Notice of Meeting

A meeting of the Tararua District Council will be held in the Council Chamber, 26 Gordon Street, Dannevirke on Wednesday 11 December 2019 commencing at 1.00pm.

                                                                                                                           Blair King

                                                                                                                           Chief Executive

 

Agenda

 

1.               Present

2.               Council Prayer

3.               Apologies 

4.               Public Forum

A period of up to 30 minutes shall be set aside for a public forum.  Each speaker during the public forum section of a meeting may speak for up to five minutes.

Standing Orders may be suspended on a vote of three-quarters of those present to extend the period of public participation or the period any speaker is allowed to speak.

With the permission of the Mayor, members may ask questions of speakers during the period reserved for public forum.  If permitted by the Mayor, questions by members are to be confined to obtaining information or clarification on matters raised by the speaker.

5.               Notification of Items Not on the Agenda

Major items not on the agenda may be dealt with at this meeting if so resolved by the Council and the chairperson explains at the meeting at a time when it is open to the public the reason why the item was not listed on the agenda and the reason why discussion of the item cannot be delayed until a subsequent meeting.

Minor matters not on the agenda relating to the general business of the Council may be discussed if the chairperson explains at the beginning of the meeting, at a time when it is open to the public, that the item will be discussed at that meeting, but no resolution, decision or recommendation may be made in respect of that item except to refer it to a subsequent meeting.

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

7.               Personal Matters   

8.               Confirmation of Minutes                                                   5

Recommendation

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 27 November 2019 (as circulated) be confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

 

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

10.             Reports

10.1           Councillors Remuneration Following the 2019 Election                                                                                                25

10.2           Staff Report                                                                           29

11.             2020/2021 Draft Annual Plan

                   Recommendation

That Council confirm the following dates for workshop briefing sessions to be held to discuss the 2020/2021 Draft Annual Plan:

29 January           2020    at        9.00am            (half day)

25 February         2020    at        9.00am            (full day)

26 February         2020    at        9.00am            (half day)

17 March             2020    prior to Audit and Risk Committee meeting at 1.00pm

25 March             2020    at         9.00am            (half day if required)

27 May                2020    at        9.00am            (half day if required)

24 June                2020    at         9.00am            (half day)

12.             Portfolio Reports

Councillors assigned the responsibility to undertake the portfolio for a specific activity can report back on any of these matters.

13.             Mayoral Matters  

14.             Items not on the Agenda Accepted in Accordance with the Procedure Outlined as per Agenda Item 5

 

15.             Public Excluded Items of Business

Recommendation

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

·       Residential land options and the Council's role for a comprehensive housing development

·       Pahiatua Water Treatment Plant project update

·       Metered water charges write-off request

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

Residential land options and the Council's role for a comprehensive housing development

To protect commercial and industrial negotiations

Section (1)(a)(i)

Pahiatua Water Treatment Plant project update

To protect the commercial position of a third party

Section (1)(a)(i)

Metered water charges write-off request

To protect the privacy of natural persons

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)(i)       The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

s7(2)(b)(ii)  The withholding of the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information.

s7(2)(a)      The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.

 

16.             Closure

 

 


 

Minutes of a meeting of the Tararua District Council held in the Council Chamber, 26 Gordon Street, Dannevirke on Wednesday 27 November 2019 commencing at 1.00pm.

 

1.               Present

Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis, Crs E L Peeti-Webber (Deputy Mayor), A K Franklin, S A Hull, C J Isaacson, P A Johns, K A  Sutherland, R A Treder and      S M Wards.

In Attendance

Mr B King               -    Chief Executive

Mr R Taylor           -    Governance Manager

Mr P Wimsett        -    Manager Strategy and District Development

Mr M Thomas       -    Strategy and Policy Adviser

Mr P Driver            -    Forestry Liaison Manager

Ms A Yonge           -    Programme and Projects Manager

Mr D Watson         -    Group Manager Plant and Property

Mr C Lunn              -    Manager Regulatory Services

Mr C McKay           -    Finance Manager

Mrs S Walshe        -    Senior Financial Accountant

Mr D LeMar           -    Financial Accountant

Mr R Cannon         -    Alliance Performance Manager

Mr M Alben           -    Projects Manager

Mr M Maxwell       -    Economic Development and Communications Manager

Ms E Roberts         -    Revenue Manager

Mrs N McPeak       -    Senior Planning Officer

 

 

2.               Council Prayer

2.1

The Mayor opened the meeting with the Council Prayer.

3.               Apologies

3.1

Nil

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

With regard to item of business 13.1 concerning Birch North forest proposed sale it is clarified Cr K A Sutherland has no direct pecuniary conflict of interest, and can participate in the discussion on this matter.

6.               Personal Matters

6.1

Congratulations are conveyed to Mel Poulton on being appointed as New Zealand’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.

6.2

The passing of Tom Collier is noted (a former staff member who gave thirty years of service working for Dannevirke Borough Council, Dannevirke District Council and Tararua District Council and served in J Force and Korea).

7.              Confirmation of Minutes

 

7.1

That the minutes of the Council meeting held on 31 October 2019 (as circulated) be confirmed as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

Crs Sutherland/Franklin                                                                                  Carried

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

8.1

Nil

 9.               Community Boards and Community Committees Reports

 

9.1

Dannevirke Community Board

9.1.1

That the report of the Dannevirke Community Board meeting held on                              11 November 2019 (as circulated) be received.

Crs Hull/Johns                                                                                                  Carried

 

9.2

Eketahuna Community Board

9.2.1

That the report of the Eketahuna Community Board meeting held on                              15 November 2019 (as circulated) be received.

Crs Treder/Peeti-Webber                                                                                Carried

9.2.2

Local Community Groups Liaison Representatives

9.2.2.1

The Board is asked to consider the appointment of a representative to liaise with Alfredton and Tiraumea rural communities.

 

9.3

Woodville Districts’ Vision

9.3.1

That the reports of the Woodville Districts’ Vision meetings held on 5 November 2019 (as circulated) be received.

Crs Johns/Franklin                                                                                           Carried

9.3.2

Changes to Woodville Districts’ Vision Constitution Rules

9.3.2.1

Woodville Districts’ Vision is requested to forward for Council’s information a copy of the changes to their constitution rules as adopted at the special meeting it held for that purpose.

 

9.4

Pahiatua On Track

9.4.1

That the report of the Pahiatua On Track meeting held on 6 November  2019 (as circulated) be received.

Crs Hull/Treder                                                                                                Carried

9.4.2

75th Polish Reunion

9.4.2.1

Congratulations are conveyed to Pahiatua On Track and their Chairperson Louise Powick on arranging a terrific event to acknowledge the 75th Polish reunion.

  

10.             Reports

 

10.1

Proposed Council Committees Structure, Appointments and Delegations

10.1.1

Public Forums

10.1.1.1

That the report from the Mayor dated 21 November 2019 concerning the proposed Council committees structure, appointments and delegations (as circulated) be received, and

That Council continue to set aside a maximum period of up to thirty minutes at the commencement of each monthly meeting to provide a public forum included as an agenda item of business.

Crs Peeti-Webber/Franklin                                                                             Carried

 

 

 

10.1.2

 

Tribunal and Hearings Committee

10.1.2.1

That Council establish a Tribunal and Hearings Committee as follows:

Terms of Reference

 

1.     A special group with fully delegated authority to hear and adjudicate on all matters Council is required to handle in this manner.

2.     Meets throughout the district or outside as appropriate.

3.     The Chief Executive is authorised to:

·       Make decisions on administrative and process matters relating to resource consent and other applications made under the Resource Management Act 1991, and

·       Decide on applications for which no hearings are required.

Delegations: Resource Management Act 1991

The Tribunal and Hearings Committee have delegated authority:

1.     To conduct, consider and determine any matter that requires a hearing or related decision under the Resource Management Act 1991.

2.     Excepted are those functions, powers and duties that the Act expressly prevents Council from delegating. 

Notes: The above responsibilities under the Resource Management Act include District Plan reviews, plan changes and variations; requirements, designations and heritage orders; applications for resource consents; applications for review of conditions; objections to decisions and conditions.

This authority does not include the approval of the District Plan or any change to the District Plan. The power to approve the District Plan or any change to the District Plan refers to clause 17 of the First Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991 and is the final step in the Plan preparation/change process, and does not prevent the Tribunal and Hearings Committee from making decisions on the hearing of submissions or further submissions.

Delegations to Commissioners    

Powers of Hearing Commissioner

1.     Each member of the Tribunal and Hearings Committee that meets the accreditation requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 are deemed to be hearing commissioners.

2.     When appointed, independent (non-elected) persons that meet the accreditation requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991 are also hearing commissioners.

3.     Hearing commissioners deemed or appointed by the Council have delegated authority:

·       To conduct, consider and determine any matter that requires a hearing or related decision under the Resource Management Act 1991.

·       Excepted are those functions, powers and duties that the Act expressly prevents Council from delegating.

·       Subject to the condition that hearings are conducted (if one is required) in accordance with the “Making Good Decisions” Workbook, 4th edition including the “Chairs Supplement” or its successor.

Assignment of Commissioners

1.     The Tribunal and Hearings Committee members have delegated authority:

·       To assign Council member hearing commissioners to conduct, consider and determine any matter that requires a hearing or related decision to be made by Tararua District Council under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Notes: The Council shall determine the appointment of any independent                    hearing commissioner(s) to determine any matter that requires a hearing or related decision.

 

Composition of Commissioner Panels

1.      The following requirements apply to the composition of commissioner hearing panels:

·       Two Council member hearing commissioners may consider and determine any matter for which a hearing is not required.

·       One or more independent hearing commissioners may consider and determine any matter for which a hearing is not required.

·       Three or more Council members and/or independent hearing commissioners may conduct the hearing, consider and determine any matter for which a hearing is required.

·       If one or more hearing commissioners are unable to continue (e.g. illness), the commissioner panel can continue to make a determination provided there is at least one hearing commissioner able to hear and/or consider the matter.

Notes: Delegated authority has also been assigned to the Chief Executive to consider and determine any matter for which a hearing is not required. In the event the Chief Executive elects not to use this delegation for any reason, the matter may be referred to the Tribunal and Hearings Committee for determination. 

Delegations: Dog Control Act 1996

1.      The Tribunal and Hearings Committee have delegated authority:

·       To conduct, consider and determine any matter that requires a hearing or related decision under the Dog Control Act 1996.

Notes:  The above responsibilities under the Dog Control Act include objections to probationary owner, dog owner disqualification, dangerous dogs, menacing dogs and dog barking abatement notices.

