Agenda Package of Integrated Catchment Management › assets › WRC › Community › Cou… · 07-08-2019 · the National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) for kauri dieback. The report

Waikato Regional Council Integrated Catchment Management Committee Agenda

Date: Wednesday, 7 August, 2019

Time: 10:00 am

Location: Council Chamber

Waikato Regional Council

401 Grey Street, Hamilton East

Members: Cr S Husband - Joint-Chair Integrated Catchment Management Committee NorthCr S Kneebone - Joint-Chair Integrated Catchment Management Committee SouthCr F LichtwarkCr D MinogueCr J HaymanCr K HodgeCr K WhiteS Yerex (Chair - Lake Taupo Catchment Committee)S Strang (Chair - Upper Waikato Catchment Committee)M Moana-Tuwhangai (Chair - Central Waikato Catchment Committee)K Holmes (Chair - Lower Waikato Catchment Committee)W Maag (Chair - West Coast Catchment/Deputy Chair – Waipa Catchment Committees)R Barton (Chair - Waipa Catchment Committee)R Hicks (Chair - Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee)J Sanford (Chair - Coromandel Catchment Committee)Cr A Livingston - ex-officio ORCr T Mahuta - alternate ex-officio

Notice of Meeting:I hereby give notice that an ordinary Meeting of the Integrated Catchment Management will be held as detailedabove. VRJ PayneChief Executive Officer

Pages

1. Terms of Reference 5

2. Apologies

3. Confirmation of Agenda

4. Disclosures of Interest

5. Confirmation of Minutes 7

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 June 2019●

Extract from Council meeting held on 27 June 2019●

6. Issues/Actions from Integrated Catchment Management Meetings 28

Report to provide the Committee with a report back on the actions and issues discussedfrom the previous committee meeting held on 11 June 2019.

7. Integrated Catchment Management Financial Status Report 33

Report to provide the Committee with the financial status of programmes and activitiesthat fall within the scope of the committee. This report covers the 2018/2019 FinancialYear.

8. Overview of Management of Integrated Catchment Management capital programme 37

Report to provide the Committee with an overview of the approach used to develop andmanage the annual work programme to renew flood protection assets.

9. National kauri dieback programme update, National Pest Management Plan 40

Report to update and inform the Committee of the Budget 2019 announcements and howthese impact on the Kauri Dieback National Programme and, the proposed development ofthe National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) for kauri dieback. The report also provides abrief on how potential changes to the national programme and the NPMP may impact theWaikato region.

10. Biocontrol Programme Update 45

Report to provide an overview of Waikato Regional Council's involvement with biocontrol.

11. Review of Catchment Funding to Align with Proposed Plan Change One 48

Report to provide the Committee with the outcomes of review of catchment funding toalign with proposed Plan Change 1.

12. Land Drainage Management Plan 59

Report to provide the Committee with the updated Land Drainage Management Plan whichhas been developed internally, workshopped with the four Land Drainage AdvisorySubcommittees and subsequently reviewed by the Chairs of those Subcommittees. It is

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recommended to Council for adoption.

Refer following link for the Land Drainage Management Plan:

https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/assets/Attachment-Land-Drainage-Management-Plan.pdf

13. Catchment Committee Meetings

13.1 Waihou Piako Catchment Committee 27 May 2019 62

Minutes of Waihou Piako Catchment Committee meeting of 27 May 2019

13.2 Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 4 June 2019 78

Minutes of Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting of 4 June2019

13.3 Waipa Catchment Committee 19 June 2019 90

Minutes of Waipa Catchment Committee meeting of 19 June 2019

13.4 Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019 102

Minutes of Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting of 28 June2019

13.5 Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 5 July 2019 112

Minutes of Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting of 5 July2019

14. Public Excluded Section

That the public be excluded from the following parts of the meeting set out below on thegrounds that the public conduct of those parts of the proceedings of the meeting would belikely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding existsunder section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987(the Act).

The particular interests protected by section 6 or 7 of the Act which would be prejudiced bythe holding of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public are as follows:

Confirmation of Public Excluded Minutes of previous (11 June 2019) Integrated CatchmentManagement Committee meeting and extract from Public Excluded minutes from 25 July2019 Council meeting:

Protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons(section 7(2)(a) of the Act)

●

Enable any local authority holding the information to carry on, without prejudiceor disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)(section 7(2)(i) of the Act)

●

Public Excluded Waihou Piako Catchment Committee 27 May 2019:

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Protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons(section 7(2)(a) of the Act)

●

Enable any local authority holding the information to carry on, without prejudiceor disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)(section 7(2)(i) of the Act)

●

Public Excluded Issues/Actions from Integrated Catchment Management Meetings

To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased naturalpersons (section 7(2)(a));

●

Enable any local authority holding the information to carry on, without prejudiceor disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)(section 7(2)(i)).

●

15. Closed Reports

15.1 Confirmation of Public Excluded Minutes

Public Excluded Minutes of the previous meeting held on 11 June 2019●

Public Excluded Extract from Council meeting held on 27 June 2019 ●

15.2 Public Excluded Waihou Piako Catchment Committee

Public Excluded Minutes of Waihou Piako Catchment Committee of 27 May 2019

15.3 Public Excluded Issues/Actions from Integrated Catchment Management Meetings

Report to provide the Committee with a report back on the PublicExcluded actions and issues discussed at the previous committee meeting heldon 11 June 2019.

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Integrated Catchment Management Committee REPORTING TO:

Council

CONSTITUTION:

Seven (7) Councillors, The Council Chair or Deputy Chair (ex-officio with full voting rights), The Chair of each of the eight (8) Catchment Committees or in the absence of the Chair, the respective Deputy Chair of each of the eight (8) Catchment Committees (ex-officio with full voting rights). The Committee will be Jointly-Chaired with one Joint-Chair from a constituency within the north catchments and one Joint-Chair to be from a constituency within the south catchments. Chairing duties will alternate each meeting.

QUORUM: Nine (9)

MEETING FREQUENCY:

Two monthly or as required.

OBJECTIVE:

To set objectives, priorities and levels of service for catchment management and monitor achievement levels through the outcomes.

SCOPE OF ACTIVITY: 1. To deal with all catchment management activities related to:

(a) Asset management (b) Flood control programmes (c) Land drainage programmes (d) Biodiversity and natural heritage operations (e) Biosecurity operations (f) Harbour and catchment management (g) Hazard management and community safety activities (h) River systems management (i) Soil conservation and land management programmes

POWER TO ACT: 1. To approve zone management plans comprising relevant integrated catchment management

priorities (listed above) and asset management plans consistent with Council approved budgets and policy.

2. To monitor the implementation of the regional pest management plan against the annual

operational plan budget; and receipt of the regional pest management plan annual report.

Page 5

POWER TO RECOMMEND: 1. Consideration of region wide implications of any significant changes to the operational

environment which may impact council’s ability to provide flood protection infrastructure and biosecurity consistent with agreed levels of service for recommendation to Council.

2. Input to the development of Council’s infrastructure strategy, scheme land licence policy, the

Waikato Marine Oil Spill Contingency plan, and the Regional Pet Management Plan for recommendation to the Strategy and Policy Committee.

SUBCOMMITTEES REPORTING TO INTEGRATED CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE: CATCHMENT COMMITTEES: North Waihou Piako Catchment Committee Coromandel Catchment Committee Lower Waikato Catchment Committee South Central Waikato Catchment Committee Lake Taupō Catchment Committee Upper Waikato Catchment Committee Waipa Catchment Committee West Coast Catchments Committee DRAINAGE ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEES: North Aka Aka Otaua Franklin Waikato Thames Valley South Waikato Central

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Integrated Catchment Management Committee

OPEN MINUTES

Date:

Location:

Tuesday, 11 June 2019, 10:05am

Council Chamber


401 Grey Street

Hamilton East

Members Present: Cr S Husband - Joint-Chair Integrated Catchment Management

Committee North

Cr S Kneebone - Joint-Chair Integrated Catchment Management

Committee South

Cr D Minogue (Waikato Regional Council)

Cr K Hodge (Waikato Regional Council)

Cr A Livingston - ex-officio (Waikato Regional Council)

S Strang (Chair - Upper Waikato Catchment Committee)

K Holmes (Chair - Lower Waikato Catchment Committee)

W Maag (Chair - West Coast Catchments Committee)

R Barton (Chair - Waipa Catchment Committee)

C Buchanan (Deputy Chair - Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee)

J Sanford (Chair - Coromandel Catchment Committee)

Staff Present: C Crickett (Director Integrated Catchment Management)

G Ryan (Manager Business and Technical Services)

P Whaley (Manager Integrated Catchment Services)

A Munro (Manager Hauraki/Coromandel Catchments)

A McLeod (Manager Lake Taupo/Upper Waikato Catchments)

B Toohey (Manager Lower Waikato/Waipa/West Coast Catchments)

M Poole (Democracy Advisor)

L Van Veen (Democracy Advisor)

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Open Minutes of Integrated Catchment Management Committee 11 June 2019

Doc # 14476784 Page 2

1. Terms of Reference

2. Apologies

Apologies were received from Cr F Lichtwark (on leave of absence) and Cr J Hayman, Cr

K White, S Yerex (Chair - Lake Taupo Catchment Committee), N Haines (Deputy Chair - Lake

Taupo Catchment Committee), M Moana-Tuwhangai (Chair - Central Waikato Catchment

Committee), B Hicks (Deputy Chair - Central Waikato Catchment Committee) and R Hicks

(Chair - Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee) for absence.

ICM19/48

Moved by: Cr S Kneebone

Seconded by: Cr A Livingston

RESOLVED (SECTION A)

THAT the apologies of Cr F Lichtwark, Cr J Hayman, Cr K White, S Yerex, N Haines, M Moana-

Tuwhangai, B Hicks and R Hicks be accepted.

The motion was put and carried


Members approved the agenda as circulated. The Chair noted that with respect to Item 10 -

Koi carp herpes virus update, David Speirs, Director Operations, Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki

region, Department of Conservation will be available to attend the meeting at 12 noon to

provide an update to the Committee.

ICM19/49

Moved by: Cr A Livingston

Seconded by: Cr K Hodge


THAT the agenda for the meeting of the 11 June 2019 Integrated Catchment Management

Committee, as circulated, be confirmed as the business for the meeting.



There were no disclosures of interest.

5. Confirmation of Minutes

Confirmation of minutes of previous meeting (Item 5.1)

Minutes of the previous Integrated Catchment Management Committee (ICMC) meeting

held on 10 April 2019; and Extract from the Council meeting held on 30 April 2019.

The minutes were accepted with a correction to the Committee name in Item 12.12,

Resolution No. 1 to read Central Waikato Catchment Committee.

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Doc # 14476784 Page 3

ICM19/50

Moved by: Cr S Husband


RESOLVED (SECTION A):

THAT the Minutes of the Integrated Catchment Management Meeting of 10 April 2019 be

approved as a true and correct record noting the correction to the Committee name (Central

Waikato) within resolution ICM19/41.


6. Issues/Actions from Integrated Catchment Management Meetings

The Director, Integrated Catchment Management (C Crickett) presented the Issues and

Actions update report and requested that it be taken as read.

During questions, responses and related discussion the following was noted:

- while the meeting was held on 13 May (as requested) regarding the consent condition

review regulatory process, further meetings are likely. Given this it was queried why the

status is shown as ‘completed’. Advised that the ‘matters arising’ specific action

requested has been undertaken/completed. Acknowledged that discussions on the issues

involved may be ongoing.

- while the dam safety findings have been reported to the relevant Catchment Committees,

further discussions are required about the costs associated with the works identified and

the ability to pay. Given this it was queried why the status is shown as ‘completed’. As

noted for the previous query, the ‘matters arising’ specific action requested has been

undertaken/completed.

- Director undertook to review the colours/ coding to provide greater clarity

- the Lower Waikato dam safety findings/costs reported ($280,000) cover works required

to operate and maintain those assets. Acknowledged that further reporting and

discussions regarding further capital investment will be needed via the relevant

Catchment Committees including information on cost benefit analyses which would be

reported through to ICMC. No works will be undertaken without budget

allocation/agreement. This is a work programme with its status shown as “in progress”

and the cost/works implications will report into the next Long Term Plan process.

- The meeting planned for 10 June 2019 between Council and Resource

Directorate/Integrated Catchment Management staff and the Mill company regarding the

Mill Drainage discharges was cancelled, with no further update/s available at this time.

The agenda papers were circulated before the meeting cancellation was known, so the

action will be amended from ‘completed’ to ‘in progress’/ongoing.

ICM19/51

Moved by: Cr D Minogue



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Doc # 14476784 Page 4

THAT the report 'Issues/Actions from Integrated Catchment Management Meetings' (Doc

#13573283 dated 30 May 2019) be received for information.


7. Integrated Catchment Management Groups of Activities Financial Status Report

Presented by the Manager Business and Technical Services (G Ryan) to report on the financial

status of programmes and activities that fall within the scope of the Committee for the

2018/2019 financial year to 30 April 2019.

Arising out of questions, responses and related discussion the following points were noted:

- in general, the year to date variances outlined on the graph (page 39) relate to phasing

of expenditure over the financial year, with the following Zone specific variances:

o Waipa Zone: favourable variance primarily due to the transfer of a portion of budget

and associated expenditure from operational to capital

o Lower Waikato Zone: main channel works expected to be ten percent underspent at

year end, noting that a number of projects and activities are programmed for the

May/June 2019 period.

o Coromandel Zone: unfavourable due to decisions taken to draw down operational

reserve (in surplus) to accelerate some work programme activities within this zone.

o Waihou-Piako: operational unfavourable and capital favourable due to the transfer

of costs associated with the Pauls Wharf Floodgate from capital to operational.

- biosecurity activities, currently shown as ‘unfavourable is due to a phasing variance

between works being completed and then invoiced to and payment received from

Ministry of Primary Industries.

- Important to have financial information available as soon as practicable following the

month/period end to support prompt and informed decision-making where needed to

optimise work programme activity expenditure within overall Zone funds.

- acknowledged that it is a challenge to align the accounting and financial reporting cycles/

timeframes with the Catchment Zone Committees/Integrated Catchment Management

Committee/Council meeting timing/ frequency; and the need to consider external

members’ and Councillors’ availability; and where possible avoid other conflicting

commitments that are within Council’s control. Advised that these issues/considerations

will be passed on to Democracy Services to ‘factor in’ when preparing the next governance

meeting schedule for the new Council for the period November 2019 to December 2020.

- it has been a “productive year” for the capital (renewal of existing assets) work

programme; together with three new flood protection asset projects Pungaraehu Canal

erosion protection (Lower Waikato), Muggeridges Pump Station (Piako) and Kirikiri

Stream bridge upgrade (Waihou), plus unplanned but essential works in Waihou-Piako to

replace two pumps.

ICM19/52

Moved by: K Holmes

Seconded by: Cr S Kneebone


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Doc # 14476784 Page 5

THAT the report 'Integrated Catchment Management Groups of Activities Financial Status

Report' (dated 27 May 2019) be received for information.


8. Flood campaign update

The Manager Business and Technical Services (G Ryan) provided an update on the “Come High

Water” flood campaign, noting that the campaign was launched late April and culminates at

Fieldays 2019 with an interactive flood protection display and staff available to answer

questions/provide information. There has been good public engagement (over 45,000 people

across the region via social media), and positive feedback received.

Arising out of questions and responses the following points were noted:

- that the campaign has coincided with a very long dry period of weather.

- the value of having billboards in strategic locations had previously been discussed, has this

been actioned or is it part of the ‘next steps’? Staff undertook to follow-up

The Senior Regional Hazards Advisor (R Leifting) provided an overview with supporting

PowerPoint presentation of the Hazards Portal, what it looks like and what data/information

it contains, noting that this tool is relevant to the flood campaign and will be ‘on display’ as

part of the Council Fieldays site. Using the tabs and ‘drilling down’ into the layers of data the

information is portrayed on maps (zoom in/out). Hazard risk examples presented included

river flooding/land susceptible to flooding (Meremere and Thames), tsunami (Whitianga), and

coastal inundation (Mokau and Kaiaua). The data comes from a range of sources including

Council, territorial authorities and some national data. Work is underway at present to obtain

feedback from stakeholders on the portal and finalise it to go public by the end of June 2019.

Arising out of questions, responses and related discussion, the following points were noted:

- Cr D Minogue requested clarification on Council’s policy on seawalls. He referred to a

consent for a rock wall/groyne at Flaxmill Bay (Thames Coromandel District Council area).

The request sits within the portfolio/scope of Strategy & Policy and Integrated Catchment

Management staff will refer the matter to that Directorate/Committee for a response.

- staff have been working with Thames Coromandel District Council for some time on a

range of coastal flooding and/or protection related issues. In general terms asset

protection is the responsibility of the asset owner; a private asset equals private

responsibility. In the Kaiaua area Hauraki District Council is working with that community

on the response to sea level flood risk and the Council Regional Coastal Plan is also

relevant. At present specific requests/situations are dealt with on a case by case basis.

- requested that the Catchment Committees be included as ‘target audiences’ for the

hazard portal and that they be provided with the link as soon as it ‘goes live’. Staff agreed

to undertake this action.

ICM19/53

Moved by: J Sanford

Seconded by: W Maag

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Doc # 14476784 Page 6


THAT the report 'Flood Campaign update’ (dated 30 May 2019) be received for information.


9. Update on Regional Infrastructure Fish Passage Strategy - "Pathways to the Sea"

The Principal Advisor Integrated Catchment Management (K Neilson) provided an overview of

the project plan for the Regional Infrastructure Fish Passage Strategy (RIFPS - Pathways to the

Sea) and an update on progress to date, noting that:

- as part of the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan, Council resolved to fund the Fish Passage

business case to the level of 50 percent of the three year cost from Council’s Investment

Fund (up to $750,000), to be matched by co-funding partners.

- to date more than $650,000 has been secured from co-funding partners including five (5)

other local authorities.

- the drivers for the development of the strategy (by December 2021) are to meet current

and likely future legislative obligations and policy directives to provide safe passage for

native fish.

- the project to develop the Strategy has been broken into six work streams, as set out in

the precirculated report (pages 47/48, clause 9). The work programme is underway, and

staff will provide updates at milestone progress points.

Arising out of questions, responses and related discussion the following points were noted:

- work stream No. 4 – Research and Development includes work being undertaken in

partnership with the Waikato-Tainui College.

- support the objective of having fish friendly pumps, however if this is already in the

Resource Management Act why has it not already been progressed/done; and concerns

as to who will bear the costs of any works/upgrades identified as being required to flood

and drainage infrastructure?

- clarification is being sought in relation to permitted activity status around fish passage

requirements in the Regional Plan.

- the Conservation Act review includes a focus on fish passage and there are also relevant

fishery regulations.

- concern expressed that the costs involved are making farming in affected areas

unaffordable, it is critical to get national funding/support and to take a long-term

approach. Sourcing funds to cover the costs that arise is not just a Council issue, there

needs to be a national approach and discussion between all Regional Councils to look at

options, innovations and solutions.

- Council approved the initial funding for this project from the Investment Fund. Council

will need to consider if the current funding policy is fit for purpose when considering the

source(s) for any additional funding contributions through the next Long Term Plan

process.

- with respect to work stream No.’s 3 and 4, the Lower Waikato and Waihou-Piako Zones

can provide considerable knowledge, practical experience and history regarding the use

of pumping infrastructure. Pumps from overseas do not necessarily operate to suit New

Zealand specific conditions. Knowledge has been built over many years about what

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Doc # 14476784 Page 7

actually works and/or what modifications and improvements have had to be made. Need

to engage with people with the ‘on the ground’ knowledge and experience and local iwi.

- need to ensure that providing native fish passage does not also provide passage for pest

fish species e.g. koi carp. Clarified that the project is scoped to address downstream fish

passage, currently impeded by council’s infrastructure.

- cost benefit analyses will be a part of the Research and Development modifications and

new innovations work streams. Also need to consider the infrastructure efficiency and

cost effectiveness factors.

- the work stream No. 2 stakeholder engagement and communications needs to involve

genuine consultation and wide engagement. Need to specify that Catchment Committees

are key stakeholders and include ratepayers who pay targeted flood protection rates.

ICM19/54

Moved by: W Maag

Seconded by: C Buchanan


THAT the report ‘Update on Regional Infrastructure Fish Passage Strategy - “Pathways to

the Sea”’ (dated 29 May 2019) be received for information.


The Committee agreed to change the order of items to consider Agenda Item 11 - Catchment

Committee Meetings before Agenda Item 10 - Koi carp herpes virus update, noting the Chair’s advice

in Confirmation of Agenda that David Speirs (DoC) is unable to attend the meeting until 12 noon.

11. Catchment Committee Meetings

11.1 Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 12 April 2019

The minutes of the Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting of 12

April 2019 were taken as read.

ICM19/55


Seconded by: K Holmes


1. THAT the minutes of the Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory Subcommittee held

on 12 April 2019 be received; and

2. THAT the decisions in Section A of the minutes be noted; and

RECOMMENDED (SECTION B):

3. THAT the following recommendation contained in Section B of the minutes be

endorsed:

Item 4: Matters Arising From Minutes

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Doc # 14476784 Page 8

THAT Messrs Powell and Toohey be requested to ascertain the reasons why the

berm and buffer bank of the Holmes canal cannot be maintained to a

reasonable and safe standard for report to a future meeting of the Committee.


11.2 Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 10 May 2019

The minutes of Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting of 10 May

2019 were taken as read.

ICM19/56




1. THAT the minutes of the Aka Aka Otaua Land Drainage Subcommittee held

on 10 May 2019 be received; and

2. THAT the decisions in Section A of the minutes be noted.


11.3 Lake Taupo Catchment Committee 10 May 2019

The minutes of Lake Taupo Catchment Committee meeting of 10 May 2019 were

taken as read.

ICM19/57


Seconded by: Cr S Husband


1. THAT the minutes of the Lake Taupo Catchment Committee held on 10

May 2019 be received; and

2. THAT the decisions in Section A of the report be noted; and


3. THAT the following recommendations contained in Section B of the minutes be

endorsed:

Item 14: Taupo - Zone Status Report to 31 March 2019

THAT the Tauranga Taupo budget is allocated a further $65,000 from

operational reserves to address maintenance requirements around the Kiko

and Maniapoto Bend spillways.


11.4 Central Waikato Catchment Committee 10 May 2019

The minutes of Central Waikato Catchment Committee meeting of 10 May 2019

were taken as read.

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Doc # 14476784 Page 9

ICM19/58




1. THAT the minutes of the Central Waikato Catchment Committee held on 10

May 2019 be received;

2. THAT the decisions in Section A of the report be noted; and



endorsed:

Item 8: Central Waikato Zone Status Report

THAT the draft reserve fund policy to be presented at the August 2019

meeting considers both the Drainage Committee and Catchment Committee’s

current policies and practices to ensure consistency, where relevant.

Item 10: Te Awa O Katapaki Stream Erosion Remediation Project

(i) THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee endorse the payment of

$99,500 from the funds reserve for the scoping and design work associated

with the Te Awa O Katapaki Erosion Remediation project.

(ii) THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee endorse, in principle, the

portion of $432,564 from the Central Zone Reserves fund noting that this

will be confirmed subject to the:

(a) 2019/20 annual plan discussions;

(b) Confirmation that the design meets the aspect requirements for the

whole catchment; and

(c) The Central Waikato Zone operational reserve policy.

Item 11: Hamilton Halo Project Phase 2

(i) THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee supports this

presentation being published on the Council’s website.

(ii) THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee requests that the

information on the five trees that the birds feed on be published on the

Council's website.


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11.5 West Coast Catchment Committee 23 May 2019

W Maag spoke to the minutes of West Coast Catchment Committee meeting of 23

May 2019 and highlighted the following issues with recommendations to Integrated

Catchment Management Committee/Council for action:

- the pest status of the Red Eared Slider Turtle; and

- the reduction in the number of whitebait, with more information needed from

the Department of Conservation.

In response and arising out of discussion it was noted that:

- with respect to the Red Eared Slider Turtle, the proposed recommendation is

unlikely to achieve the outcome sought as a regional action will not stop sales

and distribution elsewhere, and associated mobility across boundaries. Advised

that a better approach would be to raise the issue of the expected Red Eared

Slider Turtle pest species risks with the Ministry for Primary Industries to progress

matters via the National Pest Pet Trade Accord at a national level with the pet

trade industry. Proposed that the recommendation be amended to report and

advocate this issue to the Minister of Biosecurity for action. Council can also

review the pest status of this species in the next review of the Regional Pest

Management Plan.

- Requested that the information provided as part of the Regional Pest

Management Plan Annual Report on the Red Eared Slider Turtle be circulated to

all Catchment Committee members.

