ALL of the following by no later than 2024]:
		· Seek to inspire in the lead up to international climate negotiations (COP 26) in 2021, at least five non-C40 cities to commit to develop an inclusive and resilient action plan consistent with the 1.5˚C target of the Paris Agreement and take ambitious action through collaboration and experience sharing bi-laterally or in other city networks.	Further work needed to meet leadership standard requirement: · Auckland has positive relationships with a range of other cities formally and informally in New Zealand and globally, including through several local government climate networks. Auckland will continue to share knowledge and insights from its climate action activities through these networks, which will contribute to meeting this leadership standard. · Political engagement may also be required to support achievement of this Leadership Standard. · However, it should be noted, and has been raised with C40, that the ability and willingness of other cities to commit to and deliver a climate action plan consistent with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement target – and importantly the degree to which Auckland could or should take credit for cities committing to this if they can – is unclear.
		· Commence delivery by no later than 2022 towards targets as or more ambitious than those in at least three C40 Declarations, and annually report progress.	Further work needed to meet leadership standard requirement: · Auckland is currently a signatory of two declarations. To meet this leadership standard, a further declaration would need to be signed. · There are two recently adopted C40 Declarations that Auckland could potentially endorse given their alignment with existing climate priorities: o The Clean Air Cities Declaration; and o The Divest/Invest Declaration. · Further information on these declarations is provided below.
		· Collaborate, unilaterally or through C40, with businesses, citizens, labour unions and others, through establishing formal platforms such as a City Business Alliance or less formal processes, to build a broad coalition supporting the city climate action implementation.	Action to meet leadership standard requirement planned or in progress: · Collaboration with businesses and Aucklanders is critical to delivering on Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri. · A partnerships and governance structure, including representation from business and others, has been endorsed in principle by Auckland Council and is currently being established.
		· Show regional or sectoral leadership by supporting other C40 cities through at least one of the following: o Hosting (where possible at own cost) a study tour/ masterclass with other C40 cities o Pairing-up with another C40 city (peer “consultancy”) - staff time, study tours, knowledge sharing o Providing formal city staff time to C40 or another C40 member city.	Further work needed to meet leadership standard requirement: · Auckland has previously undertaken activities with C40 in these areas, hosting several C40 network meetings and participating in various knowledge exchange activities. · More focused and active identification of opportunities that support and align with Auckland’s priorities will be required to maximise outcomes for Auckland. · It is noted that the Leadership Standard states hosting should occur ‘where possible at own cost’. Previously all C40 network activities have been funded by C40, therefore additional resource may be required to meet this standard. · Provision of city staff time to undertake these activities may also have an impact given current resource constraints.

25. The analysis highlights that most of the new C40 Leadership Standards align with Auckland’s existing climate action activities and commitments. In general, if Auckland delivers on the climate action commitments it has adopted and endorsed through Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan – halving regional emissions by 2030, reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and taking a precautionary approach to planning for change – then the majority of C40’s new Leadership Standards will be met.

26. However, the analysis also shows that a number of the Leadership Standards will require additional effort to meet the specific measures set out by C40. In particular, the new C40 Leadership Standards place a greater focus on demonstrating real progress against commitments made by cities and inspiring others to take action.

27. There are three particular areas of activity that will require focus to deliver on the C40 Leadership Standards:

· Consumption Emissions

· Additional C40 Declarations

· Influence and Leadership

These areas are reviewed in the following sections of the report.

Consumption Emissions

28. Leadership Standard 4 places a focus on consumption emissions, i.e. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the consumption of goods and services (e.g. food, clothing, transport and utilities). This includes the emissions associated with goods imported from outside Auckland that are consumed in Auckland.

29. The focus on consumption emissions recognises that urban consumption is a key driver of global GHG emissions, but cities can also have a significant impact on GHG emissions beyond their geographic borders by influencing global supply chains. A recent C40 study highlighted that C40 member cities alone represent 10 per cent of global GHG emissions when accounting for consumption-based emissions.

30. Although the regional emissions reduction targets set out within Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan relate to production-based emissions, some of the actions in the plan also focus on reducing consumption-based emissions. This includes several actions in the Built Environment, Economy, Communities and Coast and Food priorities. Delivering on these actions will support achievement of this Leadership Standard.

31. It should however be noted that delivering action on consumption emissions will require broad stakeholder engagement as consumption emissions are generally not in the direct control of a city administration, rather influenced by consumer behaviour and industrial production processes and activities.

Additional C40 Declarations

32. Part of Leadership Standard 5 requires member cities to endorse and commence delivery of at least three C40 Declarations by 2022. Auckland is currently a signatory of two C40 Declarations: the Advancing Towards Zero Waste Declaration; and the Green and Healthy Streets Declaration.

33. There are currently five other C40 Declarations that Auckland could endorse:

· the Good Food Cities Declaration;

· the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Declaration;

· the Clean Construction Declaration;

· the Clean Air Cities Declaration; and

· the Divest/Invest Declaration.

34. The declarations that most closely align with both Auckland’s climate action priorities and the degree of control that Auckland Council exerts over the specific action areas contained within the commitments: the Clean Air Cities Declaration; and the Divest/Invest Declaration.

35. Signatories to the Clean Air Cities Declaration commit to:

· establish baseline levels and set ambitious reduction targets for air pollutants that meet or exceed national commitments within two years, putting the city on a path towards meeting World Health Organisation Air Quality Guidelines for particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide.

· before 2025, implement new substantive policies and programmes to address the top causes of air pollution emissions within the city and under the city’s control.

· publicly report annually on our progress in reducing pollution levels relative to targets and achieving the commitments in this declaration.

36. An initial review of the commitments and actions set out within the Clean Air Cities Declaration identified a strong alignment with existing air quality monitoring and management work being undertaken in the region. The top air pollution sources that would form the focus of the declaration are transport (Auckland’s largest source of air pollutant emissions year-round (35 per cent PM2.5 and 91 per cent NO2), particularly in the city centre) and wintertime domestic heating (Auckland’s largest regional source of PM2.5 (62 per cent annually)). Several policies and programmes would support air pollution emission reductions in these areas:

· completion of the City Rail Link;

· delivery of Access for Everyone (A4E) and the Zero Emissions Area proposal for Queen Street;

· delivery of the Low Emissions Bus Roadmap;

· completion of the Ports of Auckland hydrogen production plant trial and introduction of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles including ports equipment, cars and buses to the region;

· introduction of shore power at cruise ship and freight terminals on the Auckland waterfront;

· advocacy to central government for New Zealand’s accession to MARPOL Annex VI to control the Sulphur content of fuel, with regulations coming into force in early 2022; and

· advocacy to central government for stricter controls on domestic burners in the National Environmental Standards for Air Quality.

37. The Divest/Invest Declaration states that signatory cities will:

· take all possible steps to divest city assets from fossil fuel companies and increase our financial investments in climate solutions to help promote decent jobs and a just and green economy.