Delegations: Impounding Act 1955

 

1.       The Tribunal and Hearings Committee have delegated authority:

·       To conduct, consider and determine any matter that requires a hearing or related decision under the Impounding Act 1955.

Delegations: Reserves Act 1977

 

1.     The Tribunal and Hearings Committee have delegated authority:

 

·       To hear and determine objections and/or submissions received to proposals for leasing or rental of any reserve land under the Reserves Act 1977.

 

Membership

Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis

Cr S A Hull

Cr K A Sutherland

An independent hearing commissioner chair is to be appointed for any such hearing required under the Resource Management Act 1991

 

Crs Franklin/Treder                                                                                         Carried

10.1.3

Chief Executive’s Performance Appraisal Committee

10.1.3.1

That Council establish a Chief Executive’s Performance Appraisal Committee to review the performance of the Chief Executive and the accountabilities relating to this position.

Terms of Reference

1. Carry out the annual review of the Chief Executive’s performance, accountabilities and remuneration, and report the outcome along with recommendations for Council’s consideration.

                Membership

Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis (Chairperson)

Deputy Mayor - Cr E L Peeti-Webber

Cr A K Franklin

Cr S A Hull

Cr C J Isaacson

Cr P A Johns

Cr K A Sutherland

Cr R A Treder

Cr S M Wards

 

Crs Hull/Isaacson                                                                                                      Carried

10.1.4

Works Liaison Committee

 

10.1.4.1

That Council establish a Works Liaison Committee to act in an advisory role on its infrastructure by:

Terms of Reference

 

1.     Monitoring strategy, policy and action plans relating to projects in the Council’s capital works sheet, including advising on community consultation.

 

2.     Acting as a community interface for consultation on the thirty-year infrastructure policy and asset management plans.

 

3.     Providing a forum for councillors to raise community concerns with existing contracts or service delivery agreements and to suggest options to address those concerns.

 

        Membership

Cr K A Sutherland (Chairperson)

Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis

Deputy Mayor - Cr E L Peeti-Webber     

Cr A K Franklin

Cr S A Hull

Cr C J Isaacson

Cr P A Johns

Cr R A Treder

Cr S M Wards

Meetings Held

Third Wednesday of each month at 9.00am (except July, December and January where no meeting is held in those months)

 

Crs Johns/Hull                                                                                                          Carried

 

10.1.5

Audit and Risk Committee

10.1.5.1

That Council establish an Audit and Risk Committee to consider and, where appropriate, make recommendations to the Council in relation to the following:

 

Terms of Reference

1.     The robustness of the internal control framework and financial management practices.

 

2.     The integrity and appropriateness of internal and external reporting and accountability arrangements.

 

3.     The robustness of risk management systems, processes and practices.

 

4.     Monitoring sector best practice and guidance in relation to audit and risk matters.

 

Functions

 

The Audit and Risk Committee will have responsibility to receive the external audit report(s) and monitor the implementation of recommended actions to be taken by management on significant issues and audit recommendations raised in relation to:

(a)          Internal Control Framework

                    i.       Maintaining an effective internal control framework that is sound and effective.

                   ii.          Embedding a culture that is committed to probity.

                 iii.          The appropriateness of systems, processes and controls in place to prevent,  detect and effectively investigate the risk of fraud.

(b)       Internal Reporting

                  i.          The processes for ensuring the completeness and quality of financial and operational information being provided to the Council.

 

(c)        External Reporting and Accountability

                 i.          The appropriateness of the Council’s existing accounting policies and principles.

The Audit and Risk Committee will provide oversight of Council’s approach to risk and compliance.

 

(d)       Risk Management

                 i.          Review the risk management policy, framework and associated procedures for effective identification and management of the Council’s significant risks and matters of compliance.

 

            Attendance at Meetings

                     (a)     Unless otherwise requested the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer are to attend meetings.

 

                     (b)     Other parties may be invited to attend by the committee to assist the committee in its work.

 

                     (c)     There shall be at least one meeting per year, or part thereof, where the external auditors shall attend.

 

                     (d)     External auditors (or internal auditors) may request a special meeting if they consider this to be necessary.

 

                     Membership

                               Chairperson - Appointment to be determined (external appointee)

 

Members

Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis

Deputy Mayor - Cr E L Peeti-Webber

Cr A K Franklin

Cr S A Hull

Cr C J Isaacson

Cr P A Johns

Cr K A Sutherland

Cr R A Treder

Cr S M Wards

 

 Meetings Held

 Third Tuesday at 1.00pm in the months of March, June, August and October

 

Crs Hull/Sutherland                                                                                         Carried

10.1.6

Finance Committee

10.1.6.1

That Council establish a Finance Committee to act in an advisory role by:

1.     Reviewing and influencing business cases to be considered by Council on   capital programmes prior to Council adopting the projects into the Long Term Plan or Annual Plan.

 

2.     Acting as a community interface for consultation on the thirty-year infrastructure policy and asset management plans.

 

       Membership

Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis - Chairperson

Deputy Mayor - Cr E L Peeti-Webber

Cr A K Franklin

Cr S A Hull

Cr C J Isaacson

Cr P A Johns

Cr K A Sutherland

Cr R A Treder

Cr S M Wards

Meetings Held

Third Wednesday of each month following the Works Liaison Committee meeting  (except July, December and January where no meeting is held in those months)

 

 

Crs Peeti-Webber/Franklin                                                                                    Carried

10.1.7

Strategy and Policy Committee

10.1.7.1

That Council establish a Strategy and Policy Committee to act in an advisory role by:

 

1.     Discussing strategies, plans and policies that advance the Council’s vision and goals, and comply with the purpose of the Local Government Act.

2.     Reviewing proposed submissions in response to government legislation proposals and regional or national policy issues.

3.     Recommending topics for community engagement forums and receiving feedback and status reports from such forums.

 

Membership

Cr S M Wards (Chairperson)

Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis  

Deputy Mayor - Cr E L Peeti-Webber

Cr A K Franklin

Cr S A Hull

Cr C J Isaacson

Cr P A Johns

Cr K A Sutherland

Cr R A Treder

 

Meetings Held

Second Wednesday of each month at 9.00am (except July, December and January where no meeting is held in those months)

 

Crs Isaacson/Johns                                                                                                   Carried

10.1.8

10.1.8.1

Economic Development and Marketing Committee

That Council establish an Economic Development and Marketing Committee to act in an advisory role by:

Terms of Reference     

1.     Reviewing proposed Provincial Growth Fund applications and progress of Accelerate25.

2.     Recommending for approval by Council the Economic Development Plan.

3.     Providing a support network for existing and new businesses.

4.     Providing feedback on website initiatives and I-site review.

 

 Membership

Cr S A Hull (Chairperson)

Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis  

Deputy Mayor - Cr E L Peeti-Webber

Cr A K Franklin

Cr C J Isaacson

Cr P A Johns

Cr K A Sutherland

Cr R A Treder

Cr S M Wards

 

Meetings Held

Second Wednesday of each month following the Strategy and Policy Committee meeting (except July, December and January where no meeting is held in those months)    

 

Crs Sutherland/Johns                                                                                               Carried

10.1.9

10.1.9.1

District Licensing Committee

That Council establish a District Licensing Committee to deal with licensing matters for its district under the Sale of Alcohol Act 2012.

Functions

a)     To consider and determine applications for licences and manager’s certificates; and

b)     To consider and determine applications for renewal of licences and manager’s certificates; and

c)     To consider and determine applications for temporary authority to carry on the sale and supply of alcohol; and

d)     To consider and determine applications for the variation, suspension, or cancellation of special licences; and

e)     To consider and determine applications for the variation of licences (other than special licences); and

f)      With the leave of the chairperson for the licensing authority, to refer applications to the licensing authority; and

g)     To conduct inquiries and to make reports as may be required of it by the licensing authority; and

h)     Any other functions conferred on licensing committees by or under this Act or any other enactment.

 

 

 

 

Powers

The licensing committee has all the powers conferred on it by or under the Sale of Alcohol Act 2012 or any other Act, and all powers as may be reasonably necessary to enable it to carry out its functions.

 

       Membership

1.     That Council recommend the Chief Executive appoint David Lea as a Commissioner, and hold the title of Chair of the District Licensing Committee for three years.

2.     That Council recommend the Chief Executive appoint the following people to the District Licensing Committee Members List for three years:

·     Maureen Reynolds

·     Kerry Sutherland

·     Nick Perry

 

3.     That Council agree the selection process for the two list members to sit on a full meeting of the District Licensing Committee will be made by the Commissioner.

 

Crs Wards/Peeti-Webber                                                                                       Carried

10.1.10

Regional Transport Committee

10.1.10.1

That Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis be appointed as Council’s representative on the Regional Transport Committee, and

That Cr E L Peeti-Webber be the deputy representative.

 

Crs Franklin/Sutherland                                                                                          Carried

10.1.11

Regional Emergency Management Committee

10.1.11.1

That Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis be appointed as Council’s representative on the Regional Transport Committee, and

That Cr E L Peeti-Webber be the deputy representative.

 

Crs Johns/Isaacson                                                                                                   Carried

10.1.12

Arts Council Tararua and Tararua District Creative New Zealand Grants Scheme Assessment Committee

10.1.12.1

That Cr C J Isaacson be appointed as Council’s liaison representative with the Arts Council Tararua and as a member of the Tararua District Creative New Zealand Grants Scheme Assessment Committee.

 

Crs Hull/Peeti-Webber                                                                                            Carried

10.1.13

Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust

10.1.13.1

That Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis be appointed as Council’s representative on the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust.

 

Crs Treder/Hull                                                                                                         Carried

10.1.14

Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand

10.1.14.1

That Cr S A Hull be appointed as Council’s representative to the Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand.

 

Crs Johns/Sutherland                                                                                               Carried

10.1.15

Horizons Regional Council Tararua River Management Scheme Governance Advisory Group

10.1.15.1

That Cr P A Johns be appointed as Council’s representative on the Horizons Regional Council Tararua River Management Scheme Governance Advisory Group.

 

Crs Hull/Franklin                                                                                                      Carried

10.1.16

Horizons Regional Council Passenger Transport Committee

10.1.16.1

That Cr R A Treder be appointed as Council’s advisory member on the Horizons Regional Council Passenger Transport Committee.

 

Crs Isaacson/Hull                                                                                                     Carried

10.1.17

Pahiatua Town Centre Upgrade Project

10.1.17.1

That Cr S A Hull be appointed as Council’s liaison representative for the Pahiatua town centre upgrade project.

