AGENDA

 

Ordinary Council Meeting

Wednesday, 11 August 2021

 

Date:

Wednesday, 11 August 2021

Time:

10.30 am

Location:

Ngā Hau e Whā, William Fraser Building

1 Dunorling Street, Alexandra

 

(Unless Central Government changes COVID-19 meeting restrictions before then,

in which case it will be held electronically using Microsoft Teams and livestreamed)

Sanchia Jacobs

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 


Council Meeting Agenda

11 August 2021

 

Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of Central Otago District Council will be held in Ngā Hau e Whā, William Fraser Building, 1 Dunorling Street, Alexandra on
Wednesday, 11 August 2021 at 10.30 am

Order Of Business

1         Apologies. 5

2         Public Forum.. 5

3         Confirmation of Minutes. 5

Ordinary Council Meeting - 30 June 2021. 7

4         Declaration of Interest 26

21.6.1          Declarations of Interest Register 26

5         Reports for Decisions. 30

21.6.2          Draft Vincent Spatial Plan Engagement Document 30

21.6.3          Central Otago District Council Submission on Proposed Otago Regional Policy Statement 62

21.6.4          Cromwell Bike Park Shelter Construction. 90

21.6.5          Request for approval to locate a Container at Cromwell Golf Club. 104

21.6.6          Cromwell Aerodrome - Refueling Facility. 113

21.6.7          WoolOn 2021 Event Request for Grant 118

21.6.8          Economic Recovery Plan Progress Report 145

21.6.9          Waste Services Review.. 160

21.6.10        Appointment of Consultants for Water and Wastewater Technical Support for 2021-24. 177

21.6.11        Naseby Water Supply. 182

21.6.12        Appointment of Consultant for Bridge Structural Advice for 2021‑24. 215

21.6.13        Road Renaming Approval Report - Portion of Watson Road. 219

21.6.14        Rural Networks South Island rent review. 226

21.6.15        Register of Delegations. 248

21.6.16        Audit New Zealand Interim and Final Report  of the 2021-31 Long-term Plan and Consultation Document 303

21.6.17        Financial Report For The Period Ending 31 May 2021. 333

21.6.18        Remuneration Authority Determination 2021. 343

6         Reports for Information. 404

Nil

7         Mayor’s Report 405

21.6.19        Mayor's Report 405

8         Status Reports. 408

21.6.20        August 2021 Governance Report 408

9         Community Board Minutes. 504

21.6.21        Minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 20 July 2021. 504

21.6.22        Minutes of the Maniototo Community Board Meeting held on 22 July 2021. 513

21.6.23        Minutes of the Cromwell Community Board Meeting held on 29 July 2021. 519

21.6.24        Minutes of the Teviot Valley Community Board Meeting held on 30 July 2021. 526

10      Date of the Next Meeting. 532

11      Resolution to Exclude the Public. 532

11      Resolution to Exclude the Public. 533

 

 


Members          His Worship the Mayor T Cadogan (Chairperson), Cr N Gillespie, Cr T Alley, Cr S Calvert, Cr L Claridge, Cr I Cooney, Cr S Duncan, Cr S Jeffery, Cr C Laws, Cr N McKinlay, Cr M McPherson, Cr T Paterson

In Attendence S Jacobs (Chief Executive Officer), L Macdonald (Executive Manager - Corporate Services), J Muir (Executive Manager - Infrastructure Services), L van der Voort (Executive Manager - Planning and Environment), S Righarts (Chief Advisor), M De Cort (Communications Coordinator), R Williams (Governance Manager)

 

1               Apologies

2               Public Forum

Brent Nicolson – Rural Networks South Island Ltd

 

3               Confirmation of Minutes

Ordinary Council Meeting - 30 June 2021


Council Meeting Agenda

11 August 2021

 

MINUTES OF A Council Meeting OF THE Central Otago District Council
HELD AT
Ngā Hau e Whā, William Fraser Building,

1 Dunorling Street, Alexandra
ON
Wednesday, 30 June 2021 COMMENCING AT 10.31 am

 

PRESENT:               His Worship the Mayor T Cadogan (Chairperson), Cr N Gillespie (via Microsoft Teams), Cr T Alley, Cr S Calvert, Cr L Claridge, Cr I Cooney, Cr S Duncan, Cr S Jeffery, Cr C Laws, Cr N McKinlay, Cr M McPherson, Cr T Paterson

IN ATTENDANCE: S Jacobs (Chief Executive Officer), L Macdonald (Executive Manager - Corporate Services), J Muir (Executive Manager - Infrastructure Services), L van der Voort (Executive Manager - Planning and Environment), S Righarts (Chief Advisor), G Bayley (Parks and Recreation Manager), N Aaron (Community Development Advisor), P Penno (Community Engagement Manager), A Crosbie (Senior Strategy Advisor), Q Penniall (Environmental Engineering Manager), L Stronach (Property Officer – Statutory), A Rodgers (Principal Policy Planner), D Shaw (Property and Facilities Officer – Cromwell), T Bates (Property Officer), G McFarlane (Business Risk and Procurement Manager), A McDowall (Finance Manager), K McCulloch (Corporate Accountant), M De Cort (Communications Coordinator), R Williams (Governance Manager)

 

1               Apologies

Nil

2               Public Forum

There was no public forum.

3               Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Calvert

That the public minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 1 and 2 June 2021 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

 

4               Declaration of Interest

Members were reminded of their obligations in respect of declaring any interests. There were no further declarations of interest.

5               Reports for Decisions

21.5.2         Adoption of the 2021-31 Long-term Plan and the 2021/22 Rates Resolution

To adopt the 2021-31 Long-term Plan and resolve the setting of the rates, due dates and penalties for rates during the 2021-22 financial year.

It was noted that the late change in subsidy level from Waka Kotahi had resulted in the Office of the Auditor General recommending that the new levels be reflected in Long-term Plan.  Subsequently the following changes had been made to the draft, since it had been included with the agenda:

·     Page 90 – the Executive Manager Infrastructure Services explains the changes to the subsidy and why

·     Page 92 – the Waka Kotahi subsidy changes from 28% to 27%

·     Page 264 – the Waka Kotahi subsidy decreased from $2,670,000 to $2,233,000 for years two and three

·     Changes to the roading funding impact statement on page 237

·     Changes to the benchmarks on page 232 from 7.2% to 7.8% (year two) and 7.7% down to 7.6% (year three)

 

The Executive Manager Corporate Services noted that the Central Otago District Council had received an unmodified audit opinion, which reflected two emphasis of matter, which were typical for most councils across New Zealand.  They were;

·     Three Waters uncertainty

·     Delivery of Capital programme uncertainty

 

She then responded to questions. 

 

The Mayor congratulated and thanked both staff and elected members for their contribution to the Long-term Plan.

 

Resolution 

Moved:                Cadogan

Seconded:          Gillespie

That the Council:

A.   Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.   Accepts the decisions recommended as part of the submissions and deliberations process.

C.  Adopts the following policies and strategies to be included in the 2021-31 Long-term Plan;

·     Infrastructure Strategy

·     Financial Strategy

·     Revenue and Financing Policy

·     Rating Policy

·     Investment Policy

·     Liability Management Policy

·     Significance and Engagement Policy

·     Significant Forecasting Assumptions and Risks

·     Development and Financial Contributions Policy

D.  Sets the 2021-22 Fees and Charges as detailed in Appendix 1.

E.  Adopts the 2021-31 Long-term Plan in accordance with Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2002, as detailed in Appendix 2.

F.   Requests the Chief Executive Officer prepare the final 2021-31 Long-term Plan for publication.

G.  Requests the Chief Executive Officer to formally advise submitters of its decisions.

 

For the setting of rates, the Council:

 

H.  Acknowledges that the rates, the subject of this report, relate to the financial year 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022, and are all GST inclusive.

I.    Sets the rates for 2021-22, for the year commencing 1 July 2021, as detailed in Appendix 3 - Schedule of Rates, as included in the 2021-31 Long-term Plan in accordance with section 23 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

J.   Resolves that the rates for 2021-22 (other than for metered water) be payable in four equal instalments on the dates as detailed below:

·     20 August 2021

·     22 November 2021

·     21 February 2022

·    20 May 2022.

K.   Resolves that Council charge postponement fees on postponed rates in accordance with Council’s postponement of rates policy and sections 87 and 88 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002.

L.   Resolves that Council set penalties for 2021-22 on unpaid rates (other than for metered water) under sections 24, 57 and 58 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 on unpaid rates as follows:

·     10% on any outstanding amount of any instalment not paid by the due date.  The penalty will be applied on 27 August 2021, 26 November 2021, 28 February 2022 and 27 May 2022 respectively for each instalment;

·     10% on amounts outstanding from earlier years, such penalty being applied on 1 October 2021 and 1 April 2022.

·     Requests for waiver of penalties, should be sent, in writing, to the Rates Officer, in accordance with the Council’s Remission of Penalties Policy;

M.  Sets the due dates for 2021-22, for the year commencing 1 July 2021 for metered water billing as follows:

Bannockburn, Ranfurly, Naseby, Patearoa, Omakau, Clyde and Roxburgh:

i.   21 October 2021, reading taken in September 2021

ii.   21 April 2022, reading taken in March 2022

Cromwell and Pisa:

iii.  23 December 2021, reading taken in November 2021

iv.  23 June 2022, reading taken in May 2022

Alexandra:

v.  25 November 2021, reading taken in October 2021

vi.  26 May 2022, reading taken in April 2022

 

N.  Resolves set penalties for 2021-22 under sections 57 and 58 of the Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 on unpaid metered water rates as follows:

O.  Sets a charge 10% on any metered water rates unpaid after the due date.  The penalty will be applied on the date below for the respective instalments:

Bannockburn, Ranfurly, Naseby, Patearoa, Omakau, Clyde and Roxburgh

i.    29 October 2021 and 29 April 2022

Cromwell and Pisa Moorings

ii.    21 January 2022 and 30 June 2022


Alexandra

iii.   03 December 2021 and 03 June 2022

Carried

 

Note:          Cr Jefferies assumed the Chair as Economic Development and Community Facilities                             Portfolio Lead.

 

Note:          For item 21.5.3, Steve Ashwood (Harbour Master, Otago Regional Council) joined the                       meeting, Rose Quirk from Colliers and Brittany Ables from LINZ joined the meeting via                             Microsoft Teams. 

 

21.5.3         Lake Dunstan Management Report

To inform members on matters relating to Lake Dunstan.  Mr Ashwood, Ms Quirk and Ms Ables all provided updates before responding to questions. 

Resolution 

Moved:                Alley

Seconded:          Duncan

That the report be received.

Carried

 

21.5.4         Revocation of Part of Greenway Reserve off Waenga Drive

To revoke the Local Purpose (Amenity) Reserve classification for 619m² (subject to survey) from Lot 201 DP 359519, which is part of Waenga Drive Greenway Reserve.

 

Resolution 

Moved:                Alley

Seconded:          McKinlay

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees  to progress the revocation of the Local Purpose (Amenity) Reserve classification from the specified 619m² (subject to survey) area from Lot 201 DP 359519.

C.      Agrees public notification of the proposed revocation in accordance with section 24(2)(b) of the Reserve Act 1977.

D.      Agrees (following the successful completion of the public notification process, and decision) that the Minister of Conservation is notified in writing of the Council decision and request that the specified part of Waenga Drive Greenway Reserve be approved for revocation and notified in the Gazette.

E.      Agrees that if reserve status of the specified Part of Waenga Drive Greenway Reserve is successfully revoked via Gazette notice, that all affected parties are notified and the underlying land is disposed of, subject to subdivision, to the adjoining landowner being Foodstuffs South Island Properties Limited on behalf of Cromwell New World.

F.      Agrees that the remainder of Lot 201 DP 359519 of the Waenga Drive Greenway Reserve (excluding the relevant part of Waenga Drive Greenway Reserve in recommendation B above) remain as Local Purpose (Amenity) Reserve.

Carried

 

21.5.5         Hardship Grant Application for Alexandra District Museum Inc.

To consider a hardship grant application from the Alexandra District Museum Inc.  It was noted that this item was left to lie on the table at the 5 May 2021 Council meeting (item 21.3.3).

Resolution 

Moved:                Cooney

Seconded:          Cadogan

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Declines a hardship grant application request of $12,242 plus GST.

Carried with Crs Claridge and Calvert recording their votes against the motion. 

 

21.5.6         Community Grants Policy

To approve minor amendments to the Grants Policy ahead of the next funding round.

 

 

 

Resolution 

Moved:                Duncan

Seconded:          Calvert

That the Council

A.      Approves the updated grants policy.

B.      Agree to a formal review of the policy in late 2021.

Carried

 

Note:          The Mayor assumed the Chair as Sustainable Practices Portfolio Lead.

 

Note:          The meeting took a brief recess between 11.26 am and 11.28 am.

 

Note:          Cr Gillespie left the meeting at 11.47 am.

 

21.5.7         Central Otago District Council Emissions Inventory and Management Plan

To consider Council’s 2019-2020 emissions inventory and emissions management and reduction plan.  The Environmental Engineering Manager spoke to a presentation on the inventory and management plan, before responding to questions.

Resolution 

Moved:                Cadogan

Seconded:          McKinlay

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Notes council’s 2019-2020 emissions inventory report.

C.      Agrees to set a target of reducing gross emissions by 52% over the next 5 years.

D.      Approves council’s emissions management and reduction plan.

Carried

 

Note:          The meeting took a brief recess between 11.50 am and 11.51 am.

 

Note:          Cr Duncan assumed the Chair as the Roading Portfolio Lead.

 

Note:          Cr McKinlay left the meeting at 11.53 am and returned at 11.55 am.

 

21.5.8         Proposed Road Stopping - Unnamed Road off Earnscleugh Road

To consider a proposal to stop an unnamed unformed road off Earnscleugh Road in accordance with the Local Government Act 1974.