· call on city pension funds to divest from fossil fuel companies and increase financial investments in climate solutions to help promote decent jobs and a just and green economy.

· advocate for fossil-free and sustainable finance by other investors and all levels of government, including by promoting the importance of strong, long-term climate policies and demanding greater transparency.

38. An initial review of the commitments and actions set out within the Divest/Invest Declaration identified that Auckland Council is already delivering on many of the requirements of the declaration, including divestment from fossil fuels as well as adoption and advocacy on sustainable finance solutions through its work on green bonds and its involvement in the Aotearoa Circle Sustainable Finance Forum.

Influence, Knowledge Sharing and Leadership

39. C40’s Participation Standards have historically required member cities to share knowledge and insights on climate action with other cities and to participate in regional and global climate-related campaigns and activities.

40. Over the past five years, Auckland has delivered on these requirements through a range of local, international and virtual activities including Mayoral (or Mayoral-designate) attendance at the Global Mayor’s Forum, hosting of technical workshops in Auckland, delivery of virtual webinars and attendance at C40 network group workshops in other cities. Expenses associated with participation in these activities have generally been funded by C40, but staff time to both prepare and actively contribute to the sessions has been required.

41. To meet the new Leadership Standards, an ongoing commitment to the provision of staff time to these knowledge sharing activities will be required. It is also noted that the Leadership Standards state that hosting of study tours/masterclasses should occur “where possible at own cost”, therefore additional costs may also be required should this activity be undertaken to fulfil the Leadership Standard.

42. Leadership Standard 5 also places a greater focus on the Mayor and the City delivering climate action leadership and influence beyond a city’s administrative and regional boundaries. This may require additional resource and effort from the Mayor, other elected members and/or officials to participate in C40 campaigns and activities as well as leadership and advocacy for action on climate more broadly.

43. A specific requirement of the new Leadership Standards is for member cities to “inspire in the lead up to international climate negotiations (COP 26) in 2021, at least 5 non-C40 cities to commit to develop an inclusive and resilient action plan consistent with the 1.5˚C target of the Paris Agreement and take ambitious action through collaboration and experience sharing bi-laterally or in other city networks”. In providing feedback to C40 on the Leadership Standards, staff have highlighted the challenges of both achieving and demonstrating achievement of this Leadership Standard measure due to its reliance on the ability and willingness of other cities to commit to and deliver a 1.5°C compliant climate action plan. Guidance has however subsequently been provided by C40 which indicates the focus will be placed on efforts made by member cities to inspire other cities, noting that achievement of this Leadership Standard measure could be done “through sharing the city's own experience of developing a Paris Agreement compatible resilient and inclusive climate action plan with non-C40 cities through a cities' network or during an event/workshop or a bilateral meeting, as well as recommending they join the global movement to address the climate crisis and deliver a green and just recovery from COVID-19 ahead of COP26 in Glasgow in 2021”.

Options

44. Two options for consideration have been identified:

· Option 1, as set out above, is that Auckland commits to the new C40 Leadership Standards.

· Option 2 is that Auckland does not commit to these Leadership Standards and withdraws from the C40.

45. Staff recommend Option 1.

46. A brief options analysis is provided below.

Option

Benefits

Risks

Option 1: Auckland commits to the new C40 Leadership Standards

· Auckland remains a member of C40 and reiterates its ongoing commitment to climate action.

· Auckland receives ongoing support from C40 in the delivery of its climate action initiatives at a time where climate action is accelerating locally and globally.

· Auckland continues to benefit from the opportunity to profile its climate action activities on a global stage.

· Auckland has the opportunity to leverage C40’s broader global networks and wider climate initiatives, for example involvement in United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Race to Zero Campaign.

· Requires a greater focus on demonstrating real progress against Auckland’s climate action commitments.

· Requires continued investment and resourcing of climate action including the endorsement of at least one further C40 declaration and action in a broader range of areas (e.g. consumption emissions and influencing other cities).

· Despite additional effort, Auckland may not meet the Leadership Standards and be asked to leave C40 at a future date.

Option 2: Auckland does not commit to the new C40 Leadership Standards and withdraws from C40.

· Auckland does not need to deliver on the new Leadership Standards which place a greater focus on demonstrating real progress against commitments made by cities and inspiring others to take action.

· Reputational risk of not continuing as a C40 member, particularly following commitment to several C40 Mayoral declarations.

· Risk to the delivery of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri, particularly as the broad range of regional stakeholder required to successfully deliver on the Plan will be looking to Auckland Council for leadership.

· Risk to the resourcing of Auckland’s climate action activities as direct benefits from data, ideas and staff resources from C40 will cease.

· Risk to public and private infrastructure and assets due to lack of adequate preparedness to climate change impacts following loss of C40 technical support.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

47. Auckland’s C40 activities are directly related to the region’s climate action activities. Our membership of C40 has helped drive and shape the ambitious targets set to half emissions by 2030, reach net zero emissions by 2050 and take a precautionary approach to planning for the impacts of climate change.

48. The knowledge and insights gained through membership of C40 have also helped to shape the actions and priorities set out within Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan to deliver on these commitments.

49. As noted through this paper, C40’s new Leadership Standards set a new global benchmark for climate ambition and leadership and are mandatory for all C40 member cities. Endorsing the Leadership Standards further demonstrates the region’s commitment to climate action.

50. However, this endorsement alone will not reduce the region’s emissions or better prepare Auckland for the impacts of climate change. Action and investment in a broad range of areas is required to deliver on our climate commitments and meet the Leadership Standards. These priorities for action are outlined in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

51. The wider Council Group has not been specifically consulted on the C40 Leadership Standards.

52. However, representatives from the wider Council Group have been involved throughout the development of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan which has and will continue to be supported through membership of C40.

53. Many different parts of Council and the CCOs have been involved in C40 networks and activities, benefiting from the knowledge, insights and connections that C40 provides. It is anticipated that this broad involvement in C40 networks and activities will continue.

54. In addition, meeting the Leadership Standards will require various parts of Council and the CCOs to continue to deliver on climate action initiatives and in some areas, accelerate and broaden them. This will include implementing specific C40 Declarations that Auckland has endorsed as well as supporting the delivery of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri and Auckland’s wider climate commitments more generally.

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

Local impacts and local board views

55. Local Boards have not been specifically consulted on the C40 Leadership Standards.

56. However, as reported at previous committee meetings, Local Boards have been actively engaged throughout the development of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan which has and will continue to be supported through membership of C40.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

57. As reported at previous committee meetings, climate change impacts and associated policy and action will have significant impacts for Māori communities. These issues are discussed throughout Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan and have been integrated within the Plan’s priority action areas, taking into consideration feedback received from mana whenua directly and through the Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum.

