Agenda of Strategy and Policy Committee - Wednesday, 4 August 2021

Strategy and Policy Committee 4 August 2021

Recommendations in reports are not to be construed as Council policy until adopted by Council.

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Public Forum

3. Items not on the Agenda

4. Order of Business

5. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

6. Public Excluded Business to be Transferred into the Open

7. Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

7.1 Strategy and Policy Committee Minutes - 4 May 2021 1

8. Reports

Strategy

8.1 Operating Environment 1

Attachment 1 - Schedule of upcoming legislative changes July update 1

Attachment 2 - Key upcoming legislative and policy changes and potential impacts July 2021 1

Attachment 3 - LGNZ Local Government Reform Diagram 2021 1

Attachment 4 - Strategy and Policy Committee Tentative Work Programme 1

8.2 Bay of Connections update 1

8.3 Revised Climate Change Action Plan 1

Attachment 1 - Climate Change Action Plan version 2 1

Regulatory Policy

8.4 Essential Freshwater Policy Programme update 1

Attachment 1 - Key messages to promote good management practice 1

Attachment 2 - Essential Freshwater Policy Programme: Key Risks 04 August 2021 - Public Excluded

Attachment 3 - Maori Engagement Table as of 200721Final 1

8.5 Water Shortage Events: Review of the last two seasons and renewing delegation for future events 1

Attachment 1 - Water Shortage Standard Operating Procedure - July 2021 1

Non-Regulatory Policy

8.6 Recommendations from Komiti Māori 1

Attachment 1 - Extract from Komiti Maori Chairperson's Report 24 June 2021 1

8.7 Bay of Plenty Sustainable Homes Scheme: Initial Direction 1

Attachment 1 - Sustainable Homes Scheme - additional background and information 1

8.8 Update of the Environmental Programmes Grants Policy 1

Attachment 1 - Environmental Programmes Grants Policy - proposed changes 1

Attachment 2 - Tauranga Moana Coastal Margins Project Report 1

8.9 Increasing Council support for volunteers and community groups - options arising from LTP 2021-31 deliberations 1

Attachment 1 - 2021 07 Johnson Reserve Care Group Plan 2021-22 1

Attachment 2 - 2021 07 Best practice guidelines for establishing and working with Care Groups 1

9. Public Excluded Section

Resolution to exclude the public

Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting as set out below:

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 are as follows:

Item No.	Subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Grounds under Section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution	When the item can be released into the public
8.4	Essential Freshwater Policy Programme update - Attachment 2 - Essential Freshwater Policy Programme: Key Risks 04 August 2021 - Public Excluded	Withholding the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely to unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information.	48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(b)(ii).	On the Chief Executive's approval.
9.1	Public Excluded Strategy and Policy Committee Minutes - 4 May 2021	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	To remain in public excluded.

8.4 Essential Freshwater Policy Programme update

Attachment 2 - Essential Freshwater Policy Programme: Key Risks 04 August 2021 - Public Excluded

Minutes to be Confirmed

9.1 Public Excluded Strategy and Policy Committee Minutes - 4 May 2021

10. Public Excluded Business to be Transferred into the Open

11. Readmit the Public

12. Consideration of Items not on the Agenda

Strategy and Policy Committee Minutes

4 May 2021

Strategy and Policy Committee

Open Minutes

Commencing: Tuesday 4 May 2021, 9.30 am

Venue: Council Chambers, Ground Floor, Regional House, 1 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga (Zoom recording)

Chairperson: Cr Paula Thompson

Deputy Chairperson: Cr Stuart Crosby

Members: Chairman Doug Leeder

Cr Jane Nees (via Zoom)

Cr Matemoana McDonald

Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti

Cr Te Taru White

Cr Kevin Winters

Cr Lyall Thurston

Cr David Love

Cr Norm Bruning

Cr Bill Clark

Cr Stacey Rose

Cr Andrew von Dadelszen

In Attendance: Namouta Poutasi – General Manager, Strategy and Policy; Chris Ingle – General Manager, Integrated Catchments; Julie Bevan – Policy & Planning Manager; Nassah Rolleston-Steed – Principal Advisor, Policy & Planning; Moana Boyd – Senior Planner (RIN); Jane Palmer – Senior Planner Climate Change; Jessica Durham – Committee Advisor

Apologies: Cr Stuart Crosby (lateness)

1. Chair’s Announcement

The Chair announced the meeting would be recorded and made available on YouTube, in accordance with Council’s Live Streaming and Recording of Meetings Protocols and as noted within the Agenda.

2. Public Forum

2.1 BOP School Strike 4 Climate NZ (BOP SS4C)

2021 Demands and the Importance of Action

Presented by: Isaac Jarden and Zara Barlow.

Key Points:

· SS4C was a national initiative made up of localised regional groups.

· BOP SS4C sought Regional Council:

o Decarbonise the transport sector and reduce private transport usage via incentivising initiatives, increasing bus and cycle lanes, and creating car-free centres in Mount Maunganui and Downtown.

o Educate and increase youth involvement in decision making and civics education, through school visits and memorable hands-on initiatives.

· Councillors had a responsibility to the youth of tomorrow to take action on climate change, and it should be at the forefront of decision making.

· SS4C had approached Parliament and other regional councils with their demands.

· Free school buses gave equity to those who could not otherwise afford it and made it a more accessible and convenient option.

Key Points - Members:

· Requested the presentation go to other TLAs around the Region due to some of the demands being outside Regional Council’s purview.

3. Order of Business

The Operating Environment (Item 8.1) would be considered at the end of the public section..

4. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

Cr Nees declared an interest in Agenda Item 8.7, Nominations for the Freshwater Hearings Panel to hear Proposed Change 5 (Kaituna River) to the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement and abstained from discussion and voting.

Following advice, Cr McDonald also declared an interest in Agenda Item 8.7, Nominations for the Freshwater Hearings Panel to hear Proposed Change 5 (Kaituna River) to the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement and abstained from discussion and voting.

5. Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Strategy and Policy Committee Minutes - 16 February 2021

Matters Arising for Staff Follow Up:

· Staff to provide a progress update on Minute Item 4.5, Change to the Rotorua Airshed Boundary.

Resolved

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Confirms the Strategy and Policy Committee Minutes - 16 February 2021 as a true and correct record.

Thurston/Iti

CARRIED

6. Reports

Strategy

6.1

Climate Change Overview: implications of Climate Change Commission's advice and legislative changes

Presented by: Chris Ingle – General Manager, Integrated Catchments and Jane Palmer – Senior Planner Climate Change.

Presentation: Climate Change Overview: Objective ID A3792537

Key Points:

· Amendment within report, t section 3.2, page 9, bullet point 1 to read:, ‘Greenhouse gases will be a policy/consenting consideration for local government in terms of managing discharges (effective from 31 December 2021).’

· Mode shift and climate change was a complex matter.

· Work underway on transport, urban development, land use, and land use change would impact climate change.

· Staff were working with other agencies and sharing learnings in order to prepare to meet targets once agreed.

· Focussed on a cost-effectiveness basis, e.g. increasing insulation rather than alternative power generation.

Key Points - Members:

· Sought further action on climate change and mode-shift away from private vehicles.

· Requested an update on Bay of Connection’s Climate Change and hydrogen generation presentation.

Resolved

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Climate Change Overview: implications of Climate Change Commission's advice and legislative changes.

Thompson/Rose

CARRIED

6.2

Approval of Plan Change 10 (Lake Rotorua Nutrient Management) to the Regional Natural Resources Plan

Presented by: Julie Bevan – Policy & Planning Manager.

Key Points - Members:

· Congratulated past and present staff for efforts to date.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Provide costs of implementation and the date for when Plan Change 10 would become operative.

Resolved

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Approval of Plan Change 10 (Lake Rotorua Nutrient Management) to the Regional Natural Resources Plan.

2 Approve all provisions of Proposed Plan Change 10 (Lake Rotorua Nutrient Management) and its consequential amendments to the Regional Natural Resources Plan, to be effected by affixing the seal of the Regional Council.

3 Delegates to the Group Manager Strategy and Science the authority to make minor alterations or corrections to Proposed Plan Change 10 (Lake Rotorua Nutrient Management), including rehousing and consequential amendments as outlined within the report.

4 Delegates to the Chief Executive the authority to set the date to make the plan change operative.

5 Disestablish the Plan Change 10 Appeals Subcommittee.

Winters/Thurston

CARRIED

6.3

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme: Update and Inclusion of OSET Plan Change

Presented by: Julie Bevan – Policy & Planning Manager.

Resolved

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme: Update and Inclusion of OSET Plan Change.

2 Agrees the On-site Effluent Treatment plan change will be integrated in to the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme.

Iti/Leeder

CARRIED

Regulatory Policy

6.4

National Planning Standards Compliant Regional Policy Statement and Regional Natural Resources Plan

Presentation: National Planning Standards Compliant Regional Policy Statement and Regional Natural Resources Plan: Objective ID A3792538

Presented by: Nassah Rolleston-Steed – Principal Advisor, Policy & Planning.

Key Points:

· Because of the resource management reform currently underway, there was uncertainty surrounding what plans and policies would be required to be embedded and integrated together in the future.

Resolved

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, National Planning Standards Compliant Regional Policy Statement and Regional Natural Resources Plan.

2 Endorses the high-level RPS and RNRP working draft structures presented in Attachment 1 for further progressing compliance with the National Planning Standards.

3 Agrees in principle to align timing to give effect to the first National Planning Standards for the RPS and RNRP with notification of changes to implement the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management in July 2024.

4 Endorses staff working closely and, where practicable, in partnership with the region’s territorial authorities to implement the National Planning Standards for the region’s RPS, regional and district plans.

White/Rose

CARRIED

6.5

Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan Update, Next Steps and Key Messages

Resolved

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan Update, Next Steps and Key Messages.

2 Notes that the Chief Executive has the delegated authority to set the date to make the remainder of Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan operative.

3 Agrees that the Matakana provisions be made operative on 18 May 2021 and the Motiti provisions operative on 11 August 2021.

4 Disestablishes the Regional Coastal Environment Plan Appeal Subcommittee.

Thurston/Rose

CARRIED

Other

6.6

Nominations for the Freshwater Hearings Panel to hear Proposed Change 5 (Kaituna River) to the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement

Presented by: Julie Bevan – Policy & Planning Manager, Nassah Rolleston-Steed – Principal Advisor, Policy & Planning, and Moana Boyd – Senior Planner (RIN).

Cr Nees and Cr McDonald both declared an interest in this item and abstained from discussion and voting.

Key Points:

· Staff outlined the composition of the Freshwater Hearing Panel and advised the Chief Freshwater Commissioner would be the ultimate decision maker of Freshwater Hearing Panel appointments, including who was appointed as chairperson.

Resolved

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Nominations for the Freshwater Hearings Panel to hear Proposed Change 5 (Kaituna River) to the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement.

2 Requests that the Chief Freshwater Commissioner establish a 3 person Freshwater Hearings Panel in accordance with Clause 59 (2)(b) of Schedule 1 to the Resource Management Act 1991 consisting of: 1 freshwater commissioner, 1 council nominee and 1 tangata whenua nominee.

3 Confirms the Councillors to be nominated for the Freshwater Hearings Panel in accordance with Clause 59 (1)(b) of Schedule 1 to the Resource Management Act 1991 as follows:

· Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti

· Cr Andrew von Dadelszen

4 Approves the recommended process set out in Section 5.1.3 for inviting Tangata Whenua nominations for the Freshwater Hearing Panel at the time of public notification of Proposed Change 5 (Kaituna River) to the Bay of Plenty Regional Policy Statement.

Rose/Love

CARRIED

6.7

Operating Environment

Presentation: Operating Environment and Next Steps: Objective ID A3792536

Presented by: Namouta Poutasi – General Manager, Strategy and Policy and Julie Bevan – Policy & Planning Manager.

Noted that the main discussion of this agenda item would take place in the Public Excluded section of the meeting.

Resolved

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Operating Environment.

White/Iti

CARRIED

10:45am - The meeting adjourned and Cr Bruning withdrew from the meeting.

11:06am - The meeting reconvened.

7. Public Excluded Section

Resolved

Resolution to exclude the public

1 Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting as set out below:

Item No.	Subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Grounds under Section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution	When the item can be released into the public
9.1	Public Excluded Strategy and Policy Committee Minutes - 16 February 2021	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	To remain in public excluded.
8.1	Operating Environment discussion	Withholding the information is necessary to enable any local authority holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities	Section 48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(h)	On the Chief Executive’s approval.

Thompson/von Dadelszen

CARRIED

12:22pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Cr Paula Thompson

Chairperson, Strategy and Policy Committee



Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	4 August 2021
Report Writer:	Julie Bevan, Policy & Planning Manager
Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy and Science Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Purpose:	To provide an update on Council’s operating environment.

Operating Environment

Executive Summary

This report covers the operating environment areas that influence and inform Council’s policy direction and work. This report provides information on the operating environment and upcoming reforms that will potentially have considerable impact on our local government form and functions. Staff are looking to identify the matters where effort needs to be focussed in seeking to influence Central Government regulation and policy.