 

Crs Franklin/Sutherland                                                                                          Carried

10.1.18

Tararua Health and Wellbeing Group

10.1.18.1

That Cr A K Franklin be appointed as Council’s representative on the Tararua Health and Wellbeing Group.

 

Crs Wards/Peeti-Webber                                                                                        Carried

10.1.19

Liaison Representatives with Rural Communities

10.1.19.1

That the following be appointed as liaison representatives with rural communities as specified:

Akitio/Pongaroa:                               Cr S M Wards

Norsewood/Ormondville:                 Cr C J Isaacson

 

 

Weber/Wimbledon/Herbertville:     Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis

Makuri:                                               Cr S A Hull

 

Crs Johns/Hull                                                                                                            Carried

 

10.1.20

 

10.1.20.1

 

Portfolios

 

That the following appointments be made to undertake the portfolio for the activity specified:

Forestry:  Cr P A Johns (L), Her Worship the Mayor - Mrs T H Collis and Cr K A Sutherland

Safer Communities:  Crs A K Franklin (L) and C J Isaacson

Note:  (L) indicates the leader portfolio holder for that activity

                

 

Crs Peeti-Webber/Johns                                                                                          Carried

10.1.21

Delegations of Functions to Community Boards

10.1.21.1

That Council delegate the following functions to the Dannevirke and Eketahuna Community Boards, to:

1.    Liaise and communicate with individuals, community organisations and special interest groups within the Board’s area of responsibility.

2.    Advocate for the community on any issue, and make submissions to any organisation relating to a matter of interest to the Board in respect to the Board’s geographical area.

3.    Facilitate consultation with local residents and community groups on local issues and local aspects of district issues, including input into the District Plan, Long Term Plan and Annual Plan.

4.    Make submissions or provide feedback on local issues and local aspects of district issues included in the District Plan, Long Term Plan and Annual Plan.

5.    In respect of the Long Term Plan and Annual Plan (where appropriate) to:

(a)       Prepare a submission to the budgetary process of Council for expenditure within the community and methods of funding.

(b)       Identify and make recommendations on priorities for local projects and community issues.

6.         Provide preferences for priorities of footpath works within the Board’s geographical area.

7.         Make submissions on relevant policies that impact on the Board’s geographical area.

 

8.         Make submissions to the Council on the levels of service concerning its facilities and activities provided within the Board’s geographical area, and maintain an oversight of their delivery.

9.         Advise the Council on property related matters concerning the acquisition and sale of such assets of local community significance.

10.       Promote the community, and support its economic development.

11.       Fix priorities and expend funds within such budgets allocated by Council for discretionary spending, including assistance towards rates and Council related fees and charges incurred by voluntary community groups.

12.       Make annual disbursements to community groups from the General Assistance Grants Scheme.

13.       Facilitate community events and maintaining services in the Board’s geographical area, including providing financial assistance to support such initiatives.

14.       Consider and report on all matters referred to it by Council or any issue of interest or concern to the Board, and speak at Council meetings in such circumstances considered appropriate.

15.       Appoint a Board representative to the Road Safety Group and Emergency Management Committee.

16.       Appoint Board representatives to local community groups.

17.       Appoint the Board’s Chairperson as a member to the Civic Honours selection panel.

18.       Authorise the Board’s Chairperson (or their nominee) to be the spokesperson for the Board in all matters within its jurisdiction or of particular interest.

19.       Advise the Council in advance of considering any actions resulting from exercising its powers, authorities or functions that may have potential implications for the Council.

20.       Maintain the development, knowledge and skills of board members through attendance at appropriate conferences, courses and training seminars within the budget funding available for this purpose.

 

Crs Sutherland/Hull                                                                                                  Carried

10.2

First Quarter Council Performance for the Period Ending 30 September 2019

10.2.1

The Senior Financial Accountant elaborated on Council’s financial position for the first quarter of the 2019/20 financial year, and spoke on variances to the operating budget performance that is unfavourable mainly due to emergency

reinstatement funding for roading and costs incurred to remove roadside trees to improve safety.

10.2.2

The Programme and Projects Manager spoke on progress with capital expenditure projects that $5.2 million has been spent of the $21.3 million budget for the 2019/20 financial year.

10.2.3

The Finance Manager made reference to Council’s debt position of $25 million and short-term borrowing of $1 million against a budgeted external debt position of $27 million.

10.2.4

External debt is predicted to be $32 million by year end, and while this is significantly higher than planned it is still lower than Council’s self-imposed limits on borrowing (with the financial strategy having mechanisms to ensure future headroom for borrowing and being significantly lower than Local Government Funding Agency covenants).  These will be revisited as part of the next Long Term Plan.

10.2.5

The Finance Manager outlined results of service performance measures that indicate Council is on track to achieve 77% of its performance measures compared to 78% last year.

10.2.6

The summary Annual Report 2018/19 has been audited with an unmodified audit opinion issued, and the consolidation of Tararua Aquatic Community Trust in Council’s group financial statements remains an outstanding issue still to be resolved.

10.2.7

That the report from the Senior Financial Accountant dated 21 November 2019 concerning first quarter Council performance for the period ending                       30 September 2019  (as circulated) be received and the contents are noted.

Crs Franklin/Johns                                                                                                   Carried

 

10.3

Road Closures Requested Under the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974

10.3.1

That the report from the Alliance Manager dated 21 November 2019 concerning a road closures application under the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974 (as circulated) be received, and

That pursuant to Section 342 (1) (b) and the Tenth Schedule of the Local Government Act 1974, Council closes the following roads for the purpose of allowing Dannevirke Volunteer Fire Brigade to hold the 125 Year Jubilee of the Dannevirke Fire Brigade event.

Road name:  Barruad Street - from Denmark Street to the hospital car park

Date of closure:  Saturday 28 March 2020

Period of closure:  10.00am to 2.00pm

Road name:  Allardice Street - from Denmark Street to High Street

Date of closure:  Saturday 28 March 2020

Period of closure:  10.45am to 11.45am

Road name:  High Street - from Miller Street to Allardice Street

Date of closure:  Saturday 28 March 2020

Period of closure:  10.45am to 11.45am

Conditions Applied to the Granting of these Road Closures

1. That Tararua Alliance in conjunction with the organiser will assess shortly prior to this event the condition of the roads involved to determine their suitability for this purpose.

2. That if Tararua Alliance identify any road or roads as being in an unsuitable condition arising from this assessment then they have the discretion to request the organiser to withdraw such road from the route of this event.

3. That shortly after the event has been held Tararua Alliance shall carry out a drive over of the roads that were closed for this event to assess their condition.

Advisory Note

That should Council incur any additional maintenance costs as a consequence of the event then those expenses shall be recovered from the event organiser.

Crs Sutherland/Hull                                                                                                 Carried

11.             Mayoral Matters

11.1

Tararua District 30th Anniversary

11.1.1

The Mayor read correspondence received from John Harman (former Eketahuna Community Board Chairperson) congratulating Tararua district on celebrating the achievement of its 30th anniversary.

11.2

Events and Meetings

11.2.1

The Mayor and Councillors reported on official events and meetings they had attended:

Cr Franklin

·       Safer communities hui in Wellington (also attended by Cr Isaacson)

Mayor and Councillors

·       Tararua district 30th anniversary high teas

·       District Armistice Day services

·       Council and Alliance expos

·       Councillor training

·       75th Polish reunion

·       Citizenship ceremony

Cr Treder

·       Wairarapa Community Trust Annual General Meeting

·       Secret Bookshop opening

·       Tararua College prize-giving

·       Eketahuna multisport turf upgrade celebration (also attended by the Mayor)

Cr Wards

·       Local Government New Zealand elected member induction workshop (also attended by                  Crs Peeti-Webber and Treder)

·       White Ribbon Week opening

Cr Isaacson

·       Local Government New Zealand rural and provincial sectors meeting in Wellington (also attended by the Mayor)

Cr Hull

·       Civil Defence training

·       Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand RuralFest meeting in Wellington

 

12.             Items Not on the Agenda

12.1

Nil

12.2

The meeting adjourned at 2.50pm, and resumed at 3.03pm.

 

13.

Public Excluded Items of Business

13.1

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

·       Birch North forest proposed sale

·       Pensioner housing expansion land purchase residential land options for Council to build additional housing units

·       Residential land options and the Council's role for a comprehensive housing development

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

Birch North forest proposed sale

To protect commercial and industrial negotiations

Section (1)(a)(i)

Residential land options and the Council's role for a comprehensive housing development

To protect commercial and industrial negotiations

Section (1)(a)(i)

Pensioner housing expansion land purchase residential land options for Council to build additional housing units

To protect commercial and industrial negotiations

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)(i)        The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

s7(2)(i)        The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).

s7(2)(i)        The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations). 

 

 

Crs Franklin/Hull                                                                                             Carried

 

13.5

That open meeting be resumed.

 

Crs Hull/Sutherland                                                                                         Carried

 

There being no further business the Mayor thanked those present for their attendance and contributions, and declared the meeting closed at 3.42pm.

 

 

____________________________

                       Mayor

 

     


Report

Date

:

4 December 2019

To

:

Mayor and Councillors

Tararua District Council

From

:

Richard Taylor

Governance Manager

Subject

:

Councillors Remuneration Following the 2019 Election

Item No

:

10.1

 

1.             Reason for the Report

1.1            To consider and recommend to the Remuneration Authority for approval councillors remuneration following the 2019 local authority election.

2.             Background

2.1            The Remuneration Authority is responsible for determining the remuneration of all local authority elected members within New Zealand.

2.2            Over the past two years the Remuneration Authority has conducted a major review of local government sector remuneration, which included extensive consultation.

2.3            Firstly, it adopted a set of revised and updated council size indices, and secondly it decided to introduce a more locally responsive way of setting members remuneration.

2.4            The first alteration revised and updated council size indices resulting in changes to rankings on their relevant index.

2.5            The new sizes relate to the governance role of each council based on a number of indicators, taking into account population, total operating expenditure, total assets and socioeconomic deprivation index.

2.6            In terms of size indices rankings Tararua District Council is ranked 40 on the list of 61 territorial authorities.

2.7            The size rankings are not related to the number of councillors on any council, and will not be affected if councillor numbers increase or decrease in the future.

2.8            As well as changes to the size indices the Remuneration Authority has created a local government pay scale generally using parliamentary remuneration as a comparator.

2.9            This followed their previous view that overall local government elected members as a group are likely underpaid for their work, with the Remuneration Authority agreeing to progressively move towards addressing that situation to be completed following the 2019 election.