58. The support provided by C40 has and will continue to benefit the region’s response to climate change, including addressing the impacts that climate change will have on Māori.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

59. There is no membership fee for C40.

60. Staff resource is however needed to fulfil the network membership requirements. This includes specific activities such as the development and publication of an annual regional emissions inventory, the review and update of the regional climate plan and regional climate change risk assessment, and the provision of regular progress reporting. Work in these areas is already programmed and budgeted. Staff resources is also required to participate in relevant C40 technical networks.

61. Limited expenditure may also be required to cover the delivery of local network events, per the new Leadership Standards.

62. As noted through this paper, meeting the C40 Leadership Standards will require action and investment in a broad range of areas to deliver on our climate commitments. These priorities for action are outlined in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan and an initial investment package to support delivery of these priorities has been set out within the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan proposal.

63. Resourcing and management of the relationship with C40 would continue to be led by the Chief Sustainability Office, with input from relevant teams across council and CCOs.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

64. No high or extreme risks have been identified in relation to the endorsement of C40’s new Leadership Standards. However, the Leadership Standards are mandatory for all C40 member cities. Failing to meet these Leadership Standards, or declining to adopt them, would require Auckland’s removal or withdrawal from C40, presenting a reputational risk to Auckland Council, given previous statements and commitments to climate action.

65. The risk in relation to non-delivery of climate action is high as identified in council’s organisational risk register.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

66. With endorsement of C40’s new Leadership Standards, the Chief Sustainability Office will work with the Mayor’s Office to communicate our acceptance of the Leadership Standards to C40 Chair (the Mayor of Los Angeles).

67. The Chief Sustainability Office will also work with the Mayor’s Office and relevant committee Chairs to identify the most relevant C40 Declaration(s) to endorse and bring them to the relevant committee for formal adoption.

68. As an Innovator City, Auckland is required to reapply to be a member of C40 on a three-yearly basis. As our last reapplication was endorsed by C40 at the end of 2018, Auckland will need to submit a further reapplication at the end of 2021.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Alec Tang – Chief Sustainability Officer

Authorisers

Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Megan Tyler - Chief of Strategy

Environment and Climate Change Committee

11 February 2021

Adoption of the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy 2021

File No.: CP2020/07697

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To adopt the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy 2021 (Attachment A).

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. The Resource Recovery Network Strategy, which was adopted in October 2014, has been revised. This revision responds to the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018 and Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan. It also reflects the current global context including changes to global recycling markets and the impacts of COVID-19.

3. The revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy 2021 has been provided as Attachment A. Key features of the revised strategy include:

· expanding the current strategy from 12 community recycling centres by 2024 to 23 facilities by 2031, including nine additional community recycling centres and two resource recovery parks

· seeking additional funding for ongoing operational support for new and existing community recycling centres beyond their current five-year contracts to enable continued service provision.

4. The aim of the network is to maximise diversion of waste from landfill, contribute to creating a circular economy, achieve wider social and economic benefits and deliver local green jobs. The network helps to drive the aspiration of the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan to achieve a zero waste Auckland by 2040.

5. The nine community recycling centres established to date have provided 80 local jobs and diverted 5,213 tonnes of materials from landfill in 2019/2020.

6. Central government funding has boosted the development of existing sites in the Resource Recovery Network. The revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy will build on this funding and enable greater accessibility for residents and businesses by providing additional sites.

7. A number of local boards have provided support to community recycling centres in their area through the funding of scoping and feasibility studies and supporting local initiatives such as education outreach.

8. Staff presented the key points of the revised strategy to the Waste Political Advisory Group and local boards in September and October 2020. The local boards provided formal feedback, which is provided in Attachment B.

9. An additional $10.8 million of operational funding, spread over 10 years, is proposed to support new and existing community recycling centres. This is funded as part of the proposed $150 million of additional investment to accelerate our climate change actions as part of the Long-term Plan 2021-2031.

10. An additional $29.8 million of capital expenditure for new community recycling centres and resource recovery parks, spread over ten years, is proposed to be funded through the budget allocated to Auckland Council from the central government waste levy.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendations

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a) adopt the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy 2021

b) note that funding to deliver the revised strategy is being sought as part of the Long-term Plan 2021-2031.

Horopaki

Context

11. The Resource Recovery Network is one of the nine priority actions in Te Mahere Whakahaere me te Whakaiti Tukunga Para i Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018.

12. The network was initially identified as a key initiative under the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2012 and has been developing across the region since that time.

13. The purpose of the Resource Recovery Network is ‘to maximise the diversion of reusable and recyclable materials from landfill and, in the process, generate multiple environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits for Auckland’. The network helps to drive the aspiration of the plan to achieve a zero waste Auckland by 2040, taking care of people and the environment and turning waste into resources.

14. A 10-year strategy for the Resource Recovery Network was adopted in 2014 (resolution REG/2014/121). This strategy enabled the establishment of 12 community recycling centres across the Auckland region by 2024, funded by a combination of waste levy funding and targeted rates.

15. Community recycling centres provide communities with a ‘one stop shop’ for people to drop off unwanted goods and recyclables. The focus is on reuse, repair, repurposing and upcycling resources, as well as providing low cost retail goods to the community.

Progress of the Resource Recovery Network

16. To date, nine community recycling centres have been established. These centres are located in Waiuku, Helensville, Henderson, Wellsford, Warkworth, Aotea / Great Barrier, Devonport, Waiheke and Whangaparāoa. Community recycling centres are also under development in Western Springs and Onehunga.

17. Across the nine existing sites, 80 local full-time and part-time jobs have been created. In the 2019/2020 financial year, 5,213 tonnes of materials were diverted from landfill for recycling or reuse.

18. The development of the Resource Recovery Network in Auckland has been further boosted by central government Waste Minimisation Fund and shovel-ready funding, including:

· $2.2 million from the Waste Minimisation Fund was provided to support development of a Community Recycling Centre in Onehunga

· $10.6 million in shovel-ready funding for infrastructure development for the existing Devonport, Waiheke, Helensville, Warkworth, Wellsford and Western Springs community recycling centres as well as the Waitākere Waste Transfer Station/ Resource Recovery Park.

19. The recent central government shovel-ready investment will fast track the upgrade of facilities at existing community recycling centres and the Waitākere Transfer Station/Resource Recovery Park. It will expand employment by increasing the volume of materials and the number of related activities they can undertake to work towards zero waste.

Strategic context

20. COVID-19 continues to put pressure on international recycling markets, as countries restrict import and export activity through their borders. In addition to this, China implemented its National Sword policy in January 2018, which sets tight contamination limits on imported recyclable materials, including paper and plastics. As a result, global commodity prices for these products have dropped significantly reducing revenue for community recycling centres.

21. Several strategic changes have occurred since the initial Resource Recovery Network Strategy was adopted in 2014. These include the adoption of the Long-term Plan 2018-2028, the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018 and Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan 2020.

22. These strategic changes draw focus to the significance of the Resource Recovery Network, which is identified as a priority action in the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan and is also an action in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan. The revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy will also feed into the Long-Term Plan 2021-2031 which is currently being developed for adoption in June 2021.

23. The opportunities for community recycling centres to divert waste from landfill, generate income and create local jobs are expected to increase significantly over the next few years as government policy changes come into effect. These include the increase in the waste levy, a container return scheme currently under consideration by the government (which could utilise community recycling centres as drop off points), and the 2019 Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act.

24. An overview of the revised strategy was presented to the Waste Political Advisory Group on 1 September 2020. The Waste Political Advisory Group indicated its support for the revised draft strategy.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Key features of the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy

25. The revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy has been developed with community recycling centre operators. It provides a pathway for futureproofing and scaling up the network. In developing the strategy, the priorities, budgets and method of delivery from the original 2014 strategy have been reassessed.

26. The revised strategy focuses on five key areas:

· increasing the number of sites from 12 to 21 community recycling centres to provide more equitable access to all Aucklanders and establishing two commercially focused resource recovery parks, bringing the total number of sites to 23 by 2031

· supporting existing sites and operators to thrive

· strengthening and enabling the network

· developing a fit for purpose operating and governance model

· fostering financial sustainability.

27. Overall, the review has suggested that the strategy adopted in 2014 is still valid. Two key changes have been identified that will require additional budget to enable the network to reach its full potential. These key changes are outlined below. Further detail is provided in the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy (Attachment A).

Increasing the number of resource recovery facilities

28. One of the key changes in the revised strategy is an increase in the number of sites planned. The original strategy proposed 12 community recycling centres. The revised strategy proposes an expanded network with an additional nine community recycling centres and two resource recovery parks. This will bring the total number of sites up to 23, including:

· 21 community recycling centres that are strategically located across Auckland. They will be connected with their local communities, providing trusted places to take unwanted goods as well as fostering local innovation and resilience.

· two resource recovery parks, which are larger-scale facilities that focus mainly on diverting commercial waste from landfill back into the circular economy, while also accepting and diverting domestic waste. One of these will be the upgrade of Waitākere Transfer Station to a resource recovery park and the second will be in south Auckland.

29. Staff anticipate that an appropriate site will be found in south Auckland for a resource recovery park. A resource recovery park in the south could provide an opportunity for economic transformation led by Māori or Pasifika businesses, social enterprises and local businesses. It is an opportunity to consider how the public, private, not for profit sectors and Māori and mana whenua can work together. Initial work is underway with the Community and Social Innovation team (formerly The Southern Initiative) to develop a business case to progress this.

30. The location of new facilities will be determined by the availability of suitable sites, opportunities for joint ventures or partnerships, local board feedback, location of existing facilities and accessibility for Auckland residents and businesses. Community recycling centres will be equitably spread across the region, depending on the availability of appropriate sites.

31. Increasing the number of sites will enable greater accessibility for residents and businesses to maximise diversion from landfill and deliver further local green jobs.

Ongoing operational funding

32. Another key change in the revised strategy is the provision of ongoing operational funding for existing community recycling centres.

33. When the strategy was originally developed in 2014, it was expected that the centres would become self-funding by the end of their initial five-year contract period. Revenue would be generated from income from gate fees, the sale of reusable and recyclable materials, and other services that the centres provide.

34. This intention was reflected by a reducing management fee from the council over the course of the centres’ five-year contracts. However, although sites that have come to the end of their contracts have significantly reduced their management fee from the council, they are not in a position to be completely self-funding.

35. This has been caused by a combination of factors, including sites not being developed as quickly as anticipated and the impacts of COVID-19. China’s National Sword restrictions on global recycling have also presented a challenge due to reduced revenue from recycling commodities such as paper, cardboard and plastics.

36. To ensure the ongoing viability and impact of the existing sites, an ongoing site management fee from council will be required beyond the initial five years. This will be reassessed as the increase in the waste levy and introduction of product stewardship schemes come into force.

37. No additional operational funding is planned for resource recovery parks, which should operate as commercial ventures and be self-funding.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

38. Establishing the Resource Recovery Network is part of Action E6 in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan (manage our resources to deliver a zero waste, circular economy).

39. It is estimated that this programme will reduce emissions by 39,650 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents per year by 2030.

40. Resource recovery facilities also provide zero waste learning opportunities which will have impacts on residents’ purchasing decisions, with resulting long-term climate impacts.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

41. Waste Solutions staff have worked closely with the Community Empowerment Unit and the Community and Social Innovation team (formerly The Southern Initiative) who have provided support for the development of the community recycling centres. Community and Social Innovation have also advocated for a resource recovery park in south Auckland as a contribution to the economic transformation for the south.

42. Staff have also worked closely with Panuku Development Auckland to find sites, Community Facilities for facility maintenance and Engineering and Technical Services as some of the sites are on closed landfills.

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

Local impacts and local board views

43. Several local boards have provided support and funding to support facilities in their areas through their local board work programmes. This has included funding for a range of initiatives from feasibility studies, local capacity building and waste minimisation and learning.

44. Staff attended workshops with local boards between 15 September and 14 October 2020 to present the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy and provide the opportunity for local boards to give feedback to inform the strategy and its implementation.

45. All 21 local boards provided formal feedback, which is provided verbatim in Attachment B. Local board feedback generally supported the key features of the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy. All five of the southern local boards (Franklin, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Manurewa, Ōtara-Papatoetoe and Papakura) strongly supported and advocated for a resource recovery park in the south of Auckland.

46. Other themes highlighted as important to local boards include:

· applying a climate lens

· equity

· strong community participation

· opportunities for joint venture partnerships

· importance of local jobs and strong social outcomes

· development of sub-regional approaches where small drop-off centres feed into larger community recycling centres

· moving away from reliance on overseas for recycling

· locations of community recycling centres and resource recovery parks

· working closely with local boards.

47. Staff will continue to engage with local boards on the facilities in their local areas to ensure they thrive and on new facilities are developed.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

48. Mana whenua and matāwaka were engaged in the development of the 2018 Waste Management and Minimisation Plan and identified priority actions for Māori.

49. The Resource Recovery Network Strategy aligns to a number of the Māori priorities that were identified, in particular:

· protection of Papatūānuku by keeping waste from landfill

· developing respectful and innovative partnerships for waste minimisation in order to restore the ‘mauri’ of Papatūānuku

· nurturing relationships, looking after people, taonga and taiao

· fostering mutual respect.

50. The council also partners with Para Kore ki Tāmaki – a Māori-developed and implemented programme that integrates mātauranga Māori and zero waste principles and practices to support marae, Māori organisations, Kura Kaupapa Māori and Kōhanga Reo to divert significant quantities of recycling and organic waste from landfill.

51. Staff have also worked closely with mana whenua working groups to develop principles and guidelines to inform and integrate Te Ao Māori into the design and implementation of the Waiōrea (Western Springs) and Onehunga Community Recycling Centres.