It covers:

a) Government reforms, legislative change proposals and recent events

b) Strategy and Policy Committee Indicative Work Programme 2021

Following the 4^th May Strategy and Policy Committee Operating Environment presentation and discussion and the Long Term Plan deliberations the following next steps have been compiled:

a) The importance of taking opportunities to partner with tangata whenua, local councils, central government and key stakeholders to jointly deliver.

b) Supporting Central Government where possible for example through: secondment of staff; contributing to advice at Regional Sector Special Interest Groups or at different levels; through involvement in Local Government NZ input into reforms; and by contributing to the Taituarā Three Waters Steering Group.

c) Using opportunities to influence such as commenting on the Natural Built Environment Act exposure draft.

d) Emphasising and communicating the value add of both the regional sector local government, and the role of local/regional democracy.

e) Getting prepared for change, being adaptable, and flexible.

f) Monitoring and reporting on the operating environment.

In relation to the final point, as further details on areas under reform become available, updates on operating environment areas that influence and inform Council’s policy direction and work will be provided at future Strategy and Policy Committee Meetings. Once there is a clearer picture of proposed changes additional analysis on bigger picture implications can be assessed further.

However, given the unprecedented nature, scale and timing of reform it is essential that Regional Council continues to focus on delivering the Long Term Plan, particularly key projects such as Essential Freshwater.

Recommendations

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Operating Environment.

1. Introduction

This report provides a briefing on the range of Government reforms and legislative change proposals that might impact on the future scale and scope of our work. Also included in the report is a summary of the Strategy and Policy Committee Tentative Work Programme 2021 which sets out the process stages for proposed changes to Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP) changes to ensure that Councillors are aware of the upcoming reporting and decision making programme.

Further next steps are outlined in this paper focusing on: partnering to deliver, supporting central government, using opportunities to influence, emphasising value add, getting prepared for change and actively monitoring the operating environment.

1.1 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Healthy Environment	We develop and implement regional plans and policy to protect our natural environment.
Freshwater for Life	We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations. We deliver solutions to local problems to improve water quality and manage quantity. We listen to our communities and consider their values and priorities in our regional plans. Good decision making is supported through improving knowledge of our water resources. We recognise and provide for Te Mana o Te Wai (intrinsic value of water). We listen to our communities and consider their values and priorities in our regional plans.
Safe and Resilient Communities	We work with communities and others to consider long term views of natural hazard risks through our regional plans and policies.
A Vibrant Region	We contribute to delivering integrated planning and growth management strategies especially for sustainable urban management.
The Way We Work	We use robust information, science and technology. We honour our obligations to Māori.

The delivery of RPS and RNRP Changes are an integral part of the Long Term Plan’s Regional Planning activity which sets Council’s strategic planning and policy direction. The RPS identifies how the integrated management of the region’s natural and physical resources is to be managed by establishing policy direction for regional and district plans. The RNRP is focussed on promoting the sustainable management of land, water and geothermal resources, achieving integrated management and improving environmental quality in the Bay of Plenty Region.

2. Operating Environment

2.1 Government Reforms and Change Proposals

2.1.1 Background

Government is considering a number of reforms and proposals that may impact on the way in which government delivers services across Aotearoa, and the way in which local government may deliver functions across cities, districts, and regions.

The Government proposals (including those announced and those that are in the pipeline) will impact the way we operate. Attachment 1 sets out high level view of upcoming legislative and policy changes. Attachment 2 breaks this down into detail and indicates what staff believe will be the implications for Council. Staff are looking to identify the matters where effort needs to be focussed in seeking to influence Central Government regulation and policy.

In summary, two key criteria used to determine where staff should focus their attention are as follows:

- Whether the reform or proposal impacts on Regional Council roles and responsibilities; and

- Where there is an ability to influence a reform or proposal.

Attachment 3 is a document from LGNZ that provides an overview timeframe for the key “Local Government Reform” pieces of work being progressed by Central Government.

2.1.2 Future of Local Government

The future of Local Government - The Minister of Local Government and Department of Internal Affairs have been progressing work on a process to reimagine the role of local of government.

The review commenced on 1 May 2021. Other key dates include:

• 30 September 2021: an interim report presented to the Minister signalling the probable direction of the review and key next steps;

• 30 September 2022: Draft report and recommendations to be issued for public consultation;

• 30 April 2023: Review presents final report to the Minister and Local Government New Zealand.

2.1.3 Three Waters Reform

In July 2020, the Government launched the Three Waters Reform Programme a three year programme to reform local government three waters service delivery arrangements in a way that improves health and wellbeing outcomes to benefit all communities in New Zealand

On 30 June the Minister of Local Government announced the reform package which comprises the following core components:

· establish four statutory, publicly-owned water services entities to provide safe, reliable and efficient water services

· enable the water services entities to own and operate three waters infrastructure on behalf of local authorities, including transferring ownership of three waters assets and access to cost-effective borrowing from capital markets to make the required investments

· establish independent, competency-based boards to govern each water services entity

· set a clear national policy direction for the three waters sector, including expectations relating to the contribution by water services entities to any new spatial / resource management planning processes

· establish an economic regulation regime, to ensure efficient service delivery and to drive the achievement of efficiency gains, and consumer protection mechanisms

· develop an industry transformation strategy to support and enable the wider three waters industry to gear up for the new water services delivery system.

Regional Councils will continue regulation of wastewater and stormwater networks, including effects under the Resource Management Act, develop Regional Plans and manage consents.

2.1.4 Resource Management Reform

The Government plans to repeal the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and replace it with three new pieces of legislation. The three proposed new pieces of legislation to replace the RMA are as follows:

Natural and Built Environments Act (NBA)

This is the core piece of legislation to replace the RMA. The purpose of this Act is to enhance the quality of the environment to support the wellbeing of present and future generations.

On 29 June the exposure draft for the NBA was released for feedback by 4 August 2021. The exposure draft for the NBA does not cover the full bill. It provides an early look at key aspects of this legislation including the:

· purpose of the NBA (including Te Tiriti o Waitangi clause) and related provisions

· National Planning Framework

· Natural and Built Environments plans.

This will be considered through a select committee inquiry which started in July 2021. The Inquiry is expected to take around three months.

The select committee will report its findings to Parliament and any changes will be made before the full Bill is formally introduced. Other components of the legislation that were not developed in time for the exposure draft will be decided by Cabinet before being included in the full Bill.

Strategic Planning Act (SPA)

The purpose of this Act is to provide a strategic and long-term approach to how we plan for using land and the coastal marine area and to help coordinate and integrate decisions made under relevant legislation, through requiring the development of long-term regional spatial strategies.

The regional strategies would enable more efficient land and development markets to improve housing supply, affordability and choice, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The intention is for the NBA and the SPA to be introduced to Parliament in early 2022, follow the standard legislative process, and be passed before the end of the current Parliamentary term.

Climate Change Adaptation Act (CAA)

This Act would support New Zealand’s response to the effects of climate change. It would address the complex legal and technical issues associated with managed retreat (where it is required for climate change adaptation or to reduce risks from natural hazards) and funding and financing adaptation.

The core policy to be included in the CAA will be consulted on in early 2022 alongside consultation on the National Adaptation Plan under the Climate Change Response Act. This will allow for policy coherence across the response to the National Climate Change Risk Assessment, as well as coherence with the NBA and SPA. The CAA will be developed after considering the results of consultation, with the intention that legislation will be introduced to Parliament in early 2023.

2.1.5 Local Government New Zealand Conference

The Local Government New Zealand Conference 2021 was held on 14-17^th July 2021 in Blenheim. The theme was is Reimagining Aotearoa – from community up.

Speakers ranged from the Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern, Ministers Hon Nanaia Mahuta, Hon Grant Robertson, Leader of the Opposition Hon Judith Collins, LGNZ representatives – President Stuart Crosby, Mayors Rachel Reese and John Leggett, Caren Rangi, Shamubeel Eaqub, CEs advisors amoungst others.

Topics discussed included:

- Better water everywhere? He wai pai ake ki ngā wahi katoa?

- The Future for Local Government – Reimagining the future. Te ingoingo hou i te anamata.

- Creativity as a driver of community making and well-being. Ko te auahatanga te kaikokiri o te waihanga.

- Natural capital – the Marlborough story. Uara maori – ta Te Tauihu o te Waka korero.

- Resilience in the face of natural hazards. Te aumangea hei ngā panga a ngā ma.

- Building towards sustainable supply. Anga whakamua ana kit e rawa tautinei.

- Zone of Origin competition. Whakataetae ‘ Ahunga a-Rohe’.

2.2 Strategy and Policy Committee Tentative Work Programme 2021

The tentative work programme for the Strategy and Policy Committee Meetings and Workshops for 2021 are set out in Attachment 4.

The work programme will be updated once further national direction is received and reviewed in full annually. It is anticipated that further review will occur once the new acts are brought into law.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

This is an information only report and matters of risk in relation to the tentative programme package of RPS and RNRP changes and possible updated National Policy Statements and National Environmental Standards will be outlined in the separate reports when reported to the Committee for decision making purposes.

3.2 Climate Change

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature. Climate Change is a key matter that will be considered in the implementation policy development and analysis process of the proposed RPS Changes and RNRP Plan Changes and will be reported to the Committee during the process.

3.3 Implications for Māori

The RMA processes, RPS Changes and Plan Changes indicated in this report all involve consideration of implications for Māori, engagement and consideration of iwi planning documents.

3.4 Community Engagement

The RMA processes, RPS Changes and Plan Changes discussed in this report all involve consideration of community engagement undertaken through those processes.

3.5 Financial Implications

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and information only. There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget

4. Next Steps

Given the unprecedented nature and timing of reform it is essential that Regional Council continues to focus on delivery. Delivery of the Long Term Plan will be important, particularly key projects such as Essential Freshwater.

Following the Strategy and Policy Committee Operating environment presentation on 4^th May and through the Long Term Plan deliberations the following next steps have been compiled:

a) The importance of taking opportunities to partner with tangata whenua, local councils, central government and key stakeholders to jointly deliver.

b) Supporting Central Government where possible for example through – secondment of staff, contributing to Regional Sector Special Interest Groups or at different levels, through involvement in Local Government NZ input into reforms, and by contributing to the Taituarā Three Waters Steering Group.

c) Using opportunities to influence such as commenting on the NBA exposure draft.

d) Emphasising and communicating the value add of both the regional sector local government, and the role of local/regional democracy.

e) Getting prepared for change, being adaptable, and flexible.

f) Monitoring and reporting on the operating environment.

The Strategy and Policy Committee Tentative Workstream Programme will be updated and reported to the Strategy and Policy Committee at relevant Committee Meeting and Workshops through 2021 as a result.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Schedule of upcoming legislative changes July update ⇩

Attachment 2 - Key upcoming legislative and policy changes and potential impacts July 2021 ⇩

Attachment 3 - LGNZ Local Government Reform Diagram 2021 ⇩

Attachment 4 - Strategy and Policy Committee Tentative Work Programme ⇩



Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	4 August 2021
Report Writer:	Dean Howie, Programme Manager - Regional Economic Development
Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Purpose:	To update the Strategy & Policy Committee on the Bay of Connections work programme

Bay of Connections update

Executive Summary

The Bay of Plenty economy is resilient and continuing to perform well in the wake of COVID-19. Several key infrastructure projects are under way or nearing completion, delivering much needed employment. Sub-regional disparity remains an issue and some industry sectors are still experiencing challenges. The region’s labour market is simultaneously brimming with jobseekers and constrained by a lack of skilled workers, a pressing issue for businesses, EDAs and central government alike.

Against this backdrop, the refreshed Bay of Connections has consulted widely with stakeholders to identify areas where it can offer support, deliver projects and provide thought leadership. Central to our future-focused work programme are initiatives designed to reposition the Bay of Plenty as New Zealand’s low carbon economy.

Recommendations

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Bay of Connections update.

1. Introduction

The refreshed Bay of Connections programme has been in place since August 2019. A necessary 12 months’ focus on supporting the region’s COVID-response, as well as a change in key personnel, has meant a delay in progressing Bay of Connections’ refreshed programme of activity.

With the region’s economy (largely) bouncing back well after the initial COVID response and lockdown, we have been able to return our focus to advancing our own activities – with an ongoing, critical focus on enabling the wider Bay of Plenty region’s economic development.

The past nine months have seen a high level of exploratory work in our key focus areas, including hosting and participating in focus groups, analysing research, data and results, and a significant effort on rebuilding relationships across the region, particularly with EDAs, Councils, relevant Government agencies and other key stakeholders.

This legwork means we are now in a position to advance and activate some key, refined projects that have relevance for the entire region – as well as New Zealand as a whole. This activity sees us re-confirm the core philosophy of Bay of Connections – connecting people within and into the wider Bay of Plenty region.

1.1 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Vibrant Region

We work with and connect the right people to create a prosperous region and economy.