ICM19/59

Moved by: W Maag

Seconded by: J Sanford


1. THAT the minutes of the West Coast Catchment Committee held on 23


2. THAT the decisions in Section A of the report be noted.


ICM19/60

Moved by: W Maag



THAT Council advocate to the Minister of Biosecurity that the National Pest Pet

Trade Accord is progressed as a matter of urgency and that the Red Eared Slider

Turtle be included as a priority for risk assessment and subsequent ban from sale.


ICM19/61

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Moved by: W Maag

Seconded by: J Sanford


THAT the following recommendations contained in Section B of the minutes be

endorsed:

Item 6: Issues and Actions Report May 2019

THAT the work and consultative process to review whitebait management, currently

being undertaken by the Department of Conservation with the aims:

(i) to have healthy whitebait populations;

(ii) to restore whitebait habitat in all areas with declining populations; and

(iii) to have a long-term sustainable whitebait fishery;

be supported and promoted by Waikato Regional Council.


11.6 Upper Waikato Catchment Committee 24 May 2019

S Strang spoke to the minutes of Upper Waikato Catchment Committee meeting of 24

May 2019 noting in particular the staff presentation on the new Council storm water

management guidelines; and that a recent field trip had been held to view progress

being made as part of the Whirinaki Catchment Project.

ICM19/62

Moved by: S Strang



1. THAT the minutes of the Upper Waikato Catchment Committee held on 24


2. THAT the decisions in Section A of the minutes be noted; and


11.7 Lower Waikato Catchment Committee 29 May 2019

K Holmes spoke to the minutes of Lower Waikato Catchment Committee meeting of

29 May 2019 noting in particular the self-review strategy and Committee focus

discussion/process being undertaken and the recommendations to Integrated

Catchment Management Committee/Council.

Arising out of questions, responses and discussion the following points were noted:

- with respect to a 10am meeting start time, this timing factored in travel and

venue set up for staff, travel for Councillors and Committee members, and the

completion of any attendees’ early morning commitments.

- given that the Committee’s strategy and focus process is not yet completed, it

was queried whether the recommendations about meeting frequency should be

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Doc # 14476784 Page 12

held over in the interim. Additional meetings will involve additional costs - time,

resources and participation, understood to be circa $18,000 per meeting.

- the Lower Waikato Zone has a significant workload and budget; and in addition

to the catchment works and flood protection aspects there are a number of long-

standing and ongoing issues to deal with including koi carp and the

Whangamarino that are complex and involve multiple parties.

- acknowledged that the Committee has some big challenges to work through in

relation to the flood protection infrastructure costs and the increased demand

for catchment works/associated costs, and therefore rating and affordability

issues for people within the Zone.

- need to make real progress on and resolve the legacy issues, so that the focus

can be on the core business.

- while the issues and concerns being raised were acknowledged and appreciated,

it was expressed that these matters are unlikely to be addressed simply by having

additional meetings. The Committee may wish to consider what other steps and

actions could be taken to enable the Committee to operate more effectively. Is

it about better communication and ensuring that the Committee has been

provided with timely and targeted information to make robust decisions, and

having a ‘higher level’ focus versus a ‘micro’ detail approach? More reports and

meetings may not necessarily result in more work “on the ground” being carried

out on time/to budget to achieve the Committee’s objective.

- holding more frequent meetings will impact on Councillors, members and staff

workloads. Need to consider the availability impacts on external members and

the staff resourcing implications.

- the current Council triennium concludes in October and the new/incoming

Council will determine its governance/Committee structure and associated

Terms of Reference for the 2019/2022 triennium. The conclusions of the strategy

and Committee focus discussions could usefully inform the new Council’s

governance structure process.

- views expressed that supporting an increase in meeting frequency now would be

premature for the reasons already outlined.

- with respect to the Lower Waikato committee proposal to establish a koi carp

Subcommittee, views expressed that this would be an additional parallel process

to the efforts already underway. The Department of Conservation and Council

are already actively working on this pest fish issue (refer Item 10 - Koi carp herpes

virus update) with a number of other parties. The koi carp issue is long standing

with no quick fixes available; and it is acknowledged that for people in the Lower

Waikato Zone this apparent lack of ‘on the ground’ action/results is frustrating.

Opportunity to improve communication with the Committee/Zone; ensure that

local knowledge and expertise is sourced and to provide ongoing timely progress

reports/status updates of the various initiatives.

- a collaborative approach between all parties will be more efficient and cost

effective, noting that good communication and information sharing is vital. View

expressed that the recommendation will not support this approach or enhance

the process already in place and the initiatives being worked on.

Page 18


Doc # 14476784 Page 13

- view expressed that for some of the same reasons as outlined above around

communication, triennium timing and the multiple party nature of the issues, the

Whangamarino and Waikare Catchments Working Group recommendation

should also be held over for the new/incoming Council to determine the best

approach.

ICM19/63




THAT the following recommendations contained in Section B of the minutes be

endorsed:

THAT all future meetings of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee commence

at 9.30am.


ICM19/64


Seconded by: Cr A Livingston


THAT the following recommendations shall ‘lie on the table’ until the new triennium

when the incoming Council considers its governance/Committee structure and

associated Terms of Reference.

(i) THAT to better manage the Committee workload and information flow, the

meeting frequency for the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee be changed to

two-monthly.

(ii) THAT a Subcommittee of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee be

established to investigate the options for, and processes required to achieve the

eradication of Koi carp.

(iii) THAT a multi stakeholder Whangamarino and Waikare catchments Working

Group be established to co-ordinate and work through all the issues and

develop the Action Plan required following the completion and adoption of the

Catchment Management Plan.

The motion was put and carried on a show of hands

(8 votes in support/3 votes against)

Out of meeting 12.13pm K Holmes, W Maag

ICM19/65

Page 19


Doc # 14476784 Page 14




1. THAT The minutes of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee held on 29


2. THAT the decisions in Section A of the report be noted.


- Staff were asked to provide an informal update on the Auckland Ministry of

Primary Industries Fruit Fly response.

- The Manager Integrated Catchment Services (P Whaley) advised that MPI had

approached Councils for staff assistance as part of the national biosecurity

response.

- The seconded staff member Biosecurity Officer, Andrew McConnell, outlined his

role and responsibilities as a Movement Control Manager during the Fruit Fly

response.

Out of meeting 12.15pm Cr A Livingston, Cr S Kneebone

The Chair briefly adjourned the meeting due to the temporary lack of a quorum.

Return to meeting K Holmes 12.17pm

- Staff noted that the Ministry of Primary Industries still hasn’t found/confirmed

whether there is a breeding population and are continuing to work through that

process/those investigations.

Return to meeting W Maag, Cr S Kneebone, Cr A Livingston 12.18pm

With the quorum requirements now satisfied, the Chair resumed the formal meeting.

10. Koi carp herpes virus update

The Manager of Integrated Catchment Services (P Whaley) requested that the written report

be taken as read, with a verbal update regarding the status of Department of Conservation

investigations into the efficacy of the koi carp herpes virus to be provided by David Speirs,

Department of Conservation, Director Operations, Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Region. The

Chair welcomed D Speirs to the meeting.

Page 20


Doc # 14476784 Page 15

D Speirs advised that:

- he has had several recent requests for briefings on freshwater pest fish and that the

Department of Conservation is currently rebuilding its capacity and capability in this focus

area.

- The Department of Conservation has made a funding commitment to match the Council

$60,000 per annum for three years for the Aquatic Pest Co-ordinator (North Island)

position which will be managed through the Department of Conservation’s Hamilton

office. Implementation of the koi carp Management Plan will be managed through the

Co-ordinator position.

- need to confirm the current status and identify what is/is not being done in the koi carp

‘space; what projects/work streams are active or in abeyance such as surveillance.

Confirm the range of “tools” available and what Research and Development work is

underway or planned.

- The Department of Conservation is partnering the Australian research regarding the

herpes virus as a potential ‘tool’. Currently have a series of questions about the virus e.g.

will it work on the koi carp in New Zealand as they are a different species and the costs

involved. Even if identified as being suitable it will not be the total answer, rather one

part of the solution. There is also a full statutory process to go through to get the virus

assessed and approved for use in New Zealand, should that be deemed useful to pursue.

- The Department of Conservation and Council have a willingness to look at all realistic and

viable control options that are sustainable in the longer term. Proposals including barrier

traps and harvesting are already on the table and there has been of lot of interest from

external parties.

Arising out of questions, responses and associated discussion the following points were noted:

- there has been discussion with the Minister of Conservation regarding the iwi initiative

for koi carp removal from Lake Waikare. The feasibility strategy for that application is still

on the table, with some additional work needed to refine the proposal.

- concern expressed that given the size, scale and complexity of the koi carp issue one staff

resource (the Co-ordinator role) will not be able to get across all the aspects of the

problem in the time available, let alone work on solutions.

- the Co-ordinator position will have a strategic focus, not an ‘on the ground’ actions role.

A key outcome will be to deliver the koi carp Strategy which will identify what will be

required to support/action that strategic approach over the next 10 to 20 years.

- the biology of the species is reasonably well known. They are long lived, have no natural

predators in NZ, breed prolifically and we know when and how they spawn. In some

places they comprise 80 percent plus of the biomass and crowd out all other species.

- concerns expressed that there is a risk that this strategic approach, without any visible ‘on

the ground’ initiatives, actions or trials being undertaken, will result in desk-top outcomes

only and no actual contribution to containing/controlling or reducing the quantity or

spread of the species.

- committee member asked if there were opportunities to undertake some small scale

projects or for the community to see or participate in events that raise awareness of the

problem? One member thought the Motukaraka system could be ‘isolated’ and a

collaborative stakeholder project could be undertaken; another suggested supporting

Page 21


Doc # 14476784 Page 16

regular bow hunter/fishing events in various locations. Acknowledged that they do

involve some resource and are not going to make a material difference to the overall

problem, but these kinds of actions can provide benefits such as increasing public

awareness, education and communication opportunities and reassure people that ‘things

are happening’ albeit mostly focussed on a comprehensive strategic response which is not

visible to the public.

- need to take a measured approach and not invest in projects and actions that are not

viable. Some small scale efforts e.g. cages/traps have been successful, but not able to be

scaled up and are not economically viable and/or sustainable. In future there may need

to be ‘social’ decisions made whereby a particular control method that ‘works’ is

supported via rates, or other ongoing funding contributions.

- need to ensure that we learn from past mistakes and successes. Potentially some

comparisons with the rabbit/calici virus experience, noting the additional risks when

operating in an aquatic environment.

- research is ongoing to try and develop a water sample test that can detect if koi carp are

present in a waterway. If successful this would be a far more resource, time and cost

effective method of detection than physical surveillance.

- view expressed that the largest sediment contribution to waterways is from upper

catchment land management practices/erosion and the best approach to this issue is via

the current catchment management works programmes. Acknowledged that in the lower

reaches where koi carp are present they will be exacerbating the sediment issues by

damaging the banks and re-suspending sediment.

- the current contractor is routinely in the Lower Waikato area and could be available to

provide advice and support for the Lower Waikato and Waihou-Piako Zones if that was

requested/helpful.

- important to have education to ensure that people know that any transfer of koi carp from

one waterway to another is an offence and the penalties for doing this. It would be a

national disaster if the species spreads beyond its current locations.

ICM19/66




That the report ‘Koi carp herpes virus update’ (Integrated Catchment Management

Committee 11 June 2019) be received and that D Speirs, Department of Conservation,

Director Operations, Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki region be thanked for his verbal update.


ICM19/67

Moved by: Cr A Livingston

Seconded by: C Buchanan


Page 22


Doc # 14476784 Page 17

That a joint communication paper be prepared and released by the Department of

Conservation and Waikato Regional Council to let affected communities and the wider

public know what is happening, what steps are being taken to progress the koi carp problem

and who are the ‘go to’ contact people for further information.


12. Resolutions to Exclude the Public

ICM19/68




THAT the public be excluded from the following part/s of the meeting:

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:

Good reason to withhold exists under Section 7.

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be

likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists.

Section 48(1)(a)

This resolution is made in reliance on sections 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official

Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by

Section 7 of that Act, which would be prejudiced by the holding of the relevant part of the

proceedings of the meeting in public are as follows:

Confirmation of Public Excluded Minutes of previous (10 April 2019) Integrated Catchment

Management Committee meeting and extract from Public Excluded minutes from the 30

April 2019 Council meeting

To avoid prejudice to the maintenance of the law, including the prevention,

investigation and detection of offences and the right to a fair trial (S6(a));

To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons

[S7(2)(a)];

Enable any local authority holding the information to carry on, without prejudice or

disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations) (Section

7(2)(i)); and

To protect information where the making available of the information would be likely

unreasonably to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who

is the subject of the information (S7(2)(b)(ii)).

Page 23


Doc # 14476784 Page 18

Public Excluded Issues/Actions from Integrated Catchment Management Meetings:

To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons

[S7(2)(a)]; and

Enable any local authority holding the information to carry on, without prejudice or

disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations) (Section

7(2)(i)).


The meeting returned to open session at 1.00pm

The meeting closed at 1.00pm

Page 24

Extract of Council Meeting 27 June 2019

5.5 Integrated Catchment Management Committee

Minutes of the meeting of the Integrated Catchment Management Committee held

11 June 2019.

The minutes (Doc# 14476784) attached as Appendix 4.

The minutes were presented by Cr Husband and during questions, answers and

related discussion the following was noted:

Cr K Hodge left the meeting at 11:29 am.

Outside of the committee meeting there had been a meeting regarding the

Money Stopbank and as a result of that meeting there had been an undertaking

that the landowners of the two properties had agreed on the upgrade that was

needed for the stopbank.

a member noted concern regarding the financial impact of installing fish friendly

pumps. There were other options for creating habitats for life including putting

in wetlands. In response to the concern that the project was looking only at

pumps, members were advised that the project was considering all of the options

with regard to fish passage. There was a smaller sized fish friendly pump already

installed at Orchard Road and a larger pump was proposed for

Muggeridges. These two pumps would provide information to the study to detail

the effectiveness of the pumps on New Zealand fish.

Cr F Lichtwark left the meeting at 11:46 am.

A member noted concern over the recommendation regarding red eared slider

turtles. In response members were advised that following the discussion at the

West Coast Catchments Committee staff had considered the matter and

proposed the recommended approach. The recommendation was advocating

consideration to progress the pest conversation. It was noted that the presence

of the turtle had been found in areas where the conditions had not been

considered favourable for breeding.

WRC19/130


Seconded by: Cr S Kneebone

1. That the minutes of the meeting of the Integrated Catchment Management

Committee held 11 June 2019 be received.

2. That the decisions under Section A be noted.

3. That the recommendations made under Section B be adopted.

Item 11.1 - Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 12 April 2019

Page 25

ICM19/55

1. THAT the following recommendation contained in Section B of the minutes be

endorsed:

Item 4: Matters Arising From Minutes

THAT Messrs Powell and Toohey be requested to ascertain the reasons why the berm

and buffer bank of the Holmes canal cannot be maintained to a reasonable and safe

standard for report to a future meeting of the Committee.

Item 11.3 Lake Taupo Catchment Committee 10 May 2019

ICM19/57


endorsed:


THAT the Tauranga Taupo budget is allocated a further $65,000 from operational

reserves to address maintenance requirements around the Kiko and Maniapoto Bend

spillways.

Item 11.4 Central Waikato Catchment Committee 10 May 2019

ICM19/58


endorsed:

Item 8: Central Waikato Zone Status Report THAT the draft reserve fund policy to be

presented at the August 2019 meeting considers both the Drainage Committee and

Catchment Committee’s current policies and practices to ensure consistency, where

relevant.


THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee endorse the payment of

$99,500 from the funds reserve for the scoping and design work associated with

the Te Awa O Katapaki Erosion Remediation project.

THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee endorse, in principle, the

portion of

$432,564 from the Central Zone Reserves fund noting that this will be confirmed

subject to the:

2019/20 annual plan discussions;

Confirmation that the design meets the aspect requirements for the whole

catchment; and

Page 26

The Central Waikato Zone operational reserve policy.


THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee supports this presentation

being published on the Council’s website.

THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee requests that the information

on the five trees that the birds feed on be published on the Council's website.

Item 11.5 West Coast Catchment Committee 23 May 2019

ICM19/60

1. THAT Council advocate to the Minister of Biosecurity that the National Pest Pet

Trade Accord is progressed as a matter of urgency and that the Red Eared Slider

Turtle be included as a priority for risk assessment and subsequent ban from sale.

ICM19/61


endorsed:


THAT the work and consultative process to review whitebait management, currently

being undertaken by the Department of Conservation with the aims:

to have healthy whitebait populations;

to restore whitebait habitat in all areas with declining populations; and

to have a long-term sustainable whitebait fishery;


Item 11.7 Lower Waikato CatchmentCommittee 29 May 2019

ICM19/63

THAT all future meetings of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee commence

at 9.30am.

Item 10. Koi carp herpes virus update

ICM19/67

That a joint communication paper be prepared and released by the Department of

Conservation and Waikato Regional Council to let affected communities and the wider

public know what is happening, what steps are being taken to progress the koi carp

problem and who are the ‘go to’ contact people for further information.


Page 27

Date: 7 August 2019

Author: Clare Crickett, Director Integrated Catchment Management

Authoriser: Clare Crickett, Director Integrated Catchment Management

Subject: Issues/Actions from Integrated Catchment Management Meetings

Section A A (Committee has delegated authority to make a decision)

Key:

Completed

In Progress according to plan

Issues exist but on track

Requires attention

Report to Integrated Catchment Management

Committee

Purpose

Recommendation

Report back

2. This report provides the Integrated Catchment Management Committee members with a process for

tracking matters raised at subcommittee meetings. Tables 1a and 1b list both resolutions and matters

arising and issues raised from previous meetings that are being tracked over time.

That the report Issues/Actions from Integrated Catchment Management Meetings (Document #13573283

dated 7 August 2019) be received for information.

1. The purpose is to report back on actions and issues discussed from the previous Integrated Catchment

Management Committee meeting held on 11 June 2019.

Doc# 13573283

Page 28

Date Item Matters Arising Actions Status Responsible

11/06/2019

Confirmation of minutes of previous

meeting

THAT the Minutes of the Integrated Catchment Management Meeting of 10 April 2019 be approved as a true and

correct record noting the correction to the Committee name (Central Waikato) within resolution ICM19/41.

Democracy Services updated meeting minutes Completed

Democracy Services

11/06/2019

Issues/Actions from Integrated Catchment

Management Meetings

Director undertook to review the colours/ coding to provide greater clarity Democracy Services have taken the advice on board and will

consider this in their planning

Issues exist but on

trackDemocracy Services

11/06/2019

Integrated Catchment Management

Groups of Activities Financial Status Report

Acknowledged that it is a challenge to align the accounting and financial reporting cycles/ timeframes with the

Catchment Zone Committees/Integrated Catchment Management Committee/Council meeting timing/ frequency;

and the need to consider external members’ and Councillors’ availability; and where possible avoid other conflicting

commitments that are within Council’s control. Advised that these issues/considerations will be passed on to

Democracy Services to ‘factor in’ when preparing the next governance meeting schedule for the new Council for the

period November 2019 to December 2020.

Democracy Services have taken the advice on board and will

consider this in their planning

Issues exist but on

track

Democracy Services

11/06/2019

Flood campaign update The value of having billboards in strategic locations had previously been discussed, has this been actioned or is it part

of the ‘next steps’? Staff undertook to follow-up

Staff confirm that billboards are included in the campaign, and

budgeted 2 locations in each of the Lower Waikato and Waihou-

Piako zones identified (with the opportunity for more sites). It is

expected that these will be on display from the end of

September 2019.

Completed

Greg Ryan

11/06/2019

Flood campaign update Cr D Minogue requested clarification on Council’s policy on seawalls. He referred to a consent for a rock wall/groyne

at Flaxmill Bay (Thames Coromandel District Council area). The request sits within the portfolio/scope of Strategy &

Policy and Integrated Catchment Management staff will refer the matter to that Directorate/Committee for a

response.B10

Referred to policy staff. Completed

Policy team

11/06/2019

Flood campaign update Requested that the Catchment Committees be included as ‘target audiences’ for the hazard portal and that they be

provided with the link as soon as it ‘goes live’. Staff agreed to undertake this action.

Catchment committee members have been provided with a link

to the hazards portal.

CompletedGreg Ryan

11/06/2019

Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory

Subcommittee 12 April 2019

THAT Messrs Powell and Toohey be requested to ascertain the reasons why the berm and buffer bank of the Holmes

canal cannot be maintained to a reasonable and safe standard for report to a future meeting of the Committee.

A report is being prepared and will be submitted to the next

Committee Meeting.

In progress according

to plan Brendan Toohey

11/06/2019

Lake Taupo Catchment Committee 10 May

2019


THAT the Tauranga Taupo budget is allocated a further $65,000 from operational reserves to address maintenance

requirements around the Kiko and Maniapoto Bend spillways.

The recommendation was endorsed at the ICMC meeting on 11

June 2019.

Completed

Anne McLeod

11/06/2019

Central Waikato Catchment Committee 10

May 2019

Item 8: Central Waikato Zone Status Report

THAT the draft reserve fund policy to be presented at the August 2019 meeting considers both the Drainage

Committee and Catchment Committee’s current policies and practices to ensure consistency, where relevant.

A report has been prepared and will be submitted to the next

Committee Meeting


to planBrendan Toohey/Greg

Ryan

11/06/2019


May 2019


(i) THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee endorse the payment of $99,500 from the funds reserve for the

scoping and design work associated with the Te Awa O Katapaki Erosion Remediation project.

Council approved. Completed

Brendan Toohey

11/06/2019


May 2019


(ii) THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee endorse, in principle, the portion of $432,564 from the Central

Zone Reserves fund noting that this will be confirmed subject to the:

(a) 2019/20 annual plan discussions;

(b) Confirmation that the design meets the aspect requirements for the whole catchment; and

(c) The Central Waikato Zone operational reserve policy.

Approved adopted by Council. Completed

Brendan Toohey

11/06/2019


May 2019


(i) THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee supports this presentation being published on the Council’s

website.

(i) this has been completed; Completed

Brendan Toohey

11/06/2019


May 2019


(ii) THAT the Central Waikato Catchment Committee requests that the information on the five trees that the birds

feed on be published on the Council's website.

(ii) this is in progress and wil be completed by the end of August

2019.


to planBrendan Toohey

11/06/2019

West Coast Catchment Committee 23 May

2019

Requested that the information provided as part of the Regional Pest Management Plan Annual Report on the Red

Eared Slider Turtle be circulated to all Catchment Committee members.

All committees have this information available on website.

Additionally, all members of ICMC have been provided with

relevant information.

Completed

Patrick Whaley

Table 1a below is a summary of the key matters raised at the last committee meeting and the actions that have followed.

ICMC 3.0 Matters arising

Doc # 13573283 Printed: 30/07/2019 10:57 AM Page 1 of 4

Page 29


11/06/2019


2019

THAT Council advocate to the Minister of Biosecurity that the National Pest Pet Trade Accord is progressed as a

matter of urgency and that the Red Eared Slider Turtle be included as a priority for risk assessment and subsequent

ban from sale.

Chairman has this underway. In progress according

to plan Patrick Whaley

11/06/2019


2019

THAT the following recommendations contained in Section B of the minutes be endorsed:


THAT the work and consultative process to review whitebait management, currently being undertaken by the

Department of Conservation with the aims:

(i) to have healthy whitebait populations;

(ii) to restore whitebait habitat in all areas with declining populations; and

(iii) to have a long-term sustainable whitebait fishery;


Recommendation endorsed by Council. Completed

Brendan Toohey

11/06/2019

Lower Waikato Catchment Committee 29

May 2019

THAT all future meetings of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee commence at 9.30am. Actioned by Democracy Services. CompletedBrendan Toohey

11/06/2019

Lower Waikato Catchment Committee 29

May 2019

THAT the following recommendations shall ‘lie on the table’ until the new triennium when the incoming Council

considers its governance/Committee structure and associated Terms of Reference.

(i) THAT to better manage the Committee workload and information flow, the meeting frequency for the Lower

Waikato Catchment Committee be changed to two-monthly.

(ii) THAT a Subcommittee of the Lower Waikato Catchment Committee be established to investigate the options for,

and processes required to achieve the eradication of Koi carp.

(iii) THAT a multi stakeholder Whangamarino and Waikare catchments Working Group be established to co-ordinate

and work through all the issues and develop the Action Plan required following the completion and adoption of the

Catchment Management Plan.

Noted by Council. Completed

Director

11/06/2019

Koi carp herpes virus update That a joint communication paper be prepared and released by the Department of Conservation and Waikato

Regional Council to let affected communities and the wider public know what is happening, what steps are being

taken to progress the koi carp problem and who are the ‘go to’ contact people for further information.

Support has been requested of the Department of Conservation.