52. The draft Resource Recovery Network Strategy was presented to the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Mana Whenua Forum on 11 September 2020, and then at a workshop on 14 September 2020. As a result of the workshop a number of mana whenua identified interest in potential opportunities for engaging with the development of the Resource Recovery Network.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

53. The 2020/2021 net operating cost of the community recycling centres that are currently in operation is approximately $2.3 million per year. An additional budget of approximately $10.8 million spread over 10 years is proposed to fund new and existing sites. This is funded as part of the proposed $150 million of additional investment to accelerate our climate change actions as part of the Long-term Plan 2021-2031.

54. No operational expenditure is planned for resource recovery parks, which should operate as commercial ventures and be self-funding.

55. An additional $29.8 million in capital expenditure is proposed for the new resource recovery facilities, spread over ten years. The new facilities are proposed to be funded through the budget allocated to Auckland Council from the central government waste levy. The waste levy will increase incrementally from its current rate of $10 per tonne to $60 per tonne by 2025.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

56. The key risks and mitigations associated with the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy are outlined in Table 1.

Table 1: Resource Recovery Network Strategy key risks and mitigations

Risk	Mitigation	Risk after mitigation
Community recycling centres will not be able to become financially self-supporting.	The increase in the waste levy will provide a greater incentive to keep resources out of landfill and increase use (and revenue generation) of community recycling centres. It will also provide increased funding to the council to establish new facilities. The introduction of product stewardship schemes, such as a container return scheme will provide additional revenue for community recycling centres and attract new users of the facilities. Additional operational funding provided as proposed in the revised strategy will support the centres until sufficient revenue is generated.	Low
Suitable sites will not be available for the proposed additional nine community recycling centres and one resource recovery park.	Staff are investigating a wide range of opportunities to secure sites, including new models of ownership and operation. This could include joint ventures or lease arrangements.	Medium
There will not be suitable operators to tender for the operation of the community recycling centres.	Staff will continue to undertake early engagement in areas where community recycling centres are planned to build capacity and link interested groups to existing operators and the national membership body for community recyclers, the Zero Waste Network.	Low

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

57. Budgets to deliver the revised strategy are being sought through the Long-term Plan 2021-2031 process.

58. The Resource Recovery Network will continue to develop over the next 10 years, with the Western Springs and Onehunga Community Recycling Centres expected to be operational by the end of 2021.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy February 2021	37
b ⇩	Local board feedback on the revised Resource Recovery Network Strategy 2021	55

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Jenny Chilcott – Senior Waste Planning Specialist

Julie Dickson – Principal Advisor Waste Planning

Authorisers

Parul Sood – General Manager Waste Solutions

Barry Potter - Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Megan Tyler - Chief of Strategy

Environment and Climate Change Committee

11 February 2021

Auckland Council submission on the Water Services Bill

File No.: CP2020/19386

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To seek delegated authority to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee and an Independent Māori Statutory Board member to approve Auckland Council’s submission on the Water Services Bill before the submission deadline of 2 March 2021.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. As part of central government’s wider Three Waters Review programme, the Water Services Bill was introduced to Parliament in July 2020.

3. The Water Services Bill establishes a new regulatory regime for drinking water that will be administered by Taumata Arowai, the independent water regulator. This new regime replaces the existing regime under the Health Act 1956, with clearer obligations and duties for all drinking water suppliers.

4. Auckland Council staff are preparing a submission on the Water Services Bill. The key submission points, proposed to form the basis of the submission (Attachment A), were developed with input from across the council group. Local Boards and Mana Whenua were also invited to provide input to inform the council submission.

5. Auckland Council staff are broadly supportive of a stand-alone regulatory framework for drinking water services to ensure the continued provision of safe drinking water for communities throughout New Zealand. However, it is proposed that the submission highlights several points for clarification and suggested changes within the Bill to achieve this desired outcome.

6. Due to the tight central government timeframes to prepare this submission staff recommend approval of the final submission be delegated to the Chair and Deputy Chair of Environment and Climate Change Committee and a member of the Independent Māori Statutory Board. This will allow staff time to fully develop the submission based on Attachment A.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a) endorse the key submission points in Attachment A of the agenda report for the draft Auckland Council submission to central government’s Water Services Bill.

b) delegate authority to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee and a member of the Independent Māori Statutory Board to approve Auckland Council’s submission on the Water Services Bill before the deadline of 2 March 2021.

Horopaki

Context

7. The Water Services Bill (the Bill) was introduced to the House in July 2020 and passed through its first reading on 8 December 2020 before being referred to the Health Select Committee. Submissions on the Bill are now being accepted, with a closing date of 2 March 2021.

8. The Bill provides the mechanics of the regulatory regime that Taumata Arowai will administer. Taumata Arowai was established in August 2020 as a Crown agent and independent dedicated water services regulator.

9. Notable aspects of the new regulatory regime proposed in the Bill include:

· extension of regulatory coverage to all drinking water suppliers, except individual domestic self-suppliers

· authorisation requirements for drinking water suppliers

· increased requirements to manage risks to drinking water sources

· increased obligations and duties on drinking water suppliers to ensure safe and reliable drinking water supplies.

10. The Bill establishes powers of Taumata Arowai, including drinking water compliance and enforcement, and the ability to declare and manage drinking water emergencies. While the focus of Taumata Arowai is drinking water, the Bill provides for powers to oversee, assess, collect and publish information about the performance of stormwater and wastewater networks.

11. Responsibilities of local authorities will be expanded to ensure communities continue to have safe and reliable access to drinking water, regardless of who is responsible for the existing supply. This will require Auckland Council to understand and work with non-council suppliers and potentially intervene in the case of a supplier failing to provide safe and reliable drinking water.

12. The Bill replaces the existing regulatory regime for drinking water under Part 2A of the Health Act 1956.

13. The Bill is part of a broader package of reforms to the regulatory and service delivery system of drinking water, wastewater and stormwater, known collectively as the Three Waters Review. The Three Waters Review was launched in mid-2017, in parallel to the latter stages of the Havelock North Inquiry into drinking water safety.

Relationship to the Essential Freshwater Programme

14. The Three Waters Review programme is separate but related to the Ministry for the Environment’s Essential Freshwater programme. Anyone with functions or duties under the Bill must give effect to Te Mana o te Wai, mirroring obligations introduced through the Essential Freshwater programme.

Out of scope matters

15. The Bill does not regulate drinking water for the purposes of bottled water. This is excluded from the definition of drinking water under the Bill (clause 6).

16. The Bill does not deal with allocation of water, including for irrigation purposes. The Resource Management Act provides the framework for water allocation.

17. The Bill is focused on ensuring safe drinking water supplies to consumers. It does not address proposed reform of water service delivery arrangements. This will be addressed elsewhere in the Three Waters Reform programme.