1.1.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

Low - Positive

¨ Cultural

¨ Social

þ Economic

Low - Positive

2. Bay of Connections Update

2.1 The Regional Economy

The Bay of Plenty economy continues to perform well after bouncing back from the initial shock of COVID-19. Strong demand for primary sector exports, a large healthcare sector and booming construction industry have provided the Bay of Plenty economy with a level of resilience not seen in other regions. While our regional economic picture looks positive at a higher level, some sectors (predominantly tourism) and related industries are still experiencing significant challenges.

Economic data shows the Bay of Plenty at or slightly better than the national average across several key indicators, including GDP - down 0.2% for the year to March 2021, compared to New Zealand - down 3% for the same period (Infometrics, 2021).

Source: Infometrics, Quarterly Economic Monitor March 2021

Feedback from our EDA stakeholders suggests there is confidence in the economy among local communities, backing up what we are seeing in the data.

Despite a positive regional picture, sub-regional disparity remains and some industry sectors are still experiencing challenges. High export log prices belie some underlying issues in the forestry and wood processing sector, with the recent sale - and saving - of the Whakatāne Mill quickly followed by the Norske Slog Tasman mill closure, resulting in 160 jobs lost.

Strong domestic tourism numbers and spend over the past year has gone some way to supporting the embattled tourism sector. The travel bubble with Australia has resulted in many returning kiwis staying with family rather than with local accommodation providers, also limiting the flow on effects of increased hospitality and recreational spend. Visitor arrival and departure information and tourism spend data released later in the year will show the impact of Australian visitors during school holiday periods, and conversely the impact on domestic tourism resulting from New Zealanders heading to the Cook Islands and Australia.

Housing availability and affordability continue to be an issue, with central government making announcements on housing and increased benefit levels in an effort to alleviate some of those challenges.

A boon for the regional economy has been the implementation of projects supported by the Provincial Growth Fund, the most visible examples of which are the recently completed Rotorua lakefront, work starting on the Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki harbour developments, and the opening of the Whakatōhea mussels processing factory in Ōpōtiki.

Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit (Kānoa – REDIU), formerly the Provincial Development Unit, has been meeting with regional stakeholders to identify potential priority areas for investment from the recently announced $200m Regional Strategic Partnership Fund. Investment opportunities must meet key criteria: Productive, Resilient, Inclusive, Sustainable, and Maori enabling. Kānoa – REDIU will work with a Regional Economic Development Partnership Group to workshop and refine potential priorities for the region. Kānoa – REDIU has invited the Bay of Plenty Regional Skills Leadership Group to be the RED Partnership Group.

Following the identification of regional priorities and projects, Kānoa – REDIU will invite organisations to apply for investment. Decision-making for applications under $20m sits with the RED ministers – Robertson, Nash, Jackson and Sepuloni – with applications over $20m going to Cabinet. The RED Partnership Group has no decision-making power.

Jobseeker Support recipients in the year to March 2021 increased by 38.5% compared to the previous year, as COVID-19 saw many employees displaced. Despite this increase, labour market constraints are beginning to bite with EDAs and business organisations increasingly vocal on the scarcity of skilled labour.

Source: Infometrics, Quarterly Economic Monitor March 2021

Addressing skills needs and attracting talent is a challenge that pre-dates COVID-19 however and has become more acute with border closures and limited options to bring in talent from overseas. Central government recently announced an ‘immigration reset’ however specific details as to what that entails are not yet available.

The Bay of Plenty interim Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG), established in June 2020, has developed labour supply and demand pipelines focused on four priority sectors for our region: Horticulture, Forestry, Healthcare and Technology. The permanent RSLG will be established by the end of August 2021 and will begin developing regional workforce plans based on the work of the interim RSLG.

Addressing labour market challenges is a key focus for our EDA stakeholders and all were heavily involved in the interim RSLG.

While the Bay of Plenty economy shows signs of positivity and resilience, underlying challenges remain.

Against this backdrop, the Bay of Connections Leadership Group and operational team has worked to identify areas where it can support stakeholders, deliver projects and provide thought leadership.

2.2 Bay of Connections work programme

The Bay of Connections has identified a solid work programme that will allow delivery of several projects that address regional-level issues and connect the EDAs, TLAs and other stakeholders across our region. These projects have been refined and selected to maximise region-wide benefits and, most importantly, not compete with sub-regional priorities.

We have undertaken a series of visits around the region to identify EDA priorities and align these with a regional-level view. This has confirmed that there are similar challenges which can be addressed by combined effort.

The work programme includes several events targeting different stakeholder groups. Councillors will receive invitations to these events in due course.

In conjunction with these projects, Bay of Connections continues to play a vital role in facilitating connections, communicating with our audiences and providing data to our key stakeholders. We highlight local success and topics of regional interest and importance through our monthly newsletter and social media platforms; however our most important communication channel is getting out in the community to understand what is happening.

2.2.1 Transformation: Bay of Plenty – the low carbon economy

Bay of Connections believes the Bay of Plenty has an opportunity to position itself as New Zealand’s low carbon regional economy.

Many organisations across the wider Bay of Plenty are working with their customers and stakeholders to implement low carbon initiatives: Businesses, EDAs, RTOs, local government, Iwi and non-profits.

Global trends and the development of a number of relevant New Zealand policy statements around the environment and climate change response means the time is right to capitalise on the innovative thinking and actions currently underway and help lead the way for the country. The region’s unique proposition includes:

· An economy built on sustainable use of natural resources - Forestry, Horticulture and Aquaculture

· Harnessing innovation to drive adoption of alternative fuels in public transport and road freight

· Availability of renewable energy resources to power energy-intensive industries

· The opportunity to become the national leader in low carbon construction

· Improved urban form and design to reduce reliance on private vehicle use

· Increase in flexible working and use of distributed workspaces in the service economy, to reduce the number and distance of private vehicle trips.

The Bay of Connections work programme is founded on projects that advance our vision to become New Zealand’s low carbon economy.

2.2.2 Regional Cycle Network

Bay of Connections is developing a draft Regional Cycle Network strategy to go out to key stakeholders for input and feedback – ultimately we are seeking to crowdsource an overarching strategy that incorporates knowledge from across the region, connecting the numerous trails within each sub-region to create wider social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits. Currently, the various cycleways are managed and maintained by a number of different organisations, including TA’s, Waka Kotahi, iwi and others so “connecting the dots” between them will be critical to achieving these benefits.

The regional strategy will be used to engage with relevant agencies and stakeholders, and develop an action plan for people to take ownership of various components.

The Regional Cycle Network strategy shows that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole and will unlock the network benefit. The network will provide an impetus to economic recovery, particularly in the hard hit tourism sector, and enhance low carbon transport networks.

2.2.3 Low Carbon Construction forum

The Bay of Plenty has an opportunity to be a leader in low carbon construction through greater uptake of NZ engineered timber in mid-rise construction. This forum is designed to create a demand and desire for timber in commercial construction and encourage uptake of ‘Wood First’ policies in other councils.

Greater uptake of engineered timber construction aligns to the MBIE ‘Building for Climate Change’ programme to increase the operational efficiency of buildings, and to reduce the embodied carbon across the lifecycle of buildings

The forum is scheduled to take place in early September at Scion in Rotorua, hosted by Bay of Connections in partnership with Rotorua Lakes Council and Rotorua Economic Development.

2.2.4 Waste workshop

The Waste workshop will build on outcomes of the Regional Waste Stocktake (report due late July) to identify opportunities for waste minimisation and resource recovery. Bay of Connections will look to take ownership of a space that is appropriate and relevant to our role – enabling economic development – while encouraging other councils, agencies and organisations to take ownership for the remainder of the opportunities identified, where relevant.

Bay of Connections believes there is a real opportunity to improve engagement of the business community in this topic, promoting the economic benefits of improved resource use.

Pending delivery of the Regional Waste Stocktake report and confirmation of the Low Carbon Construction forum event date, the Waste workshop will run in late August or mid-September.

2.2.5 Decarbonising Industries forum

A key focus area for Bay of Connections is the transition to a low carbon economy. We are hosting a high profile forum later this year to bring together a number of key themes and give visibility to work the EDAs and other organisations are doing in this space.

The Decarbonising Industries forum is tentatively scheduled for early November, with the draft agenda including topics such as hydrogen use in heavy transport, the geothermal opportunity for energy intensive industries, biofuels, and research into methane reducing cattle feed supplements for the agriculture sector.

2.2.6 Data Project

Bay of Connections’ Data Project was created in response to our region’s request for quality data and insights – a demand that is a good fit with our focus on supporting and enabling the region’s growth.

Co-ordinated by our analyst, Jacqui Rolleston-Steed, the purpose of the data project is to source and analyse quality data to support interventions within regional economic development priority areas.

We share a snapshot of the latest data and statistics, relevant to our region, in our monthly newsletter, as well as on our Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

In collaboration with local councils and economic development agencies, we aim to provide quality economic data and information, and promote clarity to stakeholders, investors and funders about the latest economic picture for the region and all its parts. As part of this, Jacqui has facilitated the development of a regional data group, which meets quarterly to share expertise, insights and hear from guest speakers.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

An ongoing challenge (and opportunity) for Bay of Connections is to ensure we are not duplicating or dominating effort at a local level.

We have worked extremely hard over the past 12-18 months to re-develop relationships with EDAs and key stakeholders across the wider region, and we continue to receive two pieces of clear feedback:

· local areas want Bay of Connections to enable and support local priorities – not dictate or determine their own activities

· lead pan-regional efforts around key, big-picture opportunities and challenges, such as transitioning to a low carbon economy

It is a fine balance and we are keen to maintain this balance so that we can progress our key kaupapa with the support and partnership of local areas.

3.2 Climate Change

Activities within the Bay of Connections work programme seek to raise awareness of initiatives to mitigate climate change and encourage action at industry/business, community and local government levels.

3.3 Implications for Māori

The expansion of aquaculture activities, utilisation of undeveloped Māori land and horticulture development will deliver economic development opportunities for Māori. Whakatōhea Mussels Ōpōtiki Ltd will add 66 jobs from August 2021, and is expected to create 230 jobs in total by 2025, and significant amounts of land is being developed for horticulture in the Eastern Bay of Plenty that is projected to deliver 2500 jobs (based on the Ministry for Primary Industries metric for jobs per hectare).

Kānoa – REDIU has indicated the Regional Strategic Partnership Fund will have a strong focus on opportunities for Māori, further investment in key industry sectors and other areas may be forthcoming when regional priorities are agreed and funded.

Regional Cycle Network: Better engagement with iwi, and in particular landowners, will ensure that individual cycle trail projects are realistic and find strong community support. Past projects have foundered on a lack of understanding of land ownership issues. Opportunities for job creation through new tourism products and the establishment of supporting businesses such as cafes, shuttle services, guided tours and accommodation providers will provide opportunities for Māori.

Te Ao Māori perspectives will be woven into the workshop and forum agendas.

Bay of Connections has a close working relationship with Toi Kai Rawa. We seek areas of shared opportunity and collaboration, and provide data support for key Toi Kai Rawa projects.

3.4 Community Engagement

The level of engagement for each activity is as follows:

Regional Cycle Network: Co-operate - working directly with economic development agencies (EDAs), regional tourism organisations (RTOs), local cycle trusts, and cycling and walking trail advocacy groups to incorporate their feedback into the solution.

Low Carbon Construction forum: Inform - providing interested parties with information to increase understanding of the opportunities and encourage action.

Waste workshop: Involve – working directly with elected members, the regional waste liaison group and other key stakeholders to understand the issues and consider these when identifying possible solutions.

Decarbonising Industries forum: Inform - providing interested parties with information to increase understanding of the opportunities and encourage action.

Data Project:

· Regional Data Group: Co-operate - working with the data community to develop collective solutions.

· Providing data to stakeholders: Inform - providing BOC key stakeholders with information that is valuable, timely, relevant and actionable.

3.5 Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications: The Bay of Connections work programme fits within the allocated budget, and proposed sections of the Regional Cycle Network are listed in the Regional Land Transport Plan.

4. Next Steps

The Bay of Connections operations team are currently implementing the work programme. We are working in partnership with Rotorua Lakes Council and Rotorua Economic Development to host the Low Carbon Construction forum in early September at Scion’s Te Whare Nui o Tuteata building. A contractor has been secured to progress the Regional Cycle Network project, and initial planning has been done on the Decarbonising Industries forum, scheduled for early November.

The Waste workshop agenda and stakeholder invitation list is being finalised. The workshop will be facilitated by Nic Newman (pending confirmation of the date and his availability) and include a presentation from Waikato Regional Council on the Regional Waste Stocktake report.

Councillors will receive invitations to the forums and Waste workshop in due course.

The next Regional Data Group meeting takes place on 16 September 2021, with presentations from Dr Natalie Jackson (University of Waikato), Professor Girol Karacaoglu (Victoria University) and Kim Dunstan (Stats NZ) on the theme of population.

Bay of Connections will provide a progress report to the Strategy and Policy Committee in October 2021.



Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	4 August 2021
Report Writer:	Jane Palmer, Senior Planner Climate Change and Alicia Burningham, Programme Coordinator Integrated Catchments
Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Purpose:	To present the revised Climate Change Action Plan, following adoption of the LTP 2021-31

Revised Climate Change Action Plan

Executive Summary

Following the adoption of the Long Term Plan 2021-31, the Climate Change Action Plan has been updated to reflect the approved funding of $350,000 per annum for climate change initiatives. This report outlines the revised Climate Change Action Plan for Council approval.

Recommendations

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Revised Climate Change Action Plan.

2 Approves the revised Climate Change Action Plan.

3 Delegates to the Chief Executive the ability to make minor editorial changes to the Climate Change Action Plan before publication.

1. Introduction

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is a signatory to the New Zealand Local Government Leaders’ Climate Change Declaration. Council adopted its first Climate Change Action Plan in June 2019. The first Action Plan coincided with the declaration of a Climate Emergency.

Over the last two years, there has been significant progress in council’s climate change work, including:

· BOPRC has become a Toitu CarbonReduce certified organisation;

· All Council decisions now consider climate change implications via a mandatory climate change section in all Council agenda reports;

· A comprehensive Work Programme has been established to co-ordinate, monitor and report upon our climate change response work; and

· The Regional Council, with our local authorities, has been progressing regional climate change adaptation understanding through a regional pilot project and a separate iwi-led pilot.

Through the Long Term Plan 2021-31 process, funding of $350,000 per annum for climate change initiatives was approved, alongside adoption of Council’s new ‘Climate Change Statement’, which includes a vision, three objectives and six transformational shifts for the Bay of Plenty.

The Climate Change Action Plan has now been updated to reflect the recent Long Term Plan decisions and to align with the projects being co-ordinated through the Climate Change Programme.

1.1 Legislative Framework

New Zealand’s response to climate change at a national level is framed by Central Government’s Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019, which covers both mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) and adaptation (building resilience and managing the impacts of climate change). Under this Act, the Government will establish emissions budgets and reductions plans and a series of national climate change risk assessments and national adaptation plans.

The Resource Management Amendment Act (RMA) came into force on 30 June 2020, with the climate change provisions applying from 31 December 2021. These will require councils to have regard to emissions reduction plans and national adaptation plans when making and amending regional policy statements, regional plans and district plans. The provisions also enable councils to consider greenhouse gas emissions when consenting discharges to air under the RMA. The Resource Management Act reforms, announced in February, will repeal the current RMA and replace it with three new pieces of legislation, all of which will have implications for climate change, particularly the Climate Change Adaptation Act

1.2 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Healthy Environment	We develop and implement regional plans and policy to protect our natural environment.
Freshwater for Life	We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations.
Safe and Resilient Communities	We provide systems and information to increase understanding of natural hazard risks and climate change impacts.
A Vibrant Region	We work with and connect the right people to create a prosperous region and economy.
The Way We Work	We look to partnerships for best outcomes.

Climate Change is identified as one of the Council’s strategic challenges. The context for Council considering climate change continues to evolve, with the Climate Change Commission’s recent advice to Government, forthcoming emissions budgets and Resource Management reforms all impacting on the legislative landscape.

1.2.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

High - Positive

þ Cultural

Medium - Positive

þ Social

Medium - Positive

þ Economic

Medium - Positive

Climate change is an established environmental, social, cultural and economic issue which has effects on all aspects of our society. The revised Climate Change Action Plan signals Council’s commitment to responding to the challenges of climate change at a regional level and contains initiatives that impact across all four well-beings.

2. Revised Climate Change Action Plan

2.1 Background

The Action Plan outlines our response to climate change in terms of mitigation, adaption, engagement and awareness. The first iteration of the Action Plan was focused on building a strong foundation to embed climate change conceptually in the work we do, both internally and externally.

The increased focus on climate change was reflected in the increased funding for specific climate change initiatives approved through the new Long Term Plan and adoption of the Climate Change Statement, which now can to be put into action. The Action Plan has been updated to reflect these decisions and to align with Council’s overall approach.

2.2 Key changes

The key changes contained within the revised Action Plan are:

· Inclusion of Council’s Climate Change Statement (adopted as part of the Long Term Plan, 2021-31).

· Consolidation of the Action Plan goals – from 12 goals to four broader goals. This reflects a broadening of our approach to wider community initiatives and engagement, alongside our ongoing focus on ‘house in order’ actions.

· Streamlined presentation of the climate change actions to highlight the alignment with the Action Plan goals, contribution to mitigation and/or adaptation, along with indicative timeframes.

· Detail on climate change related work embedded across our core activities.

The revised Climate Change Action Plan is included as an attachment for Council feedback and approval.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

With the Council declaring a climate emergency in June 2019, there is reputational risk of Council being perceived as not taking sufficient action on climate change commensurate with an ‘emergency’. The revision of the Climate Change Action Plan mitigates this risk by signalling Council’s commitment to addressing climate change through specific actions.

There are also financial risks associated with lack of action on climate change; investment in both mitigation and adaptation measures sooner rather than later will avoid more significant costs at a later date, when the issues are expected to become more severe.

3.2 Climate Change

Mitigation			Adaptation
Reduce GHG emissions	Produce GHG emissions	Sequester carbon	Anticipate climate change impacts	Respond to climate change impacts
☒	☐	☐	☒	☒

The Climate Change Action Plan outlines Council’s response to climate change in terms of actions around both mitigation and adaptation.

3.3 Implications for Māori

Council has responsibilities to Māori under the LGA and the RMA. We are required to meet those responsibilities and identify any potential implications for Māori. Please consider including this section for reports going to all committees. The following questions will aid your analysis:

Crtl + click for Guideline material.

Climate change is of significant interest to Māori as it is to the whole community. Māori have particular interests around the impacts of climate change on land and land use – and in climate change adaptation where coastal areas are subject to sea level rise and weather event erosion. Climate change is beginning to be identified specifically in iwi management plans with the inclusion of natural hazards as a key topic.

The Action Plan includes specific actions relating to Māori, where Council can support Maori. Building upon Council’s He Korowai Mātauranga framework, there are opportunities to widen Council’s understanding of the Te Ao Māori view on climate change and recognise the important contribution tangata whenua can make in Council’s climate change initiatives.

3.4 Community Engagement

What level of engagement is council commited to? What actions will be taken

Consider identifying in the report:

• Council’s knowledge of community views on the subject.

• What aspect of the community is involved.

• How the views of the community were obtained.

• How the views were recorded and reported.

Engagement with the community is not required as the recommended proposal / decision.

Engagement with the community on the proposed climate change initiatives was undertaken through the Long Term Plan 2021-31 consultation process, which was considered by Council through deliberations in May 2021. The revised Action Plan reflects this engagement and Council decisions, therefore no further engagement is proposed at this point in time.

3.5 Financial Implications

If the recommendation is adopted by Council, will it result in:

If the answer is ‘no’ to both questions please select the dropdown option 1 and complete appropriately.

If the answer is ‘yes’ to either question please select “Budget Implications” in the building block below and liaise with your Management Accountant in order to complete the Financial Impact table.

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget.

4. Next Steps

Next Steps: What next? What resources are needed? Further analysis? Timeframes ahead. Any consultation planned. Remind Council of the process ahead. Next update to Council?

Conclusion: Short concluding remarks. Referring back to recommendations. No new content.

· Following Council approval of the revised Climate Change Action Plan, it will be published on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website, allowing for any minor editorial changes.

· Progress on the Action Plan initiatives will be reported to the Monitoring and Operation Committee on 7 September 2021).

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Climate Change Action Plan version 2 ⇩



Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	4 August 2021
Report Writer:	Nicola Green, Principal Advisor, Policy & Planning and Anaru Vercoe, Pou Whainga - Principal Advisor
Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science Julie Bevan, Policy & Planning Manager
Purpose:	To update the committee on progress towards implementing requirements of the NPSFM 2020.

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme update

Executive Summary

This paper provides updates on;

1. Pending national policy and regulatory changes affecting implementation of the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP), particularly focussing on proposed Freshwater Farm Plan regulations and amendments to Stock Exclusion regulations, which are open for public submissions now;

2. EFPP progress. In particular, regional plan chapter reviews and initial working draft options will be delivered in late July, and public engagement on freshwater values is now live. Tangata whenua engagement is advancing, with several projects and funding agreements under negotiation. A Māori engagement procurement plan is being prepared that is intended to cover the range of options presented under Te Hononga.

3. Significant EFPP risks relating to legislated obligations, environmental outcomes, progressing partnerships with Māori, and relationships. The Programme Lead Team has actions in place to minimise or mitigate these risks where possible

Endorsement is sought for some key messages that can be publicly communicated that:

§ encourage voluntary action to reduce contaminant (nutrient, sediment and bacteria) losses to water from rural land now;

§ address misconceptions some farmers hold which create resistance to reducing their contaminant losses now; and

§ ensure due process for implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2021 (NPSFM) is not compromised.

Recommendations

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme update.

2 Endorse the key messages promoting good management practice expressed in Section 3.1 of this report.

3 Confirms the public be excluded on the grounds set out in the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 from consideration of the following report attachment:

(a) Essential Freshwater Policy Programme: Key Risks 04 August 2021 under Section 48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(b)(ii) as withholding the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely to unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information and that this attachment be released to the public on the Chief Executive’s approval.

1. Introduction

The Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) is Council’s work programme to implement the requirements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM), primarily via changes to the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP). These changes will be notified in 2024.

This paper provides brief updates on;

1. Pending national policy and regulatory changes affecting implementation of the EFPP, particularly focussing on proposed Freshwater Farm Plan regulations and amendments to Stock Exclusion regulations, which are now open for public submissions;

2. EFPP progress;

3. Significant EFPP risks.

Endorsement is sought for some key messages that can be publicly communicated now to encourage voluntary action to reduce contaminant (nutrient, sediment and bacteria) losses to water from rural land, while the EFPP progresses.

1.1 Legislative Framework

This EFPP specifically implements the NPSFM, and also the requirement under the Resource Management Act 1991 to review provisions in regional plans every 10 years.

1.2 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Healthy Environment	We manage our natural resources effectively through regulation, education and action.
A Healthy Environment	We develop and implement regional plans and policy to protect our natural environment.
Freshwater for Life	Good decision making is supported through improving knowledge of our water resources.
Freshwater for Life	We listen to our communities and consider their values and priorities in our regional plans. We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations. We recognise and provide for Te Mana o Te Wai (intrinsic value of water).
The Way We Work	We honour our obligations to Māori.

1.2.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

þ Cultural

þ Social

þ Economic

As reported previously, this work programme is primarily focussed on maintaining and improving environmental outcomes for freshwater bodies. It also involves building partnership relationships with tangata whenua, and will have social and economic implications when finally delivered via notified changes to the Regional Policy Statement and Regional Natural Resources Plan.

The one matter for decision today (good management practice key messaging) is primarily focussed on encouraging action now, in order to progress environmental outcomes.

2. National update

Table 1 outlines upcoming legislative, regulatory and policy changes specifically relating to freshwater management and affecting this work programme.

Officers continue to contribute to various regional sector and cross sector national working groups involved in developing interpretation guidance and resolving implementation issues together.

Table 1: Upcoming national changes relating to freshwater

Instrument/change

Likely Release Dates

Freshwater Farm Plan regulations and
amendments to Stock Exclusion regulations

Discussion document open for feedback 26 July – 12 September

Gazettal late 2021 or early 2022

Amendments to wetland provisions in the National Environmental Standard for Freshwater Regulations, and in the NPSFM to provide a consenting pathway for urban development and infrastructure, waste management, and quarrying.

Exposure draft for feedback expected in August.

Gazettal late 2021 or early 2022.

2.1 Freshwater Farm Plan regulations and Stock Exclusion regulations

Discussion documents about future Freshwater Farm Plan regulations, and amendments to existing stock exclusion regulations were released on 14 July. The public submission period runs from 26 July until 12 September 2021.

The Freshwater Farm Plan regulations discussion document sets out preferred and alternative options for a Freshwater Farm Plan system for the country. Figure 1 shows how it would apply to farmers and growers, and summarises the role of regional councils.

The changes proposed to stock exclusion regulations are narrow in scope, and include:

· introduction of a more accurate low slope map;

· applying the current regulations to low slope land of 0-5 degrees slope instead of 0-10 degrees;

· requiring stock exclusion on 5-10 degrees slope land to be achieved through Freshwater Farm Plans; and

· excluding land above 500m, tall tussock land and depleted grassland from the stock exclusion requirements.

The consultation documents have been circulated to Committee members. Staff will work on a submission from Bay of Plenty Regional Council as well as contributing to one for the regional sector. Potential matters for Council’s submission will be presented at the Committee meeting. The draft submission can be provided prior to the 12 September deadline.

Figure 1: Farmer and grower journey through the freshwater farm plan system. Reference: Ministry for the Environment (July 2021). Freshwater farm plan regulations discussion document. Figure 2, page 20.

3. Programme update

Table 2 provides a brief outline of recent key work packages. While some slippage has started to occur in some workstreams, the Programme Lead Team is acting to address this now before it compounds over time.

