I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Environment and Climate Change Committee will be held on:

 

Date:

Time:

Meeting Room:

Venue:

 

Thursday, 7 July 2022

10.00am

Reception Lounge
Auckland Town Hall
301-305 Queen Street
Auckland

 

Kōmiti Mō Te Hurihanga Āhuarangi me Te Taiao / Environment and Climate Change Committee

 

OPEN AGENDA

 

 

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Chairperson

Cr Richard Hills

Cr Shane Henderson

Deputy Chairperson

Cr Pippa Coom

IMSB Member Mr Terrence Hohneck

Members

Cr Josephine Bartley

Cr Tracy Mulholland

 

Cr Dr Cathy Casey

Cr Daniel Newman, JP

 

Deputy Mayor Cr Bill Cashmore

Cr Greg Sayers

 

Cr Fa’anana Efeso Collins

Cr Desley Simpson, JP

 

Cr Linda Cooper, JP

Cr Sharon Stewart, QSM

 

Cr Angela Dalton

Cr Wayne Walker

 

Cr Chris Darby

Cr John Watson

 

Cr Alf Filipaina, MNZM

IMSB Member Karen Wilson

 

Cr Christine Fletcher, QSO

Cr Paul Young

 

Mayor Hon Phil Goff, CNZM, JP

 

 

 

(Quorum 11 members)

 

 

Suad Allie

Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere Matua /

Senior Governance Advisor

 

4 July 2022

 

Contact Telephone: (09) 977 6953

Email: suad.allie@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Website: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

 

 


 


 

Terms of Reference

 

Responsibilities

 

This committee deals with the development and monitoring of strategy, policy and action plans associated with environmental and climate change activities.   The committee will establish an annual work programme outlining key focus areas in line with its key responsibilities, which include:

 

·        climate change mitigation and adaptation policy, and implementation (with other committee chairs where cross over of responsibilities exists)

·        coastal renewals, slips and remediation

·        Auckland’s Climate Action Framework

·        natural heritage (including ecology, biodiversity and biosecurity matters, such as kauri dieback)

·        protection and restoration of Auckland’s ecological health

·        water, including Auckland’s Water Strategy

·        waste minimisation

·        acquisition of property relating to the committee’s responsibilities and in accordance with the LTP

·        grants for regional environmental outcomes.

 

Powers

 

(i)      All powers necessary to perform the committee’s responsibilities, including:

(a)     approval of a submission to an external body

(b)     establishment of working parties or steering groups.

(ii)     The committee has the powers to perform the responsibilities of another committee, where it is necessary to make a decision prior to the next meeting of that other committee.

(iii)     If a policy or project relates primarily to the responsibilities of the Environment and Climate Change Committee, but aspects require additional decisions by the Planning Committee and/or the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee, then the Environment and Climate Change Committee has the powers to make associated decisions on behalf of those other committee(s). For the avoidance of doubt, this means that matters do not need to be taken to more than one of these committees for decisions.

(iii)    The committee does not have:

(a)     the power to establish subcommittees

(b)     powers that the Governing Body cannot delegate or has retained to itself (section 2).

 

Code of conduct

 

For information relating to Auckland Council’s elected members code of conduct, please refer to this link on the Auckland Council website - https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/about-auckland-council/how-auckland-council-works/elected-members-remuneration-declarations-interest/Pages/elected-members-code-conduct.aspx

 

 


 

 

Exclusion of the public – who needs to leave the meeting

 

Members of the public

 

All members of the public must leave the meeting when the public are excluded unless a resolution is passed permitting a person to remain because their knowledge will assist the meeting.

 

Those who are not members of the public

 

General principles

 

·          Access to confidential information is managed on a “need to know” basis where access to the information is required in order for a person to perform their role.

·          Those who are not members of the meeting (see list below) must leave unless it is necessary for them to remain and hear the debate in order to perform their role.

·          Those who need to be present for one confidential item can remain only for that item and must leave the room for any other confidential items.

·          In any case of doubt, the ruling of the chairperson is final.

 

Members of the meeting

 

·          The members of the meeting remain (all Governing Body members if the meeting is a Governing Body meeting; all members of the committee if the meeting is a committee meeting).

·          However, standing orders require that a councillor who has a pecuniary conflict of interest leave the room.

·          All councillors have the right to attend any meeting of a committee and councillors who are not members of a committee may remain, subject to any limitations in standing orders.

 

Independent Māori Statutory Board

 

·          Members of the Independent Māori Statutory Board who are appointed members of the committee remain.

·          Independent Māori Statutory Board members and staff remain if this is necessary in order for them to perform their role.

 

Staff

 

·          All staff supporting the meeting (administrative, senior management) remain.

·          Other staff who need to because of their role may remain.

 

Local Board members

 

·          Local Board members who need to hear the matter being discussed in order to perform their role may remain.  This will usually be if the matter affects, or is relevant to, a particular Local Board area.

 

Council Controlled Organisations

 

·          Representatives of a Council Controlled Organisation can remain only if required to for discussion of a matter relevant to the Council Controlled Organisation.

 

 


Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

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ITEM   TABLE OF CONTENTS            PAGE

1          Apologies                                                                                                           7

2          Declaration of Interest                                                                   7

3          Confirmation of Minutes                                                                                   7

4          Petitions                                                                                          7  

5          Public Input                                                                                     7

5.1    Public Input: Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau - Dr Mairi Jay                                                                                 7

6          Local Board Input                                                                           8

7          Extraordinary Business                                                                 8

8          Notices of Motion                                                                           8

9          Notice of Motion - Councillor Josephine Bartley - fishing control - protect Shag species in the Panmure Basin               9

10        Watercare and Helathy Waters in response to Te-Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.                                             17

11        Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan                       47

12        National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity - update on exposure draft release                                              73

13        Summary of Environment and Climate Change Committee information memoranda and briefings (including forward work programme) - 7 July 2022                                                  85

14        Consideration of Extraordinary Items

 


1          Apologies

 

At the close of the agenda no apologies had been received.

 

 

2          Declaration of Interest

 

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have.

 

 

3          Confirmation of Minutes

 

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a)           confirm the ordinary minutes of its meeting, held on Thursday, 10 March 2022, as a true and correct record.

 

 

4          Petitions

 

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

 

 

5          Public Input

 

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

 

 

5.1       Public Input: Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau - Dr Mairi Jay

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.      Dr Mairi Jay, Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau will be in attendance to address the meeting regarding Auckland Council’s on work done on the environment and climate change.

 

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a)      receive the presentation from Dr Mairi Jay, Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau and thank them for their attendance.

