Open Minutes
Commencing: Thursday 22 December 2022, 11.00 am
Venue: Council Chambers, Regional House, 1 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga
Deputy Chairperson: Cr Jane Nees – Acting Chair
Members: Cr Malcolm Campbell
Cr Stuart Crosby
Cr Kat Macmillan
Cr Matemoana McDonald
Cr Ron Scott
Cr Ken Shirley
Cr Paula Thompson
Cr Lyall Thurston
Cr Te Taru White – via Zoom
Cr Kevin Winters – via Zoom
In Attendance: Chris Ingle – General Manager Integrated Catchments (Acting Chief Executive), Mat Taylor – General Manager Corporate; Kumaren Perumal – Chief Financial Officer; Nolene Naude – Financial Accounting Team Lead; Tone Nerdrum Smith – Committee Advisor
Leon Pieterse – Audit Director, Audit NZ
Apologies: Chairman Doug Leeder, Cr Andrew von Dadelszen, Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti
1. Opening Karakia
A karakia was provided by Cr Lyall Thurston.
2. Apologies
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That the Regional Council: 1 Accepts the apologies for absence from Chairman Doug Leeder, Cr Andrew von Dadelszen and Cr Toi Iti, and for lateness for Cr Te Taru White tendered at the meeting. CARRIED |
3. Declaration of Conflicts of Interest
There were no declarations of interests.
4. Reports
Decisions Required
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Adoption of the Annual Report and Annual Report Summary for the year ended 30 June 2022 Kumaren Perumal – Chief Financial Officer provided an outline of the Annual Report 2021/22. Key Points: · Any variations compared to the Annual Plan 2021/22 was explained in the agenda report. 11.04 am – Cr White entered the meeting (via Zoom). Leon Pieterse – Audit Director, Audit NZ presented the audit opinion on the Annual Report 2021/22 as follows: Key Points: · Audit NZ had provided an unqualified opinion relating to the audit of the Annual Report and Annual Report Summary 2021/22 · The audit process had been undertaken smoothly and efficiently, largely due to the effort and ability of Regional Council staff · Acknowledged the challenges facing Audit NZ in undertaking audits within the legislative timeframes due to ongoing resourcing shortage · The ‘Summary of the annual report’ (page 81 of the agenda) statement with regards to disclosure was a standard phrase and should not be seen as a cause for concern. Staff in Response to Questions: · There had been no changes since the year ending 30 June 2022 that would alter or impact on the Annual Report · The ability of Council to deliver its Annual Plan 2022/23 would be regularly assessed, in particular the Capex programme, and progress would be regularly reported to Councillors · The wet winter conditions had resulted in excessive use of stormwater pumps, which meant an increase in overall cost · Temporary/emergency pumping in response to a weather event did not require a resource consent. However, if longer lasting weather conditions meant the use of the pumps became a regular occurrence, a resource consent may be more appropriate. This was currently being investigated. · Recognised that the ambitious swimability target had not been met in 2021/22, however this also represented a challenge and opportunity for Council to further explore and address. |
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That the Regional Council: 1 Receives the report, Adoption of the Annual Report and Annual Report Summary for the year ended 30 June 2022. 2 Receives the audit report and audit opinion from Audit New Zealand. 3 Adopts the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Annual Report and Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022. 4 Adopts the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Annual Report Summary for the year ended 30 June 2022. 5 Authorise the Chief Executive to make minor numerical, editorial or presentation amendments prior to the final publication. 6 Approves the capital expenditure budget carry forward of $6.4 million from 2021/22 to 2022/23. 7 Notes total remissions of $0.4 million were given during 2021/22 which equates to 0.7% of the general and targeted rate revenue. CARRIED |
A karakia was provided by Cr Te Taru White.
11.19 am – the meeting closed.
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Acting Chairperson, Regional Council