3.             How the Remuneration Authority Sets Councillors Remuneration

3.1            Under the system used for the past several years the Remuneration Authority has set a base councillor rate for each council, then for each council a sum equivalent to the base pay of two councillors has been set aside to pay extra remuneration to those undertaking positions of responsibility such as Deputy Mayors or Committee Chairpersons.

3.2            In each case the councils themselves made recommendations to the Remuneration Authority on how the pool should be allocated, and those recommendations were considered by the Remuneration Authority before making its determination.

3.3            This is how remuneration was determined prior to the local government election on 12 October 2019.

3.4            Under the new approach the Remuneration Authority created a total governance remuneration pool for each council to be fully allocated based on its priorities and circumstances following establishing its governance structures and appointments for the new term.

3.5            This Council at its previous meeting adopted its committees structure and appointments, with the approach taken being to move away from the portfolio holder system and form a committees structure including the Chief Executive’s Performance Appraisal Committee, Works Liaison Committee, Audit and Risk Committee, Finance Committee, Strategy and Policy Committee and Economic Development and Marketing Committee with the expectation all councillors will attend these meetings.

3.6            Additional to those responsibilities are appointments to community boards/community committees and other roles to represent the district at various external meetings and liaison with specific rural communities.

3.7            The Remuneration Authority has determined the value of the Council’s remuneration pool for the 2019/20 financial year following the election is $313,344.

 

3.8            This compares with the previous remuneration pool prior to the election of $241,984 that was allocated to the positions of Deputy Mayor $39,374, Audit and Risk Committee members (2) who were also Chairperson of Works Liaison Committee and Leader of finance portfolio $30,995 and Councillors (5) $28,124.

3.9            Acknowledging Council’s new structure involves all councillors it is proposed the remuneration pool of $313,344 be applied to continue an additional amount for Deputy Mayor (around 30%) recognising the responsibilities involved, and then all councillors receive the same level of remuneration for the workloads taking into account the new committees structure and appointments.

3.10          This would result in the following remuneration structure; Deputy Mayor $49,094 and Councillors $37,750 per annum, thereby fully allocating the amount of the pool determined by the Remuneration Authority.

3.11          Council is required to forward its proposals/recommendations to the Remuneration Authority on how it intends to distribute the entire amount of its remuneration pool.

3.12          Proposals/recommendations must be submitted to the Remuneration Authority by Friday 24 January 2020 to meet its deadline for inclusion in its amending determination to provide for the above.

3.13          The drafting of that determination will occur from 3 February to 21 February 2020, and is to be gazetted by the Remuneration Authority in late February/early March 2020.

3.14          Once the new remuneration rates are gazetted and included in the amending determination to be received the remuneration for councillors will be backdated to take effect from the commencement of the term following the declaration of the election result or when appointments such as the Deputy Mayor were made.

4.             Policy on Elected Members Allowances and the Recovery of Expenses

4.1            As part of the review undertaken by the Remuneration Authority it has agreed to include the option of a local authority paying a childcare allowance as a contribution towards an elected members expenses incurred for childcare while the member is engaged on local authority business.

4.2            It is intended a further report be presented to Council to consider approving an amendment to Council’s allowances and expenses policy through enabling provision for that allowance to be included.

 

 

 

5.             Significance Assessment

5.1            The subject of this report does not trigger Council’s policy on significance and engagement, and is a discretionary matter to propose its recommendations for the allocation of the total remuneration pool advised by the Remuneration Authority regarding the amount assessed for that purpose.

5.2            Any final decision concerning this matter is determined independently by the Remuneration Authority, and Council has been invited to submit its proposals/ recommendations for their consideration.

6.             Conclusion

6.1            To enable Council to propose to the Remuneration Authority the basis for allocating the remuneration pool the following recommendation is made with regard to considering councillors payments following the 2019 election.

 

7.             Recommendation

7.1            That the report from the Governance Manager dated 4 December 2019 concerning Councillors Remuneration Following the 2019 Election (as circulated) be received, and

7.2            That Council propose for the Remuneration Authority’s approval the below recommendations for the remuneration of councillors following the 2019 election, thereby acknowledging the new structure adopted for committees involves all councillors as members, their associated roles and appointments held in representing the district on various external committees, community boards and community committees and liaising with rural communities:

·    Deputy Mayor         $49,094 per annum

·    Councillor                    $37,750 per annum

7.3           And that a further report be presented to consider amending Council’s allowances and expenses policy to include the option of paying a childcare allowance as a contribution towards an elected members expenses incurred for childcare while the member is engaged on local authority business.

 

 

Attachments

Nil.   


Report

Date

:

4 December 2019

To

:

Mayor and Councillors

Tararua District Council

From

:

Blair King

Chief Executive

Subject

:

Staff Report

Item No

:

10.2

 

Reason for the Report

This report is to update Councillors on key projects and items of interest over the period from 19 September to 31 November 2019.

Key Points

Water Regulations

On Monday 9 December, Allan Pragnall from the Department of Internal Affairs is updating Chief Executives and elected members for an hour on the Governments Three Waters legislative and policy changes. 

The new Water Regulator has been approved by Cabinet, and a briefing note from Buddle Findlay to Councils who are their clients, advises

The regulator will set national drinking water standards, and monitor and enforce those standards. 

Given ministerial statements at the recent Infrastructure New Zealand conference, these standards will be demanding, and have made local authorities, who outside Auckland (Watercare) build and fund water infrastructure, sit up and notice.  When combined with the just announced draft National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, which will drive improved discharges from waste-water facilities, local councils are facing a constricting regulatory brace.  The days of avoiding rates inflation via a near-enough-is-good-enough approach to water quality are coming to an end. 

Woodville Water Treatment Plant

Over the period 17 November to 1 December, the sustained hot weather resulted in usage by those connected to the supply, matching or exceeding daily plant production.

The raw water source from the stream, and the impounded supply both had sufficient water to meet the demand of the treatment plant, the constraint is the ability of the plant to treat the water at a rate that was being consumed. 

Since Havelock North, it is no longer acceptable to keep ramping production up through a treatment plant, unless we as the water supplier can show all the “treatment barriers” are operating correctly.  The faster the rate of water treated, the less time there is for any suspended organic matter in the raw water to “react” with the coagulant in the clarifier, leaving a risk that it will be “caught” by the sand filter.  This leads to the sand filter becoming blocked and restricting the flow rate, and then more of the treated water is used to “back-wash” the sand filter clean from this material.

On Sunday, the treatment plant production was slowly being ramped up (from 13 litres/sec to 17 litres/sec).  On Monday morning, the plant was unable to cope with this flow rate and still meet Drinking Water Standards, so dropped to just 10 litres/sec.

With town and extra-ordinary users taking between 13-14 litres/sec, storage in the treated reservoirs rapidly dropped, to the extent we had insufficient to complete the required 8 minute long “backwash” of the filters.  If the plant cannot be backwashed, and a flow rate of 14 litres/sec is sought, the only option for this flowrate is to connect the town to the raw water main.  That is extremely high risk, and we are required to consider other options before this could be done.

As the requirement is to supply drinking water for human health, once the reservoirs dropped below ¼ volume, and continued to fall, I requested all extra-ordinary supplies be manually cut back.  This was achieved through the two rider mains for Oxford Road and Woodlands Road being shut down to 1/8th of flow, to preserve the remaining water for urban households and businesses – at a rate of 9 litres/sec.

We used water tankers from Dannevirke and Otane Volunteer Fire Brigades, along with one truck and trailer from Fonterra, to supply sufficient treated water from the Dannevirke supply through Tuesday, to enable the plant backwash to be completed. 

To reduce the risk of this reoccurring staff will be reporting to Council on the option of a second Clarifier (to boost the raw water treatment to 20 litres second), and increasing the size of the UV system to cater for the higher flow rate. 

In the interim, we have engaged a specialist “leak detection firm” to review the urban reticulation to see if we can find 2-3 litres/sec being lost. 

 

 

 

 

THE ALLIANCE

Executive Summary

The season is well underway for the Tararua Alliance team with physical works able to take advantage of the relatively consistent weather. We have been through numerous audits recently with some good results due to be released back to us shortly. Feedback from our funding partner representative on the recent NZTA Technical audit was that everything looked just as it should – treatment interventions were not too early or too late and that he has confidence in what we’re doing and why.

The team enjoyed being able to share what we do at the Alliance with the Mayor, Councillors and Community board members earlier in the month. While hopefully useful for those groups, our internal teams also found the process a great way to clarify and remind ourselves of what we do and some of the things we consider business as usual. It was also a great opportunity for us to get to know the governance team whom we look forward to working with over the next three years.

We continue to represent Tararua to the wider industry via Roading Efficiency Group (REG) working groups and at the Regional level as well – we are ensuring our voice is heard and that new developments within the industry can have a rural flavour to them. The Planning team continue to focus on a mixture of tactical and operational projects with good progress being made on the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) studies for Route 52 and the Railhub, Residential Growth, Stormwater and Renewals programmes.

With the Long Term Plan (LTP) project kicking off in earnest after Christmas, we are looking into additional resourcing or reshuffling existing duties to ensure continuity of service while some of our senior staff get further involved in delivery of Asset Management Plans and other documents. Also, within Downer asset management a project team has been deployed to help the four Alliance contracts with this significant undertaking which was very useful last time round.

Lastly, it is good to see recognition of the collaborative nature of the Tararua Alliance with progress being made towards ISO44001. The acknowledgement of what has become business as usual for the team is a reminder that we are lucky to be in such a great working environment.

 

Planning

The Asset team have now confirmed the 2020/21 resurfacing programme and have almost completed identification of the rehabilitation sites as well. The accomplishment of this so early allows the Engineering team a decent lead time to scope and design the renewals to ensure productivities derived from early delivery can be realised. Emergency event repairs continue to be designed and implemented – due to this work falling outside normal business as usual it will take a while for this work to be completed as it is additional to the normal work load of the teams.

Our 3 Waters Asset Engineer has been working on a plan for a Stormwater discharge study which once in place will allow us to understand our discharge into our local waterways and potential risk from that to council. The sample points have been determined and we are now putting together a possible operational plan for how this could be implemented and what the cost might be.

Investigation work on the roads from the Route 52 boundary with Central Hawke’s Bay and the proposed Railhub continues. Bridge capacity and condition assessments are being performed as are safety and corridor consistency evaluations. Our aim is for this pre work to be complete by the end of January to then help form a report into the required improvements needed on that route – including what the potential effects of the Railhub could have. This ties in nicely with our submitted PGF application for Route 52 and Weber Rd – if that is approved we will already have a lot of the required information that will be needed to fast track that application.

