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Date
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18 April 2019
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To
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Mayor and
Councillors
Tararua
District Council
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From
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Blair King
Chief
Executive
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Subject
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Staff
Report
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Item No
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11.4
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Reason for the Report
This report is
to update Councillors on key projects and items of interest over the period
from 20 March to 12 April 2019.
Key Points
Sandy Lowe
– Winner, 2019 Brookfields Emerging Leader of the Year
At the Society
of Local Government Managers (SOLGM) annual awards, our nominee Sandy Lowe won
the emerging leader award. This is a great result for Tararua, and
highlights the investment in staff culture. There is an level of
competition across Councils for this award, and follows on from Cameron McKay
being a finalist in 2018. A summary of Sandie’s achievements
include
- Supporting the Regulatory team whilst in Customer Services, where
she developed a sound knowledge of property information enabling us to appoint
her to the specialist Land Information Memorandum (LIM) role. In this new
role, Sandy pro-mapped the LIM processing methodologies to improve the quality
of the end product provided to the customer.
- When we asked staff for someone to take over the responsibility of
Electoral Officer Sandy put her hand up and managed to add the role as a an
additional task on her to-do list. And she had to learn fast – due to the
resignation of a Councillor there was a by-election to organise! But as
expected Sandy took it in her stride - challenges seem to inspire rather than
deter Sandy – and the by-election went without a hitch.
- Moving on to the role of Health and Safety Co-ordinator was an
opportunity for Sandy to develop other skills – she overcame her fear of
public speaking to deliver presentations and workshops to all staff around
Workplace Safety and the “Stand in the Gap” approach.
- Using this new
found skill Sandy began to facilitate workshops with external providers and
contractors to assist them in the process required for their compliance with
the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. It was during this process that
Sandy developed her appreciation and interest in Risk Management.
This award
recognises the work that Sandy has contributed to the Council, and I would also
like to acknowledge the staff in the background who have supported Sandy.
Tararua Cactus Programme
Council helps
with the two Combined Adolescent Challenge Training Unit Support (CACTUS)
student leadership programmes in Pahiatua and Dannevirke through an annual
$5000 funding grant and staff time where required. Police lead the eight
to ten week programme where 30 students are encouraged to take on physical and
mental challenges, and work as a team to achieve goals and overcome personal
limitations.
The media did
an excellent write up on the Dannevirke longest day, which included support
from Councils District Resilience Manager, and fire volunteers, ending with a
graduation dinner at the Citizen and Services Club.
Plant and Property team now in same building as
Business Network Team
Further to the note in the January 2019
Staff report, the Plant and Property team have moved into the lease of 40
Denmark Street. This precedes the management of the Dannevirke
Administration earthquake prone building strengthening work and provide
temporary relief to space pressures being experienced in the main office.
Customers seeking information such as cemetery records will still approach
Council main reception as usual, so minimal changes to service delivery is
expected.
THE ALLIANCE
Executive
Summary
The Tararua Alliance
team continue to make good progress with various activities around the
district, supported by the continued sunny weather. Of note is the completion
of the pavement resurfacing programme, with approximately 60 kilometres of
resurfacing completed since the start of the year. This was a special
achievement considering our own Tararua surfacing crew completed approximately
55% of the programme – their first time carrying out resurfacing (as
opposed to first coat sealing). Thus far, the results are looking very positive.
Quality is high and the completed cost is very competitive. Other areas of
focus for our delivery staff during March include routine maintenance
activities, pavement rehabilitation, water reticulation renewals, and footpath
renewals.
Our planning team are
looking ahead to the 2019/20 financial year. The renewals programmes have been
confirmed by the asset management team, and our engineering team are now
carrying out investigation, survey and design work to ensure fit for purpose
and cost effective solutions are designed for the delivery team to eventually
construct. Planning around emergency works repairs is also a key focus
currently.
We have also begun
thinking about the 2021-31 Long Term Plan, with specific regards to the key
challenges Council faces over the next ten years around transportation and
reticulation. With key challenges largely confirmed, and individual issues
associated with these documented, we can start to build the evidence base
required to ensure appropriate discussions can be held with Council’s
governance in the future – to enable optimal decisions are made with
regards to service levels, investment levels and risks.
The Notice of
Requirement hearings for the Manawatu-Tararua Highway have now concluded and we
await the findings from the commissioners. With Mayor Tracey Collis and Deputy
Mayor Allan Benbow, we recently spoke at the hearing representing Council.
Largely supportive of the project, we made clear that our key priority is the
construction and opening of a new safe, accessible, efficient and resilient
highway – completed within the currently proposed timeframes. Whilst
supportive of safe provisions for walking and cycling, which has attracted much
of the media’s attention, we made clear that it cannot delay construction
of the road.
With changes to a few
key roles in the Tararua Alliance, minimising disruption has been a priority
and has largely gone well. Rob Sharp has now relocated to New Plymouth and,
rather than replace like-for-like, changes were subsequently made to the Tararua
Alliance structure to find efficiencies. The Tararua Alliance Manager role
continues to be advertised. Dan Gerrard, known to many within Council, will be
stepping into this role temporarily until a permanent replacement is secured.
Dan was involved as the Delivery Manager when the Tararua Alliance started
before establishing and managing the Horowhenua 3Waters Alliance between
Horowhenua District Council and Downer. Dan is currently the Mid-Central
Regional Manager for Downer, overseeing the Tararua Alliance, Whanganui
Alliance and Mid-Central Construction Team, and is excited about reengaging
himself into the Tararua team.
PLANNING
Monthly Work
Completed
781 individual road related faults were repaired in March. The
location of the works, type of work and volume are indicated below.
March Programme
During April we
have 268 planned repairs to complete. This includes the completion early in the
month of the pavement repairs on Nikau Road and the holding repairs on Route 52
between Weber and Wimbledon. It excludes most of the routine cyclic work, such
as grading, filling potholes, vegetation control, etc. Selected safety critical
pavement repairs are being completed on Weber Road to complete out the
stabilising teams’ season.