Current drinking water suppliers in Auckland

18. Current drinking water suppliers within the Tāmaki Makaurau/ Auckland region include:

· Watercare Services Limited (Watercare) providing reticulated water supply services to hospitals, schools, commercial and industrial properties in urban areas, and approximately 90% of the region’s total population.

· Over 250 smaller supplies owned and operated by Auckland Council, including networks and specified self-supplies at council-owned facilities like remote toilet blocks, community halls and campgrounds.

· 65 drinking-water carriers, 12 privately-owned network suppliers servicing more than 25 people and 127 specified self-suppliers in the Auckland region registered with the Ministry of Health’s Drinking Water Register (April 2019).

· Approximately 50,000 dwellings that rely on their own water sources, such as rain tanks and private bores.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

19. The Bill extends regulatory coverage and associated duties to ensure safe drinking water to all drinking water suppliers, other than domestic (household) self-suppliers. This contrasts with the existing regime, which focuses regulation on large drinking water suppliers. Duties of all drinking water suppliers under the Bill include:

· providing safe drinking water and meeting drinking water quality standards

· ensuring there is sufficient quantity of drinking water to support the needs of consumers

· preparing drinking water safety plans that emphasise a multi-barrier approach to drinking water safety (this includes mandatory residual disinfection of drinking water, with an exemption regime at the discretion of the chief executive of Taumata Arowai)

· clear obligations to act when drinking water is not safe or supply is interrupted or restricted

· to give effect to Te Mana o te Wai and enable mātauranga Māori, tikanga Māori, and kaitiakitanga to be exercised.

20. While all drinking water suppliers are brought into the new regulatory regime, it is intended that regulation be proportionate to the scale, complexity and risk profile of suppliers. For example, small rural and marae suppliers can be managed differently to large, capable drinking water suppliers, but all will be expected to provide consistent, safe drinking water supplies.

21. Local authorities and council-controlled organisations are required to be authorised or have their drinking water services delivered by an authorised drinking water supplier. Authorisation will need to demonstrate levels of competency, systems and processes, and employee skills and qualifications. A similar accreditation scheme will be in place for those that test and assess drinking water.

22. The Bill proposes a preventive risk approach to managing sources of drinking water. All drinking water suppliers are required to have a water safety plan within one to five years of commencement of the Bill. Drinking water suppliers and local authorities are expected to work together to identify and manage risks to source water, including through regulatory and non-regulatory interventions. This includes a new provision in the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) to require local authorities to have regard for risks to source water when considering resource consent applications.

23. Local authorities will be required to ensure their communities continue to have access to safe drinking water and that the risks to continued service are understood and addressed. The Bill places new responsibilities on local authorities when drinking water supplies fail or are at risk of failing, working with drinking water suppliers, consumers and Taumata Arowai to find a solution. This is incorporated into a proposed amendment to the Local Government Act 2002 requiring an assessment of drinking water services every three years.

24. Regional councils will remain the primary regulators of discharges from wastewater and stormwater networks. However, the Bill contains new national-level reporting, monitoring and advisory functions for wastewater and stormwater. This enables Taumata Arowai to set environmental performance measures, compile and publish information on the environmental performance of wastewater and stormwater networks, and promote national good practice. These provisions of the Bill only apply to reticulated services in urban areas.

Auckland Council submission

25. Auckland Council staff have met to canvas cross-council views on the Bill and identified the following key themes, proposed to form the basis of the Auckland Council submission:

· Overall, staff are generally supportive of the new regulatory regime for drinking water suppliers outlined in the Bill. To ensure the desire outcome of continued provision of safe drinking water for New Zealand communities is achieved, Auckland Council suggests several changes to the Bill.

· Giving effect to Te Mana o te Wai: support the Bill giving effect to Te Mana o te Wai. Opportunities are identified to improve engagement with Mana Whenua in relation to water safety plans and source risk management plans.

· Providing safe drinking water: support increased regulation, duties, and obligations on drinking water suppliers to provide safe drinking water and meet drinking water quality standards. However, concern with impacts on resourcing and costs in terms of capacity for the drinking water industry.

· Ensuring sufficient quantity of water for consumers: support the duty to provide sufficient quantity of drinking water. However, based on Auckland’s recent drought experience clarification is sought around how ‘sufficient’ will be interpreted.

· Water source risk management: support protection of drinking water supply sources, including requirements for source risk management plans and the amendment to the Resource Management Act. A minor amendment is suggested to improve the practicality of the Resource Management Act provision. Clarity is sought around the requirement for local authorities to undertake actions to address source risks in agreement with drinking water suppliers.

· Multi-barrier approach to drinking water safety: approach is supported. However, not supporting residual disinfection exemptions (e.g. chlorination) for treatment of reticulated supplies. This would not be consistent with the multi-barrier approach to ensure greater safety of drinking water.

· Opportunity to consider climate change: seek the inclusion of requirements to consider and respond to climate change impacts on safe drinking water supplies. It is suggested this includes inserting requirements into water safety plans and source management plans.

· Improving environmental performance of wastewater and stormwater networks: support improving environmental outcomes of stormwater and wastewater networks. Clarity is sought on annual reporting requirements and opportunities to achieve efficiencies with other reporting requirements, such as resource consents.

26. Attachment A expands on these key themes.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

27. While the Bill does not directly reference it, climate change will have a significant impact on the three waters. For example, more frequent and longer dry periods will impact the availability of drinking water for large and small suppliers in the Auckland region. Auckland Council will need to ensure drinking water is safe and has sufficient supplies over the short and long term.

28. The Auckland Council group will need to consider how it delivers and regulates the three waters in the complex and dynamic context of both central government reforms and a changing climate. Both Watercare’s Climate Change Strategy and Policy and Auckland Council’s Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan address the need to adjust how three waters services are delivered to reduce the associated emissions, and the need to prepare our water systems for the implications of climate change. The Auckland Water Strategy currently being developed will consider supply and demand.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

29. The draft submission themes were prepared with input from departments across the council group. Watercare and Auckland Transport were also invited to provide input to develop the council submission.

30. These departments will continue to provide input as the submission is developed.

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

Local impacts and local board views

31. Local Boards were invited to provide input into the council submission. Feedback has been received from Waitematā Local Board (Attachment B). The Waitematā Local Board feedback relating to consents for irrigation and water bottling is out of scope of the Bill. The remaining matters raised by Waitematā Local Board are not inconsistent with the key submission themes identified by Auckland Council staff.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

32. Water is of critical importance to Māori, and Mana Whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau have identified the need to restore the mauri of the region’s waterways, and to maintain and preserve the waterways for future generations.

33. The Auckland Council submission recommends that the Bill includes a requirement for Mana Whenua input into the water safety plans, clarifies links with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and allows for local mātauranga Māori and local interpretations of Te Mana o te Wai, including the focus of Mana Whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau on Te Mauri o te Wai.