As flagged in section 4.1 (Risks and Mitigations), we are progressing draft planning deliverables, while also seeking involvement with iwi and hapū on them, so drafts will be amended over time. We will regularly communicate that all work remains in draft and subject to iteration, to ensure tangata whenua do not feel we are progressing without their involvement.

Table 2: Council’s Essential Freshwater Policy Programme implementation progress

Key workstreams	Progress Highlights
RNRP design and integration	Draft RPS and RNRP structure developed. Working on consistent terminology and integration between early working draft chapters.
Kaupapa Maori	Establishing Nga Kaitohutohu, with some delays due to designing a fit for purpose procurement plan. First meeting likely in August (originally June). Discussions with iwi and hapū continue. Moving towards briefs, funding agreements, and deliverables. See section 4.3.
RPS and RNRP chapter reviews	RPS: review of the two freshwater chapters is underway. Draft options will be prepared by October. RNRP: Chapter reviews, working draft policy options and early draft plan change text will be delivered in July for five chapters. Significant policy shift options will be brought to this Committee, and discussed with advisory panels, iwi and hapu.
National Objectives Framework: vision, values and outcomes	Freshwater values survey and maps were launched on Participate Bay of Plenty 23 July. Staff are working up draft material to support discussions this year with iwi and hapū about vision and outcome statements for each draft FMU.
Water Quality	Water quality state and trends reports will be published this year. An Expert Panel is established to advise on water quality outcomes of different future scenarios.
Surface water quantity	Accounting tool will be made public shortly. Technical report on minimum flows for ecology is complete. An initial assessment of actual use data compared to allocation is near completion.
Groundwater	Model development continues.
Communications and Engagement	Freshwater values survey is live on Participate Bay of Plenty. TLA Forum meeting 5 August. Rural and Environmental Sector Organisation Forum held first meeting 8 June 2021. Next update 28 July. Attended Wai-Kokopu (Waihī catchment) and Lake Rerewhakaaitu Farmers meetings.

3.1 Key messaging – promoting good management practice and managing within limits

Given the recent release by central government of proposed Freshwater Farm Plan regulations, it is timely to emphasise the importance of achieving good management practice (GMP) and national and regional government and industry commitment to this¹.

Staff are aware of some farmers delaying actions to reduce contaminant losses and improve farm practices until future rules are more certain, because they are concerned these rules may disadvantage early adopters by:

1. basing future nutrient management on a grand parenting approach (i.e., land use intensity or nutrient losses are restricted to the current level, or any required reductions are relative to current levels).

2. failing to recognise early actions and investment, or requiring bigger change that makes the early investment insufficient/redundant.

It is therefore also timely to state some key messages about the policy process ahead to implement the NPSFM, focussing on contaminant management (nutrient, sediment and bacteria in particular). Importantly, Council must comply with, and give effect to the RMA and NPSFM. They require Council to go through a plan development process that includes identifying issues, exploring causes and options to address them, assessing the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of policy options, and consulting on those before setting policy position. The NPSFM sets out a National Objectives Framework that must be applied and directs the active involvement of tangata whenua and engagement with communities during this process. Early policy positions that would compromise the integrity of this process cannot be formed.

The messages attached (Attachment 1) were formed with the above issues and constraints in mind. Endorsement is sought from this Committee, then staff can communicate these messages. This will be particularly useful for land management officers during their regular contact with farmers.

4. Considerations

4.1 Risks and Mitigations

The Strategy and Policy Committee has requested the key risks for the EFPP are reported to them. There are many challenges and risks associated with delivery of the EFPP ranging in nature and scale. They include data and information uncertainties, natural environmental futures and response uncertainties, national policy and regulatory risk, relationships and engagement risks. Some are localised or task specific, some affect the whole region or programme. The Programme Lead Team (PLT) actively reviews, manages and mitigates (where possible) risks.

The summary attached (Attachment 2) identifies only the substantial risks that will be of interest at a governance level, because they may affect:

· Legislated obligations, including statutory deadlines

· Environmental outcomes that regional council is responsible for maintaining and improving (particularly water quality and ecosystem health)

· Progressing partnerships with Maori

· Community and stakeholder relationships and reputation

· Expenditure beyond budget (no key risks at present)

4.2 Climate Change

Crtl + click for guideline material.

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and there is no need to consider climate change impacts. However, impacts of climate change will be considered in delivery of the EFPP.

4.3 Implications for Māori

Crtl + click for Guideline material.

As reported previously, the NPSFM sets out clear requirements to involve tangata whenua in the management of freshwater, and engagement with tangata whenua is progressing in accordance with Te Hononga, Council’s Māori engagement plan for implementing the NPSFM.

Key engagement updates are attached (Attachment 3).

Following the adoption of the LTP 2021-2031, staff are assessing readiness of iwi, hapū and other tangata whenua groups. A draft spectrum relating to capability and capacity is being prepared that will guide staff in determining which groups will need focussed financial support, particularly those that did not make a submission on the LTP. It is important to note that “iwi readiness” cannot be based on whether or not a Treaty settlement is in play. Other variables include: experience with policy and planning, particularly in the absence of resource management units; familiarity with the government’s regulatory reforms; geographical location; internal political dynamics; and the status of iwi planning documents, to name but a few.

While staff continue to have discussions, the national regulatory reforms, particularly the introduction of legislation to replace the RMA and the Three Waters Programme are drawing the attention of tangata whenua away from engagement on the NPSFM 2020. The Ngāi Tahu Declarations to the High Court on “Rangatiratanga” are also percolating interest. Other matters such as the recent decision by the High Court on the Edwards Marine and Coastal (Takutai Moana) application has diverted attention for affected iwi parties.

Nationally, Te Mana o Te Wai training and the preparation of Mahinga Kai guidelines will roll out shortly. The Te Mana o Te Wai workshops for the Bay of Plenty Region will be held on the 10th (for Council staff) and 11^th (for tangata whenua) August 2021. The Ministry for the Environment has indicated that tangata whenua workshop will have the highest attendance across the country.

4.4 Community Engagement

Consider identifying in the report:

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

To obtain input or feedback from affected communities about our analysis, alternatives, and /or proposed decisions.

Community engagement is delivered in alignment with the overarching Communications and Engagement Plan approach presented and agreed in 2020.

At this point in the EFPP, community engagement is largely via online information provision and online surveys. The Participate Bay of Plenty survey seeking freshwater values information is live.

Three advisory panels provide early and ongoing advice. They are Ngā Kaitohutohu, the Rural and Environmental Sector Organisation Forum, and the Territorial Local Authorities Forum.

In 2023, the next phase of community engagement to discuss policy options and implications will be sought. This will involve more face to face engagement methods.

4.5 Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget.Insert current budget implications.

5. Next Steps

Upcoming matters for Councillor and Strategy and Policy Committee consideration include:

1. A draft submission on proposed Freshwater Farm Plan regulations and amendments to Stock Exclusion regulations will be delivered by close of submissions on 12 September. Opportunity for Councillor feedback will be provided.

2. Staff and Councillors can communicate the key messages promoting good management practice and managing within limits, assuming they are endorsed today.

3. Workshops on working draft policy options for region wide chapters will be held with Councillors before the end of the year, and these will start to be discussed with advisory fora, iwi and hapū.

4. Current and baseline state, and trends will be presented online once technical reports are delivered.

5. Councillors will be kept informed of any new information being discussed with advisory panels, iwi and hapū or other stakeholders.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Key messages to promote good management practice ⇩

Attachment 2 - Essential Freshwater Policy Programme: Key Risks 04 August 2021 (Public Excluded) ⇩

Attachment 3 - Maori Engagement Table as of 200721Final ⇩



Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	4 August 2021
Report Writer:	Steve Pickles, Regulatory Compliance Specialist and Glenn Ellery, Data Services Manager
Report Authoriser:	Sarah Omundsen, General Manager, Regulatory Services
Purpose:	To review the recent water shortage events in the Bay of Plenty, and to approve delegation for issuing future Water Shortage Directions

Water Shortage Events: Review of the last two seasons and renewing delegation for future events

Executive Summary

The Resource Management Act 1991 provides a specific statutory tool for Regional Council to use when there is a serious drought situation and where stream water flows are much lower than normal, or groundwater levels are in decline. Section 329 enables Councils to issue a water shortage direction to water users, stopping or restricting the abstraction of water regardless of whether they are operating under a consent or utilising the Council’s Permitted Activity rules.

A Standard Operating Procedure for managing a water shortage event and issuing a water shortage direction was prepared and approved by Council on 10 March 2020. At the time of adoption, delegation was given to the Chief Executive for issuing water shortage directions for a period of 15 months (i.e. June 2021).

Given that the March 2020 meeting was the first time Council had adopted a process for managing water shortage events, a resolution was included requesting that prior to extending the delegation a report be prepared reviewing the impacts and effects of the Standard Operating Procedure.

This report reviews the last two drought seasons, proposes a revised Standard Operating Procedure which includes learnings gained over the last 15 months, and seeks ongoing approval for delegation to the Chief Executive for issuing Water Shortage Directions.

Recommendations

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Water Shortage Events: Review of the last two seasons and renewing delegation for future events.

2 Approves the revised Standard Operating Procedure (July 2021) that has been developed to manage and respond to water shortage events in the Bay of Plenty.

3 Delegates the responsibility for issuing a Water Shortage Direction under Section 329 of the Resource Management Act 1991 to the Chief Executive.

1. Introduction

The Bay of Plenty, along with many other regions in New Zealand, has recently been experiencing drier than normal conditions. The extended dry period has placed considerable natural pressure on many of our region’s waterways.

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing Water Shortage Events (WSE) was adopted by Council on 10 March 2020. The SOP has been a very useful tool in determining and managing our response to the low flow events of the last two years.

The full March 2020 report, which explains the background to what a water shortage event is and details what the three level SOP is, can be accessed here: Managing and responding to water shortage events: 10 March 2020

When Council adopted the SOP, they also gave delegation for issuing a Water Shortage Direction to the Chief Executive. However, this delegation was to be reviewed after 15 months.

This report recommends several amendments to the SOP based on learnings of the last 18 months, and suggests ongoing delegation to the Chief Executive.

It also acknowledges that more robust policy will be developed through the current National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) process, so it is expected that further refinement, or complete replacement, of the SOP will likely occur prior to 2025.

1.1 Legislative Framework

Section 329 of the Resource Management provides the ability to issue a Water Shortage Direction (WSD) relating to the taking, use, damming or diversion of water, as well as to the discharge of any contaminant into water. The section allows for a WSD to apportion, restrict, or suspend an activity to the extent set out on the direction.

A WSD may not last for more than 14 days but can be amended, revoked or renewed by a subsequent direction. A WSD can relate to any specified water, in any specified area or to any water body.

The conditions of a WSD override all consent conditions, even the more recent consents that contain low flow management conditions i.e. in layman’s terms, a WSD trumps all consent conditions.

1.2 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Healthy Environment	We manage our natural resources effectively through regulation, education and action.
Freshwater for Life	We deliver solutions to local problems to improve water quality and manage quantity.
The Way We Work	We use robust information, science and technology.

1.2.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

High - Positive

þ Cultural

Medium - Positive

¨ Social

Low - Positive

þ Economic

Low - Negative

2. Background

The Bay of Plenty, along with many other regions in New Zealand, has recently been experiencing drier than normal conditions. In fact, during the last two water years, parts of the Bay have had rainfall of less than 50% of their average summer rainfall and less than 75% of their annual normal rainfall.

The extended dry period placed considerable natural pressure on many of our region’s waterways. For example, low stream flows across the Bay of Plenty (particularly in the west) were common during the summer of 2019/20, while during 2021 several streams between Rotorua and Tauranga recorded their lowest flows in decades.

The warm and dry conditions experienced over the last two years also meant that there was increased demand for water from commercial, agricultural, horticultural and municipal abstractors. Combined with the natural effects of lower stream flows, increased water use can place additional pressure on our freshwater resources.

It must be noted that the event of 2019/20 coincided with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. This added a degree of complexity to both our response and also to our ability to gain a clear understanding of the impacts of the drought – we simply couldn’t spend much time in the field.

The COVID-19 event also added a layer of complexity when thinking about potential restrictions, as we were conscious of both the wellbeing of the community and our own staff if restrictions were put in place.

Throughout the last two dry seasons the Standard Operating Procedure (summarised in the graphic below) was very useful in determining our response to the low flow events of the last two years.

Over the last 18 months we moved between Level 1 (Normal water) and Level 2 (Impending water shortage). However we have not moved into Level 3 (Water shortage event - issue direction) since adoption of the SOP.

Water Shortage SOP Infographic

2.1 What’s happened over the last 18 months?

As stated above, the SOP has been helpful in navigating through the dry conditions over the last 18 months. Discussion on how we operated in line with the SOP is detailed in section 2.3 of this report. Several internal processes have been developed over that time that have helped with our response.