Process Audits

During the past couple of months, we have had the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) Technical Audit and the Downer Asset Management Improvement Plan audit performed. We are waiting on official results, however initial indications from the auditors are that we have done well with only minor incremental improvements required. Once results are through we will share them with the wider teams.

 

 

 

 

Residential Growth Study – Initial Results

The Woodville Growth Analysis and modelling is now complete for Wastewater. The result was positive showing adequate Wastewater network capacity anticipating any future growth in the next decade. A secondary result has been highlighted indicating the extent of Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) in the network. Initial anecdotal evidence confirms that the amount of unnecessary water not requiring treatment going into this system is significant. This preliminary information will be the basis off further study through the I&I strategy.

There is capacity in the Potable water supply network, however addressing network age will be the upcoming strategy for future resilience.

Stormwater still requires further analysis; concerns dealing with stormwater hotspots could potentially cause capacity issues further down in the catchment. The strategy needs to consider results from Wastewater analysis and significance of I&I. A holistic approach of the two functional disciplines will be taken to understand the interaction and impact on each function.

The next phase of the Residential Growth Study will be to map out and collect the data required for Pahiatua to be modelled – being a larger network this will take some effort.

 

Deliver

           

 
y

Pahiatua CBD Upgrade

Following the opening ceremony on the 2nd of September, the installation of the Sewer main and Water main is well underway and nearly complete on stage 1 (Patterson Street to Edward Street). There are some current challenges with getting the newly installed water main chlorinated due to a lack of skilled resource to undertake this. Our team have been proactive in this space and have very quickly gained the necessary skills required to undertake the testing. Once this is complete the reinstatement of the road surface and footpaths are scheduled to commence. Stage 1 is well on track to be finished within the programmed timeframes and allocated budgets which is a great start to this project.

 

Resources


The Tararua Alliance took delivery of two new items of plant over the previous month (pictured below). Our new Water Cart has arrived just in time for Summer and will be a great addition to our pavement rehabilitation team currently working on Weber Road and River Road Akitio. The new excavator has been fitted with the latest machine control features including “2D”. This option allows the operator to enter survey data into excavator’s computer which he can then view on a screen to ensure we only excavate the material required and to a specified grade. Traditionally this would be done with a string line and a tape measure. The Alliance has been trialling this option for the last few months which has proven itself through increased quality of work and reducing surveying requirements.

 

As part of our national training programmes, we have had three staff attend a five-day workshop in Christchurch covering not only industry skills but life skills as well (Budgeting, health and well-being). This is a great initiative that is 100% funded by the government who have recognised a shortage in labour right across the industry and gives young people the necessary skills they need to excel.

Forwards works programme

As we head into summer our workload increases substantially as the majority of our renewals projects must be completed in good weather. Our Rehabilitation programme (pavement strengthening) has commenced on Weber Road and River Road, Akitio. The team are busy planning our reseal programme which consists of 65 kilometres of resurfacing of local roads right across the network.

Vegetation control is also a big focus for us as the spring growth kicks in. We currently have three different operations underway in this space, flat berm mowing, heavy vegetation control and chemical spraying. The various frequencies are outlined in the table below which is the agreed level of service in our Asset Management Plan.

 

Performance


Regulatory

 

Building Services

Liquefaction-Prone Ground

Building consent plans and specifications are assessed by council, to ensure the proposed work will comply with the Building Code.

 

Acceptable Solutions are specific construction details issued by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and can be used to demonstrate deemed compliance with the building code.

 

Building Code Clause B1 Structure outlines how buildings should be stable, not degrade and withstand physical conditions to protect lives and other property.

 

NZ Standard 3604:2011 Timber-framed Buildings is an Acceptable Solution with regard to structural performance.

 

The standard contains a definition of ‘good ground’ that applies nationally. Following the Christchurch earthquakes the definition was amended to exclude ground subject to liquefaction or lateral spread in the Canterbury earthquake region.

 

MBIE have now decided to extend that amendment nationally. The change means council will need to map liquefaction-prone areas of the district by 28 November 2021.

 

 

Quality Management System

Council is a Building Consent Authority (BCA). Regulations require BCAs are accredited and have a system that supports quality and continuous improvement in their management and operation. This includes consenting and inspecting building work and issuing code compliance certificates.

 

Every two years, Council applies to renew its accreditation. This involves an audit of Council’s quality management system by International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ). Council has successfully retained its accreditation with every previous audit.

 

To ensure consistent auditing, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) published a detailed regulatory guide in 2017. MBIE and IANZ have indicated councils should expect to receive more non-compliances initially, as the new guidance is applied to audits.

 

Council was audited last month, and a formal report is expected by the end of December. Once the report is received, Council will propose a plan to address the non-compliances for the auditors to approve. Council then has 3 months to action the plan. Once IANZ are satisfied the plan is complete, they will renew Council’s accreditation.

 

 

Building Consents

The table below is a comparative summary of building consent statistics, from July to November:

 

 

 

Animal Control

Public Education

Articles were run in the Bush Telegraph to remind owners to re-register their dogs immediately, to pick up after their dog poo, to keep their dogs under control at all times, and to keep them safe during the fireworks period.

Welfare Training

Elaine Vermeer and Taff Baker have completed the Pet First Aid Course provided through PET First Aid & Training. The course covered animal first aid and emergency situations and is accredited by the NZ Vet Nursing Association. The training will help us to ensure the health and welfare of animals in our care.

Annual Dog Re-registration

Annual dog re-registration was due on 1 August. Follow up activities by the animal control team have resulted in an additional 507 dogs being registered since the last report to Council.

166 known dogs remain unregistered (2.4%), out of 6,648 dogs. Owners of these dogs can expect to receive a $300 infringement notice for failing to register their dogs. 

 

 

 

 

Dog Attacks

The following table is a comparative summary of dog attack (people and animals) statistics, from July to November:

Recently, management has agreed to Animal Control Officers taking their vehicles home after work. This will provide more opportunities for early and late patrols, and more visibility in the southern area of the district. It also provides more resilience to respond to emergencies including civil defence events.

Environmental Health and Licensing

Alcohol Licensing

No licensing applications have required a public hearing. There have been no appeals to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.

Environmental Health

When the Food Act was introduced in 2014, it significantly changed council’s role from inspecting food premises to verifying (auditing) food safety plans. The Act also enabled third parties to provide private verification services.

The majority of food businesses in Tararua are operating under a template food control plan (safety plan) and selling food to consumers entirely within the district. Due to a specific provision of the Act, only Council can verify those food businesses.

However, the Act also required that provision to be reviewed as soon as practicable. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) have reviewed the provision and a briefing paper will be provided to the Minister by 11 December.

The Minister must decide whether to retain the provision, amend, or repeal it. Once the decision has been made, Council may need to review how it delivers those services to local food businesses.

 

Illicit Dumping

The following table is a comparative summary of illicit dumping statistics, from July to November:

Council has requested illicit dumping statistics be provided by community, rather than ward. Work has begun on scoping what changes are required to council’s computer systems to provide this information. 

5 infringement notices have been issued for illicit dumping from July to November. The total value of the notices is $1800.00.

District Planning

Proposed National Direction

The Ministry for the Environment has started consultation on the Proposed National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB).

 

The proposed NPSIB would direct district and city councils to identify and map all areas of significant indigenous vegetation and habitat of indigenous fauna, known as Significant Natural Areas (SNA).

 

SNAs must be identified and managed on public land (Crown or Council owned), private land, and Maori-owned. SNA mapping must be completed within five years.

Horizons Regional Council is currently responsible for identifying and managing SNAs throughout the region, including in the Tararua District. The proposed NPSIB would seek to reverse this approach.

 

Council is enquiring with Horizons, as to its position and how it plans to respond to the proposal. Council would incur significant time and costs if it were to implement the NPSIB as proposed. Submissions close on 14 March.

 

https://www.mfe.govt.nz/consultations/nps-indigenous-biodiversity

Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway

Mediation is planned for late December between the New Zealand Transport Agency and appellants to the notice of requirement for the new state highway designation.

 

A lawyer jointly representing the Tararua District Council, Manawatu District Council and the Palmerston North City Council is attending the mediation to ensure any agreement reached between the parties can be practically implemented by the councils.

 

Turitea Wind Farm

The consent conditions for the Turitea Wind Farm, requires Mercury Energy to submit various management plans for certification by the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council (Horizons), Palmerston North City Council and Tararua District Council.

 

Mercury’s Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) is being reviewed for technical compliance by Mike Skelton of Stantec. Mike is waiting for Mercury to clarify some minor items before the CTMP can be accepted. 

 

Resource Consents

The planning team is continuing to receive a significant number of general and site specific enquiries for developing and subdividing properties around the district.

 

Responding to requests for information and advice has to be balanced and prioritised against those who have made applications which have a statutory timeframe.

 

The number of resource consent applications received has increased by 90% compared to two years ago. Consultant planners are increasingly being used  in an effort to meet timeframes and manage workload pressures.

 

There is also a noticeable trend in development proposals for complex and marginal sites. These applications are more time consuming to assess and demand more comprehensive information than other types of development.

 

The following table is a comparative summary of resource consent statistics, from July to November:

 


Plant and Property

Executive Summary

Wastewater Resource Consent appeals for Eketahuna and Pahiatua are ongoing. Preparation of evidence, dialogue / questions and clarification on consent conditions is still ongoing between submitters, our lawyers and staff. The Court has directed that Council file its evidence on Friday 13 December 2019. With that evidence Buddle Findlay have been directed to file a memorandum setting out what issues remain outstanding between the parties. The judge will then schedule a further judicial teleconference in the week commencing Monday 16 December to discuss outstanding issues and next steps. A hearing date will then be set down for early next year and the judge has indicated this will be in February 2020.

Staff attended the Hawke’s Bay Regional Waste officers meeting in Hastings. Discussions were predominately around issues with the national and international commodity market for recycling plastics and also increasing the (LOS) levels of service across the wider district and our collective expectations from the contractor. Same issues across the district with untidy public areas, poor vehicle condition & branding, shared staff- effecting poor service, low satisfaction with management and equipment, KPI’s low achievement, H&S issues and inadequate monthly reporting on recycling information.

Plastic recycling is primarily made from seven different grades that are numbered 1 to 7 (including non-recyclable plastics).The grade is usually stamped on the base of the packaging item. Demand, financial value and accessibility to recycling markets for the different grades of plastic varies considerably. The TDC recycling contracts currently specify that the contractors accept and take ownership of plastics graded 1, 2, 3 & 5 presented at the kerbside or brought to recycling centres by customers.

