Report Plans of Governing Body - Thursday, 28 April 2022

Governing Body

28 April 2022

Kōmiti Mō Te Hurihanga Āhuarangi me Te Taiao / Environment and Climate Change] Committee
Forward Work Programme 2021/2022

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 March 2022

Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	Expected decision timeframes Highlight the month(s) this is expected to come to committee
Area of work and Lead Department	Reason for work	Committee role (decision and/or direction)	2 Dec 21	10 Mar 22	12 May 22	07 Jul 22	08 Sep 22	Workshops / Memo
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 deliver on targets set out in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri to keep within 1.5 degrees of warming and the Climate Emergency declaration.	To oversee and implementation of the Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan Progress to date: Annual update received: December 2021 Link to decision Upcoming decision: September 2022 – Annual progress report 21/22					Annual progress report
Climate change adaptation targets	Consideration of climate change adaptation targets	For committee consideration				Decision tbc
Transport Emissions	Transport Emissions Reduction Plan for Auckland Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri models a 64% reduction in transport emissions as part of its interim target of a 50% reduction in Auckland’s overall emissions by 2030. The TERP will set out a pathway to this 64% reduction.	To approve Transport Emissions Reduction Plan for Auckland Progress to date: Approach - August 2021 Link to decision Progress update – December 2021 Link to decision Progress update – March 2022 (via memo and workshop)	Decision	Update		Decision		16 March 2022
Regional Streets for People Programme AT on behalf of the Chief Planning Office	The Regional Streets for People $3 million programme is part of Auckland Council’s ten-year climate action package. It aims to contribute to the targets in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri by delivering trials and tactical urbanism interventions across the region, outside the city centre, that reduce emissions through encouraging mode shift to walking, cycling and micromobility.	To endorse the list of proposed projects to be implemented. Link to decision		Endorsement			Update
Natural hazards coastal renewals, slips and remediation
Coastal Management Framework and delivery of Shoreline Adaptation Plans Resilient Land and Coast [From the Environment and Community Committee 2016-2019)	Shorelines adaptation plans 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 the Whangaparaoa Pilot and note regional programme early 2024. ECC then to approve completed plans following endorsement via the respective the Local Boards as they progress Progress to date: Adoption of the Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan – June 2021 Link to decision Progress to date: Report – March 2022 Link to decision		Decision report Whangaparaoa pilot.			Decision report approve Beachlands and East and Regional Risk Assessment
Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan (NHRMAP)	NHRMAP is reporting tool that collates all of the work programmes across Auckland Council that mitigate long term natural hazard risk, outside of emergency management. As natural hazard events are expected to escalate in size and frequency due to climate change, this work is an important step to ensure that the council is appropriately managing risk.	Receive 6 monthly reporting updates. Progress to date: Adoption of the Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan – June 2021 Link to decision	Memo			Decision		July 2022 – workshop on NHRMAP year one including any recommended changes to the plan
Waste Minimisation
Waste Political Advisory Group Waste Solutions	To provide feedback and guidance on implementation of the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018	A memo will be prepared on the mid-term progress against the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan actions and targets. Morrison Low has been engaged to assess future servicing options for high density housing as Auckland housing intensifies.			Memo			Ongoing – quarterly meetings
Consultation on key national waste proposals e.g. container return scheme design Waste Solutions	Ministry for the Environment consultation on design for national container return scheme design – Auckland Council submission	Approve submission - MFE consultation on a regulated scheme for beverage containers. Waste Solutions will prepare a submission for sign off by the ECCC.			Decision TBC
Kerbside refuse policy charging review	Review of PAYT model to assess whether PAYT is still the best solution for achieving the objectives of the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan	Upcoming decision: regarding current policy outlined in the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018. ECC Committee report in mid 2022					Decision
Water
Auckland 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 Workshops to be held to seek feedback and guidance on strategic direction of proposed Water Strategy ahead of decision making in December 2021 and final decision making in March 2022. Progress to date: Water Consumption targets report 15 April 2021 Link to decision Upcoming Decision: Adoption of strategy – March 2022 Link to decision	Decision	Decision
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 to Governing Body in October 2022. Progress to date: End of year report 10 September 2020 Link to decision End of year report October 2021 Link to decision					Annual report
Too Much Water Policy	To develop an adaptive approach to protecting Aucklanders from harms as a result of a future with’ too much’ water.	For decision: Position Statements to guide future responses while policy is further developed and update on programme approach to be provided in March 2022. A draft adaptive pathways blueprint that will outline a regional too much water response, by May 2023. Link to decision		Update				Workshops on draft adaptive pathways blue print workshops on strategic direction in March and April 2023
Harbours
Manukau Harbour Natural Environment Strategy	To achieve better outcomes for the Manukau Harbour including: · increased visibility of Auckland Council initiatives through updates on work programmes to the committee · greater E&CC oversight, and work to strengthening relationships with mana whenua and other parties	Annual work programme update to be provided in July 2022. To be confirmed whether any committee decisions will be required. Annual update provided through 30 June 2021 closed workshop which included overview of synthesis report of findings from the council’s 2020 State of the Environment report, current and future operational programmes, and strategic direction	Memo			Update to be provided
Hauraki Gulf Natural Environment Strategy	Work to ensure that the outcomes that Auckland Council intends to achieve in the Hauraki Gulf under its statutory responsibilities are clearly articulated. To ensure that the central government work programme is complementary to council’s aspirations for the Hauraki Gul	i) matters that need greater internal synergies within council’s statutory responsibilities to give effect to improved Hauraki Gulf outcomes (i.e., resource management) ii) matters that Auckland Council wishes to contribute to the central government work programme encompassed by ‘Revitalising Our Gulf: Government Action on the Sea Change plan’, as it relates to complementary activities within Auckland Council’s mandate
Kaipara Harbour Governance	Provides a report back function for the Auckland Council interest in the Kaipara Moana Remediation Programme	To receive the annual report and other progress updates as required	Memo
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	Decision
Establishment of a Climate Action Fund Environmental Services	To approve establishment of a contestable fund to support community climate action.	To approve establishment of a new climate action fund. Decision report in July 2022				Decision
Review of the Regional Environment & Natural Heritage Fund Environmental Services	To review the fund to better align community environmental funding.	To approve any significant changes to the RENH grant framework arising from the review. Decision report in July 2022				Decision
Natural Heritage
Natural Environment Targeted Rate Programme Environmental Services	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. Progress to date: End of year report 10 September 2020 Link to decision End of year report October 2021 Link to decision					Decision
Annual report on the council’s operational plan for implementing the Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030 Environmental Services	Under section 100B of the Biosecurity Act, the council is required to report annually on its operational plan for implementing the Regional Pest Management Plan.	For information:. End of year report will be provided to this Committee in September 2022. Progress to date: Report October 2021 as part of the annual report on the water and environment targeted rates Link to decision					Decision
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. Progress to date: Memo sent November 2020, link found here Memo: annual update for 2021/2022 will be sent December February 2022.						Update and oversight role
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. Progress to date: Link to decision						Next WMPAG meeting to be scheduled for May 2022
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						Memo, December 2021 Memo, July 2022
Berm Planting Guidelines Community Facilities	For the Committee to consider berm planting guidelines following discussions and advice from staff	To be confirmed