Forward Works Programme Validation & Asset Data Works
March has seen
a considerable effort made on the completion of the road pavement and
surfacing, and 3waters reticulation renewal forward works programmes.
The roading resurfacing (surface renewal) and
pavement rehabilitation (pavement renewal) programme is confirmed for the
2019/20 financial year, with design and financial analysis beginning.
The reticulation forward works programme is
currently having cost estimates updated for budgeting and prioritisation
purposes.
Along with this work the team has been
focusing on ensuring as built information is up to date in RAMM and Assetic and
preparing for upcoming end of year reporting and rollover processes.
Bridge Maintenance
Our bridge maintenance programme addresses structural repairs,
preventive treatments, river mitigation and erosion control works.
Recently completed works include the scour
protection at bridge N-1 on Gundries Road near Norsewood. The base of the bridge’s central pier had developed a scour
hole, exposing the piles. To avoid this progressing to the point where a winter
flood would sweep the central pier (and therefore the bridge) away, this has
now been rock armoured. Before (left) and after (right) photos are shown below.
A-30 Bridge River Rd 0.01km
Also recently
completed were the repairs to bridge A-30 on River Road near Waione. The
upstream side of the bridge was showing erosion around the eastern wingwall and
abutment piers, and the existing 1930 bridge guardrail had significant spalling
and impact damage. Rock armouring has now been added to the eastern
bridge wingwall and abutment, reducing the risk of further erosion there, and
the bridge guardrail has now been replaced, significantly improving the sight
distance for motorists. Before (left) and after (right) photos are shown below.
Pavement Renewals
Design and Planning
We are now progressing with designs for the 2019/20 financial year
sites. There are 9 sites programmed, and we are currently planning to complete
the design process by August 2019, with construction beginning from September
2019.
Pavement
investigation has been completed for more than half of the 2019/20 programme.
This involves deflection testing using a benkelman beam, digging several test
pits to determine pavement thickness and existing aggregate quality, and to
calculate the subgrade strength using a scala penetrometer. This information
will ensure that we create cost effective and best for network pavement and
geometric designs. We have programmed all investigation, survey and designs to
be completed by the end of July.
Safety Projects
A safety
assessment for disability parking in Eketahuna has been completed. The report,
including recommendations, was discussed with the Eketahuna Community Board and
an option for improvements has been confirmed.
A safety
assessment is being completed around the parking in the laneway adjacent to
Tararua District Library.
Pahiatua Main Street
Upgrade
Progress on
this project has been ramping up in all aspects in recent times, with the
construction programme, methodology and staging plans now completed. The
final design is being completed with significant involvement from Iwi, the
Polish community and other interested stakeholders such as the NZ Transport
Agency, the AA and Heavy Haulage Association. The design of streetlights, under
veranda lighting, and lighting of the central green belt are all incorporated
in this process.
We are currently talking with the other
utility operators to ensure their requirements are met during the upgrade, and
more importantly ensure we don’t have additional costs with rework if
they are not included early on during the upgrade.
Establishment of the site depot, on Tudor Road,
will be the first visible works as part of the project. This is currently being
planned, with onsite storage containers and set down areas, and will assist in
a smooth operation of this project throughout its duration.
Emergency Works
There are currently
25 sites programmed for remedial actions over the next few months ranging from
significant retaining wall construction through to the relocation of the road
centreline away from a dropout or hazard. A further 24 sites are still being
investigated with the intention that they also be programmed for remedial works
over the coming months, budget permitting.
The below left photo shows a dropout on
Ormondville – Te Uri Road. Construction of a retaining wall is planned to
begin in early May.
The below right photo shows an area of
subsidence on Route 52 between Pongaroa and Tiraumea. Construction of a
mechanically stabilised earth is planned to begin in late April.
Stormwater Development
Our consultants continue feasibility
analysis of stormwater ‘hot-spots’ as identified in Council’s
stormwater model. They are looking at a range of proposed improvement projects
for all of the four main townships, with possible improvements including
significant new infrastructure and improvements to existing infrastructure and
facilities. We expect to receive their final report in the near future, which
will determine where we focus engineering inputs and physical works resource.
Delivery
3Waters
Water Maintenance
and Planned Works
There has been
a marked increase in customer requests recently, for leaks and general toby
replacements, which has kept our team busy.
Council’s Plant & Property Team
have asked us to install backflow protection devices on the wastewater
treatment plants. An RPZ has been installed at Pahiatua, and we have just
received the Dannevirke RPZ which will be installed during April.
For the Woodville wastewater treatment plant,
we are currently working through the approval process with Kiwi Rail. Our
proposal is to directional drill a new independent 63mm waterline under the
rail reserve, as the current waterline is inadequate.
The 3rd round of meter reading was
completed during the first week of March.
We have
supplied the below photos to show the extent of resources required to respond
to a leak within the road, originating from a customer request. The photo on
the left provides an indication of the required temporary traffic management.
The centre photos shows our crew trying to confirm the location of the leak,
The photos on the right shows the actual leak – although minor it was
still causing damage to the road.
Water Renewals
The new watermain in Neptune Street,
Dannevirke, has been pressure tested and disinfected. We are now awaiting the
bacteria test results from central laboratories. The next phase is to excavate
across the State Highway, complete the cut-in and change over all the customer
manifolds.
A
40mm sub-main (150m long) has been installed along Newman Road in Eketahuna.
This was completed to replace a temporary line that had been installed
approximately 5 years ago.
Stormwater
We have had crews walking the open drains
through the urban areas clearing rubbish, dead vegetation and build up prior to
the winter. Davies waste solutions were engaged to jet out and clean a
600mm diameter stormwater main in Cemetery Rd Dannevirke, that was partially
blocked and surcharging. During April we also undertook and regraded and clean
out of the open drains within the Bush multi park Pahiatua.
