Minutes of a meeting of the Tararua District Council held in the Council Chamber, 26 Gordon Street, Dannevirke on Wednesday 28 May 2014 commencing at 1.03 pm.

1. Present

His Worship the Mayor – Mr R A Ellis, Crs W H Keltie (Deputy Mayor), T H Collis, J E Crispin, W H Davidson, S A Hull, C J Isaacson and D A Roberts.

In Attendance

Mr B King - Chief Executive

Mr R Taylor - Governance Manager

Mr P Wimsett - Manager Strategy and District Development

Mr R Suppiah - Chief Financial Officer (from item 10.5.16)

Mrs K Dever-Tod - Manager Assets Group

Mr C Veale - Community Assets Manager (for item 10.2)

Mrs L Simpkin - Economic Development and Communications Manager (until item 13)

Mr C Lunn - Planning Manager (until item 13)

2. Council Prayer

2.1	The Council Prayer was given by His Worship the Mayor – Mr R A Ellis.

3. Apologies

3.1	That an apology be sustained from Cr K R Fenemor for non-attendance at the meeting. Crs Roberts/Keltie Carried

4. Notification of Items Not on the Agenda

4.1

Nil

5. Declarations of Conflicts of Interest in Relation to this Meeting’s Items of Business

5.1

Cr Davidson declared an interest in the items of business on the agenda regarding the Pahiatua Library and determining the associated Draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 submissions received through the consultation process specifically relating to this activity, being items 10.5.2 and 10.5.4 as detailed within these minutes.

6. Personal Matters

6.1	The Council noted the recent passing of Barry Lloyd (a former councillor on the Dannevirke Borough Council and the Dannevirke District Council).

7. Confirmation of Minutes

7.1	*That the minutes of the Council meetings held on 30 April 2014 and 20 May 2014 (as circulated) be confirmed as true and accurate records of these meetings.* Crs Crispin/Isaacson Carried

8. Any Matters Arising from the Minutes not otherwise dealt with in the Agenda

8.1	Forestry (Item 12.2)
8.1.1	The Council will be presented with a report concerning the plans for forestry when Cr Fenemor and the Manager Engineering Services returns from their leave.

9. Community Boards and Community Committees Reports

9.1	Eketahuna Community Board
9.1.1	*That the report of the Eketahuna Community Board meeting held on 2 May 2014 (as circulated) be received.* Crs Hull/Isaacson Carried
9.1.2	Anzac Memorial Bridge Anzac Day Service
9.1.2.1	It was suggested that the organiser’s of this event need to take all practical steps in the future to make alternative arrangements should the weather be wet and unpleasant on Anzac Day.
9.1.3	New Pacific Studio Three-Week Fellowship
9.1.3.1	No action has been taken on the request from the Mayor of the Masterton District Council for joint annual funding with this Council to provide a New Pacific Studio three-week Fellowship.

9.2

Dannevirke Community Board

9.2.1

That the report of the Dannevirke Community Board meeting held on 5 May 2014 (as circulated) be received.

Crs Hull/Isaacson Carried

9.3

Woodville Districts' Vision

9.3.1

That the report of the Woodville Districts’ Vision meeting held on 6 May 2014 (as circulated) be received.

Crs Hull/Isaacson Carried

9.4

Pahiatua On Track

9.4.1

That the report of the Pahiatua On Track meeting held on 7 May 2014 (as circulated) be received.

Crs Hull/Isaacson Carried

10. Reports

10.1

International Representatives Scheme Grant Application of Ashley Exeter

10.1.1

That the report from the Recreation Officer Sport Tararua dated 22 May 2014 concerning the International Representatives Scheme grant application of Ashley Exeter (as circulated) be received, and

That the Council approves the application made by Ashley Exeter for assistance towards her costs to represent New Zealand at the 2014 Oceania Area Championships held in Rarotonga, Cook Islands from 25 to 27 June 2014, and

That the sum of $500.00 be granted from the International Representatives Scheme for this purpose.

Crs Roberts/Hull Carried

10.2

Proposed Lease of Cemetery Reserve Land at Mangatainoka

10.2.1

That the report from the Community Assets Manager dated 21 May 2014 concerning the proposed lease of cemetery reserve land at Mangatainoka (as circulated) be received, and

That the Council enters into a lease agreement to graze the Mangatainoka cemetery reserve land for a term of five years with a possible right of renewal for a further five year period, and

That the Council delegates the leasing decision to the Community Assets Manager, noting that the highest or any tender may not necessarily be accepted.

Crs Keltie/Isaacson Carried

10.2.2

The Community Assets Manager was commended on the appearance of the Mangatainoka Cemetery and the work undertaken in this area.

10.3

Planning Matters Dealt With Under Delegated Authority

10.3.1

That the report from the Planning Manager dated 21 May 2014 concerning Planning matters dealt with under delegated authority (as circulated) be received and the contents are noted.

Crs Keltie/Davidson Carried

10.4

Proposed Remit on Earthquake Strengthening

10.4.1

That the report from the Chief Executive dated 21 May 2014 concerning a proposed remit on earthquake strengthening (as circulated) be received, and

That the Council supports the draft remit on earthquake prone regulatory reform as presented by the Wellington City Council for consideration at the Local Government New Zealand 2014 Annual General Meeting.

Crs Collis/Keltie Carried

10.5

Draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 Submissions

10.5.1

That the report from the Governance Manager dated 21 May 2014 concerning the Draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 submissions (as circulated) be received.

Crs Hull/Collis Carried

10.5.2

Pahiatua Service Centre/Library Project

10.5.2.1

That the Council continues to operate the Pahiatua Library and the Pahiatua Service Centre as separate activities provided from their existing buildings, thereby acknowledging the majority of the community views conveyed through submissions support the continuation of this option.

Crs Hull/Collis Carried

10.5.2.2

Cr Davidson previously declared an interest in this item of business, and he abstained from these discussions and voting on the motion regarding this matter.

10.5.3

Strengthening of the Pahiatua Service Centre Building

10.5.3.1

That the Council requests a report be presented at its next meeting to identify the current cost of strengthening the Pahiatua Service Centre building with a view to considering whether to proceed to undertake this work in the 2014/2015 financial year.

Crs Davidson/Keltie Carried

10.5.3.2

Cr Roberts requested that his dissenting vote be noted regarding this item of business.

10.5.4

10.5.4.1

Pahiatua Library Toilets

That the Council accepts the need to build public toilet facilities at the Pahiatua Library, particularly to provide easy access to such conveniences for children and those using the Library, and

That this project proceeds to be programmed in the 2014/2015 financial year at a budgeted cost of $40,000.

Crs Hull/Collis Carried

10.5.4.2

Cr Davidson previously declared an interest in this item of business, and he abstained from these discussions and voting on the motion regarding this matter.

10.5.5

10.5.5.1

Pahiatua Transfer Station

That the Council notes the majority of the submissions received on the options for the operating hours of the Pahiatua Transfer Station support not incurring additional costs to extend the existing arrangements, and

That the current opening hours of 1.00pm to 5.00pm on Wednesdays and Sundays continue as the basis to provide this service, and

That the level of service regarding the operation of the Pahiatua Transfer Station be referred for consideration and review through the forthcoming Long Term Plan.

Crs Hull/Collis Carried

10.5.6

10.5.6.1

Dannevirke Carnegie Centre

That the Council progress the option of establishing a charitable community trust to acquire the Dannevirke Carnegie Centre building for a pepper corn amount and to undertake its preservation and operation concerning its possible uses, and

That the Council notes from the 16 submissions received concerning this matter the majority of the views expressed (10) acknowledge its heritage value and the strategic importance to the community.

Crs Roberts/Davidson Carried

10.5.7

10.5.7.1

Housing for the Elderly – Hovding Court Flats

That with regard to the replacement of the Hovding Court Flats in Dannevirke, the Council agrees to:

· Sell the 3 double units (6 flats) to be moved off site, and rebuild 6 new flats at an estimated cost of $600,000

· Replace the 4 older flats when the Pensioner Housing reserves build up again

And that in adopting this option the Council notes the impact is no additional loan being required, and the renewal of the 4 older flats is deferred until funding from the above reserves are available.

Crs Roberts/Hull Carried

10.5.8

10.5.8.1

Woodville Water Supply

That the Council considers through the forthcoming Long Term Plan appropriate options to help address the issue of water storage for the Woodville community when the water take is limited by low river flows.

Crs Davidson/Collis Carried

10.5.9

Woodville Infrastructure

10.5.9.1

That the items of maintenance and capital expenditure associated with various infrastructure in the Woodville community be referred to the relevant managers for their consideration and prioritisation as appropriate from maintenance budgets or referral to the forthcoming Long Term Plan.

Crs Collis/Keltie Carried

10.5.10

Replacement of London Plane Trees Removed From Dannevirke Urban Streets

10.5.10.1

That the proposal for the replacement of the London Plane trees removed from Dannevirke urban streets be noted by the Council, and

That the direction as outlined in this submission be referred to the Manager Assets Group to consider an indicative programme to undertake this work for consultation with the community through the forthcoming Long Term Plan.

Crs Roberts/Isaacson Carried

10.5.11

Offer of an Art Deco Heritage Building in Woodville

10.5.11.1

That the Council thanks Hermann Goeckel for offering with part funding donated the former BNZ Bank art deco building in Woodville to be made available for its use and to preserve this heritage building for the community, and that the Council declines this proposal noting the debt liability it would incur in respect of the loan attached.

Mayor Ellis/Cr Roberts Carried

10.5.12

Smoke Free Environments Policy

10.5.12.1

That the Council notes the current smoke free environments policy and the current places designated as smoke free areas, and

That the Council will review this policy through the forthcoming Long Term Plan to consider for consultation with the community the possible extension of its coverage to include further outdoor public areas and Council-run events.

Crs Davidson/Isaacson Carried

10.5.13

Rangitane o Tamaki Nui a Rua Iwi

10.5.13.1

That in the spirit of the partnership agreement entered into between the Council and Rangitane o Tamaki nui a Rua Iwi the Council facilitates with Rangitane an appropriate forum to discuss the items raised in their submission, and to provide the opportunity for dialogue on the forthcoming Long Term Plan.

Crs Keltie/Hull Carried

10.5.14

Fees and Charges

10.5.14.1

That the proposed fees and charges be confirmed, and

That pursuant to Section 37 of the Dog Control Act 1996, the following dog control fees (including GST) be set for the year of 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015.

Dog Registration (on or before 1 August)

Dogs (preferred dog status) $38.00

Working dogs $25.00

Rural domestic dogs $25.00

Urban domestic dogs $78.00

Application to keep more than 2 dogs (on properties of less that 1 ha) $15.00

Preferred Dog Status

Property inspection $50.00

Property reinspection (moved to new property) $15.00

Rehoming inspection fee $20.00

Dangerous dogs (150% in addition to the fee that would apply if the dog was not classified as a dangerous dog)

Urban $195.00

Rural $ 62.50

Dog Registration (after 1 August*) – owners are required to register their dogs by 1 August of each year. Failing which, an additional penalty fee of 50% of the base fee will apply.

Working dogs $ 37.50

Rural domestic dogs $ 37.50

Urban domestic dogs $117.00

Dogs (preferred dog status) $117.00

Dangerous Dogs

Rural $ 93.75

Urban $292.50

*Any new dog up to 3 months of age will be charged a pro rata of the base fee.

*Any new dog from 3 months of age to 6 months of age will be charged the full base fee.

Crs Keltie/Crispin Carried

10.5.15

Rate Increases

10.5.15.1

That the Council confirms its commitment to progressing to completion the work to digitise all historical building records, and acknowledges that the failure to complete this project would result in it not being able to issue building consents in the future, and

That the additional cost of $130,000 be included in the 2014/2015 financial year budgets, with $75,000 of this amount to be funded from the Gratuity Reserve, thereby reducing the impact of this expenditure on the general rate, and

That the Council provides an amount of $150,000 from the Forestry Reserve applied to offset the shortfall of revenue resulting from receiving no Infracon dividend in the 2014/2015 financial year, and

That the option of introducing differential targeted rates for solid waste management, library and swimming pools be considered through the forthcoming Long Term Plan, and

That the Council considers any further changes it may wish to make to the rate requirement for the 2014/2015 financial year through amending the proposed budget.

Crs Roberts/Hull Original Motion

10.5.15.2

There was discussion on the direction intended through the motion, with the following amendment then proposed.

10.5.15.3

That the Council provides an amount of $150,000 from the Forestry Reserve applied to offset the shortfall of revenue resulting from receiving no Infracon dividend in the 2014/2015 financial year, and to be targeted specifically to the roading activity, and

That the option of introducing differential targeted rates for solid waste management, library and swimming pools be considered through the forthcoming Long Term Plan, and

That the Council considers any further changes it may wish to make to the rate requirement for the 2014/2015 financial year through amending the proposed budget.

Crs Davidson/Keltie Amended Motion

10.5.15.4

The Mayor proceeded to put the amended motion to the vote of the meeting, with the outcome being that the amendment was declared carried.

This was then put and adopted as the substantive motion.

10.5.15.5

There were no other changes requested to the funding requirement in the budget, and the Annual Plan incorporating the decisions made from today’s meeting will be presented to the 25 June 2014 meeting for adoption.