Michelle Archer is coordinationg on behalf of WRC & DOC.


to planPatrick Whaley

4.0 Issues

and Actions

Table 1b outlines

Actions from

previous

meetings

10/04/2019Confirmation of minutes of previous

meeting

M Moana-Tuwhangai queried whether feedback relating to the Flood Campaign had been taken up, in particular

ensuring relevance to Maori audiences. Chair invited M Moana-Tuwhangai and relevant staff to meet outside of

meeting to follow-up.

Actioned. Completed Democracy Services

10/04/2019Consent condition review - the regulatory

process

A member raised concerns re the timeliness of the regulatory process followed. Staff undertook to arrange a meeting

between K Holmes and relevant staff to ensure understanding of the regulatory process. Staff also noted they would

cover off any questions K Holmes had regarding the Mill drain process during this meeting.

A meeting with K. Holmes accompanied by landowners occurred

on 13/5. In attendance were Cr Husband, Director, ICM; and

Director,

Resource Use, and Manager, Industry and Infrastructure.

A further meeting with K. Holmes, I MacDougall, G Tupuhi

occurred 19 July. In attendance was Cr Husband, Director ICM,

Manager, Industry and Infrastructure and Manager Lower

Waikato, Waipa and West Coast Catchments.

CompletedBrendan Toohey/Brent

Sinclair

10/04/2019



to the end of February 2019

Members expressed the need for projects to be planned in advance to ensure they were completed within the

construction season and not impacted by wet weather. Staff assured members that they were confident that the

current practice followed for planning, procurement and execution of projects was appropriate. Staff undertook to

provide a paper to the next committee meeting, outlining the framework and processes in place to ensure adequate

project scoping and implementation across multi funding years.

Paper included in August 2019 ICMC meeting agenda. Completed Greg Ryan

10/04/2019



to the end of February 2019

A member requested that the next financial status report brought to the committee include graphs illustrating

previous financial status compared to current. Staff undertook to provide this.Comparison provided in August 2019 ICMC meeting paper. Completed Greg Ryan


Page 30


10/04/2019

Approach to the Management of


Reserves

A member asked what discretion council had with regards to of the intentional drawing down or accumulation of

reserves (e.g. for periodic expenditure that has funding spread over a period of time). Staff noted that, if required,

this issue formed part of long-term and annual planning discussions, but also undertook to include this aspect for

consideration in the report being brought to the Catchment Committees and Land Drainage Sub-committees.

Zone-specific papers have been produced for all catchment

committee meetings and are expected to be considered during

next round of committee meetings. A follow up paper will then

be returned to ICMC to inform subsequent annual plan and LTP

development.


to planGreg Ryan

10/04/2019Thames Valley Drainage Advisory

Subcommittee 25 March 2019

• Members discussed effects of sediment from cropping operations, particularly where cropping was occurring close

to waterways and shifting from one area to another. Noted that more education was needed to resolve the issues.

Staff undertook to investigate the issues and options for improvement.

• A member asked that the matter be brought to the attention of the Vegetable Growers Federation and relevant

contractors to ensure good practice was followed.

Being addressed through the development of the Regional Land

Drainage Plan and HDC Drainage Bylaw submission. Contact will

be made with appropriate professional associations followig the

completion of this work.

Completed Adam Munro

10/04/2019Franklin Waikato Drainage Advisory


Item 10: Works Status Report - 1 November 2018 to 31 January 2019

1. That staff be requested to investigate and report back to the Committee on the findings, options and outcomes

with respect to:

a) what type/s of chemicals are approved/available for use in drain weed spraying programmes to replace the current

chemicals that have not proven to be effective;

b) the current legislative requirements for agrichemical user certification to confirm who needs to hold the

appropriate certified handler accreditation; and

c) the operating practices being used to optimise the weather/wind conditions spraying ‘window’ available within any

applicable rules and/or guidelines.

A followup meeting with Drainage Chair and spray contactor

took place to discuss the concerns regarding the spray

programme. Staff will seek improvements to the spray

programme for inclusion in the 2019/20 year and report to the

September meeting.

Completed Brendan Toohey



Item 14: Members Report - March 2019

1. That staff provide a breakdown of what it costs to hold a Franklin Waikato Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

meeting.

2. That the Franklin Waikato Drainage Advisory Subcommittee requests that the Waikato Regional Council:

a) Communicates with other Regional Councils and central Government on the need to reform the Resource

Management Act so that it does not place New Zealand’s Drainage Districts with unsustainable cost increases.

1. Costs will be presented to the September Committee Meeting.

2. Regional Sector engagement with RMA reform potentially an

opportunity, as is Healthy Environments Plan change process



10/04/2019Coromandel Catchment Committee 12

March 2019

Item: Coromandel Flood Protection Scheme Review Service Level Report

1. THAT service levels for each major stop bank and flood wall within the Coromandel flood protection scheme are

adopted (refer Figure 5.3 to 5.5 of the attached document).

2. THAT the Coromandel flood protection scheme design standard is formalised for the current design freeboard of

0.50 m be retained for the stop banks and flood wall.

3. THAT a gauging station be installed in the Coromandel flood protection scheme catchment.

1. Noted. No further action required.

2. Noted. No further actioned required and will be applied to all

relevant future works.

3 Listed as a future install on the Environmental Monitoring

telemetry network priority schedule.


10/04/2019Central Waikato Catchment Committee 27

March 2019

Item 11: Central Waikato Catchment - Te Awa Lakes development Alligator Weed biosecurity restriction

1. THAT when the economic impact assessment determining the costs of Alligator weed is received from the New

Zealand Institute of Innovation Research by staff, council then use this as a leverage tool and advocate to central

government for support to manage Alligator weed at a national, regional and local level; and

2. THAT staff present the Alligator Weed presentation presented at the 27 March 2019 Central Waikato Catchment

Committee to the upcoming Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Meeting; and

3. THAT staff present the Alligator Weed presentation presented at the 27 March 2019 Central Waikato Catchment

Committee to the upcoming Mayoral Forum

4. THAT staff investigate options for implementing Mayor King’s recommendation to implement a region wide rate to

fund works to safeguard future generations against Alligator weed spread and its implications.

1. Noted.

2. Noted, and is programmed to be presented to the Committee;

3. Noted, attendance at the March Mayoral Forum occured;

4. Noted, investigations are on going.

Completed Brendan Toohey

13/02/2019Dam Safety Management System - Update

on Progress

Re Dam Safety Management sytsem next steps, pg 7 of ICMC meeting minutes: need to undertake a cost/benefit

analysis and assess the opportunity cost. Given the lack of maintenance over many years, have the design benefits

been dissipated over time? What else has changed since the dams were constructed and will undertaking the

maintenance works (e.g. removal of sediment build-up) improve the ‘actual’ level of flood protection or water

drainage for the affected downstream properties and communities? Requested that this information be reported to

the next Integrated Catchment Management Committee meeting.

Initial discussions have occurred with WRC economists regarding

capacity to undertake this assessment and the corresponding

information requirements. Identified that there may be capacity,

and that further analysis of the changes in flood level will be

required in order to properly assess the change in flood extent

and therefore benefit.


to planGreg Ryan


Page 31


5/12/2018 Members reports A member noted that a paper on Canadian geese was currently being prepared by staff.

A literature review of Canadian geese and Black swans use of

West coast harbours has been completed, peer reviewed and is

soon to be published as a technical report. Staff will circulate

this to West Coast committee members when available. Science

staff are currently working with Waikato University to investigate

diet of Canadian geese in the West Coast harbours. This

information will inform the upcoming review of the Regional Pest

Management Plan when looking at management options in the

Waikato region.



6/06/2018

Pest fish management in the Waikato

region - A proposal for Waikato Regional

Council and the Department of

Conservation

The Committee acknowledged that should control options become available and prove practical and cost-effective

those other options would be considered. A member indicated interest in a workshop on the matter and felt that the

Community would benefit from this.

Staff have met and continue to meet with interested members of

the Lower Waikato Committee, Waikato Tainui and community

to discuss potential management options for koi carp. Staff

recommend picking up the potential for workshops once the

pest fish coordinator has started and through the upcoming

Regional Pest Management Plan review.



6/06/2018

Pest fish management in the Waikato

region - A proposal for Waikato Regional

Council and the Department of

Conservation

A member expressed their interest to participate in discussions with the Department of Conservation and Waikato

Regional Council noting there had been previous attempts to address koi carp in places such as Lake Ohinewai.

Staff recommend the pest fish coordinator make contact with

the member once they start. In progress according



Subcommittee meeting of 12 March 2018

Minutes of the Franklin Waikato Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting 12 March 2018

THAT Council undertake an urgent review of the Tauhei Drainage District to realign the catchment into the Lower

Waikato Catchment.

Staff will assess the rationale and costs for any potential

realignment ahead of the next LTP cycle, should a special

consultative procedure be required.



13/04/2017Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee

meeting of 17 March 2017

RECOMMENDED THAT

1. the membership of the Chair of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee to the Waihou Piako

Catchment Committee is reinstated.

2. in relation to the ‘Komata Stream Service Level Review Options Report’ that:

Option 1 – Maintaining the existing assets at current level of service, be implemented based on Council’s stop bank

prioritisation programme.

Option 2- Include non-asset features downstream of SH26, be considered as the preferred option for detailed

investigation and implementation.

3. The approach that has been taken in planning the programme in the report ‘Annual Plan 2017/18 Capital

Renewals’ is endorsed.

4. The increase in the capital renewals budget, through the CE Submission process for the Annual Plan 2017/18, to

$3,851,500 for the Waihou zone and $4,380,000 for the Piako zone, is supported.

All adopted by Council.


13/04/2017Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee

meeting of 17 March 2017

RECOMMENDED THAT

5. Support provided for the removal of the old Kopu Bridge as soon as possible for the hydrological benefit to the

river and to prevent silt build up at the site.

5. Awaiting further technical information to inform

correspondence to relevant parties once analysis completed.

Planned to complete by September 2019.


to planAdam Munro


Page 32

Report to Integrated Catchment Management Committee

Date: 30 July 2019

Author: Greg Ryan, Manager Business and Technical Services


Subject: Integrated Catchment Management Financial Status Report

Section: A (Committee has delegated authority to make decision)

Purpose 1. The purpose is to report on the financial status of programmes and activities that fall within the scope of

the Integrated Catchment Management Committee. This report covers the 2018/19 Financial Year.

Executive Summary 2. This report provides the committee with an overview of the financial status for the following activities:

Flood protection

Land drainage

River management

Catchment management

Biosecurity

Biodiversity

Emergency management

Resilient development 3. With regard to operational expenditure, the overall financial status was 1 % behind forecast expenditure.

There is however some variation between activities and zones (refer to commentary below).

4. With regard to capital expenditure, a majority of which occurs within the Lower Waikato, Waihou and Piako zones, the major construction projects planned for this financial year, consisting of 17.3 km of stopbanks, 2 pump stations and 2 floodgates, have been substantially completed (with the exception of the Masseys Pump Station, which will be procured and constructed during the coming (2019/20) construction season. Overall, an $11.7M programme has been either expended, carried forward, or is part of the programme of minor capital renewals. This is 6 % under the Q3 forecast.

Staff Recommendation:

That the report Integrated Catchment Management Financial Status Report (Integrated Catchment Management Committee 7 August 2019) be received.

End-of-year operational expenditure and commentary 5. Overall, operational expenditure for the 2018/19 Financial Year was 1 % behind the forecast full year

expenditure. There is however some variance to this overall position across zones and across activities (refer to further information in this report).

6. The following chart provides an overview of the full year expenditure for each zone, compared with the

forecast full year budget.

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7. In addition to the above breakdown by zone, the following chart provides the same information (i.e. full year operational expenditure) but broken down by activity.

8. For most of the above, the variances shown reflect those also shown in the zone-by-zone commentary provided above, as well as some variance in actual labour hours across interrelated activities (e.g.

Page 34

catchment oversight, information and advice, catchment maintenance, catchment new works, river management and flood protection).

End-of-year capital renewal expenditure and commentary 9. The ICM capital renewal work programme is focused on the Lower Waikato, Waihou and Piako zones, and

consists of numerous minor projects to renew asset components, along with a suite of major asset renewal projects, which are individually managed using the Council’s Project Management Framework.

10. In general, the physical works that commenced this year to renew our assets have been completed, albeit with several that still have minor tasks that need to be completed before the projects can be closed (and have hence required carry forwards into the 2019/20 financial year).

11. The progression of the asset renewal work programme is provided below, which is a comparison between

the Q3 forecast (provide to the last Committee meeting) and the end-of-year result. In this regard, the following is noted: - The physical works identified for completion this year have been substantially completed, including

major renewals of 2 pump stations, 2 flood gates, and a combined 17.3 km of stopbanks. However, there is some minor work required to complete the respective projects (e.g. re-grassing, fencing, and those tasks required to completely close a project such as the receipt of as-built information) and carry forward requests reflect this.

- The amount of budget carried forward reflects those items already identified in previous reporting to the Committee, as well as the sums required for the above completion and closure tasks.

- Overall, capital expenditure for the year across all zones, allowing for minor capital works, completed work and carried forwards, totals $11.7m. This is 6 % under the Q3 forecast.

- Further zone-by-zone commentary is provided in the following paragraphs.

12. With regard to the Lower Waikato, the assets renewed were: - 4.1 km of stopbanks (Rutherfords, Parish Polder and Furniss stopbanks, along with the first section of

the Aka Aka Stopbank, with further sections continuing in 2019/20). - Patterson's Pump Station - Jolly's Floodgate - A range of minor capital renewals, totalling $737k

13. End-of-year accounts show that $2.9m was expended, along with a request for $1.5m to be carried

forward (which primarily relates to the deferred Massey’s Pump Station renewal and the multi-year Aka Aka Stopbank renewal). The combination of minor capital work, completed work, and carry forwards (totalling $4.5m) is 6 % under the Q3 forecast.

14. With regard to the Piako Zone, the assets renewed were: - 12.8 km of stopbanks (the suite of package 1 stopbanks (6 sections)). - Campbells Floodgate. - A range of minor capital renewals, totalling $989k.

15. End-of-year accounts show that $4.2m was expended, along with a request for $260k to be carried

forward (which primarily relates to the items required to complete Package 1 of the suite of stopbank upgrades). The combination of minor capital work, completed work, and carry forwards (totalling $4.5m) is consistent with the Q3 forecast.

16. With regard to the Waihou Zone, the following assets were renewed: - The Matangiharara Stopbank (carried over from the previous year) and Parawai Road Floodwall (albeit

with some road sealing to be completed when weather permits). - The Heale Street Pumpstation. - The Criterion Bridge Stoplogs. - A range of minor capital renewals, totalling $410k.

Page 35

17. End-of-year accounts show that $1.8m was expended, along with a request for $872k to be carried

forward (which primarily relates to the unplanned replacement of the Paeroa Main Drain and Mill Road pumps, along with the final road sealing required as part of the Parawai Road Floodwall). The combination of minor capital work, completed work, and carry forwards (totalling $2.7m) is 10 % under the Q3 forecast.

End-of-year capital new work expenditure and commentary 18. In addition to capital expenditure to renew existing assets, there are currently three projects that will

result in new flood protection assets: - Pungaraehu Canal erosion protection (Lower Waikato Zone) - Muggeridges Pump Station (Piako Zone) - Kirikiri Stream bridge upgrade (Waihou Zone)

19. As was reported to the Committee previously, the first stage of a five-year project to stabilise the

Pungarehu Canal (which runs between Lake Waikare and the Whangamarino Wetland) has been completed.

20. The project to design and construct the new Muggeridges Pump Station in the Piako Zone is now in the implementation phase. Work to construct the outlet canal/stopbank has been commenced and is now on hold over winter prior to re-start and completion during the 2019/20 construction season. In parallel to this part of the project is the construction of the pump station and outlet culvert, which is currently in the tendering phase and expected to commence during the same 2019/20 construction season. Any changes to the project, regarding time, scope or budget, are being managed according to the Project Management Framework and within the parameters agreed to by Council. The project remains within these parameters, including having an 11 % contingency available to manage any as yet unforeseen issues.

Conclusion 21. This report provides an overview of the financial status of the activities delivered by the ICM Directorate.

Overall, no issues are highlighted for the attention of the Committee, with operational expenditure finishing within 1 % of the Q3 forecast and capital expenditure (including carry forwards) finishing within 6 % of the Q3 forecast.

Attachments None.

References None.

Page 36


Date: 7 August 2019

Author: Greg Ryan, Manager Business and Technical Services


Subject: Overview of management of Integrated Catchment Management capital programme


Purpose 1. To provide the Committee with an overview of the approach used to develop and manage the annual

work programme to renew flood protection assets.

Executive Summary 2. During the previous Committee meeting, an overview of the Integrated Catchment Management (ICM)

asset renewal programme and budget was provided. During discussion, the Committee requested further information on the framework and processes that are used to ensure adequate project scoping and implementation.

3. This paper provides this additional information on the framework and processes, including the use of

zone-specific multi-disciplinary programme control groups, who collectively assist the zone manager to govern the capital renewal and new works programmes of work. This includes advice on the initial scoping of each major renewal project, the associated project management plan, and the subsequent management of issues, risk and change during project execution. Programme control groups are also responsible for the management, reserving and releasing of each zone-specific contingency, considering actual or potential issues, risks and change, along with any unplanned work that becomes necessary.

Staff Recommendation: That the report Overview of management of Integrated Catchment Management capital programme (Integrated Catchment Management Committee, 7 August 2019) be received.

Background 4. At the last committee meeting, an update of the 2018/2019 flood protection asset renewal programme

was provided. Included in this update was a diagram providing an overview of the budget associated with this programme of work. This was produced to demonstrate the progress being made, and particularly the amount of work that was in progress and completed. Also showed was the amount of contingency that remained available for each zone to manage issues, risks, change and unplanned work.

5. The most up-to-date version of this diagram is provided in the agenda item “ICM Financial Status

Report”, along with the previous version to show the progress made.

6. The following sections provide further information on the framework and processes that are used to develop and manage each zone-specific asset renewal work programme.

Page 37

Development of zone-specific asset renewal programmes 7. Each zone-specific asset renewal programme (and the associated budget) is developed based on the

asset renewals that are identified across three main areas; stopbanks, pump stations and flood gates. Within each of these areas, there is a combination of minor work (e.g. the renewal of individual asset components) and major renewal projects (e.g. larger and often whole-of-asset renewal projects). These programme needs are initially provided by Councils asset management system (Conquest) and are then ground-truthed against any other available information regarding the asset condition and also the scope of work required to renew the asset (including any lower cost interim measures that may be feasible to extend the asset level before renewal is required).

8. Each zone-specific budget is allocated to the various programmes and projects that are planned to occur,

along with an amount that is reserved as a zone-specific contingency. This is provided to manage work programme uncertainty in relation to both the work that is planned, as well as the potential for unplanned work to become necessary during the year.

9. A portion of each zone-specific budget is also allocated to investigation and design work, which is undertaken throughout the year and provides for a pipeline of projects ready to be allocated to proceeding construction seasons.

10. These zone-specific asset renewal programmes are initially developed and approved by Council as part of each Long Term Plan (LTP). However, they are also reviewed annually and adjusted as necessary to account for changing priorities and newly acquired information, along with the emergence of new issues that need to be accommodated. This includes the occurrence of flood events and the work required to recover from those.

Management of zone-specific asset renewal programmes 11. During the implementation of the above work programmes, governance is provided by zone-specific

programme control groups, which involve representatives from Councils operational, engineering delivery, asset management, finance and environmental compliance teams. These groups come together every month to advise the respective zone manager on items such as:

The mandate to commence works and release of budget required to undertake the activity.

The necessary control of the project through all phases of the lifecycle, from initiation through closure.

The approval of project management plans (including the agreed scope of work, the time required to complete the work, and the budget/contingency that will be provided).

Monitoring of progress against the baselines from each approved project management plan.

Oversight of risks and the management of issues identified in each project management plan (those initially identified, as well as those that arise during project execution).

The appropriate escalation pathway for rick and issue management.

Change control during the execution of each project management plan (with regard to scope, time and/or budget).

The endorsement any reprioritisation of zone work programmes where new and unplanned work becomes necessary.

The approval of project closure following the completion of the project management plan, including the subsequent release of any unspent budget for other work.

12. Also considered by each programme control group is the use of the corresponding (and zone-specific)

contingency in response to changes in planned works, as well as any unplanned work that has arisen. The use of each zone contingency varies from year-to-year depending on the issues that arise, the risks that are known or anticipated, and also the amount of unplanned work that becomes necessary.

Page 38

13. Overlying this collection of zone-specific programme control groups, is an ICM Programme Steering Group, which consists of members of the ICM Senior Leadership Team and is in place to advise the ICM Director and strategically govern the overarching programme of work undertaken by the programme control groups. Along with general updates to enable oversight the overall ICM asset renewal work programme, the ICM Programme Steering Group provides an escalation pathway for project and programme management risk (should one be required by a programme control group in response to risk, issue and change control). The Programme Steering Group is also part of the endorsement pathway where project or programme related decisions are required from Council.

Conclusion 14. The flood protection asset renewal work programme is prepared based on the work that is identified as

being required, with the corresponding budget assigned in advance to a combination of major asset renewal projects, a programme of minor renewal work, and an ongoing programme to investigate the design projects for future years.

15. During the implementation of the work programme, oversight is provided by multi-disciplinary programme control groups, including the management of issues, risk and change associated with planned work, along with the potential for the need for unplanned work to arise. These programme control groups are provided with zone-specific contingencies. These are initially reserved in each zone-specific budget and are then (during the implementation of the work programme) either allocated to specific projects to manage known issues and risks or remain reserved to provide for issues or risk that may emerge, along with any unplanned work that becomes necessary.

Attachments None

References None

Page 39


Date: 16 July 2019

Author: Kim Parker, Biosecurity Officer


Subject: National kauri dieback programme update, National Pest Management Plan


Purpose 1. To update and inform the Committee of the Budget 2019 announcements and how these impact:

a. The Kauri Dieback National Programme. b. The proposed development of the National Pest Management Plan (NPMP) for kauri dieback.

2. Brief the Committee on how potential changes to the national programme and the NPMP may impact

the Waikato region.

Executive Summary 3. Kauri dieback is caused by a soil-borne organism called Phytophthora agathidicida. This organism affects

all kauri, no matter the age and size. Kauri can be saved by stopping the spread of this organism. Successful management requires nationally consistent regulation, appropriate resourcing, and decision-making that is efficient and responsive to operational needs.

4. Waikato Regional Council (Council) has been a partner to the National Kauri Dieback Programme since inception in 2009. Biosecurity New Zealand-Ministry for Primary Industries (Biosecurity NZ-MPI) is the programme lead.

5. Two independent reviews of the National Kauri Dieback Programme identified an ‘over-reliance on

voluntary compliance’ as a key issue needing to be addressed.

6. Community demand for improved action led to the Ministers of Biosecurity and Conservation announcing that a NPMP and National Pest Management Agency thereof would be developed. Between June 2018 and March 2019 three rounds of national public consultation were completed on the NPMP and proposed management agency, which included 60 hui with iwi and the community.

7. The NPMP and National Pest Management Agency proposals were delivered to the Minister of

Biosecurity in April 2019 and was subsequently approved May 2019, pending funding. The project timeline planned to have the NPMP management agency implemented September 2019.

8. Budget 2019, announced in May, allocated no additional funds for management of kauri dieback. This

means no additional funds were made available for implementation of the NPMP. Additionally, the Department of Conservation (DOC) had no increase in funding to undertake increased levels of kauri protection activities on public conservation land beyond last years committed increase to baseline for track maintenance budget, which is being distributed to priorities.

Page 40

9. The Biosecurity NZ-MPI Executive team are working with the Minister of Biosecurity and the Government to seek funding for the NPMP and Management Agency, and are supporting the process to get a Cabinet decision on funding. Confirmation of decisions are suggested to be announced September 2019.

10. Funding uncertainties have impacted Biosecurity NZ-MPI’s current programme.

11. If government funding for the protection does not continue, Waikato communities will be affected by a

reduction in the level of service supporting kauri protection. Community expectations for improved action were raised through three rounds of public consultation and statements made by Ministers of Biosecurity and Conservation that the government would “…move immediately to strengthen efforts to protect kauri trees from dieback disease”.1

12. Council’s effectiveness in managing kauri dieback will be severely impacted without adequate central

government support across all activities including regulation, enforcement, monitoring, surveillance, and soil testing.

Staff Recommendation:

1. That the report ‘National kauri dieback programme update, National Pest Management Plan’ (Integrated Catchment Management Committee 7 August 2019) be received.