 

 


 

6          Local Board Input

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

7          Extraordinary Business

 

Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

 

“An item that is not on the agenda for a meeting may be dealt with at that meeting if-

 

(a)        The local  authority by resolution so decides; and

 

(b)        The presiding member explains at the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public,-

 

(i)         The reason why the item is not on the agenda; and

 

(ii)        The reason why the discussion of the item cannot be delayed until a subsequent meeting.”

 

Section 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended) states:

 

“Where an item is not on the agenda for a meeting,-

 

(a)        That item may be discussed at that meeting if-

 

(i)         That item is a minor matter relating to the general business of the local authority; and

 

(ii)        the presiding member explains at the beginning of the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public, that the item will be discussed at the meeting; but

 

(b)        no resolution, decision or recommendation may be made in respect of that item except to refer that item to a subsequent meeting of the local authority for further discussion.”

 

 

8          Notices of Motion

 

Under Standing Order 2.5.1 a Notice of Motion has been received from Cr J Bartley and Chairperson R Hills for consideration under item 9.

 


Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

Notice of Motion - Councillor Josephine Bartley - fishing control - protect Shag species in the Panmure Basin

File No.: CP2022/09755

 

  

 

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary https://aklcouncil.sharepoint.com/sites/how-we-work/SitePages/executive-summary-reports.aspx

1.      Councillor Josephine Bartley has given notice of a motion that they wish to propose.

2.      The notice, signed by Councillor Josephine Bartley and Councillor Richard Hills as seconder, is appended as Attachment A.

3.      Supporting information is appended as Attachment B.

 

Motion

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a)      request staff to investigate options to protect Shag species in the Panmure Basin

b)      request staff to engage with Mana whenua and other interested parties on appropriate protections and restrictions that can be introduced to protect the Shag species in the Panmure Basin

c)      request staff to report back on progress to the Environment and Climate Change Committee or its equivalent by early 2023.

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

Notice of Motion

11

b

Supporting Document

13

      

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Suad Allie - Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere Matua / Senior Governance Advisor

Authoriser

Megan Tyler - Chief of Strategy

 

 


Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

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Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

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Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

Watercare and Helathy Waters in response to Te-Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.

File No.: CP2022/09390

 

  

 

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.      To share the action plan prepared by Watercare and Healthy Waters in response to Te-Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2.      Watercare and Healthy Waters have collaborated on a joint climate action plan (Attachment A) to implement the key actions for delivery by Watercare and Healthy Waters identified in Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan.

3.      This action plan is the first part of a refresh of the Watercare climate change strategy 2019.

4.      The action plan includes 14 portfolios that have been arranged to deliver the key focus areas which impact the water system and define the focus areas and tasks that each organisation will take to:

·    adapt to the impacts of climate change;

·    mitigate its contribution to global warming; and

·    integrate climate thinking into our business so it becomes “business as usual”.

5.      The portfolios establish and coordinate internal work plans to ensure their timely delivery. The work plans identify staff who will lead the work and timeframes for delivery. The work plans will be managed and updated on a regular basis.

6.      This plan was presented to the Watercare board on 7 June 2022.

 

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a)      receive the action plan

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

Watercare and Healthy Waters response to deliver climate change action

19

     

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Suad Allie - Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere Matua / Senior Governance Advisor

Authoriser

Megan Tyler - Chief of Strategy

 

 


Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

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Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan

File No.: CP2022/07562

 

  

 

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.      To provide a progress update on implementation of the Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan (NHRMAP).

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2.      The Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan summarises Auckland Council activities relating to the management of natural hazard risk. It was developed to enable better coordination of these activities.

3.      The plan sits alongside the Civil Defence and Emergency Management Group Plan which documents how the CDEM Group will prepare for and respond to hazards (including natural hazards). To avoid duplication, NHRMAP does not cover Auckland Emergency Management activities.

4.      The plan was adopted by the Environment and Climate Change Committee on 10 June 2021 as a living document, with six-monthly progress reports to be presented to the committee. This report provides the second six-monthly report.

5.      The plan includes 30 tasks which form core high-level objectives for Auckland Council’s management of natural hazard risk. Each task is broken down into a series of actions which relate to ongoing workstreams across the organisation.

6.      There are plans to present NHRMAP to the Infrastructure and Environmental Services mana whenua kaitiaki regional hui after August 2022 to further a conversation with Mana Whenua around the most appropriate ways to embed Te Ao Māori principles into the plan. This will include resourcing and support for wānanga as required and is expected to result in refinement and changes to the plan over the next six months. A further update on embedding Te Ao Māori principles in the plan will be provided in the December 2022 NHRMAP update.

7.      Good progress has been made on most of the tasks (as reported in Attachment A) and actions (as reported in Attachment B). A self-assessment scorecard of our current activities is presented in Attachment C. Fifty-five (71 per cent) are green and on track, 11 (14 per cent) are amber and none are red. The remaining 12 (15 per cent) actions are yet to start. Some NHRMAP actions are part of larger projects with separate reporting lines and may also be reported in more detail elsewhere.

8.      The council will continue to work on the agreed actions and the next six-monthly report will be provided in December 2022.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a)      receive the one-year update on the Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan.

 

Horopaki

Context

9.      The Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan is an internally facing document that outlines Auckland’s natural hazard risk and describes activities that Auckland Council is undertaking to mitigate that risk.

10.    NHRMAP is presented in three sections:

·        Part 1 gives an overview of the ten natural hazards of most significance to Auckland and covers their likelihood, potential consequences, and risk they present. Part 1 was developed to inform decision making. It is intended that this risk assessment will be updated approximately every five years.

·        Part 2 outlines the function areas across Auckland Council that play a role in natural hazard risk management and the overarching objectives and actions Auckland Council will undertake over the next 10 years to reduce risk from natural hazards. Part 2 was developed to support coordination across Auckland Council, to identify gaps in our activities, and to provide a platform to track progress. It is intended that the lists of actions will be updated every year.

·        The Appendices provide greater detail on the statutory framework for managing natural hazards and the existing activities the council is progressing to manage natural hazards.

11.    The ten natural hazards currently assessed in Part 1 are:

·        tornado

·        uncontrolled wildfire

·        flooding

·        coastal inundation

·        coastal erosion

·        land instability

·        severe wind

·        earthquake

·        tsunami

·        volcanic activity.

12.    The intent of the plan is to coordinate natural hazard risk management across Auckland Council. The plan identified 82 actions occurring across council to manage natural hazard risk. These were grouped into 30 tasks, owners assigned to each, and a summary of each presented in this progress report. The full NHRMAP document is available on the council’s internally accessible Kotahi site.