10.5.16

Draft Recreation and Reserves Strategy

10.5.16.1

That the request from Fish and Game New Zealand to include provisions concerning reserves which border streams or provide access to streams and rivers be referred for consideration through the process to develop a reserve management plan covering such areas administered by the Council within the district.

Mayor Ellis/Cr Isaacson Carried

10.5.16.2

That the Council acknowledges and appreciates the work of the voluntary swimming pool committees throughout the district, and it conveys thanks to them for supporting the operation of these recreational community facilities, and

That the Tararua Aquatic Community Trust be commended on implementing the “Poolsafe” lifeguard supervision programme to better provide for public safety at the indoor heated pool complex in Dannevirke, and

That the Council review the budget for the district’s swimming pools through the forthcoming Long Term Plan to consider their funding to cover such safety compliance costs, and

That the Eketahuna Swimming Pool Management Committee be assured that the Council is committed to maintaining and funding a community swimming pool facility in Eketahuna, and it has provided a contribution of capital funds within the Long Term Plan towards the expenditure for its replacement when required.

Crs Isaacson/Davidson Carried

10.5.16.3

That the Council notes the support for developing and implementing a district walkways network plan as part of its strategy over the next ten years to provide good amenities for lifestyle and recreation, and

That the Council notes the proposed cycle/walkway for Smith/Cole Streets and Adelaide Road is a local community project previously presented through the 2011/2012 Draft Annual Plan, and to be undertaken within existing budgets and through a local service group, and

That with regard to the request for up to $28,000 (GST exclusive) to develop this cycleway/walkway through financial assistance from the Council, it advises the Dannevirke Community Board that these funds are appropriately sourced from the budget they receive annually for discretionary expenditure in their area, and

That the Council notes the Tararua Traverse cycle track proposal is progressing regarding the investigations and work to consider the feasibility and options to fund and implement this project, and

That the Council maintains its interest and involvement in these discussions with the Horowhenua District Council and other interested parties, including the Department of Conservation, the Army and the Horizons Regional Council, and

That Woodville Districts’ Vision be advised that the Council agreed to provide $3,000 last year from the Community Recreation Reserve to offset the costs of undertaking the necessary negotiations with landowners, including KiwiRail, to progress the planning of the walkway between Woodville and the Manawatu Gorge, and

That Woodville Districts’ Vision be invited to contact the Manager Assets Group to discuss and agree on the approach to take in expediting this matter.

Crs Hull/Keltie Carried

10.5.16.4

That the Recreation and Reserves Strategy 2014 be adopted.

Crs Collis/Roberts Carried

10.5.16.5

The Council noted the list of other matters raised and comments conveyed through the submissions received, with no specific changes requested to the Draft Annual Plan 2014/2015.

10.5.16.6

The Governance Manager was thanked for his work in co-ordinating the submissions consultation process regarding the Draft Annual Plan 2014/2015.

10.6

Finance Report

10.6.1

That the report from the Chief Financial Officer dated 21 May 2014 concerning the third quarter finance report (as circulated) be received and the contents are noted.

Crs Hull/Crispin Carried

10.7	Staff Report
10.7.1	Expanded Rural Fire Districts
10.7.1.1	A report will be presented to the June Council meeting seeking direction on the merits of being part of a Wairarapa expanded rural fire district, to include forest owners, Department of Conservation, and councils spanning from the Rimutaka hill to the Tararua boundary at Norsewood.
10.7.2	Chemical Vegetation Control
10.7.2.1	The spraying of tutu on road reserves would require an increase to the funding provided in the chemical vegetation control budget.
10.7.2.2	Where there are small areas of tutu in specific areas needing to be sprayed these should be reported through the service request system.
10.7.3	Pahiatua Track
10.7.3.1	The improved condition of the Pahiatua Track surface was acknowledged.
10.7.4	Roadside Trees
10.7.4.1	The Manager Engineering Services was commended for his assistance in intervening between a farmer and Infracon to achieve a satisfactory outcome regarding some roadside trees.
10.7.5	Housing for the Elderly Vacant Flats
10.7.5.1	It was noted that there are four flats vacant in Pahiatua, and one in Woodville that has been empty for a long period of time.
10.7.6	Alcohol Licensing
10.7.6.1	It was noted that five premises have not renewed their respective licences and/or ceased trading at renewal time, thereby resulting in a loss of revenue for the alcohol licensing activity.
10.7.7	Lions Track and Tunnel Walk
10.7.7.1	The outstanding work undertaken by the Woodville Lions Club to organise this annual event was acknowledged.
10.7.8	Pahiatua Information Centre
10.7.8.1	Cr Hull agreed to ascertain whether the opening hours of the Pahiatua Information Centre have been changed.
10.7.9	Sport Manawatu
10.7.9.1	Trevor Shailer has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Sport Manawatu.
10.7.10	*That the report from the Chief Executive dated 21 May 2014 concerning an update on key projects and items of interest to the Council (as circulated) be received.* Crs Keltie/Hull Carried

10.8

Council Controlled Trading Organisation Committee

10.8.1

That the report of the Council Controlled Trading Organisation Committee meeting held on 29 April 2014 (as circulated) be received.

Cr Keltie/Mayor Ellis Carried

11. Portfolio Reports

11.1	Economic Development
11.1.1	Cr Crispin complimented the Economic Development and Communications Manager and her staff on the excellent workshop they arranged about Manuka and its potential as an opportunity for the district.
11.2	Waste Management
11.2.1	Crs Davidson and Isaacson visited the Pahiatua Transfer Station, and they were pleased with the site and the good condition of the infrastructure.
11.2.2	The work of the Design Manager was acknowledged in assisting with the planning of this project.
11.3	Mayoral Taskforce
11.3.1	The Mayor advised that the Mayoral Taskforce Co-ordinator has resigned, and Local Government New Zealand are now providing the administration support.
11.3.2	A meeting was held with Ministers Steven Joyce, Simon Bridges and Paula Bennett, and the idea has been promoted to build on the work undertaken through the Army by providing short courses for youth to develop their life skills.

12. Mayoral Matters

12.1	Council Workshop
12.1.1	Councillors were requested to note that a Council workshop will be held on 11 June 2014 commencing at 9.00am.
12.2	Tribunal and Hearings Committee
12.2.1	That the Council notes the resignation of Cr W H Keltie from the positions of Tribunal and Hearings Committee Chairperson and portfolio holder for Resource Management Act/Planning, and it thanks him for his service in these roles, and *That Cr W H Davidson be appointed as the Chairperson of the Tribunal and Hearings Committee, and* *That Cr T H Collis be appointed as a portfolio holder for Resource Management Act/Planning.* Crs Isaacson/Crispin Carried

13. Items not on the Agenda

13.1

Nil

14.

Public Excluded Item of Business

14.1

That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely:

Matters concerning a Council controlled trading organisation

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under Section 48 (1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution follows.

*General subject matter to be considered*	*Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter*	*Ground(s) under Section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution*
*Matters concerning a Council controlled trading organisation*	*To protect commercial activities*	*Section (1)(a)(i)*

This resolution is made in reliance on Section 48 (1) (a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by Section 6 or Section 7 of that Act or Section 6 or Section 7 or Section 9 of the Official Information Act 1982, as the case may require, which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public are as follows:

s7(2)(h) The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

Crs Roberts/Keltie Carried

14.2

The meeting was adjourned at 3.20pm, and it resumed at 3.30pm.

14.4

That open meeting be resumed.

Crs Crispin/Isaacson Carried

There being no further business the Mayor thanked those present for their attendance and contributions, and declared the meeting closed at 4.45pm.

____________________________

Mayor

Minutes of an extraordinary meeting of the Tararua District Council held in the Council Chamber, 26 Gordon Street, Dannevirke on Wednesday 11 June 2014 commencing at 3.45 pm.

1. Present

His Worship the Mayor – Mr R A Ellis, Crs W H Keltie (Deputy Mayor), T H Collis, J E Crispin, W H Davidson, S A Hull, C J Isaacson and D A Roberts.

In Attendance

Mr B King - Chief Executive

Mr R Taylor - Governance Manager

Mr P Wimsett - Manager Strategy and District Development

Mr R Suppiah - Chief Financial Officer

2. Apologies

2.1	*That an apology be sustained from Cr K R Fenemor for non-attendance at the meeting.* Crs Keltie/Roberts Carried

Public Excluded Item of Business

3.1

That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting, namely:

Matters concerning a Council Controlled Trading Organisation

*General subject matter to be considered*	*Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter*	*Ground(s) under Section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution*
*Matters concerning a Council Controlled Trading Organisation*	*To protect commercial activities*	*Section (1)(a)(i)*

s7(2)(h) The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

Crs Isaacson/Collis Carried

3.3	*That open meeting be resumed.* Crs Keltie/Roberts Carried

3.4

That the following decisions taken with the public excluded be confirmed in open meeting.

Item 3.2 Matters Concerning a Council Controlled Trading Organisation

· That the Council notes the resignations from the directors of Infracon that means the Board is no longer able to operate according to its company constitution.

· That the Council Controlled Trading Organisation Committee be increased to four members.

· That Cr J E Crispin be appointed as the additional member of the Council Controlled Trading Organisation Committee.

· That the Council appoints three of the Council Controlled Trading Organisation Committee members as the interim directors of the Infracon Limited Board, being Mayor Roland Alexander Ellis, Crs James Edward Crispin and David Andrew Roberts, and

That Peter John Rowell, a previous director of the company appointed by the Council, be an independent director and the chair of the Board.

Advisory Note

Section 80 of the Local Government Act 2002 requires the Council to identify any decisions that are significantly inconsistent with its adopted policies. The decision to appoint councillors to the Infracon Board is specifically excluded by its policy on the appointment of directors to Council Controlled Trading Organisations.

The reasons for the inconsistency with that policy arising from this decision recognises the need to ensure that timely decisions can be made to address Infracon’s financial and operational challenges, directors resignations, Audit New Zealand concerns, and to avoid delays in receiving a viable action plan for the company.

The Council acknowledges that these appointments are as interim directors for three months, taking into account the extraordinary circumstances which exist.

It is expected that the Council will re-comply with its adopted policy as the interim Board is intended to be in place for the short period of time specified until the appointment of new external directors is made and they are briefed by both of the company’s shareholders, the Tararua District Council and the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council.

· That the three members of the Council Controlled Trading Organisation Committee together with Peter John Rowell receive indemnity from the Council with respect to their appointments as the interim directors of the Infracon Limited Board.

Crs Keltie/Isaacson Carried

3.5

That the Mayor and the Chief Executive be authorised to sign the waiver document for and on behalf of the Council consenting to and approving the transfer of Tamatea Limited’s shares held in Infracon Limited to the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, and

That the Council waives any and all of its pre-emptive rights to acquire the Tamatea Limited shares in favour of the transfer by Tamatea Limited of such shares to the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council.

Crs Roberts/Crispin Carried

There being no further business the Mayor thanked those present for their attendance and contributions, and declared the meeting closed at 5.00 pm.

____________________________

Mayor

Eketahuna Community Board

Minutes of a meeting of the Eketahuna Community Board held in the Eketahuna War Memorial Hall, corner of Jones Street and State Highway 2, Eketahuna on Friday 6 June 2014 commencing at 10.05 am.

1. Present

Board Members C C Death (Chairperson), T J Hull, S E Shannon and Cr W H Davidson (Council appointed Community Board member).

In Attendance

Cr T H Collis - South Ward District Councillor

Mr R Taylor - Governance Manager

2. Apologies

2.1	*That an apology be sustained from Board Member D F Eagle for non-attendance at the meeting.* Shannon/Davidson Carried

3. Personal Matters

3.1

A card was received from Peter Best (former Eketahuna Community Board Deputy Chair) conveying thanks for the Board’s sympathy on the passing of his wife Judith.

3.2

A letter was received from John Harman (former Eketahuna Community Board Chair) thanking the Board for its presentation of the Alf Rowden Humanitarian Award and nominating him to receive the Queen’s Service Medal to acknowledge his services to the community.

4. Notification of Items Not on the Agenda

4.1

The following matters were notified as items of general business not on the agenda for discussion at today’s meeting:

· Eketahuna Rugby Football Club 125^th anniversary

· Eketahuna Civil Defence Response Group

· Eketahuna Christmas parade

· Eketahuna Camping Ground mowing

· Eketahuna Community Centre microphone

· Pruning of London Plane trees on Alfredton Road and Anderson Street

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1	*That the minutes of the Eketahuna Community Board meeting held on 2 May 2014 (as circulated) be confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.* Hull/Davidson Carried

6. Matters Arising from the Minutes

6.1

Nil

7.		Tararua District Council Report
7.1		*That the report of the Tararua District Council meeting held on 28 May 2014 (as circulated) be received.* Davidson/Hull Carried
7.2	Anzac Memorial Bridge Anzac Day Service
7.2.1	The Friends of the Anzac Memorial Bridge Kaiparoro Secretary (Corinna Carew) was in attendance at the meeting.
7.2.2	It was suggested that the organiser’s of the Anzac Memorial Bridge Anzac Day service need to plan in the future to provide alternative arrangements for this event should the weather be wet and unpleasant.