2. That the Committee endorses the following recommendations from the 30 July 2019 Strategy and Policy Committee:

a. That a watching brief is maintained of central government funding of the National Kauri Dieback Programme and National Pest Management Plan and Management Agency.

b. That Council, in response to the news of an absence of previously indicated funding from government in regard to an integrated Kauri dieback response, supports an active public advocacy campaign that focusses on securing government funding to recognize kauri as a regional and national taonga. That this campaign shall include engaging and inviting support from:

c. Auckland Council, Northland Regional Council, and relevant Territorial Authorities i. Iwi

ii. Hauraki Gulf Forum; and other iii. Strategic stakeholders

d. That Council is kept updated on the development and implementation of the public advocacy

programme.

Background 13. Kauri dieback is caused by a soil-borne organism called Phytophthora agathidicida (listed as an unwanted

organism under the Biosecurity Act 1994). This organism affects all kauri, regardless of age and size. Kauri ngahere (forests) hold some of the most diverse ecosystems in New Zealand. It is not just the loss of kauri that is threatened, but also the loss of the whole kauri ngahere.

14. Kauri can be protected by stopping the spread of this organism. The successful management of this

organism requires nationally consistent regulation, appropriate resourcing, and decision making that is efficient and responsive to operational needs.

1 www.beehive.govt.nz/release/stronger-action-protect-iconic-kauri

Page 41

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/stronger-action-protect-iconic-kauri

15. Council has been a partner to the National Kauri Dieback Programme since inception in 2009. Biosecurity NZ-MPI is the programme lead. Other partners to the programme include the Tangata Whenua Roopu, DOC, Northland Regional Council, Auckland Council, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

16. Regional Council partners, Auckland, Northland and Waikato, have made budget allocations to fund their

contributions to the National Kauri Dieback Programme: a. Auckland Council have a $10 million per annum budget for kauri dieback management (noting

Waitakere and Hunua Park management responsibilities). The Auckland Council kauri team consists of 5.5 full time equivalent (FTE) biosecurity staff and 5.5 FTE for parks management.

b. Northland Regional Council have an annual budget of approximately $350 thousand and 3.3 FTE. c. Waikato Regional Council allocated $100 thousand direct costs LTP funding for 2019/20 financial year

and 1 FTE for the management of dieback.

17. Council’s current Regional Pest Management Plan 2014-2024 does not have regulations for the management of kauri dieback. Four District Councils have jurisdiction over kauri lands in the Waikato. However, only Thames Coromandel District Council have rules in their District Plan for kauri protection.

18. IQANZ carried out an independent review of the National Kauri Dieback Programme in 2013 and a

subsequent regulatory review was completed in 20162. Both reviews identified an over-reliance on voluntary compliance as a key problem needing to be addressed. Additionally, these reviews recognised that regulation needs to be part of a wider programme of activities including education/awareness, and supporting community initiatives.

19. After extensive media attention and community demand for improved action, the Ministers of

Biosecurity and Conservation (O’Conner and Sage) announced the development of a NPMP to provide a strong regulatory framework for the management of the disease. The Ministers also announced that a management agency would be initiated to enact the NPMP as per the requirements of the Biosecurity Act.

20. In May 2018, Biosecurity NZ-MPI, on behalf of the National Programme put an Accelerating Protection

of Kauri (APK) project team together to: a. Develop the NPMP b. Develop a management agency proposal c. Refresh the National Kauri Protection Strategy.

21. Biosecurity NZ-MPI also targeted initiatives to increase outcomes for kauri protection. To fund these

activities Cabinet approved bringing forward out-year programme funding of more than $1 million into the 2018/19 financial year.

22. Three rounds of public consultation on the NPMP, as part of the Accelerating Kauri Protection work, were

completed. 60 hui and meetings held across kauri lands, involving over 1000 representatives of iwi, industry, local government and community.

23. In April 2019, the NPMP proposal, along with a refreshed strategy, were presented to the Minister for

Biosecurity (final draft).

24. The Minister for Biosecurity approved the NPMP and management agency proposal subject to funding in May 2019, along with the refreshed national kauri protection strategy.

2IQANZ (2013). Kauri Dieback Programme: Independent review of the programme and recommendations for its next phase. 17

October 2013, and Harrison (2016). Scoping regulatory support for the Kauri Dieback Programme. Report prepared for the Kauri Dieback Leadership Team.

Page 42

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/stronger-action-protect-iconic-kauri

http://www.kauridieback.co.nz/media/1929/22052019-npmp-proposal-final.pdf

25. The NPMP proposal acknowledged that “kauri is more than a tree to New Zealanders. It is an icon – a symbol of the country. It has aesthetic appeal and spiritual connection to many, and particular spiritual significance to Māori, especially those who whakapapa to the kauri lands.”

26. DOC holds management responsibilities on public conservation land for kauri protection. Kauri

protection activities include track and visitor management, feral animal control, fencing and biodiversity protection. DOC received no additional new funding beyond last years committed increase to baseline to track maintenance budget which is being distributed to priorities.

27. The Accelerating Kauri Protection team put in bid options for the 2019 budget on behalf of the National

Programme. The bid sought to secure funding for implementation of the NPMP and establishment of the management agency.

28. On 30 May 2019, Budget 2019 announcements included:

a. No additional funding for implementation of the proposed NPMP, nor any funding for new operational management and activities.

b. Science funding for kauri of $20.75 million over 4 years, for strategic science research only (in addition to $8.75 million announced November 2018).

c. No new funding for DOC for kauri protection beyond last years committed increase to baseline to track maintenance budget which is being distributed to priorities.

29. A report by the Environment Select Committee on kauri dieback was released 28 June 2019, agreeing

with the approach to develop and implement a NPMP and management agency. The conclusion stated

“…It is also clear that adequate funding is needed, both from central and local government…”.

30. At the end of this financial year, 1 July 2019, the long term viability of Biosecurity NZ-MPIs’ kauri dieback

programme is faced with financial uncertainty. Staff numbers have decreased from 20 over the past year to six at Biosecurity NZ-MPI for the kauri dieback management programme. Staffing budgets are presently only available until September 2019. Nationally funded activities such as surveillance, education and collateral, and coordination have been significantly reduced.

31. Council’s effectiveness in kauri dieback management will be severely impacted without adequate central

government support across all activities including regulation, enforcement, monitoring, surveillance, and soil testing.

Issue 32. Ministerial directives to ramp up kauri protection have not been supported through additional central

government funding. Resourcing to fund implementation of the NPMP and independent management agency, including operational activities and additional DOC funding for kauri protection work have not been realised.

33. Biosecurity NZ-MPI senior staff have indicated they are working with the Minister of Biosecurity to consider funding options, including a September funding round.

34. Tens of millions of dollars are required, per annum, to support the protection of kauri across all land

tenures nationally.

Impact 35. In the absence of a well-resourced national programme, kauri dieback will continue to spread, unabated,

in the Waikato. The impact of the organism on iconic forests and highly valued ecosystems is likely to be very significant. Delays in operational management and activities increase disease risks for this mighty taonga species.

Page 43

https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/reports/document/SCR_89461/briefing-on-kauri-dieback

36. Without central regulation, four regional councils, seven territorial authorities, and DOC would need to establish a consistent regulatory frameworks to protect kauri (12 agencies). This would need to include revision to Council’s Regional Pest Management Plan and Regional Plan (in relation to management of earthworks and other activities).

37. If the spread of this organism is to be management resourcing for kauri protection activities will likely need to increase from all agencies with regional responsibilities including territorial authorities, DOC and regional councils.

Assessment of significance 38. Having regard to the decision making provisions in the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) and Council’s

Significance Policy, a decision in accordance with the recommendations is not considered to have a high degree of significance.

Conclusion 39. Despite strong iwi and community support and increased expectations, efforts to strengthen government

actions to protect kauri from kauri dieback programme has lost momentum due to funding restrictions.

40. Funding uncertainties, mean raised community expectations for improved action, may not be realised. Given the current uncertainty it is recommended that council: a. Maintain a watching brief on central government funding of the National Kauri Dieback Programme

and National Pest Management Plan and Management Agency b. Advocate for central government funding for kauri dieback, to recognise the national significance of

taonga kauri c. Are updated once there is more certainty in regards to central government funding for kauri

protection activities to consider potential options.

Page 44


Date: 22 August 2019

Author: Darion Embling, Team Leader, Biosecurity (Plant Pests), Integrated Catchment Services

Authoriser: Patrick Whaley, Manager, Integrated Catchment Services

Subject: Biocontrol Programme Update


Purpose 1. To provide an overview of Waikato Regional Council’s involvement in biocontrol.

Executive Summary 2. Waikato Regional Council recognises that appropriate biocontrol can be an effective tool for managing

pests in its Regional Pest Management Strategy 2014-24 (RPMP).

3. Waikato Regional Council provides financial and logistical support for research into weed and wasp biological control agents.

4. Waikato Regional Council contributes $60,000 annually to the National Biocontrol Collective (NBC) for weed biocontrol research. It has provided the NBC with additional money to investigating biocontrol agents for weeds that are of specific concern to the region. The council has also acted as the NBC lead for specific projects e.g. the Privet lace bug and the moth plant beetle.

5. Waikato Regional Council currently (2018-19) contributes $20,000 per annum towards research into wasp biocontrol agents being undertaken by Manaaki Whenua (Landcare Research).

6. Waikato Regional Council biosecurity staff have released/re-distributed a number of biocontrol agents when they have become available. This work costs approximately $20,000 per annum.

Staff Recommendation: That the report Biocontrol Programme Update (Integrated Catchment Management Committee 7 August 2019) be received.

Background 7. As requested by a member of the Integrated Catchment Management Committee, this report outlines the

Waikato Regional Council’s involvement in biocontrol.

8. Biological control (biocontrol) is the use of living organisms, such as insects or pathogens, to control pest populations. Classical biocontrol involves releasing large numbers of an insect or pathogen to establish populations that continue to control the target pest over many years. The aim of biocontrol is not to eradicate the pest species, but to control so that it becomes manageable.

9. Biocontrol has been practiced in NZ for over 100 years. Some initial attempts at biocontrol in New Zealand, (e.g. the introduction of stoats and weasels to control rabbits) were ill thought through and had serious consequences for New Zealand’s native fauna.

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10. The underlying principles of modern biocontrol are safety (including minimising non-target impacts), self-

sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. In New Zealand, these principles have been followed since the early 1900’s and have led to the introduction of a number of biocontrol agents to control some of New Zealand’s worst weed and pest insect species.

11. Once released, biocontrol agents can have significant ongoing economic benefits through a reduced reliance on conventional chemical and mechanical control methods. For example:

a. The savings in ragwort control costs on dairy farms in New Zealand as a result of biocontrol by the flea beetle was predicted to be $44 million in 2015 alone; and

b. The financial savings from no longer needing to control mist flower in the upper North Island as a

result of the release of the white smut fungus and the gall fly have been estimated at $80,000 – 90,000 per annum.

12. The Waikato Regional Council recognises that appropriate biocontrol can be an effective tool for managing

pests in its Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP).

Waikato Regional Pest Management Strategy 2014-2024 13. For pests that are well established, biological control in conjunction with other control methods provides

the most effective long-term control. Waikato Regional Council believes that the significant public benefits of biological control make it an appropriate investment.

14. In Part 3: Administrative and Implementation Provisions, 11.7 Biological Control Programmes, of the Waikato RPMP, it is noted that the ‘Waikato Regional Council will implement biological control programmes for pests, where appropriate, throughout the region’.

15. To achieve this, the Waikato Regional Council provides financial and logistical support for research into additional biological control agents. This support involves contributing to the NBC which was set up to find weed biocontrol agents and the Vespula (Wasp) Biocontrol Action Group.

16. Waikato Regional Council biosecurity staff also release, propagate and re-distribute biological control agents, and manage the release sites.

Biocontrol Collectives 17. Once a biocontrol agent has been identified for a pest species, it must undergo rigorous trials and

experimentation to evaluate its impacts on non-target species and effectiveness at controlling the target pest. Cost/benefit analyses must be completed, and risk assessment criteria met.

18. An application for release is then submitted to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) who will undertake further assessments of the risks and benefits of releasing the biocontrol agent. They will also seek public submissions and hold hearings on the proposed release. Only if the benefits can be shown to outweigh the costs of releasing the biocontrol agent, will the EPA approve its released into New Zealand.

19. The whole process from identifying a suitable biocontrol agent to getting it approved for release in New Zealand can take up to 10 years and costs approximately $200,000 to $500,000.

20. To ensure all these processes are met and are cost effective, the work is usually undertaken by a consortium of end users and researchers.

National Biocontrol Collective 21. The NBC is a consortium of Regional and Unitary Councils and the Department of Conservation (DOC) who

collaboratively work together to implement a national programme to identify, test and establish suitable host specific biological control agents for agreed priority weeds.

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22. The NBC members have an annual contract with Manaaki Whenua (Landcare Research) to manage the

programme by providing research and technical input to identify suitable biocontrol agents and get them approved for release in New Zealand.

23. Over the past 16 years the NBC has invested more than $8.5m into weed biocontrol, which has contributed substantially to allowing 25 new biocontrol agents to be approved for 14 weed species.

24. Waikato Regional Council has been part of the NBC since its inception. It is closely involved in setting the NBC’s priorities and provides an annual contribution of $60,000 to the NBC. It has also contributed additional money to investigating biocontrol agents for weeds that are of specific concern to the region (e.g. a feasibility study into biocontrol agents for yellow flag iris).

25. For each biocontrol agent project, the collective assigns a project lead. The lead has oversight of the specific project and submits the application to release the biocontrol agent to the EPA, on behalf of the

NBC. Waikato Regional Council has acted as the project lead for the Privet lace bug (Leptoypha hospita) and the moth plant beetle (Freudeita cf. cupripennis).

Biocontrol of Wasps 26. The Vespula Biocontrol Action Group is a consortium of conservation and restoration groups and the wine

growing industry that was set up to find funding to support Manaaki Whenua’s (Landcare Research) research into wasp biocontrol agents.

27. Funding for this research has primarily come from the Ministry for Primary Industries Sustainable Farming Fund and regional councils. Waikato Regional Council is currently (2018-19) contributing $20,000 per annum towards the research.

28. The research is very much in its initial stages and it will probably be a number of years before an effective wasp biocontrol agent is identified.

Release of Biocontrol Agents 29. The Waikato Regional Council’s biosecurity staff are involved in the release, propagate and re-distribute

biological control agents where they fit in with the RPMP rules.

30. In the last two years, the biosecurity staff have released the following biocontrol agents: private lace bug, Tradescantia yellow spot leaf fungus and beetles, Green thistle beetles, white admiral butterflies and stem beetles to control Japanese honeysuckle, Tutsan moth and the RHDV1 K5 rabbit virus.

31. The total cost of these releases is between $20,000-25,000 per annum.

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Report to Integrated Catchment Management

Date: 26 July 2019

Author: Keri Neilson, Principal Advisor, Integrated Catchment Committee

Authoriser: Clare Crickett, Director, Integrated Catchment Committee

Subject: Review of Catchment Funding to Align with Proposed Plan Change One


Purpose 1. The purpose of this report is to provide the Integrated Catchment Management Committee with the

outcomes of review of catchment funding to align with proposed Plan Change 1 (PC1).

Executive Summary 2. Staff from the Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) Directorate were asked to review the criteria and

standards for providing funding to private landowners for catchment management works, with a view to aligning with proposed Plan Change 1 (PC1).

3. The outcomes of the review including minimum standards for funding, are attached in Appendix 1. 4. Proposed standards, for the most part, match those currently being applied by catchment management

staff in the Waikato and Waipa River catchments.

Staff Recommendation: That the report Review of Catchment Funding to Align with Proposed Plan Change One (Integrated Catchment Management Committee 7 August 2019) be received.

Background 5. With the emergence of new regulations under Waikato Regional Council’s Proposed Plan Change 1 (PC1),

staff from the Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) Directorate were asked to review the criteria and standards for providing ratepayer funding to private landowners that are carrying out catchment management works.

6. The outcome of this review is a report attached as Appendix 1. The report provides information and recommendations on aligning incentivised funding for catchment management activities on private land, with the provisions in PC1. It is intended to provide a decision support tool for staff to ensure that Council will not be providing ratepayer funding for works that landowners are likely to soon be required to undertake through regulation.

Conclusion 7. The continuation of provision of funding incentives for catchment management works is an important

mechanism for contributing to the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato and Waipa Rivers. Incentives are a well-recognised and important tool in the suite that Council has to assist the community in meeting the challenges in freshwater and sustainable land management. The standards proposed in Table 1 of Appendix 1, for the most part, match the standards currently being applied by catchment staff. Adoption of these minimum standards would therefore formalise current practice. It would also match the expectations of our major co-funders – the Waikato River Clean-up Trust and MPI Hill Country Erosion Fund.

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8. Given that PC1 is still in the hearings phase, it is recommended that standards are reviewed in 12 months, when there is more certainty around what the plan will require. This second review can also take into account the outcomes of the government’s Essential Freshwater programme, expected to be operational in April 2020. It is likely that this will set some national minimum standards for protection of waterways and will further inform the framework for applying incentivised funding.

Attachments CE 2.2 - Review of catchment funding criteria to align with Healthy Rivers Wai Ora Plan Change

(Document# 14538226)

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Doc # 14538226

Report

File No: 75 40 00

Date: 10 June 2019

To: Vaughan Payne (Chief Executive) and Clare Crickett (Director Integrated Catchment Management)

From: Keri Neilson (Principle Advisor, Integrated Catchment Management)

Subject: CE 2.2 - Review of catchment funding criteria to align with Healthy Rivers Wai Ora Plan Change

1 Introduction

With the emergence of new regulations proposed under Waikato Regional Council’s Proposed Plan Change 1 (PC1), it is appropriate to review the criteria and standards for providing ratepayer funding to private landowners that are carrying out catchment management works on privately owned land. There is a view that landowners are soon likely to be required to carry out these activities by industry and local government regulation, and therefore it may no longer be a priority to provide assistance to do so. The purpose of this report is to provide the Chief Executive and the Director for Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) with information and recommendations on aligning incentivised funding for catchment management activities on private land, with the provisions in PC1. This is intended to provide Council’s Executive Leadership Team with reassurance that Council will not be providing ratepayer funding for works that landowners are likely to be required to undertake through regulation. This report has been prepared by Keri Neilson, Tane Desmond and Mark Gasquoine, and reviewed by ICM Zone Managers in the Waikato and Waipa catchments. It applies only to those Zones that lie within the PC1 boundary (Upper Waikato, Central Waikato, Waipa and Lower Waikato).

2 Background

2.1 Project Watershed and Catchment New Works

In 2002, following extensive community consultation, Waikato Regional Council established Project Watershed. This programme aimed to address the issues of flood protection, soil conservation and river management in the greater Waikato River catchment (Environment Waikato, 2002). Today Waikato Regional Council, through its Project Watershed Catchment New Works programmes, offers up to a 35% contribution to landowners carrying out activities such as riparian fencing and planting, protection of erosion prone land and retirement of indigenous forest remnants, wetlands and lake margins. Through the river management component of Project Watershed Council offers between a 35% and 50% contribution to river and stream erosion works, depending on the catchment and the level of benefit provided to the landowner versus the community. This funding is derived through catchment/zone targeted rates based on contributors and benefactors of this work.

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Priority for Project Watershed and Catchment New Works funding is given to properties that fall within priority sites, catchments/and reaches included in Zone/Catchment Plans, or more recently, for projects listed in the Waikato and Waipa River Restoration Strategy (Neilson et al. 2018). Funding can be given outside of these areas at the discretion of the Zone Manager, usually for projects that have a strong environmental advocacy component or are undertaken in collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Until recently minimum standards for riparian fencing under the Project Watershed and Catchment New Works programmes have been a 3m set back from the top of the bank and a 2-wire electric fence. In 2013/14, in anticipation of the upcoming plan change, a review of ICM incentivised sustainable land management (SLM) programmes identified the following benefits for continuing to provide funding incentives for new works:

The Council SLM programmes that have produced measurable outcomes in the past have involved significant focussed effort into priority areas and the provision of financial assistance (i.e. soil conservation schemes).

Implementation of SLM is more likely to occur when incentives are offered. Incentives encourage landowners to do more than the minimum requirement, and enable Council to have greater influence on factors such as size of setback or retirement area, standard of fencing, inclusion of planting and application of best practice.

Council incentives enable leveraging of external funding in quantities that would not otherwise be available.

The RPS (4.1.11) states that Council will investigate and implement options for using economic instruments (including incentives) in regional planning documents where appropriate, to assist in the management of natural and physical resources.

The Land and Water Forum (2012) listed a number of methods and tools for managing water quality limits. This included the use of economic instruments and non-regulatory methods such as subsidies and funding partnerships. They state that in almost all catchments a suite of tools (including regulatory) will be required to manage water quality effectively.

However, the ICM SLM review also recognised that improvements could be made to the way in which funding incentives were being provided by Council. This particularly related to decisions around which works should be funded and in what locations. Specific recommendations in anticipation of the initiation of PC1 included:

Development of a robust prioritisation system that could be applied consistently across the region, and where the outcomes of management actions can be quantified. Council undertook this work through the Waikato Regional Prioritisation project led by the Science and Strategy Directorate (Hill et al., 2015; Hill and Borman, 2016). This was used to inform the development of the Waikato and Waipa River Restoration Strategy (Neilson et al., 2018).

Focusing incentivised work programmes on priority works in these identified priority catchments and taking an active approach to engaging landowners in the works that are required to achieve defined outcomes.

ICM has followed this approach by more specifically defining priority catchments and works in its Zone Plans and through the implementation of the Waipa Catchment Plan, and Waikato Waipa River Restoration Strategy. The Directorate has also moved to align priorities with those of major co-funders such as the Waikato River Authority and MPI’s Hill Country Erosion Fund.

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Better integration of the land and river management work programmes. ICM has undertaken a number of actions to improve alignment of these programmes, including:

a. The broadening of the river management programme primary focus and Level of Service (as outlined in Catchment and Zone plans) to include outcomes beyond focussing on maintaining channel capacity and stability (for flood conveyance) e.g to enhance in-river fish habitat.

b. The review of priority rivers with tools such as Sednet (sediment/erosion model) to identify rivers/reaches of higher priority for undertaking physical works to reduce suspended sediment.

c. The alignment of zone river priorities to those identified in the Waikato and Waipa River Restoration Strategy.

d. Pursuing greater collaboration with funding partners and community groups to facilitate broader river restoration outcomes beyond traditional river management programmes i.e. Waipa Rerenoa, Kaniwhaniwha native fishery enhancement project, and the Puniu River Care and Mangatutu restoration projects.

ICM has also made structure changes to the former Catchment Management and Operations teams. River Management Officers now sit alongside the catchment management officers in the same team. This has substantially improved alignment of these programmes and allowed greater participation in collaborative projects.

2.2 Heathy Rivers Proposed Plan Change 1

In 2016 Waikato Regional Council notified Healthy Rivers Plan Change 1 (PC1). The proposed plan seeks to work towards achieving the Vision and Strategy/Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato of making the river swimmable and viable for food collection along its entire length. The Vision and Strategy was adopted by the Government as part of Treaty Settlement legislation. PC1 also gives effect to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2014. The regional council has a legal requirement to give effect to both of these pieces of legislation.

PC1 seeks to improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipa Rivers by reducing the losses of sediment, faecal pathogens, nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural land uses within the catchment. The achievement of the long-term water quality objectives is to be staged over 80 years. However, as a first step, PC1 seeks to reduce loads of these four contaminants by at least 10% of the gap between current water quality and the 80-year target water quality, over the first 10-year period. PC1 is only focussed on the four primary contaminants which are lost from farm/property and therefore doesn’t look at other aspects that wider WRC might be interested in such as biodiversity, flood protection or wider land use issues.

2.3 Good Farm Practice

The proposed PC1 requires the majority of farmers in the Waikato and Waipa Catchments to produce a property scale farm environment plan (FEP). The FEP will identify the various sources of the four contaminants on the farm, and set out a plan to implement a tailored set of mitigation actions and management practices necessary to reduce contaminant loss from that property. PC1 proposes that this will require farmers to adopt “good” farming practices. However, the existing FEP approach set out in the notified version of proposed PC1 is largely silent about what “good” is. Nationally there has been work undertaken between sectors to gain agreement on a more consistent way of defining what good farming practice looks like. In 2018, the Good Farm Practice (GFP) Action

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Plan for Water Quality was released, a collaboration between the agricultural and horticultural sectors, Central Government and Regional Government. Rather than trying to define specific practices, the GFP Action plan takes a principle-based approach, defining 21 principles which all the parties agree represent good farming practice for water quality. WRC is proposing that FEPs utilise the GFP to set high level objectives for a property, and this is detailed in a report by Dragten (2019). The mitigation actions that sit underneath these objectives are designed to meet the principles of GFP. The details of this are not yet available and will be defined in audit guidelines, should the GFP approach be accepted. We know from experience the types of practices that farmers might be expected to put in place to reduce their contaminant losses, however the nature of GFP is that for each farmer/farming system these could be different. It is difficult to predict what a farmer might do to meet this standard. Instead, the expectation is that certified individuals will support farmers in determining how to achieve GFP on their farm. Revisits will assess progress towards achieving this. A key part of this assessment is a grading from A-D which determines time until next assessment. The farmers farthest away from GFP will be assessed more frequently than farmers at or close to GFP.