Wastewater
Davies Waste Solutions have ordered the
relining sleeves for the High Street sewer main. They are currently in transit
to us from the supplier in Sweden.
We
have installed another four sets of service connections to properties across
the network.
Roads
Maintenance
We have seen a
large increase in vandalism of our signs in the month of March. Particularly on
Route 52 and in Dannevirke. Once identified, our cyclic teams quickly respond
to minimise the potential safety risks for general motorists. 14 sign posts
were repaired within two days after being struck by a vehicle. The police were
also notified of the vandalism. Our cyclic patrolman also repaired 206
potholes, repaired 420 metres of edge breaks and installed 306 edge marker
posts during March.
Our stabilising team have been busy finishing
off the remainder of our pavement repairs programme. Following the completion
of our pre-reseal repairs the team has been busy on Weber Road and Route 52, 63
section, repairing approximately 2,000m2 of high priority pavement failures
which were identified through our routine inspections.
Stabilising on Weber Road pictured to the
left below.
Drainage maintenance has been undertaken on
various unsealed roads this month in preparation for winter. They have been
busy removing high shoulders, cleaning stormwater channels and cleaning culvert
inlets and outlets to improve drainage on Waitahora Rd, Ridge Road Central,
Ridge Road North and Ruawhata Road. Wheeled excavator cleaning culvert inlet
pictured below right.
Renewals
Our
construction teams continue to make great progress, making the most of the
fantastic weather we are continuing to see. The two pavement rehabilitation
sites on Route 52, 109 section, are now completed along with the pavement
rehabilitation and minor associated improvements on Coast Road (Gun Club
corner) which was sealed in late March. The Mangahei Road pavement
rehabilitation is the last programmed site for the 2018/19 season and is one of
the more complex sites. The site consists of 400 metres of pavement
rehabilitation, including earthworks and drainage improvements, along with a
large 300-metre emergency works retreat to realign the road away from a dropout
that occurred in the September rain event.
Footpath renewals and maintenance have also
been consistent through the month of March completing repairs on Wakeman Street
and King Street in Pahiatua, and Newton Street in Ormondville. Before and after
photos below of Newton Street footpath and drainage works.
We saw a big increase of work in regards to
drainage renewals in March. Our inspectors identified two high risk culverts
needing urgent replacement on Ball Road and Troup Road in Woodville. Our
planning and delivery teams were quick to respond to this undertaking catchment
checks for both sites and replacing both culverts in time for winter.
The resealing programme was completed in
late March which is great. Our internal team completed 87,000m2 of reseals
across various roads including Castle Hill Road, Weber Road and Route 52.
Testing and planning is now underway for next year’s sites.
Performance
Regulatory
Building Consent Authority (BCA)
In April 2018
Tauranga City Council issued dangerous and/or affected building notices for 21
homes in the ‘Bella Vista’ residential building development
following serious concerns about their safety and their compliance with the
Building Code. In June 2018 the Council voted to purchase all the properties
from the homeowners, and it agreed a settlement with them in November 2018. The
Council is in the process of repairing, relocating, salvaging, demolishing or
remediating the houses. This outcome represented a significant failure in the
Council’s building control system and triggered a review by the Ministry
of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
Key findings reported
from the MBIE review include:
§ The Council did not follow its documented building control processes
and procedures for the Bella Vista development;
§ Record keeping and reasons for decisions were not well documented;
§ Sequencing of construction works were not performed well on what was
a geographically and geotechnically complex site;
§ There was a lack of enforcement action by the Council to either stop
non-compliant building work or require non-compliant building work to be fixed;
and
§ The Council
did not follow protocol when managing variations to the issued building
consents.
The following table compares year-to-date trends for workload,
performance and investment in relation to building consents:
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Building
Consents
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2018/19
YTD
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2017/18
YTD
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2016/17
YTD
|
|
Workload
|
|
Number
of Applications Received
|
255
|
258
|
274
|
|
Number
of Inspections Requested
|
716
|
730
|
682
|
|
Performance
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|
Number
of Applications Processed
|
269
|
249
|
257
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%
Processed within Statutory Timeframes
|
78.1%
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98%
|
100%
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|
Number
of inspections Performed
|
1020
|
1098
|
994
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Investment
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Total
Value of Applications Processed
|
$13,557,055.00
|
$12,923,150.00
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$13,657,498.00
|
Animal Control
A reminder
notice to alert dog owners to apply for ‘preferred owner’ status by
the end of April, was publicised during the month. Preferred dog owners are
recognised as responsible dog owners due to adequate fencing, health and
welfare, public nuisances, and housing. Preferred dog owners are eligible for a
reduced registration fee.
The following table compares year-to-date trends for dog attack
customer requests:
|
Dog
Attacks by Community
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2018/19
YTD
|
2017/18
YTD
|
2016/17
YTD
|
|
Ind/Com
Nth Ward
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Ind/Com
Sth Ward
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
|
Non
Rateable
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
|
Rural
North Ward
|
4
|
1
|
3
|
|
Rural
South Ward
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
|
Road
or No Property Address
|
9
|
6
|
4
|
|
Urban
North Ward
|
16
|
11
|
14
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|
Urban
South Ward
|
8
|
10
|
4
|
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TOTAL
|
40
|
30
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27
|
Following the
annual dog registration period, 6587 dogs have registered with 242 not
registered as of April. This is a slight reduction from 254 reported at last
month’s council meeting.
It is anticipated that many of the
unregistered dogs are either deceased or have departed the district. Owners of
those unregistered dogs will be contacted by telephone, once the vacant
position of Animal Control Administrator has been filled.
Environmental Health and Licensing
The District
Licensing Committee did not meet during the month, as the applications that
required a decision could be determined by the Chairperson.
No licensing
applications have required a public hearing. There have been no appeals to the
Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.
No reports of
Foodbourne illness or food safety complaints were reported in March.