13.    NHRMAP is a communication and collaboration tool, and as such does not own or direct any of the projects listed in Part 2. Each of these projects will have its own governance structure and reporting requirements in addition to this high-level reporting for NHRMAP.

14.    The NRHMAP is one component of Auckland Council’s natural hazard risk management approach and sits alongside other strategic documents. The intent of the NHRMAP is to not duplicate the work described in these other documents, but to fill gaps between them. These documents include:

·        Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management’s (CDEM) Group Plan 2016-2021 - He tapui tangata hei ahuru mowai mo Tāmaki Makaurau (‘Working together to build a resilient Auckland’)

·        The Coastal Management Framework (2017)

·        Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan (2020).

15.    On 10 June 2021, the Environment and Climate Change Committee adopted the NHRMAP (resolution ECC/2021/24). This resolution was worded as follows:

“That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a)   adopt the Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan attached to this report and supports its implementation as a living document

b)   note the delivery of key actions of the Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan are funded via the Long-term Plan 2021-2031 climate action investment package

c)   request, as a matter of priority, council staff work with the Independent Māori Statutory Board Secretariat and the Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum to embed Te Ao Māori in the Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan

16.    The Mana Whenua Kaitiaki Forum (Tāmaki Makaurau Mana Whenua Forum) recommended that the NHRMAP team work with the Infrastructure and Environmental Services (I&ES) Regional Forum to embed Te Ao Māori principles in the NHRMAP.

Structure of the progress report

17.    The NHRMAP progress report uses a RAG (red, amber, green) status to indicate how actions within the plan are progressing:

·        green means on-track

·        amber means delayed less than three months

·        red means delayed greater than three months and/or at risk.

18.    The report is presented into three sections:

·        Attachment A – Summary of tasks. A one-page summary of the 30 tasks, including an indication of how many actions within that task are red, amber or green.

·        Attachment B – Action progress. A more detailed summary of all actions under each task, broken up by function area, with a concise six-monthly progress update provided by the council department responsible for the action delivery.

·        Attachment C – A high level analysis of how Auckland Council is tracking against a series of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to natural hazard risk management. The scores presented do not show how well the risk is managed, as this would be affected by how unpredictable the hazard is. Instead, they show whether Auckland Council is achieving the KPI relative to what is reasonably possible for that particular hazard. It is expected that this analysis will form the basis for decision making around the prioritisation of risk management activities.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Summary of progress in the first year

19.    Since endorsement of the plan in June 2021, good progress has been made on many of the plan’s tasks (as reported in Attachment A) and actions (as reported in Attachment B). A self-assessment scorecard of our current activities is presented in Attachment C.

20.    Fifty-five (71 per cent) of actions are green and on track including work with mana whenua to ensure planning, response and recovery to natural hazard incorporates Te Ao Māori and projects to address natural hazard risk including climate change effects, risk reduction measures and resilience in the next iteration of asset management plans, 11 (14 per cent) are amber because of delays related to staff availability and COVID-19.

21.    Some NHRMAP actions are part of larger projects with separate reporting lines and may also be reported in more detail elsewhere.

22.    Feedback of action owners on workstream changes, new projects, and recommendations has been canvassed and the annual update to the NHRMAP report will be complete in July 2022. In 2024, after its first three-year reporting cycle is complete, a full assessment of NHRMAP will be undertaken.

Progress highlights since the last report

23.    Detailed progress for each action is presented in Attachment B. Key items of interest are summarised below.

24.    Task 3 Action 1: The Risk & Assurance department have commenced work on updating the risk appetite statement, including incorporating natural hazard risk into the framework. The current risk appetite framework states that Auckland Council has “no appetite” for risk to life, which is a physical impossibility and makes it impossible to align natural hazard decisions to the framework. This project should resolve the issue.

25.    Task 10 Action 2: The latest Stormwater Code of Practice (Version 3) was released in January 2022. This document includes climate change considerations not addressed in detail in previous versions to enable better management of flood risk.

26.    Task 4 Action 2: The NHRMAP team is working with Māori Outcomes advisors to develop a strategy for Mana Whenua engagement regarding the steps required to effectively embed Te Ao Māori into the Natural Hazards Risk Management Action Plan.

27.    Task 6 Action 1: The work to implement the National Policy Statement on Urban Development now includes consideration of natural hazard areas as a ‘qualifying matter’ in the assessment of where additional development will be provided for. More detailed work defining how the hazards are to be considered is underway.

28.    Task 6 Action 3: Work commenced in June 2022 on the Future Development Strategy update. Natural hazard risk is being considered as a key input.

29.    Task 8 Action 1: Cross-council groups continue to provide feedback to Ministry for the Environment through the formal consultation processes, with a recent focus on the National Adaptation Plan. These are coordinated by the Chief Sustainability Office.

30.    Task 11 Action 1: A liquefaction hazard layer has been published online, accessible via GeoMaps. Additional coastal inundation and sea level rise mapping for the Auckland region is currently being developed and is due in the next few months.

31.    Task 15 Action 1: Phase 2 of the Cumulative Loss Modelling project is looking at the level of asset damage and loss that could be experienced due to earthquake shaking and flood (a priority for insurance purposes). This phase is currently underway, with reports on loss levels due at the end of July 2022.

32.    Task 25 Actions 1 & 2: The Whangaparāoa Shoreline Adaptation Plan (SAP) report was endorsed by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board in February 2022 and approved by the Environment and Climate Changing Committee in March 2022. The report is publicly available online. Community engagement on the Beachlands and East SAP closed in February 2022 and the final report is due to be approved by the Environment and Climate Changing Committee in September 2022. The next SAP will be developed in parallel to the Southern Manukau Harbour and Āwhitu Peninsula. These are due to be launched in June 2022. Following completion of the Whangaparāoa SAP the final report and supporting implementation plan (including integration into asset management plans) was taken to the Coastal Governance group in May 2022.

33.    Task 27 Action 2: Common natural hazards datasets are now being shared on the externally facing Auckland Council Open Data portal to enable more consistent use of hazard data (https://data-aucklandcouncil.opendata.arcgis.com/).

 

Updates to NHRMAP Part 1

34.    No changes have been made to NHRMAP Part 1, which presents an assessment of the hazards. Updates are anticipated in the next financial year as we incorporate Te Ao Māori into the document.

Updates to NHRMAP Part 2

35.    The NHRMAP team, together with action owners, have begun a full review of NHRMAP Part 2. At the time of writing the review has resulted in one new task (task 30) and four new actions related to Auckland’s Māori cultural and historic heritage. Several other existing actions have been rewritten or significantly updated to reflect the developing understanding of natural hazard risk management across the council. Notably these include tasks 2, 13 and 24 led by Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) and Infrastructure Strategy.