An example is the development of the Adverse Event Situation Reports that have been regularly issued over the last 18 months. They combine information from our Council’s network of monitoring stations (rainfall, flow, groundwater level and soil moisture) combined with climate and meteorological information from MetService and NIWA. Not only have these been vital in keeping an eye on flow and rainfall trends, they have also been very useful in forecasting what may happen over coming days/weeks/months. The Situation Reports were very positively received by our various stakeholders, and helped them inform their decision making and messaging with their members.

Another example of a new internal process was the creation of a Water Shortage Decision Group (WSDG) during last year’s 2019/20 event. The group, made up of senior management, was formed to consider recommendations from the Water Shortage Event Manager when proposing to move into a Level 3 situation. It provided a robustness to the decision making and worked very well. The group was not required to convene for the 2020/21 event.

In addition there are tools that are still being developed/refined which have been informed from the experience of the last 18 months. An example of this is the creation of a draft decision risk matrix. This not only looks at the environmental aspects of the event, but also attempts to balance this with the potential impact of any restrictions on users. The tool is also being developed to take into account cultural flow information that will be developed through the NPSFM process.

It should be noted that given the current fast-paced nature of change within the water management space, it may be that additional tools, or modification of existing processes, will need to occur over the coming years.

2.2 How dry has it been?

Annual rainfalls have been in decline for many parts of the region over the last three years. Some areas have had rainfall of less than 50% of their average summer rainfall and less than 75% of their annual normal rainfall.

A primary indicator of how dry it has been is provided by the resulting impact trends on surface water river flows, which are made up of a combination of groundwater base flow (from groundwater or lakes) and near surface quick-flow (surface or interflow drainage). Impact trends are shown below for a range of monitoring sites across the region and demonstrate that while there is some level of recovery over the winter months, and in response to passing storms, the longer term trend since 2018 has been in decline.

The degree of impact across the region has varied over the last two years in terms of how low stream flows dropped and at what time, but lowest ever flows since records began have been experienced in many long term monitoring sites in the western and central parts of the region. As an example the Ngongotahā Stream had the lowest ever flow measured in its 46 year history.

The eastern parts of the region, while demonstrating a similar trend, have seen lesser impact than other parts of the region as rainfalls have been closer to long term normal. This is due to the dominance of weather systems from the north bringing rainfall into eastern catchments.

2.3 Operating in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure

The SOP effectively broke down our response into 4 key areas: Assess, Evaluate, Engage and Inform. Performance within these areas is outlined below.

2.3.1 Assess

A lot of effort was put into the Assessment phase of the kaupapa. In particular, close monitoring of Council’s network of automated stream flow sites was undertaken throughout, but particularly at Level 2. Rainfall, soil moisture and some groundwater data was also used to help ‘paint a picture’ of the state of the environment.

Climate information, including long term forecasting, was taken from both free and paid sources to help inform the decision making. The occasional use of paid regionally-focussed forecasting helped reinforce whether staff assessments were in line with forecasters’ predictions.

When Covid restrictions allowed, low flow monitoring of waterways was carried out across the Bay of Plenty, as were instream ecological health assessments. A modified instream assessment technique was used to assess stream health during last year’s lock down. While adhering to strict Covid protocols, staff managed to assess four Western Bay streams, at several sites per stream.

In addition to Council’s network of monitoring, we also received several anecdotal reports that helped inform our decision making. For example, we received reports of small spring fed creeks running very low, and also heard of shallow farm wells running dry. These reports were received through various channels, including from our Emergency Management personnel (who were arranging temporary water supplies for some rural domestic properties) and via stakeholders e.g. Rural Support Trust meetings.

2.3.2 Evaluate

Evaluation of the data was largely undertaken by the Data Services Manager who prepared the regular Situation Reports. These Situation Reports were used to inform the decision making of the Water Shortage Manager and communicate current state and future forecasts to stakeholders. Additionally the Science team were also called upon for their technical input – particularly as the situation in the Western Bay was worsening around March and April 2020.

Throughout the last 18 months, development of various reporting tools helped with evaluation and communication of drought. For example, adoption of a 1, 3 and 12 monthly Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) using Council’s rainfall data helped paint a graphical picture of the state of “drought” within the Bay of Plenty. This was very useful when informing and engaging with the public.

Through the evaluation process, staff identified “gaps” where available data did not always give 100% certainty. For example, as we know, there are only a small proportion of the Bay of Plenty’s streams that have automated stream flow sites on them. And many of these have been historically set up for flood flow management (i.e. top end of a catchment), rather than set up for low flow management (lower down the catchment).

This means that there will always be a certain amount of judgement needed when evaluating the data and determining whether movement between the Levels is required. Quite simply, this is unavoidable without every waterway in the Bay of Plenty having their own permanent recording sites, which is not a feasible option. It is expected that through fresh water policy reform, there will be a freshwater management unit framework developed that will usefully inform future enhancement of Council’s monitoring network. As mentioned earlier, the Water Shortage Decision Group provide an extra layer of robustness to the evaluation phase when considering moving into a Level 3 response.

2.3.3 Engage

Engagement with stakeholder groups has been undertaken throughout the last 18 months. In particular there was a focus on engaging with key groups who represent the main water users in the region.

Several meetings and workshops were held with the kiwifruit, avocado and dairy industries. During 2020, participation in regular (fortnightly) MPI led, drought focussed virtual meetings was also undertaken. These were run alongside the Rural Support Trust so were a great opportunity to gain an insight into the potential impact possible restrictions could mean to some users.

Meetings with municipal abstractors taking surface water in areas of concern has also occurred. In particular regular contact with Tauranga City Council and Rotorua Lakes Council staff has occurred throughout the last 18 months.

It became apparent very early on that a high level of engagement with iwi during the course of an event would be challenging, due in part to the number of iwi/hapū potentially affected resulting in resourcing challenges (for both iwi/hapū and for Council). Therefore although not ideal, staff adopted a position of informing iwi of developing issues rather than engagement. It should be noted that, although was not taken up, all correspondence offered the recipients the opportunity to discuss further.

Significant iwi/hapū engagement will be occurring via the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) of work. This work will help inform the future plan changes, and in relation to Water Shortage work, this will be invaluable when considering cultural flow limits.

However given the immediacy of having to make Water Shortage decisions, the more robust EFPP engagement process is not suitable to inform the reactive decision making needed when considering issuing a WSD. In addition, as water shortage focus areas generally cover very large areas of the Bay of Plenty, multiple iwi and hapū are often located within those focus areas.

Therefore it is proposed that we continue to inform iwi and hapū of the Water Shortage event, and leave engagement to the more robust EFPP processes. This change is reflected in the proposed amendments to the SOP.

2.3.4 Inform

We have used multiple methods of communication over the last two seasons to inform consent holders, iwi/hapū, stakeholders and general public of the developing water shortage events.

Several media releases have been issued over the last 18 months. These have been used to raise general awareness during dry periods, and reinforce the need for everyone (even domestic users) to conserve water. We also used them to inform the public of changes to the operating levels. As well as issuing the media releases, we also incorporated the messaging into other Council newsletters, such as the e-Panui and the Freshwater Flash.

Territorial authorities have also issued media releases reinforcing the same messaging. Several have run targeted water conservation campaigns, as well as also putting water restrictions in place. Tauranga City Council have only recently cancelled their sprinkler restrictions, which were the longest restrictions that have ever had in place. Their public messaging reinforced that the restrictions were not due to treatment plant or reticulation capacity issues, but were due to the low flow in the streams that they abstract their source water from. This was unprecedented messaging.

In addition to general public messaging, this year we also undertook direct communication with consent holders where there was a high risk of possible restrictions being imposed (i.e. the Level 2 Rotorua Focus Zone). This allowed for clear advice to be given around what possible restrictions could look like, and offered them opportunities to contact Council to discuss their personal situations.

A key method of communication was via Council’s website. In May 2020 a specific webpage was set up as a one stop shop for all of the Water Shortage information. It gives an overview of the Water Shortage process, and is always updated to show the current situation across the Bay of Plenty. The page has all of the 2020/21 Situation Reports on it, has information around drought assistance and wise water use, has a summary of the water use rules and also links through to Council’s rainfall, stream and soil moisture monitoring information. It also contains links to the relevant Council media releases. You can view the page here: BOPRC Water Shortage page

In addition to the methods used above, iwi/hapū were informed using two other forms of communication. For general information sharing, messaging was placed into Council’s e-Panui newsletters. This was a valuable way of raising awareness of the developing low flow situation throughout the Bay of Plenty. During Level 2, more targeted awareness raising was undertaken through direct correspondence with relevant iwi/hapū. In April 2020, iwi/hapū in the Mauao rohe were contacted to advise of the developing situation with many of the western Bay of Plenty streams. Likewise, iwi/hapū within the Rotorua Focus Zone were contacted this year advising of the dropping stream flows in several of the waterways in their area.

2.4 Proposed changes to the Standard Operating Procedure

It is expected that the current process for managing water shortage events will be further developed as policy is formed through the NPSFM processes. Importantly, factors such as cultural flow requirements will be adopted through the new policy. Therefore the current SOP should be seen as a “stop gap” process ahead of the more formal policy which will be developed by 2024.

Appendix 1 details an amended SOP document. The document condenses the information contained in the March 2020 version (Managing and responding to water shortage events: 10 March 2020), and incorporates lessons learnt over the last 18 months. The SOP is a high level document, with the detail around the various actions required in the SOP now sitting outside of the document.

The main proposed amendments are:

1. Simplify the whole SOP to make it easier to read. Limit to main action points, with detail sitting outside the SOP.

2. Inclusion of a Level 0: No Water Shortage concerns. This new level effectively allows an event to end.

3. Level 1: Reducing water availability - proposed changes:

a. Add: Appoint Water Shortage Event Manager: This was previously discussed as happening at L2.

b. Simplify by removing references to actions that are undertaken as BAU i.e. Data Services maintenance and routine low flow gauging, database of consent holders, etc.

c. Replace “Develop” with “Review” in relation to the Communications Plan.

d. Replace “Engagement with iwi/hapū” with “Inform iwi/hapū” of potential water shortage event.

e. Situation Reports: Prepare regular SitReps (usually 1 – 2 monthly) for WSE Manager, place on website and send to stakeholders.

4. Level 2: Impending water shortage - proposed changes:

a. Convene subject matter expert meetings to evaluate all available data.

b. Define catchments/waterbodies of interest (known as Focus Zones).

c. Inform iwi/hapū within Focus Zones of elevated risk of water shortage event.

d. Develop a list of affected consent holders within Focus Zones. Ensure contact details are accurate.

e. Situation Reports: Increase frequency of SitReps (at least monthly, or more frequently as directed by WSE Manager), place on website and update stakeholders.

5. Level 3: Water shortage event - proposed changes:

a. Convene Water Shortage Decision Group. The WSDG shall be made up of GM Regulatory Services, GM Integrated Catchments, Environmental Data Services Manager, Science Manager and a Regulatory Compliance Manager (or a senior/experienced delegate e.g. Team Leader).

b. The WSDG shall review any proposal to issue a Water Shortage Direction before any recommendation is forwarded to the CE for approval.

c. During a Level 3 event, SitReps covering the Focus Zones shall be produced every two weeks.

d. Inform affected consent holders, iwi/hapū, and stakeholders of status on at least a two weekly basis.

2.5 Ongoing Chief Executive delegation

Staff recommend that permanent delegation for issuing Water Shortage Directions under section 329 of the Resource Management Act is given to the Chief Executive.

Including the Water Shortage Decision Group into the process when considering moving into, or out of, Level 3 i.e. issuing a Water Shortage Direction, should provide Council with confidence. Staff would continue to inform Councillors of any move into/out of Level 3 of the SOP.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

Water shortage events can impact on waterway health, cultural flows, community wellbeing, and can result in financial impacts for those relying on access to water. With the expected climate change predictions, there is a risk that the frequency of water shortage events could rise in the future.

The risks can be split into a) risks associated with not restricting takes, b) risks associated with restricting takes unnecessarily and perhaps c) restricting takes arbitrarily (without considering the needs of different water users).

Therefore strong policy supported by robust processes, and frequent and clear communication, are important for helping mitigate the risks associated with water shortage events.

Staff believe that there are no significant risks associated with the proposed SOP and delegation of decision making to the CE (fast, well-informed, decision-making may be required).

3.2 Climate Change

Predicted climate change patterns may increase the risk of drought occurring, even though annual rainfall figures may not alter significantly for some areas of the Bay of Plenty. Increased drought will likely have impacts of stream and groundwater resources, both through reduced flows/ground levels, and through increased demand.

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and there is no need to consider climate change impacts as part of considering the recommendations.

Mitigation			Adaptation
Reduce GHG emissions	Produce GHG emissions	Sequester carbon	Anticipate climate change impacts	Respond to climate change impacts
☐	☐	☐	☒	☒

3.3 Implications for Māori

Māori may be impacted by decisions made during water shortage events, both as users and Kaitiaki of water. As outlined in sections 2.3 and 2.4 staff consider it appropriate to inform iwi/hapū of conditions and decisions rather than engaging. This is because of the short timeframes during which decisions need to be made and because of the extensive engagement planned in the near future as part of the EFPP.