 

 

Resolution 

Moved:                Jeffery

Seconded:          Alley

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.   Approves the proposal to stop the unnamed unformed road off Earnscleugh Road, subject to:

      Public notification and advertising in accordance with the Local Government Act 1974.

-     No objections being received within the objection period.

-     Easements (in gross) in favour of (and as approved by) Earnscleugh Irrigation Society being registered the areas marked “A”, “B”, and “C” in figure 5.

-     An easement (in gross) in favour of (and as approved by) Aurora Energy Limited being registered over Lot 3 DP 352186 and the area marked “B” as shown in figure 5.

-     An easement (in gross) in favour of (and as approved by) Aurora Energy Limited being registered over the area marked “C” as shown in figure 6.

-     The Road being surveyed into three parcels (“A”, “B”, and “C”), and amalgamated in accordance with the plan shown in figure 3.

-     Each applicant paying for their respective parcel of land at valuation.

-      The applicants sharing all other costs associated with the stopping.

 

C.      Authorises the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

Carried

 

21.5.9         Proposed Road Stopping - Unnamed Road off McArthur Road

To consider a proposal to stop part of an unnamed unformed road off McArthur Road in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1974.

Resolution 

Moved:                Alley

Seconded:          Cooney

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees to approve the proposal to stop the western end of the unnamed unformed road off McArthur Road, (outlined in red, in figure 4), in subject to:

-        Public notification and advertising in accordance with the Local Government Act 1974.

-        No objections being received within the objection period.

-        The right of way (new access to Lots 27 and 28) being formed over Lot 4 DP 498411.

-        The Road being surveyed into two parcels (“A” and “B”) as shown in figure 3.

-        Parcel “A” being amalgamated with new Lot 27 and parcel “B” being amalgamated with new Lot 28 as shown in figure 3.

-        An easement (in gross) in favour of (and as approved by) Aurora Energy Limited being registered over the areas marked “A” and “B” as shown in figure 7.

-        An easement (in gross) in favour of (and as approved by) Leaning Rock Services Limited being registered over the areas marked “A” and “B” as shown in figure 7.

-        An easement (in gross) in favour of (and as approved by) Rabbit Developments Limited being registered over the areas marked “A” and “B” as shown in figure 7.

-        An easement (in gross) in favour of (and as approved by) Pioneer Energy Limited being registered over the areas marked “A” and “B” as shown in figure 7.

-        The applicants paying for the land at valuation.

-        The applicants paying all costs associated with the stopping.

 

C.      Authorises the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

Carried

 

21.5.10       Proposed Road Stopping and Legalisation - Mutton Town Road

To consider a proposal to legalise the existing formation of the northern end of Mutton Town Road and to stop a portion of legal road adjacent to the proposed legalisation.

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Claridge

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees to:

1.   Legalise the portion of Mutton Town Road that is formed over Section 3 Block LV Town of Clyde by taking the land shown as Section 2 in figure 3, being approximately 3008 square metres, and vesting it as legal road, subject to:

 

-     Approval of the Minister of Health.

-     Council paying the Southern District Health Board’s legal fees.

-     Ngāi Tahu approval.

-     Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency agreeing to remove the reference to gazette notice 440764 and/or approval to the vesting.

 

2.   Stop approximately 4970 square metres of Mutton Town Road, shown as Section 1 in figure 3, subject to:

 

-     The legalisation of the portion of Mutton Town Road that is formed over Section 3 Block LV Town of Clyde.

-     Council and the applicants sharing the survey costs, LINZ fees, and the costs of the LINZ Accredited Supplier.

-     Each party to the stopping paying their own legal costs.

-     The applicants paying for the land at valuation ($300,000 plus GST (if any)).

-     The road to be stopped being amalgamated with Record of Title OT17D/237

C.      Authorises the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

Carried

 

Note:          It was agreed to take items 21.5.13, 21.5.14 and 21.5.21 at this stage of the meeting.

 

Note:          The Mayor assumed the Chair.

 

21.5.13       Request for Minister of Conservation's Consent to Easement over Recreation Reserve  [PRO 62-2000-00]

To consider granting consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of Conservation, to Council granting an easement over Lots 7 and 8 Deposited Plan 492123, being part of the Alexandra Town Belt (recreation reserve).

Resolution 

Moved:                Claridge

Seconded:          Paterson

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees to grant consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of Conservation, to Council granting an easement over Lots 7 and 8 Deposited Plan 429123 (recreation reserve) in favour of Lot 1 Deposited Plan 27556 being the lease area occupied by Spark Trading New Zealand Limited.

Carried

 

21.5.14       Request for Minister of Conservation's consent to grant easements over, and to reclassify part of, the Clyde Recreation Reserve [PRO: 63-4066 and PRO: 63-4068]

To consider granting the consent of the Minister of Conservation (under delegated authority) to the granting of easements over and to the reclassification of part of, the Clyde Recreation Reserve.

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Jeffery

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees to grant consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of Conservation, to Council:

 

1.   Reclassifying part of Section 4 Block XLIX Town of Clyde (site 1) and part of Section 34 Bock IV Town of Clyde (site 2), being part of the Clyde Recreation Reserve, as Local Purpose (Pumping Station) Reserve.

 

2.  Granting easements containing the right to convey water, wastewater, and power over Section 4 Block XLIX Town of Clyde and Section 34 Bock IV Town of Clyde (as required).

 

3.  Grant an easement, (in gross) in favour of Central Otago District Council, containing the right to convey wastewater, over Sections 26, 27, 28, and 29 Block VII Town of Clyde

Carried

6               Mayor’s Report

21.5.21       June Mayor's Report

The Mayor provided an update on issues and events since the previous meeting. 

Resolution 

Moved:                Cadogan

Seconded:          Duncan

That the Council receives the report.

Carried

 

Note:          The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12.13 pm and reconvened at 12.50 pm.

 

Note:          Cr Cooney assumed the Chair as Planning and Regulatory Portfolio Deputy Lead.

 

Note:          Cr Gillespie returned to the meeting at 12.50 pm.

 

21.5.11       Plan Change 17 - Operative District Plan Mapping to GIS

To consider a plan change to enable correction of anomalies in District Plan mapping and enable conversion to electronic format.

Resolution 

Moved:                Jeffery

Seconded:          Duncan

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Recommends that Plan Change 17 be notified in accordance with Clause 5 of the First Schedule to the Resource Management Act 1991

Carried

 

Note:          The Mayor assumed the Chair.

 

21.5.12       Cromwell Menz Shed - New Lease

To consider granting permission to locate the Cromwell Menz Shed on a portion of the Cromwell Transfer Station and grant a lease to the Cromwell Menz Shed.

Resolution 

Moved:                Calvert

Seconded:          McKinlay

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees to lease the proposed area to the Cromwell Menz Shed

C.      Agrees to a lease over 1000m² (more or less) of land (shown in Figure 1) located on the Cromwell Transfer Station/Closed Landfill site, being part of Lot 3 DP526140.

D.      Authorise the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to this resolution.

Carried

 

21.5.15       Cromwell Aerodrome Licence to Occupy

To consider granting of new licence to occupy to the Central Lakes Equestrian Club on the Cromwell Aerodrome Reserve.

Resolution 

Moved:                Cadogan

Seconded:          McPherson

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees to grant a new licence to occupy to the Central Lakes Equestrian Club over a reduced area of 7.3 hectares on the Cromwell Aerodrome Reserve for a period of five 5 years commencing from 1 July 2021.

C.      Approves that the licence will be under the same terms and conditions as the previous licence with the following amendments and additional conditions.

I.    Annual rental of $525 plus GST

II.   Remove requirement for the Club to mow Aerodrome runways in lieu of rental.

III.  Allowance for either party to terminate the licence to occupy with 6 months written notice.

D.      Authorises the Chief Executive Officer to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolutions.

Carried with Crs Calvert, Laws and McKinlay recording their votes against the motion.

 

21.5.16       Roxburgh Aerodrome - Request for hangar site

To consider a request for hangar site lease at Roxburgh Aerodrome.

Resolution 

Moved:                Duncan

Seconded:          Jeffery

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves a lease for a hangar only site at Roxburgh Aerodrome to Central Heliwork Ltd for 841m2 of land described as part of Lot 3 DP 8420 situated at Teviot Road, Roxburgh.

C.      Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolutions.

Carried

 

Note:          Cr Gillespie left the meeting at 1.27 pm.

 

21.5.17       Sensitive Expenditure Policies

To adopt the Sensitive Expenditure Policy, the Travel Policy and the Credit Card Policy.

Resolution 

Moved:                Cadogan

Seconded:          Alley

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance

B.      Adopts the Sensitive Expenditure Policy, the Travel Policy and the Credit Card Policy

C.      Resolves to amend clause 3.3 of the Elected Members Allowances and Reimbursement Policy by adding the words “and the Executive Manager – Corporate Services” to the following statement:

3.3 The process for reimbursement of claims includes the following principles:

·         The “one-up” principal must be applied to the maximum extent possible, in the case of the Mayor, approval is required from the Deputy Mayor and the Executive Manager – Corporate Services, and in the case of the Deputy Mayor, approval is required from the Chief Executive.

Carried

 

Note:          Cr Gillespie returned to the meeting at 1.41 pm.

 

21.5.18       Register of Delegations

To consider a change to the “Register of Delegations to Community Boards, Portfolios, Committees, and the Chief Executive Officer” in respect to the delegations to staff.

In speaking to the report the Business Risk and Procurement Manager suggested an amendment to the third bullet point in recommendation B as follows:

“…Confidential settlements, other than those which relate to employment matters, may be presented in a separate report to the Audit and Risk Committee or any other council body as appropriate”.

During discussion is was agreed that the wording of that bullet point should also state shall rather than may.

Resolution 

Moved:                Cadogan

Seconded:          McPherson

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves the following change to the Register of Delegations;

Replace the current paragraph in section 76 as follows:

The Chief Executive Officer may approve all unbudgeted legal claims or other proceedings, such as the authorisation to undertake settling actions and prosecutions taken against Council, where it is in the CEO’s opinion that such settlement best protects Council’s interest, up to a value of $500,000. Where claims or other legal proceedings are likely to exceed $500,000, the CEO is required to communicate with relevant elected members prior to entering into mediation.

 

The Chief Executive Officer may delegate to council officers the authority to represent Central Otago District Council in legal claims or other proceedings.

 

Confidential settlements, other than those which relate to employment matters, shall be presented in a separate report to the Audit and Risk Committee or any other council body as appropriate.

 

C.      Approves the following change to the Register of Delegations

Add the following to Part V – Delegations to Committees of Council – Audit and Risk Committee – Scope of Activity:

Oversight of unbudgeted legal claims or other proceedings other than those which relate to employment matters.

Carried

 

21.5.19       Financial Reserves Policy

To adopt the Financial Reserves Policy. 

Resolution 

Moved:                Jeffery

Seconded:          Paterson

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance

B.      Adopts the Financial Reserves Policy.

Carried

 

7               Reports for Information

21.5.20       Financial Report For The Period Ending 31 March and 30 April 2021

To consider the financial performance for the period ending 30 April 2021 and to receive the financial report for the period ending 31 March 2021.


 

Resolution 

Moved:                Duncan

Seconded:          Alley

That the report be received.

Carried

 

8               Status Reports

21.5.22       June 2021 Governance Report

To report on items of general interest, receive minutes and updates from key organisations, consider Council’s forward work programme and the legacy and current status report updates.

Resolution 

Moved:                Calvert

Seconded:          Alley

That the Council

A.   Receives the report.

B.   Ratifies the Central Otago District Council’s submission on Supporting Sustainable Freedom Camping in Aotearoa New Zealand.

C.  Ratifies support for the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s remit to the Local Government New Zealand’s Annual General Meeting about a review of the accommodation supplement system zones.

D.  Ratifies the Central Otago District Council’s submission on minimum flow scenarios for the Manuherekia catchment to the Otago Regional Council.

Carried

 

9               Community Board Minutes

21.5.23       Minutes of the Cromwell Community Board Meeting held on 18 May 2021

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Claridge

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Cromwell Community Board Meeting held on 18 May 2021 be noted.

Carried

 

21.5.24       Minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 19 May 2021

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Claridge

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 19 May 2021 be noted.

Carried

 

21.5.25       Minutes of the Maniototo Community Board Meeting held on 20 May 2021

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Claridge

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Maniototo Community Board Meeting held on 20 May 2021 be noted.

Carried

 

21.5.26       Minutes of the Teviot Valley Community Board Meeting held on 20 May 2021

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Claridge

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Teviot Valley Community Board Meeting held on 20 May 2021 be noted.

Carried

 

21.5.27       Minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 9 June 2021

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Claridge

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 9 June 2021 be noted.

Carried

 

21.5.28       Minutes of the Cromwell Community Board Meeting held on 15 June 2021

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Claridge

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Cromwell Community Board Meeting held on 15 June 2021 be noted.

Carried

 

21.5.29       Minutes of the Teviot Valley Community Board Meeting held on 17 June 2021

Resolution 

Moved:                McPherson

Seconded:          Claridge

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Teviot Valley Community Board Meeting held on 17 June 2021 be noted.

Carried

 

10             Committee Minutes

21.5.30       5 May 2021 Executive Committee Public Minutes

To consider the unconfirmed public minutes of the 5 May 2021 Executive Committee.

Resolution 

Moved:                Cadogan

Seconded:          Jeffery

That the unconfirmed public minutes of the Executive Meeting held on 5 May 2021 be noted.

Carried

 

21.5.31       Minutes of the Audit and Risk Committee Meeting held on 4 June 2021

Resolution 

Moved:                Cadogan

Seconded:          Jeffery

That the unconfirmed Minutes of the Audit and Risk Committee Meeting held on 4 June 2021 be noted.

Carried

  

11             Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next scheduled meeting is 11 August 2021.

12             Resolution to Exclude the Public

Resolution 

Moved:                Cadogan

Seconded:          McPherson

That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting.

