NATIONAL PARK COMMUNITY BOARD - Ruapehu District · Waste minimisation strategies in a rural setting Waste minimisation is set to be an increasing problem for small rural councils

Tuesday9 May 2017

at 4.30pm

National ParkFire Station

Mackenzie StreetNational Park

NATIONAL PARK COMMUNITY BOARD

NOTICE OF MEETING

A MEETING OF NATIONAL PARK COMMUNITY BOARD WILL BE HELD IN THE NATIONAL PARK FIRE STATION, MACKENZIE STREET, NATIONAL PARK

ON TUESDAY 9 MAY 2017 AT 4.30PM Members Chairperson Jenni Pendleton Councillor: Murray Wilson Board Members: John Chapman Simon O’Neill Pete Pehi Mayor: Don Cameron (ex Officio)

Margaret Hawthorne ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Roles and Powers of Community Boards The Community Board has already been delegated the task of co-ordinating rural reserves and hall committees. It also has a major input into the development of Council’s Long Term Plan. The Community Board’s prime objective is to be the interface between Council and the ratepayers and public of the Ward. Role of Community Boards The role of a Community Board is to (Section 52 Local Government Act 2002 [LGA]): (a) Represent and act as an advocate for the interests of the community. (b) Consider and report on all matters referred to it by the territorial authority, or any other

matter of interest or concern to the community board. (c) Maintain an overview of services provided by the territorial authority within the community. (d) Prepare an annual submission to the territorial authority for expenditure within the

community. (e) Communicate with community organisations and special interest groups within the

community. (f) Undertake any other responsibilities that are delegated to it by the territorial authority. Powers of Community Boards A Community Board shall perform such functions and duties and exercise such powers as are delegated to it by Council from time to time. Powers of Community Boards (Section 53 – LGA): 1 A community board has the powers that are:

(a) Delegated to it by the relevant territorial authority in accordance with Clause 43 of Schedule 7 of the LGA.

(b) Prescribed by the Order in Council constituting its community. 2 The powers of a Community Board prescribed by Order in Council expire at the close of six

years after the Order comes into force. 3 Despite subsection (1), a community board may not:

(a) Acquire, hold or dispose of property. (b) Appoint, suspend or remove staff.

Powers Delegated to the Community Board by Council The co-ordination of rural reserves and hall committees.

To allocate the approved budget for the following activities in the area:

Footpaths programme; Parks and Reserves discretionary spend; Public information signage.

To approve:

Temporary road closures for events (subject to administrative imperatives); Street names; Parades, collections and special uses of the roads; Changes to speed restrictions on local roads (subject to NZTA rules); Road closures.

Please Note: The Reports attached to this Order Paper set out suggested resolutions only. These suggested resolutions do not represent Board policy until such time as they might be adopted by Board resolution. This Order Paper may be subject to amendment

either by addition or withdrawal of items contained therein.

National Park Community Board – Public Business – 9 May 2017 Page 4


ORDER PAPER

A MEETING OF NATIONAL PARK COMMUNITY BOARD WILL BE HELD IN THE NATIONAL PARK FIRE STATION, MACKENZIE STREET, NATIONAL PARK

ON TUESDAY 9 MAY 2017 AT 4.30PM

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Page

1 Apologies File M80-0001 2 Declarations of Interest:

Notification from Elected Members of: 2.1 Any interests that may create a conflict with their role as an elected member relating to the items of business for this meeting; and 2.2 Any interests in items in which they have a direct or indirect pecuniary interest as provided for in the Local Authorities (Members’ Interests) Act 1968

File A05-0014

3 Public Forum: Temporary Suspension and Reinstatement

of Standing Orders File A05-0014

Doc 654925 5

4 Uplift Report on Waste Minimisation Strategies in Rural

Settings File R25-0027

File 654929 6-8

5 Remuneration and Expenses Policy File M35-0001

Doc 654756 9-14

6 Freedom Camping Policy File P50-0027

Doc 654758 15-20

7 Capital Works and Other Items of Interest File R40-0021

Doc 654922 21-23

8 Confirmation of Minutes: 28 March 2017 M80-0004 24-26

Report to: National Park Community Board Meeting Date: 9 May 2017 Subject: Public Forum: Temporary Suspension and

Reinstatement of Standing Orders Document No: 654925 File: A05-0014

Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this Report is to enable the Board to temporarily suspend Standing Orders in their entirety to allow Members and the Public to address the Board.

Significance and Engagement

2.1 There is nothing in this Report that triggers the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Public Forum Guidelines

3.1 The Community Board has adopted the following Public Forum Guidelines: (a) Five minutes speaking time will apply to each speaker or group. (b) Members of the public wishing to speak must advise the Community Board of the

reasons and subject he/she wishes to address the Board a minimum of two clear working days prior to the meeting.

(c) The Chair may refuse applications which are repetitious or offensive and may terminate a speaker in progress where the subject matter is disrespectful or offensive.

(d) There are not to be criticisms of individual Board members or individual staff members. (e) The Public Forums are designed for people to speak about matters of interest to them to

the Community Board. It is not intended that people should be questioning Board members on these occasions. However, Board members may ask questions of speakers to clarify their statements.

Suggested Resolution(s)

1 That the Report on Public Forum: Temporary Suspension and Reinstatement of Standing Orders be received.

2 That, pursuant to Section 27(4) Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002, the Board

temporarily suspends Standing Orders in their entirety to allow Members and the public to address the Board.

The Board received addresses as follows: RESOLVED That, pursuant to Section 27(4) Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002, Council reinstates Standing Orders in their entirety for consideration of the agenda.

Ngahuia Konui EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT - COMMUNITY SERVICES 2 May 2017

5

Report to: National Park Community Board Meeting Date: 9 May 2017 Subject: Uplift Report on Waste Minimisation Strategies in

Rural Settings Document No: 654929 File: R25-0027

Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this Report is to uplift the Report on Waste Minimisation Strategies in Rural Settings that was considered on 28 March 2017.


2.1 This report does not trigger the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Background

3.1 Members considered a Report on Waste Minimisation Strategies in Rural Settings on 28 March 2017. A copy of this report is attached.