The following table compares year-to-date trends for illicit dumping
customer requests:
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Illicit
Dumping by Community
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2018/19
YTD
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2017/18
YTD
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2016/17
YTD
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|
Ind/Com
Nth Ward
|
5
|
1
|
2
|
|
Ind/Com
Sth Ward
|
3
|
5
|
0
|
|
Non
Rateable
|
3
|
10
|
5
|
|
Rural
North Ward
|
3
|
8
|
3
|
|
Rural
South Ward
|
4
|
8
|
10
|
|
No
Property Address Given
|
71
|
97
|
96
|
|
Urban
North Ward
|
4
|
6
|
4
|
|
Urban
South Ward
|
6
|
12
|
5
|
|
TOTAL
|
99
|
142
|
125
|
Data regarding the number of penalties
applied to people identified as offenders for illicit dumping is being sought
and collated and will be included in future staff reports.
District Planning
Proposed Plan Change 1 will be presented to Council for adoption at
the meeting on 31 July. The plan change contains new rules designed to provide
a more effective means of managing identified community ‘eyesores’
(e.g. derelict properties and vehicles). Staff have identified properties
subject to public complaint. Once the plan change is adopted, staff will begin
the process of assessing properties and contacting owners.
The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) have released their first set
of ‘National Planning Standards’. The standards regulate the format
structure and definitions used in council plans under the Resource Management
Act. The standards also require plans to be in an online interactive format
(ePlan). The standards have been developed to improve consistency and
operability for plan users. The majority of changes will be implemented when
the District Plan is reviewed in the next 3 years. However, Council has up to
10 years to procure a suitable ePlan product.
The following table compares year-to-date trends for resource
consenting workload, performance, and outcomes:
|
Resource Consents
|
2018/19 YTD
|
2017/18 YTD
|
2016/17 YTD
|
|
Workload
|
|
Number of Applications Received
|
56
|
43
|
45
|
|
Performance
|
|
Total Number Applications Processed
|
51
|
33
|
31
|
|
% Processed within Statutory Timeframes
|
98%
|
97%
|
97%
|
|
Outcome
|
|
Number of Applications Approved
|
51
|
33
|
31
|
|
Number of Applications Declined
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
% of Applications Approved
|
100%
|
100%
|
100%
|
Plant and Property
Executive
Summary
We welcome to
the Plant and Property team the services of Peter Feierabend on a short term
contract to help complete some of the current year projects.
The Plant and
Property team has now relocated office over to Denmark St next to the Business
Hub / Marketing team.
Staff are
attending the second mediation process meeting for the Pahiatua Wastewater
treatment plant Resource Consent proposed conditions on Tuesday 16 April.
Water levels in
our streams and rivers are still in very low flows. Rainfall has been spasmodic
and the river levels have not recovered from the hot summer season. District
water restrictions are still in place. We will look at reducing these
restrictions in the next couple of weeks.
Capex
Projects
Akitio Water
The
installation of a 7500 litre raw water settling tank and two back wash tanks
has now been completed. Filtec technical staff are due on site after
Easter to complete the final commissioning and hand over to TDC staff.
Pongaroa Water
An official
open day was held on 25 March and was attended by approximately 20 local
residents and TDC staff. An explanation of the overall treatment plant
operation was presented and a tour around the plant facility and the treatment
components of the upgrade.
Operational
Water
District
River and stream levels are still reasonably low as we haven’t
had a lot of consistent rainfall throughout the district.
Mangapapa stream flow is still very low, sitting at around 47 litres
/sec
Tamaki River 386 l/sec
Makakahi River 860 l/sec
Mangatainoka River 2982 l/sec
Pahiatua
Looking at an
option for running turbid water to waste at intake pumps prior to raw water
coming to plant. As the pumps are activated water will run to waste for 10 mins
to clear gallery line and enable a better quality of water to go through intake
pipe to be processed.
Woodville
The intake grit
trap at the Mangapapa Stream headworks has now been made more accessible and
safer for staff to carry out a regular cleaning regime. Originally staff needed
to climb down into the chamber (confined space) and clean out the stones, grit
etc. This was a Health and Safety issue. Now the two trap doors can be opened
and a strainer is lifted out, cleaned and replaced without any need for access
into the chamber.
Wastewater
District
Dissolved
oxygen is defined in biological treatment as the
relative measure of oxygen dissolved in wastewater available to sustain life,
including living bacteria. DO Probes are being fitted
at the Woodville and Dannevirke oxidation ponds at present. These will be
connected to the Scada telemetry and will give staff access remotely to
continuous DO readings for treatment purposes.
Dannevirke
STP membrane
clean programmed for commencement on 29 April.
New actuator
valve being fitted at No 2 pond.
Woodville
The concrete
apron has been completed outside of treatment plant to aid the safe transferal
of chemical deliveries and a good working platform for staff.
Security and safety fencing being planned
around plant perimeter and external property boundary.
Pahiatua
A concrete
apron has been completed outside of the treatment plant to aid the safe
transfer of chemical deliveries and a good working platform for staff.
Optimisation
of treatment plant process improvements being worked on by staff at present.
Compliance
Pongaroa (WSP)
Water Safety Plan original plan needs to be re written to incorporate the new
treatment plant upgrade and sent to Ministry of Health (MoH) for review.
Overview of Capex Projects
Eketahuna Landfill Capping
The capping of the Eketahuna Landfill commenced in March. Two weeks ago the spreading of the clay was completed, but, as the
material was quite wet when it was dug out and transported from the Pahiatua
Water Reservoir project it was still very wet and sticky even after the dry
summer. Ruahine Contractors will allow it to settle and dry out as much as
possible before being rolled for compaction. This is weather dependant. Once
the landfill civil works have been completed the final fencing segregating the
landfill and transfer station will be erected.
Woodville Community Hall Toilet Upgrade
The upgrade of the toilets at the Woodville Community Hall has now
been completed. This included removing the old urinal and installing 2
urinettes to replace it. Both the men’s and women’s toilets have
been re-lined and repainted.