8. Reports from Board Representatives Appointed to Organisations and Assigned Responsibilities

8.1	Tararua District Road Safety Group
8.1.1	The Chairperson presented a verbal report on the 27 May 2014 meeting of the Tararua District Road Safety Group, and this included reference to the following matters: · Work to repair the damage on roads caused through the earthquake is 70% complete, and it is intended to be finished by the end of June. · Stringfellows have commenced the work to upgrade the Saddle Road. · It is disappointing that the New Zealand Transport Agency did not undertake more stabilising work on the state highway at the southern entrance to Eketahuna as part of the earthquake damage repairs undertaken. · There is a need for guard rails on the state highway going north at the Konini Bridge, and the New Zealand Transport Agency has been requested to consider this project to improve road safety within the vicinity of the trees in that area.
8.2	Shannon to Eketahuna Cycle Track Tararua Traverse Project Proposal
8.2.1	Crs Collis and Davidson attended a meeting in Palmerston North to further discuss this project to progress the planning, and the following was noted from their verbal report concerning this matter: · A governance structure is to be established, with a strategic plan and a conceptual design to be developed. · The formation of a steering group and the appointment of a project manager shall co-ordinate the direction of the planning. · An assessment of the cultural values and environmental effects will be required, and there also needs to be engagement with the national maritime government agencies. · A resource consent is necessary, and funding of about $10,000 will be needed for the assessment of environmental effects to proceed. · The aim is to complete the project by June 2016, with its name and identity to be considered.

Correspondence

9.1

That the correspondence as listed be received.

(a) Kerry and Loreen Cunningham

Re: Eketahuna Camping Ground April report

Shannon/Hull Carried

10.	Welcome to New Residents Event (Brought forward on the agenda)
10.1	The Board will arrange to meet and welcome new residents to Eketahuna through an afternoon tea held in the Eketahuna Club on 6 July 2014 at 2.00pm.
10.2	The Chairperson will make the necessary arrangements to circulate the invitations, organise the community organisations/groups to attend, and book the venue.
10.3	Board Member Hull shall include the details in the community newsletter to publicise this event.

11.	Liaison with Community Representatives from Rural Areas
11.1	The Chairperson welcomed Don Robbie from the Tiraumea area to the meeting, and invited him to address the Board.
11.2	Don Robbie gave a verbal report on various matters relating to the Tiraumea community and its area, including the following: · The loss of the school has occurred, with the buildings removed and taken to Weber. · The residents are generally very happy with the condition of their roads, and the standard of maintenance being undertaken through metalling and grading. · The repairs done promptly to the roads following the earthquake was appreciated. · There are some corrugations on Waihoki Valley Road. · Some minor widening is needed on Gandys Road through the digger taking a small section off the banks. · The work undertaken by the Army on Puketoi Road was acknowledged, and the surface is in a good condition. · The signs indicating that the Council does not service this road could be removed after winter to recognise it is in a reasonable state. · Some damage occurred to houses and buildings in the area as a result of the earthquake, and claims are in the process of being assessed and settled.
11.3	The Chairperson thanked Don Robbie for his report and attendance at the meeting.
11.4	An invitation will be extended by the Chairperson to Diane Anderson to attend the Board’s July meeting if she is available.

12.	Eketahuna Information Centre
12.1	The Eketahuna Our Town Committee Chairperson (Corinna Carew) was in attendance at the meeting.
12.2	Winter opening hours have been introduced for the Eketahuna Information Centre applicable from June until October.
12.3	This will enable them to roster the available volunteers to provide coverage during the quieter months, and the changed times are 11.00am to 2.30pm during the week and full hours of 10.00am to 4.00pm on weekends.

13. Chairman’s Remarks

13.1

Nil

14. Items not on the Agenda

14.1	Eketahuna Rugby Football Club 125^th Anniversary
14.1.1	The Board congratulates the Eketahuna Rugby Football Club on celebrating its 125^th anniversary, and the excellent events arranged over Queen’s Birthday weekend to celebrate this special occasion.
14.2	Eketahuna Civil Defence Response Group
14.2.1	The annual get-together of the Eketahuna Civil Defence Response Group will be held on 23 July 2014 at 6.00pm in the Eketahuna Fire Station.
14.3	Eketahuna Christmas Parade
14.3.1	The Eketahuna Our Town Committee will act as the organisation to facilitate the application for road closures to enable the Eketahuna Christmas parade to be held.
14.3.2	Ryan and Lisa Seator have offered to assist with planning the arrangements for this event, and they will need to ensure the following is undertaken: · Have a traffic management plan developed to accompany the road closures application. · This must be done by a suitably qualified person such as Brian Barnes or Don Selby of the Pahiatua Railcar Society. · Arrange for appropriate persons to act as marshals in implementing the traffic management plan and the erection of road closures signage. · Alternatively contract this work to a professional company like Horizon Holdings Limited to provide this service at a cost of approximately $1,000.00.
14.3.3	That the Board agrees to again support the arranging of a Christmas parade in Eketahuna, and grants from its discretionary funds financial assistance to cover the costs of the road closures application to the Council ($100) plus the associated advertising expenses relating to this process. Davidson/Shannon Carried
14.4	Eketahuna Camping Ground Mowing
14.4.1	The Community Assets Manager has instructed Infracon to mow the area by the old swing bridge when they are mowing the Eketahuna Camping Ground.
14.5	Eketahuna Community Centre Microphone
14.5.1	A new microphone and stand have been purchased for the Eketahuna Community Centre, and they are installed and working.
14.6	Pruning of London Plane Trees on Alfredton Road and Anderson Street
14.6.1	An email from the Engineering Services Contracts Manager requested the Board to consider either funding the cost of pruning these trees or contributing towards the expenditure incurred of $1,856.00 plus GST.
14.6.2	The Board noted it had been asked to consider the future of the trees, but at no stage of the discussions and consultation was it implied their retention is dependent on providing financial assistance towards that cost.
14.6.3	As there appears to be a suggestion that the roading budget should not be expected to fund this expenditure, the Board refers the matter and the invoice received to the Manager Assets Group to determine which Council activity will budget and pay the cost of maintaining the trees.

15.

Eketahuna Town Centre Upgrade

15.1

A proposal was tabled from David Engwicht of Creative Communities International outlining their services and the costs involved to assist the Board to develop the upgrade design concept plan in consultation with the community.

15.2

The Board will prepare a project plan setting out the strategic direction to co-ordinate the project, and the following was agreed to guide this process:

· Board members shall informally meet at 6.30pm on 20 June 2014 and 25 July 2014 in the War Memorial Hall to progress these discussions.

· The conceptual planning is to be completed before 1 July 2015.

· The Board will act as the governance body to carry out the consultation and determine the preferred form of the upgrade plan for recommendation to the Council as the project funder and provider.

· The vision is to provide an attractive relaxing peaceful town that locals can enjoy and be proud of, and passers-by are intrigued and want to spend time there.

· The objectives are to achieve town pride, an attractive appearance, a safe place to stop, reflecting Eketahuna identity and history, and promoting and attracting visitors.

· The timeline is to complete the planning and consultation in the next twelve months to enable indicative costing’s to be obtained, with the construction period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016.

· Strategic partners regarding the project include the Eketahuna Community Charitable Trust, business and property owners, the Eketahuna Our Town Committee and the Council.

· Funding sources are the Council, others and in kind donations.

· Strategies are to be developed for consultation and communications.

There being no further business the Chairperson thanked those present for their attendance and contributions, and declared the meeting closed at 12.50pm.

____________________________

Chairperson

Report

Date	:	18 June 2014
To	:	Mayor and Councillors Tararua District Council
From	:	Craig Lunn Planning Manager
Subject	:	State of the Environment Report
Item No	:	10.3

1. Reason for the Report

1.1 This report is required as a performance measure of the Annual Plan 2013/14 and as a statutory requirement of the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991.

2. Background

2.1 In 2002, Council developed an RMA Section 35 Monitoring Strategy that sets out the framework for how Council will monitor the following statutory matters:

· The effectiveness of its District Plan (District Plan monitoring)

· Resource consents and District Plan rule compliance (compliance monitoring)

· The exercise of any functions, power or duties delegated or transferred by it (exercise of delegations and transfer of functions monitoring)

· The state of the District’s environment (state of the environment monitoring)

This report has been prepared in accordance with the relevant section of that strategy.

3. Description

3.1 State of the Environment monitoring involves gathering information on the condition or state of the environment to detect any changes in environmental quality as a result of human or natural causes.

3.2 Monitoring provides a baseline to measure any improvement or deterioration in the state of the environment. Council can use this report to develop new policies to address any issues identified as a result of monitoring.

3.2.1 The strategy identifies biodiversity as a priority area for monitoring and has identified the following objectives:

a) To monitor the adverse effects of plant and animal pests on land and other resources.

b) To monitor the areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna.

c) To monitor whether the natural character of lakes, rivers, wetlands and their margins and their ecological, cultural, intrinsic and amenity values are being protected from inappropriate subdivision, use and development.

The following report describes the results of monitoring for each area of biodiversity identified by the strategy.

4. Report

4.1 Plant and Animal Pest Effects

Indicator

The specified indicator is “the level of adverse effects from plant and animal pests”.

Method

Monitoring data was obtained by reviewing Horizons summary annual report with regard to plant and animal pests, and Horizons strategies for regional plant and pest management.

Results

The damage caused by pests is the biggest threat to the natural heritage of the District. The majority of plant and animal pests that have been identified in the RPPMS and RAPMS occur within the district. Most species of plant pests are widespread throughout the entire region, and include African feather grass, contorta pine, darwin’s barberry, and old man’s beard. The most common animal pests that threaten land, native birds and vegetation in Tararua include rooks and feral rabbits.

To control the effects of such pests, Horizons administers a number of pest control operations within the District. As outlined in the Annual Plan 2012-13, Horizons pest control efforts have resulted in reducing rook numbers by 72%, possum control targets being met, a modest decrease in the regional rabbit population, and full programme delivery on pest plant sites in the region.

4.2 Indigenous Vegetation Clearance

Indicator

The specified indicator is “Incidences of indigenous vegetation clearance”.

Method

This involved searching records for resource consents issued approving indigenous vegetation clearance, viewing the total number of native timber approved for harvesting, reviewing the number of Sustainable Forest Management Permits issued by the Ministry for Primary Industries, and searching records of complaints regarding clearance activities.

Results

Within the past five years, four resource consents have been approved allowing native timber to be felled. All of these were subject to certain conditions, and one was in accordance with a Sustainable Forest Management Permit. With Sustainable Forest Management Permits, harvesting for most species is restricted to single trees or small groups of trees thus environmental impacts are limited. These permits allow for a maximum total harvest volume of up to 500 cubic metres depending on the species, and are issued for a term of 10 years and registered against the land title(s) to which the permit relates. The chart below shows the number of current permits issued by MPI to landowners in the Tararua District.

Figure 1 Table of Approved Sustainable Forest Management Permits

Date Approved	Forest Area (ha)	Total Harvest Volume (m3)	Expiry Date
28.8.2009	168	250*	21.3.2020

* Total volume that may be harvested at any time during the 10-year term of the permit.

Owners may carry out harvesting under an approved Annual Logging Plan for a registered SFM permit at any time following the approval date of the ALP. This means land owners could harvest an average amount of wood each year over the ten years, or harvest varying quantities at more irregular intervals. They are not required to advise MPI of the actual dates of harvesting. Normally MPI field officers monitor harvesting by completing in-forest post-harvest inspections although sometimes it is possible to be present at the time harvesting operations are taking place. A number of harvest sites are inspected to assess the quality of the operations, including wastage, damage to residual forest and regeneration, and adherence to any special conditions of an approval.

Complaints from people regarding clearance activities can be a useful method of determining the effects of such activities on the surrounding environment, or in this case, establishing non-complying activities. No complaints have been made to Council regarding native vegetation clearance.

4.3 Significant Indigenous Vegetation Cover

Indicator

The specified indicator is “the areas of significant indigenous vegetation cover is maintained and enhanced in high value conservation areas”.

Method

Data was collected by reviewing Horizons records of native forest cover and identifying areas subject to open space covenants with the QEII Trust.

Results

According to a recent Horizons survey, there are 255 bush fragments comprising an area of 8957 hectares within the Tararua District. The survey of the fragments found 5% in excellent condition, 29% in good condition, 58% in fair condition and 8% in poor condition.

Within Tararua, the QEII National Trust protects 3262.2 hectares of native vegetation and habitats. As seen in the table below, the number of covenants registered annually since 2005 has been reasonably consistent, with the exception of a significant increase in 2008. The area of covenants registered since 2005 range from 52.2 to 748.4 hectares. The distribution of these covenants is shown on the following map. Of the 119 covenanted sites, 58 were registered from 2005 to 2013.

Figure 2 Table of Annual & Total QEII Trust Registered Covenants

	Annual Covenants		Total Covenants
Year	No.	Total Area (ha)	No.	Total Area (ha)
2005	7	93.3	68	1563.5
2006	5	74.4	73	1637.9
2007	4	60.4	77	1698.3
2008	15	748.4	92	2446.7
2009	8	120.3	100	2567
2010	5	52.2	105	2619.2
2011	5	82.7	110	2701.9
2012	4	401.2	114	3103.1
2013	5	159.1	119	3262.2

Figure 3. Location Map of QEII Trust Registered Covenants 2005-2013

4.4 Resource Consents for Wetlands

Indicator

The specified indicator is “the number of resource consents issued for activities that may affect wetlands, rivers, lakes and their margins”.

Method

This involved requesting information from Horizons on resource consents issued that involves wetlands.