Plastics grades 1 & 2 still hold some value and can be sold to national and international buyers. However, the range of containers within each grade have varying degrees of acceptance and value.

Some Councils have been advised that plastics grades 3 to 7 can no longer be disposed of by most NZ recyclers and brokers, either as a mixed commodity or when separated into individual numbered grades. We are also aware of other Councils in NZ who have approximately six months of baled material in storage that they have been unable to sell.

 

District Wastewater

Pahiatua. The operation of the pilot DAF plant (Dissolved air flotation) is giving us some really good final effluent discharge testing results, with significant reduction in suspended solids, DRP (Dissolved reactive phosphorus) and E.coli.

 

 

 

Testing results

 Post UV test is the final effluent prior to river discharge

 

 

We are increasing the sample testing schedule to twice weekly and will include all the normal weekly testing elements that Horizons undertake to give us some good data going forward.

 Incoming wastewater from the oxidation ponds the addition of coagulant is pulling this algae out of the water column and converting that into approx. 5 cubic metres of sludge per day. Plant is operating at 10 litres /sec

 

 

 

District Water

Woodville water treatment plant staff are struggling to meet town water demand at present and keep a comfortable level in the reservoirs. The hot dry weather over the last few weeks has the Mangapapa stream flow very low for this time of year.

Pahiatua - New valve being installed to allow control to feed water from the new reservoir to the existing reservoir to be able to have a consistent level at all times in the smaller reservoir. This will be able to be managed through the Scada telemetry.

Property

Norsewood Toilets

Council recently upgraded the 24 hour public toilet at the Norsewood RSA Memorial Hall. Council pay the hall committee a grant every year to assist with the cleaning of the toilet as they are used for the public.

 

Pre renovation

Post renovation

 

 

Pahiatua Grandstand Toilets – Bush Multi Sports

The old toilets which are used by sports field patrons have been neglected over the years and with the increased usage they were inadequate as there was only one pan in each of the men’s and women’s toilets. The toilets have been upgraded to include two pans in each toilet.

Asbestos Removal

Council has had some unstable asbestos removed from 4 sites by a certified asbestos removal firm. These sites were the Dannevirke Town Hall, Dannevirke Camping Ground, a fence in the I.T. yard and an old asbestos shed at Carnival Park, Pahiatua. This is the last of the major areas of asbestos that has been identified as unstable.

 

Dannevirke Camping Ground

Plans have been drawn up for building a new accessible shower/toilet at the camping ground. These plans have been sent  local builders to price.

Pahiatua Pensioner Flats

The flats have been re-wired as the older ones were non-compliant due to rubber cased electric wiring. The meter boxes have also been upgraded.

Cemeteries

Mangatera Cemetery

There has been some development work carried out at the Mangatera Cemetery in recent months. A new berm has been laid, and Council are starting to develop and extend a new area with grass seed recently sowed. A new concrete nib is currently being installed in the ashes area to stop vehicles driving onto this area.

 

 

 

 

District Wide RSA Cemetery Inspections

A representative from veteran’s affairs visited our service cemeteries throughout the district. He was very impressed with the standard of our cemeteries and would rank us within the top 10% in the country.

 

 

 

Parks and Reserves

Old Man’s Beard Research

A PhD student from Massey University who is studying the biology and control of old man’s beard is going to conduct a research trial at the Hopeland’s Reserve at Kumeroa.

 

Swimming Pools

Eketahuna

The Eketahuna pool is near completion with small finishing touches now happening. The custodians are planning to open this facility before Christmas.

 

 

 

 


 

Economic Development, Communications
and District Marketing

Economic Development

In general Mark and Angela are turning the Economic Development Plan and Visitor Strategy into action plans, including conversations with partners inside and outside the district and managing projects.  Colin Yonge is on board to manage projects and carry out research for further Provincial Growth Fund applications.  Mark, Angela, Colin and Malcolm met with the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council economic development and tourism team members in November.

Mark has arranged letters of support from Council and the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association for Pukaha’s application for funding for their Environment and Ecology Programme Te Wananga Taiao, as reported in the Bush Telegraph on Monday 25 November.

Alternative Land Use Project: Plans are underway to present the findings from this project during AgriFood Week 2020.  This is a great opportunity to be part of an extensive marketing campaign, and a credible and nationally recognised week-long event.

SOLGM Community Wellbeing Data Warehouse: Angela attended this two-day training with Daniel Chick.  The Data Warehouse collects data from Central Government and presents it in a very user friendly format for searching and ‘manipulating’.

Business Support

Two existing business owners and two people with new business ideas were assisted in the month of September.  The industry sectors of these businesses were primary industries, tourism, food and retail.  A range of support has been provided.  When we meet a person with a new business idea we provide an objective sounding board for the idea and its possibilities and risks.  One existing business needed support with connecting to Inland Revenue and an accountant, and general learning about terms of trade, debt collection and cash flow.  We are working with the other existing business owner to find other like-minded business owners to create a group that can support and learn from each other.

In November a young person who is looking into turning his skills and hobby into self-employment came to ask questions about the best way to go about it.  We will have further conversations.

Mark and Angela met with Ministry of Social Development Work Broker, Jim Morton, to better understand how he can support employers to find new staff.

Mark attended a meeting of the Regional Skills and Talent Action Group in Levin.  Discussion centred around submitting funding applications within the next 6 months.  A follow-up meeting with the newly appointed Regional Official was held October to discuss a Tararua District based project.

 

Workshops

In October, the Central Economic Development Agency, who holds the contract for the Regional Business Partners Network and covers the Tararua District, presented their services to local businesses.  Services include Biz Mentors, Callaghan Innovation and NZ Trade and Enterprise Capability Vouchers, as well as a team of Business Growth Advisors.

 

Communications

Pahiatua Town Centre Upgrade

Construction: Works are progressing well and construction remains on schedule. Work crews will be on-site until 17 December, at which point they will pack up and tidy the site for the holiday season. Works will recommence on 7 January 2020.

Toolbox Meetings: Council is providing an opportunity for general public to meet face-to-face with the project team through Toolbox Meetings. These are being held on the first Monday of each month and are currently seeing nil attendance. It is anticipated that attendance will increase once works reach the central part of the CBD. The frequency of the meetings will be continually reviewed as the project progresses.

Signage: After a slight delay, signage has been installed in Pahiatua.

Entrance signage: The entrance signage is located at the three main entrances to Pahiatua (Main Street, SH2 and Mangahao Road) and notifies motorists entering the township that construction is in progress for our town centre upgrade and that they should expect delays.

Information Signage: Located in the central zone, the information signage displays information about the project background and objective, construction timing and staging for the project and artists impressions of what the upgrade will look like.

2019 Local Elections

Voting for the 2019 Local Elections closed at midday on 12 October 2019. The final results are available at: https://www.tararuadc.govt.nz/Your-Council/Local-Elections/2019-Election/Results

Election returns were as follows:

 

Electors

Returns

%

North Tararua Ward

6,589

3,553

53.92%

South Tararua Ward

5,527

2,680

48.49%

Total

12,116

6,233

51.44%

 

Emergency Mobile Alert (National Campaign)

Emergency Mobile Alerts are messages about emergencies sent by authorised emergency agencies to capable mobile phones. The alerts are designed to keep people safe and are broadcast to all capable phones from targeted cell towers. They can be targeted to areas affected by serious hazards and will only be sent when there is a serious threat to life, health or property, and, in some cases, for test purposes.

Since the system was launched in November 2017, a test has been held annually to ensure the Emergency Mobile Alert system works well. The test allows the opportunity to evaluate the system, cell towers and phone’s abilities to receive the alert.

The previous nationwide tests were sent to cell towers all over New Zealand and approximately four million phones were capable of receiving the alert – twice as many as the previous test.

The dates for any tests are publicised in a national advertising campaign so everyone knows what to expect. The date for the test this year is Sunday 24 November, between 6pm and 7pm.

Hydrant Flushing Programme

To improve water quality and clarity, a complete flush of the hydrants through Pahiatua, Dannevirke and Woodville is being performed. This work will clear the naturally built up sediment that settles in the pipes.

Due to the potential for major disruption to the town’s water supplies, we are continually updating the public on the progress of this works programme.

As at 30 November, Pahiatua and Dannevirke have been completed with Woodville being postponed until the reservoir is back at capacity.

Further updates are available on the Council website and Facebook page:

https://www.tararuadc.govt.nz/alerts

https://www.facebook.com/tararuadc

Council Website

We are continuing to actively improve our website and its accessibility for internal staff and the public alike.

Positive improvements have been implemented such as the Projects section. This area is vital for public information and allows us to continually update on each capital expenditure project. We currently have 4 active projects (Pahiatua Town Centre Upgrade, Pahiatua Water Treatment Plant, Dannevirke Earthquake Strengthening and Pahiatua Earthquake Strengthening) and these are updated regularly.

Photo galleries have also been integrated onto our site with photos of the Ngāti Kahungunu signing showcasing this new feature. This has been in development for a while and we can now easily display photos with complete HTML5 (mobile-friendly) integration.

Bush Telegraph

The Tararua District Council page in the Bush Telegraph has received resounding positive feedback for its look and engaging content.

We recently changed the scheduling of the mayoral column to incorporate a monthly spotlight for councillors to contribute to the page. We see this as a good way to engage the community and create connections with the Councillors. A rotating roster for the last week of the month has been implemented with Alison Franklin kick-starting our first Councillors Column, published on Monday, 25 November 2019.

Publications

Publications completed and published in the months of September, October and November 2019 are as follows.

Upcoming

·    Annual Plan (January)

In progress

·    Tararua District Photography Competition Photo Book

·    Annual Report (adopted on 31 October 2019)

·    Annual Report Summary

Published

·    Economic Development Plan

·    Tsunami Evacuation Information for Akitio Residents

 

Events

New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) Motorhome Show 20 – 22 September – Mystery Creek

We had 716 survey participants, compared with 591 at Covi Motorhome Show in March 2019). Of this, 343 people requested to be emailed our monthly events calendar.

Shakeout NZ National Earthquake drill

The 2019 drill took place at 1:30pm on 17 October 2019. The focus audience was school-age children and our team worked alongside the District Resilience Manager, Stephen Dunn, to present to a local school assembly. The offer of a presentation was extended to multiple schools however only one school took up the opportunity. Next year we are looking to increase the engagement with schools. Additionally, a colouring competition was conducted and 19 entries were received. We will be presenting the winning prizes to the children below:

Blake McDougall

Libby Bowie

Tia Rosete Te Huki

 

2020 International Woodville New Zealand MX Grand Prix (Woodville Motocross)

As sponsorship of the Woodville motocross, Mark has been working with the organisers on the event growth strategy and Mitchell has been working to deliver marketing material and build up the online presence of the event.