36.    Included in the NHRMAP Part 2 full review was an update to the links section, notably to Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland Climate Plan actions.

37.    Overall, a greater level of collaboration across council is evident by the increased number of tasks which incorporate actions from more than one team with many actions leads identifying collaboration opportunities as a result of the greater visibility of projects across the organisation.

38.    The updated NHRMAP Part 2 will be available on the council’s internally accessible Kotahi site in July 2022.

Consultation

39.    The NHRMAP team has consulted with natural hazards experts from academia, infrastructure providers, and Crown Research Institutes to help us determine where our focus on natural hazards research should be for the immediate future. Their responses are summarised in Figure 1.

Chart, bar chart, funnel chart

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Figure 1. Natural hazard research priorities

40.    These results support our current research priorities, which are focused on coastal hazards, land instability, flooding and volcanic hazards.

Feedback on legislative reform

41.    There is a significant amount of legislative reform underway that has relevance for natural hazards. Of particular note is resource management reform, where one of the objectives is to better prepare for adapting to climate change and risks from natural hazards. We have summarised the key aspects of the feedback the council has provided to the relevant ministries where these are relevant to natural hazards.

42.    The Natural and Built Environments Bill (exposure draft) requires the national planning framework and all plans to promote a range of environmental outcomes including reducing significant risks from natural hazards and improving the resilience of the environment to natural hazards. The council outlined its support for a natural hazards and climate change outcome and national direction in its submission in August 2021. It also recommended a clear approach to risk management and that all risks should be considered. It noted that this outcome is closely linked to the proposed Climate Adaptation Act and needs to be closely aligned to the consideration of the approach to managed retreat and existing use rights.

43.    Ministry for the Environment released their discussion document Transforming Aotearoa New Zealand’s resource management system: Our future resource management system in November 2021. The Strategic Planning Act is expected to provide for regional spatial strategies (RSSs) that will identify areas that are vulnerable to climate change effects and natural hazards. In its feedback in March 2021, the council recommended that RSSs clearly direct that areas vulnerable to climate change effects and natural hazards are not suitable for development.

44.    In April 2022, Ministry for the Environment released their consultation document Adapt and Thrive: Building a climate-resilient New Zealand. Feedback on managed retreat and flood insurance will inform initial stages of policy development for the Climate Adaptation Act, which is one of the key actions included with the draft National Adaptation Plan. Subject matter experts from departments across the council worked together in developing its submission.

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

45.    NHRMAP is a core adaptation response within Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan. Understanding, managing, and reducing risk from natural hazards is integral to understanding what climate change adaptation looks like in practice.

46.    Climate change is an exacerbating factor that impacts the likelihood and consequence of natural hazards risks. The NHRMAP risk assessments will be updated periodically to incorporate new exacerbating factor information and data as it becomes available.

47.    Some of the actions funded through the climate action investment package include projects to better understand and manage natural hazards that will be worsened by climate change. For example:

·        understanding the economic impacts of natural hazards

·        mapping geotechnical risks

·        funding collaboration with researchers and government organizations on risk mitigation

·        assessing natural hazard information on Land Information Memorandums and Project Information Memorandums

·        research into natural hazard impacts.

 

 

48.    The implementation of the NHRMAP will have no direct impact on greenhouse gas emissions or the approach to reducing emissions, rather the Plan aims to facilitate effective and efficient management/mitigation of natural hazard risk within the council’s work programmes and activities.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

Partnerships

49.    Auckland Emergency Management are working in collaboration with the Ngā Mātārae marae advisor to facilitate knowledge and experience sharing on strategies to build resilience to natural disasters. Each Marae’s participation is subject to agreement by all, including the Marae.

50.    Relationships with council-controlled organisations are being strengthened through the Natural Hazards Community of Practice.

51.    Auckland Council has external partnerships with:

·        Earthquake Commission, for the development of a national landslide database and the sharing of hazard data, and for the preparation of land-use planning guidance to minimise hazard exposure

·        GNS Science, for the development of landslide models to inform land use plans

·        MBIE to help steer the improvements to the management of buildings in emergencies

·        DEVORA (Determining the Volcanic Risk to Auckland), a research group co-funded by Auckland Council, EQC and GNS Science, to improve our understanding and preparedness for an eruption of the Auckland Volcanic Field

·        Resilience to Natures Challenges National Science Challenge – Urban theme. As a non-funding partner we provide a steering function to the group.

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

Local impacts and local board views

52.    NHRMAP is a regional document and does not have any direct contact with local boards. However, some of the projects summarised in NHRMAP deliver services at a local board level.

53.    These include Auckland Emergency Management’s community engagement and outreach programme (Task 24.1), and projects aimed at integrating community resilience initiatives as part of Auckland Council infrastructure projects (Task 23). Each project will have its own communications and consultation strategy and will engage with local boards where required.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

Embedding Te Ao Māori in the NHRMAP

54.    The NHRMAP team is being supported by a senior Māori outcomes advisor and has also employed the services of a consultant, to further assist with this work. There has been one presentation to the Tāmaki Makaurau Mana Whenua forum in July 2021 to introduce the NHRMAP and two subsequent presentations to the Infrastructure and Environmental Services operational forum.

 

 

 

 

55.    Staff plan to present NHRMAP to the Infrastructure and Environmental Services operational forum again after August 2022 to continue the conversation with Mana Whenua around the most appropriate ways to embed Te Ao Māori principles in the plan. This is expected to result in refinement and changes to the plan over the next six months. A further update on embedding Te Ao Māori principles in the plan will be provided in the December 2022 NHRMAP progress report.

Managing and conserving the Māori cultural and historical heritage of Tāmaki Makaurau

56.    Work has begun to embed natural hazard and climate change considerations in the management and conservation of Māori cultural and historical heritage in partnership with mana whenua (Task 30). This work includes funding of initiatives which address the impacts of climate change, providing quality heritage advise across council’s work programmes and identifying cultural heritage sites of significance.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

57.    The impact of natural hazards will become increasingly expensive for Auckland to mitigate. The NHRMAP outlines Auckland’s natural hazard risk and describes activities that Auckland Council is undertaking to manage that risk. Implementation of the NHRMAP aims to enable better coordination of these activities and identify gaps or linkages between council units or projects. The long-term aim of NHRMAP is to reduce Auckland Council’s exposure to natural hazard risk and the associated costs of mitigation and remediation. 