3.4 Community Engagement

INFORM

Whakamōhio

To provide affected communities with balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problems, alternatives and/or solutions.

This report outlines the engagement with the community as part of the improved SOP.

3.5 Financial Implications

If the recommendation is adopted by Council, will it result in:

If the answer is ‘no’ to both questions please select the dropdown option 1 and complete appropriately.

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget.

4. Next Steps

Next Steps: What next? What resources are needed? Further analysis? Timeframes ahead. Any consultation planned. Remind Council of the process ahead. Next update to Council?

Conclusion: Short concluding remarks. Referring back to recommendations. No new content.

Development of a more robust water shortage response will be undertaken over the coming years through the NPSFM and subsequent plan reviews. However the amended SOP and Delegation will enable staff to respond to any future water shortage events in the interim.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Water Shortage Standard Operating Procedure - July 2021 ⇩



Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	4 August 2021
Report Writer:	Santiago Bermeo, Senior Planner
Report Authoriser:	Stephen Lamb, Environmental Strategy Manager Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Purpose:	To seek the Committee’s agreement on objectives for the Bay of Plenty Sustainable Homes Scheme, and outline the process we will follow to develop and design the Scheme.

Bay of Plenty Sustainable Homes Scheme: Initial Direction

Executive Summary

In its adoption of the Long Term Plan 2021-31, Council agreed to implement a Sustainable Homes Scheme for the region. The scheme is part of Council’s Climate Change Action Plan (discussed in a separate paper) and aims to reduce regional emissions associated with electricity use by households.

This paper seeks the Committee’s agreement on objectives for the Scheme, which will in turn guide its development and design. The Scheme most directly supports our community outcome of Toitu te rohe – A vibrant region, specifically the objective and strategic priority to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions and help the region transition to a low carbon economy. In this context, the proposed objectives for the Scheme are to:

1. Help make Bay of Plenty homes more energy efficient.

2. Reduce households' draw on the national grid and associated indirect greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Increase regional renewable electricity generation.

4. Target financial assistance to lower income households, consistent with a just transition.

The paper also sets out the process we will follow over the next year to develop and design the scheme. This may include addressing issues related to compliance with the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003.

Recommendations

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Bay of Plenty Sustainable Homes Scheme: Initial Direction.

2 Agrees with the intervention logic and proposed objectives for the Scheme.

3 Notes the process we expect to follow to develop the Scheme.

1. Introduction

In its adoption of the Long Term Plan 2021-31 (LTP), Council agreed to implement a Sustainable Homes Scheme (‘the Scheme’) for the region, offering a combination of interest-free loans, low interest loans and grants.

Electricity use accounts for an estimated 7% of the Bay of Plenty’s gross greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mostly from using national grid electricity generated from non-renewable sources (e.g., Huntly Power Station). While these emissions are generated outside our region, electricity use in our region increases them (i.e., these are indirect emissions). Households can reduce these emissions by increasing their energy efficiency, and potentially by generating at least part of their own electricity with solar panels. These changes would be consistent with a transition to a lower carbon economy.

The Scheme seeks to address high upfront costs as a significant barrier to uptake for some of key energy efficiency practices (e.g., insulation, clean heating, and solar systems). It will provide loans, repayable through targeted rates, and grants. The Scheme will effectively be an extension of the model applied in the successful Hot Swap Programme, aimed at improving air quality in Rotorua. As recognised by the Climate Change Commission, warm, dry and energy efficient households would also have significant co-benefits in terms of improved health outcomes, and lower power bills. A number of other regional and district/city councils currently have, or are planning to have, similar schemes. Further background and rationale for the Scheme is included in Attachment 1.

At this stage, we are seeking the Committee’s agreement to proposed objectives for the Scheme, which in turn will guide its design and development over the next year. It also sets out the process we intend to follow.

1.1 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Vibrant Region

Our region is reducing net greenhouse gas emissions in line with national targets and is transitioning to a low carbon economy.

A key component of the Scheme will be to estimate its impact on GHG emissions. It will not be possible to measure changes in emissions associated with the Scheme directly. The impact of the Scheme will be on indirect emissions, dependent on individual household electricity use before and after interventions, and on the share of non-renewable generated electricity coming from the grid at the time. Nonetheless, we can estimate impact based on household electricity use, using tools like the Ministry for the Environment’s emissions factors and workbook.

1.1.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

Low - Positive

¨ Cultural

þ Social

Low - Positive

þ Economic

Low - Positive

Social and economic benefits for individual households participating in the scheme could be significant. However, at a regional level, the scale of impact will be dependent on:

· uptake of the Scheme by ratepayers;

· the financial parameters applied to loans; and

· the scale of investment that Council ultimately chooses to make in the Scheme.

We will seek direction from the Committee on the second point at a future meeting. In terms of the third point, for the LTP consultation document (and the assessment above), we assumed a capital investment in the scheme of $2 million; this has been included in the LTP budget. This would benefit between 200 and 500 households across the region, subject to the type and cost of facilities adopted, and the extent of leverage of other funding sources (e.g., central government programmes). Should uptake of the scheme be sufficiently high, Council may choose to increase the level of funding available. By contrast, Waikato Regional Council initially plans to invest $5 million in a similar scheme, and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council has invested $32 million in a similar scheme that has benefitted more than 17,000 households over 11 years.

The main benefit sought, as described above, is a reduction in GHG emissions associated with household electricity use. Other co-benefits include improved air quality (through clean heating), improved health outcomes (through warmer and drier homes) and lower power bills.

2. Intervention logic and proposed Scheme objectives

The following figure summarises the intervention logic, starting from our community outcome and strategic priority, and the proposed objectives for the scheme.

The proposed objectives for the scheme have been derived from the core need to address GHG reductions and respond to the Council’s climate change statement. For example, the concept of a “just transition” implies Council should be targeting its financial assistance to help households which may face a greater impact of climate change policy.

Note that while Council agreed to offer a combination of loans (interest-free and low interest) and grants, we will seek future decisions from the Committee on how these mechanisms might apply at future meetings.

This Report is seeking the Committee’s agreement to the Proposed Scheme Objectives. They will then be used to guide the next steps in the Scheme’s design.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

3.1.1 Compliance with the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003

In late February 2021, as the LTP consultation was starting, the Commerce Commission wrote to several councils, including BOPRC, to inform them that loans made under targeted rate schemes are likely to be consumer credit contracts for the purposes of the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (CCCFA). The letter from the Commerce Commission stemmed from its findings that a scheme operated by Auckland Council likely breached the CCCFA.

BOPRC’s ability to comply with the CCCFA, if required, would be a critical consideration in the design and implementation of the Scheme. Compliance with the CCCFA, including new requirements coming into force on 1 October 2021, would involve a range of compliance costs and on-going legal risks. This is an issue faced by many regional and city/district councils around New Zealand, some of which have stopped offering schemes due to the issue.

BOPRC is working with ten other regional and city/district councils that have, or are planning to have, similar schemes. Initially, the focus for this group is to seek a declaration, under s 137A of the CCCFA, that council-run targeted rate schemes are not credit contracts under the CCCFA. If successful, this would allow council-run targeted rate schemes to operate outside of the CCCFA. Initial legal advice suggests there are a number of factors that would support such a declaration.

The provision of grants under the Scheme is not subject to the CCCFA. There may be merit in considering an earlier start of this part of the Scheme to leverage limited central government funding. For example, central government’s Warmer Kiwi Homes Programme offers up to 80% of the cost of efficient heating and insulation to low income households (until June 2023 and subject to budget constraints). Previously, BOPRC’s Low Income Heating Grants for the Rotorua air shed (part of the Hot Swap Programme) covered the unfunded portion of central government grants, which many low-income households could not otherwise afford. This option will be discussed in more detail at a future Committee workshop/meeting.

3.1.2 Obligation to consult when introducing a new targeted rate

Under the Local Government Act 2002, BOPRC has an obligation to consult when introducing a new rate, for example when introducing a new targeted rate for the purpose of recovering the cost of a loan to a ratepayer. While this was implied during LTP consultation, it was not explicit. The simplest way to fulfil this obligation would be to consult on the targeted rate during consultation on the Annual Plan 2022/23, but there may be other options. We plan to consider how this is approached at future Committee workshops/meetings.

3.2 Climate Change

Mitigation			Adaptation
Reduce GHG emissions	Produce GHG emissions	Sequester carbon	Anticipate climate change impacts	Respond to climate change impacts
☒	☐	☐	☒	☒

As explained above, the main driver for the Scheme is reducing GHG emissions and helping households in the region to transition to a low carbon economy. Solar systems have also been considered a form of adaptation, by enabling a degree of self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on the grid (which could be temporarily affected by severe weather events under a changing climate, for example).

3.3 Implications for Māori

Crtl + click for Guideline material.

The fourth proposed objective, to target financial assistance to lower income households, is particularly relevant. We have no information about the number of Māori homes that have no insulation, clean efficient heating, or solar energy. However, it would be reasonable to expect that a greater proportion of Māori homes lack those facilities. As described in the Attachment, many Bay of Plenty households are too cold, have issues with dampness and mould, and use inefficient heating methods. Figures are slightly worse in the Rotorua District and Eastern Bay of Plenty, which have a proportionally larger Māori population. In targeting financial assistance to lower income households, the Scheme would also be targeting financial assistance to Māori households.

There will be opportunities during the design, development and implementation of the Scheme, to work with iwi and central government (e.g., Māori and Public Housing Renewable Energy Fund) to ensure financial assistance is properly targeted.

3.4 Community Engagement

Consider identifying in the report:

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

To obtain input or feedback from affected communities about our analysis, alternatives, and /or proposed decisions.

While no consultation or community engagement informed this paper, the proposed Scheme was part of LTP consultation and was supported by most submitters. Many submitters made specific suggestions about the Scheme’s design. Those suggestions will be explored during development of the Scheme over the next year.

We also plan to engage with stakeholders that already work towards healthy and sustainable homes in the Bay of Plenty (e.g., Trusts), to ensure the Scheme complements their efforts and targets assistance where it is most needed.

3.5 Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this work fits within the allocated budget.

4. Next Steps

The figure below summarises a tentative timeline, showing the main work streams and at which points we expect to discuss with, and seek further direction from, the Committee. It is anticipated that Scheme design will be an iterative process of seeking Councillor guidance on a range of matters, generating options/approaches as a result, and then subsequently confirming these as part of the Scheme.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Sustainable Homes Scheme - additional background and information ⇩



Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	4 August 2021
Report Writer:	Santiago Bermeo, Senior Planner
Report Authoriser:	Pim De Monchy, Coastal Catchments Manager Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Purpose:	To seek your approval of proposed changes to the Environmental Programmes Grants Policy (Integrated Catchments).

Update of the Environmental Programmes Grants Policy

Executive Summary

Grant funding under Environmental Programmes is a key method for the Council to deliver biodiversity and sustainable land management activities. Grant funding seeks to address financial barriers for landowners to undertake environmental protection and restoration projects, complementing Council’s statutory functions. This policy provides a consistent and transparent framework for Land Management Officers to use grant funding as directed by the LTP.

The proposed changes include provision for funding additional activities:

· re-establishment of estuarine coastal wetlands;

· obtaining resource consent for restoration activities and design of works and structures; and

· compensation for profit forgone under certain infrequent circumstances where multiple and significant benefits are projected.

These changes are aimed at ensuring that grant funding is aligned with the recently adopted Long Term Plan 2021-31, and it recognises recent changes in the broader operating environment, including national legislation.

Recommendations

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Update of the Environmental Programmes Grants Policy.

2 Approves the proposed changes to the Environmental Programmes Grants Policy (Attachment 1).

1. Introduction

In June 2019, the Regional Direction and Delivery Committee approved the last amendments to the Environmental Programmes Grants Policy (‘the Policy’) to align with Council’s “Focus Catchments” approach to sustainable land management activities. Since then, there have been a number of changes in the broader operating environment and Council’s priorities that warrant an update of the Policy to ensure it remains aligned and fit for purpose. These changes include central government’s Essential Freshwater policy package and the Council’s recent adoption of the Long Term Plan 2021-31 (LTP).

1.1 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Healthy Environment

The diverse range of ecosystems in the region are in a healthy state.

Resource users implement good practice in using our natural resources.

Prioritised actions are in place where natural resources do not meet community expectations.

Freshwater for Life

Our community is connected to freshwater and involved in its management.

Freshwater ecosystems, along with estuarine and coastal connections in the region, are thriving.

Freshwater provides for intrinsic well-being, along with cultural, recreational and economic well-beings.

The Way We Work

We look to partnerships for best outcomes.

Grant funding contributes to our community outcomes of He taiao ora - A Healthy Environment and Te mana o te wai - Freshwater for Life. In turn, grant funding also supports the achievement or maintenance of LTP levels of service relating to water quality and Priority Biodiversity Sites. In some circumstances, grant funding may also contribute to other community outcomes and strategic priorities, particularly in relation to climate change (adaptation and mitigation) and regulatory reform (freshwater and biodiversity). The proposed changes to the Policy seek to ensure that grant funding continues to align with Council’s priorities.