We are presently waiting on a quote to supply heating to the
stadium.
Dannevirke Sports Centre Painting
The painting of the Dannevirke Sports Centre exterior has now been
completed.
Pensioner House Inspections
Council
officers conducted the annual pensioner house inspection through the 79 Council
units. There were minimal issues found and the majority of the residents were
happy with their units. The repairs required have been allocated to the
appropriate contractors to complete.
Eketahuna Tennis Courts
The tennis courts were recently re-surfaced with all-weather
turf. The complex now looks very smart.
Aften Court Painting
The painting of the exterior of the Aften Court pensioner complex is
underway. This project is currently 75% completed.
Aften Court Double Glazing
The double glazing of the Aften Court
pensioner complex is underway. Currently 10 out of the 12 units to be done have
been completed.
Pahiatua Town Hall
The asbestos removal company have removed the asbestos under the
stage and on the back wall of the stage. During this operation they have
discovered there is more asbestos to be removed in the roof area above the
stage. They are also saying the floor boards are contaminated and will
need to be encapsulated. We are waiting a further quote for this work.
Eketahuna Swimming Pool
The concrete walls and the foundations for the shelter area at the
western end of the pools has been completed. The girders for the roof are
to be dropped in place by crane in the near future.
Waihi Falls Reserve
The concept plan for the total area has been received. The
tourism board will be approached to seek funding for this project.
Economic Development, Communications
and District Marketing
Economic
Development
Regional Collaboration Meeting
On 29 January Angela attended the regional collaboration meeting
where two representatives of the Provincial Development Unit shared current
information about the various projects in the pipeline in the Horizons
Region. PNCC and MDC jointly gave an economic update of the region.
A strong contingent from Whanganui & Partners was present, introducing
themselves and their roles, including new CEO Mark Ward.
Provincial Growth Fund
The Alternative Land Use Options project continues on
schedule. As is the case with the Tourism and Cycle/Walkway Strategies
project. The consultants for this project spent three days in the
district in late March, meeting with key stakeholders and facilitating three
workshops. This completes the information gathering phase.
Representatives from the Provincial Development Unit came to meet
with Mark, Angela, Malcolm Thomas and Chris Chapman for an update on a range of
developments within the Unit and the implications for PGF applicants, and
discuss our roading and forestry situations.
Housing
A sub group of the economic development portfolio met to discuss a
range of issues around housing in the district. Members of the group were
allocated stakeholders to gather information from.
DIA/ECCT
Angela and Mark met with representatives of
Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and Eastern and Central Community Trust
(ECCT) to discuss issues and opportunities for community groups. Angela attended
a meeting at Tararua REAP regarding the Community Organisation Grants Scheme
(COGs) fund.
Business
Business Support
One new agribusiness business client in
March.
Communication
Public consultation
and engagement
Tararua District Council is engaging with
the public on a number of matters from 8 April through to 10 May.
1. Public
Engagement: Annual Plan 2019/20
2. Public
Consultation: Class 4 Gambling and Racing Board Venue Policy
3. Public
Consultation: Future of the Carnegie Building
4. Public
Pre-consultation: Easter Sunday Shop Trading
Information about current engagements and
consultations can be found at all Council Service Centres and Libraries, as
well as on the Council website: www.tararuadc.govt.nz/consultation
Tararua District
Water Restrictions
It is necessary
for water restrictions to continue through the month of April. Public are being
notified via: Tararua District Council’s website and Facebook page,
posters in shop windows, local radio stations, large signage in towns.
Additionally, when a change in status takes place, there is direct notification
(via phone or face-to-face drop in) to rest homes, council flats, medical
centres and schools.
Pahiatua Town
Centre Upgrade
The Project
Team met on Friday 22 March. There have been a number of major changes to the
Project Team. Jon Schwass is now the Project Director. Stuart Malins will be
taking over from Rob Sharp as Project Manager, and Alex Slabbert has been
assigned as the Project Site Engineer.
Work is
progressing on both the underground and aboveground designs and works
programmes. Construction dates have been locked in and works will officially
commence in September 2019.
Communication
and public awareness, as well as stakeholder liaison and interaction, will be
the key focus for the Project Team over the coming weeks and months. A
Communications Plan is currently in development and will be presented at the
next Project Team meeting, scheduled for Friday, 12 April 2019.
The next public update is scheduled for
Monday, 29 April 2019.
Pongaroa Water
Treatment Plant Public Open Day
Members of the
Pongaroa community were invited to attend a public open day on Monday 25 March.
The open day provided an opportunity for public to see what the new system
looks like; learn how the new system works; learn why it has been necessary to
make these changes; and understand the impacts the new system will have on
individual households.
From 4pm to 6pm
in the Pongaroa Community Centre, Council staff demonstrated the treatment
process, answered questions and explained what comes next for the overall
project. There was also an opportunity to attend a plant walk-through for
anyone interested.
Any information made available at the open
day was also sent via mail following the event for any Pongaroa residents /
ratepayers that were unable to attend.
Horizons’ Regional Council – Spruce Up Your Swim Spot
Campaign
Horizons have
embarked on their third ‘spruce up your swim spot’ campaign for the
summer season. This year, Horizons’ organised “Get Involved”
activities in each of the region’s districts.
From 10am – 12noon on Saturday 30 March, Tararua District
Council was on-site with Horizons Regional Council collecting rubbish and
inviting the community to get involved and do their bit for improving the river
environment. Approximately 15-20 members of the community participated in the
clean-up event.
District Marketing
Events
Hilux NZ Rural
Games
The District Marketing team attended the Hilux NZ
Rural Games in Palmerston North on 9 - 10 March. This was the second year
attending the event and there was a definite increase in interest compared to
the previous year. The focus of attending this event was to promote the Tararua
District, and the experiences we have to offer.