58.    The NHRMAP has been funded as part of Auckland’s Council’s climate action investment package through the Long-term Plan 2021-2031. Tasks and actions presented in the plan are funded via a mixture of long-term plan and business as usual budgets. Financial reporting for some NHRMAP tasks and actions are part of larger projects with separate reporting lines and may also be reported in more detail elsewhere.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

59.    The overall purpose of NHRMAP is to manage/mitigate natural hazard risk exposure to the council.

60.    Many units across council are experiencing staff shortages and several projects reported within the NHRMAP framework were delayed in the first reporting cycle (June 2021 to December 2021) as a result of these shortages. While staff shortages appear to have eased during this reporting period, there is a lot of competition in the market for personnel with technical, climate change and adaptation knowledge and skills as well as personnel with experience in Mana Whenua engagement. This may pose a general risk to delivery of some projects within the next six months. 

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

61.    The NHRMAP reporting framework will continue to be implemented, with progress reports delivered every six months. The next six-monthly report will be provided by memo in December 2022.

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

Summary of tasks

57

b

Action progress

59

c

Hazard scorecard

71

     

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Authors

Claudia Harford - Principal Geotechnical and Natural Hazards

Ross Roberts - Head of Engineering Resilience

Authorisers

Paul Klinac - General Manager Resilient Land and Coasts

Barry Potter - Director Infrastructure and Environmental Services

Megan Tyler - Chief of Strategy

 

 


Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

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Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

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Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

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Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity - update on exposure draft release

File No.: CP2022/08665

 

  

 

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.      To seek delegated authority to approve Auckland Council’s submission to central government on the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity exposure draft.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

2.      An exposure draft of the proposed National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB) was released on 9 June 2022. The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) is the lead department. The NPS-IB aims to protect, maintain and restore indigenous biodiversity, recognising the threats and ongoing decline to our unique flora and fauna.

3.      Following public consultation on the policy intent in early 2020, this consultation seeks feedback on the workability of the new provisions of the NPS-IB exposure draft.

4.      Overall, staff support the NPS-IB and its intent. Further improvements have been identified to improve clarity within the NPS-IB. These will support implementation and improve Auckland’s existing approach to biodiversity management.

5.      Staff are currently preparing a draft council group submission on the NPS-IB exposure draft. Submissions are due with the Ministry for the Environment by 21 July 2022. Delegated authority from the Environment and Climate Change Committee is being sought to approve  Auckland Council’s submission.

6.      Staff will in due course advise on a council implementation programme for the NPS-IB, including indicative resourcing needed to support implementation.

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a)      tautapa / delegate authority to the Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the Environment and Climate Change Committee and the Planning Committee, and a member of the Independent Māori Statutory Board, to approve Auckland Council’s submission on the proposed National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity exposure draft before 21 July 2022

b)      note that staff will provide future updates on a council implementation programme for the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity, including indicative resourcing required to support implementation.

Horopaki

Context

7.      An exposure draft of the proposed National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB) was released by the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) on 9 June 2020. MfE is seeking feedback from practitioners, iwi / Māori, stakeholders, and those highly familiar with the NPS-IB to ensure the exposure draft’s provisions are workable. The exposure draft release package is available on the MfE website here: Draft National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity — Exposure draft.

 

 

 

8.      The release package includes: an exposure draft of the NPS-IB, summary of the exposure draft, draft implementation plan, and draft summary documents targeted to iwi / Māori, urban development, and farming and forestry sectors.

9.      The NPS-IB aims to protect, maintain and restore indigenous biodiversity, recognising the threats to our unique flora and fauna. It also aims to halt the ongoing decline our indigenous species and habitats face while recognising the importance our native habitats provide economically, culturally, and socially.

10.    Public consultation on the policy intent of the proposed NPS-IB occurred in early 2020. Auckland Council submitted on this consultation (CP2020/00962 refers). The exposure draft has been updated to incorporate feedback received during that public consultation round.

11.    Consultation on the NPS-IB exposure draft closes on 21 July 2022. MfE has indicated that the NPS-IB will likely be gazetted by late 2022.

Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Analysis and advice

Why is indigenous biodiversity important?

12.    New Zealand’s biodiversity is unique on a global scale and has been internationally recognised as a biodiversity hot spot. 49% of all assessed indigenous species in New Zealand are found nowhere else on earth. Safeguarding ecosystems and the services they provide is important for our future prosperity.

13.    The current global biodiversity crisis impacts our indigenous species and ecosystems. Of the 13,385 species identified under the New Zealand Threat Classification System in 2019, 7% are classified as threatened with extinction, and 23% are ‘At Risk’. Less than half of the land area of Aotearoa remains in indigenous vegetation cover. Wetland and duneland ecosystems have been reduced by at least 90% since human arrival.

14.    Iwi, hapū and whānau have distinct and special connections to their land and the environment in their rohe. In te ao Māori, identity, wellbeing, knowledge and how the culture is nourished, are indivisible from the health of Papatūānuku (Earth mother). Protecting and restoring indigenous biodiversity aligns strongly with the Te ao Māori view that the health and wellbeing of our indigenous biodiversity is intrinsically linked with people and the wider environment.

15.    Economic success relies on our natural environment. It gives us a competitive advantage that underpins two of New Zealand’s key industries, tourism and primary production. Indigenous biodiversity contributes to the success of farming, forestry and horticulture through ecosystem services such as clean water, nutrient cycling, pollination, and protection from flooding.

16.    Maintaining indigenous biodiversity and promoting its restoration also has a positive impact on species and ecosystem resilience to support climate change adaptation and mitigation.

17.    The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) provides the main framework for maintaining and protecting indigenous biodiversity from adverse effects on private land (through sections 5, 6, 7, 30 and 31). However, these provisions do not provide detailed direction and are often subject to different interpretations. This has led to repeat litigation costs, confusion, uncertainty and undervaluing biodiversity in decision-making.

Overview of the NPS-IB

18.    The current iteration of the NPS-IB has been in development since March 2017, led by the Biodiversity Collaborative Group (a working group of representatives from central and local government, iwi / Māori, industry and environmental NGOs).

 

 

19.    Changes were made to the proposed NPS-IB in response to public consultation in early 2020. These changes have been made to ensure that the NPS-IB:

·      adequately provides for activities that are important for peoples’ economic wellbeing, such as farming, forestry and the provision of infrastructure and energy

·      identifies significant indigenous biodiversity, and clearly outlines the process for managing effects on it without requiring SNAs to be split into ‘high’ and ‘medium’ categories

·      recognises tangata whenua as kaitiaki and allows for the development of Māori land in partnership with tangata whenua, including Māori landowners

·      confirms provisions for geothermal areas and public land (previously had placeholders).

