Agenda of Rural Advisory Panel - Friday, 12 February 2021

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

Date:

Time:

Meeting Room:

Venue:

Friday, 12 February 2021

12.30pm

Room 1, Level 26
135 Albert Street
Auckland

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

OPEN AGENDA

MEMBERSHIP

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

(Quorum 10 members)

Sandra Gordon

Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere Matua / Senior Governance Advisor

4 February 2021

Contact Telephone: (09) 890 8150

Email: sandra.gordon@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Rural Advisory Panel

12 February 2021

10-year Budget 2021-2031 - Process overview

File No.: CP2021/00417

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To receive a presentation and provide feedback on Auckland Council’s draft 10-year Budget 2021-2031 (long term plan).

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2. All councils are required, under the Local Government Act 2002, to adopt a long-term plan and review it every three years. The process to develop council’s fourth long term plan (which we refer to as the 10-year Budget) for the period 2021-2031 began in August 2020.

3. The 10-year Budget sets out Council’s activities and the community outcomes of the Auckland region, and provides integrated decision-making and co-ordination of the council’s resources as well as a long-term focus for the council’s decisions and activities.

4. Staff will update budgets and prepare a consultation document and supporting information for consultation with Aucklanders. The primary focus of the consultation document will be to provide a fair representation of the matters the council proposes to include in the 10-year Budget, and to clearly set out the key issues of importance for Auckland, along with options for addressing each issue and the implications for rates, debt and levels of service.

5. The Governing Body has agreed the Mayoral Proposal, which is the first step in developing the 10-year budget. When the mayor released the proposal on 1 December 2020, he outlined the issues he thinks are most important for Auckland. These include climate action, transport, infrastructure for growth, community services and facilities, social investment, Māori outcomes, environmental protection, a resilient water supply, and the level of spending and how we pay for it.

6. The Governing Body will meet to adopt the consultation document and supporting material on 18 February 2021 prior to the public consultation process which is planned to run from 22 February to 22 March 2021.

7. All consultation information will be published on the AK Have your Say website - https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ . Panel members are encouraged to provide individual feedback and to encourage others from the rural community to participate.

8. In addition, all advisory panels have been allocated a 15-minute slot on the agenda of the 21 April 2021 Finance and Performance Committee to talk to any collective feedback they may have as a panel on the draft budget.

9. Following feedback from the community, local boards and the Governing Body will reconsider the draft budgets and make final decisions in May 2021. The Governing Body will then adopt the final 10-year Budget 2021-2031 in June 2021.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rural Advisory Panel:

a) note the presentation on the 10-year Budget.

b) confirm if they would like to present to the Finance and Performance Committee workshop on 21 April 2021 on their feedback.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author	Carol Hayward - Principal Advisor Panels
Authoriser	Warren Maclennan – Lead Officer

Rural Advisory Panel

12 February 2021

Healthy Waters regular update

File No.: CP2021/00733

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. To update the panel on Auckland Council group’s operational drought response actions and priorities for the long-term plan consultation.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

Drought

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

3. This report provides the Rural Advisory Panel with an update on drought response actions taken by Auckland Council and Watercare since November 2020. This includes:

· a decision by the Governing Body to amend external water restrictions for residential use (resolution GB/2020/126)

· alternative irrigation options at sports fields

· additional bulk bore supplies under development in Orewa and Karaka

· additional water from Hays Creek dam

· notifying the plan change for rainwater tanks to ease consent requirements

4. Priority focus areas for staff over the next few months include:

· completing additional bulk bore supplies

· responding to welfare needs

· progressing water efficiency for sports fields

· continued communications to increase rainwater tank uptake and maintenance in rural and urban areas.

Long-Term Plan and Water Quality Targeted Rate

5. Auckland Council will consult on the 2021-2031 Long-Term Plan (LTP) from 22 February 2021 to 22 March 2021.

6. There are several Healthy Waters-led initiatives featured in the consultation document including: extension and increase of the water quality targeted rate (WQTR), confirmation of the Waitakere septic tank pump-out rate, a new Rodney Drainage Districts targeted rate, and confirmation of the Clevedon Water and Wastewater Connection Targeted Rate.

7. Extending and increasing the WQTR will allow new work in the Manukau Harbour and Eastern Isthmus catchments, as well as increasing budget for existing work programmes that will enable more projects to be delivered across the region.

8. The focus for the Manukau Harbour will be on reducing contamination from roads by working with agencies to include water sensitive design in new projects, such as Mill Road, and upgrades to existing infrastructure.

9. The focus for the Eastern Isthmus will be separation of wastewater and stormwater systems, like in the Western Isthmus, subject to alignment with Watercare’s project capacity. This will have a positive impact on popular swimming beaches in the outer Waitemata and Hauraki Gulf by reducing wastewater overflows through the stormwater network.

10. A further update report will be provided to the panel at its meeting scheduled to be held on 7 May 2021.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rural Advisory Panel:

a) receive the update on Auckland Council group’s operational drought response actions and priorities for the long-term plan consultation.