The general subject matter 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 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

General subject of each matter to be considered

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Ground(s) under section 48 for the passing of this resolution

21.5.32 - Confirmation of Confidential Minutes

s7(2)(a) - the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - 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 would exist under section 6 or section 7

s48(1)(d) – that a right of appeal lies to any court or tribunal against the decision of the Central Otago District Council in these proceedings.

21.5.33 - Rates Remission for a Business Development

s7(2)(b)(ii) - the withholding of the information is necessary 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)(h) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - 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 would exist under section 6 or section 7

21.5.34 - June 2021 Confidential Governance Report

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - 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 would exist under section 6 or section 7

21.5.35 - Confidential Minutes of the Vincent Community Board Meeting held on 9 June 2021

s7(2)(b)(ii) - the withholding of the information is necessary 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)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - 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 would exist under section 6 or section 7

21.5.36 - Confidential Minutes of the Cromwell Community Board Meeting held on 15 June 2021

s7(2)(c)(ii) - the withholding of the information is necessary to protect information which is subject to an obligation of confidence or which any person has been or could be compelled to provide under the authority of any enactment, where the making available of the information would be likely otherwise to damage the public interest

s7(2)(h) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities

s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)

s48(1)(a)(i) - 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 would exist under section 6 or section 7

21.5.37 - 5 May 2021 Executive Committee Meeting Non-Public Minutes

s7(2)(a) - the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons

s48(1)(a)(i) - 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 would exist under section 6 or section 7

21.5.38 - Confidential Minutes of the Audit and Risk Committee Meeting held on 4 June 2021

s7(2)(a) - the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons

s48(1)(a)(i) - 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 would exist under section 6 or section 7

 

Carried

 

The public were excluded at 1.56pm and the meeting closed at 2.19 pm.

 

 


11 August 2021

 

4               Declaration of Interest

21.6.1         Declarations of Interest Register

Doc ID:      547035

 

1.       Purpose

 

Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any private or other external interest they might have.

 

 

2.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Members' Interests Register   


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

 

Name

Member’s Declared Interests

Spouse/Partner’s Declared Interests

Council Appointments

Tamah Alley

Manuherikia Irrigation Co-operative (shareholder)
Cromwell Youth Trust (Trustee)
Blue Light Central Lakes (Chair)
NZ Police (Sworn Constable)
Oamaru Landing Service (OLS) (family connection)
Cliff Care Ltd (family connection)

Manuherikia Irrigation Co-operative Society Ltd (shareholder)
Emergency Management Otago Group Controller (employee)

 

Tim Cadogan

Alexandra Musical Society (member)
Otago Chamber of Commerce Central Otago Advisory Group member
Dunstan Golf Club (member)
Alexandra Squash Club (member)

Two Paddocks (employee)
Blossom Festival Committee member
FarmFresh (Family member sells for this entity)

Airport Reference Group
Maniototo Curling International Inc
Eden Hore Steering Group
Tourism Central Otago Advisory Board Ministerial Working Group on Responsible Camping
LGNZ Governance and Strategy Group

Shirley Calvert

Central Otago Health Services Ltd (Employee)
Cromwell Rotary (member)
Cromwell and District Community Trust
Old Cromwell Town (subscription member)

 

Central Otago Wilding Conifer Group

Lynley Claridge

Affinity Funerals (Director)
Central Otago Chamber of Commerce (Advisory Panel)

Affinity Funerals (Shareholder)

 Alexandra Council for Social Services

Ian Cooney

Castlewood Nursing Home (Employee)

 

Omakau Recreation Reserve Committee
Promote Alexandra

Stuart Duncan

Penvose Farms - Wedderburn Cottages and Farm at Wedderburn (shareholder)
Penvose Investments  - Dairy Farm at Patearoa (shareholder)
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (member)
JD Pat Ltd (Shareholder and Director)

Penvose Farms - Wedderburn Cottages and Farm at Wedderburn (shareholder)
Penvose Investments  - Dairy Farm at Patearoa (shareholder)

Otago Regional Transport Committee
Patearoa Recreation Reserve Committee
Design and Location of the Sun for the Interplanetary Cycle Trail Working Group

Neil Gillespie

Contact Energy (Specialist - Community Relations and Environment)
Clyde & Districts Emergency Rescue Trust (Secretary and Trustee)
Cromwell Volunteer Fire Brigade (Deputy Chief Fire Officer)
Cromwell Bowling Club (patron)
Otago Local Advisory Committee - Fire Emergency New Zealand

 

Lowburn Hall Committee
Tarras Community Plan Group
Tarras Hall Committee

Stephen Jeffery

G & S Smith family Trust (Trustee)
K & EM Bennett’s family Trust (Trustee)
Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust (Chair)
Roxburgh and District Medical Services Trust (Trustee)
Central Otago Clutha Trails Ltd (Director)
Teviot Prospects (Trustee)
Teviot Valley Community Development Scheme Governance Group
Central Otago Queenstown Network Trust

 

 

Cheryl Laws

The Message (Director)
Wishart Family Trust (Trustee)
Wooing Tree (Assistant Manager - Cellar Door)
Daffodil Day Cromwell Coordinator

Otago Regional Council (Deputy Chair)
The Message (Director)

Cromwell Resource Centre
Cromwell Historical Precinct

Nigel McKinlay

Transition To Work Trust (Board member)
Gate 22 Vineyard Ltd (Director)
Everyday Gourmet (Director)
Central Otago Wine Association (member)
Long Gully Irrigation Scheme (member)

 

 

Martin McPherson

Alexandra Blossom Festival

CODC (employee)
CODC (employee) (Daughter)

 

Tracy Paterson

Matakanui Station (Director and shareholder)
Matakanui Development Co (Director and shareholder)
A and T Paterson Family Trust (trustee)
A Paterson Family Trust (trustee)
Central Otago Health Inc (Chair)
Bob Turnbull Trust (Trustee / Chair)
John McGlashan Board of Trustees (member)
New Zealand Wool Classers Association (board member)
Central Otago A&P Association (member)

Matakanui Station (director and shareholder)
Matakanui Development Co (director and shareholder)
A Paterson Family Trust (trustee)
A and T Paterson Family Trust (trustee)
Federated Farmers (on the executive team)
Omakau Irrigation Co (director)
Matakanui Combined Rugby Football Club (President)
Manuherikia Catchment Group (member)
Omakau Domain Board

Central Otago Health Inc
Manuherikia River Group


11 August 2021

 

5               Reports for Decisions

21.6.2         Draft Vincent Spatial Plan Engagement Document

Doc ID:      545136

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider and approve the Vincent Spatial Plan preferred option engagement document for release.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves the draft Vincent Spatial Plan preferred option.  

C.      Directs staff to develop a preferred option engagement document for release to stakeholders 

 

 

2.       Background

 

The Vincent Spatial Plan will highlight areas of potential growth and change; guide local, regional and central government investment decisions; and identify key issues for the Vincent Ward and the priorities needed to address these.

The spatial plan is an evidence-based, future-focused strategy outlining a spatial vision and direction for the next 30 years and beyond. It allows us to consider growth before it happens and identify key improvements that could be made.

Creating a spatial plan is a collaboration between Council, the community and key stakeholders. Its development relies on key planning principles relating to our environment, the character of our place, how we manage growth, accessibility, housing choice and infrastructure.

The Vincent Spatial Plan project was initiated by the preparation of an Establishment Report, (attached as Appendix 1), and approval given by Council on 11 March 2020 to develop a Spatial Plan for the Alexandra Basin.

Alexandra, Clyde and the surrounding area was identified as experiencing growth resulting in increased high demand for housing, increased prices and affordability issues for some. In the rural area, growth pressures for housing development can compete for productive land resource and result in reverse sensitivity effects. Omakau and Ophir were also identified as experiencing growth pressure with lack of land available for future development. 

Planning for future infrastructure capacity is integral to planning for growth. While the provision of infrastructure enables development, it is necessary to ensure growth is accommodated in an integrated and sustainable manner.

An initial survey, public drop-ins and workshops were held to understand what’s important to communities/stakeholders and to assist in the development of the shortlisted options for Alexandra, Clyde, Omakau and Ophir.    

The shortlisted spatial plan options were released for community feedback from December 2020 until mid-February 2021.  Feedback was received on the three possible future planning options for Alexandra and Clyde, and a concept plan for Omakau and Ophir.

Engagement during this period included a static display and drop-in sessions at the Alexandra Library, engagement with students at Dunstan High School, drop ins at the District Club, the Friday Food Market and a stall at the Central Otago A&P Show in Omakau, along with direct engagement with key stakeholders (Aukaha, Public Health South, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Otago Regional Council).

The options and feedback from the community were also workshopped with the Vincent Community Board with their feedback incorporated into the preferred option.

 

3.       Discussion

 

The preferred option was developed based on community feedback, technical expertise and stakeholder engagement/feedback and represents a managed approach to growth over the next 30 years.  Implementation of the proposed changes to zoning will be staged rather than a release of all land development opportunities that may result in inefficient development patterns that are difficult to service in terms of infrastructure.

The preferred option has been prepared (refer Appendix 2).  

The key features of the preferred options are outlined below:

 

Alexandra-Clyde

The Spatial Plan will see growth managed through the infilling of existing residential zoned land around the town centres; well-defined areas of greenfield expansion along the edges of each town; and infilling of rural-residential land available between Alexandra and Clyde.

Through this growth approach, the Spatial Plan will provide a complementary mix of land uses and carefully manage any potential conflicts between zones. It also provides a diverse range of housing types to meet the housing needs of the future and support the vibrancy of the centres. It does this by creating a transition from medium density residential through to rural lifestyle within clear urban boundaries, while protecting potential productive land around it.

The provision of green and blue networks to facilitate both recreation and commuter non-vehicular options is also identified and opportunities for enhancing this created.

 

Alexandra

The managed growth of Alexandra progressively consolidates and expands northwards from the town centre at the confluence of the Mata-au / Clutha and Manuherekia Rivers and its Alexandra Bridge gateway. Its existing urban grid structure and relatively flat river terraces are highly adaptable to more intensive infill opportunities. There are also clear urban boundaries that comprehensive greenfield development can occur within, including the two river corridors, Alexandra Golf Course, and the proposed amenity buffer along the steep terrace embankment on the town’s eastern edge.

 

Clyde

The managed growth of Clyde progressively consolidates through the inclusion of medium density residential zoning and expands southwards from the historic town centre near the Clyde Dam and Clyde Bridge gateways. Its existing urban grid structure and relatively flat river terrace are highly adaptable to more intensive infill opportunities near the town centre. There are also clear urban boundaries that comprehensive greenfield development can occur within, including the Mata-au / Clutha River, Waikerekeri Creek and Clyde Town Belt reserve.

 

Omakau/Ophir

While the spatial plan provides for some population growth in Omakau/Ophir, indications are that there will not be significant growth in these places. Growth in Omakau is focused around existing corridors that already have good road connections and access to infrastructure.

 

Growth along Racecourse Road supports the existing town centre, integrates with the Otago Rail Trail and links to Omakau School.

 

Ophir has constraints on expansion such as flooding risk, and thus is not proposed to expand to the same level as Omakau. The Spatial Plan expands the heritage precinct to include the entire residential area to help maintain and protect the town’s character.

 

A network of open spaces along waterways with connecting tracks and pathways would provide opportunities to continue enhancing informal recreational opportunities for both settlements (such as walking and cycling).

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

Approve the release of the Vincent Spatial Plan preferred option engagement document for community feedback.

 

Advantages:

 

·         The community will have the opportunity to consider the preferred option and provide feedback prior to the Spatial Plan being adopted by Council.

·         Ensures all relevant options are considered and confirmed in development of the Spatial Plan.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Slight delay of the adoption of the Spatial Plan.

 

Option 2

 

Approve the release of the Vincent Spatial Plan preferred option engagement document for community feedback, subject to amendments made by Council.

 

Advantages:

 

·         The community will have the opportunity to consider the preferred option and provide feedback prior to the Spatial Plan being adopted by Council.

·         Ensures all relevant options are considered and confirmed in development of the Spatial Plan.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Depending on the extent of any proposed changes, the release of the document and the Spatial Plan will be delayed.

 

Option 3

 

Do not approve the release of the Vincent Spatial Plan preferred option engagement document. 

 

Advantages:

 

·         No apparent advantages.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Community disappointment - the expectation is that the preferred option will be released following the engagement on the shortlisted for community feedback.

·         Delay to the adoption of the Spatial Plan.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities by providing the opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the preferred option.

 

This decision promotes the social, cultural, economic and environmental  wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by providing for future growth in a strategic way.

 

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

No – engagement on the preferred option is identified in the project plan and budgeted for.  

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

The outcome of the Vincent Spatial Plan will inform a review of the operative District Plan.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

Spatial planning processes promote best practice in terms of sustainable land use development. 

 

Risks Analysis

 

There are minimal risks associated with the release of the preferred option engagement document.   Any feedback received will inform the final option.

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

D

The Vincent Spatial Plan is a significant piece of work that will inform future District Plan changes and infrastructure planning and provide for the future social, economic, environmental or cultural wellbeing of the community. 

 

The decision to release the preferred option developed through extensive engagement with the community and key stakeholders will enable parties to provide further feedback which will in turn result in a better end product. 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

If approved by Council, the preferred option engagement document will be developed and released for feedback to the community and key stakeholders by Monday 16th August 2021.

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Vincent Spatial Plan Establishment Report

Appendix 2 - Draft Preferred Option Vincent Spatial Plans  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

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Ann Rodgers

David Campbell

Principal Policy Planner

Acting Executive Manager - Planning and Environment

28/07/2021

28/07/2021

 


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

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11 August 2021

 



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11 August 2021

 

21.6.3         Central Otago District Council Submission on Proposed Otago Regional Policy Statement

Doc ID:      545137

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider and endorse Council’s submission on the Proposed Otago Regional Policy Statement.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves the lodging of the submission on the Proposed Otago Regional Policy Statement on behalf of the Central Otago District Council.