20.    The NPS-IB expresses three core concepts:

·      the vision statement Te Rito o te Harakeke, recognising:

the intrinsic value and mauri of indigenous biodiversity

the bond between people and indigenous biodiversity

the responsibility of tangata whenua as kaitiaki, and New Zealanders as stewards

the connectivity between indigenous biodiversity and the wider environment

the incorporation of te ao Māori and mātauranga Māori

the requirement for engagement with tangata whenua.

·      ensuring the maintenance of indigenous biodiversity - “…at least no reduction…” in size, range, extent, properties and functions, connectivity, and resilience of indigenous species, ecosystems and habitats.

·      implementing an effects management hierarchy for how impacts on indigenous biodiversity from land-use activities should be managed.

21.    The NPS-IB predominantly focuses on managing terrestrial indigenous biodiversity (with some limited exceptions). It recognises the intent of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM) to manage indigenous biodiversity in freshwater systems, while the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) and marine protection legislation manages indigenous biodiversity in coastal and marine areas.

22.    Overall, staff are supportive of the NPS-IB and its intent, but have identified improvements to improve clarity of the regulations. Attachment A contains an overview of initial staff views to inform council’s submission. Staff will provide a further verbal update on key points of the draft submission at the meeting.

23.    Attachment B contains an overview of alignment between the NPS-IB and existing Auckland Council direction.

What does NPS-IB require councils to do?

24.    The NPS-IB requires local government to undertake two categories of action: a) implement regulatory provisions to manage indigenous biodiversity, and b) develop strategic direction for managing biodiversity at a regional scale.

25.    The regulatory provisions required under the NPS-IB include:

·      Implementing the vision statement Te Rito o te Harakeke – councils to work with tangata whenua to develop a local approach for giving effect to Te Rito o te Harakeke, identifying and protecting taonga species, and recognising te ao Māori.

·      Identify, map and protect Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) – councils to consistently identify areas with significant indigenous flora, fauna and habitats, and manage their protection through regional and district plans, and consenting processes.

SNAs would be identified by councils and ecologists working with landowners, using standard significance criteria outlined in the NPS-IB (which are already widely used). Councils will need to be clear about how information will be used, involve landowners early in the process, and outline the support that is available to those with SNAs.

The NPS-IB also includes provisions to avoid and manage adverse effects from new activities that impact SNAs, and ensure adverse effects and managed and / or avoided.

·      Identify and protect taonga species and ecosystems with tangata whenua –currently there is no clear RMA process for hapū and iwi to proactively identify their kaitiaki responsibility to taonga species and ecosystems. The NPS-IB sets out a framework to enable councils and tangata whenua (to the extent they wish to be involved) to work together to identify ecological taonga by describing and mapping, or simply describing the taonga and its values, and develop appropriate management controls.

·      Maintain indigenous biodiversity outside of SNAs – councils to maintain indigenous biodiversity and manage adverse effects of new activities on indigenous biodiversity outside of SNAs. This includes ecological corridors, buffers, and specified highly mobile fauna.

·      Managing effects of particular land-use activities – NPS-IB includes specific management approaches that are different from SNAs in general. These include:

Pastoral farming – parameters for managing SNAs within pastoral farming systems, including requirements that allow for the maintenance of improved pasture

Plantation forests – parameters for managing SNAs in plantation forestry to ensure threatened or at-risk species are maintained while allowing for harvesting

Māori land – specific management provisions for local authorities to work in partnership with tangata whenua and Māori landowners to develop objectives, policies and rules which balance the maintenance and protection of indigenous biodiversity on Māori land, with the development of that land

Mining and aggregate activities and specified infrastructure – a more permissive effects management regime that recognises economic activity, as well as the fact that these activities are often locationally constrained

Geothermal SNAs – specific management provisions that provide a level of protection for a geothermal SNA that reflects the vulnerability of a geothermal SNA to use and development.

·      Promoting restoration – councils to promote restoration of degraded SNAs, threatened and rare ecosystems, important buffering or connectivity areas, wetlands, urban areas or other areas that align with national priorities. This includes setting targets for increasing indigenous vegetation in both urban and non-urban areas.

·      Information and monitoring – provisions for information collection by local authorities on indigenous biodiversity, and for regional councils to establish methods and timeframes for monitoring indigenous biodiversity.

26.    The NPS-IB also requires all regional councils to prepare a regional biodiversity strategy to set out how restoration of the region’s indigenous biodiversity is going to be achieved. A regional biodiversity strategy must include:

·      a landscape-scale vision for restoring indigenous biodiversity

·      recognise and provide for Te Rito o te Harakeke

·      recognition of the connections within and between land, water and coastal marine areas

·      support national priorities and other objectives, including climate mitigation and resilience

·      specify actions, milestones, and monitoring and reporting measures.

27.    The NPS-IB also includes timeframes for implementing the regulatory provisions as follows:

·      late 2022 - preliminary provisions of NPS-IB to come into effect

·      within three years (2025) – regional biodiversity strategies to be initiated

·      within four years (2026) – councils that have previously undertaken an SNA mapping exercise to demonstrate alignment and compliance with new SNA provisions

·      within five years (2027) – all councils to have SNAs identified, mapped and notified, along with any provisions relating to SNAs

·      within 8 years (2030) - regional and city / district policy statements and plans to be updated with NPS-IB provisions (or as soon as practical).

Tauākī whakaaweawe āhuarangi

Climate impact statement

28.    The decision to submit on the NPS-IB exposure draft will not alter emissions or alter our adaptation to the impacts of climate change.

29.    The resilience of Auckland’s indigenous biodiversity, habitats and ecosystems is a priority action area of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland's Climate Plan. Biodiversity supports the resilience of native species and ecosystems to climate change by reducing threats to their survival and promoting landscape functionality through improved connectivity.

30.    Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri sets out numerous actions to reduce the vulnerability of indigenous biodiversity by increasing understanding of climate change risks to indigenous ecosystems, increasing commitment to controlling pests and weeds, expanding habitat protection, restoration and enhancement, and promoting connection to the natural environment.

31.    The NPS-IB supports the biodiversity outcomes of Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri, providing regulatory tools to promote the resilience of indigenous biodiversity to climate change, including for:

·      the maintenance of ecological integrity through natural adjustments of habitats and ecosystems

·      consideration of the effects of climate and biosecurity risks

·      increasing vegetation cover (of indigenous species)

·      maintaining and promoting connectivity between ecosystems and habitats so that species can continue to find viable niches as the climate changes.