Horopaki

Context

Drought

11. Watercare’s dams were 62 per cent full at the end of January 2021, compared to 86 per cent historical average. Summer rains were significantly below average across the region, despite forecast La Niña weather conditions. Aquifer monitoring informs our bore supplies.

12. Total January rainfall was either at or below the long-term normal range. Most of the rain occurred early in the month and during an event on 20 Jan. As a result, soil moisture fell at all sites and only two sites remain in the normal range, with eight sites recording low or very low soil moisture. River flows fell across the region with 29 of 39 sites now below the mean annual low flow (MALF). Nineteen stream sites are below the AUP default minimum flow of 85% MALF. Groundwater levels vary according to geology and water use pressures. Low groundwater levels were generally observed in shallow volcanic and deep Waitematā sandstone aquifers.

13. Watercare and Auckland Council’s communications are aligned to help all water users prepare for and respond to the dry conditions.

14. There are three sources of non-potable water across the region.

· 126 Hugo Johnston Drive, Penrose (bulk supply available)

· Western Springs (up to 10,000 litres)

· Lake Pupuke North Shore Rowing Club (up to 10,000 litres).

15. Auckland Council continues to minimise its potable water consumption for recreation and amenities through water efficiency and activating bore supplies at key sports grounds.

Long-term Plan

16. Auckland Council introduced a water quality targeted rate in 2018. This was mostly allocated to investment in the western isthmus. Smaller local programmes have been delivered across other local board areas, including onsite wastewater investigations and community grants for stream restoration.

17. In December, the Governing Body agreed to consult on increasing and extending the targeted rate. The extension would all investment to continue from 2028 to 2031. It would also increase the annual rate at the same level as the general rates. In 2021, the proposal is to increase the rate by 5%.

18. The increase and extension allows for more investment in existing work programmes, and investment in new work programmes.

19. Other consultation items include confirmation of the Waitakere septic tank pump-out rate, a new Rodney Drainage Districts targeted rate, and confirmation of the Clevedon Water and Wastewater Connection Targeted Rate.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Changes to outdoor residential water use restrictions

20. On 26 November 2020, the Governing Body approved an adjustment to mandatory Stage 1 water use restrictions (resolution GB/2020/126). Residential water users are now able to use outdoor hoses that are equipped with a handheld trigger nozzle. These changes were effective from 14 December 2020.

21. So far Aucklanders have responded very well to the call to save water, maintain demand below the well below target levels. As we enter the driest part of summer we expect demand to rise and Watercare have increased their public messaging in anticipation of this. The graph below shows the current water demand (red) compared to last years (blue).

Additional water supplies

22. Watercare is funding most capital works to respond to the drought, including establishing supplementary bore sites. These sites will ideally provide sufficient volume and quality of water to supplement the demand from private water carriers for residential deliveries.

23. Following investigations, infrastructure for bulk water supply is being installed in Orewa and Karaka. The additional supply at Halls farm is due to be commissioned on Thursday, 11 February 2021.

24. Watercare and Healthy Waters are monitoring the demand at bulk water supply locations to determine if welfare sites need to be activated. The rain gauge network indicate the North East (Leigh/Matakana) and The Gulf Islands have had the least rainfall this summer.

25. Council provided advice to private property owners with bores to increase the amount of water that can be taken.

26. Community Facilities is developing work to enable collection and water use at council facilities. Irrigation bores are being installed at priority sports fields.

27. A new private potable water supply is available at Manukau Quarries near Beachlands, that will support the area of highest demand experienced last summer.

28. Stage one of the Papakura water treatment plant upgrade that treats water from the Hays Creek dam will be online soon, this will be followed by more permeant works that will increase the treatment capacity from this source for the long term.

Communications

29. From October 2020, Auckland Council increased its communications to rural communities about preparing for another dry summer.

30. These communications include social media graphics that are promoted on Twitter, Neighbourly, Facebook and Instagram and provided to elected members to share. We will also have advertising space in 11 regional community papers, and on digital displays and posters in libraries and service centres.

31. Media releases in January were focused on Auckland’s rural residents, the key messages were to check tanks regularly, maintain careful water use habits, and book refills early.

32. Feedback from water carriers this so far this summer is that they are coping with the current levels of demand and waiting lists are manageable.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

33. Climate change predictions indicate that there will be more extended dry periods in the future. Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan includes provisions for drought.

34. The operational work outlined in this report reflects the policy directives from Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan to improve the drought-resilience of Auckland’s water network.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

35. Auckland Council departments are working closely with Watercare in developing and implementing the council’s operational response to the drought.

36. Auckland Transport has raised concerns about the ongoing impacts on roading and transport construction projects it is delivering or that are being delivered by Waka Kotahi (NZTA). Non-potable water supplies have been made available for the construction sector and Auckland Transport are put of a Construction sector drought response group, additional non potable waters sources in convenient locations close to construction sites are investigated and reviewed with this group.

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

Local impacts and local board views

37. Between 20 August and 6 October 2020, Healthy Waters and Watercare met with eight local boards that have residents reliant on rainwater tanks. The boards were asked to provide feedback on priority areas, welfare supply locations, and if they were aware of any private bore owners that might be able to provide large volumes to water for public use.