Results

Horizons have issued nine resource consents involving wetlands in Tararua since 2009. Of the consents issued, three involve the discharge of effluent, four involve the discharge of stormwater, one involves discharging water from a wetland, and one involves diverting water from a wetland. Six wetlands are affected by the resource consents.

Figure 4 Table of Resource Consents Granted by Horizons 2009-2013

Ref #	Activity	Location
RC7156553	Discharge dairy shed effluent treated in anaerobic and aerobic ponds and a wetland to the Makakahi River	State Highway 2, Eketahuna
RC0001553	Discharge pond treated piggery effluent into a wetland then into an unnamed tributary of the Mangaatua Stream	State Highway 2, Dannevirke
RC9125553	Discharge water from the wetland wading bird habitat aviaries to the Bruce Stream	National Wildlife Centre, Mt Bruce, State Highway 2
RC8705553	Discharge pond treated dairy shed effluent to a wetland formed in an unnamed tributary of the Mangaatua Stream	Napier Road, Woodville
RC8891553	Divert water from a wetland	State Highway 2, Tahoraiti, Dannevirke
RC1564553	Discharge Stormwater at the Alliance Dannevirke Site into the surface waters of the Mangatera Stream via wetlands	Carlson Street, Dannevirke
RC1564553	Discharge Stormwater at the Alliance Dannevirke Site into the surface waters of the Mangatera Stream via wetlands	Carlson Street, Dannevirke
RC1564553	Discharge Stormwater at the Alliance Dannevirke Site into the surface waters of the Mangatera Stream via wetlands	Carlson Street, Dannevirke
RC1564553	Discharge Stormwater at the Alliance Dannevirke Site into the surface waters of the Mangatera Stream via wetlands	Carlson Street, Dannevirke

4.5 Non-Compliances Involving Wetlands

Indicator

The specified indicator is “the level and scope of incidences of non-compliance with Plan rules and consent conditions”.

Method

A request was made to Horizons for records of incidents from their complaints register involving wetlands.

Results

Seven incidents have been recorded by Horizons as potentially affecting wetlands within the Tararua District in the last five years. Of the incidents recorded, three involve effluent discharge, three involve digging drains, and one involves a fire. None of the incidents was of significant consequence to the wetlands involved.

4.6 Protection or Enhancement of Wetlands

Indicator

The specified indicator is “the level of protection or enhancement of wetlands and lakes”.

Method

This involved reviewing Horizons inventories of wetlands.

Results

Horizons original inventory of wetlands was undertaken in 2005. A review carried out in 2008 found that ranking wetlands on a regional basis did not provide a clear indication of the real value of each wetland. Therefore, Horizons decided to cease ranking wetlands and instead assign them an ecological priority group based on their ecological score. The ecological value was determined by the following indicators:

• Biological diversity

• Size

• Representativeness

• Contribution to remaining area

• Presence of rare or threatened species

The table below compares the 2005 and 2008 wetland inventories. From the original inventory of thirty-six sites in the Tararua District, one was delisted, and twenty new sites have been added. Six of the sites on the current inventory are classified by Horizons as priority ‘A’. An increase in the numbers of wetlands listed in Horizons inventory for the Tararua District represents an increasing level of wetland protection.

Figure 4 Table Comparing Wetland Inventory 2005 and 2008

NAME	2005 Regional Rank	2008 Priority Status
Haukopua Scenic Reserve 1	5	A
Hukanui Source Swamp	14	A
Lund Oxbow	73	A
Makuri High Country Swamp	32	A
Tree Daisy Wetland	71	A
Woodville Ferry Reserve	Not listed	A
Fault Fen	127	B
Graham Road Swamp	104	B
Oporae Wetland Complex	89	B
Ora Wetland Area 1	Not listed	B
QE2 (Bendall)	Not listed	B
WED Site 50 (M Genet)	39	B
Akitio Estuary (ecolsites id# 1)	Not listed	C
Ballance Cafe Wetland	122	C
Cape Turnagain (tarns)	Not listed	C
Cowper Road Oxbow	67	C
Huraua Wetland Forest	70	C
Kohinui Road Oxbow	110	C
Lake Mahangaiti	112	C
Lake Rotoataha	111	C
Loveday Road Wetland	136	C
Mangahao (Sinclair)	Not listed	C
Ora Wetland Area 2	Not listed	C
Pahau Swamp	176	C
PED Site 43	157	C
Wayer's Wetland	Not listed	C
Bartons Swamp	Not listed	D
Coppermine Swamp	228	D
Herbertville Beach	236	D
Hukanui Swamp (WED Site 24)	171	D
Kahurauihea Wetland	244	D
Kearney Road Springfield Wetland	182	D
Laws Road Swamp	249	D
Manawatu River Oxbow	Not listed	D
Normandell Swamp	Not listed	D
Oporae Catchment 1	198	D
Owahanga Estuary	Not listed	D
Owahanga Rivermouth	Not listed	D
PED Site 30	Not listed	D
PED Site 39	153	D
Tautane Stream Swamp	174	D
Te Uri Road Lake	241	D
WED Site 55 (KumetiWetland)	Not listed	D
Wi Duncan Road Swamp	161	D
Ormond Estate Wetland (and Bush)	60	Remnant
Waihi Falls	21	Remnant
Wakawahine Stream (2 areas)	Not listed	Riparian
Ihuraua Dam (Ecol site 33)	Not listed	Contrived
Kopua Dam	Not listed	Contrived
Moalands Dam (ecol site 72)	Not listed	Contrived
Mt Baker Road Dam	210	Contrived
Namoi Dams	Not listed	Contrived
Top Grass Road Dam	200	Contrived
WED Site 52	Not listed	Contrived
WED Site 57 (DBC Oxidation Ponds)	Not listed	Contrived
Owhango Estuary	205	Not listed

5. Conclusion

5.1 Horizons plant and animal pest control programmes appear to be working reasonably effectively. Only one permit has been issued for commercial clearance of indigenous forestry. Protection of significant vegetation through covenants has doubled in total hectares since 2005. Six wetlands have been subject to controlled discharge activities (resource consents) since 2009. A small number of non-compliances involving wetlands has been recorded; however, all of these were of low or no impact. General protection of wetlands has increased since 2005.

6. Recommendation

6.1 That the report from the Planning Manager dated 18 June 2014 concerning the State of the Environment Report (as circulated) be received, and

6.2 That the Council reviews its Resource Management Act Section 35 Monitoring Strategy to ensure the nature and extent of monitoring required is ‘fit for purpose’.

Attachments

Nil.

Report

Date	:	18 June 2014
To	:	Mayor and Councillors Tararua District Council
From	:	Blair King Chief Executive
Subject	:	June 2014 Staff Report
Item No	:	10.9

1. Reason for the Report

This report is to update Councillors on key projects and items of interest for the period from 21 May 2014 to 18 June 2014.

Key Points

2. Corridor Network Maintenance Agreement

The tender evaluation team has been assessing the three proposals submitted on 12 June 2014. Their recommendation for a preferred partner will be tabled at the meeting on 25 June 2014.

3. New Infracon Board

A press release noting the change in Board following the resignations received on 11 June 2014, was emailed to news outlets on 18 June 2014. Verbal updates have also been provided to the Office of the Auditor General given the focus by Auditors on the performance and accountabilities of Council Controlled Trading Organisations. Whilst significant work had gone into preparing a new Statement of Intent between Infracon and Council, the change in Board means we have received a request to defer finalising this draft, until they have completed their new business plan. This means Council must decide whether to adopt the draft submitted, on the basis a new SOI will be considered later in the 2014-15 financial year.

4. Potential Fertiliser Centre – Dannevirke Aerodrome

Concerns are being raised by some residents and users of the aerodrome over the potential lease of a site for a fertiliser storage and distribution centre. Whilst any proposal would be considered against Council’s District Plan and the underlying management plan for the Aerodrome, it is being brought to Council attention as an example of the challenges of attracting compatible new businesses to improve the financial success of this district asset.

5. Sealing of Document

The Mayor and the Chief Executive signed on behalf of the Council under its Common Seal the memorandum of lease agreements for the Mangatainoka Cemetery reserve land.

6. 2014/15 Remuneration Setting for Elected Members

The Remuneration Authority has reviewed the remuneration payments to elected members, and it will issue a formal determination for the 2014/15 financial year. In undertaking this process for mayors and councillors, it established the remuneration levels by:

· Re-assessing each councils size index by reference to updated population statistics and 2012/13 individual council’s expenses, and

· Applying the relationships established last year between size indices and remuneration together with an allowance for general levels of wage growth between 2013 and 2014, and

· Applying similar techniques as used last year to dampen down large decreases or increases, and

· Ensuring that no base councillor salaries or mayoral remuneration was reduced through the above process.

Community Board salaries that will apply in the 2014/15 financial year were determined using the same relationship between populations as established last year, applying updated population statistics and an allowance for general wage growth between 2013 and 2014.

The new provisions for annual salaries effective from 1 July 2014 concerning this Council and the Dannevirke and Eketahuna Community Boards are set out below, with existing amounts shown in brackets. No other changes shall occur to the payments for expenses and allowances.

Council	New Salary	Old Salary
Mayor (net amount with adjustment for vehicle provided)	$81,376	($78,976)
Deputy Mayor	$33,460	($33,320)
Member Forestry Committee or Council Controlled Trading Organisation Committee	$26,411	($26,300)
Councillor	$23,900	($23,800)
Community Boards
Dannevirke Community Board Chair	$9,200	($9,000)
Dannevirke Community Board Member	$4,600	($4,500)
Eketahuna Community Board Chair	$7,000	($7,000)
Eketahuna Community Board Member	$3,500	($3,500)

7. Human Resources

7.1 Promotions

Congratulations are extended to Cameron McKay on his promotion to Senior Financial Accountant

7.2 Appointments

Wiehan Labuschagne has been appointed as Financial Accountant and is due to start 30 June 2014.

An offer of employment has been made for the Environmental Officer position and is pending written acceptance.

7.3 Resignation

Best wishes are extended to Aimee-Lee Payne from Records who has resigned with the impending arrival of her second child.

Activity Reports

Roading

8. Contracts Let

No major contracts have been let this month.

9. Road Maintenance Contract

The following report is provided by Contracts Manager: Brian Barnes

Network Condition	The Review of the Tararua District Council speed limit bylaw has now been completed, and all existing speed limits reviewed and verified as being correctly positioned and appropriate for the environment they are placed in. Four sites have been reviewed and adopted for speed limit changes: Smith Road Dannevirke; 100kph to 70kph from Bridge D014 to 146 metres past the Adelaide Road intersection. Riverdale Road Dannevirke; 100kph to 70kph from Bridge D023 to the intersection with Tipapakuku Road. Maharahara Road; from 100kph to 70kph, from RP3.000 to 4.000m along the frontage of Ruahine School. Miller Street/ Weber Road Dannevirke from 100kph to 70kph to act as a buffer zone when heading from the 100kph Weber Road area into the Urban 50kph area Akitio Esplanade to be posted at 30kph over the Summer Holiday season ie 20 December to 20 January each year. Each site has been changed for both pedestrian and motorist safety. Feedback to date has been positive. All sites above have been altered as prescribed. In the vicinity of Pahiatua School, the traffic control priority on Albert Street has been changed from Give-way to Stop controls to assist in pedestrian safety for the school patrol and pedestrians.
Unsealed Pavements	Instances of complaints regarding the lack of metal on roads increases coming into the winter months with the wet weather cycle. These have diminished from previous years at this time. This can be attributed to the maintenance cycle introduced over the summer to address the drainage and defects that could have caused a problem. Maintenance metal has been applied as required and on the arranged programme. However in a lot of instances to apply the metal there would have been too much in some areas which in itself causes complaints around safety and driveability of roads.
Sealed Pavements	A remedial sweep of any loose chip has recently been carried out on the reseal sites completed in January 2014. Any faults have been noted by the contractor and TES and will be addressed when the weather warms unless they become a safety concern. Earthquake repairs are continuing and look to be completed by the scheduled date 30 June. The major problem at present being the sealing of completed repairs due to weather. At the summit of the Pahiatua Track SMA8 asphalt is to be laid to alleviate the problems encountered with the chip seal failures. Palmerston North City Council is to SMA from the end of this into the PNCC area giving a consistent and strong surface. New footpaths are planned for Fergusson Street Woodville, Alfredton Road to the sports ground. Lighting for the walkway in Dannevirke along Cole–Adelaide and Smith Streets will proceed shortly as will lighting in Mangahao Road out to Fonterra.
Drainage	The additional drainage works involving all areas and the inspections carried out by TES Staff have shown a vast improvement in the network. Areas that may have caused a major problem, with minor clearing of detritus from inlets to culverts have decreased the major costs of some culvert replacements due to flooding if they had been left. High lip removal is continuing on roads identified both for the next season reseals and also where build up has occurred due to stock movements. Rock protection is being investigated and installed in areas where scouring has been evident as in the attached photos from Bridge N002 on Third Line North.
Vegetation Control	This has ceased for this season due to very low growth rates. Bridge approaches and sight lines into intersections are cleared as required for safety.
Emergency Works	The Road Maintenance Contractor is continuing with the earthquake related damage on the district roads, and to enable a timely finish at the end of June 2014, Higgins have been assisting with the repairs. Two areas on the Makuri Hill section are to be re worked due to minor subsidence, mainly caused due to the wet weather we are experiencing at present.
Financial
Contractor Performance	As the Road Maintenance Contract ends, an agreement for an extension for a further 3 months from the end of June 2014 has been put in place with Infracon. Communication is continuing at the same level, and all works that are planned or located are being agreed upon with consultation between Infracon Supervisors and TES Area Managers and Contracts Manager.