C.      Directs staff to finalise the submission and lodge with the Otago Regional Council.

 

2.       Background

 

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) is the primary resource management statute in New Zealand and sets out the related responsibilities and powers of national, regional, and city/district government.

 

The RMA requires regional councils to have a regional policy statement (RPS) prepared in accordance with the process set out in Schedule 1. The purpose of the RPS is to provide an overview of the specific resource management issues for the region and establish policies and methods to achieve the integrated management of both the natural and physical resources of the region.

 

The RPS is required to give effect to national direction, including National Environmental Standards (NES), National Policy Statements (NPS), the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) and be written to comply with the National Planning Standards.  There is no discretion in terms of implementation of the national direction for local government.  

 

The RPS sets out requirements that regional plans, district plans, and regional coastal plans must give effect to. 

 

Otago currently has two RPSs that territorial authorities are required to comply with through district plans.  There is the partially operative RPS (15 March 2021) and the proposed RPS (2021).  The partially operative RPS will be replaced by the proposed RPS over time.

 

The proposed RPS was notified by Otago Regional Council on 26 June 2021 and submissions on the proposed RPS close on Friday 4 September 2021.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

The proposed RPS identifies significant resource management issues for the region, resource management issues of significance to iwi authorities and supports an integrated management approach to resource management. 

 

Three main domains are identified in the proposed RPS:

·     Air

·     Coastal environment (not applicable to Central Otago District) 

·     Land and freshwater.

 

Six specific topic areas are also identified:

 

·     Ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity

·     Energy, infrastructure and transport

·     Hazards and risks

·     Historical and cultural values

·     Natural features and landscapes

·     Urban form and development

 

Each domain and topic contain objectives, policies, methods, explanation and reasons.  The methods in particular outline what regional and territorial responsibilities are in terms of implementation.

 

For Central Otago there are a number of implications in terms of giving effect to the proposed RPS such as air quality (mapping of airshed areas), identification and protection of areas of indigenous biodiversity, hazard identification/mapping, landscape protection and urban development. 

 

The approach taken by the Otago Regional Council reflects national direction and current thinking in terms of best practice/management of natural and physical resources.

 

In terms of the Resource Management system review currently underway, the proposed RPS will likely be the interim planning document before transitioning to regional plans signalled in the Report of the Resource Management Review Panel (the Randerson Report).

 

A draft submission has been prepared that is focused on the areas that are likely to impact on future development planning for Central Otago District, including implications on Council infrastructure (refer Appendix 1).    

 

The submission does not venture into potential advocacy for other interest groups or industries. 

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

Approve the draft submission on behalf of the Central Otago District Council.

 

Advantages:

 

·         A submission on the proposed RPS will provide an opportunity to present evidence at a future hearing, representing Central Otago District Council interests.

·         Being a party will also allow opportunities to initiate or be a party to any future appeal.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         No apparent disadvantages

 

 

Option 2

 

Approve the draft submission on behalf of Central Otago District Council subject to any amendments Council may wish to make.

 

Advantages:

 

·         A submission on the proposed RPS will provide an opportunity to present evidence at a future hearing, representing the interests of the community.

·         Being a party will also allow opportunities to initiate or be a party to any future appeal.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         No apparent disadvantages

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities by providing the opportunity to provide input through the submission process and be a party to the decision making process.

 

This decision promotes the social, cultural, economic and environmental  wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by providing the opportunity to be involved in the development of the RPS.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

No – there is no cost associated with the lodging of this submission other than staff time which is already budgeted for.  

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

The proposed RPS will have an impact on the provisions in the District Plan, which will be amended during our plan review project.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

The proposed RPS addresses these matters.

 

Risks Analysis

 

There are no apparent risks associated with the lodging of a submission on the RPS.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

 

Low to moderate.  The requirement to comply with the RPS in terms of the District Plan provisions hasn’t changed, however the proposed RPS has the potential to impact on the way growth and land development occurs in the District through changes that will be required to the provisions of the District Plan.

 

The  need to consult with public on submission does not meet the threshold.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

If approved, the draft submission will be finalised and lodged with Otago Regional Council.

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Draft Submission to the Otago Regional Policy Statement  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Ann Rodgers

David Campbell

Principal Policy Planner

Acting Executive Manager - Planning and Environment

28/07/2021

28/07/2021

 


Otago Regional Policy Statement Submission

Central Otago District Council

Part 2 – Resource Management Overview

Page

RPS Provision

  Submission

65

The RPS identifies significant resource management issues impacting the Otago region.  These issues are considered in a ‘joined-up’ way

Support the approach of joining-up of the issues, viewing the environment as a whole

73

SRMR-4- Poorly managed urban and residential growth affects productive land, treasured natural assets, infrastructure and community well-being.

Support managed growth through processes involving community and key stakeholders and acknowledging 

96

IM–O4 – Climate change Otago’s communities, including Kāi Tahu, understand what climate change means for their future, and climate change responses in the region, including adaptation and mitigation actions, are aligned with national level climate change responses and are recognised as integral to achieving the outcomes sought by this RPS.

Support communities understanding and considering climate change effects to enable sustainable future planning for growth and development.

98

IM–P7 – Cross boundary management Coordinate the management of Otago’s natural and physical resources across jurisdictional boundaries and, whenever possible, between overlapping or related agency responsibilities.

Support management of natural and physical resources in a cross jurisdictional way where possible reflecting that the resources

98

IM–P8 – Climate change impacts Recognise and provide for climate change processes and risks by identifying climate change impacts in Otago, including impacts from a te ao Māori perspective, assessing how the impacts are likely to change over time and anticipating those changes in resource management processes and decisions.

Support communities understanding and considering climate change effects to enable sustainable future planning for growth and development.

98

IM–P9 – Community response to climate change impacts

 By 2030 Otago’s communities have established responses for adapting to the impacts of climate change, are adjusting their lifestyles to follow them, and are reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

Support the principle of the policy but have some concerns that the timeframes may not be achievable for some communities who may not have the resources to make the changes necessary.   It is unclear how this might be achieved in practice, unless regional or national support is provided.

 

There will be financial implications associated with responses necessary to achieve the timeframes that may not be able to be met by communities.  

98

IM–P10 – Climate change adaptation and mitigation Identify and implement climate change adaptation and mitigation methods for Otago that:

(1) minimise the effects of climate change processes or risks to existing activities,

(2) prioritise avoiding the establishment of new activities in areas subject to risk from the effects of climate change, unless those activities reduce, or are resilient to, those risks, and

(3) provide Otago’s communities, including Kāi Tahu, with the best chance to thrive, even under the most extreme climate change scenarios.

Support in principle but as noted in relation to IM-P9 have concerns about how achievable the timeframes for adaptation are and what the financial impacts might be on communities.

100

IM–M2 – Relationships Starting immediately, local authorities must:

(1) partner with Kāi Tahu to ensure mana whenua involvement in resource management,

 (2) work together and with other agencies to ensure consistent implementation of the objectives, policies and methods of this RPS, and

(3) consult with Otago’s communities to ensure policy frameworks adequately respond to the diverse facets of environmental, social, cultural, and economic well-being.

 

Support partnering with mana whenua, consulting with communities and working with other key stakeholders.

100/101

IM–M4 – Climate change response By January 2027, local authorities (led by Otago Regional Council) must together, in partnership with Kāi Tahu and in consultation with Otago’s communities, develop climate change responses for the region that achieve climate change adaptation and mitigation, and that include:

(1) identifying natural and built resources vital to environmental and community resilience and well-being,101

(2) identifying vulnerable resources and communities and developing adaptation pathways for them where possible, and

(3) developing plans and agreements for implementation

Support partnering with mana whenua, consulting with communities and working with other key stakeholders to develop climate change responses.

 

The timeframe may be tight given extent of change currently being faced by Local Government.  Resourcing will be tight local authorities who are already under pressure from resource management and water reforms. 

Part 3 – Domains and Topics

103

 AIR–P1 – Maintain good ambient air quality Good ambient air quality is maintained across Otago by:

(1) ensuring discharges to air comply with ambient air quality limits where those limits have been set, and

(2) where limits have not been set, only allowing discharges to air if the adverse effects on ambient air quality are no more than minor.

Central Otago District has towns that are identified as having poor ambient air quality and it is acknowledged that the ambient air quality in those areas is not ideal.

 

It is not clear whether a switch to low emission, compliant heating appliances (wood burners), will have any impact on the ambient air quality.   

 

Central Otago experiences some of the coldest temperatures in the country during winter months requiring significant heating to maintain a healthy home environment.   Electricity is expensive and subject to outages.

 

The low emission woodburners, are fuel efficient and cost effective to run. 

 

The timing for phasing out of non-complying solid fuel woodburners as noted in AIR-P2 (2) has the potential to adversely affect the health of communities who may not be able to replace their heating or have an ability to fund the on-going costs of any replacements. 

 

The Central Otago District Council would welcome the opportunity to understand whether or not the use of low emission woodburners and/or electricity will have any effect on the ambient air quality.

 

Residents not having access to affordable heating options   during winter months will have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the community.

103

AIR–P2 – Improve poor ambient air quality Poor ambient air quality is improved across Otago by:

(1) establishing, maintaining and enforcing plan provisions that set limits and timeframes for improving ambient air quality, including by managing the spatial distribution of activities and transport, and

(2) prioritising actions to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in polluted airsheds, including phasing out existing domestic solid fuel burning appliances and preventing any discharges from new domestic solid fuel burning appliances that do not comply with the standards set in the NESAQ

104

AIR–M1 – Review airshed boundaries

…. no later than 31 December 2022, the Otago Regional Council must review existing airshed boundaries and apply to the Ministry for the Environment to gazette amended boundaries where airsheds do not account for:

(1) current or anticipated areas of development,

(2) weather patterns and geography, or

(3) existing areas of poor air quality

Support a review of the airshed areas in particular taking into account development areas and weather patterns, provided the review is undertaken in consultation with territorial authorities and other stakeholders. 

 

  

105

AIR–M3 – Territorial authorities No later than 31 December 2029, territorial authorities must prepare or amend and maintain their district plans to include provisions that direct an urban form that assists in achieving good air quality by:

(1) reducing reliance on private motor vehicles and enabling the adoption of active transport, shared transport and public transport options to assist in achieving good air quality, and

(2) managing the spatial distribution of activities.

Support providing for walking and cycling connectivity and active transport options in the District Plan

 

Support managing spatial distribution of activities.

105

AIR–M5 – Incentives and other mechanisms

In collaboration with territorial authorities, iwi authorities, key stakeholders and industry, Otago Regional Council must, on an on-going basis, use other mechanisms or incentives to assist with achieving the air quality objectives, including:

(1) improving community awareness of air quality issues in Otago associated with home heating,

(2) educating communities and promoting the use of alternative methods for home heating including the use of new technology (including low emission or ultra-low emission home heating appliances) and cleaner fuels or energy sources,

(3) advocating, promoting and supporting upgrading Otago’s housing stock and changes to the Building Act 2004 and Building Code to require houses to create and maintain warmth more efficiently and reduce reliance on non-compliant domestic solid fuel burning appliances as described in AIR-P2,

(4) advocating to energy providers to improve the resilience of electricity infrastructure so alternative sources of heating are available and reliable,

(5) measures to encourage the use of active transport, shared transport and public transport over the use of private motor vehicles, and

(6) providing financial incentives (such as funding schemes, subsidies or rates relief) and support to improve home heating efficiency and assist with the transition towards cleaner heating, improved energy efficiency and home insulation, including the replacement of solid fuel burners that do not comply with the NESAQ standards

Support the use of a variety of mechanisms to improve ambient air quality.

126

 LF–VM–O7 – Integrated management land and water management apply the ethic of ki uta ki tai and are managed as integrated natural resources, recognising the connections and interactions between fresh water, land and the coastal environment, and between surface water, groundwater and coastal water

Support the concept of integrated land and water management.

129

LF–FW–O10 – Natural character

The natural character of wetlands, lakes and rivers and their margins is preserved and protected from inappropriate subdivision, use and development.

Support preservation of natural character from inappropriate development.

130

LF–FW–P8 – Identifying natural wetlands Identify and map natural wetlands that are:

(1) 0.05 hectares or greater in extent, or

(2) of a type that is naturally less than 0.05 hectares in extent (such as an ephemeral wetland) and known to contain threatened species.

The identification of natural wetlands for protection is supported.  Availably of suitably qualified and experienced persons and/or budget to undertake the work necessary is of concern. 

130

LF–FW–P10 – Restoring natural wetlands Improve the ecosystem health, hydrological functioning, water quality and extent of natural wetlands that have been degraded or lost by requiring, where possible:

(1) an increase in the extent and quality of habitat for indigenous species,

(2) the restoration of hydrological processes,

(3) control of pest species and vegetation clearance, and (4) the exclusion of stock.

Restoration of natural wetlands is supported.  Availably of suitably qualified and experienced persons and/or budget to undertake the work necessary is of concern. 

132

LF–FW–P15 – Stormwater and wastewater discharges Minimise the adverse effects of direct and indirect discharges of stormwater and wastewater to fresh water by:

(1) except as required by LF–VM–O2 and LF–VM–O4, preferring discharges of wastewater to land over discharges to water, unless adverse effects associated with a discharge to land are greater than a discharge to water, and

(2) requiring:

(a) all sewage, industrial or trade waste to be discharged into a reticulated wastewater system, where one is available,

(b) all stormwater to be discharged into a reticulated system, where one is available,

(c) implementation of methods to progressively reduce the frequency and volume of wet weather overflows and minimise the likelihood of dry weather overflows occurring for reticulated stormwater and wastewater systems,

(d) on-site wastewater systems to be designed and operated in accordance with best practice standards,

(e) stormwater and wastewater discharges to meet any applicable water quality standards set for FMUs and/or rohe, and

(f) the use of water sensitive urban design techniques to avoid or mitigate the potential adverse effects of contaminants on receiving water bodies from the subdivision, use or development of land, wherever practicable, and

(3) promoting the reticulation of stormwater and wastewater in urban areas.