1.1.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

Medium - Positive

¨ Cultural

¨ Social

¨ Economic

2. Changes proposed

2.1 Funding for new activities

2.1.1 Re-establishment of estuarine coastal wetlands

The LTP provides operating and capital funding of $350,000 per year for restoring and protecting coastal wetlands around Tauranga Moana (an earlier paper to the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group [TMAG] describes this kaupapa in more detail). While grant funding for coastal wetland restoration and protection could occur now under parts of the Policy, there is currently no explicit provision within the Policy for this activity. The proposed changes therefore seek to cater explicitly for this activity by providing a maximum grant rate of 100% of actual and reasonable costs, regardless of location. As described in the earlier TMAG paper, coastal wetlands have a range of environmental benefits including biodiversity, water quality improvement, and carbon sequestration, and potentially cultural and recreational. Development of Environmental Programmes for this purpose in Tauranga Moana will be prioritised according to expected benefits and costs, including cultural values.

While there is LTP funding specific to re-establishment of wetlands around Tauranga Moana, the proposed changes to the Policy would apply to all estuaries in the region.

2.1.2 Obtaining resource consent and design of works and structures

Requirements under the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater and updated interpretations of pre-existing legislation mean that resource consents are now required for some types of restoration activities, including establishment of wetlands and construction of detainment bunds. Although the Grants Policy is currently silent about this, until now Council has not typically funded the cost of obtaining resource consents for restoration activities. The proposed changes allow grant funding for resource consents associated with restoration activities.

Associated with the process to obtain a resource consent, or to comply with permitted activity conditions, it may be necessary to undertake detailed design of works (e.g., wetlands and detainment bunds, as referred to in the Phosphorus Mitigation Project submission on the LTP). The proposed changes include an additional activity to cover this specifically.

Maximum funding rates proposed for these activities prioritise Priority Biodiversity Sites and priority actions in Focus Catchments.

2.1.3 Compensation for profit forgone

Relative to other activities covered by the Policy, re-establishment of wetlands is likely to result in a greater economic impact on landowners due to the permanent loss of income from grazing. Therefore, grant funding may need to be more generous to secure landowner buy-in. Consequently, the proposed changes include provision to compensate landowners for profit forgone in these cases, subject to a covenant or encumbrance to protect Council’s investment in the long term, and only in cases where significant environmental results are expected.

2.2 Other minor changes

The proposed changes also include a number of other minor editorial, procedural or contextual changes. This includes a general simplification of the Policy by removing matters of administrative procedure that could be included elsewhere (for example in the Land Management Officer manual).

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

This is an internal operational policy constrained by established budgets; therefore, risks are relatively minor. The main risk relates to additional pressure on budgets and increased landowner expectations by including compensation for profit forgone and funding for resource consents and design of works and structures. In relation to compensation for profit forgone, the mitigation is that the proposed provision specifies the circumstances were compensation could be considered (i.e., permanent loss of profit, acceptance of a covenant or encumbrance, and General Manager’s approval). Furthermore, when establishing the value proposition of individual Environmental Programmes, the resulting benefit of funding these additional activities relative to their cost will need to be considered, plus any implications on broader work programmes.

The inclusion of these provisions, and the first-in first-served nature of grant funding generally, may also create a risk that too much funding is directed at specific projects or activities, compromising action across a broader area. As detailed in the earlier TMAG paper, proactive identification and prioritisation of sites suitable for wetland re-establishment is occurring to mitigate this risk. The Policy already prioritises Priority Biodiversity Sites and Focus Catchments to ensure that public funding is directed to where it will have the greatest environmental impact.

3.2 Climate Change

Mitigation			Adaptation
Reduce GHG emissions	Produce GHG emissions	Sequester carbon	Anticipate climate change impacts	Respond to climate change impacts
☒	☐	☒	☒	☐

By replacing grazed pasture, coastal wetland re-establishment is likely to result in lower GHG emissions (from livestock and drained soils) and increased carbon sequestration (in wetlands). While there is some uncertainty about the exact extent of carbon sequestration in coastal wetlands, this is understood to be significant relative to inland wetlands or plantation pine forest. Furthermore, sites suitable for coastal wetland re-establishment are typically low lying and drained. These areas are generally vulnerable to sea level rise. Coastal wetlands are more resilient to sea level rise than alternative land uses. Re-connecting low-lying low value land with the tide facilitates adaptation to sea level rise consistent with policy direction, rather than maintaining bunds to keep the land dry, as is often the case at present. The proposed changes to the Policy seek to facilitate conversions, from a poor quality pastoral land to natural tidal salt marsh wetland.

3.3 Implications for Māori

Crtl + click for Guideline material.

Grant funding recognises the increased expectations of Māori for better water quality and biodiversity outcomes, including through the re-establishment of coastal wetlands. No consultation with tangata whenua has occurred specifically to inform the proposed changes to the Policy, which is internal and operational. However, engagement with tangata whenua will inform prioritisation of sites to be re-established as coastal wetlands in Tauranga Moana (as detailed in the earlier TMAG paper). The work is consistent with policy 4 of the Tauranga Moana iwi management plan 2016-26.

3.4 Community Engagement

Consider identifying in the report:

Engagement with the community is not required as the proposed changes relate to an internal operational policy.

3.5 Financial Implications

There are no financial implications and the proposed changes to the Policy fit within allocated budgets.

4. Next Steps

Should the Committee approve the proposed changes to the Policy, the Land Management Teams will adjust their operating practices accordingly.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Environmental Programmes Grants Policy - proposed changes ⇩

Attachment 2 - Tauranga Moana Coastal Margins Project Report ⇩



Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	4 August 2021
Report Writer:	Pim De Monchy, Coastal Catchments Manager
Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Purpose:	To provide Councillors with staff recommendations on how to better support the work of Care Groups and environmental volunteers.

Increasing Council support for volunteers and community groups - options arising from LTP 2021-31 deliberations

Executive Summary

Early in the LTP 2021-31 development process, Council proposed $500,000 additional funding to support the efforts of Bay of Plenty volunteers and care groups. During deliberations on 12 May, several submissions were considered from external organisations who support volunteers and care groups, and Council allocated funding of $285,000 towards three groups. However, the $215,000 was not allocated, and Councillors requested a follow-up paper with new options to consider. This paper provides information on how staff consider that Council’s in-house support of volunteers and care groups could be enhanced with some or all of those remaining funds.

Recommendations

That the Strategy and Policy Committee:

1 Receives the report, Increasing Council support for volunteers and community groups - options arising from LTP 2021-31 deliberations.

2 Approves Council supporting environmental volunteers and care groups with the activities and methods identified in this paper that have not been supported in the past.

3 Approves increasing the budget to support environmental volunteers and care groups in the region by $215,000 per year.

1. Introduction

Council supports the work of environmental volunteers through many programmes. These include:

· Biodiversity Care Groups

· Coast Care

· Community Initiatives Fund

· Environmental Enhancement Fund

· Estuary Care

· Land / River / Catchment Groups

· Te Hapai Ora – Regional Community Outcomes Fund

Council has guidance for staff on these programmes, and has different templates depending on the value, risk and complexity. For most work the annual ‘Care Group Plan’ template is very simple, and staff provide a ‘hands-on’ approach to preparing this in collaboration with volunteers. A sample Care Group Agreement is attached as Appendix 1, and the guidelines as Appendix 2. Note that guidelines also exist for the other programmes.

1.1 Legislative Framework

Council support for volunteers and care groups is not required by any statute or regulatory requirement.

1.2 Alignment with Strategic Framework

A Healthy Environment	We work cohesively with volunteers and others, to sustainably manage and improve our natural resources.
Freshwater for Life	We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations.
A Vibrant Region	We work with and connect the right people to create a prosperous region and economy.
The Way We Work	We look to partnerships for best outcomes.

Working with and supporting the work of volunteers and care groups is a logical and central part of achieving Council’s strategic priorities.

1.2.1 Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

Medium - Positive

þ Cultural

Medium - Positive

þ Social

Medium - Positive

þ Economic

Medium - Positive

Environmental volunteers contribute to the achievement of all four well-beings. Firstly, their work directly improves environmental outcomes in many ways. Secondly, their work brings communities together and increases social cohesion, which also makes caring for te Taiao a bigger part of many cultures in the region. Finally, volunteering can directly reduce the economic costs of restoring or enhancing environmental values.

2. Improved Council support for Care Groups and volunteers

Since the 12 May deliberations discussion, staff have spoken with a number of Care Group representatives and considered a number of options that will likely increase the desirability and effectiveness of environmental volunteering in the Bay of Plenty. Initially it was thought that these options could be broken down into pre-determined funds or budgets, but staff consider that such an exercise would invariably become out of date very quickly due to the unique and changing circumstances faced by volunteers in each situation.

It is recommended that Council consider each of the options below and approve them for funding or co-funding on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances. Staff consider there is a high degree of alignment with Council’s strategic framework and community well-beings and the additional items below have potential to grow and sustain the volunteering effort in the region. If Council would like limits or percentage grant rates set on any particular bullet item below, guidance would be appreciated.

A) Priority Items recommended by staff for potential funding or co-funding:

o Contractor assistance to tackle activities which are outside the ability or physical capabilities of the group. This might include pest plant control (spraying, chainsaw or machine work) such as boxthorn control on the dunes or willow removal from wetlands. It might also include track formation and maintenance (a recent example is the Manawahe Kokako project which cost $80,000 to re-cut and mark approximately 80km of track). Track maintenance for biodiversity projects in the Bay of Plenty is required about every five years and can vary from $800 – $1,200m per kilometre. This cost is often outside the financial capabilities of our budgets. There is a large and growing community group bait station and track network in the region.

o Funding and advice to assist with monitoring of works to show changes over time and gain valuable data on sites. Most care groups work on priority biodiversity sites but don’t have the expertise or time to carry out monitoring to gauge success and help tell the story. This could include Matauranga Māori to gauge a wider understanding of the needs of the site by the entire community. Most groups could benefit from this even if it’s just photo points, using good camera and done consistently plus trail camera.

o Ongoing training and support for volunteer use of the Collector App developed by Council. This will help groups to collate and store valuable data on their work and make it accessible to Council. This helps us report on the work and means the group can spend more time on the ground working than reporting.

o Kick start funding, for new care groups to provide training, first aid kit, GPS, basic hand tools, initial health and safety plan.

o Provide discretion to increase the current informal funding cap of $10,000 per group per year in situations where significant benefits justify it.

o Extra funding and support for those care groups working on recognised priority biodiversity sites that are on private land.

o Funding for trials to try different control methodology or ideas.

B) Other Items recommended by staff for potential funding or co-funding, noting that other Agencies who also work with volunteers and Care Groups may also provide these services:

o Support for project design and project management (for complex work).

o Localised training courses / events on flora and fauna ID, monitoring and control methodology, guest speakers with national perspective.

o Support for succession planning and recruitment.

o Support for specialist Health and Safety risk management when complex risks exist.

o Support for preparing applications for resource consent, medical officer of health approvals, DOC permits or archaeological authorities.

o Designated funding for Care Group information sharing and networking events together as appropriate.

3. Considerations

3.1 Risks and Mitigations

Staff consider the risks associated with approving the enhanced support of Care Groups through these additional activities and methods as low. That is because staff already consider and help manage the risks involved with the currently approved methods and activities. However, consideration will have to be given to ensure that an appropriate level of staff time can be committed to support each Care Group if the scope of the support increases. This will need to be carefully managed as appropriate in the circumstances alongside all other competing priorities, and may require sharing of volunteer support roles across the Organisation.

3.2 Climate Change

There is a wide scope of activities and methods considered in this report. Some of these activities will result in improved adaptation to the effects of climate change (such as Coast Care), while others will result in mitigation of climate change (such as saltmarsh creation and planting). Inevitably, during the course of supporting volunteers there will be a carbon footprint created, and it is not known whether the ‘net effect’ of the additional support will be positive or negative in this regard.

3.3 Implications for Māori

This proposal is intended to support Māori and non-Māori volunteers and Care Groups living and working in the Bay of Plenty Region, where the aspirations of the volunteer group align with the strategic framework of Toi Moana, and/or where benefits to one or more of the well-beings is expected. Council continues to provide funding grants and advisory services to Māori groups.

3.4 Community Engagement

Care Group representatives were consulted in the process of identifying the options and priorities in this paper.

3.5 Financial Implications

This paper refers to funding that Council has already been deliberated on as part of the Long Term Plan 2021-31.

4. Next Steps

o Council?

If this paper is approved by Councillors, staff will actively seek opportunities to better support Care Groups (and help create new ones) as appropriate.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - 2021 07 Johnson Reserve Care Group Plan 2021-22

Attachment 2 - 2021 07 Best practice guidelines for establishing and working with Care Group

Chairperson	Cr Paula Thompson
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Stuart Crosby
Members	All Councillors
Quorum	Seven members, consisting of half the number of members
Meeting frequency	Six weekly rotation between committee meetings and strategic sessions