10. Recent Road Maintenance Activities

The following are comments relating to planned work to June 2014 or completed works for May 2014.

Major Roading Category CRM results for the past month

Recent rock protection work completed on Third Line North at Bridge N-002 to prevent Scouring.

Scene of the 31 May 2014 fatal accident In Eketahuna

No road faults contributing and no roading damage.

10.1 Rework Located on Completed Jobs

Unfortunately, we are still discovering practices by contractors that are not up to TES specified procedures. The entire footpath was to be at 100mm depth, this is to be reworked by the contractor under the supervision of our Urban Roading Manager.

This section at the Pahiatua Track summit, including approx. 500 metres into the PNCC side, is to be resurfaced with SMA8 asphalt as has been applied to three sections on the TDC side, by Higgins Contractors. This will improve safety and pavement durability.

10.2 Planned Works

This planned footpath extension for Fergusson Street Woodville, to link the existing Sowry Road footpath for recreational walkers, has been programmed for completion as funding allows.

As shown in the photo, a number of areas of footpath, which have been trip hazards for some time, have been rehabilitated.

11. Pavement Rehabilitation Contracts

Engineer Technician: Anthony Mason has provided content for this report.

Progress at 17 May

Contracts 07/10 & 06/10 (2013/14 Pavement Rehabilitation – North and South)

11.1 2013/14 Northern Area Sites

Road	RP	% Complete
Waihi Valley Rd	179 – 296	100
Waihi Valley Rd	315 – 439	100
052-109	1132 – 2018	100
052-109	3321 – 3654	100
Waitahora Rd	16883 – 17354	90
052-084	5374 – 5721	90
Hovding St	422 – 767	100
Norsewood – Ormondville Rd	5030 – 5138	0
Waitahora Valley Rd	4441 – 4597	0
Te Uri Rd	1487 – 1787	100
052-084	3197 – 3379	10
052-084	329 – 525	80

11.2 2013/14 Southern Area Sites

Road	RP	% Complete
Hopelands Rd	3230 – 3746	20
Pinfold Rd	8696 - 8959	30
Pahiatua – Pongaroa Rd	19316 – 19555	0
Tawataia Rd	5 – 150	100
Alfredton Rd	6159 – 6530	100
Hopelands Rd	168 – 665	90

Pavement rehabilitation sites are still progressing when weather allows. Crews are currently working on Pinfold Road and plan to commence work on Pahiatua – Pongaroa Road on Monday 16 June. Hopelands Road (3230 – 3746) is ready for sealing, but has been delayed due to the wet weather. Remaining sites will most likely be left unsealed until after winter.

11.3 Waitahora Road (16883 – 17354)

Before After

Waitahora Road has been 2% stabilised 200mm deep. Due to the steep grade of the drains, rock has been placed to prevent scouring

Before After

11.4 052-084 (329 – 525)

Before After

The existing surface was flushed badly along a large portion of the site.

Before After

180 cubic metres of bank was removed to increase sight distance around the bend, and to construct a suitable shoulder.

Before After

Sight benching on both approaches of bridge A-018 has greatly improved visibility for oncoming vehicles. These sites will be monitored, and may require an overlay at a later date.

12. Bridges

Design Manager: Tom Dodd has provided content for this report.

Structural painting

Rustproof Coatings is continuing work on the 2014 to 2015 programme. In all eight bridges will be painted / gold-sealed. Work is underway on the final two bridges.

Bridge Renewals

Morris and Bailey have begun casting prefabricated elements for the replacement of:

· N-015 Rakaiatai Road

· N-059 Edgecombe Road

Property agreements with landowners and KiwiRail are in place.

Site work has commenced at Rakaiatai Road.

Bridge E-107 on Mangaroa Road Rp 3630

Design work is completed and Infracon will install twin culverts to replace this bridge.

13. Heavy Vegetation Contract

No heavy vegetation cutting has been undertaken this month due to a mechanical problem with the tractor.

14. Chemical Vegetation Control

No change from previous report.

15. Street Cleaning Contract

Routine street cleaning has continued with no major concerns.

16. Urban Mowing

The mowing contractor has been concentrating upon mowing areas as listed within the contracted areas as well as reviewing the scope of work outside contracted areas.

17. Pavement Remarking

No change from previous report.

18. Emergency Events

Design Technician: Anthony Mason has provided content for this report.

Emergency work repairs are continuing, with Infracon focusing on finishing rip and remake repairs caused by the Wellington Anniversary earthquake.

Figure 1 Coast Road at 28930m (before)

Figure 2 Coast Road at 28930m Figure 3 Coast Road at 28930m

(Installation of beams) (Installation of beams)

The dropout is being repaired with a screw anchor tieback wall. This will increase the road formation by 2 metres, and enable a shoulder to be constructed. Subsoil drainage has been installed along the opposite side of the road.

19. Saddle Road Upgrade

Design Engineer: Josh Webster has provided content for this report.

C04/13 - June 2014.

With the fine weather over the last few weeks, Stringfellows have been able to move approximately 13,000m³ of material and have almost completed the earthworks at site 7. It is becoming increasingly difficult to visualise what the corner previously looked like. The new cut batter has been moved back far enough to allow for a slow vehicle bay, which will begin slightly down hill of the corner and terminate at the top end of the fill site. Having 2D machine control on the excavator has allowed the operator to cut the batter slopes with very little checking from the surveyor. The pegs, which were set out at the top of the batter shows the operator where the design slope projects out through the exiting ground. He then ‘zeroes’ his excavator’s bucket at that point, sets the design slope and then pulls the bucket down at the angle shown on the screen in the cab. The only point the operator needs from the surveyor after this is where to stop, which will be the invert of the new road drain.

The material found within the lower portion of the cut zone for site 7 was tested and found to be suitable for fill, showing good compaction characteristics. The large dump trucks, when fully loaded, provided most of the compaction. The fill site is now up to subgrade level and when it becomes dry enough, the pavement material will start to be placed.

Stringfellows have also got another team working further up the hill, installing new culverts and improving the existing drainage ready for the pavement rehabilitation work to start.

Site 7 – View from Ashhurst, looking back across at the cut batter.

Site 7 – View from the dump site looking back at site 7

Site 7 – 1:1 cut batter taking shape

Site 7 – View of the fill site, up hill of the cut batter.

This will allow a small amount of straightening as well as a slow vehicle bay.

20. Minor Improvements

Our current minor safety contractor, Stringfellows, are also currently working on the following jobs.

20.1 Tararua Road Sight Benching – RP0.47

Stringfellows have started here today (13 June). Over the next couple of days, they will cut back the bank on the left to provide visibility and fill the hole on the inside of the corner as well as extending the existing culvert.

20.2 Te Whiti Road Sight Benching – RP 3.008-3.162

Stringfellows will move to this site towards the end of next week (20 June) and begin cutting back the bank to improve the visibility around the corner. Contact has been made with the local farmer who has provided a near by dump site.

Assets Group

21. General

Resourcing projects continues to be a challenge for the group, as projects get larger and become more complex. The upcoming LTP only adds to the workload. There is a need to balance retaining project management in-house to ensure projects remain aligned with other Council projects and outsourcing work. To this end, we are looking closely at the skills of the team and the opportunities that the Alliance may bring to work alongside other providers as opposed to outsourcing in entirety.

We are working through updating contract documents to begin contract negotiations. This process will take some months as a number of areas of efficiency were identified with Engineering Services staff by bringing elements of assets group work into the Roading Alliance and visa versa. Refuse kerbside collection documents have been issued following a Registration Of Interest process. Parks maintenance contract documents will be released shortly. Officers are also developing recycling kerbside collection and water and wastewater maintenance contract documents for direct negotiation with the current suppliers.

Solid Waste

22. Waste Services Contracts Supervisor

Council has recently advertised the above position. With most waste services now contracted out, there is a need to ensure that Council obtains the best value for the community by employing a person with contract management skills. This will ensure that the service level agreements are well defined, and provide an effective and efficient means of delivering the service in the long term, with a focus on agreed community outcomes. Applications for the above position closed on 18 June.

23. Pahiatua Recycling Centre

The loss of the Pahiatua recycling centre to fire will be more than an inconvenience for Council. The centre acts as a collection point for recycling from the surrounding rural area and Eketahuna as well as Pahiatua Township. The centre gives us an ability to bale and store recyclables and thus manage the flow through the sorting line at the Dannevirke centre. Solid Waste Services lost their new baling machinery in the fire so this further impacts on recycling processing.

We are working closely with Solid Waste Services to re-organise our collection processes until we can get a new centre up and running. Service arrangements at the centre had only been on a temporary basis as we were negotiating a contract to begin 1 July 2014. For Council this means that there are no outstanding contract liabilities with respect to suppliers.

A claim has been lodged with our insurers. We are satisfied at this time that the sum insured would cover re-instatement of the building. There are no indications of timelines at this stage.

24. Norsewood and Woodville Recycling Bins

Engineering Services are finalising plans for the Woodville bin relocation, and a draft plan for Norsewood. In both cases, other parties own the land on which the bins are to be located, so Council will look to secure longer-term leases before investing in developing the sites. In Woodville, Chorus has agreed in principle to the lease of a parcel of the land behind their building, subject to the final plans. In Norsewood, negotiations cannot commence until a plan, which includes egress and parking for vehicles at the road side, has been developed.

Utilities

25. Resource Consents

25.1 District

Dannevirke Sludge Removal consent has been granted by Horizons. The following are in progress:

· Woodville Wastewater	· Norsewood Wastewater
· Pahiatua Wastewater	· Dannevirke Land Irrigation

26. Wastewater

26.1 MfE Projects

Woodville

Work is continuing on the upgrade. A new aerator has been installed in the pond. New boundary fences have been erected around the discharge drain ready for planting in conjunction with Horizons. The new discharge pipe line has been installed. The rock filter is to be designed.

Dannevirke

The sludge cell has been completed and lined ready for sludge disposal. This will probably commence early this week. Engineering Services are doing some work on designing a topographical plan on where pipe lines should traverse through farmland from the STP discharge point.

Pahiatua

The primary screen concrete pad has been laid.

26.2 District Wastewater

Eketahuna

Parklink has just completed a sludge depth analysis of the pond.

Ormondville

The power supply at the site has been completed and is ready for inflow and outflow meter installations.

27. CCTV Camera

27.1 Dannevirke

The camera is showing holes in several sewer mains, which will have to be considered for pipe renewal or relining, and some infiltration issues.

27.2 Pongaroa

We have been investigating infiltration and surcharging in a couple of areas.

27.3. Earthquake Damage

Eketahuna

Still awaiting word from the insurance assessors.

27.4 Infiltration

We are planning to do an infiltration study in Eketahuna township in the next couple of months as the pump station seems to be working excessively during heavy rainfall.

Property

28. Housing for the Elderly

28.1 Occupancy

87 flats are presently occupied; there are five vacant flats, which are:

Hovding Court, Dannevirke	1 flat vacant	116 days
Ruahine Flats, Woodville	1 flat vacant	903 days
Kowhai Place, Pahiatua	3 flats vacant	147, 214, 231 days

28.2 Ceiling Insulation – Dannevirke Flats

The Burns Street flats have had insulation blankets installed over the existing insulation in the ceiling. This has been funded by the Healthy Homes initiative. Next week the Aften Court complex will be insulated and we hope to have all the units in Dannevirke completed over the next few months. Whilst the paper work is time consuming it is worth doing and is a saving of $13,000 to Council.

28.3 Ballarat Court - Burglaries

There has been further opportunist break-ins at the Ballarat complex. Security lights are being installed and a camera put on site. It is thought that it is the same person/s returning. These events have angered and upset the residents. We will be looking at further ways to ensure their safety.

29. Community Buildings

29.1 Eketahuna Community Centre

A new manhole with a grate on top of it has been installed at the back of the building. The roots have been cleaned out of the existing pipes and the water is now running freely out to the road. There appears to be a spring in the bank at the back of the hall which continues to flow all the time. The drains coped well with the recent heavy rain.

29.2 Woodville i-SITE and Library

Still waiting for the engineer’s earthquake assessment report.

30. Camping Grounds

Bookings for the District camping grounds in May 2014 were:

Dannevirke	177
Eketahuna	161
Pahiatua	338

31. Parks and Reserves

31.1 Dannevirke Domain Grandstand

Strengthening work on the grandstand has been completed. The support props for the new cross beam on the front of the grandstand have to be in place until the 16 June 2014. This has meant the changing rooms have been unavailable for the weekends 7-8 June and 14-15 June. There is some minor unrelated repairs to be completed but the builders will be off the site on 16 June.

31.2 Lower Domain

TreeSmart will be starting the removal of the gum trees to the right of the road leading down to the lower domain. This will cause temporary closure of the lower domain and a notice will be placed in the Bush Telegraph when we have a definite date. This will also impact on the camping ground and contractors tending to the deer and aviary.

32. Cemeteries

32.1 Norsewood

The Norsewood Promotions Group are erecting the second stage of the picket fence fronting Odin Street.

32.2 Alfredton

A new berm for burials in the lawn area has been installed.

32.3 Marchant Street, Eketahuna

A new berm for burials in the lawn area has been installed. The tree stumps from the pine trees that were felled have been ground. The fence needs repairing and the area levelling off and re-sowing in lawn.