38. There was general agreement from local boards that staff had correctly identified the priority areas for welfare supplies to be provided. Some boards made suggestions for additional welfare supplies and private bore owners.

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

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

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

41. The Kaitiaki Forum has been kept up to date with the water supply situation. On 12 February 2021, the forum received an item on the drought and unreticulated communities as well as the drought contingency measures Watercare and the council are planning for the coming summer. They were in support of the council’s water tank programme and requested to be kept up to date on the measures, including the Waikato River take.

42. To give effect to this feedback, the metering of bores will be scoped for a Unitary Plan change, and work has begun to assess the condition of the Wellsford aquifer. Māori wardens provided support during the civil defense partial activation in February and March 2020 and could be called upon again to tautoko future civil defense needs.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

43. Watercare have agreed to underwrite the capital costs of emergency bore development for drought relief.

44. To reduce the impact on the council group’s constrained budgets and maintain a fair market, water carriers will need to pay for any water taken from supplementary bore supplies to recover costs. Watercare have communicated the new pricing to water carriers, but it will not take effects until March after the normal peak summer demand period.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

45. The key risks and mitigations of the council’s drought response are outlined in Table 1.

Table 1: Risks and mitigations relating to the council’s drought response

Risk	Mitigation	Risk rating after mitigation (low, medium or high)
Water carriers not able to meet demand, causing long delays for deliveries	- Encourage partial filling at lower cost - Stronger communication for water saving and early bookings	High Conditions are similar to summer 2019/2020 and some carriers are reporting higher than usual demand.
Bulk filling stations restricted or closed due to stage 2 or 3 water restrictions	- Activate supplementary bore supplies - Stronger communication for water saving and early bookings	Low Forecasts do not indicate the need for further restrictions.
Residents not able to increase tank supply due to high demand or cost of tank	- Work with tank industry to support them to meet demand - Remove consent fees - Stronger communication for water saving and early bookings	Medium There will be people unable to purchase additional tanks, particularly tenants. Tank industry is reporting some wait times for tanks.
Supplementary bores are not able to provide bulk filling	- Re-engage milk tanker fleet for private carriers on a cost recovery basis	Medium Demand would increase for Watercare’s network.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

46. A further update report will be provided to the panel at its meeting scheduled to be held on 7 May 2021.

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Elizabeth Johnson – Senior Specialist, Wai Ora Strategic Programmes

Andrew Chin – Head of Healthy Waters Strategy

Authorisers

Craig Mcilroy – General Manager Healthy Waters

Barry Potter – Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Warren Maclennan – Lead Officer

Rural Advisory Panel

12 February 2021

Impact of National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management

File No.: CP2021/00562

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1. In anticipation of the Auckland Unitary plan change to implement the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM 2020), advice issought from the panel on how the it would like to be engaged to develop policy and rules for the plan change.

Context

2. From 3 September 2020, the revised NPS-FM 2020 came into effect. The single objective of the NPS-FM is to ensure that natural and physical resources are managed in a way that prioritises:

a) first, the health and well-being of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems;

b) second, the health needs of people (such as drinking water);

c) third, the ability of people and communities to provide for their social, economic, and cultural well-being, now and in the future.

3. A key purpose of the National Policy Statement is setting enforceable water quality and quantity limits based on the best available information and scientific and socio-economic knowledge.

4. Auckland Council must notify a plan change to implement the NPS-FM 2020 by 31 December 2024, with final decisions made by 2026. Staff are taking a proposed work programme for delivering on the NPS-FM 2020 to the March Planning Committee. This work programme would supersede that approved by the Committee in late 2018, considering the new timeframes and requirements of the NPS-FM 2020.

5. The panel, as a key stakeholder and advisory panel to the Council will be very important in the delivery of the requirements of NPS-FM 2020. The engagement plan for the plan change is currently being finalised but we anticipate that engagement with key stakeholders and the community will be carried out throughout the life of the project, in developing and providing feedback to proposed responses.

6. To ensure transparent and meaningful engagement with the panel, we are seeking advice from the Panel on how it wants to be engaged? For example:

a) The manner of engagement. Do you want us to work with the panel or a working group?

b) What form of engagement should be used and how often? e.g. workshops, seminars, round tables etc. Do you want to hold joint community meetings with key informants e.g. Pukekohe growers on the Pukekohe Exemption Area?

c) Are there any specific topics that you want to focus engagement on?

7. Engagement with the panel will enable us to take your views and ideas into account as inputs to set the policy direction for future freshwater management in the Auckland region, thereby avoiding or reducing adverse impacts, and enhancing benefits.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

8. The NPS-FM 2020 requires the council to adopt and publicly notify a plan change to the Unitary Plan to implement the NPS-FM by 31 December 2024.

9. To ensure transparent and meaningful engagement, we are seeking advice from the panel on how it would like to be engaged to develop policy and rules on the plan change. This includes the manner of engagement (who), the form of engagement (how) and whether there are any specific topics that the Panel wishes to be engaged on (what).

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Rural Advisory Panel:

a) advise how the panel wishes to be engaged to develop policy and rules on the plan change to implement the National Policy Statement

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories