Monitoring and Operations Committee

Open Minutes

Commencing:             Wednesday 29 June 2022, 9:30 am

Venue:                         Council Chambers, Regional House, 1 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga and Via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Chairperson:               Cr Kevin Winters

Deputy Chairperson:  Cr Norm Bruning

Members:                    Cr Bill Clark

Cr Stuart Crosby

Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti

Cr David Love

Cr Matemoana McDonald

Cr Jane Nees

Cr Stacey Rose

Cr Paula Thompson

Cr Lyall Thurston

Cr Andrew von Dadelszen

Cr Te Taru White

In Attendance:            Sarah Omundsen – Acting Chief Executive, Chris Ingle - General Manager Integrated Catchments, Reuben Fraser – Acting General Manager Regulatory Services, Pim de Monchy - Coastal Catchments Manager, Kirsty Brown – Rivers and Drainage Assets Manager, Reece Irving - Senior Regulatory Project Officer, Sam Weiss - Acting Compliance Manager – Air, Industry & Response, Greg Corbett – Biosecurity Manager, Davor Bejakovich – Wallaby Programme Lead, Glenn Ellery – Data Services Manager, Alex Miller – Compliance Manager – Land & Water; Via Zoom: Rob Donald – Science Manager, Helen Creagh – Rotorua Catchments Manager

Apologies:                  Chairman Doug Leeder

 

Declaration of Public Recording

The Chair advised that the public section of the meeting was being recorded and would be made available on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website and archived for a period of three years.

Recording of the Meeting: Monitoring and Operations Committee Meeting 29 June 2022 - YouTube

1.     Apologies

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1          Accepts the apology from Chairman Doug Leeder for absence tendered at the meeting.

Bruning/Iti

CARRIED

2.     Deputations

2.1

Western Bay of Plenty District Council - Progress Update on Three Waters and Marae OSET Reticulation

 

The Chair advised that due to illness the presenters were unable to present this item, therefore the item would be withdrawn from the agenda and deferred to the next meeting of the Committee on 6 September 2022.

 

3.     Items not on the Agenda

The Chair advised that a Verbal Update on the Climate Change Programme had been requested and would be provided under Agenda item 10.

4.     Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

None declared.

5.     Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Monitoring and Operations Committee Minutes - 8 March 2022

Matters Arising

·         In relation to Minute Item 7.2 – Customer Service Performance, last bullet point (agenda page 14), an update was requested on what was being done to improve response rates of the pollution hotline satisfaction surveys.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1          Confirms the Monitoring and Operations Committee Minutes - 8 March 2022 as a true and correct record.

Nees/von Dadelszen

CARRIED

 

6.     Presentations

6.1

Coastal Catchments and Regional Parks Operations Update

Presentation - Coastal Catchments Operations 2021/22: Objective ID A4130988  

Presented by: Pim de Monchy, Coastal Catchments Manager

 

Key Points:

·       The Coastal Catchments programme had an operating budget $5.5M and capital budget of $2M to deliver work across biodiversity, water quality, co-governance, coastal and community groups/volunteers and the Regional Parks Activity.

·       Provided an overview of project highlights and a dashboard snapshot of work distribution across the region.

·       The Ministry for the Environment’s Public Waterways Ecosystem Restoration (PWER)/Jobs for Nature Fund had provided $3M over three years for water quality, biodiversity and economic stimulus. Work to date was 70 percent complete with the remainder of the programme anticipated to be completed by the end of December 2022.

9:45 am – Cr McDonald entered the meeting.

·       Acknowledged volunteers, care groups and contractors that had contributed to the environmental outcomes achieved across the region.

In Response to Questions:

·       Dashboard reporting information was used internally to provide Long Term Plan reporting on key performance indicators.

·       Clarified the process undertaken to update covenant instruments. Further detail could be provided on request.

·       E. coli data trends in the Waiōtahe estuary were accessible on the Water Ecology Tool (WET) on Regional Council’s website. E. coli levels were still above Ministry of Health guidelines and further work was needed to consistently reduce E. coli concentrations in the estuary. Essentially, more retirement of land was needed to substantially reduce contaminant inflows on a regular basis, and new freshwater limits and incentives/agreements with landowners would play an important role.