33. Swimming Pools

33.1 Eketahuna

The concrete work and filtration shed repairs have been completed. The small pool is waiting on the pool contractor to complete the repairs.

34. General

34.1 Leases

Considerable time has been taken up on several leases that are coming up for renewal.

Strategy and District Development

35. CCTV

The Pahiatua CCTV camera system became fully operational on Friday 13 June 2014. This system is output to police stations in Palmerston North and Pahiatua. The cameras are producing very high quality imagery.

Orders have been placed for the major CCTV components for the Dannevirke Promotions and Development Inc. Society CCTV project. These will take up to another six weeks to arrive in the country. Fund raising continues to enable the full project to be completed.

36. Pacific Capital Cities Forum

Peter Wimsett recently presented a two and a half hour session on “Rethinking Revenue” with the Mayors and Town Clerks (Chief Executives) of the Pacific Capital Cities Forum in Port Moresby. The visit was funded through the Commonwealth Local Government Forum with the major sponsor the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The session was of a workshop nature and facilitated active discussion with the representatives to identify challenges, with previous work Peter did for Port Vila Municipal Council providing background.

The broad categories for discussion were:

1. Communications and a customer focus to deliver services

2. Determining how best to fund council activities

3. Systems and processes including staff training and software

4. Property valuation, Utilities

5. District planning and property numbering

6. Debt collection tools

7. Internal financial processes

It became clear that a major issue restricting revenue streams that the Forum could influence was legislative. There were clear differences between nations in the scope of the tools available to charge for services or adjust these charges to cover costs and deliver to objective levels of service.

It is interesting that our New Zealand experiences are relevant and they do show why we should continue to challenge Central Government when they attempt to change funding mechanisms. It is important that proposed changes in legislation or regulation consider service levels and appropriate funding mechanisms, including local economic impact and risk assessment.

37. NZTA FAR Review

It is disappointing that the draft proposal from New Zealand Transport Agency on the Funding Assistance Rate has not agreed with the Tararua District Council submission on a number of matters.

In particular in the draft proposal:

· The huge local conditions (and costs) are not being considered.

· Economic benefits of having the roading network extend to economically productive land areas are not factored in.

· There is no acknowledgement of the issue with the unfunded portion of depreciation reserves for future renewal of roads, i.e. Tararua has saved funds for our share of future renewals on the basis that NZTA would pay their share, when the time came. Essentially they propose to now not do this at sufficient subsidy to replace the assets.

· Financial risk transferred to councils and major practical issues during an emergency with reduced emergency works subsidy.

Political advocacy is our remaining best tool to try and influence the final outcome.

Finance

38. Procurement Strategy

Following Council’s decision to explore the alliance model to deliver the road maintenance work, we have updated our policy to reflect this approach. Council has already indicated that it will take a collaborative approach to procurement, so we have expanded the strategy to include the Alliance approach as another option. A new section is included in paragraph six of the Strategy as follows:

Tararua Engineering Services

Engineering Services is the in-house business unit of Council. The Council has decided to achieve its procurement objectives for Engineering Services by promoting collaborative working with the contracting industry. The Council’s collaborative working will involve the following two procurement approaches for infrastructure projects and/or maintenance activities and associated professional services.

Alliance Model Approach

The key benefits of alliance contracting include:

· Contracting parties are incentivised to work cooperatively to complete the project within the time and budget forecasts.

· Optimal solutions and better decision making for the project through:

o Transparency of costs - all Alliance staff are able to see the real costs of activities and can therefore make the best decisions for the network.

o Elimination of duplication at all levels – staff, resources, systems and processes.

o Management efficiency is improved with all staff working under a single management structure.

o Integrated asset management.

· Response times to work and customer requests are significantly reduced through co-location, reduction in Client/Network Manager/Contractor interfaces, and having an agile and flexible Alliance that works quickly and collaboratively to resolve issues as they arise.

The use of an Alliance approach to procurement is gaining interest among councils in New Zealand as they attempt to capitalise on the benefits of this approach.

Council will explore the Alliance approach where appropriate to achieve the following objectives:

· Maximise performance;

· Proactively share and manage risk;

· Reduce cost and inefficiencies, and maximise “value for money” outcomes; and

· Achieve optimal outcomes for our network.

The Alliance group once established will:

· Procure goods and services compliant with this Procurement Strategy; and

· Establish an operational guide/manual that will provide guidance on how the Alliance Group will function and deliver on Council’s outcomes.

Economic Development and Communication

39. Economic Development

39.1 New Business start-ups

We have been contacted by three new businesses this month who are aiming to set up business in our district; a retail outlet for Norsewood and Dannevirke, as well as an operator at the Oringi Industrial Park. We are working along with our Regulatory Services and Planning Teams to facilitate the start-up of these businesses.

39.2 Existing Business

Currently supporting two recently established businesses from Pahiatua and Dannevirke, one of which is now applying for small business funding through NZTE and another is working with a business mentor.

39.3 Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce

At a recent breakfast meeting, we helped to facilitate discussion around the development of a strategy to revitalise the High Street in Dannevirke. Over 50 people attended and the feedback has been positive, with good articles appearing in the Bush Telegraph and Dannevirke page of the Hawke’s Bay Today newspapers.

Using the project management tool (DOSAC – Description, Objective, Strategy, Action and Control), on a targeted approach to document the relevant issues in town. A sub-committee has been set up to take this to the next stage.

Dannevirke Revival Sub-Committee

The first meeting of the committee was on 12 June 2014. The project management tool was used to continue developing a strategy for Dannevirke. The sub-committee will now establish a database of all building owners and all business owners in Dannevirke CBD – providing a good base to work from for the future.

39.4 BID (Business Improvement Districts)

We attended a workshop, which presented information on a model used throughout New Zealand for a method for revitalising urban areas, and how we at Council can provide an ‘enabling’ environment for the businesses in our district.

We can feed these ideas to the Dannevirke town committee to assist with the High Street revitalisation in Dannevirke.

39.5 Work and Income

We met with our district’s new officer to learn about the employment related services and incentives for employers they offer, which we can link into our support for business. Also, we made them aware of the focus we have on developing and enabling business in our district.

39.6 Innovate Tararua

Innovate is closed for 2014 and the total entries are 264; with 37 coming from Tararua; having the second highest portion of participants after Palmerston North/Manawatu.

The next stage is Bio Commerce Centre will narrow those 264 ideas down to a top 30, then a top 10. We wish al of the participants from Tararua all the very best.

39.7 GO! Project

Manuka Workshop

We hosted a Manuka Workshop on Thursday 22 May 2014 with over 70 attendees attending.

New Zealand’s honey industry is in a major expansion phase, driven by huge international growth in demand for manuka honey. While demand is growing rapidly, the industry is constrained by shortages in supply. Beekeepers and honey producers need more manuka-rich sites for their hives and other sites to store hives on for the rest of the year.

Speakers include:

· Peter Molan (recently retired Professor of Biological Sciences): the God Father of the Manuka Miracle;

· Lucy Cruickshank (marketing consultant, Innov8 Aotearoa): International markets - the reality and potential for manuka honey;

· Victor Goldsmith, (Kaiaka consultant): the honey value chain and who participates where in getting honey into the market;

· Stuart Orme (registered forest consultant, Woodnet): Marginal land-use alternatives and where manuka starts to shine; and

· ANZ: how bankable is the proposition?

This is another extension of the GO! Project enabling landowners the opportunity to link into the opportunities available with existing blocks of manuka and the information to consider what they are currently doing with marginal land.

We believe this is a brilliant option for marginal land and a crop worth considering in riparian plantings along with flax.

We will now put together the intellectual property (brochures etc.) that connect landowners to information regarding this crop.

Feijoa

We attended a workshop hosted by Mike Stone for the Feijoa Grower Led Group to discuss the formation of a Feijoa Co-operative in Tararua. This meeting was held at Mike Stone’s property in Norsewood.

The grower group is very keen to progress the conversation around the formation of a co-operative.

We are currently seeking speakers for the next meeting with expertise in the formation of co-operatives. With early fruit in Christchurch, reaching $19.00kg there is certainly a strong return in the early markets.

Hazelnuts

The North Island Hazelnut Action Group has now applied for funding from Agmardt. The North Island Hazel Action Group was formed to disseminate information relevant to North Island growing conditions. This project will deliver the most recent information to growers and form the basis of a plan to encourage the planting of new hazelnut orchards in the North Island. The successful expansion of hazel orchards in the North Island would reduce the risk to the existing processing industry from crop failure in the South Island, foster the development of new processing/food manufacturing businesses in the North Island and offer landowners an alternative profitable land use option.

We have agreed to be Project Leaders for the Group. We hope that if successful we can not only establish links with existing growers, we can be involved in the workshops delivering information to growers, identifying topics where growers lack information and identifying factors that may affect the profitability and/or potential of hazelnut growing in the North Island. This project is also supported by the HGANZ.

39.8 Statistics

International migration statistics for April are now available. The net gain for International migration for the year to April 2014 is plus 25 and from Australia is plus three.

These figures do not sound very high until we take into consideration that the net to April 2013 was minus 126 - therefore a 151-person turnaround in population impact in just one year. That is 60 households! This is the best result since 1996 for International migration and the best result from Australia migration since 1991.

The majority of population loss in Tararua over the years has been in the 20 – 24 years bracket. The turnaround is in working ages 25-64.

Tararua District

Age

0-4

Age

5-14

Age

15-19

Age

20-24

Age

25-44

Age

45-64

Age

65+

Total

Year to March 2013

-8

-19

-41

-29

-13

-127

Year to March 2014

-1

-2

-8

-19

-1

40. Destination Marketing

40.1 Promotional Video

Our district promotional video is now loaded on to our website. Check this out:

www.tararuadc.govt.nz/Visiting_Here

We would also like to advise that we now have our ‘people focused’ (our local movie stars) promotional videos on our website.

These include:

Mike Stone; GO! Project

www.tararuadc.govt.nz/Business/GO_Project

Kelly Christensen; Sport

www.tararuadc.govt.nz/Living_Here/Community_Facilities

Garth Hewitt; Lifestyle

www.tararuadc.govt.nz/Living_Here/Tararua_Lifestyle

Jeff Bryan; Art

www.tararuadc.govt.nz/Visiting_Here/Visitor_Information

Sandy King; Education

www.tararuadc.govt.nz/Living_Here/Community_Facilities/Tararua_Education

Squiddley Diamond; Farming

www.tararuadc.govt.nz/Business/Doing_Business/Farming_Forestry

Please share these with your friends and family locally, nationally and internationally. We are keen to promote Tararua Country - More than just a promise!

The digital work is now being produced onto CD’s with the attached stories. This will be a very valuable marketing tool for the district.

40.2 Dannevirke Branding

We have received the first sample of the new shields for Dannevirke town. We are pleased with the results and the remaining shields will now be painted. This will take longer than we first predicted as the painting is being undertaken by one artist. The date for completion will be the end of July.

40.3 Manawatu Gorge Strategy Group - Mountain Bike Track

The latest exciting development in Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge began on Wednesday with Rangitane o Tamaki Nui a Rua kaumatua Manahi Paewai blessing construction of the Reserve’s first mountain bike track.

Suitable for riders of intermediate skill level, the track will be dual use, accommodating walkers as well as mountain bikers. It will be located at the eastern end of the Gorge, and will travel through tawa-dominated podocarp forest from Hall Block Road to emerge near the Bridge Cafe.

The construction of the track is the result of a partnership arrangement between the Department of Conservation, the Manawatu Mountain Bike Club and the Manawatu Gorge Biodiversity Group.

The Group, which includes representatives from Horizons Regional Council, Department of Conservation, Tararua District Council, Palmerston North City Council, Destination Manawatu, New Zealand Transport Agency, KiwiRail and local iwi, works to preserve, sustain and enhance the biodiversity, scenic and recreational values of the Gorge. “This is a great example of partnerships with community groups that increase conservation and recreation outcomes,” says Chris Lester, DOC Partnerships Manager.

The Group and their partners have recognised significant possibilities for a variety of mountain bike trails in Te Apiti. “There is massive potential for mountain biking in the Gorge,” says Bill Russell of the Manawatu Mountain Bike Club. “The area around Te Apiti–Manawatu Gorge could become a real mountain biking and recreational hub”.

The track is expected to be completed by summer.

40.4 Route 52

The New Zealand Cycle Trail through Route 52 is a strong draw card for the region. We expect the trail will be a great economic driver for the district – based on the success of other great rides around New Zealand – and we expect to see the numbers grow as other activities are on offer on Route 52.

We have had strategic discussions with Destination Wairarapa and we will be working with them in the coming 12 months to develop the infrastructure along Route 52, a touring route on Nga Haerenga, New Zealand Cycle Trail.

This will include seminars for businesses and potential businesses along the trail. This will begin with press releases tailored for use locally to develop interest in development of infrastructure on Route 52. Our strategy will also include text on the Nga Haerenga website and details of attractions.

41. Communication

41.1 Palmerston North Boys High School

On Thursday 29 May and as part of he NCEA Year 11 Geography programme, we were asked to address several busloads of students from Palmerston North Boys High School on the issue of the impact of the Manawatu Gorge closure on local communities.

The students had been able to visit the site of the Manawatu Gorge slip and following our address were able to purchase lunch in Woodville town.

Planning

42. Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Report “Drilling for oil and gas in New Zealand: Environmental oversight and regulation”

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has recently released her second report on onshore drilling for oil and gas. The report focusses on the system of laws, agencies and processes that oversee and regulate the industry.

The second report is available to view on line here:

http://www.pce.parliament.nz/assets/Uploads/PCE-OilGas-web.pdf

The Commissioner concludes that extensive reform of New Zealand’s laws, agencies, and processes is not yet required for effective management of the local environmental effects of onshore oil and gas extraction. However, she has made six recommendations including:

1. The Government should develop a national policy statement paying particular attention to ‘unconventional’ oil and gas.

2. Revision of regional council plans should include better rules for dealing with oil and gas wells. Most council plans do not even distinguish between drilling for water and drilling for oil and gas.

3. Wells need to be designed to minimise the risk of leaking into aquifers.

4. Processes around who pays if something goes wrong need to be improved. Abandoned wells need to be monitored – the older a well is, the more likely it is to leak.

5. Regulations on hazardous substances at well sites need to be better enforced.

6. The disposal of waste from wells by spreading it on farmland needs review. There have been instances of farm animals grazing these areas before the breakdown of hydrocarbons is complete.

The first recommendation is the most relevant to Tararua District Council. A National Policy Statement could give national direction on how to deal with the onshore oil and gas industry in the District Plan. It could include matters such as monitoring, cumulative effects on landscape, and interaction between oil and gas activities and other land uses. It is expected that the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Energy and Resources will now consider the Commissioner’s recommendations.

43. National Monitoring System – Collecting Priority Information for 2014/15

Amy Adams, the Minister for the Environment, has requested that Tararua District Council supply information regarding Resource Management Act (RMA) process for the 2014-15 financial year.

Attached is a copy of her request.

The purpose of requesting the information is to develop a national framework (National Monitoring System) to identify and capture consistent and comparable information on how the RMA is implemented, or to measure the effectiveness (performance) across the RMA.

Previously, all Councils provided a set of information to the Environment Minister via an RMA Survey once every two years. That biennial survey has now been retired. The current request is much more extensive and detailed. A key change is the requirement to report information for each individual plan-making process and each resource consent, rather than just a summary. The Minister has signalled that once a National Monitoring System has been established, it will prescribe how and when information is collected. Demand for a wider set of information is expected in future.

Part of the request can likely be accommodated by making changes to Council’s IT system. However, a degree of manual processing will still be required to provide the complete set of information. Consequently, there will be a greater demand for administration resourcing at Council and in the Environment Ministry. The cost of collecting and providing this information cannot be recovered from the Ministry for the Environment.

Regulatory Services

44. Building

May was a very busy month for the building department with 66 building consents issued. This is the highest number we have had for a while.

We had 90% of building consents issued within the twenty-day timeframe. Out of the seven consents that went over time, one was three days over, one was two days over and four were one day over.

We also issued 56 Code Compliance Certificates within May. This is twice as many as the previous month.

Out of the 66 building consents, we had one new dwelling for Tyndall Street, Pahiatua, and one new dwelling in Woodville.

There were three building consents for bridges.

45. Animal Control

Complaint Types

Out of the puppies rehomed during May, one has been picked up by the Department of Corrections as a potential drug dog. His potential might see him being one of the members of the Dog Squad in the future.

On 22 May a local resident complained that rubbish bags had been dumped in the railway reserve land that runs adjacent to Queen Street Dannevirke. Four bags were picked up and taken to the transfer station for further investigation. Documentation was found in the bags that identified a local man. Costs of $147.05 for removal, investigation and disposal of the rubbish were charged to the offender along with a $400 infringement issued under the Litter Act. Proper disposal of the rubbish bags at the Dannevirke transfer station would have cost the offender $3.50.

46. Alcohol Licensing Activity

Category	Licence Type	Applications Received	Applications Determined
ON
	New	1	2
	Renewal
	Temporary
Subtotal		1	2
OFF
	New
	Renewal	2	2
	Temporary
Subtotal		2	2
CLUB
	New	1	1
	Renewal
Subtotal		1	1
MANAGER CERTIFICATE
	New	4	3
	Renewal	6	12
Subtotal		10	15
SPECIAL LICENCE
		1	3
Subtotal		1	3
TEMPORARY AUTHORITY
Sub total
Total		15	23

47. Environmental Health

With the resignation of the Environmental Health Officer, Palmerston North City Council are providing temporary support until a replacement is on board.

Emergency Management

48. Rural Fire

48.1 Fire Season General

Into winter mode - no fire season

48.2 Training/Conferences/Meetings

Paddy ran a Basic Rural Fire Fighter course for the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Rural Fire Committee in Taumarunui 7/8 June 2014. The course was well received and involved participants from throughout the region.

Paddy met with Kerry Steward, Principal Advisor Fire Risk Management, Region 3, NZ Fire Service to discuss Tararua DC role in a combined Fire Wise/Fire Safe project for the District. The proposal discussed involved better communication between urban and rural fire etc.

Paddy attended the Regional Rural Fire Chairpersons Conference in Wellington 12/13 June 2014.

48.3 Incident Reports

*NRFA Classification Type*	*Jul*	*Aug*	*Sep*	*Oct*	*Nov*	*Dec*	*Jan*	*Feb*	*Mar*	*Apr*	*May*	*Jun*	*Total*
Power Lines	0	2	1	0	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	6
Vehicle - Car, Truck etc.	0	0	0	2	1	1	2	1	3	1	0	0	11
Farm/Forest Machinery	0	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	4
Camp fires/bonfires/rubbish fires	1	0	0	0	2	1	2	0	0	1	0	2	9
Smokers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1
Land clearing escaped - Open Fire Season	5	0	1	2	5	2	1	6	4	1	0	4	27
Land clearing escaped - Restricted/ Prohibited Fire Season (no Fire Permit)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Structural - House/Shed	1	0	3	1	0	0	0	1	2	1	1	4	14
Pyrotechnics Fireworks	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
False Alarm	0	0	1	2	4	2	1	1	3	3	0	0	17
Medical Assist	0	0	0	1	0	2	1	2	2	0	0	0	8
Motor Vehicle Accident	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	0	1	2	0	5
Miscellaneous	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	3
*Total*	7	2	6	9	14	12	7	12	15	10	5	10	109

49. Civil Defence

49.1 Incidents

Nil to report

49.2 Meetings

Paddy attended the Regional Welfare Coordinating Group meeting in Palmerston North on 22 May 2014.

A new portable radio repeater unit has been purchased with enhanced features which has portable solar panels This will remove the need to bring the repeater off the hill daily for recharging. It can be left in place for as long as it is needed. It is the latest technology and can be used for both Rural Fire and Civil Defence. The old repeater has been donated to Ruapehu District Council.

49.3 Civil Defence Presentations

Paddy gave a Civil Defence Get Ready Get Through presentation to CYFS staff and care givers in Dannevirke on 4 May 2014.

49.4 Seminars/Workshops/Forums

Nil

49.5 Community Response Groups

A date has been set for staff at Totara College for a training course on how to manage and run a Civil Defence Welfare Course. This will be carried out in July this year.

Library

50. General

The collection management of the non-fiction collections has continued throughout May, this will be completed in June.

Planning is underway for Adult Learners Week. Dannevirke Library will again host the Outstanding Adult Learners Awards for the Northern region. The library’s successful Adult Trivia Quiz will also be held during this week in September at all branches.

An inhouse training session on how to mend books was held to train the Pahiatua Librarian in this skill. Prior to this, the Library Assistant at Pahiatua had done all the mending. When she resigned, this left a skill gap that has now been rectified.

In preparation for the World War One Centenary, the library has been compiling a district-wide list of names from all the Tararua memorials. These are being listed on the Tararua Kete website with links to the information held in the Auckland Memorial Cenotaph database. This work is being done by Technical Librarian, Natalie Raynel. She is being assisted by students from Dannevirke High School who are checking the library list against the lists they have compiled from visits to the northern memorials. A similar exercise will be done with the southern memorials also.

51. Children’s Services

Author, Melinda Szymanki visited the Dannevirke Library and spoke to approximately 60 children from South School, Weber School and Huia Range. This visit was part of the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards Week. Melinda’s book was a novel based on her grandfather’s time at the beginning of World War Two in Poland. She is currently researching another novel that will be based on two of his children who came to the Polish camp in Pahiatua. We have been able to provide her with some information to assist her.

Twelve teams took part in the Year 7 & 8 quiz for the awards week. Three teams from the southern area took part in the quiz at Pahiatua Library and the other nine teams went to the Dannevirke Library. The quiz was held simultaneously at both venues. Dannevirke South Royales took out first place with 48 points, Weber Foxes were second on 47 and Weber A was third on 43 points. A close run contest this year. The parental support at this quiz night was pleasing with over fifty parents and teachers at the Dannevirke Library.

Papatawa School has run the successful Ministry of Education programme “Reading Together”. This programme teaches parents the skills to assist their children to become independent readers. The programme includes a visit by parents, children and the teachers to their local library, in this case the Woodville branch. Prior to Papatawa School choosing to take part in this programme, only schools in the Pahiatua area had run these in the Tararua District. Kumeroa-Hopelands School will also be running the programme in the near future and involving staff from the Woodville Library and Service Centre.

Our next major children’s event is the Winter Warmers Reading Programme that gets underway in June and the Maths is Fun programme being run during the first week of the holidays at Pahiatua.

52. Statistics– as at 31 May 2014

Customer Services

53. General

The fourth and final instalment of rates for the 2013/2014 year fell due on 31 May making for a busy month end. Frontline staff have also been kept busy with CRM’s, solid fuel & building consent applications, dog enquiries & administration, rates rebate applications and an influx of enquiries and tasks that come with the year end.

54. Training and Processes

Training and refresher training is ongoing in all areas with staff catching up on changes and additional steps to processes across the board. Frontline staff are taking the extra time to check that CRM’s (customer requests) and various applications are being completed correctly and with the information needed to enable other departments to do their part efficiently. The feedback from internal departments confirm that there has been a marked improvement in the quality of work being forwarded from all service centres and, whilst there are some problem areas that are still to be tackled, we are moving in the right direction.

55. Telephone Call Statistics

The daytime call statistics show a gradual drop in the level of service. A recent analysis of the call data points to the following factors.

· An increase in other service levels - longer talk times when dealing with customers & related administration.

· Up to 5 calls received at any one time versus 3-4 operators who also assist with counter services.

· Call & counter time between service centres.

The stats show that we need to align the Pahiatua stats with Dannevirke to enable a decrease in the amount of abandoned calls and to lift the level of service.

55.1 Calls Answered by Month

55.2 Monthly Daytime Call Statistics

	May 2014	April 2014	March 2014
Number of calls	2896	2554	2724
Number of service requests	346	301	297
Percentage of calls answered under 20 seconds (Non- financial performance measure, target 95%, note system does not rank average time, it uses pass or fail on each call answered)	79.12	81.42	84.03
Average talk time	00:01:14	00:01:13	00:01:16
Max talk time	00:17.08
Average call wait time	00:00:17	00:00:17	00:00:15
Longest call wait	00:08.26	00:09:12	00:04:41
Abandoned calls >20 seconds	104 = 3.37%	75 = 2.94%	76 = 2.79%

56. CRM Statistics

Sport and Recreation

57. General

The Sport Manawatu Regional Sports Conference took place on Friday, 16 May at the Sport and Rugby Institute. 42 sports organisations attended the conference with four being from the Tararua district.
The Primary School Sport Advisor met with Michelle Mitchell, the Sports Coordinator of Norsewood and Districts School, to co-sign the Memorandum of Understanding to become a Partner School with Sport Manawatu. Other topics of discussion included the SportStart fundamental movement skills programme for all students, the delivery of a free generic coaching course to teachers and coaches of the school sports teams, delivery of Bike NZ cycle skills courses, and a review of the Physical Education long term plan.
Sport Manawatu staff met with Pahiatua School staff to commence planning and organisation of the upcoming 4^th Annual Tararua Schools 7-a-Side Sports Tournament. The event attracts over 700 participants from primary schools in the district.
Sport Manawatu delivered a Generic Coaching course attended by 13 people at Tararua College. Excellent feedback was received by the participants.
Sport Manawatu hosted a Sports Coordinators meeting. The meeting was attended by representatives from Tararua College and Dannevirke High School. Topics included: a Girls Participation project, the Manawatu Inter Secondary Schools Cross Country, as well as promoting the Regional Sports Conference.

Sport Manawatu hosted a Secondary Schools Principals group meeting. The principals from Tararua College and Dannevirke High School were present. Key topics included: the Regional Sports Conference, the breakdown of netball fees, and the Sports in Education Project being run throughout the country. The key findings of the Sport New Zealand project were that: students were more willing to attend school, had less truancy, and were performing at a higher level academically.
The Secondary School Sports Advisor attended the Regional Sports Directors Conference in Nelson. The conference focused on a greater understanding of the national census and how to increase participation within the region effectively.
The Secondary School Sports Advisors attended the North Island Swimming Champs on Saturday, 24 May. Dannevirke High School had students swimming within the meet.
Dannevirke High School had the Secondary School Sports Advisor lead a ‘Learn to Cheer’ taster session for more than 20 students. This was a part of the girls’ participation project being jointly run by Sport Manawatu and Manawatu Cheerleading. The students are interested in being involved with a regional competition at the end of June, which is the conclusion of the ‘Learn to Cheer’ project.