Support in principle moving towards discharge of wastewater to land rather than water, the use of water sensitive urban design techniques and reticulation of stormwater in urban areas.   

134

LF–FW–M7 – District plans Territorial authorities must prepare or amend and maintain their district plans no later than 31 December 2026 to:

(1) map outstanding water bodies and identify their outstanding and significant values using the information gathered by Otago Regional Council in LF–FW–M5, and (2) include provisions to avoid the adverse effects of activities on the significant and outstanding values of outstanding water bodies,

(3) require, wherever practicable, the adoption of water sensitive urban design techniques when managing the subdivision, use or development of land, and

(4) reduce the adverse effects of stormwater discharges by managing the subdivision, use and development of land to:

(a) minimise the peak volume of stormwater needing off-site disposal and the load of contaminants carried by it,

(b) minimise adverse effects on fresh water and coastal water as the ultimate receiving environments, and the capacity of the stormwater network,

(c) encourage on-site storage of rainfall to detain peak stormwater flows, and

(d) promote the use of permeable surfaces

Support the principle of the method but have some concerns that the timeframes may not be achievable with current resourcing, particularly in relation to stormwater. 

134

LF–LS–O11 – Land and soil

The life-supporting capacity of Otago’s soil resources is safeguarded and the availability and productive capacity of highly productive land for primary production is maintained now and for future generations.

Support objective in principle.  Highly productive land should be identified at a regional level acknowledging that productivity varies depending on the land use activity.

138

LF–LS–P19 – Highly productive land Maintain the availability and productive capacity of highly productive land

Support objective in principle.  Highly productive land should be identified at a regional level.

139

LF–LS–P22 – Public access Provide for public access to and along lakes and rivers by:

(1) maintaining existing public access,

(2) seeking opportunities to enhance public access, including by mana whenua in their role as kaitiaki and for gathering of mahika kai, and

(3) encouraging landowners to only restrict access where it is necessary to protect:

(a) public health and safety,

(b) significant natural areas,

(c) areas of outstanding natural character,

(d) outstanding natural features and landscapes,

(e) places or areas with special or outstanding historic heritage values, or

(f) places or areas of significance to takata whenua, including wāhi tapu and wāhi tūpuna.

Support policy enabling public access to lakes and rivers.

ECO – Ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity

144

ECO–P10 – Integrated management

 

Implement an integrated and co-ordinated approach to managing Otago’s ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity that:

(1) ensures any permitted or controlled activity in a regional or district plan rule does not compromise the achievement of ECO–O1,

(2) recognises the interactions ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea) between the terrestrial environment, fresh water, and the coastal marine area, including the migration of fish species between fresh and coastal waters,

(3) promotes collaboration between individuals and agencies with biodiversity responsibilities,

(4) supports the various statutory and non-statutory approaches adopted to manage indigenous biodiversity, (5) recognises the critical role of people and communities in actively managing the remaining indigenous biodiversity occurring on private land, and

(6) adopts regulatory and non-regulatory regional pest management programmes

Support integrated and co-ordinated approach to managing ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity and the use of statutory and non-statutory approaches to their management.

145

ECO–M1 – Statement of responsibilities

 

In accordance with section 62(1)(i)(iii) of the RMA 1991, the local authorities responsible for the control of land use to maintain indigenous biological diversity are:

(1) the Regional Council and territorial authorities are responsible for specifying objectives, policies and methods in regional and district plans for managing the margins of wetlands, rivers and lakes,

(2) the Regional Council is responsible for specifying objectives, policies and methods in regional plans:

(a) in the coastal marine area,

(b) in wetlands, lakes and rivers, and

(c) in, on or under the beds of rivers and lakes,

(3) in addition to (1), territorial authorities are responsible for specifying objectives, policies and methods in district plans outside of the areas listed in (2) above if they are not managed by the Regional Council under (4), and

(4) the Regional Council may be responsible for specifying objectives, policies and methods in regional plans outside of the areas listed (1) above if:

(a) the Regional Council reaches agreement with the relevant territorial authority or territorial authorities, and

(b) if applicable, a transfer of powers in accordance with section 33 of the RMA 1991 occurs from the relevant territorial authority or territorial authorities to the Regional Council.

Support in principle but lacks clarity around territorial authority responsibilities.  Preference would be for areas of responsibility to be specifically identified rather than referencing areas ‘outside the areas listed’.  

 

Concerns about resourcing and timeframes for achieving. 

 

145

ECO–M2 – Identification of significant natural areas Local authorities must:

(1) in accordance with the statement of responsibilities in ECO–M1, identify the areas and values of significant natural areas as required by ECO–P2, and

(2) map the areas and include the values identified under (1) in the relevant regional and district plans,

(3) recognise that indigenous biodiversity spans jurisdictional boundaries by:

(a) working collaboratively to ensure the areas identified by different local authorities are not artificially fragmented when identifying significant natural areas that span jurisdictional boundaries, and

(b) ensuring that indigenous biodiversity is managed in accordance with this RPS,

(4) require ecological assessments to be provided with applications for resource consent and notices of requirement that identify whether affected areas are significant natural areas in accordance with APP2,

(5) in the following areas, prioritise identification under (1) no later than 31 December 2025:

(a) intermontane basins that contain indigenous vegetation and habitats,

(b) areas of dryland shrubs,

(c) braided rivers, including the Makarora, Mātukituki and Lower Waitaki Rivers,

(d) areas of montane tall tussock grasslands, and

(e) limestone habitats

Concerns about resourcing and timeframes.  The timeframe may be tight given extent of change currently being faced by territorial authorities.  Resourcing will be challenging for local authorities who are already under pressure from central government resource management and water reforms.  

 

146

ECO–M3 – Identification of taoka Local authorities must: (1) work together with mana whenua to agree a process for:

(a) identifying indigenous species and ecosystems that are taoka,

(b) describing the taoka identified in (1)(a),

(c) mapping or describing the location of the taoka identified in (1)(a), and

(d) describing the values of each taoka identified in (1)(a), and

 (2) notwithstanding (1), recognise that mana whenua have the right to choose not to identify taoka and to choose the level of detail at which identified taoka, or their location or values, are described, and

(3) to the extent agreed by mana whenua, amend their regional and district plans to include matters (1)(b) to (1)(d) above.

Support working with mana whenua and agreement of a process for the identification of taoka

147

ECO–M6 – Engagement

 

Local authorities, when implementing the policies in this chapter, will:

 (1) work collaboratively with other local authorities to adopt an integrated approach to managing Otago’s biodiversity across administrative boundaries,

(2) engage with individuals (including landowners and land occupiers), community groups, government agencies and other organisations with a role or an interest in biodiversity management, and

(3) consult directly with landowners and land occupiers whose properties potentially contain or are part of significant natural areas.

Support collaboration with other local authorities and stakeholders 

148

ECO–M7 – Monitoring Local authorities will:

(1) establish long-term monitoring programmes for areas identified under ECO–P1 that measure the net loss and gain of indigenous biodiversity,

(2) record information (including data) about the state of species, vegetation types and ecosystems,

(3) to the extent possible, use mātauraka Māori and tikaka Māori monitoring methods, as well as scientific monitoring methods, and

(4) regularly report on matters in (1) and (2) and publish these reports.

 

It is not clear whether this responsibility will lie with territorial or the Regional Authority.  The monitoring of ecosystems would most logically sit with Regional Council who have the technical expertise to undertake the monitoring. 

Energy

 

 

EIT–EN–P6 – Managing effects

Manage the adverse effects of renewable electricity generation activities by:

(1) applying EIT–INF–P13,

(2) having regard to:

(a) the functional need to locate renewable electricity generation activities where resources are available,

(b) the operational need to locate where it is possible to connect to the National Grid or electricity sub-transmission infrastructure, and

(c) the extent and magnitude of adverse effects on the environment and the degree to which unavoidable adverse effects can be remedied or mitigated, or residual adverse effects are offset or compensated for; and

(3) requiring consideration of alternative sites, methods and designs, and offsetting or compensation measures (in accordance with any specific requirements for their use in this RPS), where adverse effects are potentially significant or irreversible.

Support in principle including provision for the offsetting of effects.

 

EIT–EN–P8 – Small and community scale distributed electricity generation Provide for small and community scale distributed electricity generation activities that increase the local community’s resilience and security of energy supply.

Support in principle provision for small community scale electricity generation activities.

 

EIT–EN–M2 – District plans Territorial authorities must prepare or amend and maintain their district plans to:

 

(1) provide for activities associated with the investigation, identification and assessment of potential sites and energy sources for renewable electricity generation,

 

(2) require the prioritisation of sites for new renewable electricity generation activities where adverse effects on highly valued natural and physical resources and mana whenua values can be avoided or, at the very least, minimised,

 

(3) manage the adverse effects of developing or upgrading renewable electricity generation activities that:

(a) are on the surface of rivers and lakes and on land outside the coastal marine area, or

(b) the beds of lakes and rivers,

 

(4) provide for the continued operation and maintenance of renewable electricity generation activities on the surface of rivers and lakes and on land outside the coastal marine area and the beds of lakes and rivers,

 

(5) restrict the establishment or occurrence of activities that may adversely affect the efficient functioning of renewable electricity generation infrastructure,

 

(6) require the design of subdivision development to optimise solar gain, including through roading, lot size, dimensions, layout and orientation, and

 

(7) require design of transport infrastructure that provides for multi-modal transport options in urban and rural residential locations.

It is not clear how prioritisation of sites for new renewable electricity might work in practice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Infrastructure

 

156

EIT–INF–O4 – Provision of infrastructure Effective, efficient and resilient infrastructure enables the people and communities of Otago to provide for their social and cultural well-being, their health and safety, and supports sustainable economic development and growth within the region within environmental limits.

Supports providing for efficient and resilient infrastructure.

156

EIT–INF–O5 – Integration Development of nationally and regionally significant infrastructure, as well as land use change, occurs in a co-ordinated manner to minimise adverse effects on the environment and increase efficiency in the delivery, operation and use of the infrastructure.

It is not clear what is meant by nationally and regionally significant infrastructure.

 

EIT–INF–O6 – Long-term planning for electricity transmission infrastructure

 

Long-term investment in, and planning for, electricity transmission infrastructure, and its integration with land use, is sustained.

It is not clear what is meant by this objective.    

 

EIT–INF–P13 – Locating and managing effects of infrastructure

 

When providing for new infrastructure outside the coastal environment:

(1) avoid, as the first priority, locating infrastructure in all of the following:

(a) significant natural areas,

(b) outstanding natural features and landscapes,

(c) natural wetlands,

(d) outstanding water bodies,

(e) areas of high or outstanding natural character,

(f) areas or places of significant or outstanding historic heritage,

(g)wāhi tapu, wāhi taoka, and areas with protected customary rights, and

(h) areas of high recreational and high amenity value, and

(2) if it is not possible to avoid locating in the areas listed in (1) above because of the functional or operational needs of the infrastructure manage adverse effects as follows:

(a) for nationally or regionally significant infrastructure:

(i) in significant natural areas, in accordance with ECO–P4,

(ii) in natural wetlands, in accordance with the relevant provisions in the NESF,

(iii) in outstanding water bodies, in accordance with LF–P12,

(iv) in other areas listed in EIT–INF–P13 (1) above, minimise the adverse effects of the infrastructure on the values that contribute to the area’s importance, and

(b) for all infrastructure that is not nationally or regionally significant, avoid adverse effects on the values that contribute to the area’s outstanding nature or significance.

Support avoidance of new infrastructure in areas with high ecological, cultural, heritage landscape and amenity values. 

 

 

Transport

 

161

EIT–TRAN–O7 – Effective, efficient, and safe transport Otago has an integrated air, land and sea transport network that:

(1) is effective, efficient and safe,

(2) connects communities and their activities within Otago, with other regions, and internationally, and

(3) is resilient to natural hazard

Support development of an integrated transport network for the region that connects communities and is resilient in terms of natural hazard risks.

161

EIT–TRAN–O8 – Transport system

The transport system within Otago supports the movement of people, goods and services, is integrated with land use, provides a choice of transport modes and is adaptable to changes in demand.

Support

 

EIT–TRAN–O9 – Effects of the transport system

The contribution of transport to Otago’s greenhouse gas emissions is reduced and communities are less reliant on fossil fuels for transportation.

Support in principle but the viability of alternative forms of transport may be challenging for some communities.

 

Support providing for increased opportunities for passive transport including requiring new developments to specifically provide for connectivity and opportunities for walking and cycling within new developments. 

161

Policies EIT–TRAN–P18 – Integration of the transport system

The transport system contributes to the social, cultural and economic well-being of the people of Otago through:

(1) integration with land use activities and across transport modes, and

(2) provision of transport infrastructure that enables service delivery as demand requires.

Support providing for a range of transport modes

161

EIT–TRAN–P20 – Public transport Plans and proposals for maintenance and development of the transport system enhance the uptake of public transport by:

(1) providing safe and reliable alternatives to private vehicle transport,

(2) including measures to ensure pedestrian and cyclist safety and amenity, and

(3) taking into consideration the accessibility needs of the community

Support in principal but not sure how a viable a public transport system might be or how it might work in parts of Central Otago, given the population base.  

163

EIT–TRAN–M8 – District plans

Territorial authorities must prepare or amend and maintain their district plans to:

(1) require a strategic approach to the integration of the transport system with land uses and between modes,

(2) require high trip generating activities to be integrated with public transport services and provide for safe pedestrian and cycling access,

(3) include subdivision and infrastructure design standards to minimise private vehicle use, enable public transport networks to operate and recognise the accessibility needs of the community, including the mobility impaired, the elderly and children,

(4) restrict or prevent the establishment or expansion of activities adjacent to transport infrastructure that may compromise the operation or safety of the transport system,

(5) provide for the establishment of transport infrastructure that supports modes of transport that are not reliant on fossil fuels……

 

 

 

 

Support District Plans requiring integration of the transport system and including performance standards that minimise vehicle use and provide for accessibility needs of communities.