Ngā whakaaweawe me ngā tirohanga a te rōpū Kaunihera

Council group impacts and views

32.    The following council divisions have been contacted to provide input into the NPS-IB exposure draft submission: Chief Planning Office (Auckland Plan Strategy and Research, Plans and Places), Regulatory Services (Compliance Monitoring, Specialist Services), Infrastructure and Environmental Services (Environmental Services, Healthy Waters), Customer and Community Services (Park Services), Ngā Mātārae. Council-controlled organisations (Watercare, Auckland Transport, Eke Panuku) have also been contacted.

33.    Several operational delivery programmes across council departments, council-controlled organisations and third parties may need to be revisited for compliance with any new provisions once the NPS-IB comes into effect.

 

34.    While NPS-IB will support many current operational programmes (for example, pest control on council land), other operational and capital projects (for example, infrastructure upgrades) may face increased regulatory requirements and costs to manage the effects on indigenous biodiversity. Further evaluation is needed to understand the resourcing implications of meeting these additional regulatory requirements. At this stage indications are that there may be significant resourcing impacts on the council group.

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

Local impacts and local board views

35.    Local board feedback was sought and received on the policy intent of NPS-IB as part of council’s previous submission in early 2020. Staff notified local boards of the release of the NPS-IB exposure draft on 17 June 2022. Due to the technical nature of the feedback being sought in the current consultation of the NPS-IB exposure draft, and the limited time for technical staff assessment, local board views have not been sought.

36.    Local boards will have a significant role throughout the implementation of the NPS-IB, including as part of developing a regional biodiversity strategy. Staff will provide local boards with an update on how they will be engaged during implementation of the NPS-IB once an implementation approach is confirmed.

Tauākī whakaaweawe Māori

Māori impact statement

37.    Biodiversity is important to delivering the Kia Ora Te Taiao of Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau (the Māori outcomes performance measurement framework). The indigenous biodiversity of New Zealand is fundamental to Māori culture which embeds a reciprocal relationship between people and the natural environment as kaitiaki of one another. The Māori outcomes performance measurement framework aspires to acknowledge, maintain, and enhance the interconnectedness of all things - spiritual and physical - within the Tāmaki Makaurau ecosystem. It also promotes intergenerational equity; one generation ensures natural resources remain in as good a condition or better for the next.

38.    Staff contacted Tāmaki Makaurau mana whenua on 20 June 2022, notifying them of the opportunity to make a direct submission to central government, and / or to advise staff of their perspectives so that this can be considered in preparing the Auckland Council submission. Initial feedback was received from two iwi prior to the finalisation of this report, acknowledging the direction of the NPS-IB and the need for implementation support (as at 29 June 2022). Staff will provide a verbal update on mana whenua feedback at the meeting.

39.    The NPS-IB includes significant requirements for councils to partner with tangata whenua throughout the management of indigenous biodiversity, increasing the level of influence iwi / Māori will have in decision making in the management of indigenous biodiversity. These requirements include recognising tangata whenua’s role as kaitiaki, including tangata whenua in decision-making relating to indigenous biodiversity management, and working with iwi to identify and protect taonga species and ecosystems within their rohe.

40.    The above will place a significant onus on tangata whenua to engage in these processes, which will have resourcing implications, for both Auckland iwi and council. Auckland Council’s submission on the NPS-IB exposure draft will include this point and encourage central government to ensure adequate funding and resourcing are made available.

41.    To this end, staff engaged both Ngā Mātārae and the Independent Māori Statutory Board secretariat to ensure that impacts on Tāmaki Makaurau Māori/iwi are adequately identified.

42.    Staff intend to develop a specific engagement programme to actively engage, seek input and work alongside Tāmaki Makaurau mana whenua to implement the NPS-IB. Staff will provide further advice on this as part of the NPS-IB implementation plan proposed for development.

Ngā ritenga ā-pūtea

Financial implications

43.    The decision to submit on the NPS-IB exposure draft will not have a significant financial impact on the council group.

44.    Implementation of the NPS-IB may require significant resourcing to ensure Auckland Council meets its statutory obligations in the protection and maintenance of indigenous biodiversity. It is likely that the NPS-IB implementation programme will require additional resource allocations as part of future Annual Plan and / or Long Term Plan budget decisions.

45.    Staff will provide further advice on resourcing and budget requirements to support implementation of NPS-IB in due course.

Ngā raru tūpono me ngā whakamaurutanga

Risks and mitigations

46.    When gazetted, the NPS-IB is likely to place significant resourcing requirements on Auckland Council to implement the new regulatory provisions required as a unitary authority (both regional and territorial authority requirements). Staff will provide further advice on an implementation plan for NPS-IB.

47.    The NPS-IB has cross-over with several other regulatory tools under the Resource Management Act 1991 and other legislation. These include (but are not limited to):

·      National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and National Environmental Standards for Freshwater

·      National Policy Statement for Urban Development (NPS-UD)

·      National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (not yet in effect)

·      New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement

·      Regional Pest Management Plan under the Biosecurity Act 1993

·      Auckland-specific legislation, such as the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.

48.    Currently, the NPS-IB has inconsistencies against other National Policy Statements already in effect or expected to come into effect. Further work is required by both central and local government to identify and resolve these issues.

49.    Due to the statutory timeframes of some of these National Policy Statements, some currently planned amendments to the Auckland Unitary Plan will need to be revisited in future to ensure alignment between multiple regulatory instruments. The National Planning Framework, to be implemented as part of the current Resource Management reform programme, is envisaged to help better integrate and align these regulatory instruments.

Ngā koringa ā-muri

Next steps

50.    Staff are developing a council submission on the NPS-IB exposure draft. A draft submission will be provided to delegated members approximately a week before the submission is due with MfE on 21 July 2022.

51.    Staff will provide further advice to elected members on an implementation approach to the NPS-IB, including resourcing and budget allocations required to support implementation.

 


 

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

NPS-IB exposure draft – initial views

81

b

Alignment of NPS-IB with Auckland Council direction

83

     

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Simon Fraser - Senior Analyst NES

Authorisers

Dave Allen - Manager Natural Environment Strategy

Jacques Victor – General Manager Auckland Plan Strategy and Research

Megan Tyler - Chief of Strategy

 

 


Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

Text, letter

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Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

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Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 2022

 

Summary of Environment and Climate Change Committee information memoranda and briefings (including forward work programme) - 7 July 2022

File No.: CP2022/06550

 

  

 

Te take mō te pūrongo

Purpose of the report

1.      To note the progress on the forward work programme included as Attachment A.

2.      To receive a summary and provide a public record of memos or briefing papers that have been held or been distributed to committee members.