Key Points - Members:

·       Sought consideration for discussion to be held with Quayside Holdings  regarding the opportunity to connect and create further open space with the Rangiuru Business Park’s wetland development that was in the early stages of design.

·       Congratulated the results, dedication and joined up approach achieved by staff, coast care volunteers and landowners who were assisting to deliver positive environmental improvements and outcomes.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·         Consider forecasted changes over the next 10 years for discussion in the new triennium.

7.     Reports

7.1

Chairperson's Report

10:06 am – Cr Love withdrew from the meeting.

Key Points:

·       The Chair outlined key matters from the report.

·       Rob Donald,  Manager Strategy & Science provided an explanation of the
Te Teko groundwater bores, including related costs due to bore depths and overruns due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A demonstration was provided that showed the distribution of groundwater monitoring sites/bores across the region along with rainfall levels/parameters using live data that was accessible on the Environmental Data Portal on Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s (Regional Council) website.

10:14 am – Cr Love entered the meeting.

In Response to Questions:

·       Regional Council had an open data policy and worked closely with NIWA, GNS Science and all other Crown Research Institutes.

·       Regional councils from across the sector were working on the best model and one approach for managing Synthetic Nitrogen Fertiliser.

·       The Regional Search & Rescue (RSRF) funding that was provided to the Rotorua mountain bike club supported their role as first responders in assisting emergency services in remote trail locations.

·       Environmental Enhancement Fund reserve funding criteria was spread across the region.

·       Regarding community concerns about the Te Puna Business Park, Consent Team Leader Nick Barnes was providing community liaison support as part of the resource consent process and staff would be working collaboratively with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

·       An application from Transpower for consent renewal of anchor blocks in the Tauranga harbour was being processed. The anchor blocks were defined as ‘accommodated infrastructure’ and would not be subject to a right of veto by customary marine title holders. However, it was noted that a hearing had been scheduled at the end of the year to decide whether Rangataua Bay should be given wāhi tapu status, which may have implications on consent processes and what could be granted. Transpower were engaging with iwi/hapū. Current understanding was that if consent could not be granted, Transpower may carry out further works on the pā site at the end of Maungatapu, which they and iwi/hapū wished to avoid. Current focus was to facilitate a process and agreement between all parties about what should happen.

Key Points - Members:

·       Expressed concern regarding pollution hotline calls and odour complaints in Judea and to take stronger compliance.

Key Points – Staff:

·       Acknowledged the patience of the Judea community and their openness to provide information to staff to make further progress on odour issues. Staff would keep councillors updated on this matter. The Phone App and odour inventory was being undertaken in the Mount Maunganui industrial area and regular updates would be provided.

Items for Staff Follow-Up:

·       Provide advice on Rotorua Lakes Council’s contribution to RSRF funding.

·       Include regular reporting updates on the pollution hotline odour issues within the Judea industrial area.

·       Keep councillors informed of the Te Puna business park resource consent process and community liaison.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1          Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

Crosby/Bruning

CARRIED

Decisions Required

7.2

Building Future Sustainability and Resilience through Asset Management

Presentation - Building future sustainability and resilience through asset management: Objective ID A4130994  

Presented by: Kirsty Brown, Rivers and Drainage Assets Manager

Key Points:

·       Council took a whole-of-life approach in the management of its infrastructure assets, in line with national and international best practice.

·       Noted the opportunity to incorporate additional sustainability and resilience performance objectives/targets into the asset management framework at the next Long Term Plan/Asset Management Plan review.

·       Asset Management Plans enabled the setting of sustainability and resilience properties, levels of service and targets to support future measurement and reporting.

·       Linking objectives with the internal Sustainability Strategy (to be developed) would support a consistent approach across the organisation.

In Response to Questions:

·       Sustainability specifications and components were considered as part of the procurement process checklist.