 

There is currently no public transport in the Central Otago District, and in the short to medium term it is unlikely that an effective and efficient system will be in place.   The requirement that high trip generating activities integrate with public transport services that don’t exist cannot be met.

Hazards and Risks

 

165

HAZ–NH–O1 – Natural hazards Levels of risk to people, communities and property from natural hazards within Otago do not exceed a tolerable level

Need clarity regarding what a ‘tolerable level’ means in the context of hazards?  How will that be measured and what are the criteria for determining what might be tolerable?  

165

HAZ–NH–O2 – Adaption

Otago’s people, property and communities are prepared for and able to adapt to the effects of natural hazards, including climate change

Support in principle– for natural hazards needs to be based on data that reflects actual risks at land use level.   

165

HAZ–NH–P1 – Identifying areas subject to natural hazards Identify areas where natural hazards may adversely affect Otago’s people, communities and property by assessing:

(1) the hazard type and characteristics,

(2) multiple and cascading hazards, where present,

(3) any cumulative effects,

(4) any effects of climate change,

(5) likelihood, using the best available information, and (6) any other exacerbating factors.

Support in principle.  Would seem appropriate that this would be undertaken at a regional level.

 

HAZ–NH–P2 – Risk assessments Assess the level of natural hazard risk by determining a range of natural hazard event scenarios and their potential consequences in accordance with the criteria set out within APP6

Who will undertake this assessment?  Would seem appropriate that this would be undertaken at a regional level.

169

HAZ–NH–M4 – District plans Territorial authorities must prepare or amend and maintain their district plans to:

(1) achieve policies HAZ–NH–P2 to HAZ–NH–P6 and APP6 on land outside the coastal marine area, beds of lakes and rivers, and wetlands by managing the location, scale and density of activities that may be subject to natural hazard risk,

(2) require implementation of natural hazard risk reduction measures, including to existing activities in accordance with HAZ–NH–P4,

(3) protect the role of natural or modified features and systems that provide mitigation from the adverse effects of natural hazards in accordance with HAZ–NH–P6,

(4) provide for hard protection structures in accordance with HAZ–NH–P7,

(5) provide for the functional needs of hazard mitigation measures, lifeline utilities, and essential or emergency services in accordance with HAZ–NH–P8 and HAZ–NH–P9,

(6) include provisions that require decision makers to apply the precautionary approach set out in HAZ–NH–P5 when considering applications for resource consent for activities that will change the use of land and which may increase the risk from natural hazards within areas subject to natural hazard risk that is uncertain or unknown, but potentially significant or irreversible, and

(7) require a natural hazard risk assessment be undertaken where an activity requires a plan change or resource consent to change the use of land which will increase the risk from natural hazards within areas subject to natural hazards, and where the application is lodged prior to the natural hazard risk assessment required by HAZ–NH–M2(1) being completed, the natural hazard risk assessment must include:

(a) an assessment of the level of natural hazard risk associated with the proposal in accordance with APP6, and

(b) an assessment demonstrating how the proposal will achieve the outcomes set out in Policies HAZ–NH–P3 and HAZ–NH–P4.

The hazard information should be produced by the Otago Regional Council and adjoining regional authorities and made available to District Councils for inclusion in District Plans  

Contaminated Land

 

173

HAZ–CL–O3 – Contaminated land

Contaminated land and waste materials are managed to protect human health, mana whenua values and the environment in Otago

Support careful management of contaminated land.

 

HAZ–CL–P15 – New contaminated land

Avoid the creation of new contaminated land or, where this is not practicable, minimise adverse effects on the environment and mana whenua values.

 

Support avoiding the creation of new contaminated land sites.

Heritage and Cultural Values

 

176

HCV–WT–M2 – Regional and district plans Local authorities must prepare or amend and maintain their regional and district plans to include methods that are in accordance with tikaka to:

(1) control activities in, or adjacent to, wāhi tūpuna sites and areas,

(2) require cultural impact assessments where activities have the potential to adversely affect wāhi tūpuna,

(3) require including conditions on resource consents or designations to provide buffers or setbacks between wāhi tūpuna and incompatible activities, (4) require including accidental discovery protocols as conditions on resource consents or designations for activities that may unearth archaeological sites, and (5) maintain existing access to identified wāhi tūpuna sites and areas and promote improved access where practicable

Support

176

HCV–WT–M3 – Collaboration with Kāi Tahu

Local authorities must include Kāi Tahu in all decision-making concerning protection of the values of wāhi tūpuna sites and areas and collaborate with Kāi Tahu to:

(1) identify and protect places, areas or landscapes of cultural, spiritual or traditional significance to them,

(2) identify and protect the values that contribute to their significance, and

(3) share information relevant to Kāi Tahu interests.

Support collaboration with Kāi Tahu in all decision making concerning the protection of wāhi tupuna.

178

HCV–WT–O1 – Kāi Tahu cultural landscapes

Wāhi tūpuna and their associated cultural values are identified and protected.

Support identification and protection of wāhi tupuna

178

HCV–HH–O3 – Historic heritage resources

Otago’s unique historic heritage contributes to the region’s character, sense of identity, and social, cultural and economic well-being, and is preserved for future generations.

Support preservation of historic heritage for future generations.

178

HCV–HH–P3 – Recognising historic heritage Recognise that Otago’s historic heritage includes:

(1) Māori cultural and historic heritage values,

(2) archaeological sites,

(3) residential and commercial buildings,

(4) pastoral sites,

(5) surveying equipment, communications and transport, including roads, bridges and routes,

(6) industrial historic heritage, including mills and brickworks,

(7) gold and other mining systems and settlements,

(8) dredge and ship wrecks,

(9) ruins,

(10) coastal historic heritage, particularly Kāi Tahu occupation sites and those associated with early European activities such as whaling,

(11) memorials, and

(12) trees and vegetation

Support recognition of the rich heritage in Otago

178

HCV–HH–P4 – Identifying historic heritage

Identify the places and areas of historic heritage in Otago in accordance with APP8 and categorise them as:

(1) places and areas with special or outstanding historic heritage values or qualities, or

(2) places and areas with historic heritage values or qualities.

Support identification of historic heritage in Otago

179

HCV–HH–P5 – Managing historic heritage Protect historic heritage by:

(1) requiring the use of accidental discovery protocols,

(2) avoiding adverse effects on areas or places with special or outstanding historic heritage values or qualities,

(3) avoiding significant adverse effects on areas or places with historic heritage values or qualities,

(4) avoiding, as the first priority, other adverse effects on areas or places with historic heritage values or qualities,

(5) where adverse effects demonstrably cannot be completely avoided, remedying or mitigating them, and (6) recognising that for infrastructure, EIT–INF–P13 applies instead of HCV–HH–P5(1) to (5).

Support protection of historic heritage in Otago

179

HCV–HH–P6 – Enhancing historic heritage Enhance places and areas of historic heritage wherever possible through the implementation of plan provisions, decisions on applications for resource consent and notices of requirement and non-regulatory methods.

Support use of non-regulatory methods to enhance historic heritage

181

HCV–HH–M5 – District Plans Territorial authorities must prepare or amend and maintain their district plans to the extent necessary to:

(1) identify places and areas with historic heritage in accordance with HCV-HH-P4 that are located outside the beds of lakes and rivers, wetlands and the coastal marine area,

(2) control the following where they may adversely affect historic heritage:

(a) the location, intensity and form of subdivision,

(b) the character, location, scale and form of activities (including structures) outside the beds of lakes and rivers and the coastal marine area,

(c) the location and scale of earthworks and indigenous vegetation removal outside the beds of lakes and rivers and the coastal marine area,

(d) the disturbance, demolition or alteration of physical elements or structures with special or outstanding historic heritage value or qualities outside the coastal marine area, beds of lakes and rivers,

(3) include implementation methods to protect historic heritage places and areas required by HCV– HH–P5, and may also include:

(a) assessment criteria, development standards or thresholds to control the scale, intensity, form and location of activities (including for the purposes of controlling cumulative adverse effects),

(b) conditions on resource consents and designations to provide buffers or setbacks between historic heritage places or areas and other incompatible activity,

(c) accidental discovery protocols as conditions on resource consents for earthworks or other activities that may unearth archaeological features, (d) providing for activities seeking to retain historic heritage places, areas or landscapes, including adaptive reuse, maintenance and seismic strengthening,

(e) including heritage alert layers in plans to inform the public about areas where there is a high probability of the presence of heritage values, particularly archaeological values, and

(4) require the use of accidental discovery protocols as conditions on resource consents and designations for earthworks or other activities that may unearth archaeological features.

Support development of controls in district plans to manage the effects of subdivision and land use on historic heritage in terms of scale, location, character and demolition. 

 

Support requirement for accidental discovery protocols.

Natural features and landscapes

 

182

NFL–P1 – Identification

In order to manage outstanding and highly valued natural features and landscapes, identify:

(1) the areas and values of outstanding and highly valued natural features and landscapes in accordance with APP9, and

(2) the capacity of those natural features and landscapes to accommodate use or development while protecting the values that contribute to the natural feature and landscape being considered outstanding or highly valued.

Support in principle the identification of outstanding natural features and landscapes and the assessment of the carrying capacity in terms of use or development.

 

 

NFL–M1 – Identification Territorial authorities must:

(1) include in their district plans a map or maps and a statement of the values of the areas of outstanding and highly valued natural features and landscapes in accordance with NFL–P1,

(2) include in their district plans a statement of the capacity of outstanding and highly valued natural features and landscapes to accommodate change in use and development without their values being materially compromised or lost, in accordance with NFL–P1,

(3) recognise that natural features and landscapes may span jurisdictional boundaries and work together, including with the Regional Council, to identify areas under (1) to ensure that the identification of natural features and landscapes are treated uniformly across district boundaries, and

(4) prioritise identification under (1) in areas that are likely to contain outstanding natural features or landscapes and are likely to face development or growth pressure over the life of this RPS.

Support in principal inclusion of carrying capacity of outstanding natural features.  

 

Support territorial and regional authority working together to identify when they may cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Urban form and development

 

186

UFD–O2 – Development of urban areas

The development and change of Otago’s urban areas:

(1) improves housing choice, quality, and affordability,

(2) allows business and other non-residential activities to meet the needs of communities in appropriate locations,

(3) respects and wherever possible enhances the area’s history, setting, and natural and built environment,

(4) delivers good urban design outcomes, and improves liveability,

(5) improves connectivity within urban areas, particularly by active transport and public transport,

(6) minimises conflict between incompatible activities,

(7) manages the exposure of risk from natural hazards in accordance with the HAZ–NH – Natural hazards section of this RPS,

(8) results in sustainable and efficient use of water, energy, land, and infrastructure,

(9) achieves integration of land use with existing and planned development infrastructure and additional infrastructure and facilitates the safe and efficient ongoing use of regionally significant infrastructure,

(10) achieves consolidated, well designed and located, and sustainable development in and around existing urban areas as the primary focus for accommodating the region’s urban growth and change, and

(11) is guided by the input and involvement of mana whenua.

Support objective and approach to development in urban areas.

187

UFD–P1 – Strategic planning

Strategic planning processes, undertaken at an appropriate scale and detail, precede urban growth and development and:

(1) ensure integration of land use and infrastructure, including how, where and when necessary development infrastructure and additional infrastructure will be provided, and by whom,

(2) demonstrate at least sufficient development capacity supported by integrated infrastructure provision for Otago’s housing and business needs in the short, medium and long term,

(3) maximise current and future opportunities for increasing resilience, and facilitating adaptation to changing demand, needs, preferences and climate change,

(4) minimise risks from and improve resilience to natural hazards, including those exacerbated by climate change, while not increasing risk for other development,

(5) indicate how connectivity will be improved and connections will be provided within urban areas,

(6) provide opportunities for iwi, hapū and whānau involvement in planning processes, including in decision making, to ensure provision is made for their needs and aspirations, and cultural practices and values,

(7) facilitate involvement of the current community and respond to the reasonably foreseeable needs of future communities, and

(8) identify, maintain and where possible, enhance important features and values identified by this RPS.

Support the use of strategic planning processes to plan for future growth. 

 

 


11 August 2021

 

21.6.4         Cromwell Bike Park Shelter Construction

Doc ID:      541752

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider granting consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of Conservation, permission for the Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated to construct a shelter over the existing starting ramps at the facility on the Neplusultra Recreation Reserve.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees to consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of Conservation to Council granting approval for the Cromwell Bike Park to erect a shelter over the existing starting ramps subject to necessary consents being sought as per Clause 7.2 of the lease.

 

 

2.       Background

 

At their meeting of 15 June 2021, the Cromwell Community Board (the Board) considered a request for the Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated who hold a lease that covers an area of 1.0 ha (more or less) of the Neplusultra Recreation Reserve, being part of Lots 1 and 2 Deposited Plan 19357 to erect a shelter over the existing starting ramps.

 

A copy of the report to the Board dated 15 June 2021 is attached as Appendix 1.

 

On consideration the Board resolved (Resolution 21.5.3) as follows:

 

Approves the Cromwell Bike Park erecting a shelter over the existing starting ramps subject to necessary consents being sought and approved, and subject to the Minister of Conservation’s consent as per Clause 7.2 of the lease.

 

3.       Discussion

 

The lease between Central Otago District Council and the Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated includes the following clauses:

 

7.2

That with the exception of any buildings, structures or improvements associated with and necessary for the use of the land for the purposes specified in clause 11 the Lessee shall not erect any buildings on that land without prior consent in writing of the Lessor and the Minister and the Lessee shall not alter, replace or paint any building or erect, alter, replace or paint any fence or other structure on the land without first obtaining the written approval of the Lessor and for the purposes shall supply sufficient plans and specifications and colour schemes for all proposed works.