We engaged with over 700 people throughout the two days,
many of those were quality conversations about the Tararua District.
Central Districts Field Days
On 14, 15 and 16 March, the team also attended the
Central Districts Field Days. Having a site at Central Districts Field Days has
certainly proven its worth when it comes to showcasing our beautiful district.
This year we had more than 1500 people visit our stand, many of whom did not
know where the Tararua District was, or what was available here.
We received a lot of positive feedback from Tararua District locals,
who thought it was neat to have a stand promoting our wonderful district. As
well as that we had feedback from people who had recently visited the district,
who described it as a ‘hidden treasure’ and a place they would
definitely visit again.
We had a few people come up to the stand at Field Days to tell us
they had visited the district after speaking with us at Rural Games the
previous weekend, and that they enjoyed their visit and would be returning to
see the rest of the district. This positive feedback reaffirms our investment
in these events.
Covi Motorhome, Caravan and Outdoor Supershow
This is New Zealand’s largest expo for fans of motorhomes,
caravans and camping. Mark Maxwell and Carole Wilton attended the show
from 15 – 17 March 2019 to promote the benefits of staying in the Tararua
District to potential visitors. Over 600 people visited the Tararua
District site and were surveyed on what people wanted when choosing a holiday
destination. The answers included; scenery, somewhere relaxing/peace and
quiet, walks/tramps, beaches/rivers/lakes and free camping as well as Motorhome
friendly towns.
There has been an increase in motorhome/caravan visitors to the
Tararua District over the last 12 months, this is largely due to the attendance
each year at Covi Show and also the RV documentary ‘Chasing
Sunsets’ which screened on Choice Television and the NZMCA website.
Tararua
i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Welcome Packs
A total of 27 Welcome packs were sent during
March 2019, 5 of these were sent outside of the district.
Pahiatua Preservation Society – Railcar tickets
Although a sold
out trip for the return trip through the Manawatu Gorge for 6 April, an
operational issue saw the event postponed. Any refunds will be handled by
the Pahiatua Railcar Society.
Creative Communities
A total of 16 applications have been received for the March funding
round. With $39,267 being requested and $8983.00 to distribute, the
committee will discuss applications during April 2019.
Tararua District i-SITE/ Information
Centre visitor enquiries March 2019
Library
Executive Summary
Much of March
was taken up with team members either training our new team member or covering
at the Pahiatua Library while another team member took leave. Dannevirke
Library team members took on the bulk of this cover, with Leilani (Woodville)
and Fiona (Districtwide) also covering some days.
Now the new
team member is on site at Pahiatua, this will give the team members at
Dannevirke a chance to catch up with their day to day business. Team
members from Dannevirke and Woodville have been instrumental in enabling all
sites to be kept open for the majority of the previous period where we were
short staffed.
Dannevirke Library is still slightly understaffed until the end of
July when the team member on Parental Leave returns.
Planning
Children’s Programmes
The working
group have investigated how other libraries in New Zealand implement their
reading programmes. A budget for the estimated cost of two reading
programmes has been developed. The detail of the two programmes will be
developed over the coming months.
The Term 1 Digital Literacy programme has
been developed and advertised ahead of the holiday period. The libraries
will be running the programme daily over the holidays. Attendees will be
utilising QR codes and Google Maps to locate sites around the world and New
Zealand. They will also learn how to transfer this information from a digital
platform to a printed map.
APNK (Aotearoa People’s Network Kaharoa) Refresh – Team
Training
Half of the
Dannevirke team have completed the initial training. The remainder will
complete this over the next few weeks.
A new facet of cloud-based chromebook training will be developed to
roll out across the team in April.
Delivery
ePukapuka – eBook consortia
Woodville Library staff marketed the
consortia at Papatawa School during the month. Pahiatua, Dannevirke and
Eketahuna libraries will be visiting schools in their area to promote this
service in early April.
YOLO Book Club
YOLO was launched at the Woodville Library
this month, and the programme proved popular with their children. They
have added a craft component to the programme.
Pahiatua – New Staff member
Pascale Craig started at Pahiatua after
completing her initial training at Dannevirke on the 25th
March. During that week, Pascale worked mainly out of Pahiatua.
Statistics
as at 31 March 2019
Emergency Management
Training and Exercises
· Continue tsunami
scenario training for Emergency Operations Centre staff – four sessions
completed this month.
· An ITF Intermediate
course (2 day course for Emergency Operations Centre staff) has been arranged
for 23-24 May at Woodville.
· Met with library staff regarding emergency management.
Community Engagement
· Provided training
for the community civil defence response group at Dannevirke South School.
· Met with the
community civil defence response group at Totara College and planned for more
training this year.
· Provided civil
defence radio training for students at Makuri School and Dannevirke South
School.
· Met with Pahiatua
Community Services Trust and introduced them to civil defence welfare
arrangements for Tararua.
· Attended the Eketahuna
Health Centre Community Barbeque.
· Met with Tiraumea
Fire Brigade regarding civil defence arrangements for their community and a
follow up meeting is planned.
· Dannevirke Community
Connect (group comprising Dannevirke Community Board, Police, Lions, Community
Patrol, Maori Wardens, and civil defence) met with national Neighbourhood
Support staff and interested community members. The community members were
those that expressed interest during the street barbeques. The result is that a
group has been formed to establish Neighbourhood Support in Dannevirke.
Indicated that Council is very supportive of Neighbourhood Support forming in
Tararua.
· After five years volunteer service to civil defence in Pahiatua
Martyn and Adrienne Preece have stood down from their leadership roles. Met
with Cr Hull and Nigel Shaw regarding civil defence arrangements for Pahiatua.
An invitation will be sent to stakeholder groups for a meeting.
Planning and Projects
· Continue to
participate in the East Coast LAB Hikurangi Response Plan project,
planning for the response to a large earthquake in the Hikurangi subduction
zone. Stephen, Blair, Heather, and Mayor Tracey attended the regional planning
stakeholder workshop in Palmerston North.
Work will continue towards an inter-regional
response plan for the first
seven days following an event. The latest public video that we have promoted on
our Facebook page is here https://www.eastcoastlab.org.nz/our-science/our-projects/hikurangiresponseplan/
· Following a planning
workshop and refinement of the goals for the Digital Radio Project we have been
in discussions regarding the potential for a digital radio network as a service
rather than maintaining the infrastructure ourselves. Results of those
discussions are expected by the end of April.
· The Regional
Lifelines Group are currently working on priorities post-earthquake and we are
in the process of providing information on our response for the three waters
and district roading.
· The Manawatu Wanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Group are
in the process of conducting a survey of disaster preparedness, including mail,
telephone, and online surveys for the Tararua. (https://www.research.net/r/sil-cdem-tararua)
Programmes
and Projects Office
Project updates
The team welcomes Rachael Linkhorn, who has joined as a Senior
Project Advisor on a part time basis on fixed term contract. Rachael has
a change management and project background, and will provide planning and
project support while the team is getting up and running. The Project
Coordinator and Project Manager roles are being advertised in the week before
Easter to complete the team recruitment.
The team’s key areas of focus over
the past month have included continued delivery of operational
pump refinements for both the Dannevirke and Woodville water treatment plants,
together with a review of the future of the Woodville based Kliptank, and
planning for the installation of water meters for some rural properties in
Eketahuna. The Pahiatua Water Treatment Plant project has also continued,
along with planning and evaluation of the project list for the annual plan to
ensure that there will be adequate capacity to deliver the intended work
programme.
Pahiatua Water Treatment Plant
With the approval of the water treatment
plant by Council on 27 March, the project has had a busy month with
establishment of governance, and the commencement of detailed design. The
Alliance with Filtec is being formally established, with the Principals Group
(PG) holding their first two meetings on 4 and 16 April. Cameron McKay
from TDC and Ray Cannon from the Tararua Alliance have been appointed to the PG
along with two Filtec representatives. The Alliance structure will follow
similar lines to the Tararua Alliance, with Filtec representatives appointed to
the Alliance Manager (Stephen Lee), Technical/Planning Manager (Thomas Board)
and Delivery Lead roles (Garry Corcoran), with TDC staff acting in SME and team
functions, and Ara Yonge fulfilling the Performance Manager/QA role.
There are a series of actions arising from
the alliance establishment, including:
· Confirmation of
final contract
· Confirmation of
performance framework, including measures/KPIs
· Confirmation of
reporting and governance framework
· Confirmation of risk
management framework
· Completion of audit
framework, including design and agreement of peer review process with BECA and
quantity surveyor checks with Brian Smith
The project has also been refining the
detailed process design component, with the last technical queries undergoing
final tests to establish the best process refinements. The property
sale and land use resource consent application are also being finalised, along
with the final geotechnical tests which have enabled the detailed civil design
to commence. The remaining detailed design phase will include design
review workshops in conjunction with BECA as peer review partner, and HAZOP and
Safety in Design workshops to ensure that the process is well thought through
and grounded in operational safety requirements.
QUARTERLY SPORT REPORT
January to March 2019
Provision of services to support Tararua
District Sport and Recreation groups
Tararua
Recreation Advisor (TRA)
· Support given to Tararua College around improving issues around
football (soccer). Meeting organised between College and Central Football to
look at support to rectify issues and potentially moving matches to mid-week to
accommodate dual coded players and transportation issues. Central Football were
organised to host skills sessions, the first of which was held on 27 March.
Bridget Bailey Tararua College Sports Coordinator has mentioned registrations
for boys and girls football teams are very promising.
· Dannevirke Multisport Committee – TRA has engaged with DMC
attending meetings in February and March. Support has been given to help the
group progress with their proposed artificial turf project at the Dannevirke
Sports Centre complex. TRA is updating TDC Plant & Property with progress.
This has been a long-term project and investigating required lighting is the
group’s current objective.
· Chris Arbuthnott won the Tiger Turf Disabled Sportsman of the Year
award at the Manawatu Sport Awards held on the 15 March at CET Arena.
· The dates for the 2019 Tararua Primary Schools Seven-a-side
Tournament hosted at BMS Park has been confirmed with the district primary
schools as being 7 August (pp date 9 August). Increasing numbers of hockey
matches meant the 2018 tournament junior netball section utilised Hillcrest
Primary School netball courts. With the closure of Hillcrest at the end of
2018, consideration will need to be given to the number of games played for
certain sports. The positive to this challenge is that interest in the
tournament continues to be strong.
· Two local volunteers were recognised with volunteer vouchers for
their respective volunteering efforts one in Pahiatua (junior touch) and at
Eketahuna (for contribution many sports at Eketahuna School).
· TRA supported cycle skills sessions at Mangatainoka School within
Tararua District and three Palmerston North Schools.
Bush Multisport Park (BMS Facility Manager)
· Turf Light Tower foundation work has commenced but with slow
progress. The BMST Board were hopeful the lights would be back up and running
before Easter. At time of report this seems unlikely.
· Funding grant was approved from Pahiatua On Track to upgrade the
current facility signage and to link in with the Pahiatua town upgrade.
· Funding grant received from Waireka Community Trust, which was used
to purchase 100 plastic chairs which will assist significantly with events in
the main stadium and be available for community use. The grant was also used
improve the safety of the current stadium bleacher seating, with ply wood
inserts to minimise gaps.
· Rangitᾱne Iwi Ahurei Festival 2019 was held at BMS on 23
March, with 250 participants, participating in Ki-O-Rahi, Touch, Netball,
Basketball, tug of war and relays. BMS facilities were also used for the awards
with dinner and drinks held in the stadium. This was a great event for Bush
Multisport to assist with as it showcased how multiple sports can be played at
the venue. The Rangitᾱne Iwi had a great weekend and the Iwi youth would
like to make it an annual event.