·       Regional Council was not ISO 55000 certified, but used the standards and the International Infrastructure Management Manual as the guiding documents for Council’s asset management practices and processes.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       Report back to the September 2022 Monitoring and Operations Committee meeting on:

o   River Scheme Sustainability Project progress.

o   Implementation of the Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaws 2020, including co-designing of a Iwi Management Plan for Kōkōhinau urupa.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1          Receives the report, Building Future Sustainability and Resilience through Asset Management.

2          Approves the proposed approach to further implement sustainability and resilience into our asset management practice.

Love/von Dadelszen

CARRIED

 

11:00 am – the meeting adjourned.

 

11:18 am – the meeting reconvened.

Information Only

7.3

Mount Maunganui Industrial Area update

Presented by:  Reece Irving, Senior Regulatory Project Officer and Sam Weiss, Acting Compliance Manager – Air, Industry & Response

In Response to Questions:

·       The monitor trial undertaken in the residential area to the east of the Mount Maunganui industrial area was carried out over three months and had been completed. It was confirmed that the monitors could not be used for compliance, but provided a better picture where there was a wider geographical area of interest.

·       Reductions in PM10 exceedances during the reporting period were not necessarily reflected in the greater wellbeing experienced at Whareroa Marae, as other factors also contributed to this. Staff continued to work towards addressing issues to improve the quality of life for the Whareroa Marae community.

·       An improvement in the way that odour and other issues affecting Whareroa Marae were managed may require a change to legislation or rules and a bigger discussion on how they are supported.

11:27 am – Cr White exited the meeting.

·       Methyl bromide fumigation reductions were a reflection of the fumigator’s ability to meet the recapture rate required by the buffer distance, and as set by the Environmental Protection Authority. Regional Council was actively working on processing the resource consents lodged by the fumigator.

11:30 am – Cr Thurston exited the meeting.

Key Points - Members:

·       Improvements in the quality of life for Whareroa residents had not been satisfied and considered further actions and considerations were required.

·       Port of Tauranga’s use of methyl bromide was a consideration for its Board of Directors, noting there were other alternatives that were being used.

·       Acknowledged that the regulatory function of Regional Council was kept separate to avoid any perceived conflict of interest, through the use of independent consultants and commissioners where relevant.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       Requested that the respective health providers who were represented on the Mount Maunganui Air Quality Working Party provide an update to the Working Party on the timeframe for when a report on the health impacts and quality of life at Whareroa Marae would be forthcoming.

·       Requested a more detailed update from Tauranga City Council at the next Monitoring and Operations Committee meeting on the work they are doing in the Mount Maunganui industrial area.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1          Receives the report, Mount Maunganui Industrial Area update.

Love/Bruning

CARRIED

 

 

7.4

Rotorua Catchments Activity Updates

Presented by: Helen Creagh, Rotorua Catchments Manager

In Response to Questions:

·       No response had yet been received from the Ministry for the Environment in relation to the Minister’s decision regarding recommendations of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy (RTALSG) 20 April 2022 meeting, however officials were actively working on briefings to the Minister.

·       Demand for the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme was ongoing with about 35 tonnes achieved, another five tonnes in the pipeline and small agreements consistently being received. It was noted that the Minister had agreed to extend the scheme out to 2027.

·       The pending review of the RTALSG work programme and terms of reference arose from the Lakes Water Quality Society Annual General Meeting (AGM) where it was resolved to request RTALSG undertake an independent review. From this, Te Arawa Lakes Trust undertook to lead the scoping of an independent review, which would be brought back to the RTALSG meeting in September 2022. 

Key Points - Members:

·       Sought that when reviewing its work programme and terms of reference, RTALSG partners be reminded that the nitrogen reduction target for the Rotorua catchment was a statutory obligation and requirement as part of the Plan Change 10.

·       The review of the RTALSG was to ensure the group was fit for purpose in relation to catchment management.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1          Receives the report, Rotorua Catchments Activity Updates.

Nees/Bruning

CARRIED

 

7.5

Dama Wallaby Annual Operational Plan 2022/23 and Programme update

Presentation - Wallaby Update and Annual Operation Plan 2022/23: Objective ID A4130995  

Presented by: Greg Corbett and Davor Bejakovich

Key Points:

·       Provided an update on the wallaby programme, surveillance, control work, night shooting and fencing, noting consultation with mana whenua and landowners was progressing.