2.4 Waikato and Waipa River Restoration Strategy

The Waikato and Waipa River Restoration Strategy (the Restoration Strategy) was published in 2018. It was developed through a partnership between the Waikato River Authority, Waikato Regional Council and DairyNZ with support from river iwi, catchment stakeholders and landowners. The purpose of the Restoration Strategy is to guide future ‘on the ground’ activities for all organisations funding or undertaking restoration activities throughout the catchment. It does this through the identification of specific, technically achievable and prioritised actions. One of the key objectives of the Restoration Strategy was to identify non-regulatory projects that are likely to make the greatest difference in improving the health and wellbeing of the Waikato and Waipā rivers, and that reflect the values and goals of the iwi and communities within the catchment. During the development of the Restoration Strategy, PC1 was going through its development phase. As there was uncertainty around what the final set of rules would require, the Restoration Strategy did not specify any assumptions around works that would be required by regulation. Having said that, the Waikato River Authority will not fund works that are required by regulation or as part of a consent – a position that mirrors WRC’s approach. Therefore the minimum standards recommended in the Restoration Strategy intentionally go well beyond what was anticipated to be required by PC1. In addition, the scope of the Restoration Strategy is much wider than that of PC1 and includes nutrients, erosion and sedimentation, biodiversity, fisheries, recreation and iwi cultural priorities. The Waikato River Authority, Waikato Regional Council and a range of other funders have indicated that projects identified in the Restoration Strategy are a priority for incentivised funding. All Zones in the Waikato and Waipa River catchments have secured co-funding from the WRA for undertaking such projects.

3 Alignment of catchment funding with PC1

The review of catchment funding criteria to align with Healthy Rivers PC1 was undertaken by the following team:

- Keri Neilson (ICM Principal Advisor Integrated Catchment Management, and lead author on the Waikato Waipa River Restoration Strategy).

- Mark Gasquoine (ICM Team Leader Land Management Advisory Services, and work stream lead for Healthy Rivers Implementation: Farm Planning and Sub-catchment planning).

- Tane Desmond (ICM Team Leader Catchment Management and technical advisor on the development of the Waikato Waipa Restoration Strategy).

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In undertaking the review the team considered the work outlined above in section 2 of this report. In recommending catchment funding criteria the team considered that:

- The final outcome of PC1 may not be known for some time and therefore assumptions about likely outcomes need to be made.

- Given that GFP is driven by principles and is not prescriptive, it would be useful if catchment funding criteria became more prescriptive so that minimum standards for funding are transparent.

- Outcomes of projects funded by catchment new works should go well beyond what is anticipated to be required to meet Good Farm Practice, and in most cases already do. This funding should be focused on incentivising progressive landowners who are looking at Best Farm Practice and seeking benefits beyond those being sought over the next 10 years. Such projects can help prepare the community for future plan changes and demonstrate/normalise new practices.

- Funding of such works have the ability to contribute to multiple objectives in the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River. As well as water quality they can also give effect to objectives relating to fisheries, biodiversity and the relationship of river iwi and Waikato communities with the river. Catchment new works funding is a key non-regulatory mechanism for supporting the community to achieve these multiple outcomes.

- ICM currently has numerous projects that are co-funded by the Waikato River Authority and that require works to match the minimum standards in the Restoration Strategy. The Directorate intends to continue applying to external funders such as the WRA for support and therefore there is sense in aligning our funding criteria with those indicated in the Restoration Strategy.

- Demand for catchment works funding is currently high and therefore it can be targeted at those wishing to go “above and beyond”. Most Environmental Programme Agreements that are supported by catchment funding already meet the minimum standards outlined in the Restoration Strategy.

Table 1. details the types of works that are currently funded through the catchment new works and river management components of Project Watershed. It estimates the standard likely to be required to achieve a C grade (pass) under Good Farm Practice and proposes a minimum standard for eligibility for catchment funding. Where appropriate this eligibility standard is aligned to the Restoration Strategy.

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Table 1. ICM catchment works, Good Farm Practice and proposed minimum standards for funding. (See Appendix 1 for examples)

Issue/Opportunity Likely standard to achieve C grade under Good Farm Practice Proposed minimum standard for WRC catchment funding

LUC Class 8 land Retire, fence and allow reversion Eligible for funding consideration if the retirement includes fencing; or fencing and revegetation of adjoining LUC Class 6e and 7 land.

LUC Class 6e and 7 Appropriate grazing management Eligible for funding consideration for pole planting and/or retirement fencing and revegetation.

Critical source areas (e.g. slips, gully heads, areas of accumulation, crossings, tracks, seeps, hill-country wetlands)

Stock management, putting in place infrastructure to capture or prevent contaminants (e.g. tracks, crossings), management of the issue post-occurrence.

Eligible for funding consideration for works to prevent/control landscape erosion including fencing, planting, bunding, erosion protection structures (e.g. flumes, chutes, drop structures) or dewatering. May consider funding support for remediations for reducing sedimentation to waterways while gully heads/slips stabilise.

River erosion (Note: this work is often contributing to WRC’s role in minimizing the impacts of flooding outside of flood control scheme areas).

Fencing at minimum setback (1-3m), and if required willow pole planting.

Eligible for funding consideration for works including willow and nuisance tree removal, erosion control structures, fencing with a minimum 5m set back, planting with willow poles and natives where required. Note - some of this work is carried out on unallocated crown land i.e. not privately owned. WRC hold consents to undertake the work and in many cases it must be done in conjunction with owners on opposing banks, and up and down stream.

Riparian fencing and planting of lakes, streams, rivers or wetlands

Fencing with minimum setback (1-3m), and stock management during winter/wet weather.

Eligible for funding consideration where carrying out permanent retirement with minimum setback of 5m for streams and rivers; 10m for lakes. Planting with willow poles and/or native species.

Enhancing native fish habitat Not expected to be required. Eligible for funding consideration where value can be added to erosion control in a way that delivers on a biodiversity outcome. Fencing and planting is as per riparian standard above.

Retirement of native bush Not currently required under PC1. However it is anticipated that in FEPs these areas will be identified and ‘appropriate’ measures put in place to reduce the impact on these

Eligible for funding consideration for fencing of high priority bush blocks and kahikatea fragments, and retirement of indigenous cover on LUC class 6e and above (7-wire fence).

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environments. In most cases these measure will be exclusion of stock. No minimum setback has been identified.

Water reticulation Not directly required under PC1, but anticipated that water reticulation can be used as an alternative to stock exclusion where slopes might exceed 25 degrees and fencing is not practical.

Not eligible for funding

Constructed wetlands Constructed wetlands are not going to be required under PC1. However in places where these get constructed, and provided they are designed and constructed correctly, these would be considered well beyond Good Farm Practice.

It is anticipated that large constructed wetlands servicing multiple properties, and go well beyond GFP, would be eligible for consideration for incentivised funding for fencing and planting. Small scale silt traps and constructed wetlands will be considered on a case by case basis and at the discretion of the Zone Manager. They may be required to capture runoff from critical source areas (likely to be Good Farm Practice).

Development of farm plans A key expectation of PC1 and indeed a nationally agreed process, Farm Environment Plans look at the actions that have already been undertaken on a property as well as the actions that will need to be undertaken to achieve GFP. Both pieces of information are required build a better picture of where a farm is at in comparison to GFP.

Preparation of an Environmental Programme Agreement (EPA) through catchment/river management officers. This is a project plan and a legal agreement for a specific programme of work. This could be streamlined to pull relevant information from the FEP. It is proposed that Level A actions and beyond be detailed in the EPA. WRC may also opt to do a full farm plan, building on the FEP, where a land owner is looking to undertake significant land use change and a full farm plan will help inform good decision making by the landowner.

Maintenance of existing works Likely to recommend existing fencing and plantings be maintained

Works carried out under Land Improvement Agreements associated with soil conservation schemes are generally under 999 year or 99 year agreements with a signed undertaking to provide funding for ongoing maintenance. Council contribution typically ranges from 35%-50% (but can be more). Discontinuing these agreements requires approval of both parties and previous reviews have indicated this is not likely to be advantageous. Funding of maintenance of these works should continue at least until a more formal assessment of the legal implications is undertaken. In recent years, the Land Improvement Agreement mechanism has been replaced by a

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Memorandum of Encumbrance, which similarly binds future landowners to maintenance of fencing and other work, but without any commitment of Council funding towards that maintenance. Council should not anticipate providing further maintenance funding of new fencing undertaken through the catchment new works programme. However, there may be special incidences where the Zone Manager might approve maintenance funding for work such as large scale storm repair of structures – subject to funding availability.

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4 Conclusion

The continuation of provision of funding incentives for catchment management works is an important mechanism for contributing to the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato and Waipa Rivers. Incentives are a well-recognised and important tool in the suite of tools that Council has to assist the community in meeting the challenges in freshwater and sustainable land management. The standards proposed in Table 1 of this report, for the most part, match the standards currently being applied by catchment staff. Adoption of these minimum standards would therefore formalise current practice. It would also match the expectations of our major co-funders – the Waikato River Clean-up Trust and MPI Hill Country Erosion Fund. In 2018 WRC secured a total of $5.6M from these funders. It is recommended that WRC adopt the minimum standards outlined in Table 1 of this report when considering eligibility for incentivised funding within the catchment of proposed PC1. Given that PC1 is still in the hearings phase, it is also recommended that these standards are reviewed in 12 months, when there is more certainty around what the plan will require. This second review can also take into account the outcomes of the government’s Essential Freshwater programme, expected to be operational in April 2020. It is likely that this will set some national minimum standards for protection of waterways and will further inform the framework for applying incentivised funding.

5 References

Dragten, R. 2019. Farm Environment Plans - A strawman approach for the use of FEPs to reduce

contaminant losses from farms in the Waikato and Waipa Catchment under PPC1. Without prejudice – for discussion with stakeholders. Dragten Consulting.

Hill, R. & Borman, D. 2016. Waikato Regional Prioritisation Project: Phase 2 Overview. Waikato

Regional Council Internal Series 2016/22, Waikato Regional Council, Hamilton, NZ. 32 pp. Hill, R., Borman, D., Neilson, K., & Leathwick, J. 2015. Waikato Regional Prioritisation Project: A

Spatial Framework for Prioritising Soil Conservation, Water Quality and Biodiversity (Phase 1). Waikato Regional Council Technical Report 2015/19, Waikato Regional Council, Hamilton, NZ. 264 pp.

Waikato Regional Council. 2019. What is proposed Plan Change 1?

https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/council/policy-and-plans/plans-under-development/healthy-rivers-plan-for-change/read-the-proposed-plan-change/ (Viewed 20 June, 2019)

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https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/council/policy-and-plans/plans-under-development/healthy-rivers-plan-for-change/read-the-proposed-plan-change/

https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/council/policy-and-plans/plans-under-development/healthy-rivers-plan-for-change/read-the-proposed-plan-change/


Date: 18 July 2019

Author: Guy Russell, Operations Technical Advisor


Subject: Land Drainage Management Plan

Section: B (For recommendation to Council)

Purpose 1. The purpose of this report is to provide the Integrated Catchment Management Committee (ICMC) with

the updated Land Drainage Management Plan which has been developed internally, workshopped with the four (4) Land Drainage Advisory Subcommittees and subsequently reviewed by the Chairs of those Subcommittees. It recommended to Council for adoption.

Executive Summary 2. The purpose of the Land Drainage Management Plan (“The Drainage Plan”) is to provide all drainage

information in one place, and direction for the implementation of the Council’s Integrated Catchment Management (ICM) Drainage service within the defined Drainage areas.

3. The Drainage Plan was last reviewed in 2004. A key aspect of the current review has been the input from the four (4) Land Drainage Advisory Subcommittees, which has been provided through subcommittee meeting reports and a workshop with each of the Subcommittees.

4. The Drainage Plan includes all information required in a single document, in addition to the Regional Asset

Management Plan information, necessary for the management, operation, maintenance and renewal of the Land Drainage infrastructure. The document describes how Land Drainage “fits” with the other Council activities, and sets out the purpose of Land Drainage. Included within the Drainage Plan are a range of matters (refer paragraph 17 of this report) which are associated with the provision of the service, and, most importantly need further resolution.

5. Progress against the matters will be reported through the Drainage Advisory Subcommittees to the ICMC.

6. The Drainage Plan can be considered to be similar to the zone plans in the region, which have recently

been reviewed.

Staff Recommendation: 1. That the report Land Drainage Management Plan for Adoption (Integrated Catchment

Management Committee 7 August 2019) be received, and 2. That the Land Drainage Management Plan, Document #13380473, be adopted

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Background 7. Council’s Land Drainage Programme is provided within eighty-four (84) separate Drainage areas that are

located within the Central Waikato, Waipa, Lower Waikato, Waihou Piako and West Coast zones. The Drainage Programme has an annual expenditure of $2.6 million, it manages some 2,063 km of drains and provides benefit to 172,000 hectares of Land, which is approximately 7% of the region’s area. Of note is that the capital value of the properties benefitting from the Land Drainage Programme is $16.7 billion, approximately 27% of the capital value of the rural properties within the region. These figures were sourced from “WRC’s land rating database, February 2019”.

8. The Land Drainage Programme is provided through arrangement with Landowners. The Council has a

stewardship role to maintain a primary network of drains on private and public Land so the Landowners can convey surface and groundwater allowing them to farm their land. The service is entirely funded by targeted Land Drainage rates in addition to the other zone and specific targeted rates for catchment, flood protection, biosecurity and natural heritage work.

9. The purpose of the Drainage Plan is to provide a single document that records all of the information

required for the management and maintenance of the Council’s Land Drainage areas. The Drainage Plan follows a format which is based on equivalent Zone Plans and sets out:

Overall vision for Land Drainage

How the Drainage Programme fits within the other regional activities and with the territorial authorities

Drainage Programmes within the region

Levels of service and design standards

Obligations and operating practices

How we operate under the RMA

The funding systems and agreements

The key issues and actions for Land Drainage

10. The Drainage Plan was last reviewed in 2004, and since then the Council’s Drainage Programme has grown

from twenty-six (26) to eighty-four (84) separate Drainage areas or subdivisions. The predominate growth occurred when Waikato Regional Council assumed responsibility through transfers from the former Franklin District Council and Waikato District Council between 2010 to 2012.

11. Going forward reviews of the Drainage Plan will occur every three (3) years to provide input into Council’s strategic planning processes (Long Term Plan).

12. In preparing the Plan, specialist staff from ICM, Finance, Resource Use Directorate (RUD) and Science and Strategy (SAS) directorates were asked to review the plan, and their input has been included as appropriate.

13. Consultation, in the form of workshops, has been undertaken with each of the four (4) Drainage Advisory

Subcommittees. These workshops covered content of the Plan, with specific discussion around the Vision of drainage management. The Drainage Advisory Subcommittees have expressed support for inclusion of this level of advice and information within a Drainage Management Plan and it is proposed that the four (4) Subcommittee Chairs will be present at the ICMC meeting to support the Plan.

14. The document content was finalised after the workshops, and provided back to all of the subcommittee

members for any final comments and support prior to the ICMC meeting.

Discussion

15. The Drainage Plan includes the following matters that are relevant to the current operating context:

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Maintenance and increasing costs (affordability),

Community partnerships,

Managing and preventing the effects of urban expansion,

Intensification of Land use,

Peat soil and Land consolidation,

Climate change,

Water quality and quantity,

Biosecurity,

Biodiversity, and

Additional Drainage responsibilities.

16. Each of the issues has a table of actions that propose how matters will be addressed going forward. Progress towards resolving these actions will be reported through the respective Drainage Advisory Subcommittees, and to ICMC.

Attachment Land Drainage Management Plan, Document #13380473

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Decision of Waihou Piako Catchment Committee

Meeting date: 27 May 2019

Section A – Decisions made under delegation

Agenda item and resolutions

Item 2: Apologies

1. THAT the apologies from Cr D Arnold, S Edmeades, P Clarkin for absence and S Goudie for lateness were accepted.

Item 3: Confirmation of Agenda

1. THAT the agenda of the meeting of the Waihou Piako Catchment Committee of 27 May 2019, as circulated, be confirmed as the business for the meeting.

Item 5: Confirmation of minutes of previous meeting

1. THAT the minutes of the Waihou Piako Catchment Committee Meeting of 18 March 2019 be approved as a true and correct record with the addition of Cr P Buckthought's apologies for the meeting.

Item 6: Minutes of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

1. THAT the minutes of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee dated 25 March 2019 be received.

Item 8: Issues and Actions from the Previous Meeting

1. THAT the report Issues and Actions from Waihou Piako Catchment Committee Meetings (Doc #14134629 dated 9 May 2019) be received.

Item 9: Chair's Report

1. THAT the report Waihou-Piako Catchment – May 2019 – Chair Report (Doc # 14208330 dated 2 May 2019) be received.

Item 10: Zone Status Report

1. THAT the report ‘Waihou Piako Zone Status Report – May 2019’ (Doc #13812556 dated 14 May 2019) be received.

Item 11: Puriri River Scheme Service Level Review

1. That the report Puriri River Scheme Service Level Review (Doc #13817683 dated 3 May 2019) be received; and

2. That the technical report Puriri River Flood Protection Scheme Service level review (Doc # 13204111) be received.

Item 14: Muggeridge’s Pump Station Peat Soil Management Protocols

1. That the meeting resolve to extend beyond 3 hour time limit to complete discussion of this report.

2. THAT the report ‘Muggeridge’s Pump Station Peat Soil Management Protocols’ (Doc #14220682, dated 27 May 2019) be received for information.

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Page 2

Item 15: Verbal presentation from the Department of Conservation regarding their role in the management of the Kopuatai Peat Dome and the wider flood protection scheme.

1. THAT the report “Verbal presentation from the Department of Conservation regarding their role in the management of the Kopuatai Peat Dome and the wider flood protection scheme” (Doc #13817683 dated 3 May 2019) be received.

Items 16 “Structural Audit of Waihou/Piako Flood Protection and Land Drainage Assets” and Item 17 “Waihou Valley Piako River Schemes Licence Land Compliance and Reporting”

1. That Items 16 and Item 17 be held over to the next meeting.

Items 18 “Integrated Catchment Management Committee Meeting Reports – 10th April 2019”, 19 “Members Reports” and 20 “Upcoming and Potential Agenda items 2018-19” be taken as read.

1. That items 18, 19 and 20 be taken as read.

Section B – Recommended to Council

Agenda Item and recommendations

Item 10: Zone Status Report

1. That this Committee request a report from staff on the practicality of using a construction team over the last season with a view to formalising this arrangement including a comparison of all external works over the last 5 years.

Item 11: Puriri River Scheme Service Level Review

1. THAT the Puriri River Scheme design standard is approved as follows:

a) 0m level is adopted as the 100 year ARI tide level for the purposes of design;

b) The current design freeboard of 0.50m be retained for the tidal river stopbanks;

c) For the stopbanks designed to withstand river flooding, a 10 year ARI design standard with 0.60m freeboard be retained; and

2. THAT the two originally proposed spillways be deleted from the scheme; and

3. THAT where the stopbanks performance grades are 4 or 5 it is recommended that a more detailed survey is undertaken and works programmed to upgrade these sections.

Item 14: Muggeridge’s Pump Station Peat Soil Management Protocols

1. That the Committee request draft protocols for the management of peat soils that can be implement for Muddgeridge drainage area only rather than regional wide protocols/policies.

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Doc # 14420659


Waihou Piako Catchment Committee

OPEN MINUTES

Date: Location:

Monday, 27 May, 2019, 10:00 am 13 Opatito Road Paeroa

Members Present: R Hicks - Chair (Local Community Representative)

C Buchanan - Deputy Chair (Local Community Representative) S Clarke (Local Community Representative) Richard Cookson (Local Community Representative) Robert Cookson (Local Community Representative) R Hunter (Local Community Representative) Cr H Vercoe (Waikato Regional Council) Cr H Van Rooijen (South Waikato District Council) Cr P Buckthought (Hauraki District Council) Mayor S Goudie (Thames Coromandel District Council) P Le Heron (Chair Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee) Cr S Husband (Chair Integrated Catchment Management Committee (North) Waikato Regional Council) Cr A Livingston (Waikato Regional Council) A McGiven (Local Community Representative) C Higham (Dairy NZ)

Staff Present A Munro – Manager Integrated Catchment Management K Botting – Zone Manager K Growden - Team Leader Operations K Stokes - Team Leader Technical Services L Bartley – Democracy Advisor

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Waihou Piako Catchment Committee – 27 May 2019

Doc # 14420659 Page 2

2. Apologies

The apologies from Cr D Arnold, S Edmeades, P Clarkin and S Goudie for lateness were accepted.

WPCC19/21 Moved By R Hicks Seconded By A McGiven


THAT the apologies from Cr D Arnold, S Edmeades, P Clarkin for absence and S Goudie for lateness were accepted.



The agenda was confirmed with no additions.

WPCC/19/22 Moved By Cr P Buckthought Seconded By Richard Cookson


THAT the agenda of the meeting of the Waihou Piako Catchment Committee of 27 May 2019, as circulated, be confirmed as the business for the meeting.



S Clarke and C Buchanan disclosed that they are licensee holders for grazing.

5. Confirmation of minutes of previous meeting

• The minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 March 2019 to be reviewed, amended if needed, and approved as a true and accurate record.

• Extract of Council meeting 30 April 2019.

WPCC19/23 Moved By A McGiven Seconded By Richard Cookson


THAT the minutes of the Waihou Piako Catchment Committee Meeting of 18 March 2019 be approved as a true and correct record with the addition of Cr P Buckthought's apologies for the meeting.

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Doc # 14420659 Page 3


6. Minutes of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Thames Valley Drainage Subcommittee were presented by the Chairman, Mr P Le Heron. Through his Chairperson’s report, he raised the issue of sediment in drains due to farmers cropping right up to the edge of drain. The current rule of 5-10m easement being pushed. Be aware of this.

WPCC19/24 Moved By P Le Heron Seconded By Richard Cookson


THAT the minutes of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee dated 25 March 2019 be received.


7. Public Forum

There were no members present for public forum.

8. Issues and Actions from the Previous Meeting

Report to update the Committee on any issues and actions from the previous meeting.

Acting Hauraki Zone Manager (K Botting) presented the report.

During questions, answers and related discussion the following was noted:

Survey analysis regarding Waihou River is now complete. The results of survey will be used in composing a letter to be sent to relevant parties regarding this committee's support for removing the bridge (as per previous resolution).

Catchment Management/New Works Funding - deferred to a future workshop date - still to be identified.

Updated members on the progress of the transfer of ownership of the Paeroa Maritime park building.

Members also queried the disposal of the old Paeroa office building. The disposal of this building is underway with receipt of expressions of interest.

Manager - A Munro provided an update on the issue of Koi Carp raised during the confirmation of minutes - Adam has received an update from Patrick Whaley, Biodiversity/Biosecurity Manager. Koi Carp are currently classified as an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act 1993 and a noxious fish under the Fresh Water Fisheries Regs 1983. A collaborative joint DOC/WRC pest fish management plan was approved during mid 18 through ICMC. Currently recruiting a co-ordinator to assist implement the plan

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which will be jointly funded. Koi Carp is a pest. Members queried whether it would be worthwhile putting this out as a joint press release with Lower Waikato. A Munro to follow-up with his colleague.

WPCC19/25 Moved By Cr S Husband Seconded By R Hunter

RESOVLED (SECTION A):

THAT the report Issues and Actions from Waihou Piako Catchment Committee Meetings (Doc #14134629 dated 9 May 2019) be received.


9. Chair's Report

The Chairperson (R Hicks) noted that he would present a second report during the Public Excluded Section of the agenda.

10.24 am Mayor S Goudie arrived at the meeting.

WPCC19/26 Moved By R Hicks Seconded By C Buchanan


THAT the report Waihou-Piako Catchment – May 2019 – Chair Report (Doc # 14208330 dated 2 May 2019) be received.


10. Zone Status Report

Report to provide a year to date summary report, outlining the status of the Waihou-Piako Zone activities and work programmes for the 2018/19 year.



Financial performance - large capital and operational programme which is heading to completion. Includes construction projects which straddled last financial year. A settled summer period has allowed construction projects and renewals to progress well and to schedule.

Waihou Catchment - a number of maintenance projects have been undertaken. Variance of $386,000 approximately is offset by other income of $31,000. Other income relates to forestry income from milling pine trees. Further details to come later in agenda.

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Piako Catchment - 100% of operating budget has been spent. Members queried whether river management and flood protections were actual works undertaken. K Botting clarified some of the costs in relation to administration costs, labour cost in relation to these projects. Further breakdowns on individual projects can be provided if required.

Members further queried the actuals vs budget for Waihou Reserve Fund. Appears to be underspent at the moment. Members are concerned that the maintenance should be pushed as fast as possible - if the budget is available, then the work should be done. K Botting assured members that the maintenance programme is being undertaken.

Members queried the complexity of budgets and the changes of budgets between forecast and actual spending. K Botting explained that it is a requirement to report on forecast changes. Many variances are weather dependent - for example, opening of floodgates. Due to cost will only be opened when necessary but need to budget on an average number of openings.

S Goudie requested a copy of detailed budgets for the Zone to be emailed to her.

K Botting and K Growden (Operations Team Leader) presented a Key Projects Update, identifying each project and actions required for each project to progress:

Come High Water Flood Campaign – this is main focus/theme at Fieldays for Waikato Regional Council. Aim is to increase what flood protection assets we have, increase awareness of floods, via ads in media, website, and social media.

Dam Safety Management

A number of photos were provided to the Committee which identified new guidelines for dam safety management. The Kirikiri Stream project was highlighted - an overview of the key milestones of the project were discussed. A further report will come back to the next meeting of the Committee.

Muggeridges scheme - photos showing where the pond/canal will go in and pump station/drainage. This will pump flooding from low land to higher ground which will feed into the river. By this time next year, the project should be completed or near completion.

Borrow Pit - material sourcing and canal desilting. Different location where the silt deposits - resulting from tidal action. These deposits have been removed and have had good feedback from farmers.

Lower Piako and Maukoro Canal Comp consent - Habitat enhancement. Ecological offset for above work - planting has been done. Moved fence back from natural wetland allowing plants to regenerate and birds to breed. Maintenance is on a 4 year cycle.

Kuaoiti Forestry Update - consent has been granted. Working with companies which did original tender work looking at harvesting next year. Roading components needed upgrading. Done by internal WRC staff resulting in a significant cost saving. Existing clay track upgraded to metal. The trees are reaching end of life span and need to be removed before they become a hazard. Chairman R Hicks provided the background to how this

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catchment ended up with forestry blocks. The block was planted to preserve hillside and provide stabilisation but also to generate income for the catchment in the future.

Members noted to staff that this block is very visible to a large number of community members and need to be sensitive with the clearing. There is no decision yet on how it will be replanted.

A forestry management plan will be presented to this committee at a later date which will support decision making regarding what planting is implemented in this block.

Piako StopBank Renewals - stop work has been completed. Tidy up work regarding fencing is still underway.

Parawai Road Upgrade - the road acts as a stopbank. Road height has been raised but will need to be raised again in approximately 10 years’ time. Reserve stopbank has been upgraded and reinstated. Good feedback from farmers and community.

Northern Canal - old and failing. Old handles now replaced with new hydraulic gates. New pipes installed. Original scheme was a box culvert. Re-levelled pipes, new gates, walls and hydraulic gates.

Campbell's Floodgates - Project is now complete. Is working well now. Hadn't been functioning well for a number of years. Been replaced and is now performing as it should. Self-cleaning and at a proper height. Has been through a couple of rainfalls and the farmer called to say it was working. Project came in under budget.

Members queried what controls are in place when community planting is undertaken. Staff noted that the territorial authority sends the list of proposed plants through to catchment management team for approval prior to any planting.

Mill Road and Paeroa Main drain - 2 pumps malfunctioned a couple of months ago. It has had long term problems.

Ngatea Town Pump - staff renewed pump - work was undertaken by Council staff rather than contractors.

New floodgates - Criterion Bridge – opening planned in June 2019. Need to get more staff trained in how to operate them.

Pouruiri Stream Bridge - the new bridge installation is now complete.

Members queried the need to implement fish friendly pumps - is there any evidence that flow pumps cause death to fish and likewise whether fish friendly pumps don't kill fish. Cost versus risk factors need to be taken into consideration with a balanced view overall. A Munro responded to members that all pump renewals went through a due process to determine what pump to use. The Bedford pumps best meet the overall requirements. Going forward, fish regulations will have a say in what pumps are used. Currently pumps are monitored closely to ensure that we have statistics on hand regarding how well they are working and anticipated life span. The current pumps being installed are the best available.

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Pg 39 - Agenda - Comprehensive Consents - in relation to Lower Piako and Maukoro Canal Comprehensive Consent is non-compliant, due to its complexity and difficulty to implement. Members noted that the stakeholders identified were Department of Conservation and Fish & Game but where was Waikato Regional Council and local representation? Staff undertook to review and see how to implement this.

Pg 43 - Environmental Farming systems - who are the stakeholders, how many are there and are they representative of the ratepayers. Officers to report back on this.

Page 45 – A member commented on Climate Change and that money is spent on model forecasting.

Page 46 - Point 8 - Provide an information and facilitation service for the community. Who are the "Community"? Who are prominent industries, land owners?

A Munro – suggested that Mark Bourne, Environmental Farming Systems Officer (for Hauraki) produce a report for this committee to provide more in-depth information and present it to a future meeting of this committee.

Pg 47 - Sea Change - is sea change now a regulatory document? Why are we preparing for sea change? Staff responded that we are currently monitoring sea change until further advised.

Treaty settlement - committee needs to know what the costs to this area to implement any settlements, if there has been any. What has the cost been to ratepayers?

Members also raised the issue of biodiversity - need to be aware of the impact of this and how it affects the community/stakeholders.

Members queried Waihou river cross-section surveys - staff responded that staff have relooked at both the process and data so that it could now be utilised. No major clash of information. Has been peer reviewed both internally and externally. The information is now proving functional and useful.

Members discussed the use of internal staff to undertaken capital works - the team needs to have a succession plan for long term. The Committee supports a dedicated team to construct works between this zone and Lower Waikato zone. Cr Livingston responded that the CEO has been asked to look at this. Thinks it is critical to look at it for cost benefit but also for continuity of knowledge.

The option would be raised through the LTP process.

Staff were asked to bring a report back to this committee on a review of what worked and at what cost - physical and monetary. Also identify the negatives of the capital project work undertaken internally.

Members queried whether plan change 2 had been commenced. Staff responded that a technical team had been identified and review of what information they have from other projects/plan change 1.

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WPCC 19/27 Moved By C Buchanan Seconded By Cr A Livingston

RECOMMENDED (SECTION B)

That this Committee request a report from staff on the practicality of using a construction team over the last season with a view to formalising this arrangement including a comparison of all external works over the last 5 years.


WPCC19/28 Moved By A McGiven Seconded By S Clarke


THAT the report ‘Waihou Piako Zone Status Report – May 2019’ (Doc #13812556 dated 14 May 2019) be received.


11. Puriri River Scheme Service Level Review

Report to provide a summary assessment of current levels of service of the stopbanks of the Puriri River Flood Protection Scheme in comparison to design levels and to make recommendations for adoption of revised levels of service.


12.18pm Cr A Livingstone left the meeting.


Members discussed the hydrological and hydraulic review - acknowledging what the design was and its challenges. The design was to remove the 2 spillways. Upgrades needed. Spillways not constructed as part of original design. Staff presented slides showing both left and right stopbanks. Spillways are largely ineffective and removed from design. Affected properties have been consulted.

WPCC19/29 Moved By Cr P Buckthought Seconded By S Clarke


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1. That the report Puriri River Scheme Service Level Review (Doc #13817683 dated 3 May 2019) be received; and

2. That the technical report Puriri River Flood Protection Scheme Service level review (Doc # 13204111) be received.


WPCC19/30 Moved By Cr P Buckthought Seconded By S Clarke


1. THAT the Puriri River Scheme design standard is approved as follows:

a) 0m level is adopted as the 100 year ARI tide level for the purposes of design;

b) The current design freeboard of 0.50m be retained for the tidal river stopbanks;

c) For the stopbanks designed to withstand river flooding, a 10 year ARI design standard with 0.60m freeboard be retained; and

2. THAT the two originally proposed spillways be deleted from the scheme; and

3. THAT where the stopbanks performance grades are 4 or 5 it is recommended that a more detailed survey is undertaken and works programmed to upgrade these sections.


Item 14 - Muggeridge's Pump Station was bought forward for discussion.

14. Muggeridge’s Pump Station Peat Soil Management Protocols

Report to provide information to inform the development of protocols for the management and operation of Muggeridge’s Pump Station to meet the strategic direction and intent of Section 14.5 of the Waikato Regional Council Policy Statement.

Peat Scientist (Justin Wyatt) presented to the report.


The report was presented as a result of the Committee's request to receive the report. The report provides information on the development of protocols for the management and operation of Muggeridge's Pump station to meet the strategic direction and intent of Section 14.5 of the Waikato Regional Policy Statement.

Peat is mostly and organise matter which holds carbon. Drainage and subsequent management leads to land subsidence. Peat subsidence processes include:

• shrinkage and consolidation

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• compactions

• oxidation - aerobic microbial decomposition.

Ongoing subsidence will eventually lead to loss of peat.

23,000 ha of peat in Waihou-Piako zone – at a depth of up to 12 metres (measured in 1976). 2 main zones in Waihou Piako zone. Land use split between pastoral and freshwater wetlands.

Muggeridges Catchment - 1100 ha, is almost entirely peat with a maximum depth of 3m. Subsurface clay level is less than 0.5 to less than 1.0 metres below sea level. Measurements show subsidence of 16mm per year between 1979 - 1990.

Conservative subsidence rates of 25mm per year for next 100 year - it is anticipated that almost all peat will become below sea level - which raises drainage issues. If drainage improves, this increases subsidence rates, if drainage declines, then peat subsidence slows.

The calculation of 25mm per year moving forward is based on other works from external parties including other peat areas. This is a conservative measurement.

S14.5 of the Waikato Regional Policy Statement calls to control activities on peat soils to promote best land management practice to slow the rate of subsidence of peat soils and carbon loss.

Work should be done to develop catchment wide protocols to focus on reducing the risk of excessive subsidence. Factors to consider:

• Known controls of peat subsidence and carbon loss

• Existing good practice

• Learnings from actions used elsewhere

Water table depth is a key factor for controlling peat subsidence. Summer management critical but challenging.

This committee's resolution focussed on the pump station at Muggeridge's plan only. Need to take a wider approach to ensure a slowing of subsidence across the whole catchment.

Known controls

• what's existing good practice

• what else has been tried elsewhere in Waikato

1.08 pm The meeting adjourned for lunch.

1.31 pm The meeting reconvened. Cr Vercoe not in attendance.

Members queried what is the benefit of peat and why are we trying to maintain it? Peat is a high source of carbon. Subsidence releases carbon. Peat soils can also be highly versatile if the water table is maintained.

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By upgrading the resources - it can drive improvements to increase the value of the land.

It was suggested that "drainage" should be changed to Water Control for committee name/terms of reference.

WPCC19/31 Moved By C Buchanan Seconded By Mayor S Goudie


That the meeting resolve to extend beyond 3 hour time limit to complete discussion of this report.


WPCC19/32 Moved By Mayor S Goudie Seconded By C Buchanan


THAT the report ‘Muggeridge’s Pump Station Peat Soil Management Protocols’ (Doc #14220682, dated 27 May 2019) be received for information.


C Buchanan abstained from voting and requested that this be recorded.

WPCC19/33 Moved By C Buchanan Seconded By Cr S Husband


That the Committee request draft protocols for the management of peat soils that can be implement for Muddgeridge drainage area only rather than regional wide protocols/policies.


Item 15 - Verbal Presentation from the Department of Conservation regarding their role in the management of the Kopuatai Peat Dome and the wider flood protection scheme meeting was bought forward for consideration.

15. Verbal presentation from the Department of Conservation regarding their role in the management of the Kopuatai Peat Dome and the wider flood protection scheme.

Avi Holzapfel, Department of Conservation Hauraki Operations Manager, to present on the role that the Department of Conservation has in the wider flood protection scheme.

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Avi Holzapfel, Department of Conservation Hauraki Operations Manager, spoke to the Committee on the Department's role in the wider flood protection scheme.

Avi thanked members for inviting him to the meeting. He explained that John Rich had resigned from the Department and that he was here today to introduce Tene Tangatatai and Mailee Stanbury who would represent the Department at future meetings. They would be alternate's to each other and attend depending on the items on the agenda so that specialist advice could be provided.

Avi noted that the Department of Conservation regulatory authority was working closely with WRC to determine the ideal water level(s) between the Kopuatai Peat Dome and the wider flood protection scheme in the interests of both. Also as a Treaty partner, they are bound by the legislation changes pending as a Treaty partner. One of the proposed changes will be that the regulatory role will change.

The March/April 2017 flood event precipitated this project. The flood affected the neighbours, users of the wetland, flood brought up the question of whether the wetland caused or increased the impact of the flood event on neighbours.

Open days to gather information, get on the ground / insider information, to learn what happened or a part in learning what caused it.

RUD report – flood not caused by the infrastructure – although some weirs not as good as they could be. Just completed a review to understand the water levels necessary to protect the wetland and the levels of water levels where the flood scheme can function.

Wetland being changed by external factors – climate change, land use around the wetland, drainage issues around the wetland.

8 weirs in the wetland – to ensure the peat dome doesn’t dry out.

1.58pm Mayor S Goudie left the meeting

DOC believes that there should be no structure in the wetland without a consent – if not consent, it shouldn’t be there. Same rules should apply for stock, pests and beehives.

Need to be concentrating on pest control and weed control. Happy how we have worked together for last few years.

Chair Hicks – thanked Avi. Need to come to some outcome of what is best for both parties – WRC want to retain the dome and also drainage around/through the dome.

Expertise is critical – DOC now has good expertise available in the local office. Good decisions should be based from expertise outside of WRC/DOC. Don’t do it as an “us and them” – need to be partners.

2.00 pm Stu Clarke left the meeting.

Members noted that Kopuatai is a sensitive area. Fragile. It is public conservation land – greater good applies. Very fragile. Responsibility between Iwi and DOC – what about land owners. Do they have a vested interest? How do you include them?

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Discussions around how to preserve the western edges between farmland/ex flax farms, and domes.

Chair thanked DOC representatives for coming.

WPCC19/34 Moved By Cr H Van Rooijen Seconded By Richard Cookson


THAT the report “Verbal presentation from the Department of Conservation regarding their role in the management of the Kopuatai Peat Dome and the wider flood protection scheme” (Doc #13817683 dated 3 May 2019) be received.


12. Public Excluded Session

THAT the public be excluded from the following part/s of the meeting: 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: Good reason to withhold exists under Section 7.

That the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists Section 48(1)(a) This resolution is made in reliance on sections 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by Section 7 of that Act, which would be prejudiced by the holding of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public are as follows:

Minutes of Waihou Piako Catchment Committee 18 March 2019

• To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons, Section 7(2)(a); and

• Enable any local authority holding the information to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations), Section 7(2)(i).

Private Flood Infrastructural Assets Transfer - Piako River

• To protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons, Section 7(2)(a); and


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Update on Paul's Wharf / Rawerawe infrastructure


Moved By R Hicks Seconded By A McGiven

THAT the public be excluded from the following part/s of the meeting:

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:


2.10pm – The meeting moved in Public Excluded Meeting.

3.15pm – The meeting moved back into Open Meeting.

WPCC19/38 Moved By C Buchanan Seconded By Cr S Husband


That Items 16 and Item 17 be held over to the next meeting.


WPCC19/39 Moved By Cr S Husband Seconded By Cr H Van Rooijen


That items 18, 19 and 20 be taken as read.


The Chairman, Robert or Richard Cookson, Phillip Buckthought and Stu Clarkson be tasked to talk to Justin Wyatt with regard to Peat Soil protocols.

3.31pm The meeting closed.

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Decision of Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

Meeting date: 4 June 2019



Item 1: Apologies

1. THAT the apologies from D Morris and S Lunjevich for absence and Cr S Husband for late arrival be accepted.


1. THAT the agenda of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee of 4 June 2019, as circulated be confirmed as business for the meeting.

Item 4: Previous Minutes of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

1. THAT the minutes of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting of 25 March 2019 be received and approved as a true and correct record.

Item 5: Minutes of the Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee

1. THAT the minutes of the Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee meeting of 18 March 2019 be received for information, noting the correction as outlined above.

Item 6: Issues/Actions from Thames Valley Drainage Committee Meeting on 25 March 2019

1. THAT the report ‘Issues/Actions from Thames Valley Drainage Committee Meeting on 25 March 2019’ (Doc #14211471 dated 20 May 2019) be received for information.

Item 7: Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Chair’s Report – May 2019

1. THAT the ‘Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Chair’s Report’ for the 4 June 2019 meeting be received for information.

Item 8: Thames Valley Drainage Area Status Report 30 April 2019

1. THAT the report ‘Thames Valley Drainage Area Status Report 30 April 2019 (Doc #14286286 dated 20 May 2019) be received for information.

Item 9: Thames Valley Drainage Area Machine Cleaning and Spray Programme May 2019 update

1. THAT the report ‘Thames Valley Drainage Area Machine Cleaning and Spray Programme May 2019 update’ be received for information.

Item 10: Drain Planting Trial – Next Steps

1. THAT the report Drain Planting Trials – Next Steps (Doc #14340882 dated 27 May 2019) be received

Item 11: Integrated Catchment Management Committee Meeting Reports – 10 April 2019

1. THAT the report “Integrated Catchment Management Committee Meeting Reports - 10th April 2019” (Doc #14288041 dated 20 May 2019) and attached “Asset Management Policy - flood protection, river management and land drainage infrastructural assets” be received for information.

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Item 12: Upcoming Agenda Items 2018/19

1. THAT the report “Upcoming agenda items 2018/19” (dated 9 May 2019) be received and the following topics - Peat Soil report/update and Koi Carp update be retained on the list of Issues (page 61).



Item 10: Drain Planting Trial – Next Steps

1. THAT the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee approve and support the planting of two further drains as part of the planting trials this season.

Item 14: General Business

1. THAT staff be requested to prepare a proposal for consideration by the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee on the feasibility and budget implications of having the appropriate machinery and staff ‘inhouse’ to undertake operational work activities.

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Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

OPEN MINUTES

Date: Location:

Tuesday, 4 June, 2019, 10:05am 13 Opatito Road Paeroa

Members Present: P Le Heron - Chair (Community Representative)

A Arnet (Community Representative) W Gore (Community Representative) S Hannah (Community Representative) S Steverson (Community Representative) B Townsend (Community Representative) Cr D Minogue (Waikato Regional Council) Cr S Husband (Chair Integrated Catchment Management Committee (North) Waikato Regional Council) (from 11.10am)

Staff Present: A Munro (Manager Coromandel/Hauraki) K Growden (Operation Team Leader) I Ramsey (Work Supervisor) G Russell (Operations Technical Advisor – Waikato/West Coast) W Coffey (Catchment Management Officer) M Poole (Democracy Advisor)

Adam Munro welcomed everyone to the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting held in the new Paeroa office which opened on 8 April 2019. He provided a health and safety and evacuation briefing and offered a tour of the building/facilities following the meeting.

1. Apologies

Apologies were received from D Morris and S Lunjevich for absence and Cr S Husband for late arrival.

TVDAS19/15

Moved by: S Steverson Seconded by: S Hannah

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the apologies from D Morris and S Lunjevich for absence and Cr S Husband for late arrival be accepted.


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Thames Valley Drainage Advisory SubCommittee – 4 June 2019

Doc # 14431567 Page 2


TVDAS19/16

Moved by: P Le Heron Seconded by: A Arnet

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the agenda of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee of 4 June 2019, as circulated be confirmed as business for the meeting.



There were no disclosures of interest.

4. Previous Minutes of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

The minutes of the previous meeting of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee held 25 March 2019 were taken as read and accepted. TVDAS19/17

Moved by: A Arnet Seconded by: S Hannah

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the minutes of the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting of 25 March 2019 be received and approved as a true and correct record.


5. Minutes of the Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee

The minutes from the 18 March 2019 meeting of the Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee were received for information, noting the following correction: (page 5/page 19) - resolution No. WPCC19/08 was seconded by P Le Heron (not D Morris), with a consequential correction to the members present section with P Le Heron stated as being both the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Thames Valley Drainage Subcommittee. The Deputy Chair D Morris was not present and noted that he would generally only attend if the Chair was not available to attend the Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee meeting.

TVDAS19/18

Moved by: P Le Heron Seconded by: W Gore

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the minutes of the Waihou-Piako Catchment Committee meeting of 18 March 2019 be received for information, noting the correction as outlined above.

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6. Issues/Actions from Thames Valley Drainage Committee Meeting on 25 March 2019

The Manager, Coromandel/Hauraki (A Munro) presented the update report on actions and issues from the previous Subcommittee meeting, noting that the local area maps showing planned works were circulated to members in September 2018. Members requested to provide feedback on the maps before the next meeting. Local ‘on the ground’ knowledge is an important element of setting/reaching agreement on the annual works programme. To date 75-80 percent of the works programme has been completed, within budget with the balance available as a contingency for any essential/unanticipated works that may arise/need to be completed in the financial year. TVDAS19/19

Moved by: A Arnet Seconded by: B Townsend

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the report ‘Issues/Actions from Thames Valley Drainage Committee Meeting on 25 March 2019’ (Doc #14211471 dated 20 May 2019) be received for information.


7. Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Chair’s Report – May 2019

Report from Subcommittee Chair (P Le Heron) to update member on relevant issues and activities since the last meeting, noting that: - it has been an extremely dry summer/autumn and sediment is still a widespread issue. - a field trip with staff identified a number of issues, in particular spraying right up and into

drains - not leaving a five to ten metre buffer. Arising out of discussion it was noted: - that spraying practices are becoming an increasing problem, need to remind everyone of

their responsibilities to maintain buffers and access for drain clearing machinery. There are adverse consequences of spraying everything - need to think about targeted weed species sprays and mowing weeds next to drains. Agreed to include information about spraying in the next drainage brochure.

- that cultivation proximity to drains is also an issue that can increase sediment and nutrient runoff into the adjacent drain/s.

- rainfall event “flushes” following a long dry period typically result in a 50 percent sediment and 50 percent weed build up at the pump stations.

- the flood campaign is underway, and that land drainage is an aspect of water/flood management.

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TVDAS19/20


RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the ‘Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Chair’s Report’ for the 4 June 2019 meeting be received for information.


8. Thames Valley Drainage Area Status Report 30 April 2019

Report by Manager Hauraki/Coromandel (A Munro) to provide an update on the financial status of the Thames Valley Drainage Area including statements for each of the subdivisions for the 2018/19 as at 30 April 2019 noting the: - financial summary figures, budget forecasting process, subdivision budget changes

affecting Waihekau and Waitoa, and the reserves position as outlined in the report. - rainfall statistics (data for 2017, 2018 and 2019 to date) showing very low rainfall in 2019

to date. The dry weather has meant that earthworks have been able to be carried out right up to early June. Requested that an average rainfall line be added to the graphs for comparison purposes.

Arising out of questions, responses and discussion noted that: - while most subdivision reserves remain “healthy”, there are some that are moving into

debt and this will need to be reviewed as part of the next long term plan process. - the additional works and costs largely arising from catchup works from the 2017 weather

events damage and other ‘tidy up works, and some under-estimations of the cost per kilometre of works required within the budget process.

- feedback from farmers has largely been positive about the works programme in terms of what has been done ‘on the ground’.

The Manager Hauraki/Coromandel (A Munro) gave an update on the Muggeridge’s Pump Station project near Ngatea, noting that while “outside” the Thames Valley drainage area, it is likely to be ‘of interest’ to members, noting that: - it is an area of peat settlement south of Ngatea with a pumping proposal ‘on the table’ for

some 20 years. The project received approval to proceed in late 2018 with the construction works and associated costs spread over two financial years. The project also involves trialling wetland restoration areas as offsets for the drainage/pumping works.

- the dry weather has enabled good progress to be made with the canal construction this autumn, with before and after photos of progress to date. It is the largest new scheme built since the 1990s.

Arising out of questions and discussion noted that: - the clay for the stopbanks has been sourced from the canal excavations, all materials stay

and are used on-site. The canal will be tidal; the pump station is planned to be in place before the end of 2019 and the project is expected to be functional before winter 2020.

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- the objective of the peat management criteria is to slow down peat shrinkage via water level management practices.

As a result of the local government elections in October 2019, there won’t be any Committee or Subcommittee meetings in November, suggested that a Field day be held to visit various issues of interest - including ‘trouble spots’, success stories and to view planting trials, etc. TVDAS19/21

Moved by: W Gore Seconded by: S Hannah

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the report ‘Thames Valley Drainage Area Status Report 30 April 2019 (Doc #14286286 dated 20 May 2019) be received for information.


9. Thames Valley Drainage Area Machine Cleaning and Spray Programme May 2019 update

The report by Work Supervisor (I Ramsey) provided an update on the machine cleaning and spray programme for the 2018-19 year to date, noting: - the summary of the machine cleaning programme undertaken, with an expected 115kms

completed by the end of the 2018/19 year, including the works outlined in the table on page 49 of the agenda.

- preparation of the work programme for the 2019/20 year is underway and feedback is requested from members to identify what works are required in each of their areas.

Arising out of discussion it was noted that with respect to spraying and cultivation activities near drains educating contractors is as important as reminding landowners about their responsibilities. TVDAS19/22

Moved by: W Gore Seconded by: S Hannah

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the report ‘Thames Valley Drainage Area Machine Cleaning and Spray Programme May 2019 update’ be received for information.


Arrive Cr S Husband 11.10am

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10. Drain Planting Trial – Next Steps

The report by Catchment Management Officer (W Coffey) provided an update on progress with the drain planting trials to date and sought approval for the inclusion of two further drains in the planting trials and to support collaboration, improved scientific analyses, and the sourcing of outside funding while undertaking this work. In summary he noted that: - because of other competing work commitments, there has been limited time and

resource available for this project. Over the past three years two drains and one managed stream channel have been planted with native sedges (carex species) as part of a trial to determine if drainage maintenance costs could be reduced and if other environmental and habitat benefits could be achieved. Before and after photos showed the planting progress and results to date.

- the small number of sites involved in the trial to date is not enough to get accurate and robust data results from a science perspective. To get value for the investment need to identify, fund and plant more sites and put the science ‘tools’ in place. There are opportunities to work with farmers (fencing/planting for erosion control), schools and community groups (plants/planting activities for environmental and habitat benefits).

- the data available so far shows a number of positives including less sediment, increased shading giving weed suppression/less spraying required, and more stable drain/stream banks with less slumping.

- the two different Carex species used are also being evaluated in terms of their impacts and suitability to achieve the objectives of the trial.

There are a number of ‘next steps’/opportunities including: - additional planting trial sites identified - two drains at Elstow (one a north/south and the

other an east/west orientation), different farmers/farming operations and soil types - useful for comparative data.

- seeking approval for financial support (up to $10,000 maximum) for additional planting this year. The supporting science will be put in place early to provide maximum data.

- discussions have been held with Hauraki District Council, and staff from BoP Regional Council have visited - both organisations have expressed interested in the trials being undertaken. Potential to collaborate over trials and provide greater data/comparative information over a wider range of locations/conditions.

- there is also a science PhD consultant with an interest and experience in drainage environments. There may be opportunities to identify and apply for external funding to engage/use her expertise to support the objectives of the WRC trials.

Arising out of discussion it was noted that: - the ‘grasses’ being used are very hardy and can survive inundation. They are also ‘soft’

and flexible so move to allow water passage. Where the grasses create a canopy/shading over the drain weeds do not grow and therefore should result in less weed debris at pump stations after weather event ‘flushes’. View expressed that sedge grasses also provide good habitat for inanga species.

- care needs to be taken with the choice of weed spray/s used (targeted not ‘blanket’).

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- these types of trials take years to build robust data and provide long term results on the positive and negatives.

TVDAS19/23

Moved by: B Townsend Seconded by: A Arnet

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the report Drain Planting Trials – Next Steps (Doc #14340882 dated 27 May 2019) be received, and

RECOMMENDED (Section B) THAT the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee approve and support the planting of two further drains as part of the planting trials this season.

The motion was put and carried With respect to the scientific model the Subcommittee expressed support for the concept of collaboration, inclusion of improved scientific analyses and the exploration of sourcing of external funding and requested that staff prepare and bring back a proposal for consideration by the Subcommittee at a future meeting.

11. Integrated Catchment Management Committee Meeting Reports – 10 April 2019

The report provided an update on relevant matters from the 10 April 2019 Integrated Catchment Management Committee meeting, in particular the adoption of amendments to the Asset Management Policy - flood protection, river management and land drainage infrastructural assets for the information of the Subcommittee. Noted that a Workshop session on the draft Regional Drainage Management Plan is to be held following the conclusion of the Subcommittee meeting. TVDAS19/24

Moved by: P Le Heron Seconded by: W Gore

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the report “Integrated Catchment Management Committee Meeting Reports - 10th April 2019” (Doc #14288041 dated 20 May 2019) and attached “Asset Management Policy - flood protection, river management and land drainage infrastructural assets” be received for information.


12. Upcoming Agenda Items 2018/19

With respect to the schedule of indicative agenda items for 2018/19 (page 61 of the agenda) the Subcommittee requested that:

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- staff circulate the Peat Soil Investigation report to members for information and retain the topic/issue on the schedule.

- Koi carp be reinstated on the schedule with an update for the next meeting to provide information on all aspects of the “problem” including progress with the herpes virus investigations; the DoC/WRC collaboration and shared funding arrangement; and the impacts and extent of the damage being caused by this species in the Waihou-Piako catchments.

TVDAS19/25

Moved by: P Le Heron Seconded by:

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the report “Upcoming agenda items 2018/19” (dated 9 May 2019) be received and the following topics - Peat Soil report/update and Koi Carp update be retained on the list of Issues (page 61).


13. Members Reports

The Subcommittee Chair (P Le Heron) invited members to report on matters/raise any issues relevant to the drainage area. In response the following points were noted: • B Townsend - no issues to raise, low rainfall/no flooding. • S Steverson - no issues to raise, low rainfall for the year to date a concern. • W Gore - Subcommittee currently has a ‘gap’/vacancy in its membership with not all

subdivisions being represented around the table. The names of a number of potentially interested landowners were identified and queried whether any contact had been made to confirm their interest. The Manager Coromandel/Hauraki to work with WRC Democracy staff with respect to nominations/the appointment process and liaise with the Subcommittee Chair. Understood that there may also an option to second or co-opt an appropriate person to fill the vacancy for the short period until the full membership process occurs in 2020 following the October 2019 Councillor elections. Support to explore the secondment/co-opting scenario.

• S Hannah - no issues to raise, very little water currently in the drains. • A Arnet - the stopbank works around the Waitoa River and Whakahoro Canal involved a

regrade of the stopbank. The new grass cover is growing well and the fencing contractor making good progress. There is a stormwater pond on the inside of the stopbank on the van Helmond property associated with the poultry sheds.

• P Le Heron - site visits/field trips are very useful tools to see ‘on the ground’ activities, issues and outcomes.

Cr S Husband (Joint Chair ICMC North) reported on the following topics/issues discussed at the recent ICM Committee meeting, noting that: • the issue of fish passage was discussed, with fish friendly pumps being investigated and

priced. There are results for the United Kingdom situation, with trials being undertaken

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in NZ to ‘truth’ performance in our conditions. Evidence is needed to ‘prove’ anecdotal advice that fish (eels) can safely get through control gates.

• current/future affordability of flood schemes for people paying targeted rates was raised. • with respect to the Hill Country Erosion Fund ($1B trees), work is ongoing to identify areas

that meet the criteria and to prioritise projects in sub-catchment areas where funding is available.

• the hearing of submissions for the Healthy Rivers Plan Change 1 is currently underway. Also noting that central Government is working on the National Freshwater Strategy for release in the near future.

• there is more interest and support/funding to respond to the Kauri dieback issue. Observed that while tracks have been closed, hunters may well be going through those areas ‘off track’.

• he is concerned that Yellow Bristle grass is spreading and needs to have its status elevated in the Regional Pest Management Plan. It was requested that an update be provided on this plant pest - via a report and/or as an item on the next Subcommittee agenda.

14. General Business

The Subcommittee Chair (P Le Heron) outlined the operational ‘performance’ issues that have been identified in the delivery of the works programme, noting that the current regime of bringing in external contractors is resulting in a number of ‘inefficiencies, cost increases and operational problems including: - the quality and standard of the some of the work and in some cases a lack of knowledge

and/or experience of what is required when undertaking catchment and drainage works; - delays being experienced by a lack of contractor availability at peak periods/when the

weather conditions are suitable and that the ‘small scale’ jobs (in the range $200,000 to $300,000) are not sought after by contactors and not given priority to complete.

- higher prices/costs being charged as private contractors are profit ‘driven’.

Information has been obtained about the Lower Waikato/Aka Aka Otaua ‘set-up’ where they have their own digger and suitably qualified/experienced staff to undertake drainage works in-house. The machine is fully utilised ten months per annum, with a small amount of private work undertaken that provides income. The cost per metre of doing drainage works inhouse is considerably less than in the Thames Valley area, noting that the majority of their work is weed clearing, up to three times per annum rather than sediment removal. Arising out of discussion the following points were noted: - the volume of work has grown over the years and while ‘bigger’ projects would still go out

to tender, the majority of the work falls within the ‘small-scale’ category with sufficient demand to potentially justify the capital expenditure to purchase a digger and have the appropriately skilled staff inhouse.

- operational cost savings could be made by not having to build a profit into the pricing, not needing variations to contracts and undertaking the project management and design engineering tasks inhouse. Flood engineering is a specialist industry only undertaken by

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Regional Councils, external consultants do not generally have the appropriate knowledge and expertise, or fully understand the legislative context we work in.

- having the appropriately skilled staff onboard would also provide greater resource flexibility and capacity/capability during peak demand periods including emergency event response.

- consideration would need to be given to transport options and costs to move the digger between jobs. Also think about how other equipment, for example spraying machinery is transported.

- support to explore this scenario further and provide a proposal for the Subcommittee’s consideration, noting that any recommendations to proceed would feed into the next LTP process.

TVDAS19/26


RESOLVED (Section A) THAT staff be requested to prepare a proposal for consideration by the Thames Valley Drainage Advisory Subcommittee on the feasibility and budget implications of having the appropriate machinery and staff ‘inhouse’ to undertake operational work activities.


Meeting closed 12.15pm

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Decision of Waipa Catchment Committee




Item 2: Apologies

1. That the apologies from D Wooster (Maniapoto Maori Trust Board), A Hanna (local community representative), G Hailwood (local community representative) M Frederikson (local community representative) for absence be accepted.


1. That the agenda of the meeting of the Waipa Catchment Committee of 19 June 2019, as circulated, and including the General Business items identified above, be confirmed as the business for the meeting.

Item 5: Confirmation of Previous Minutes

1. THAT the Minutes of the Waipa Catchment Committee Meeting of 13 November 2018 be approved as a true and correct record.

Item 6: Issues and Actions Report - June 2019

1. THAT the "Issues and Actions Report June 2019” be received for information.

Item 7: Chairperson's Report

1. THAT the Chairperson’s Report – June 2019 (Waipa Catchment Committee 19 June 2019) be received for information.

Item 8: Waipa Zone Status Report

1. THAT the report Waipa Zone - Status Report to 30 May 2019 (Waipa Catchment Committee 19 June 2019) be received for information.

Item 9: Management of the Waipa Zone Operating Reserve June 2019

1. THAT the report “Management of the Waipa Operating Reserve June 2019” (dated 27 May 2019) be received.

Item 10: Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 – Healthy Rivers update June 2019 (Waipa Catchment Committee June 2019)

1. THAT the report Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 – Healthy Rivers update June 2019 (dated 29 May 2019) be received for information.

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Item 9: Management of the Waipa Zone Operating Reserve June 2019

1. THAT the Waipa Operating Reserve be proactively drawn down to fund planned or accelerated operational activities to a balance being approximately ten percent of the total operating budget and in the range of $400,000 to $600,000, over the next three to six years.

2. THAT the Waipa Operating Reserve be used to balance year to year expenditure timing fluctuations across the whole range of operational work undertaken.

3. THAT the Waipa Operating Reserve be used to spread the funding of planned ‘non-routine’ activities (e.g. ten yearly river channel surveys, five yearly zone and catchment plan reviews). Unplanned non-routine activities to be brought back to the Committee for consideration and ratification.

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Waipa Catchment Committee

OPEN MINUTES

Date: Location:

Wednesday, 19 June 2019, 10:15am Te Awamutu Bible Chapel Chapel Drive, Te Awamutu

Members Present: R Barton - Chair (Local Community Representative)

W Maag - Deputy Chair (Maniapoto Māori Trust Board) Cr K Hodge (Waikato Regional Council) Cr B Thomas (Waipā District Council) Cr K Phillips (Otorohanga District Council) Cr P Brodie (Waitomo District Council) Cr N Smith (Waikato District Council) M Buckley (Local Community Representative) R Davison (Local Community Representative) B Garland (Local Community Representative) M Mackenzie (Local Community Representative) L Chrystall (Mercury Energy) C Higham (Dairy NZ) Cr S Kneebone (Joint-Chair, Integrated Catchment Management Committee South)

Cr A Livingston - ex officio (Waikato Regional Council)

Staff: B Toohey (Section Manager) G Blackie (Zone Manager, Waipa) A Thomas (Sustainable Ag Advisor – Waipa) J Gavin (Financial Advisor) M Gasquoine (Team Leader : Land Management and Advisory Services)

M Poole (Democracy Advisor)

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Opening Karakia - Cr S Kneebone

SECTION A: UNDER DELEGATION AND FOR THE INFORMATION OF COUNCIL and SECTION B: FOR RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL

1. Terms of Reference Circulated with the agenda papers for the Committee’s information.

2. Apologies Apologies were received from D Wooster (Maniapoto Maori Trust Board), A Hanna (local community representative), G Hailwood (local community representative), M Frederikson (local community representative).

WaipaC19/01

Moved by: W Maag Seconded by: Cr K Phillips

RESOLVED (Section A): That the apologies from D Wooster (Maniapoto Maori Trust Board), A Hanna (local community representative), G Hailwood (local community representative) M Frederikson (local community representative) for absence be accepted.


3. Confirmation of Agenda Members requested that the staff provide a verbal update on the following items as part of the agenda: - Happy Valley Milk Otorohanga water take consenting; and - Committee field trip debrief/follow-up on issues of interest. The Chair noted that she would follow-up with WRC staff re Beef and Lamb membership on the Committee. Staff introduced Kevin Steel, a member of the public attending the meeting, noting that Kevin previously worked for the Council as a Soil Conservator. While now retired, he maintains an active interest in the water and soil ‘space’ and community involvement opportunities that he may be able to contribute to. WaipaC19/02

Moved by: Cr K Hodge Seconded by: B Garland

RESOLVED (Section A) That the agenda of the meeting of the Waipa Catchment Committee of 19 June 2019, as circulated, and including the General Business items identified above, be confirmed as the business for the meeting.


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4. Disclosures of Interest As previously declared M Buckley and R Barton - members of King Country River Care.

5. Confirmation of Previous Minutes The minutes from the meeting of the Waipa Catchment Committee dated 13 November 2018 were taken as read and received.

WaipaC19/03

Moved by: R Barton Seconded by: Cr K Phillips

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the Minutes of the Waipa Catchment Committee Meeting of 13 November 2018 be approved as a true and correct record.


6. Issues and Actions Report - June 2019 Report to provide an update on the issues and actions from the previous meeting, presented by the Zone Manager Waipa (G Blackie) noting that the reports on Koi Carp research and Pest Fish Management; and the Regional Asset Management Plan have been circulated to Committee members as requested. Cr K Phillips advised that he would follow up with Otorohanga DC staff on the proposed water quality presentation. WaipaC19/04

Moved by: R Barton Seconded by: Cr K Phillips

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the "Issues and Actions Report June 2019” be received for information.


7. Chairperson's Report The Waipa Catchment Committee Chair (R Barton) requested that her report be taken as read, with a verbal update noting that there was a presentation on the new Waikato Regional Council Hazard Portal at the June Integrated Catchment Management Committee meeting. This ‘tool’ is interactive with information on flood protection areas, coastal inundation and other hazards and was being demonstrated at Council’s Fieldays site. It is planned to ‘go live’ at the end of June and staff will send the link to Committee members once that has happened. Arising out of questions, responses and discussion, the following points were noted: - there has been a period of “soft release” for the Hazard Portal to get feedback and identify

and ‘fix’ any errors. Generally, feedback has been positive about the portal and the content.

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- views expressed that the One Billion Trees project is reportedly resulting in good pastoral land being “lost” to forestry in other parts of NZ, with resulting reductions in stock numbers and potential social impacts.

- the change of land use from pastoral farming to forestry also has other consequences as the land is “locked up” until harvest; the crop is not fully valued until close to harvest and there can be roading/access challenges for logging trucks creating issues that are relevant to and impact on District Councils.

- farm soil mapping and land classification is an essential tool to provide landowners with accurate information to make sound decisions on appropriate land uses including the protection of high quality productive land and management/protection of high erosion risk land. View expressed that using the 1:50,000 scale is not usually accurate enough for an individual farm property.

- past experience indicates that changing the land use of significant areas has future implications and potentially long term consequences with respect to environmental sustainability, economics and social aspects for individuals, communities and nationally.

WaipaC19/05

Moved by: R Barton Seconded by: W Maag

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the Chairperson’s Report – June 2019 (Waipa Catchment Committee 19 June 2019) be received for information.


8. Waipa Zone Status Report The report presented by the Zone Manager Waipa (G Blackie) provided an update on Waipa catchment financials, activities and work programmes since the last meeting (November 2018) noting that: - the financial results in the pre-circulated report were as at 30 April, with the 31 May 2019

figures now available and presented ‘on-screen’. - budgets were re-forecast in April 2019 with a net reduction in operating expenditure of

$420,000, comprising a $330,000 transfer to the capital expenditure forecast and minor adjustments to various work programmes totalling a $90,000 net reduction.

- both the Waipa Zone capital and operational work programmes are ‘on track’ to meet the re-forecast year end budgets.

Arising out of the report/presentation, questions, responses and associated discussion the following points were noted: - the Tunawaea work in the upper Waipa is a mainly maintenance programme now with

the amount of work required varying from year to year and undertaken as required, typically once or twice per annum.

- that good progress has/continues to be made on the key projects as outlined in the report. - the Kahotea Marae work included willow removal, weed control and fencing. The marae

will assist with planting and there is an old ‘ox-bow’ wetland area that may be a future

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project. The before/after photos and video ‘clip’ presented are part of the communications about what is being achieved.

- there have been a number of meetings and workshops associated with the One Billion Trees initiative, the Hill Country Erosion Funding and Beef+Lamb Farm Environment Plans.

- the shared use gravel pathway on the top of the Otorohanga stopbank is nearing completion. The creation of the pathway is not expected to have affected the flood protection afforded by the stopbank, with an Otorohanga DC survey proposed to confirm that the required crest level has been maintained. Otorohanga DC has also decided to move from grazing to mowing on this section of stopbank.

- that another Waipa part-funded goat control operation was carried out on privately owned land (November 2018/January 2019) in the Rangitoto area in conjunction with the Department of Conservation (DoC). Concerns expressed that the refusal by one farm to allow culling on their property enables re-population and undermines the project. Queried how that issue can be addressed and advised that DoC are working to resolve the situation.

- another concern raised was the refusal by several property owners to allow deer to be culled. Noted the reports that deer numbers are high in most locations and their grazing/browsing will cause serious damage to both existing bush areas and any new plantings. Council’s Biosecurity team are aware of this ongoing issue.

- there has also been a recent goat cull on/around Mt Pirongia with a total of 778 animals (529 on DoC land and 249 on private land).

- the Hill Country Erosion Control funding grant covers a four (4) year period, with approximately $1.4M available for work within the Waipa Zone. There has been an increase in the number of co-funding opportunities available in recent years. The work done to develop and implement the Waipa Zone Plan and Catchment Plan and to identify priority sub-catchments has enabled good progress to be made on work programmes.

- The current sub-catchment priorities were discussed. Is it about ‘best bang for the dollar’ by property, or will better results be achieved for all downstream properties/communities if the catchment “top end” problems are addressed first? There is already a good understanding about where these problem areas are.

- observed that a future ideal scenario is for every property to have a farm plan plus land use capability mapping. While the Healthy Rivers Plan Change 1 will contribute to that in the Waikato and Waipa catchments by requiring all farms to have a ‘plan’, it is not something that is achievable/will happen in full in the near future.

- the Waipa Zone Plan and Catchment Plan review processes are currently ‘on hold’ as the Maniapoto Maori Trust Board (MMTB)has initiated consultation on the preparation of the Upper Waipa River Integrated Management Plan as part of their co-management arrangements. Are there opportunities to work more collaboratively in respect of the catchment work from an iwi perspective? What other Plans already exist and are there opportunities to review them collectively to identify where the ‘gaps’ are that need to be addressed? Potential for this approach to provide for a more cost effective way to deliver on the legislative requirements and iwi aspirations. Gannin Ormsby, MMTB has been invited to speak at the next Waipa Catchment Committee meeting to provide more information

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6

- with respect to the Hill Country Erosion fund, the criteria for use of the funding is now wider than ‘hill country erosion’ and includes riparian and coastal erosion works.

- demand is increasing for both hill country and river restoration works. What is the best approach, by individual property or by sub-catchment groups? Does the level of incentive provided and other drivers to undertake on property works need to be revisited?

- funding and resources are two constraining factors. What are the options and opportunities to maximise the availability of both these factors. Examples could be a reduced incentive level say from 70 percent to 50 percent in priority areas and working in partnership with catchment/landowner – led groups.

Depart C Higham 11.30am

- Council could potentially offer assistance to community groups to identify/apply for

funding from external sources. - the issues being raised are relevant across all Zones/catchment management activities.

Identifying the most effective delivery of this aspect of Council’s services is a matter for future consideration.

WaipaC19/06

Moved by: W Maag Seconded by: Cr A Livingston

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the report Waipa Zone - Status Report to 30 May 2019 (Waipa Catchment Committee 19 June 2019) be received for information.


9. Management of the Waipa Zone Operating Reserve June 2019 Report provided an overview of the various financial reserves that Integrated Catchment Management manage (including operational expenditure, capital investment and disaster recovery reserves) and addressed the matters as requested by the Integrated Catchment Management Committee meeting of 10 April 2019, and sought the Committee’s approval on the proposed management of the Waipa Operational Reserve. Financial Advisor (J Gavin) provided a brief overview of Council’s financial reserves and noted the focus for each the Catchment Committees is the management of their specific Zone operating reserve, noting that the reserve provides a “smoothing” effect for the range of fluctuations that can impact on the completion of annual work programme projects, particularly when timing/expenditure moves across financial years. Arising out of questions, responses and associated discussion the following points were noted: - capital assets (e.g. river bank erosion protection rock groynes) can be ‘funded’ over the

life of the asset (potentially a 20-30 year period) via depreciation and/or additional rating. The capital reserve can go into deficit and be recovered over time. However, it is not generally appropriate for operating reserves to go into/remain in overdraft.

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7

- the current Waipa Zone operating budget per annum is in the order of $5 million. Need to have a long term view and discuss/agree what is a ‘reasonable’ percentage of that total to have as the reserve balance.

- Council has both a Zone Disaster and Regional Disaster Reserve fund. The Zone operating reserve does need to make some provision to be able to carry out lower level repair works following a storm event.

- the recent higher demand for river management work is partly being funded from the operating reserve. Looking forward, this increased works demand will be reviewed and addressed through the next LTP process. Before that step the Committee will need to discuss the issues and make decisions on whether the size or scope of the Zone work programme should be increased/expanded.

- there are also a series of projects that operate on a cycle ranging from annual to ten yearly which draw on the Zone operating reserve, where the costs may be ‘spread’ via an annual cost over the period of their cycle (as outlined in Table 2 of the report). The Committee needs to know the timetable for these projects and to be advised of any unplanned non-routine projects before that project is undertaken to consider/make any decisions around the work programme/operating reserve financial implications.

- queried whether the reserve should be expressed as a ‘dollar’ figure or as a percentage of the total operating budget. It is an option to have both parameters identified, with the reserve balance being “whichever is the higher”.

- the proposal is that the operating reserve balance be proactively drawn down from its current level (circa $1.35M) to nearer $500,000 over the next three (3) to six (6) year period; and for flexibility, given annual variations there be a target range of $400,000 to $600,000 (being $500,000 +/- 20 percent).

- that further work will be undertaken leading into the 2020/21 Annual Plan and subsequent Long Term planning process and reported to the Committee in relation to the Waipa capital and disaster reserves and potential staff increases. Further work is also required to assess the potential for other additional rate funded work and potential implications for the use of the operating reserve to off-set any additional rating requirements.

WaipaC19/07

Moved by: Cr S Kneebone Seconded by: W Maag

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the report “Management of the Waipa Operating Reserve June 2019” (dated 27 May 2019) be received.


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8

WaipaC19/08

Moved by: W Maag Seconded by: B Garland

RECOMMENDED (Section B) THAT the Waipa Operating Reserve be proactively drawn down to fund planned or accelerated operational activities to a balance being approximately ten percent of the total operating budget and in the range of $400,000 to $600,000, over the next three to six years.

The motion was put and carried Cr N Smith recorded his vote against the motion

Depart L Chrystall 12.36pm

WaipaC19/09

Moved by: B Garland Seconded by: Cr S Kneebone

RECOMMENDED (Section B) THAT the Waipa Operating Reserve be used to balance year to year expenditure timing fluctuations across the whole range of operational work undertaken.

The motion was put and carried WaipaC19/10

Moved by: Cr S Kneebone Seconded by: Cr K Phillips

RECOMMENDED (Section B) THAT the Waipa Operating Reserve be used to spread the funding of planned ‘non-routine’ activities (e.g. ten yearly river channel surveys, five yearly zone and catchment plan reviews). Unplanned non-routine activities to be brought back to the Committee for consideration and ratification.


10. Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 – Healthy Rivers update June 2019 (Waipa Catchment Committee June 2019)

Report presented by Team Leader, Land Management and Advisory Services (M Gasquoine) to provide an update on the Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 – Healthy Rivers: Wai Ora process (PPC1), noting that: - the timeline for completion of the hearing process now anticipates decisions being made

by Council in early 2020. - running in parallel with the hearing process, implementation and engagement activities

are already underway via five (5) workstreams being information systems, plan effectiveness monitoring, regulatory and industry schemes, farm and sub-catchment planning and communications.

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9

- while there is some tension around the current lack of clarity about what the final ‘rules’ might be and what does improved water quality mean, there has been demand for and good attendance at workshops around the region. Council has been partnering with Beef & Lamb to run several workshops and is getting interest/support from other partners to run more Workshops. This is a time and resource effective method to engage with greater numbers of people prior to completing individual property Farm Environment Plans.

- Angus Thomas has recently joined the Council in a sustainable ag advisor role for the Waipa area. Given the complexities of the issues and Council’s multiple roles in the Plan Change process it is important to ensure that Council delivers consistent and integrated messages.

Arising out of questions, responses and associated discussion it was noted that: - the focus in the Waipa zone is currently on dry stock operations in Priority 1 catchments,

and Farm Environment Plans are a good starting point to make progress. - at a national level the Government has implemented a review of the National Policy

Statement - Freshwater and the associated National Environmental Standards. These are likely to be released in July/August 2019 including an Integrated Farm Plan provision, with a submission phase in early 2020.

- from what is currently known, the staff view is that the Healthy Rivers Plan Change 1 (PC1) is valid and that the NPS - Freshwater will have similar goals and objectives. More will be known once the NPS is released.

- based on recent experience the results from nitrogen reference point testing can vary greatly even on the same property. The points previously raised re farm soil mapping, land capability and classification are also relevant. Need to be careful that current stock grazing practices don’t create a sense of entitlement if the current regime is actually “wrong” from a sustainable land management and water quality perspective.

WaipaC19/11

Moved by: Cr K Hodge Seconded by: W Maag

RESOLVED (Section A) THAT the report Proposed Waikato Regional Plan Change 1 – Healthy Rivers update June 2019 (dated 29 May 2019) be received for information.


11. Verbal Updates Requested

Happy Valley Milk Otorohanga Clarification sought by R Davison on the process used to obtain a water take consent via “buying” allocation from another consent holder with surplus. Advised that the process of ‘moving’ water allocation is provided for in law and is within existing Regional Plan rules. The Waipa River is a major tributary of the Waikato River. At present the cumulative level of allocation across all months of the year is less than the primary allocable flow for the Waipa River catchment that is defined by the Regional Plan.

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10

Proposed that Cr Kneebone/R Davison discuss in more detail after the meeting. Committee Field trip debrief Noted that the land use capability/land classification and mapping scale issues have already been raised/discussed during the meeting.

Closing Karakia - Cr S Kneebone Meeting closed at 1.28pm

Page 101

Decision of Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee




Item 2: Apologies

1. That the apologies of Cr Stuart Kneebone for lateness be accepted.


1. That the agenda of the Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee of 28 June 2019, as circulated, be confirmed as the business for the meeting.

Item 5: Confirmation of Minutes

1. That the Minutes of the Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee of 23 November 2018 be approved as a true and correct record.

2. That the Minutes of the Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee of 1 March 2019 be approved as a true and correct record.

Item 6: Chairman's report - June 2019

1. That the verbal report "Chairman's Report - June 2019" (Doc #14449784, dated 12th June 2019) be received.

Item 7: Issues and Actions from Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Meetings - June 2019

1. That the report Issues/Actions from Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Meetings –June 2019 (Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be received.

Item 8: Work Status Report

1. That the “Work status report February 2019 to May 2019” (Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be received.

Item 9: Financial Report to end of 31 May 2019

1. That the Financial Report to end of 31 May 2019 (Report to Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be received.

Item 10: Summary update on current issues

1. That the report Summary update on current issues – 31 May 2019 (Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be received.

Item 11: Health and Safety in Land Drainage Update

1. That the report Health and Safety in Land Drainage Update – 31 May 2019 (Waikato Central Drainage Subcommittee 28 June) be received.

Page 102

Page 2

Item 12: Members Report

1. That the report Members Report 28 June 2019 (Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be received.

Page 103


Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

OPEN MINUTES

Date:

Location:

Friday, 28 June, 2019, 10:00 am

Council Chamber


401 Grey Street, Hamilton East

Members Present: N Smith - Chair (Ngaruawahia subdivision, Te Kowhai & Ngaruawahia

North drainage area)

R Mourits - Deputy Chair (Rotomanuka)

C Graham (Freshfield subdivision, Kirikiriroa, Komakorau, Hopuhopu,

Kirikiriroa Horsham Downs drainage areas)

C Gardiner (Komakorau subdivision, Puketaha and Greenhill)

J Fransen (Tauhei subdivision)

M Steffert (Waitakaruru subdivision incl Manor Park)

D Rawlence (Rotokauri subdivision incl Ohote Basin & Koromatua

drainage area)

G Membery (WDC Matangi, Pukeroro)

Cr S Kneebone (Joint Chair Integrated Catchment Management

Committee South) (from 10.56am)

M Moana-Tuwhangai (Chair - Central Waikato Catchment Committee)

Staff Present: R Powell - Drainage Manager (Waikato Regional Council)

B Toohey - Manager Lower Waikato Waipa West Coast (Waikato Regional

Council)

L Van Veen (Democracy Advisor)

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Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee meeting of 28 June 2019

Doc # 14618782 Page 2

1. Terms of Reference

2. Apologies

The apology from Cr Stuart Kneebone for lateness was noted.

WCDAS19/10

Moved By: G Membery

Seconded By: M Steffert


That the apologies of Cr Stuart Kneebone for lateness be accepted.



WCDAS19/11

Moved By: R Mourits

Seconded By: J Fransen


That the agenda of the Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee of 28 June 2019,

as circulated, be confirmed as the business for the meeting.



There were no disclosures of interest as it related to the agenda.

5. Confirmation of Minutes

5.1 Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Minutes 23 November 2018

The minutes from the meeting of 23 November 2018, were presented for approval.

WCDAS19/12

Moved By: D Rawlence



That the Minutes of the Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee of 23

November 2018 be approved as a true and correct record.


5.2 Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Minutes 1 March 2019

Page 105


Doc # 14618782 Page 3

The minutes from the meeting of 1 March 2019, were presented for approval.

WCDAS19/13

Moved By: D Rawlence



That the Minutes of the Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee of 1

March 2019 be approved as a true and correct record.


6. Chairman's report - June 2019

Presented by the Chair of the Subcommittee, the report updated the Subcommittee on

relevant issues and other matters.

The following matters were raised:

Staff had been undertaking a review to determine the future administration of drainage districts within the region. Two options were being considered, the first being to continue with status quo and the second being to transfer administration back to the drainage districts. Staff undertook to outline the options for members to consider at the next Subcommittee meeting. Members were asked to liaise with their drainage area landowners to gather feedback on the preferred options for feedback at the next Subcommittee meeting.

Vacancies on the Subcommittee were highlighted. It was encouraged that these be filled by suitable persons in future.

WCDAS19/14

Moved By: N Smith



That the verbal report "Chairman's Report - June 2019" (Doc #14449784, dated 12th June

2019) be received.


7. Issues and Actions from Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee Meetings - June

2019

Presented by the Drainage Manager (R Powell), the report updated the Subcommittee on

issues and actions of relevance to the Subcommittee.

During questions, answers and related discussion Subcommittee members raised or noted

the following matters:

Noted other regional councils manage flood control and drainage activities through bylaw provisions. Members recognized this would be a beneficial tool to develop and implement for management of drainage within the region, particularly with regards to

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Doc # 14618782 Page 4

addressing issues experienced around directing landowner clearance of cut vegetation in drains. Staff undertook to investigate the development of a bylaw for management of drainage within the region and to bring this back to the Subcommittee for consideration.

Consultation was being undertaken internally by staff on the draft Habitat Enhancement Plan. Staff undertook to present the Plan to the Subcommittee once review of the draft Plan had been completed by staff.

A region wide review of detention dams had shown that the two detention dams located within the Subcommittee area were up to standard.

A meeting had been held between staff and Kiwirail to progress the Piako Road culvert/Kiwirail railway structure issue. Staff advised that meeting outcomes had been positive towards resolving the issue.

No further progress had been made with regards to dialogue with Waikato District Council and the need to clear drainage networks within the Lake Rotokauri area. It was noted that Waikato District Council works were needed to resolve flow on effects to surrounding drainage areas. The Chair of the Subcommittee undertook to address the matter with Waikato District Council staff in his capacity as a Waikato District Council councillor.

WCDAS19/15

Moved By: M Steffert

Seconded By: C Gardiner


That the report Issues/Actions from Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

Meetings –June 2019 (Waikato Central Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be

received.


8. Work Status Report

Presented by Drainage Manager (R Powell), the report updated the Subcommittee on

progress with the work programmes in the Waikato Central drainage area for the period

February to 31 May 2019.

During questions, answers and related discussion Committee members raised or noted the

following matters:

Staff advised that pumping hours had been significantly lower when compared to the same time in recent years due to low rainfall. This had enabled staff to focus their time on additional spray works over the recent months.

In response to a members query regarding the progress of drain clearing at Friedlander Road, Eureka, staff advised that the majority of the works had been completed. The small section remaining had been difficult to clear due to vegetation and was planned to be completed early next year when access arrangements could be made.

A member expressed that the timing of spring sprays was not sufficient and needed to be carried out earlier. Staff advised that earlier sprays would bring spray timing too close to winter, resulting in increased growth and the need for more sprays later, which was not an efficient use of resources. Spraying was ordinarily scheduled twice annually, once in autumn and once in spring. Staff highlighted that spraying also occurred on an as required basis in response to real time requests from the public.

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Doc # 14618782 Page 5

Members enquired regarding the timing of the annual drainage pamphlet and whether guidance could be included regarding the ability for the public to undertake drainage clearance through use of glyphosate. Staff advised that the pamphlet was scheduled for distributing in September and undertook to ensure the next issue included guidance for spraying.

A member highlighted that public awareness of alligator weed needed to improve and that awareness was lacking due to publicity material to date not being clear on how the weed can be identified on the ground. It was noted that pictures used had not translated clearly to how it might look in reality. Staff undertook to arrange improved publicity through use of the annual drainage pamphlet and highlighted that they would also include guidance on how to effectively spray the weed.

A member noted concern that awareness regarding yellow bristle grass was also lacking amongst the public.

A member highlighted the riparian planting trials being carried out at their property. Hydro seeding of native grasses had been carried out recently and would likely show through in December.

Members took up the opportunity provided by staff to carry out a field trip on alligator weed.

WCDAS19/16

Moved By: M Moana-Tuwhangai



That the “Work status report February 2019 to May 2019” (Waikato Central Drainage

Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be received.


9. Financial Report to end of 31 May 2019

Presented by the Drainage Manager (R Powell), the report provided the financial reports for

the full financial year through to 31 May 2019.

During questions, answers and related discussion the Subcommittee noted the following

points:

Staff highlighted that spray works were significantly higher compared to previous years due to low rainfall and ideal growing conditions. As a result approximately 900km of drains had been sprayed within the Central Waikato area this financial year. It was noted that the Central Waikato area contained the most drainage infrastructure within the region.

James Gavin (Management Accountant) was present to address questions from members regarding drainage budgets.

In response to members’ questions about the nature of subdivision general costs, Mr Gavin advised that these were made up of overhead costs (including staff time to manage work allocation and also costs associated with running the main business of the Council) and were charged to each subdivision based on the percentage of expenditure incurred. Total overhead expenditure for the subcommittee area was in the order of

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Doc # 14618782 Page 6

$194,000. It was highlighted that self-administered subdivisions were an exception and did not incur the general charge.

J Gavin highlighted that the general rate had been historically based on revenue, however it was decided by council two to three years ago to change to an expenditure based rating system to ensure a fairer rating distribution for subdivisions needing to pay off debt. It was noted that the general rate also excludes governance costs such as attendance time at committee meetings.

Staff advised members on the jurisdiction of catchment committees versus drainage advisory subcommittees and were reminded that the drainage advisory subcommittee function was to advise on drainage matters only. Oversight of flood control occurred at catchment committee level, which emphasized the need for representation by drainage advisory subcommittee members at these meetings to ensure linkages between drainage and flood control were accounted for.

In response to a member seeking clarification on the loss on sale within the Pukeroro Drainage area, J Gavin advised that this was to take account of a transfer of asset from Council to the district council. It was noted that although this was a non-cash transaction, it was necessary to assign a value to the asset to ensure the transfer of asset was recorded and also to recognise the work to establish and maintain the drains which would cease once transfer to the district council had been completed. Once maintenance works were ceased then associated costs would be shown as a write off.

Cr S Kneebone arrived at 10.56am.

Staff highlighted that all drainage activity is funded from targeted rates.

Issues with allocation of the Drainage Manager's work programme were raised. The high demand on his time to advise on subdivision proposals and the impact this had on his ability to carry out his core role of managing drainage area oversight was noted. There were concerns that funding of this role came from targeted drainage rates and that a review of staff resources was needed during the upcoming annual/long term planning processes to ensure a fairer distribution of time was allocated to oversight of drainage networks.

Members discussed the potential drainage implications of a proposed large scale subdivision which was planned for the Franklin drainage area.

J Gavin highlighted that labour costs also incurred overheads. These costs were shown in the financial reports as "Total Labour (Burdened)" and included physical works like spraying undertaken by council staff. Work undertaken by the Drainage Manager was allocated to the line marked "Management Costs" and "General Subdivision Costs".

Members highlighted concern with the burden that overhead costs had on drainage budgets and requested more diagnostics with regards to the breakdown of these costs. J Gavin advised that a review of these costs could be undertaken to ensure the correct guidelines for cost allocation were being applied - particularly with regards to labour costs and the distribution of these across drainage districts. Staff highlighted that these costs could be reduced by replacing contractors with more staff.

In response to a member seeking clarification on the line marked "interest on debt expense" within the financial reports, J Gavin advised that this reported on the level of interest either earned or paid.

A member questioned the deficit resulting from works programmes not being accounted for within the balance sheets. J Gavin advised that this could be explained by way of an advisory note on the financial reports and undertook to note this on future subcommittee reports.

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Doc # 14618782 Page 7

It was noted that in regards to consent costs, these are charged to a central budget and then allocated across the drainage districts.

WCDAS19/17

Moved By: R Mourits

Seconded By: D Rawlence


That the Financial Report to end of 31 May 2019 (Report to Waikato Central Drainage

Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be received.


10. Summary update on current issues


progress with various ongoing issues relating to the area.


points:

Staff advised they had met with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to resolve matters relating to the Waikato Expressway. NZTA feedback had been positive. Staff undertook to report back quarterly to the Subcommittee on progress with NZTA.

Staff advised that they had had no further communications with regards to the Porters stormwater pond since the last Subcommittee meeting and noted that this was primarily being worked through between Hamilton City Council and the affected landowners to resolve. Members were assured that no costs to resolve the issue would fall on the subcommittee budgets.

Staff had been continuing work to review how best to resolve the Maungahaumia Drainage issues. Staff had met with Thames Valley/Waihou Piako Drainage District representatives to discuss the issues. A meeting had also been scheduled with Matamata Piako District Council for the same purpose. The issues were complicated due to the cross boundary effects, which meant consultation with the various drainage area representatives was necessary. Staff advised that through consultation the matter was being progressed and that they anticipated investigations with regards to stream and design capacity would be completed by end of July. Staff undertook to provide an update on progress at the next Subcommittee meeting.

WCDAS19/18

Moved By: Cr S Kneebone



That the report Summary update on current issues – 31 May 2019 (Waikato Central

Drainage Advisory Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be received.


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Doc # 14618782 Page 8

11. Health and Safety in Land Drainage Update


health and safety as it applied to the land drainage work programmes.


points:

In response to a question regarding staff health and safety training, staff advised that they are provided with the relevant training required for their role during the on boarding process. Checks are made regarding training received in previous roles to ensure no unnecessary training is carried out. Refresher training is also carried out on an as required basis for existing staff.

A member queried regarding the staff turnover rate. Staff advised that staff turnover had been stable up until a couple of years ago and that this could partly be attributed to some long standing staff members making arrangements for retirement.

In response to a question regarding whether hazard sheets were generic and simple to follow, staff advised this was the case and that the main focus was on identifying critical risks.

WCDAS19/19

Moved By: N Smith



That the report Health and Safety in Land Drainage Update – 31 May 2019 (Waikato Central

Drainage Subcommittee 28 June) be received.


12. Members Report

The report provided an opportunity for members to bring to the table points of interest for

the subcommittee. There were no main points for discussion raised.

WCDAS19/20

Moved By Cr S Kneebone

Seconded By G Membery


That the report Members Report 28 June 2019 (Waikato Central Drainage Advisory

Subcommittee 28 June 2019) be received.


Page 111

Decision of Aka Aka Otaua Drainage Advisory Subcommittee

Meeting date: 5 July 2019




1. THAT THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE AKA AKA OTAUA LAND DRAINAGE SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE WAIKATO REGIONAL COUNCIL HELD ON FRIDAY 10 MAY 2019, AS CIRCULATED, BE APPROVED AND CONFIRMED.

Item 5: Financial Report

1. THAT THE FINANCIAL REPORT BE RECEIVED.

Item 7: Machine Report

1. THAT THE MACHINE REPORT BE RECEIVED.

Item 9: Other Business (b) Aka Aka Floodgates Fish Screens

1. THAT THE INFORMATION BE RECEIVED.



Item 9: Other Business (a) Proposed Waikato District Council Plan

1. THAT THE FURTHER SUBMISSION BE RECEIVED AND ADOPTED AND RECORDED IN THE

MINUTES,

2. THAT THE ACTIONS OF THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND THE SECRETARY IN LODGING A FURTHER SUBMISSION BE APPROVED AND CONFIRMED.

Page 112

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE AKA AKA OTAUA LAND DRAINAGE SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE

WAIKATO REGIONAL COUNCIL HELD IN THE PRESIDENTS ROOM WAIUKU COSMOPOLITAN CLUB

ON FRIDAY 5 JULY 2019 COMMENCING AT 9.00AM.

1.Present.

MESSRS S GOODWRIGHT (CHAIRMAN), J KEARY, R LITCHFIELD, R Mc DONALD, C SHUKER, T VOLZ

T WALTERS, R POWELL AND G PEACH (SECRETARY)

Also in attendance Councillors J Hayman (WRC), J Church (WDC), staff members, Brendan Toohey,

G Russell, Chris Hatting and Gary James.

2. Apologies.

Nil.

3. Confirmation of Minutes.

RESOLVED MESSRS VOLZ – LITCHFIELD.

THAT THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE AKA AKA OTAUA LAND DRAINAGE SUBCOMMITTEE

OF THE WAIKATO REGIONAL COUNCIL HELD ON FRIDAY 10 MAY 2019, AS CIRCULATED, BE

APPROVED AND CONFIRMED.

4. Matters Arising From Minutes.

(a) Jolly Offset Floodgate – Mr Keary reported that the apron on the 900mm floodgate has been

constructed at the same level as the old floodgate. It should have been constructed at a lower level

to provide for the lowering of the floodgate in the future. Mr Powell was requested to monitor

proposed capital and drainage works, within the area, for referral to the Committee for comment,

prior to work being undertaken.

5. Financial Report.

Mr Powell tabled copies of the Financial Report.

RESOLVED MESSRS POWELL – LITCHFIELD.

THAT THE FINANCIAL REPORT BE RECEIVED.

6. Drain Spraying Report.

No spraying required.

Page 113

7. Machine Report.

The Chairman advised that the following drains have been sprayed. Ten Foot, Muir, Aka Aka Stream,

Formans, Hermitage, Half Mile, Western, Mc Carthy, Eastern, Mangawhero, Arrowville, Mawhitiwhiti

and the Jolly Offset.

RESOLVED CHAIRMAN – MR VOLZ.

THAT THE MACHINE REPORT BE RECEIVED.

8. Health and Safety.

(a) Nil.

9. Other Business.

(a) Proposed Waikato District Council Plan – Secretary reported that while doing some research for

a preliminary submission to the Regional Council on the Holmes Canal, and our land drainage

infrastructure, as recorded in the may Minutes, he found that the Regional Council was addressing

part of our concerns in a submission to the above Proposed Plan. As the time for the receipt of

Further Submissions was the 27th of May, and after discussions with the Deputy Chairman, (Mr

Shuker) a Further Submission in support Of Submission 81 of the Regional Council was lodged.

Approval is sought for the action taken.

RESOLVED CHAIRMAN – MR KEARY.

(A) THAT THE FURTHER SUBMISSION BE RECEIVED AND ADOPTED AND RECORDED IN THE

MINUTES,

(B) THAT THE ACTIONS OF THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN AND THE SECRETARY IN LODGING A

FURTHER SUBMISSION BE APPROVED AND CONFIRMED.

(b) Aka Aka Floodgates Fish Screens – Mr Powell reported that he has been in contact with NIWA

regarding the operation of the Floodgates. The performance of the gates has not been to the

standards, as proposed, and that further weights are required for the gates to stay open longer. Fish

migration levels will be monitored during the whitebait season.

RESOLVED MESSRS POWELL – SHUKER.

THAT THE INFORMATION BE RECEIVED.

(C) Mangawhero Pump Station – Mr Russell advised that preliminary work is being done on the

replacement of this Pump Station. It appears that a screw pump was the preferred option. If

Grasscarp are to be continued to be used for the control of stream vegetation, suitable fish screens

would have to be provided. Mr Powell to monitor the planning of the proposed replacement for

report to the Committee.

(d) Aka Aka Floodgate – The seals on the gates require some maintenance or replacing.

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(e) Drainage Management Review – At the conclusion of the meeting Mr G Russell presented the

Draft Review for consideration and comment by the Committee.

There being no further Business, the meeting closed at 10.20am

Approved and confirmed this 9 day of August 2019.

(CHAIRMAN)

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Further Submission from Aka Aka Otaua Land Drainage Subcommittee to the

Proposed Waikato District Plan notified July 2018.

1.0 FURTHER SUBMITTER DETAILS

Aka Aka Otaua Land Drainage Subcommittee of the Waikato Regional Council

Contact Person: Graham Peach (Subcommittee Secretary)

Email: [email protected]

Phone (09) 238 0490 Mob 027658 6708

Post: T153/5 Lisle Farm Drive, Pukekohe 2120.

2.0 HEARINGS

The Committee does not wish to be heard in support of part of Submission 81 to the Proposed District Plan, and in particular points 191 -194 of the submission.

The Subcommittee is representing the interest of Land Drainage ratepayers within the Waikato District.

3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 The Subcommittee supports points 191 - 194 of Submission 81 for

the primary reason that it will mean that flood and drainage works within our Land Drainage area, and other areas, will remain a permitted activity as provided for under the present Franklin Section ( Refer to Rule 23A .1.1.19 The ongoing maintenance upgrade and repair of flood protection, land drainage and erosion control work). This operative permitted activity rule was introduced through the former Franklin District Council’s Rural Plan Change 14 and has worked well to date, without having to carry out such necessary works through a resource consent process.

3.2 While the Proposed Plan’s definition of “infrastructure” would appear to accommodate the above stated works ( with the reference to “drainage systems), it is important that our land drainage works are explicitly permitted through either an amendment to Rule 14.3.1 P1 in the Infrastructure Chapter or,

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mailto:[email protected]

preferably, a new Rule that mirrors Rule 23A.1.1. 19 in the Franklin Section.

3.3 An amendment to the proposed definition of “infrastructure”may also be necessary given the same concerns raised by the Waikato Regional Council. Unless the same provisions are carried over from the Franklin Section, there is a risk of Council insisting on unnecessary and costly resource consents which ultimately affect our land drainage ratepayers and the ability to sensibly maintain and protect our productive land resource

3.4 We also support a district wide framework to provide for all the activities associated with flood and drainage activities throughout the District.

3.5 The alignment of rules and policy between adjoining District and Regional Councils should be the same.

Graham Peach.

(SECRETARY)

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