 

 

 

11.1

THE Lessee shall not carry on any business or activity on the land other than the permitted use specified in the First Schedule. The Lessee shall comply with any statutes, regulations, ordinances or bylaws applicable thereto and shall conduct all operations in a proper and efficient manner so as to provide a bona fide service to the public to the satisfaction of the Lesser.

 

Minister of Conservation’s Consent

Under the Reserves Act 1977, the Minister of Conservation’s consent is required by the administering body when granting permission to erect structures or buildings over recreation reserve. The purpose of the Minister’s consent is to ensure due process under the Act has been followed by the administering body.

 

Pursuant to section 10 of the Act, and in accordance with the ‘Instrument of Delegation to Territorial Authorities’ dated 12 June 2013, the Minister of Conservation has delegated the granting of that consent to the Council.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

To grant consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of Conservation

to the Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated to erect a shelter over the existing starting ramp in the area identified as per Appendix 2.

 

Advantages:

 

·         It is consistent with the current usage of the site and enhances its amenity.

·         Provides an all-weather shelter.

·         Recognises that due process has been followed.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         There may be some minor visual impacts.

 

Option 2

 

To not grant consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of Conservation

to the Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated to erect a shelter over the existing starting ramp in the area.  Appendix 2.

 

Advantages:

 

·         None.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Does not provide an all-weather shelter.

·         Limits the usage for national events.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

The Minister of Conservation’s consent is delegated to Council in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977, and the “Instrument of Delegation to Territorial Authority’s” dated 12 June 2013.

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

There are no financial implications related to the recommendation.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

Yes, consistent with the Neplusultra Recreation Reserve Management Plan by encouraging the facilitation of the reserve for recreation and sporting purposes for the welfare and enjoyment of the public.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

No sustainability, environmental or climate change impacts are related to the decision as consenting the shelter will have no material effect on the land.

 

Risks Analysis

 

The necessary building consent to erect the shelter could fail to meet the Building Code. In this case, however, the shelter design could be modified to meet consenting requirements.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

The decision is not considered significant with regard to the Significance and Engagement Policy. Firstly, it fits within the existing Neplusultra Street Reserve Management Plan. Secondly, a good understanding of the views of the persons likely to be affected by the matter has been gained through consulting with the site’s neighbours, who are not opposed to the shelter construction.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

1.      Community Board Approval                                        09 June 2021

2.      Consent on behalf of the Minister of Conservation       11 August 2021

3.      Applicant advised of outcome                                     Mid-August 2021

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Cromwell Community Board Report - 15 Jun 2021

Appendix 2 - Bike Shelter Conceptual Plans  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

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Debbie Shaw

David Campbell

Property and Facilities Officer (Cromwell)

Acting Executive Manager - Planning and Environment

27/07/2021

27/07/2021

 


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

21.5.3         Cromwell Bike Park Shelter Construction

Doc ID:      532026

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider a request from the Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated to the construct a shelter over the existing starting ramps at the facility on the Neplusultra Recreation Reserve.

 

Recommendations

That the Cromwell Community Board

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves the Cromwell Bike Park erecting a shelter over the existing starting ramps subject to necessary consents being sought and approved, and subject to the Minister of Conservation’s consent as per Clause 7.2 of the lease.

C.      Authorises the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

 

 

2.       Background

 

The Cromwell Bike Park lease covers an area of about 1.0 ha of the Neplusultra Recreation Reserve. It is described as being part of Lots 1 and 2 Deposited Plan 19357.

 

The lease approves the use of the area as a bike park, incorporating a BMX track, learn to ride track, pump track and jump park.

 

An overview of the lease terms are as follows:

 

         Commencement Date:           1 July 2013

         Term:                                      Five (5) years

         Rights of Renewal:                 One further term of five (5) years

         Final Expiry Date:                   30 June 2023

         Annual Rent:                          One (1) dollar per annum if demanded 

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated are seeking Board approval to erect a shelter over the existing starting block position. The cost of this is being sponsored by James Dodd, of Wide Span Sheds.

 

Erecting the shelter is consistent with the Neplusultra Recreation Reserve Management Plan in that it encourages the facilitation of the reserve for recreation and sporting purposes for the welfare and enjoyment of the public.

 

The addition of a shelter to the Cromwell Bike Park will enhance the site’s usage amenity. The shelter would provide protection to event participants in inclement weather, and as a result Cromwell Bike Park could be looked upon more favourably as a venue for holding national or other major events.

 

Neighbours have been consulted and are not opposed to the shelter’s construction.

 

Below is a concept illustration:

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The lease between Central Otago District Council and the Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated includes the following clauses regarding the erection of structures:

 

7.2

That with the exception of any buildings, structures or improvements associated with and necessary for the use of the land for the purposes specified in clause 11 the Lessee shall not erect any buildings on that land without prior consent in writing of the Lessor and the Minister and the Lessee shall not alter, replace or paint any building or erect, alter, replace or paint any fence or other structure on the land without first obtaining the written approval of the Lessor and for the purposes shall supply sufficient plans and specifications and colour schemes for all proposed works.

 

11.1

THE Lessee shall not carry on any business or activity on the land other than the permitted use specified in the First Schedule. The Lessee shall comply with any statutes, regulations,  ordinances or bylaws applicable thereto and shall conduct all operations in a proper and efficient manner so as to provide a bona fide service to the public to the satisfaction of the Lesser.

 

As such, the Cromwell Community Board’s permission is being requested to erect the proposed shelter. The Minister of Conservation’s consent can then be sought.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

Approve the Cromwell Bike Park erecting a shelter over the existing starting ramps subject to necessary consents being sought and approved, and subject to the Minister of Conservation’s consent as per Clause 7.2 of the lease.

Advantages:

 

·         It is consistent with the current usage of the site and enhances its amenity.

·         The Cromwell Bike Park could be looked upon more favourably as a venue for holding national or other major events.

·         Provides an all-weather shelter.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         There may be some minor visual impacts.

 

Option 2

 

To not grant permission for the Cromwell Bike Park to erect the shelter over the starting blocks.

 

Advantages:

 

·         None.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Does not enhance the amenity of this site.

·         The Cromwell Bike Park would be unable to provide an all-weather track for national or other major events.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the social wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by providing an upgrade of a sporting facility for the physical welfare and enjoyment of the public.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

There are no financial implications to the Board as all costs are being covered by the applicant.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

Yes, consistent with the Neplusultra Recreation Reserve Management Plan by encouraging the facilitation of the reserve for recreation and sporting purposes for the welfare and enjoyment of the public.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

None

 

Risks Analysis

The necessary building consent to erect the shelter could be declined. In this case, however, the shelter design could be modified to meet consenting requirements.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

The decision is not considered significant with regard to the Significance and Engagement Policy. Firstly, it fits within the existing Neplusultra Street Reserve Management Plan. Secondly, a good understanding of the views of the persons likely to be affected by the matter has been gained through consulting with the site’s neighbours, who are not opposed to the shelter’s construction.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

Advise Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated of the Board’s Resolution

Seek the Minister of Conservation’s consent

Advise Cromwell Bike Park Incorporated of outcome

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Nil

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Debbie Shaw

Louise van der Voort

Property and Facilities Officer (Cromwell)

Executive Manager - Planning and Environment

31/05/2021

8/06/2021

 


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

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11 August 2021

 

21.6.5         Request for approval to locate a Container at Cromwell Golf Club

Doc ID:      544187

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider a granting consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of

Conservation, permission for the Cromwell Golf Club to site a 40 foot storage (shipping) container on the area as identified on the Recreation Reserve.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Authorises the Cromwell Golf Club to locate a container within the area currently used for storage as indicated in Appendix 2 of the report.

C.      Agrees to consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of Conservation to Council granting approval for the Cromwell Golf Club to locate a container within the area used for storage as indicated in Appendix 2 of the report.

 

 

2.       Background

 

At their meeting of 29 July 2021, the Cromwell Community Board (the Board) considered a request for the Cromwell Golf Club who holds a lease that covers 22.2780 hectares being Part Certificate of Title 77782. The land is held by Council in a fee simple title. In 1984 a Gazette Notice was registered classifying the land as “Recreation Reserve”, and so the land is subject to the Reserves Act 1977. The Club occupy the land by Deed of Lease dated 22 September 2008.

A copy of the report to the Board dated 29 July 2021 is attached as Appendix 3.

 

On consideration the Board resolved (Resolution 21.6.3) as follows:

        Recommends to Council under delegated authority for the Minister of Conservation that a container be located for storage at the Cromwell Golf Club in the area indicated in Appendix 2 of the report.

 

3.       Discussion

 

The land is also subject to a lease agreement between Council (the lessor) and the Club (the lessee).

 

Clause 6 (a) of the lease agreement states that:

“The Lessee will not make any structural alterations to the buildings already standing on the said land and will not erect or make any further buildings structures or improvements on the said land without the consent in writing of the Lessor and the Minister of Lands first had and obtained.”

 

Reference to the Minister of Lands

Pursuant to section 64B of the Conservation Act 1987, the Minister of Conservation may exercise any power that, at the time it was conferred, was expressed to be exercisable by the Minister of Lands. Therefore, the consent required from the Minister of Lands can be given by the Minister of Conservation.

 

Minister of Conservation’s Consent

Under the Reserves Act 1977, the Minister of Conservation’s consent is required by the administering body when granting a lease over recreation reserve. The purpose of the Minister’s consent is to ensure due process under the Act has been followed by the administering body.

 

Pursuant to section 10 of the Act, and in accordance with the ‘Instrument of Delegation to Territorial Authorities’ dated 12 June 2013, the Minister of Conservation has delegated the granting of that consent to the Council.

 

Therefore, to site a container, the Club requires:

 

·         Authorisation of the Cromwell Community Board

·         Authorisation from Council acting under delegated authority for the Minister of Conservation                                                                                                                 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

To authorise the Cromwell Golf Club under delegated authority, to site a ‘40-foot’ storage container on Section 4 Block XCII Town of Cromwell to provide for additional storage subject to:

 

·         The container being sited as indicated in Appendix 2.

·         The Council approving the colour to match the adjacent shed.

 

Disadvantages:

·         None to Council.

 

Option 2

To not authorise the Cromwell Golf Club under delegated authority, to locate a container on the lease area as indicated in Appendix 2.

 

Advantages:

 

·         There are no additional buildings sited on the reserve.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         The benefits from having additional golf carts available cannot be realised.


 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the social and economic wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by providing storage space for hireable golf carts.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

There are no financial implications or costs to Council or the Cromwell Community Board associated with this decision. 

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

The decision is consistent with the 2015 Cromwell Sports Parks Reserve Management Plan.

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

There are no sustainability, environmental, or climate change impacts related to this decision.

 

Risks Analysis

There are no risks identified with this decision.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

Council’s Significance Consultation and Engagement policy is not triggered by this decision.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

Consent of the Minister of Conservation  11 August 2021

Club advised of the outcome                    August 2021

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Photograph indicating proposed site for storage container

Appendix 2 - Plan indicating proposed site for storage container

Appendix 3 - Cromwell Community Board report 29 July 2021  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

A picture containing text

Description automatically generated

Debbie Shaw

David Campbell

Property and Facilities Officer (Cromwell)

Acting Executive Manager - Planning and Environment

30/07/2021

30/07/2021

 


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

Appendix 1: Photograph indicating proposed site for storage container

 

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Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

Appendix 2: Plan indicating proposed site for storage container

 

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Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

21.6.3         Request for Approval to Site a Container at Cromwell Golf Club

Doc ID:      540096

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider a request from the Cromwell Golf Club to site a ‘40-foot’ storage container on Section 4 Block XCII Town of Cromwell, being recreation reserve leased from Council.

 

Recommendations

That the Cromwell Community Board

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Authorises the Cromwell Golf Club to locate a container within the area currently used for storage as indicated in Appendix 2.

C.      Recommends to Council under delegated authority for the Minister of Conservation that a container be located for storage at the Cromwell Golf Club in the area indicated in Appendix 2.

 

 

2.       Background

 

The Cromwell Golf Club occupy an area of 22.2780 hectares being Part Certificate of Title 77782. The land is held by Council in a fee simple title. In 1984 a Gazette Notice was registered classifying the land as “Recreation Reserve”, and so the land is subject to the Reserves Act 1977. The Club occupy the land by Deed of Lease dated 22 September 2008.

 

The land contains the ‘back nine’ holes, the carpark, driving range, clubhouse and auxiliary buildings. The Club use the auxiliary buildings for a variety of purposes, including storing their 10 golf carts. The Club hires these carts to members and visitors to generate income. Over the last five years, demand for cart hire has increased substantially. To meet this increased demand the Club now plan to purchase more carts.

 

Once purchased, the new carts will need to be stored securely and out of the weather.

The Club have investigated a variety of storage options, including the construction of a purpose-built shed. However, this option proved to be cost prohibitive. The Club have determined that using a ‘40-foot’ storage container (12.19 metres long) is a cost-effective and secure option, which can also be easily moved or relocated if required.  

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

The container’s proposed location would be within the 2015 Cromwell Sports Park Reserve Management Plan area. The purpose of a management plan is to ensure that the development and implementation of objectives and policies for reserves enhances the long-term use of reserves without compromising their existing use.

 

The Club’s proposal enhances the long-term use of the reserve by increasing the availability of golf carts to members and visitors. This improves access to and enjoyment of the reserve. Revenue from hiring out the golf carts also aids the long-term sustainability of the Club, who are the primary users of the reserve.

 

In considering whether siting a container might compromise the reserve’s existing use, the management plan provides the following guidance regarding structures on the reserve:

 

Objectives

2.       To ensure all buildings managed and owned by clubs on reserve land have a current lease agreement.

 

Policies

3.1     Neither they, nor associated car parking, unduly restrict the area useable for outdoor recreation.

3.2     They do not obstruct the entrances to the park.

3.3     They do not detract from the open nature of the park, especially as seen from surrounding roads.

 

Carefully choosing the location for a container can ensure that car parking and outdoor recreation area is not unduly restricted, and that entrances are not obstructed. Minimising the visual impact of a container on the reserve can ensure that it does not detract from the open nature of the park.