A Grade 2 Cycle Skills Course was delivered to 20 children at Eketahuna School.

· Pahiatua Grass Roots Gym has begun at the Bush Multisport Stadium with the four sessions to date having proved extremely popular. 78 children have attended one or more sessions, with an average of 36 children per session.

· A new social indoor football competition in Pahiatua is being developed by Sport Manawatu and is creating a positive buzz within the community. Eight teams have registered to date.

· The Manawatu Inter Secondary Schools Cross Country was held at the Massey Sport and Rugby Institute on Wednesday, 4 June 2014. There were 325 entrants; this number is up from last year of 257 participants. 31 Entrants were from Dannevirke High School and 13 from Tararua College. This was run by Sport Manawatu and the local organising committee for the New Zealand Secondary Schools event.

· Sport Manawatu’s Green Prescription programme for term two has started with over 10 participants registered in Dannevirke classes. Participants are half way through a nine-week programme that gives them lifestyle, fitness and nutrition education as well as access to group activity sessions and aquatic exercise classes.

· The Tararua Arts Council allocated a total of $3,128.92 from the Creative Communities Fund to the following applicants:

o Dannevirke Art Society $1,075 towards and Art Exhibition

o Ruahine School $2,134.00 towards a school production

o Fountain Theatre $441.72 towards the Vicar of Dibley production

Due to the low number of applications, an additional funding round was opened and closed on Monday 9 June. The Tararua Arts Council will meet on Monday, 23 June to assess the applications received.

· Sport Manawatu worked alongside Constable Lynda Kendrick to deliver a practical on-road cycle safety session with Year 7/8 Woodville School students. The session focused on cycle road rules such as signalling, giving way at an intersection and safety.

A Sport Manawatu side line behaviour sign has been distributed to Bush Multisport Park and others are being made for Dannevirke Junior Netball, Rugby and Football.

58. KiwiSport Regional Partnership Fund

· The Primary School Sport Advisor has recommended the Bush Cluster Fast Fund application for Terms 2 and 3 2014 to the KiwiSport Committee for approval.

The Tararua Recreation Advisor has received SportStart training and will deliver her first Afterschool Teacher Workshop at St Josephs School on Thursday, 5 June to teachers from St Josephs and Weber.

59. Upcoming Events

· Sport Manawatu will deliver a Generic Coaching course at Dannevirke Sports Centre on Monday 16 June. The course is ideal for beginners and community coaches and parents coaching school teams.

· Sport Manawatu will host a Volunteer Movie Night on Monday 30 June at the Regent Upstairs Cinema Pahiatua. The event aims to recognise local volunteers who are coaches, officials and administrators in sport.

· Registrations are now open for the Tararua Primary Schools Seven-a-Side Tournament to be held on Wednesday 25 June at Bush Multisport Park.

· Planning for the 2014 Tararua Sportsperson of the Year is underway. The event will be held on Friday 17 October at the Eketahuna Community Hall.

· During National Volunteer Week (16-22 June), Sport Manawatu are planning to promote and recognise volunteers (coaches, managers etc) at various sporting venues. Volunteers will be given a complimentary muffin and thank you card.

· The social indoor football competition starts on Thursday 26 June at Bush Multisport Park in Pahiatua.

· The New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country will be held at the Massey Sport and Rugby Institute on Saturday 21 June. Schools from the Tararua Region will be present at the event.

The AWD football competition run by Special Olympics will be hosted on Thursday 26 June. Dannevirke High School and Tararua College are likely to be represented.

60. Recommendation

That the report from the Chief Executive dated 18 June 2014 concerning an update on key projects and items of interest to the Council (as circulated) be received.

Attachments

1 ⇩. Information requested from Minister of the Environment

*General subject matter to be considered*	*Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter*	*Ground(s) under Section 48 (1) for the passing of this resolution*
*Proposed Corridor Network Maintenance Agreement 2014-19*	*To protect commercial and industrial negotiations*	*Section (1) (a) (i)*

3.1	Horizons Regional Council
3.1.1	The Chairperson welcomed Cr John Barrow (Tararua representative on the Horizons Regional Council) to the meeting, and invited him to address the Board.
3.1.2	Cr Barrow spoke on various regional council matters, including the following: · The completion of the regional council’s Annual Plan resulted in a rate increase of approximately 3.8% for the Tararua district. · Access to public transport is a big issue in urban areas, and the option of establishing a Rural Community Transport Trust provides an opportunity to address this issue within the district. · Horizons provides funding grants of $1,000 to $2,000 for small community environmental projects, including proposals from schools. · The One Plan has been completed, with acceptable changes made to the provisions regarding reducing nitrogen levels and resource consent compliance relating to the environmental impact resulting from such land use.
3.1.3	It was noted that the Board’s Chairperson made a submission to the Horizons Regional Council Draft Plan 2014/2015 concerning the establishment of a Rural Community Transport Trust for Dannevirke.
3.1.4	This made them aware of the proposal under consideration, and the need to obtain some funding in the future should this initiative proceed to be implemented.
3.1.5	A covered bus stop shelter is also being proposed for Dannevirke given that the existing location on both sides of the road are not protected from the weather elements.
3.1.6	The Chairperson thanked Cr Barrow for his attendance at the meeting to update the Board on matters concerning the regional council.

7.1	Outdoor Gym Equipment (Item 7.3)
7.1.1	Board Member Delaney indicated that progress on this project will be co-ordinated in conjunction with the development of walkways for Dannevirke.
7.2	Cycle/Walkway – Smith/Cole Streets and Adelaide Road (Item 9.1)
7.2.1	Board Member Christison reported that discussions are occurring with some community groups to assist with progressing this project.
7.2.2	A meeting has been held with the Manager Strategy and District Development regarding the concept, and he will provide some aerial photos to progress the planning with a view to estimating the likely costs involved.
7.2.3	This will enable a proposal to be presented to the Board at its next meeting, and requesting a financial contribution towards funding this expenditure.
7.2.4	The Governance Manager emphasised to Board Member Christison that if he is intending to contract for any work associated with that project then he must declare an interest, and abstain from the decision-making process relating to all such matters.
7.3	Commemoration of the Centenary of the First World War – WW100 (Item 9.3)
7.3.1	Board Member Delaney reported that the Returned and Services Association has organised the field of remembrance commemoration crosses.
7.3.2	While the actual declaration of war date for the centenary falls on Tuesday 5 August 2014, it is suggested that consideration also be given to arranging appropriate community events on Sunday 3 August 2014.
7.3.3	In this way it enables families and those working during the week to attend events held for this occasion.
7.3.4	The following was noted as possible ideas for consideration: · A 1.00 pm commemorative service at the cenotaph on Tuesday 5 August 2014. · A church service on Sunday 3 August 2014. · A concert at the Town Hall on Sunday 3 August 2014.
7.3.5	The Deputy Chairperson agreed to assist with arranging a concert programme at the Town Hall to co-ordinate these arrangements.

9.1	Dannevirke Information Centre Management Committee
9.1.1	With the passing of George Popow the Dannevirke Information Centre Management Committee will need to elect a new chairperson.
9.2	Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce
9.2.1	The Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce held a very successful breakfast morning event that was well supported and positive.
9.3	Tararua District Road Safety Group
9.3.1	The Chairperson reported on the Tararua District Road Safety Group meeting held on 27 May 2014, including the following matters: · The replacement of the State Highway 2 Whakaruatapu Bridge is open to tenders, with the work programmed to commence in August of this year and completed by August 2016. · Stringfellows have commenced the work to upgrade the Saddle Road. · The Road Safety Co-ordinator is undertaking various community education programmes and initiatives to promote road safety.
9.4	Town Centre Security Cameras Monitoring System Project
9.4.1	Fundraising for this project is progressing, with $80,650 being secured leaving a $7,000 shortfall remaining to cover the costs involved.
9.4.2	The project was boosted through receiving a $25,000 funding grant from the Infinity Foundation.
9.5	Rural Community Transport Trust
9.5.1	The group formed to progress this project has held two meetings, and the planning is proceeding towards arranging a community meeting to assess support to implement this concept for Dannevirke.
9.5.2	The presentation of a submission to the Horizons Regional Council Draft Annual Plan 2014/2015 was noted in terms of this proposal, and it received a good reception to providing possible support in the future for establishing the Rural Community Transport Trust.
9.6	Zone 3 Community Boards Conference
9.6.1	The Zone 3 Community Boards Conference held in Wanganui was worthwhile and well received, with a good range of speakers arranged as part of the programme.
9.6.2	A further Community Boards workshop is intended to be scheduled in July, with the date and details subject to confirmation. This may require the Board’s meeting for that month to be changed at the request of the Chairperson, and held on 8 July 2014 (a day later than usual).

2.	Subdivision Consent Application Objection - 80 Newman Road, Eketahuna
2.1	The Chairperson invited the panel members and staff to introduce themselves along with the objector’s representatives Lisa Poynton and Colin Fink of Kevin O’Connor and Associates acting for Derek Neal who also attended the hearing.
2.2	The Planner Nicole Gowing spoke to the report as circulated with the hearing agenda in respect of the subdivision consent application objection made pursuant to Section 357A of the Resource Management Act 1991 regarding the Council’s decision in relation to a discretionary subdivision application.
2.3	The objection seeks to amend condition (5) of resource consent 201.2014.11.1. The objector requests “that the consent notice for Lot 2 be amended to read that five lots can be created under the current District Plan rules, rather than none”.
2.4	The key issue for consideration is the potential of degraded rural amenity within the urban buffer zone. Overall, it is recommended that the Tribunal and Hearings Committee dismiss the objection.
2.5	The objector’s representative Lisa Poynton tabled a copy of her statement of evidence in respect of the subdivision consent application objection, and she proceeded to speak to this matter by referring to the following: · Initial contact with the Council prior to submitting the consent application. · Contact with Council officers prior to being granted the consent. · Objection to condition 5 of the approved consent. · Reasons for the objection based on a previous decision applicable to the property of the Ashes in Sowry Road, Woodville, development rights under the current District Plan, rural amenity effects and District Plan objectives and policies. · Conclusion and proposal to preserve the subdivision rights that were available under the controlled activity standards. An undersized site has been created, which has the potential to create additional development rights. The consent notice on Lot 1 prohibiting subdivision is accepted, and the proposed consent notice wording for Lot 2 will ensure that the original subdivision development rights set under the District Plan are preserved. · Given that the overall subdivision density will be the same as what is allowed under the District Plan, it is not considered that there will be any significant effect on rural amenity in approving the change in wording of the condition. The proposal is considered to remain in keeping with the objectives and policies of the District Plan.
2.6	Clarification on the points made in presenting the evidence before the hearing then occurred, along with Committee members asking their questions concerning this matter.
2.7	The Chairperson adjourned the hearing for a recess at 2.15 pm, and it resumed at 2.30 pm.
2.8	The objector and their representatives and the Planning staff then withdrew from the meeting.

8.	Tararua District Council Report
8.1	*That the report of the Tararua District Council meeting held on 28 May 2014 (as tabled) be received.* *Isaacson/Macdonald Carried*
8.2	Dog Control Registration Fees
8.2.1	Board Member Delaney commended the Council on the reasonable amounts and structure of its dog control registration fees to be charged.

12.1	Wackrow Memorial Youth Award
12.1.1	The proposed arrangements for the 2014 Wackrow Memorial Youth Award will be included on the agenda of the Board’s next meeting.

3.1	201.2013.81.1	Amassey Union Limited, 21 Burns Street, Dannevirke
3.2	201.2013.104.1	Pakaraka Limited, Route 52, Alfredton
3.3	201.2014.9.1	M & P Gleeson, Jervois Street, Pahiatua

Sector	Draft	Final
	% Increase	% Increase	$ Change from Draft
Rural	4.30%	3.64%	-$69,789
Urban	2.35%	3.11%	$57,161
Industrial/Commercial	2.97%	3.29%	$4,168
Overall rates increase	3.45%	3.41%

Operating Expenses
Meeting Legislation and Increased compliance cost
Digitisation project less internal funding	$51,000
Long Term Project	$75,000
Operating Revenue
Dividends and subvention	$200,000
Total increase in rates requirement for NOT "Business as usual" expenses	$326,000
Rates increases in 2014/15 Annual Plan	$661,815
Rates increase for "Business as usual"	$335,815
Percentage Rates increases for "Business as usual"	1.73%

S/N	Description	As approved on 28 May	Changes proposed
1	Registration of Dangerous dogs BEFORE 1 August	Urban - $195 Rural - $62.50	$117 There is no distinction between rural and urban for dangerous dogs.
2	Registration of Dangerous dogs AFTER 1 August	Urban - $292.50 Rural - $93.75	$175.50 There is no distinction between rural and urban for dangerous dogs.
3	Tenant Contribution Flats – Tenancy Agreements	$55	$50 A typo error as Council only resolved to change the weekly rental rates by $1 for the 2014/15 year. This rate remains unchanged.

Date	:	19 June 2014
To	:	Mayor and Councillors Tararua District Council
From	:	Eleanor Roberts Revenue Manager
Subject	:	Rates Resolution for the 2014/2015 Year
Item No	:	10.6

Date	:	17 June 2014
To	:	Mayor and Councillors Tararua District Council
From	:	Ray Cannon Manager Engineering Services
Subject	:	Road Closure Requested Under the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974
Item No	:	10.8