Mitchell is supporting development of the pre-existing website
http://woodvillemx.com/ by adding crucial information and updating media. He is also admin of the 2020 Woodville Motocross International Grand Prix Facebook page and Event which is used to help promote an online presence. To coincide with this online management, online ticketing has also been developed and instigated through Eventbrite. This is the first time in the 59 years that this has been available.

Online campaigns are also being developed to try reach larger target audiences such as the Wellington and Hawke’s Bay regions. Facebook, Radio and other media channels are being explored.

Tararua District 30th Anniversary

We held a series of morning or afternoon High Teas with purpose designed birthday cakes to celebrate the Tararua District’s 30th Anniversary. This event commenced November 6 to November 8, it also gave a great opportunity for the in-coming Council to be introduced to the communities across the district. 

Council Induction

We hosted the Tararua District Council Induction Day at the Business Network.  This was held to help induct the new Mayor, Councillors and community board members and community committee chairs were also invited.   The day went really well and feedback has been really positive.

 

Community Support

General support

A broad range of community support has been provided over the months of September, October and November 2019, including:

1.         Men’s Health Car Show

2.         Wheels with Attitude

3.         Manawatu-Tararua Highway Walk

4.         Dannevegas to Herby 4x4 Scenic Trek

5.         Unveiling of WW1 Veteran JC Wilkinson

6.         Inaugural Tararua Golf Open

7.         Tararua Tourism Network Business Evening

8.         Woodville Motocross

9.         75th Polish Reunion

10.       Te Awa Community Foundation

11.       Pongaroa Gun Club

12.       Dannevirke Community Board Market Day

13.       Spring Festival

14.       Ruahine Ramblerz

 

Additionally, Mark has been providing support to an established and popular community and tourist attraction around their strategic future.  

Mark also attended the Society of Local Governemtn Managers (SOLGM) Summit in October and SOLGM’s Community & Engagement Forum.

Community Foundation

In September, Mark and Sharon Wards attended the Community Foundation NZ annual conference in Wellington.  The Te Awa Foundation did a presentation and acknowledged the support they are receiving from Tararua District Council.

Tararua i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Welcome Packs

September 2019 – Only 5 were sent out due to the notices not being available yet.

October 2019 - There were 66 packs sent out, 17 of these were sent to purchasers outside the Tararua District.

 

 

Staff Update

Brooke Davidson has resigned and Joanne Kaweka from Library/Service Centre has taken over the vacant hours.  Joanne has previously worked at the i-SITE.

Inaugural Tararua Golf Open

A two day Tournament is to be held at the Dannevirke and Pahiatua Golf Clubs 14 – 15 February 2020 for NZMCA members.  Registriations and enquiries are through the i-SITE.

Mad Hatters Day Woodville

The i-SITE have assisted by providing photocopying of posters and flyers at no charge.

New Tararua Highway Walk

Woodville School and Lions Club are holding a fundraiser on Saturday 18 January 2020.  The i-SITE will be supporting this event by producing and selling the tickets with no booking fee.

Creative Communities NZ

$12,175.00 was allocated at the August funding round

Pahiatua Community Services Trust

Introduction to Raranga/weaving flax

$675.00

Dannevirke Spinning & Weaving

Dyeing Demonstration

$800.00

Dannevirke Spinning & Weaving

Spin In

$1500.00

Te Ahu A Turanga Marae

Bone/wood carving & Whakapapa Quilt workshops

$1500.00

Mel Reiri

traditional Maori garments workshop

$1500.00

Dannnevirke Art Society

Annual Exhibition

$900.00

Aotearoa Kinesthetic Education Entertainment

Puppet Show in Schools

$1800.00

Photo Iwi Charitable Trust

Holiday Programme

$600.00

Te Ringakaha

Taiaha, Patu & Poi Workshop

$1500.00

Dannevirke Theatre

Comedy Play

$1400.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Programmes and Projects Office

Project updates

The Programmes and Projects team are busy with a range of projects across the organisation.  Jessi McKenzie is assisting with the investigation of a rail hub for Dannevirke, working with KiwiRail and others.  She is also continuing to support the Long Term Plan project, which is progressing initial planning.  Marco is progressing the section 17A review of solid waste provision, along with the business intelligence platform, which is enabling more informed decision making across TDC.  He has also identified a new application which will enable TDC to better track and manage contracts and contractors, and is looking to put this in place in the near future.  Ara is continuing to manage the Pahiatua Water Treatment project, while providing ad hoc project support elsewhere.

The team is also refining their approach to ensure more effective monthly project monitoring across the portfolio, and starting to work across the organisation to scope projects for the annual plan.  Work also commenced with a consultant to refine the project management methodology, leveraging off work undertaken with other councils.

On the operational side, investigations are underway to pilot a new kind of water meter data transmission which could allow more regular monitoring of water use, with the aim to more quickly identify and address water leaks.  This is focusing on Woodville initially, with the top users there identified for initial monitoring.

Tom has been continuing with work in Eketahuna, with the Kliptank having been successfully moved from Woodville and installed in Eketahuna.  This is beginning to be filled, though further work remains to connect this into normal operations.

His work on the intake line for the Eketahuna water plant continues, working closely with the rural property owners to identify leaks and manage water use.   There have also been some further refinements for the pipework at the Dannevirke Impound Supply, as well as work on the water intake line for Woodville.  Scouring of the Woodville line highlighted some rock blockages, the removal of which has improved the water intake levels into the water treatment plant.

 

Pahiatua Water Treatment Plant

 

Peer reviews have now been completed for the process, civil, mechanical and electrical designs of the Pahiatua Water Treatment Plant.  Due to the building being designed to Importance Level 3 under the Building Act, the external peer review highlighted further strengthening was required in the structural design.  This pushed the building construction start date out, and increased the time required to build the plant with subsequent minor changes to plant layout.  Overall, there has been an impact on the timeframe and budget from this increase in building strength, together with the need to assess discharge volumes on the current Wastewater Treatment Plant resource consent renewal project. 

Construction has however now recommenced onsite.  Morris and Bailey are undertaking ground works along with ducting and drainage, before the foundation slab is poured.  The building wall panels are also being constructed off site, in preparation for the building to be erected.


 

Civil Defence Emergency Management 

Emergency Management

The LTP aim is to build resilient communities, ready and able to provide a reliable and timely response to emergencies. Performance measures for year to date:

 

Leadership and Training

The Integrated Training Framework (ITF) courses develop skills for the emergency operations centre (where civil defence emergencies are managed and coordinated). The performance measure is for 80% of staff to be qualified in the introductory foundation course. Best practice for working in an EOC is to be qualified at the ITF Intermediate level, and for an EOC leadership role, at the ITF Function level. Percentage of staff who have completed each ITF course:

 

YTD

2018/19

Target

ITF Foundation

87%

93%

80%

ITF Intermediate

52%

28%

-

ITF Function

5%

3%

-

 

This year, working with the Manawatū Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Group to boost ITF Intermediate qualified staff, we have delivered courses in Dannevirke, Woodville, and Pahiatua. All were well attended by staff, Alliance, and partner agencies including FENZ, Police, Scanpower, Federated Farmers, RST, as well as other local authorities.

 

Support the Community to Prepare for an Emergency

The performance measure is to facilitate community civil defence groups to perform one training exercise per annum. The Pahiatua community civil defence group held a practice on ShakeOut Day and earlier in the year the Woodville group held a practice.

 

For a number of reasons, civil defence response groups are hard to maintain at a functioning level over the long term. This has been an ongoing challenge for Tararua and throughout New Zealand. Sector best practice is to engage with community leaders and groups to plan and prepare for the local community response to disasters. So, as well as continuing to support civil defence response groups, I am focused on asking community leaders and groups to plan for disaster risk reduction and readiness as part of their wider role in the community. 

 

Capability Development

The performance measure is to conduct two Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) exercises each year and participate in any regional or national exercises. An EOC exercise was held in July and planned for March and July 2020. We will also participate in a national exercise in September 2020.

 

Digital Radio Project

A proposal from Alliance for “radio as a service” is near complete. This proposal will provide coverage for the whole District that the LTP capital project did not.


 

Sport Manawatu Update   

 

Sport Manawatū revised its annual workplan with the Council as part of a new strategic approach to sport and active recreation in the district. The new work plan took effect 01 July 2019 and focuses on the following outcome areas:

 

1.    The Tararua District exceeds the national average for Physical Activity, particularly in Schools.

 

2.    People have the skills to safely and confidently cycle on our roads, shared paths, and cycleways.

 

3.    Tararua Sport and Recreation facilities (Spaces and Places) across the District meet community requirements.

 

4.    Tararua sports and community sport events create social opportunities and economic benefits. 

 

 

1.  THE TARARUA DISTRICT EXCEEDS THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, PARTICULARLY IN SCHOOLS

 

Supporting an Active District

Sport NZ facilitated a workshop in Palmerston North following the release of the Active NZ survey year 2 data, of which key findings were shared. The previous results were captured in the Sport NZ Insights tool, with further updates likely to occur. Unfortunately, the data wasn’t able to drill down to help us identify one to two communities of interest where physical activity would be beneficial on the lives of residents. Subsequently, Sport Manawatū in partnership with District Tararua Council will be embarking on a journey to gather additional insights into physical activity consumption in priority communities, and to understand its value and social impact.  This work will help us determine whether we are achieving the District’s vision of exceeding the national average for being physically activity.

 

Tararua Recreation Advisor (TRA):

·    Opportunities for the Eketahuna and Woodville communities has been a focus within the previous reporting period. With the amalgamation of many structured sporting clubs to Dannevirke and Pahiatua, the communities of Eketahuna and Woodville are looking at active recreation projects or school-based activities for their youth. A highlight working with these communities has been the success for both with KiwiSport funding and the support to Woodville in Focus Incorporated (WiFi).

 

·    The Sport Manawatu Insight Analyst and TRA visited community members from Eketahuna to develop a sport and recreation community participation survey. A club survey was developed to assess local clubs and capture information on local events. The information will provide Sport Manawatu with accurate information and local insight into physical activity provision.

 

KiwiSport

 

·    Woodville School had $5,000 of KiwiSport funding approved in September for a Pushing Forward Skate project. This project will allow for On-Board Skate to deliver safe skateboard skills to students and leave mini ramps and safety gear with Woodville School in 2020.