34. The Bill will potentially impact marae and papakāinga, as these are examples of small drinking water suppliers that will be regulated by the new regulator. It will be important for Auckland Council to work with Māori, including Mana Whenua, to understand these implications.

35. Staff provided a memorandum to the Independent Māori Statutory Board and Mana Whenua representatives outlining the Bill, including opportunities to make a submission and to provide input into the development of the Auckland Council submission. At the time of writing this report no comments had been received. The draft Auckland Council submission will be circulated to the Independent Māori Statutory Board for feedback before it is finalised.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

36. There are no financial implications arising from making a submission on the Bill.

37. There are likely to be financial implications as a result of implementation of this Bill and the wider Three Waters Review. This is likely to involve regulatory support and systems, improving capability and capacity of staff, and liaison with drinking water suppliers.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

38. There are no risks arising from making a submission on the Bill.

39. Risks may arise when Auckland Council implements the Bill, which Auckland Council will need to identify and mitigate.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

40. Auckland Council staff will finalise drafting of the submission, drawing together points from the committee’s consideration of this agenda report and other input received.

41. The final draft submission will be circulated to the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, and an Independent Statutory Māori Board member from that committee to review. The final submission will be signed by the Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee.

42. The submission will be lodged with the Health Select Committee by the closing date of 2 March 2021.

43. It is likely that the Bill will come into effect in the second half of 2021 with implementation phased over time.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Water Services Bill Auckland Council key submission themes	87
b ⇩	Waitemata Local Board feedback on Water Services Bill	91

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Debbie Hogan - Principal Analyst- Strategy

Authorisers

Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Megan Tyler - Chief of Strategy

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Forward work programme	97
b ⇨	Memo - Water Services Bill (Under Separate Cover)
c ⇨	Update on environmental projects aligned to 36th America's Cup (Under Separate Cover)
d ⇨	Update on kauri dieback management programme (Under Separate Cover)
e ⇨	Healthy Waters’ EcoBank Programme (Under Separate Cover)
f ⇨	Marine sections of Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030 to be made operative (Under Separate Cover)

Environment and Climate Change Committee

11 February 2021

Kōmiti Mō Te Hurihanga Āhuarangi me Te Taiao / Environment and Climate Change] Committee
Forward Work Programme 2021

This committee deals with the development and monitoring of strategy, policy and action plans associated with environmental and climate change activities. The full terms of reference can be found here:[i Terms of reference].