Whakarāpopototanga matua

Executive summary

3.      This is a regular information-only report which aims to provide greater visibility of information circulated to the Environment and Climate Change Committee members via memoranda/briefings or other means, where no decisions are required.

4.      The following memos were circulated to members of the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

Date

Memo

20220313

Transport Emissions Reduction Plan – progress update

20220323

Freshwater Management Tool

20220331

NES Strategic Approach to Sediment Programme

20220412

Resource Recovery Network Development Programme

20220413

Central government’s proposals to improve New Zealand’s Environmental Reporting System

20220429

Central Library Living Roof Launch

20220613

Transport in the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan

20220620

Auckland Council response to Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report on environmental weed management

20220627

Update on kauri dieback management programme

20220704

Watercare and Healthy Waters Climate Action Plan

 

5.      The following workshops/briefings have taken place:

Date

Workshop/Briefing

20220615

Watercare Drought Management Plan – confidential

20220615

Transport Reduction Plan – confidential

20220629

Waitākere Ranges kauri dieback surveillance and monitoring programme – confidential

 

6.      These documents can be found on the Auckland Council website, at the following link:

http://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/

at the top left of the page, select meeting/ Kōmiti Mō Te Hurihanga Āhuarangi me Te TaiaoEnvironment and Climate Change” from the drop-down tab and click “View”.

under ‘Attachments’, select either the HTML or PDF version of the document entitled ‘Extra Attachments’.

7.      Note that, unlike an agenda report, staff will not be present to answer questions about the items referred to in this summary.  Governing Body members should direct any questions to the authors.

 

 

Ngā tūtohunga

Recommendation/s

That the Environment and Climate Change Committee:

a)      note the progress on the forward work programme included as Attachment A of the agenda report

b)      riro / receive the Summary of Environment and Climate Change Committee information items and briefings – 7 July 2022.

 

Ngā tāpirihanga

Attachments

No.

Title

Page

a

Forward work programme

89

b

Memo – Transport Emissions Reduction Plan – progress update (Under Separate Cover)

 

c

Memo – Freshwater Management Tool (Under Separate Cover)

 

d

Memo – NES Strategic Approach to Sediment Programme (Under Separate Cover)

 

e

Memo - Resource Recovery Network Development Programme (Under Separate Cover)

 

f

Memo - Central government’s proposals to improve New Zealand’s Environmental
Reporting System (Under Separate Cover)

 

g

Memo – Central Library Living Roof Launch (Under Separate Cover)

 

h

Memo - Transport in the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan (Under Separate Cover)

 

i

Memo - Auckland Council response to Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment’s report on environmental weed management (Under Separate Cover)

 

j

Memo - Watercare and Healthy Waters Climate Action Plan (Under Separate Cover)

 

     

Ngā kaihaina

Signatories

Author

Suad Allie - Kaitohutohu Mana Whakahaere Matua / Senior Governance Advisor

Authoriser

Megan Tyler - Chief of Strategy

 

 



Environment and Climate Change Committee

07 July 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:

[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

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.

 

Progress to date - 10 March 2022

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

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

National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM)

Plans and Places

 

 

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.

 

Progress to date:

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. 

 

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)     ii)  To receive progress updates on staff contributions 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, through staff inclusion on the Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan Advisory Group and other such central government fora established for marine protection.

 

 

 

 

Memo

 

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

 

 

Report in new term

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Workshop May/June

Planning Committee items of relevance to this committee – watching brief

(These items fall within Planning Committee terms of reference due to being part of the resource management framework and are of high interest to this committee.  On occasion items will come to the Environment and Climate Change Committee)

Proposed National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity

Chief Planning Office

A NPS-IB exposure draft and proposed national implementation plan have been released for public feedback on 9 June 2022, with a closing date for submissions of 21 July 2022. . If adopted, this will have implications for how biodiversity outcomes are managed in the Auckland region, particularly through planning and regulatory frameworks. 

 

Decision required (7 July meeting): to delegate authority to Chairs of the Environment and Climate Change Committee and Planning Committee, and a member of the IMSB, to submit Auckland Council’s technical feedback on the NPS-IB exposure draft.

Decision required: to consider council’s approach to of any finalised NPS-IB as it applies to the Auckland region, most likely in the next political term. implementation

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 – implementation approach

Chief Planning Office

 

The NPS-FM was adopted by central government in September 2020. A high -level implementation plan has been approved; preceding plan changes required before the end of 2024.

 

Decision required: to approve key policy responses developed with Mana Whenua to enable next steps, including broader engagement. Due June 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lead Department

Area of work

Committee role

(decision and/or direction)

Decision

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

 

 

Committee to oversee and implement Te Tāruke-ā-Tāwhiri: Auckland’s Climate Plan ongoing

 

C40 Update 11 February 2021
Link to decision

Consultation on the Climate Commission draft advice to Government 11 February 2021
Link to decision

Kia mauri ora ai te iwi: Transport Emissions: Pathways to Net Zero by 2050 – June 2021
Link to decision

C40 Divest/Invest Declaration – August 2021
Link to decision

Sustainability Asset Standards/Corporate Emissions October 2021
Link to decision

Council Controlled Organisation’s Climate Change Update

Climate Change

To give elected member’s visibility of the work undertaken by CCOs to adapt & mitigate the impacts of climate change

Auckland Transport Update 11 February 2021
Link to decision

Auckland Unlimited Update 15 April 2021
Link to decision

Eke Panuku Update 15 April 2021

Link to decision

Auckland Unlimited – Zoo – 10 June 2021
Link to decision

Watercare – 12 August 2021
Link to decision

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.

Confirm allocation of grants for the 2021/2022 funding round.

 

Grant decision – 2 December 2021

Link to decision

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.

 

Update on guidelines - Report to June 2021
Link to decision

Allocation of Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund 2021

Waste Solutions

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.

 

 

Update on guidelines - Report to June 2021
Link to decision

 

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 the rest of term

Decision can be found here

National / 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. Initially proposed as aligned regional plans, this is now proposed to be a national plan, with the Minister of Biosecurity as the decision maker.

Approved formal council feedback on the proposed national plan and consider council’s budget implications if any.

Memorandum regarding shift to national plan sent in November 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.

 

 

Decision can be found here

National Environmental Standards for Sources of Human Drinking Water

Chief Planning Office

 

To approve council’s submission on the proposed amendments to the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Sources of Human Drinking Water) Regulations 2007 and a package of related technical drinking water standards.

Authority delegated to approve council’s submission March 2022 PLA/2022/10

 

Decision can be found here