3.2 The Community Board resolved to let the Report lie on the table as Councils Group

Manager Margaret Hawthorne had additional information available that was relevant to the Report.


That the Report on Uplift Report on Waste Minimisation Strategies in Rural Settings be received.

Ngahuia Konui EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT - COMMUNITY SERVICES 2 May 2017 Attachments

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Waste minimisation strategies in a rural setting

Waste minimisation is set to be an increasing problem for small rural councils. Setting aside land for landfill with increasing costs of land and landfill management presents councils with difficult choices well into the future. Many councils including RDC have adopted a user pays system whereby residents purchase plastic bags for their non-recyclable waste to be collected in, or in the case of residents outside of areas that have collections to enable them to take their waste to the transfer station without further charge. The thinking behind this system is that it puts ratepayers in control of the waste they generate, as the more they create the more bags they have to purchase. The more waste you generate the more you pay your fair share. There is also an incentive to create less waste and save money. It goes without saying the system generates income offsetting the cost of waste disposal for the council.

Whilst these are positives for the council the downside for ratepayers is they now have to pay for a service that was once included in the rates. This not only causes resentment but also additional cost for those on low incomes such as retired ratepayers on superannuation. unnecessary burden imposed on them by council. A strategy of unofficial landfill and burning of rubbish has evolved to avoid the cost of waste disposal which in turn is creating health problems particularly for ratepayers with lung condi-tions such as asthma. Why is this a problem? Rubbish fires are toxic to the environment and toxic to both people and animals. Most if not all contain plastic. Whilst not a significant problem for National Park whose residents with a few exceptions behave responsibly in disposing of their rubbish it is a district wide problem. As a community board member I feel it would be negligent of me not to flag this issue up for the attention of council.

Most plastics don’t burn easily – it melts and bubbles. It will burn eventually but you have to keep heating it. And, when you do set fire to plastic it gives off a terrible smell.

It could be lethal.

“There are lots of different plastics, and they will give off lots of different vapours when they decompose.It could be just a simple hydrocarbon, or it could contain cyanides, or PCB’s, or lots of other substances. Without knowing what the plastic was …..it would be difficult to know what are the likely volatiles it would create…. volatiles given off from plastics in house fires are a major cause of death.”

So, to conclude, it depends on the plastic then. PLA plastic is it is claimed non toxic and safe to burn. Some oil based plastics like polythene are an efficient fuel and burns in the same way oil does. Not pleasant exactly but not exactly dangerous either. PCBs? – that’s a dioxin and dioxins are nasty!

It’s a big NO if its a halogenated plastics, i.e one of those made from chlorine or fluorine

Halogenated plastics include:Chlorine based plastics:Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE)

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Polychloroprene (CR or chloroprene rubber, marketed under the brand name of Neoprene)PVCFluorine based plastics:Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP)

Burning these plastics can release dioxins. Dioxins are unintentionally, but unavoidably produced during the manufacture of materials containing chlorine, including PVC and other chlorinated plastic feedstocks.Dioxin is a known human carcinogen and the most potent synthetic carcinogen ever tested in laboratory animals. A characterization by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology of cancer causing potential evaluated dioxin as over 10,000 times more potent than the next highest chemical (diethanol amine), half a million times more than arsenic and a million or more times greater than all others.

The World Health Organisation said “Once dioxins have entered the environment or body, they are there to stay due to their uncanny ability to dissolve in fats and to their rock-solid chemical stability.”

That is because dioxins are classed as one of the persistant organic pollutants, POPs, also known as PBTs (Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic) or TOMPs (Toxic Organic Micro Pollutants.)POPs are a small set of toxic chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods and accu-mulate in the fatty tissues of animals. They are extremely toxic and cause all manner of illnesses.

The UK Government states on their website “Burning plastic, rubber or painted materials creates poisonous fumes and can have damaging health effects for people who have asthmatic or heart conditions. This is covered under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Its clear that a strategy designed to reduce one environmental problem has in fact led to another. So what can be done to bring about an awareness of the issue and reduction in the number of fires.

First of all education. Council should consider a strategy of education on the whole issue of not only waste minimisation but recycling as well. This should include working with schools and iwi. Council should also investigate the use of biodegradalble plastics bags. It is ironic that as part of a waste mimimisation strategy we are introducing further plastic waste into our eco system that will take hundreds of years to degrade.

Secondly council should consider ways in which the cost of user pays for waste minimisation could be reduced for those on low income. Could not those with Gold or Community Cards pay reduced costs?

Lastly enforcement. There are currently by laws against the setting of rubbish fires however responsibility for enforcement rests with Horizons Regional Council. This means effective enforcement becomes problematic owing to the distances needed to travel for their officers to gather evidence for prosecution and the fact that no single officer is responsible for taking action. Council should work alongside Horizons to develop effective enforcement strategies that will act as a deterrent.

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Report to: National Park Community Board Meeting Date: 9 May 2017 Subject: Remuneration and Expenses Policy

Document No: 654756 File: M35-0001

Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this Report is to provide the National Park Community Board with the opportunity to make recommendations to Council on the content of the policy.



Background

3.1 The current Remuneration and Expenses Policy is attached for members’ information.

Discussion

4.1 The Remuneration Authority sets the salaries and allowances annually. Council has the right to submit to the Remuneration Authority for amendment, but must ultimately adopt a policy that has been approved by the Remuneration Authority.


1 That the Report on Remuneration and Expenses Policy be received.

2 That the National Park Community Board make the following recommendation(s) to Council:

Margaret Hawthorne GROUP MANAGER COMMUNITY SERVICES 1 May 2017 Attachments

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Council Policy Policy Title: Elected Members Remuneration and Expenses Responsibility: Executive Group First Adopted: Review Date: May 2016 Review Frequency: Annually – in March

Policy Objectives

To set Elected Members’ Remuneration and Expenses as per the determination from the Remuneration Authority (the Authority).

Principles

Levels of remuneration will be as determined by the Authority from time to time. A Chairperson salary will be paid to any elected member who is the Chairperson of either a Committee or Subcommittee. Where the Chairperson is not an elected member, no Chairperson salary will be payable.

Policy Statement

1 PAYMENT PROCEDURES

1.1 Salaries and standard allowances will be paid monthly through the Council payroll system. 1.2 Vehicle mileage, travel allowance, communications allowance and general expenses will be

paid monthly upon presentation and processing of Claim Forms and appropriate receipts. 1.3 Administration of elected members’ claims for expenses and meeting allowances will be

co-ordinated by a member of Council’s Executive Group.

2 LEAVE OF ABSENCE

2.1 When a Committee Chairperson has been granted leave of absence by Council for a period of not less than eight weeks, the Deputy Chairperson may, by approval of the Mayor or by resolution of Council, be paid the equivalent of the Committee Chairperson's salary, for the appropriate period.

2.2 It should be noted that an apology for not attending a meeting does not constitute leave of

absence. 2.3 The Committee Chairperson, by virtue of being on leave of absence, will forfeit that

proportion of salary.

10Attachment

Elected Members Remuneration and Expenses Policy 2

3 SALARIES

3.1 Mayor

The Mayor’s salary is set separately by the Authority from time to time and is not included in this Policy. However, the Mayor is entitled to claim allowances set out in Clauses 4, 5, 6 and 7 below.

3.2 Councillors

3.2.1 A base salary will be set by the Authority from time to time for all Councillors (see Appendix 1).

3.2.2 In addition to the base salary, an amount twice the base salary is available for extra

responsibilities (see below and Appendix 1). 3.2.3 A Job Description setting out extra responsibilities must be forwarded to the Authority for

approval (see Appendix 2).

3.3 Resource Consent Hearings Commissioners

3.3.1 No meeting allowance is payable to Elected Members, except Hearings Commissioners who are qualified under the Resource Management Act 1991 (see below). These amounts are not included in the annual determination.

3.3.2 Elected Members who are Resource Consent Hearings Commissioners will be paid an

hourly rate (for preparation and Hearing hours) for each Hearing at the rates set by the Authority from time to time. It is expected that the preparation time will not exceed the Hearing time.

3.4 Community Boards

3.4.1 The base salary will be set by the Authority from time to time for Community Board Members and is based purely on population.

3.4.2 Chairpersons will be paid 200% of the base salary for their respective Community Board.

4 COMMUNICATIONS ALLOWANCE

4.1 A Communications Allowance, set by the Authority from time to time, will be paid to elected members, to meet any costs over and above normal ownership that may be incurred because of their duties as Elected Members.

4.2 This allowance covers such items as increased mobile phone usage, increased internet

usage, printing inks, paper, etc. 4.3 This allowance is not payable to Community Board members.

5 VEHICLE MILEAGE EXPENSES

5.1 A vehicle mileage allowance (mileage) is payable only in respect of the member’s travel that exceeds the threshold distance set by the Authority from time to time. The rate set by the Authority from time to time will be paid upon presentation and processing of a Claim Form, subject to the following conditions:

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(a) Mileage can be paid to any Elected Councillor, Community Board or Ward Committee member for travel from their residence to the meeting provided the residence is within the boundaries of the Ward they represent. (Note: If an Elected Member resides outside of the Ward they represent, then the mileage starts from the boundary of the Ward they represent). Example: If an Elected Member represents the Ohura Ward and lives in the Taumarunui Ward, they can only claim mileage from the Taumarunui/Ohura Ward boundary. A threshold distance applies to this type of mileage.

(b) Elected Members can be paid for mileage for meetings and conferences (outside of

the District) when they represent Council, or when they attend any course or training approved by Council or the Mayor.

Example: Attendance at a LGNZ Conference or approved training. There is no threshold for this type of mileage.

(c) Mileage will be paid to Committee members for attendance at meetings as per (a)

above. However, no vehicle mileage expenses will be paid to members attending a Committee meeting of which they are not member, with the exception of Hearings, where members wishing to gain experience in Hearings may sit in as an Observer and be paid vehicle mileage expenses for their attendance.

Example: The National Park Ward Councillor attending a Taumarunui/Ohura Ward Committee meeting.

(d) Vehicle mileage expenses are payable for:

(i) Visits to, and tours of, facilities, or sites of works for which the Council is responsible, or has involvement, or which will be the subject of business to come before the Council or any Committee.

(ii) Visits to the Mayor by Councillors for formal discussions and formal briefings. (iii) Attendance at approved seminars or training courses. (iv) Publicly advertising ratepayers meetings. (v) Representing the Mayor at functions or events.

(e) Council appointed representatives (who are not elected members) can be paid for mileage for attending meetings and conferences as a representative of Council, on the same basis as elected members.

5.2 See Appendix 1 for threshold distance and rates.

6 TRAVEL TIME ALLOWANCE

6.1 For Elected Members, a travel time allowance is payable, as set by the Authority, from time to time.

6.2 See Appendix 1 for threshold and Travel Time Allowance rates.

7 GENERAL EXPENSES

7.1 Toll calls, accommodation and other general expenses incurred on specific Council business will be reimbursed to elected members and Council appointed members upon presentation of itemised telephone accounts and appropriate receipts.

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8 TAXATION

8.1 Taxation on allowances shall be deducted at the prevailing taxation rates as determined by the Inland Revenue Department. (Deleted by Remuneration Authority on approval of Policy.

8.1 Council shall furnish details of taxable payments and deductions made for every tax year.

Relevant Delegations

As per Delegations Manual.

Annotations

Date Description 26/11/08 Policy Reviewed 13/10/08 Policy Reviewed – Post Election 26/03/09 Policy Reviewed 19/04/10 Policy Reformatted – No textual changes 23/11/10 Policy Reviewed and new Clause 5 “Communications Allowance” added 30/06/11 Policy Reviewed and Vehicle Expenses Amended per Remuneration Authority’s

Determination) Clause 3.1 amended and new Clause 7 under 3.1 added. 24/04/12 Policy Reviewed and Payment Procedures 1.3 Amended and Meeting Allowances,

new clause (b) and (c) under 3.2 added. Jun 2013 Policy Reviewed as result of New Determination by Remuneration Authority.

Meeting allowances no longer payable. Rates updated. 01/10/13 Following Remuneration Authority Approval of Deputy Mayor and Committee Chair

apportionment of Additional Pay, policy finalised for approval by Remuneration Authority. Applies post October 2013 Election.

May 2014 Determination from Remuneration Authority received July 2015 Determination from Remuneration Authority confirmed. Determination from Remuneration Authority confirmed and updated Policy

approved. Clause 8.1 deleted by Authority

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APPENDIX 1 – RATES SET BY REMUNERATION AUTHORITY

Date Effective: 1 July 2016 Clause Description 2016/17 Amount Councillors 3.2.1 Base Salary $18,334 3.2.2 Extra Responsibilities Up to twice base salary can be distributed - Council has decided to distributed

as follows:

Deputy Mayor – additional 50% of Base Salary (2016/17=$9,167) $27,501 Committee Chair – additional 20% of Base Salary (2016/17=$3,666) per

Committee (ie, up to 7 @ $3,666)) $22,000

3.2.5 Meeting Allowance - RMA Hearings Commissioners (On-Charged to

Applicant)

Chairperson (preparation and Hearing only) No info received Member (preparation and Hearing only) No info received 4 Communications Allowances 4 Mayor and Councillors only – no equipment provided by Council $900 5 Mileage (as determined by Google Maps) 5.1 (a)

Threshold Distance (30km round trip) – For visits to Council office only - to be deducted from mileage before payment below

(b) - For other travel – no threshold 5.2 Distance Travelled - up to 5,000km in any one year $0.74/km 5.2 Distance Travelled – after 5,000km in any one year $0.37/km 6 Travel Time (as determined by Google Maps) Threshold – 1 hour 6.1 Per Hour (or part thereof) travelled over 1 hour $37.50/hour 7 General Expenses 7.1 Telephone, Meals, Accommodation, etc, incurred on specific Council business At Cost 3.3 Community Boards National Park 3.3.1 Member - Base Salary $2,781 3.3.2 Chairperson – 200% of Base Salary $5,562 Waimarino-Waiouru 3.3.1 Member - Base Salary $4,120 3.3.2 Chairperson – 200% of Base Salary $8,240

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APPENDIX 2 – JOB DESCRIPTIONS

A Deputy Mayor

In addition to Councillor duties listed in B below:

Carries out the following: (a) Performs all the responsibilities and duties, and exercises all the powers of the

Mayor: (i) with the consent of the Mayor at any time during his temporary absence, (ii) without the Mayor's consent, at any time while the Mayor is prevented by

illness or otherwise from performing his duties, iii) while there is a vacancy in the office of mayor

(b) Deputises for the Mayor when the latter has competing commitments. This includes chairing meetings of the Council, addressing the media on Council issues, representing the Mayor at civic events, chairing informal meetings of councillors.

(c) Community leadership through holding meetings with various community groups on topical issues, as requested by the Mayor, and working with those groups and council staff to resolve them.

(d) Assists the Mayor to work closely with other elected members to ensure smooth council decision-making. This includes being the first point of contact in the Mayor's Office for community board members on any issues and works with council staff and board members to resolve those issues.

B Councillor

B.1 Collective Duties of Council (a) Represent the interests of Council. (b) Formulating Council’s strategic direction and relative priorities through the LTP,

which determines the services and activities to be undertaken by Council over a ten year period.

(c) Determining the expenditure and funding requirements of Council activities through the LTP and Annual Plan processes.

(d) Overseeing, developing and/or approving all Council policies, administrative, legal, financial and strategic, including formal District planning matters within Council’s geographical area of responsibility.

(e) Monitoring the ongoing performance of Council against its stated objectives and policies (including formal sign-off of the Annual Report).

(f) Ensuring prudent use of Council resources. (g) Law making (Bylaws). (h) Overseeing Council compliance with any relevant Acts of Parliament. (i) Employing, setting and performance requirements for and monitoring the ongoing

performance of the Chief Executive. (Under the LGA 2002, the local authority employs the Chief Executive who, in turn, employs all other staff on its behalf – elected members have no responsibilities for, and cannot direct, any staff employed by Council other than the Chief Executive.

B.2 Representation and Advocacy (a) Bringing the views of the community into Council’s decision-making processes. (b) Being an advocate for community groups and individuals at Council meetings. (c) Balancing the need to advocate for specific interests against the needs of the wider

community. (d) Listening to the concerns of local residents and ratepayers on issuing pertaining to

Council. (e) Maintaining contact with community representatives and other local stakeholders.

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(f) Participating in any relevant consultative processes with the local community and/or other organisations.

B.3 Governance (a) Participating constructively and effectively in the good governance of Council as a

whole. (b) Understanding and ensuring that basic principles of good governance are a part of

the decision-making approach of Council. (c) Understanding and respecting the different roles of Mayor, Deputy Mayor,

Committee Chairs and Councillors. (d) Recognising that the governance role does not extend to operational matters or to

the management of any implementation. (e) Having a good understanding of Council processes set out in Standing Orders that

determine how Council meetings are run. (f) Developing and maintaining a working knowledge of Council services, management

processes, powers, duties and constraints. (g) Participating in the setting and monitoring of Council policies, budgets, strategies

and service delivery through Annual and Long Term Plan processes. (h) Ensuring familiarity with Agendas and other Council reports before Council

meetings. (i) Being familiar with and complying with the statutory requirements of an Elected

Councillor. (j) Complying with the Code of Conduct adopted by Council. (k) Identifying, being aware of and declaring any potential conflicts of interest, whether

of a pecuniary or non-pecuniary nature.

C Committee Chair

C.1 Responsibilities in addition to those of a Councillor: (a) Chairing meetings of Committees in areas of Council activity and business within

their area of responsibility. (b) Representing Council to a high standard in the area of Council activity and business

within their area of responsibility, recognising that conduct in the role reflects on Council as a whole.

(c) Promoting and supporting good governance by Council. (d) Developing a clear understanding of the terms of reference of their Committees and

of the scope and range of the specific areas of Council activities and business within their area of responsibility to allow them to carry out their role.

(e) Undertaking sufficient preparation before meetings they are chairing to effectively carry out their role.

(f) Ensuring any meetings they chair act within the powers delegated by Council, as set out in Council’s Delegation Manual.

(g) Managing the process of business during meetings, including ensuring adherence to the Code of Conduct, Standing Orders and any other statutory obligations and requirements.

(h) Ensuring that all meeting participants have an opportunity to make an appropriate contribution within the bounds of Standing Orders and due process.

(i) Maintaining and ensuring due order and decorum throughout the meetings they chair.

(j) Commenting to the media (or other agencies) as Council spokesperson on issues arising in the areas of Council activity and business within their area of responsibility, but only if delegated to do so by Council.

(k) Liaising with appropriate Council staff in respect of the areas of Council activity and business within their areas of responsibility.

(l) Recognising and contributing to issues that cut across specific areas of Council activity and business within their area of responsibility.

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(m) Ensuring sufficient familiarity with Council Standing Orders and procedures to be able to deputise competently for the Mayor in chairing Council meetings and other sessions of Council.

(n) Representing Council in various local, regional and/or national settings, both formal and informal, as appropriate.

(o) Working closely with other Elected Members of Council to ensure smooth Council decision-making.

(p) Ensuring sufficient familiarity with the processes and procedures of various civic functions to be able to correctly follow the obligations of such civic functions in the event of deputising for the Mayor, should the need arise.

D Community Board Member

D.1 Representation and Advocacy (a) Representing and acting as an advocate for the interests of their community. (b) Considering and reporting on all matters referred to them by Council, or any matter

of interest or concern to the Community Board. (c) Communicating with community organisations and special interest groups in the

community. (d) Bringing the views of their community to the attention of Council. (e) Listing to the concerns of their community on issues pertaining to the Community

Board. (f) Maintaining an overview of services provided by Council in the community and

commenting on any services delivered by Council. (g) Maintaining contact with various community representatives and other local

stakeholders. (h) Championing causes which best relate to the interests of their community and

campaigning for the improvement of the quality of their community.

D.2 Governance (a) Participating constructively and effectively in the good governance of the Community

Board as a whole. (b) Understanding and ensuring that basic principles of good governance are a part of

the approach of the Community Board. (c) Understanding and respecting the differing roles of Community Board Chair and

Community Board Members, the roles of Council’s Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Committee Chairs and Councillors and the very different roles of managers and staff of Council with whom the Community Board might work.

(d) Recognising that the governance role does not extend to operational matters or to the management of any implementation.

(e) Having a good understanding of the Community Board processes set out in Standing Orders that determine how Community Board meetings are run and how decisions are made.

(f) Developing and maintain a working knowledge of Council services, management processes, powers, duties and constraints.

(g) Ensuring familiarity with Agendas and other Community Board reports before meetings of the Community Board.

(h) Being familiar with and complying with the statutory requirements of a Community Board member.

(i) Identifying, being aware of and declaring any potential personal conflicts of interest, whether these are pecuniary or non-pecuniary.

Possible additional responsibilities of Community Board members: (j) Undertaking other responsibilities that are delegated to them by Council or are

prescribed by Order in Council.

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(k) Preparing an annual submission to Council for expenditure within the Community. (l) Participating in any relevant consultative processes with the local community and/or

other organisations. (m) Representing the views and position of the Community Board to external parties,

where delegated to do so, and with a clear understanding that only formal Community Board decisions can commit the Community Board to any particular course of action (and then only in matters where the Community Board is delegated to act).

(n) Participating, as needed, in the setting and monitoring of Council policies, budgets, strategies and service delivery through the Annual and Long Term Plan process.

E Community Board Chair

E.1 Addition Responsibilities to those above (a) Chairing meetings of the Community Board. (b) Representing the Community Board to a high standard in the areas of activity and

business delegated. (c) Promoting and supporting good governance by the Community Board. (d) Developing a clear understanding of the terms of reference of their Community

Board and of the scope and range of delegations in order to carry out the role of Community Board Chair.

(e) Ensuring sufficient familiarity with Council’s Standing Orders and procedures that they can chair Community Board meetings and any other sessions for which they have responsibility.

(f) Undertaking sufficient preparation before the meetings they are chairing to allow them to effectively carry the role of Chair.

(g) Ensuring meetings they chair operate within the powers delegated by Council, as set out in the Delegations Manual.

(h) Managing the process of business during meetings, including ensuring adherence to Council’s Standing Orders and other statutory obligations and requirements.

(i) Ensuring that all participants in meetings have an opportunity to make an appropriate contribution within the bounds of Standing Orders and due process.

(j) Maintaining and ensuring due order and decorum throughout the meetings they Chair.

(k) Commenting to the media (or other agencies) as the Community Board spokesperson, where delegated/authorised to do so, on issues that pertain to the Community Board.

(l) Liaising with appropriate Council staff in respect of the areas of delegated Council business for which the Community Board has responsibility.

(m) Providing leadership to the Community Board in helping form a consensus that is representative of the community.

(n) Working closely with other members of the Community Board to ensure smooth Community Board decision-making.

(o) Keeping abreast of all issues facing the Community Board.

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Report to: National Park Community Board Meeting Date: 9 May 2017 Subject: Freedom Camping Policy

Document No: 654758 File: P50-0027

Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this Report is to provide the National Park Community Board with the opportunity to make recommendations to Council on the content of the Freedom Camping Policy.



Background

3.1 A copy of the current Freedom Camping Policy adopted by Council in 2012 is attached for members’ information.

3.2 The policy was developed in response to the large numbers of campervans and mobile

homes (usually converted buses), travelling in and through the Ruapehu District.

Discussion

4.1 The current policy is under review with an updated draft policy to be presented to Council within the next few months.


1 That the Report on the Freedom Camping Policy be received. 2 That the National Park Community Board make the following recommendation(s) to

Council:

Margaret Hawthorne GROUP MANAGER COMMUNITY SERVICES 1 May 2017 Attachments

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Council Policy

Policy Title: Freedom Camping Policy Responsibility: Group Manager Community and Regulation First Adopted: 13 March 2012 Review Date: Review Frequency: Three yearly, or as required

Policy Objectives

This policy is to allow freedom camping to continue, but to provide some protection to minimise littering and dumping of toilet waste and to promote safe and environmentally friendly overnight camping for self-contained motor-homes and caravans. In achieving this objective, the freedom camping Policy acts as both a regulatory and informational tool that will help ensure visitors and locals have a clear understanding of where freedom camping is permitted, the conditions for doing so, and the services/facilities available to make it happen successfully.

Principles

The principles of the Freedom Camping Policy are: 1 Allow for safe and environmentally friendly freedom camping. 2 Reduce the damage to the environment by littering and spoiling. 3 Improve transparency of Council’s position on freedom camping with respect to land

administered by Council within the Ruapehu District boundaries.

Background

This policy recognises that some visitors to the District choose to travel and stay in their own self contained vehicles, and not in registered camping grounds. This is neither new nor unique and it is the situation prevalent in most, if not all, of New Zealand. It is, however, necessary to provide for basic, practical measures that enhance the personal safety of travellers, provide for the protection of our environment and ensure that the rights and lifestyle of the local community are protected. This policy recognises the economic and social benefit all visitors bring to our district.

Definitions

Authorised Officer means any person appointed or authorised by the Council to act on its behalf and with its authority

Freedom Camping means any overnight stay on a public site, other than in commercial accommodation or an established camping ground which has toilets. It includes stays in campervans, mobile homes, other vehicles, tents or sleeping outdoors.

20Attachment

Ruapehu District Council Freedom Camping Policy 2012

2

Policy Statement

1.0 Freedom camping may only be carried out in the Ruapehu District by visitors in mobile vehicles fitted with a minimum three day capacity toilet and grey water storage facility. Freedom camping in mobile vehicles which do not have such facilities, or tenting or sleeping outdoors, is not permitted on land administered by Council.

2.0 Freedom camping in a self-contained vehicle may occur on any Council controlled public

land, except land stated in Schedule 1, for a maximum of one night in any calendar month at any single location. This might include roadside parking spaces, public reserves, lakes and rivers.

3.0 Toilet and grey water waste must be disposed of at a Council approved dump station site.

(Refer to Schedule 2 for location of dump stations within the Ruapehu District) 4.0 All refuse must be disposed of at an approved litter bin, or a waste transfer station. (Refer

to Schedule 3 for location of transfer stations within the Ruapehu District) 5.0 All approved sites used for freedom camping must be left in a clean and tidy state. 6.0 Freedom Campers must comply with any request to move on, by any Authorised Officer. 7.0 Refer to the Department of Conservation website for public conservation land areas where

freedom camping is prohibited within the Ruapehu District. 8.0 GUIDELINES 8.1 To help ensure freedom camping is retained as an activity into the future and a freedom

camping experience is a safe and enjoyable one, the following guidelines are recommended:

(a) Stop in at any local i-SITE or Council Service Centre and pick up a freedom

camping Brochure. This Brochure has details on common bylaw and camping rules, maps indicating freedom camping sites and local amenities.

(b) Purchase a Council Rubbish Bag from any supermarket or Council Service Centre in the District. Collect rubbish in these bags and deposit them at the nearest Council waste transfer station. All waste transfer stations have facilities which will take glass, plastic, clean paper and cardboard free of charge.

(c) Empty toilet and grey water waste at approved dump stations before and after a freedom camping stay.

9.0 MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT 9.1 Council is encouraging residents and the general public to report any freedom camping in

unauthorised Public Places within the Ruapehu District. 9.2 Council reserves the right to ban any person or vehicle from freedom camping for

non-compliance issues. Subject to Council’s Public Places Bylaw, the standard protocol, for addressing non-compliance issues are stated below.

9.3 If a freedom camper does not comply with the conditions of this Policy or any conditions imposed by an Authorised Officer, Council will, in the first instance:

21Attachment


3

(a) Provide a written warning to the Freedom Camper identifying the issue(s) and required remedy.

(b) Request that the Freedom Camper remove their vehicle and/or camping equipment; or

(c) Issue an infringement notice or, if the problem persists, Council will consider prosecution and/or

(d) Refuse the offending party any further opportunity to Freedom Camp in the District. 9.4 Non-compliance with the conditions of this Policy is a breach of Section 10.9 of Council’s

Public Places Bylaw and any of its subsequent amendments. 9.5 Depending on the location, nature or extent of any breach to the conditions of this Policy,

non-compliance could result in any of the following (a) A request to move on; or (b) A Parking Infringement Fine of $60.00 for ‘Inconsiderate Parking’ under Schedule 2

Part 1 2(e) of the Land Transport Act 1962; or (c) A Litter Infringement Fine of up to $400 under Section 14 of the Litter Act 1979; or (d) Under Section 164 of the Local Government Act 2002; or (e) Being liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding more than $20,000 under

Section 242 of the Local Government Act 2002; or (f) An instant fine of $150.00 under the Public Places Bylaw

10.0 PROCEDURES 10.1 This policy is given effect by:

(a) The Public Places Bylaw which gives legal force to the policy. (b) Providing pamphlets for visitors which outline the policy, providing location maps for

camping grounds, toilets, dump points and litter disposal and also give more general tourist information.

(c) Providing information about the policy through Service Centres, Information Centres and websites.

(d) Placing signage (within existing budgets and work programmes) advising of freedom camping restrictions.

(e) Informing local residents close to popular freedom camping areas of the policy, so that they can advise campers appropriately.

(f) Authorised Officers requesting campers to move on where they are not complying with the policy, on occasions where there are significant problems at a particular site.

(g) Council will not be regularly policing this policy, as it does not have the staff nor resources to do so throughout the District. It will mostly rely on informing visitors and residents to encourage compliance, although legal backing will be in place through the Bylaw when required.

10.2 It is noted that there are also existing legal controls on littering and dumping of toilet

wastes, which can be used in conjunction with this policy.

22Attachment


4

11.0 RELEVANT LEGISLATION

(a) Local Government Act 2002 (b) Resource Management Act 1991 (c) Freedom Camping Act 2011

12.0 RELATED POLICY AND DOCUMENTS

(a) Public Places Bylaw

Relevant Delegations

As per Delegations Manual

Annotations

Date Description 13 March 2012 Policy First Adopted

23Attachment


5

SCHEDULE 1: PROHIBITED AREAS (a) All areas where “No Camping or Overnight Parking” signs are displayed. (b) On the river side of, or on top of any stopbank.

SCHEDULE 2: GREY WASTE AND TOILETING DUMP STATIONS AND REGISTERED CAMPING GROUNDS/CARAVAN PARKS (a) Taumarunui Holiday Park (Manunui Camping Ground)

State Highway 4, Taumarunui (b) Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park

5 Moore Street, Ohakune (c) Raetihi Holiday Park

10 Parapara Road, Raetihi (d) Tongariro Holiday Park (Eivins Lodge)

State Highway 47, Tongariro (e) Whakapapa Holiday Park State Highway 48, National Park (f) Ohakune Public Dump Station (Ohakune Club)

72 Goldfinch Ave, Ohakune

SCHEDULE 3: TRANSFER STATIONS - LOCATION AND OPENING HOURS Refer to Council’ website for current Transfer Station locations and opening hours: www.ruapehudc.govt.nz.

24Attachment

Report to: National Park Community Board Meeting Date: 9 May 2017 Subject: Capital Works and Other Items of Interest

Document No: 654922 File: R40-0021

Purpose of Report

1.1 The purpose of this Report is to provide an update on the planned capital works and other items of interest in the National Park Community Board area in 2016/17.


2.1 This Report does not trigger the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Background

3.1 The list is a combination of contracted items and other items that Members have displayed an interest in. Other items can be added to the list on request.

Discussion

4.1 Roading 4.1.1

Subject Action Taken Target Completion

R1 Otapouri Road logging impacts

ORRIS has written a letter concerned about logging impacts on Otapouri Road after logging signs have been installed. Officers are attempting to identify who is planning to harvest with the view of using Kawautahi Road as an alternative route. No further developments so far.

Investigation – ongoing

R2 Ward Minor Improvement Sites

Four sites on Oio Road One site on Koutoroa West One on Pukatua Road Sealing Upper retaruke No. 2 bridge approaches. Two sites on Hikumutu Road Intersection sealing safety improvements at Maher, Hammond, Kawautahi and Riley with Oio Road. Oio Road sight line improvements.

June 2017

R3 Seal damage – Pehi Road

Monitoring seal damage, will programme repairs. No advanced deterioration has been observed.

Ongoing

R4 Findlay Street Footpath

Work will commence in May. June 2017

R5 Cycle Trail Depot Road surface improvements from Whakahoro to Depot Road bridge commenced in October and is 75% complete. They will be completed in May, along with surfacing on the Mangapurua / Ruatiti Station access section.

June 2017

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Document No 654922 2

4.2 Environmental 4.2.2


E1 Wastewater Treatment Plant

Information being collected to assess environmental effects. Looking at high levels of ground water infiltration into treatment plant. Renewed cut off drain complete, but still water entering the lagoon, more work over summer. Overview of consent information has been developed for the start of consultation. The consent has been lodged with Horizons. Horizons have acknowledged receipt of application, but have yet to assess the application. RDC has received a s92 request for additional information which is to be provided by 23 September. A Wai Group meeting held in August has helped inform the s92 response for the National Park WWTP which was lodged September. Lodgement of s92 response was delayed until 21 October to allow additional monitoring data to be reported. RDC await notice as to the outcome from Horizons Regional Council.

Ongoing

E2 Owhango Water Supply Feasibility Study

A desk top investigation into during low flows, water quality treatment, treated water storage and fire supply has been completed. The study is to ensure there is a long term strategy to the development of the water supply in the Owhango township. Some aspects of the study will be discussed at the Owhango water supply resource consent meeting with a further discussion held with NPCB early 2016 if necessary.

Ongoing

E3 Owhango Water Supply Resource Consent

The resource consent to abstract water for the Owhango Community will expire 20 March 2016. Monitoring of Deep Creek will commence over this summer to capture low flows. The site was inspected by the Environmental Manager, Veolia’s Contract Manager and their Team Leader of Operations to ensure all parties understand the type of measurement required. Hydronet have been employed to commence background data assessment for this resource consent. The results of the survey are being collated and work on the application is underway. 14 people attended the community meeting held in December, six of which were from Council. A PowerPoint outlining the resource consent renewal process was well received. The resource consent renewal application was lodged on Friday 18 December 2015. Horizons Regional Council has acknowledged the receipt of the application but has yet to assess the application. RDC has received a s92 request for small amount of additional information which to be provided by 17 June. An extension has been granted until the end of July to allow more time to provide a response. A further extension to the s92 response was provided by Horizons in order for RDC to assess water allocations at low flow. RDC lodged a response to the s92 in September. HRC has allowed time for RDC to reconsider the volume sought for the Owhango water supply due to possible influence of visitor numbers by

Ongoing

26

Document No 654922 3


the Accelerate25 programme. RDC await to tie the Owhango consent position in with the Taumarunui resource consent, due 20 March 2017, which will allow for a more consolidated approach to water allocation. RDC await a response from Horizons for the Taumarunui Water Supply consent renewal before further progressing the Owhango consent application.

4.3 Community Services 4.3.1

Subject Action taken Target Completion

C1 National Park Memorial Garden

The new seat and planting have been installed, garden has been completed.

Complete


That the Report on Capital Works and Other Items of Interest be received.

Margaret Hawthorne ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE 2 May 2017

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Unconfirmed Unconfirmed

National Park Community Board – Public Business – 28 March 2017

Page 1


MINUTES

MEETING HELD IN THE OWHANGO FIRE BRIGADE, OMAKI STREET, OWHANGO, ON TUESDAY 28 MARCH 2017, AT 4.30PM

PUBLIC BUSINESS

Present Chairperson: Jenni Pendleton Board Members: John Chapman Simon O’Neill Pete Pehi Mayor Don Cameron Councillor: Murray Wilson Staff: Clive Manley Chief Executive Margaret Hawthorne Group Manager Community Services Warren Furner Land Transport and Economic Development Manager Peggy Veen Business Development and Relationship Manager Nick Watson Emergency Management and Rural Fire Officer Andrea Nicol Technical Services Co-ordinator Ngahuia Konui Committee Secretary 1 Apologies File M80-0001

No apologies were received.

2 Declarations of Interest File A05-0014

No interests were declared.

3 Public Forum: Temporary Suspension and Reinstatement of

Standing Orders File A05-0014

Doc 651759

The Board temporarily suspended Standing Orders in their entirety to allow Members and the public to address the Board.

RESOLVED 1 That the Report on Public Forum: Temporary Suspension and Reinstatement of

Standing Orders be received.

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Page 2

2 That, pursuant to Section 27(4) Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002, the Board temporarily suspends Standing Orders in their entirety to allow Members and the public to address the Community Board.

The Board received addresses as follows:

Member Pehi

Expressed his interest in Bilingual Signage, asked Council what plans are in place for replacing existing signs for bilingual signs. Councils Land Transport and Economic Development manager Warren Furner explained that signs that can be replaced are Amenity and Reserve Signs, these signs however will only be replaced as required. Signs that name roads and streets cannot be bilingual. A report on Bilingual Signage showing differences on delegations will be presented at the next meeting. Also queried why the libraries within Council buildings do not have bilingual signage.

Member O’Neill Advised that Department of Conservation (DoC) are currently in the process of replacing signs around the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this could be another area where bilingual signage could be implemented.

Chairperson Pendleton Expressed her support for Bilingual Signage. Received a letter from TB Free advising that 1080 drops will be occurring between May and July for some areas around National Park. Queried who owns the sealed part of the road at the Raurimu Camping Site. Council’s Group Manager Community Services Margaret Hawthorne advised that Councils looks after the sealed carpark however, Doc is responsible for the grassed area. Member O’Neill confirmed that DoC would be removing the Camping sign from Raurimu, there would also be a ‘No Camping’ sign erected along Fishers Track.

Councillor Wilson Advised members that there will be an additional 20 sites made available at Mangahuia Campsite. An invitation to speak with to National Park residents has been extended to Roger Sutton from Network Tasman Trust.

Member Chapman Advised members that Peter Till is happy to attend a meeting and speak about the Independent Review Reports received for The Lines Company.

RESOLVED That, pursuant to Section 27(4) Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002, the Board reinstates Standing Orders in their entirety for consideration of the agenda.

4 National Park Ward Civil Defence File C30-0001

Doc 652085

Members considered a Report on the National Park Ward Civil Defence. Councils Emergency Management and Rural Fire Office Nick Watson presented a PowerPoint and answered members’ questions. Advised Civil Defence training will be organised for National Park and Whakapapa Village during 2017.

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Page 3

RESOLVED That the Report on National Park Ward Civil Defence be received.

5 Waste Minimisation Strategies in Rural Settings File R25-0027

Doc 651982

Members considered a Report on Waste Minimisation Strategies in Rural Settings. It was agreed the Report be left to lie on the table.

RESOLVED 1 That the Report on Waste Minimisation Strategies in Rural Settings be received.

2 That the Report be left to lie on the table.

6 The Lines Company – Work to be Undertaken – Year Ended March

2018 File R75-0112

Doc 651814

Members considered a Report on the work to be undertaken by The Lines Company in National Park during the financial year ending 31 March 2018. RESOLVED That the Report on The Lines Company – Work to be Undertaken – Year Ended March 2018 be received.

7 Menacing and Dangerous Dogs File R40-0021

Doc 650507

Members considered a Report on Menacing and Dangerous Dogs in the National Park Ward. A workshop is to be organised for members.

RESOLVED That the Report on Menacing and Dangerous Dogs be received.

8 Adoption of 2016 Standing Orders File A05-0014

Doc 651761

Members considered a Report on the Adoption of the 2016 Standing Orders.

RESOLVED 1 That the Report on the Adoption of 2016 Standing Orders be received.

2 That National Park Community Board adopts 2016 Standing Orders.

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Page 4

9 Attendance at Council Meetings and Workshops File A05-0001 Doc 651978

Members considered a Report on Attendance at Council Meetings and Workshops. At the Council meeting held 8 March 2017, the following resolution was revoked: 1 November 2016 - Item 10 641397 Appointment and Delegations to Community Boards, Resolution 4 4 That an invitation is extended to Community Board Chairs (or nominee) to attend

Council meetings and Workshops, including Confidential and/or Public-Excluded Business where appropriate. Board Chairs will have speaking, but no voting rights.

It was replaced with: 4 That an invitation is extended to Community Board Chairs (or nominee) and

Ruapehu District Maori Council Chair to attend Council Workshops.

RESOLVED That the Report on Attendance at Council Meetings and Workshops be received.

10 Capital Works and Other Items of Interest File R40-0021

Doc 651894

Members were provided with an update on the planned Capital Works and Other Items of Interest in the National Park Ward in 2016/17. A PowerPoint was presented on the Findlay Street Footpath; relevant staff spoke to the report and answered members’ questions. The renewal of the National Park power line network is to be added to Capital Works. RESOLVED That the Report on Capital Works and Other Items of Interest be received.

11 Confirmation of Minutes: 14 February 2017 File M80-0004

RESOLVED That the Public-Business Minutes of the National Park Community Board meeting held on 14 February 2017, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded at 6.25pm. Dated at National Park this 9th day of May 2017. Jenni Pendleton CHAIRPERSON

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Documents

NATIONAL PARK COMMUNITY BOARD - Ruapehu District · Waste minimisation strategies in a rural setting Waste minimisation is set to be an increasing problem for small rural councils