· The Pahiatua Sale-yards Wheel Park has had large amounts of graffiti
over the last five weekends. The culprits responsible have been identified. The
two boys responsible have been trespassed and will be completing community work
at Bush Multisport with the local Pahiatua Police. BMS (with assistance from
Pahiatua on Track) are in the process of applying to Central Energy Trust for
security cameras to be installed in this area.
· Ray Borrie from TDC has taken drone footage of the complex which has
been posted on the Bush Multisport facebook page and has attracted a positive
viewing response on social media.
· Tu Meke Kidz holiday programme is a new potential permanent booking
to BMS Turf Pavilion facility due to the closure of Hillcrest Primary School.
The new owners of Tu Meke Kidz have booked the turf pavilion for the April
School Holidays. The BMST Board’s working to accommodate this as a
permanent booking, as the Trust does not wish to see this service lost to the
community.
· Junior touch rugby facilitated by Pahiatua School has 197 kids
participating for a nine-week module during term one.
· Signs have been erected to display history of the Sale Yards and
have been located at the Wheel Park. The two signs detail how the Sale Yards
were established and run. The Trust wanted to capture the history of the site
and acknowledge the work and generosity of the Pahiatua Farmers Association
Shareholders who donated to the project. It is also a record to the community
and visitors of what the land once was used for.
Assist with development of community events
Rangitᾱne
Ahurei
Tararua Recreation Advisor and Andre Hetariki (Active Communities
Advisor) collaborated closely with Te Kete Hauora staff prior to and during the
sporting section of the event. Sport Manawatu supplied sporting equipment,
drinking fountain and a gazebo on the day. Fantastic weather and family
atmosphere created a successful event.
2019 Downer Tararua Sports Awards
Planning is going well for the Awards scheduled 3 May at the
Eketahuna Community Centre. Local category sponsors other than TDC are Visique
Optometrists, Scanpower, MCI & Associates, NZ Natural Clothing, NZME/Bush
Telegraph, Dannevirke New World and Downer. Nominations closed on 29 March. TRA
would like to acknowledge the Economic Development and Communications team for
their support in organising the event to date.
Further development of participation and
capability initiatives
Tararua Green Prescription (GRx)
The Sport Manawatu Health programmes in the Tararua district are
achieving some great successes with participants engaged with our Green
Prescription, Whānau Fit and Active Families/ Active Teens programmes.
The Green Prescription adult programme over the last quarter has
seen 12 referrals. Due to the lack of numbers engaging, no groups planned
– constantly under review depending on what suits clients
Four visits to Tararua to meet up with clients. Trips planned
fortnightly but depends on who wants to meet. Facilities used include Activate
gym, Wai Splash pool and the Pahiatua gym.
Active Families Advisor
The programme numbers in the Tararua have increased with families
travelling from Woodville and Dannevirke to attend the programme in Pahiatua.
There is currently 17 children and their whanau attending the programme. The
programme continued to run out of the Bush Multisport Park. The Active Families
Advisor has facilitated several activities during the past quarter including
Traditional Maori Games, an Amazing Race around the Sports Facilities and some
SportStart games which were led by the Tararua Recreation Advisor. The Active
Families programme is held weekly at Stadium Pahiatua (Bush Multisport Park) on
Monday’s from 3.45pm.
Community Strength & Balance Advisor
There are now six Strength and Balance classes endorsed on the
‘Live Stronger for Longer’ website in the Tararua area. We have
also been collaborating with our IT and Communications team putting together a
short video with a You Tube link, promoting the ‘Live Stronger for
Longer’ programme, which provides details on classes available to the
community. This promotional material will be rolled out via the Central PHO to
all GP
Practises and Urgent Care Centres and the information
will be displayed on TV screens in the waiting areas for patients to view.
Active Communities Advisor
· Met with TRA and Te Kete Hauora staff to discuss the Whanau Fit
programme 2019 we intend to host, using several venues, including their own
seminar room.
· Met with TRA and BMS Facility Manager at Bush Multisport Park, to
discuss future use for delivery of Whanau Fit Programme and preparation for
Rangitᾱne Ahurei Event held late March.
· Met with Te Kete Hauora to
finalise details for WFP2019 beginning following week.
· Whanau Fit programme 2019
(10 weeks) kicked off on 12 February
o Session 1 Te Kete Hauora
– Fitness Testing
o Session 2 Dannevirke Domain
– Cycling Skills
o Session 3 Wai Splash –
Swimming Skills
o Session 4 Te Kete Hauora
– Nutrition Seminar (dietician provided by Manawatu Horowhenua and
Diabetes Trust
o Session 5 Dannevirke Domain
– Cycling Skills
o Session 6 Wai Splash –
Swimming Skills
o Session 7 Te Kete Hauora
– Involving Whanau, presentation from Heart Foundation on CVD, heart
health and CVRA procedure.
Active Transport Advisor
The Active Transport Advisor and Tararua Recreation Advisor
delivered Grade 1 Cycle Skills to 31 students at Mangatainoka School.
Secondary School Sport Advisor
· Miriam Pinfold (new Dannevirke High School Sports Coordinator)
attended a First Course organised by Sport Manawatu and facilitated at St John.
KiwiSport Sport NZ have taken a new approach to address
the drop-off in kids participating in organised sport in New Zealand. They have
identified five priority areas which includes:
· Identify and focus on initiatives /programmes that support low participating
groups/communities
· Bring an increased focus on investing into initiatives which meet
the needs of young people (12-18 years)
· Focus on innovative approaches to getting girls and young women
(10-18 years) participating in activities and sport that meet there needs
· Continue to decrease support for in-curriculum initiatives
· Focus on the importance of quality experiences
|
Recommendation
That the report from the Chief Executive dated 18 April 2019
concerning an update
on key projects and items of
interest to the Council (as circulated) be received.
|
Attachments
Nil.