This committee will meet bi-monthly commencing February 2021

Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	Expected timeframes Highlight the month(s) this is expected to come to committee in 2020
Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Strategic approach to Climate Change: - Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan Chief Sustainability Office [From the Environment and Community Committee 2016-2019] Link to decision	To provide a pathway to zero emissions by 2050 and ensure the region is prepared for the impacts of climate change. This addresses Council’s commitments to develop a plan to keep within 1.5 degrees of warming and the Climate Emergency declaration. Consultation on the Climate Change Commission’s draft advice to government
Council Controlled Organisation’s Climate Change Update	To give elected member’s visibility of the work undertaken by CCOs to adapt & mitigate the impacts of climate change.	For information: Currently providing CCO performance updates to the CCO Oversight Committee. The plan is for 1-2 CCOs to come present at this Committee meeting on their climate actions/programs.
Coastal renewals, slips and remediation
Coastal Management Framework and delivery of individual coastal compartment management plans Engineering and Technical Services [From the Environment and Community Committee 2016-2019]	Coastal compartment management plans will apply a long term, sustainable approach to management of our coast over the next 100 years. Adaptive management plans will be developed in collaboration with mana whenua and communities. Plans will consider the experiences and values we place on the coast and how these may change over time due to coastal hazards and climate change.	ECC to approve all Coastal Management Plans following endorsement via the respective the Local Boards.
Waste Minimisation
Review of the Waste Minimisation and Innovation fund Waste Solutions [From the Environment and Community Committee 2016-2019]	Review the Fund, in line with the recommendations of the S17A Value for Money review.	To approve any significant changes to the grant framework arising from the review. Memorandum to be sent to committee in Q3.
Waste Political Advisory Group Waste Solutions	To provide feedback and guidance on implementation of the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018.	Waste Political Advisory Group meetings
Implementation of waste disposal levy changes Waste Solutions	Implementation of changes to the waste disposal levy (including data and compliance) coming into effect nationally July 2021	To approve any significant changes to data collection, compliance and resource recovery systems arising from changes to the waste levy
Update to the Resource Recovery Network Strategy Waste Solutions [From the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee 2013-2016]	Options for a new operating and governance model for the Resource Recovery Network	To approve the recommended option for a new operating and governance model for the Resource Recovery Network Consider and approve approach, scheduled for consideration at February 2021 meeting.
Consultation on container return scheme design Waste Solutions	Ministry for the Environment consultation on design for national container return scheme design – Auckland Council submission	To approve the Auckland Council submission on Ministry for the Environment consultation on container return scheme design [according to latest information on MfE proposed timetable]
Water
Auckland’s Water Strategy Chief Planning Office [From the Environment and Community Committee 2016-2019] *ENV/2019/75	The health of Auckland’s waters is a critical issue. Both freshwater and marine environments in Auckland are under pressure from historic under-investment, climate change and rapid growth. The draft Auckland Plan 2050 identifies the need to proactively adapt to a changing water future and develop long-term solutions.	Series of workshops scheduled for 2021
Proposed Auckland Council submission on Water Services Bill Auckland Plan, Strategy and Research (Natural Environment Strategy)	Auckland Council made submission on Taumata Arowai Water Regulator Bill in March 2020. Subsequent Bill extends regulatory regime to all drinking water suppliers (other than domestic self-supply) and increased requirements to manage risks to drinking water sources. Implications for council roles in being a drinking water supplier, and planning and regulatory functions.	To approve substance of proposed Auckland Council submission on Water Services Bill, with final approval delegated to Chair and other members of ECC Committee prior to 2 March 2021 central government deadline.
National Environment Standards for human drinking water and wastewater discharges and overflows Auckland Plan, Strategy and Research (Natural Environment Strategy, Infrastructure Strategy)	National Environmental Standard for Sources of Human Drinking Water National Environmental Standard for Wastewater Discharges and Overflows. The National Environmental Standards will have a significant impact on the council family and so the council will provide input into these. Further detailed opportunity to provide Auckland Council input on specific regulatory proposals, probably through Planning Committee, awaiting advice from MFE, likely in 2021. Not linked to release of Water Services Bill in mid-2020. Dates for the release of these NES are anticipated to be in the second half of 2021 at earliest. Note: Overlap with Planning Committee	For information: Decision to provide feedback on the Water Services Bill and other reforms noted at Planning Committee in early 2020. The Natural Environment Strategy Unit (APRSR) provided proposed council submission on the Taumata Arowai Water Regulator Bill to Environment and Climate Change Committee in March 2020. Status of proposed NES for human drinking water and wastewater discharges and overflows will be provided to relevant committees when more is known about central government process. Link to decision – September 2020
Healthy Waters Portfolio Healthy Waters There are several work programmes that require decisions from other committees but are relevant to the E&CC Committee. [From the Environment and Community Committee 2016-2019]	Waitākere Ranges septic tank pump out scheme. Options are being consulted on as part of the Annual Budget. Decisions with the Finance and Performance Committee. Rodney Drainage districts. Managing land drainage assets within Rodney and funding and responsibility for these assets. Decision making sits with Rodney Local Board and Finance and Performance Committee. Clevedon wastewater. Possible opt-in targeted rate being proposed to the Governing Body as part of Annual Plan, decisions with the Finance and Performance Committee	For information: No decisions are required from Environment and Climate Change Committee at this stage.
National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) Plans and Places Healthy Waters Natural Environment Strategy	The NPSFM being implemented, with periodic reporting to council committees on progress, and responding to ongoing central government refinement of the framework for achieving water outcomes. Decision making for this area of work will be split between the Planning Committee (for planning decisions such as Plan Changes) and Environment and Climate Change for non-statutory functions	To provide guidance on the council’s implementation of non-statutory functions under the National Policy Statement. For Information: Planning Committee agenda report scheduled for March 2021 setting out proposed Auckland Council approach to implement the NPSFM 2020, as driven from a planning approach.
Water Quality Targeted Rate Programme Infrastructure and Environmental Services	Healthy waters and streams projects supported by the water quality targeted rate for projects that will ensure cleaner beaches, streams and harbours across the region	For information: Currently providing quarterly updates to the Finance and Performance Committee. End of year report will be provided to this Committee in September. Link to decision – September 2020
Too Much Water Policy		Timeframe to be confirmed
Grants
Allocation of the Regional Natural Heritage Grant Environmental Services	Decision-making over regional environment fund as per the grants funding policy and fund guidelines. Funds to contribute to the council’s goals related to protecting our natural environment.	Decision to confirm allocation of grants for the 2021/2022 funding round. Decision report December 2021.
Allocation of Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund 2021	Decision making over medium and large funds from the Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund in line with the fund’s adopted policy. Funds to contribute towards the council’s aspirational goal of zero waste to landfill by 2040.	Decision to confirm allocation of grants for the 2021/2022 funding round. Decision report December 2021.
Natural Heritage
Review of Auckland Council’s Regional Pest Management Plan Environmental Services	Council has statutory obligations under the Biosecurity Act to control weeds and animal pests. The purpose of work in 2020 will be to resolve any remaining appeals against the plan and complete final steps required for it to become operative.	To update the committee when the plan becomes operative. Memorandum regarding operative in part as part of items for information in February 2021. No further decisions for 2021.
Inter-regional marine pest pathway management plan Environmental Services [From the Environment and Community Committee 2016-2019]	A Pathway Management Plan is a statutory plan under the Biosecurity Act. Council is working with MPI, DOC and neighbouring councils (a group known as Top of the North) to develop one to manage the spread of marine pests to avoid or minimise their negative impacts on the environment.	To endorse Top of the North to undertake consultation on a proposed pathway management plan. To subsequently approve a preferred option for management of marine pests and development of a plan under the Biosecurity Act. Decision to approve draft proposal for consultation expected August 2021.
Natural Environment Targeted Rate Programme	Natural environment projects supported by the natural environment targeted rate will help protect the environment and tackle the pests, weeds and diseases that are threatening the native species	For information: Currently providing quarterly updates to the F&P Committee. End of year report will be provided to this Committee in October. Link to decision – September 2020
Kauri dieback work programme update Environmental Services	The natural environment targeted rate included a $100m package to improve the protection of kauri in Auckland. The work programme includes a significant track upgrade package to reduce the spread of kauri dieback, as well as funding for education, enforcement, monitoring, treatment and research.	To update the committee on ongoing regional kauri dieback management work programme Memo sent November 2020, the annual update for 2021/2022 will be sent approximately October 2021.
National Biodiversity Strategy and National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity Environmental Services and Natural Environment Strategy	Government is launching these two programmes.	To endorse council’s approach to responding to the strategy and policy?
State of Environment Report	Monitoring and reporting on the state of all or part of the environment is required under section 35 of the Resource Management Act 1991. As part of meeting our reporting obligations, the Research and Evaluation Unit (RIMU) is releasing a suite of technical reports accompanied by a simplified synthesis report on 11 February 2021 when high level results will be presented to the Environment and Climate Change Committee.	For information only. As part of meeting council’s RMA obligations, the synthesis report that brings together information from 13 new and recent technical reports on the state and trends for the air, land, and water domains in the Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland was considered significant enough to warrant an information item on the agenda.
Weed Management Political Advisory Group Community Facilities	Resolution number ECC/2020/13. Implementing this resolution will include engagement with local boards from September – November	Oversee the implementation and delivery of the Weed Management Policy, taking into account both community and technical considerations. This year will have a focus on providing oversight over the implementation Resolution number ECC/2020/55 relating to the standardisation of funding for weed management within the urban road corridor.
Project Streetscapes – Regional Review of Weed Management in the Road Corridor Community Facilities	Resolution number ECC/2020/55 f)	Consideration of engagement of with mana whenua, the Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum and the IMSB

Chairperson	Cr Richard Hills
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Pippa Coom
Members	Cr Josephine Bartley	Cr Daniel Newman, JP
	Cr Dr Cathy Casey	Cr Greg Sayers
	Deputy Mayor Cr Bill Cashmore	Cr Desley Simpson, JP
	Cr Fa’anana Efeso Collins	Cr Sharon Stewart, QSM
	Cr Linda Cooper, JP	Cr Wayne Walker
	Cr Angela Dalton	Cr John Watson
	Cr Chris Darby	IMSB Member Glenn Wilcox
	Cr Alf Filipaina	IMSB Member Karen Wilson
	Cr Christine Fletcher, QSO	Cr Paul Young
	Mayor Hon Phil Goff, CNZM, JP
	Cr Shane Henderson
	Cr Tracy Mulholland

Date	Memo
19/11/2020	Update on environmental projects aligned to 36^th America’s Cup
24/11/2020	Update on kauri dieback management programme
9/12/2020	Healthy Waters’ EcoBank Programme
18/12/2020	Water Services Bill
21/01/2021	Transport greenhouse gas emissions reduction advocacy, engagement and supporting action – confidential
21/01/2021	Climate Action Advocacy to Central Government: Overview of Top Priorities - confidential
22/01/2021	Marine sections of Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030 to be made operative

Date	Workshop/Briefing
3/02/2021	Workshop – confidential

Author	Suad Allie - Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere Matua / Senior Governance Advisor
Authoriser	Megan Tyler - Chief of Strategy