11:50 am – Cr White entered the meeting.

·       Communication and awareness via online platforms/newsletters had been positive.

·       Outlined 2022/23 Operational Plan priorities, budget and key activities.

·       Multiple detection surveillance activities would be used in risk areas to gain a better understanding of their effectiveness.

·       A proposed containment fence for Whakarewarewa would be reported to Regional Council for approval due to the procurement scope.

·       Ground operations would start to get underway however, noted there had been unforeseen delays due to the unavailability of ground control toxin as a result of the Ukraine war and that the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) were working to negotiate a way forward.

In Response to Questions:

·       There were approximately 30 qualified night shooters comprising six contractors with a number of staff. Considered the market was competitive, including a strong interest from mana whenua to be involved in operations.

·       It was hoped that learnings would come from ground control operations on approaches to eradicate and learn about wallaby behaviour and changes.

·       MPI were currently undertaking a public perception survey on wallabies.

Key Points - Members:

·       Considered it was important to educate and change public perceptions regarding wallabies as a pest.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1          Receives the report, Dama Wallaby Annual Operational Plan 2022/23 and Programme update.

Iti/Crosby

CARRIED

7.6

River Scheme Advisory Group Liaison with River Co-Governance Forums

Presented by: Kirsty Brown, Rivers and Drainage Assets Manager

Key Points:

·       The report informed how better communication was being facilitated between the respective river scheme advisory groups and co-governance river forums through regular reporting, which would be ongoing.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1          Receives the report, River Scheme Advisory Group Liaison with River Co-Governance Forums.

Love/Bruning

CARRIED

8.     Consideration of Items not on the Agenda

8.1

Verbal Update on Climate Change

 

Presented by:  Laverne Mason, Integrated Catchments Programme Manager

Key Points:

·       The majority of Climate Change projects were one-year projects and there had been very little change for these since the last update in March.

·       Programme highlights since the March update:

o   Community-led adaptation funding had been successful with five applications received.

o   Regional risk assessment - stage one to develop a detailed risk workbook and summary on perspectives of climate change risk to Māori in the Bay of Plenty had been completed; stage two technical assessment and exploration of Māori perspectives would be delivered in the second half of the year; stage three would identify components for implementation.

o   Wednesday Challenge had been launched by EnviroHub.

o   Regional Business support events was a small funding initiative to encourage business communities to assess and develop tools, with workshops held in Tauranga, Whakatāne and Rotorua facilitated by the Sustainable Business Network.

o   Regional Council’s carbon footprint update – a revised update of the 2015 work would cover the 2018 – 2021 years and involve some interaction with stakeholders (i.e. Port of Tauranga). The final report was anticipated at the end of this year.

o   A climate change projections mapping tool had been completed and was available on the Regional Council’s website; and enabled the community to map climate change impacts in their area.

o   Toitū carbon reduction audit result had been completed and preparation for the next audit had just commenced.

·       Joint submissions had been made in relation to the National Emissions Reductions Plan and Draft National Adaptation Plan.

In Response to Questions:

·       In relation to the Wednesday Challenge, the transport data team monitored traffic results which would be measured as part of the Emissions Reductions Plan.

·       Direct communication with community and organisation groups was adhoc and based on being invited to meetings/events, along with information outreach provided online via Regional Council’s website and Facebook page.

Key Points - Members:

·       Considered that more regular reports should be provided to this Committee to ensure councillors are updated and well informed alongside updates that were being provided to joint and co-governance committees.

 

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       Requested a change to the frequency of Climate Change updates from six monthly to three monthly.

·       Requested traffic monitoring results be reported back to the Committee on a regular basis as part of the climate change updates.

 

9.     Consideration of General Business

On behalf of the Committee, the Chair thanked Sarah Omundsen for her contribution to the committee and organisation and wished her all the best in her new role.

12:15 pm – the meeting closed.

 

 

Confirmed                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                   Cr Kevin Winters

Chairperson, Monitoring and Operations Committee