 

·    Eketahuna School also received $5,000 of KiwiSport funding in the prior round, for the same Pushing Forward Skate project. Delivery for the project is scheduled to occur in term four 2019.

 

Other funding

 

·    Another highlight during the quarter is of local funder Waireka Community Trust approving funding for Woodville in Focus’s short-term project initiative relating to the installation of basketball hoops to the existing Woodville Tennis Courts (next to the main road Caltex Service Station). This will increase utilisation of the courts, as a social basketball community already exists within Woodville and this project will allow the community youth and basketball adults to have a visible and safe space to shoot hoops.

 

Sport Manawatu Programmes/Workshops in the Tararua

Deliver Green Prescription, Active Families and Strength and Balance programmes.

Ensure staff are available to assist the community to meet their play, sport and active recreation needs

 

Green Prescription:

 

A successful team-up with Nga Oranga o te Rae – the Rangitāne Community Mental Health group - for a course of five sessions. A fun group to work with. Numbers participating varied from four to seven, although ten people registered. Three will be continuing their Green Prescription on Phone Support. Our group Had a Go at:

·    Home Exercises (tougher than it sounds) including resistance bands to take home

·    Walking – this was a walk including talks on how to make walking interesting and get the most out of it

·    Aqua Play at WaiSplash

·    Activate gym circuits – this was the most popular, so we went back for a second session

 

Each week we provided a range of resources, and chatted about:

§ How to organise lifestyle improvements

§ Eating healthy

§ Looking after different health issues

 

There were no formal talks or guest speakers as we made the sessions as relaxed, chatty, accessible, and user friendly, as we could. In fact, plenty of time was allowed each week for individual chats and advice. Those involved received information about facilities and opportunities for activities in the Tararua, with a discount card to use at the pools and gym.

 

July-September quarterly referrals:

·    Twenty-four referrals

·    Fifteen Self referrals

·    Ten into Te Oranga o te Rae group

·    Four registered onto Phone Support

·    Seven Tararua clients completed the Phone Support course in the quarter

·    Four of those elected to continue with a further three months of Phone Support – definitely a pathway towards lifestyle changes

·    Seventeen from Dannevirke – one Norsewood – three Pahiatua – three Woodville

·    Seventeen female, seven male – the usual proportions

·    Ages 21 to 65

 

 

Active Communities Advisor

 

The Whanau Fit Programme (WFP) has been redesigned to better effect lifestyle changes in the target population in the Tararua region. We have extended the WFP from 1 Module of 10 weeks focussed on Triathlon disciplines, to 3 Modules of 10 weeks, each covering Sport, Martial Arts and Fitness Industry, and Triathlon. (An Outdoor Recreation Module is also in development).

We have done this with the intention to expose participants to more forms of activity, but in keeping with Sport Manawatū’s move away from direct delivery, we are working with regional, local organisations that are already doing these things, thereby supporting and profiling those organisations and clubs simultaneously. So far during term 3 2019, we have taken participants of the Whanau Fit Programme to the following regional locally led organisations:

·    Activate Gym – Step Class (led by Erana Peeti-Webber)

·    Bush Multisport Park – Circuit Class (led by Tim Sorensen)

·    Tararua Kyokushin Karate Club – Karate (led by Bob Fryer)

·    Bam’s Boxing Gym – Boxing (led by Adam ‘Bonesy’ Jones)

·    Dannevirke Taekwondo Club – Taekwondo (led by Jock Henderson)

·    Begin Where You Are Yoga – Yoga (led by Emma Elliot)

·    WaiSplash – Aquacise (led by Api Churchouse)

·    Stronghold Grappling Academy – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (led by Jaron Vince)

·    Te Kete Hauora - Mau rākau (led by Wharemako Paewai)

 

During this quarter, the Active Communities Advisor has continued to liaise with various clubs in preparation of the Whanau Fit Programme’s Sport Module to be delivered in Term 4. Its focus will be the Racquet sports (Tennis, Badminton, Squash, and Table Tennis), but due to all participants living in the Dannevirke area, only those clubs have been contacted. They have been more than willing to open their doors, and we will use the programme to provide coaching, training, a small tournament, and encourage membership with the respective clubs:

·    Dannevirke Badminton Club (Hilary Hirst)

·    Dannevirke Tennis Club (Albert Saunders)

·    Dannevirke Squash Club (Erana Peeti-Webber)

In most cases facilities and equipment is provided from within the clubs, but coaching comes from regional sporting bodies, or external professionals. By identifying this lack of internal skill set, we have begun looking at ways to resource and/or upskill these clubs.

 

Sport Development - Workshops

 

Coach Capability Advisor

·    Facilitated a Grass Roots Coaching Course was held at Tararua College for nine volunteer coaches and managers.

 

·    Supported a Central Squash Coach Development course, with Tararua Coach of the Year Pete Arnott in attendance.

 

Regional Volunteer Advisor

The SportStart workshop introduces a new resource to schools, while focusing on inclusive and fun physical education sessions for students. Initially developed for the southern rural schools, the inclusion of Huia Range staff, provided further networking and sharing of ideas for attendees. Workshop was hosted at the Bush Multisport Park Stadium Lounge on the first Monday of the school holidays, with 11 teacher’s attendance from across the district:

·    Alfredton School – 2 teachers and principal

·    Huia Range School – already have the Sport Start resource but put 5 new staff through the introductory workshop.

·    Eketahuna School – 1 teacher

·    St Anthony’s School – 1 teacher

·    Mangatainoka School – principal

 

 

2.  PEOPLE HAVE THE SKILLS TO SAFELY AND CONFIDENTLY CYCLE ON OUR ROADS, SHARED PATHS, AND CYCLEWAYS.

 

We have continued to promote cycle skills in schools across the region over the last period. We are in the process of reviewing our programme to ensure alignment to a New Zealand Transport Agency standard which was rolled out.

 

Sport Manawatū have continued to progress actions within this outcome area relating to becoming an NZTA BikeReady National Cycle Skills region. The NZTA BikeReady programme centres on quality standards and measures which includes spending more instructional time with individual participants. The programme includes an increase in funding that will greatly assist with building local capacity (developing more quality Cycle Skills Instructors and getting more children riding a bike).

 

Sport Manawatū will focus on Year 5 and 6 students believing they have the required maturity and mental acumen to benefit from the programme. We have also gained valuable insights through School pre-programme surveys to support this rationale.

 

We have begun to identify programme benchmarks in addition to developing a case study to assess students, teachers and parents’ attitudes and behaviours to cycling. Sport Manawatu in partnership with the Council will monitor progress as part of a long-term study to address the decline of children riding a bike. The Schools we are partnering with in the annual period include:

 

·    Huia Range School (October – November 2019)

·    Pahiatua School (New Year)

 

 

3.  SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES (SPACES AND PLACES) ACROSS THE DISTRICT MEET COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS.

 

Regional Sport Facilities Plan

 

The Regional Sport Facilities Plan steering group met in March as part of a project update meeting. Eleven Priority Actions were identified from the Facilities Plan with the steering group moving from endorsement to implementation. An MoU was circulated to Council Steering Group members as part of the action points with councils to provide comment on future deliverables. Five of the seven councils have committed funding towards implementation with additional meetings scheduled to progress the two remaining councils. The next steering group meeting in October will confirm outcome requirements from the Implementation Phase of the MoU and determine agreed key performance indicators for the 2019/2020 financial period.

 

Woodville in Focus Incorporated (WiFi): Potential Activation Hub Project – Woodville Recreation Reserve:

 

·    WiFi are scheduled to present their concept plan for an ‘Activation Hub’ at the Woodville Recreation Reserve, after the new council is formed later in the year. This project aims to look at several active recreation projects around the perimeter of the recreation reserve generating greater community utilisation.

 

·    Sport Manawatu’s support to WiFi within the reporting period has been our Insights Analyst meeting and creating a survey as part of the group’s community consultation process. The TRA has met regularly with the group and visited the schools surrounding Woodville to present and deliver the survey. After an additional social media push, a pleasing 237 responses were received allowing the Insights Analyst to produce a detailed report for the group.

 

Pahiatua Community Swimming Pool

 

Sport NZ, Sport Manawatu, TDC representatives and the Pahiatua on Track project team met in September to address points raised by Sport NZ and Sport Manawatu relating to the Community Swimming Pool Business Case. The discussion was valuable in clarifying stages of the RSFP, project expectations, funding and roles. Several actions were highlighted including a proposed meeting between the project Chair and CE of TDC seeking additional support. Sport NZ and Sport Manawatu plan to facilitate a workshop following this meeting to identify potential project options moving forward.

 

Bush Multisport (BMS) facility maintenance supported by TDC

 

·    Thanks to TDC Plant & Property, the stadium frontage has been painted and this now gives the building a new fresh look.

 

·    Dial-A-Do-It has commenced working on the upgrade of the men’s and women’s toilets located under the old cricket grandstand. This has been in the maintenance plan for a while and is great to see action just prior to its heavy use in summer.

 

·    Security cameras at the Wheel Park have been installed by Managh Electrical and Kahu Security on the 10 /11 September.  The security cameras have been bracketed to a light column, due to the pole installed at the wheel park not being sturdy enough. The placement was approved by Peter Wimsett -TDC. The footage from these cameras can be seen by the BMS office, TDC and NZ Police. This is a welcome addition as unfortunately vandalism has increased in recent years around the facility.

 

BMS Projects

 

·    The Board is currently seeking funders to build a 14m x 7m storage shed that is connected to the southern end of the stadium facility. This shed will have internal and external access. Currently all user groups equipment and uniforms are stored in different locations around the facility and there isn’t enough storage space to accommodate all their requirements. When the stadium was built in 1981, the current facility utilisation was never envisaged.

·    A concrete outdoor Table Tennis Table has been installed at the Sale yards Wheel Park site. This was made possible by a donation from the Pahiatua Touch Module and the Bush Table Tennis Club. 

·    A new participation initiative is in planning stages, with funding  being sort via a Kiwi Sport application. “Pick up a racket Tararua” is designed to create interest and develop skills for youth in the racket sports of badminton, tennis and pickleball. The funding will be sort for equipment and delivery costs for Manawatu Badminton and possibly a tennis coach to facilitate sessions.  If funding is successful, it is envisaged that a similar programme could be offered for Seniors in the community. A senior activity would  utilise the down time in the stadium and give them a local physical activity they can participate in. 

 

 

 

 

1. Recommendation

1.1            That the report from the Chief Executive dated 4 December 2019 concerning an update on key projects and items of interest to the Council (as circulated) be received.

 

Attachments

Nil.