 

The Club propose to locate the container alongside an existing shed used for storage, and paint it in a colour sympathetic to its surroundings. As such, there would be only minimal effects of siting the container on the land.

 

A photograph indicating the container’s proposed location beside the existing storage shed is shown in Appendix 1.

 

A plan indicating the container’s proposed location is shown in Appendix 2.

 

The land is also subject to a lease agreement between Council (the lessor) and the Club (the lessee).

Clause 6 (a) of the lease agreement states that:

“The Lessee will not make any structural alterations to the buildings already standing on the said land and will not erect or make any further buildings structures or improvements on the said land without the consent in writing of the Lessor and the Minister of Lands first had and obtained.”

 

Reference to the Minister of Lands

Pursuant to section 64B of the Conservation Act 1987, the Minister of Conservation may exercise any power that, at the time it was conferred, was expressed to be exercisable by the Minister of Lands. Therefore, the consent required from the Minister of Lands can be given by the Minister of Conservation.

 

Minister of Conservation’s Consent

Under the Reserves Act 1977, the Minister of Conservation’s consent is required by the administering body when granting a lease over recreation reserve. The purpose of the Minister’s consent is to ensure due process under the Act has been followed by the administering body.

Pursuant to section 10 of the Act, and in accordance with the ‘Instrument of Delegation to Territorial Authorities’ dated 12 June 2013, the Minister of Conservation has delegated the granting of that consent to the Council.

 

Therefore, to site a container, the Club require:

 

·         Authorisation of the Cromwell Community Board

·         Authorisation from Council acting under delegated authority for the Minister of Conservation                                                                                    

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

To authorise the Cromwell Golf Club to site a ‘40-foot’ storage container on Section 4 Block XCII Town of Cromwell to provide for additional storage subject to:

 

·         The container being sited as indicated in Appendix 2.

·         The Council approving the colour to match the adjacent shed.

·         The consent of Council acting under delegated authority for the Minister of Conservation

 

Advantages:

 

·         Having additional golf carts available can facilitate public recreational use and enjoyment of this outdoor space

·         Revenue from hiring out the golf carts aids the long-term sustainability of the Club, who are the primary users of the reserve

·         The conditions for siting and colour of the container minimise impact on the reserve

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         None to Council

 

Option 2

 

To not authorise the Cromwell Golf Club to locate a container on the lease area as indicated in Appendix 2.

 

Advantages:

 

·         There are no additional structures sited on the reserve

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         The benefits from having additional golf carts available cannot be realised

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the social and economic wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by providing storage space for hireable golf carts.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

There are no financial implications or costs to Council or the Cromwell Community Board associated with this decision. 

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

The decision is consistent with the 2015 Cromwell Sports Parks Reserve Management Plan.

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

There are no sustainability, environmental, or climate change impacts related to this decision.

 

Risks Analysis

There are no risks identified with this decision.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

Council’s Significance and Engagement policy is not triggered by this decision.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

Community Board Approval                                                                     29 July 2021

Consent of the Minister of Conservation sought                                    11 August 2021

Club advised of the outcome                                                                   August 2021

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Photograph indicating proposed site for storage container 

Appendix 2 - Plan indicating proposed site for storage container   

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Debbie Shaw

Louise van der Voort

Property and Facilities Officer (Cromwell)

Executive Manager - Planning and Environment

5/07/2021

14/07/2021

 

 


11 August 2021

 

21.6.6         Cromwell Aerodrome - Refueling Facility

Doc ID:      547011

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider a proposal from RD Petroleum to establish an aviation refuelling facility at Cromwell Aerodrome.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees in principle to approve the issuing of a licence to occupy to RD Petroleum for refuelling facility at Cromwell Aerodrome comprising two 10,000 litre tanks for avgas and Jet A1 fuel.

C.      Authorises the CEO to confirm approval of final location and design of refuelling facility to include safe and secure access for all potential users.

D.      Authorises the CEO to approve acceptable terms and conditions for the Licence to Occupy similar to the Licence for the refuelling facility at Alexandra Airport and do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolutions.

 

2.       Background

 

RD Petroleum have approached Council to propose establishing a refuelling facility at Cromwell Aerodrome (the Aerodrome).

 

Their proposal is to install two above ground 10,000 litre tanks and fuel pumps for avgas and Jet A1 fuel. The facility would be card operated and would meet all required safety and building regulations for fuel storage.

 

The facility would look similar to one of the same size shown in photo below at Hanmer Springs.

 

 

Further investigation is required by RD Petroleum to establish the cost of a power connection to the site as there is no power supply close to the aerodrome.

 

RD Petroleum are requesting to use an area of approximately 27m x 10m and initial investigations look like their preferred location would be beside the first hangar adjacent to Ord Road. See Figure 1 below which shows the indicative site highlighted in green.

 

 

Figure 1: Proposed fuel facility location at Cromwell Airport

 

RD Petroleum are requesting that Council confirm interest in the proposal so they can proceed with further investigation and design work.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

An aviation refuelling facility would be an advantage for the lessees and other users of the Aerodrome as currently Alexandra Airport is the closest facility. RD Petroleum has received interest from local operators to provide fuel at the Aerodrome for aircraft used for frost fighting and cherry drying.

 

The Aerodrome is designated for airport purposes under the District Plan and a refuelling facility is considered within the scope of this designation. Any further approvals and/or consents required would be the responsibility of RD Petroleum.

 

The refuelling facility would be established at no cost to Council. All costs including a new power connection would be covered by RD Petroleum. The cost of the new power connection could be significant as there is no power supply at or close to the Aerodrome.

 

There may be an opportunity for Council and hangar site lessees to be able to utilise the new power connection from the refuelling facility in the future. A connection cost may apply which would be covered by lessees. If Council needs its own connection, funding would need to be approved if outside budget.

 

There are currently 15 hangar sites at the Aerodrome and room for approximately five more sites adjacent to Ord Road. The proposed location will not interfere with current hangar sites and is in an area where no further sites are proposed to be developed. The location of the facility will be setback to achieve the minimum setbacks required for the storage of bulk fuel.

 

Alexandra Airport has a similar aviation refuelling facility owned by Z Energy. A licence to occupy was issued to Z Energy in 2013 for a term of five years with four rights of renewal of five years. The annual licence fee is $100 per year. The minimal fee was set as there was some uncertainty at the time around how much the facility would be used, and Council wanted Z Energy to commit to keeping the facility at Alexandra.

 

It is proposed that a similar licence to occupy be issued to RD Petroleum to establish a refuelling facility at Cromwell Aerodrome. It is also proposed that the CEO negotiate a minimal annual fee for the first five-year term of the Licence due to potentially high establishment costs with five yearly rent reviews. The review would be based on fair value as assessed by registered valuer and agreed methodology for subsequent reviews.

 

The Licence would include conditions for RD Petroleum to comply with all requirements of the relevant legislation, including the Building Act 2004, Hazards Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and Resource Management Act 1991.

 

The refuelling facility at Alexandra Airport is also used by non-aviation users for jet boat fuel and vehicles picking up fuel for aircraft not landing at the airport. It is anticipated that these activities will also occur at Cromwell Aerodrome once the new fuel facility is installed. Therefore, further investigation is recommended to determine how to provide safe and secure access for all users of the proposed aviation fuel facility at Cromwell Aerodrome.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

To approve in principle the issuing of a licence to occupy to RD Petroleum for a refuelling facility at Cromwell Aerodrome based on the same terms and conditions for the Licence issued for fuel facility at Alexandra Airport.

 

Advantages:

·         Having a fuel facility with both grades of aviation fuel could attract more potential hangar site lessees.

·         RD Petroleum will cover the costs of a new power supply connection for the refuelling facility which could make it more affordable for Council or lessees to utilise the power supply in the future.

·         Local operators have expressed interest to have fuel at the Aerodrome for aircraft carrying out frost fighting and cherry drying which assists local orchards and vineyards.

 

Disadvantages:

·         Land is taken up with the fuel facility.

 

Option 2

To decline to approve the issuing of a licence to occupy to RD Petroleum for aviation refuelling facility at Cromwell Aerodrome on same terms and conditions for Licence issued for fuel facility at Alexandra Airport.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Land is not taken up by the fuel facility.

 

Disadvantages:

·         Lack of fuel facility at Cromwell Aerodrome may encourage high risk and/or illegal practises of storing fuel in hangars at the Aerodrome.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

The Airport is a local infrastructure asset, provides a local service and has potential to assist with economic development.

 

Development at the Aerodrome promotes the social and economic wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by providing opportunity for aviation associated land use, not common to other communities.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

There are no financial implications for this proposal.

 

A minimal annual fee will be payable to Council for the Licence to Occupy which will be reviewed after five years and will add to Airport income streams.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

The Aerodrome is designated for Airport Purposes under the District Plan and an aviation refuelling facility is considered within the scope of the designation.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

No sustainability, environmental or climate change impacts are related to the recommendation.

 

Risks Analysis

The proposed licence to occupy will include conditions for compliance with all requirements of the relevant legislation.

 

The licensee will also be required to meet all safety regulations related to fuel storage.

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

The Significance and Engagement Policy has been considered with none of the criteria being met or exceeded.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

·     Advise RD Petroleum that Council is agreeable in principle to establishment of refuelling facility at Cromwell Aerodrome.

·     Council officers investigate potential safe access to the refuelling facility.

·     RD Petroleum confirm full proposal.

·     Licence to occupy issued based on the terms and conditions of the licence for refuelling facility at Alexandra Airport.

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Nil

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

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Tara Bates

David Campbell

Property Officer

Acting Executive Manager - Planning and Environment

26/07/2021

27/07/2021

 


11 August 2021

 

21.6.7         WoolOn 2021 Event Request for Grant

Doc ID:      547976

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider an application from WoolOn Creative Fashion Society Inc for a grant of $10,000 for the 2021 year event.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves a grant of $10,000 to the WoolOn Creative Fashion Society Incorporated for WoolOn creative fashion events 13 – 15 August 2021. The approved grant to be applied to venue costs, master of ceremonies, event marketing and communication only and is to be funded from reserves.

 

2.       Background

 

The WoolOn Creative Fashion event has a long history in the Alexandra area with the first event being held in 2004. After moving away from the Alexandra Blossom Festival eventa grant was sought and approved in 2018 from the Vincent Community Board to the amount of $15,000.  In 2019 a grant of $15,000 was again approved by the Vincent Community Board for an event to be held at Molyneux Stadium. The committee subsequently cancelled that planned event determining the venue was not suitable and therefore the approved grant was rescinded. An alternate venue was identified in Cromwell, however a promotion grant application made to the Cromwell Community Board was declined with the Board noting that if funding was made available it should be through Council and not at Board level due to the district wide benefits for this event.

 

A grant application was made to Council for a 2020 event, with Council agreeing to fund $15,000 from reserves. The event was cancelled as a result of COVID_19 and the approved grant was once again rescinded.

 

The Central Otago District Council (the Council) introduced a new grant policy in 2020. Given there was a transition period to a fully contestable process, a bridging grant programme was put in place to ensure no financial hardship was experienced by known applicants. WoolOn was advised in writing on 24 February 2021 of the new process with an invitation to discuss options with staff should the change cause financial hardship. There is no known record of staff being contacted with regards to the WoolOn event funding.

 

In late July staff became aware of the event facing financial difficulties and although all deadlines had been missed it was agreed that Council should assess whether they wished to consider provision of a grant to the event given its potential to be a signature event for Central Otago. Staff then advised that an urgent application may be made to allow a report to Council’s 11 August 2021 meeting, which is outside the contestable grant funding round process.

 

Despite the advice to provide the application no later than Tuesday 27 July to allow a report to be prepared for the 11 August meeting, an application was not received until 8.14pm on Sunday 1 August, making this a late report for Council’s agenda.

 

Council does not budget grant funding for events at a district wide benefit level. Council’s grant policy defines rate payer funded grants in two ways:

·     Promotions grants – these are funded from targeted rates in each ward.

·     Community grants – fund projects outside of the promotions criteria and are funded through ward and Council rates.

 

The applicant is aware that there are challenges for Council in accepting this application.

·     There is no specific budgeted promotion grant money available and it would not normally be financially prudent for Council to grant unallocated funds.

·     It is unfair to other potential applicants if grants are made outside of the contestable process.

·     It does not meet the process as outlined in the new Grants Policy.

·     The applicant is effectively requesting Council to provide funding towards a projected budget shortfall and not tagged to a specific component of the event.

 

Staff have advised that despite these points the decision is a political one and the decision is Council’s alone to make.

 

WoolOn’s application to Council is for a grant of $10,000 to support the 2021 event 13 – 15 August being the estimated budget shortfall for the event. (Appendix 2). Whilst this application does not meet the process of the grants policy the event has potential to be of great benefit to Central Otago and on that basis staff consider it meets the exceptional criteria contained in the policy.

 

A matrix evaluation is completed to assist Council in measuring the application against the policy and criteria for funding. Staff have completed the matrix indicating their assessment of the application against the policy and with consideration to there being no general grant funding budgeted for and available (Appendix 1).

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Council does not have specific funds available for events and/or promotion projects, these are provided for at Community Board level. Council does budget for community grants and the funding round for the first year of the Long Term Plan (LTP) opened in 1 July 2021, closing 1 August 2021. Council will assess the applications made in that funding round at their September meeting and initial indications are this will be an oversubscribed funding round.

 

Therefore, any approved funding for this application would be made outside of due process and need to come from district reserves (general and targeted) which are already in deficit and forecast to increase further.

 

As the WoolOn event is to be held in Cromwell and with a supporting event in Alexandra at Central Stories, staff determine that making applications to the individual Community Board’s would not be applicable in this instance. The circumstances are the same as when the Cromwell Community Board declined funding due to the event having strong associations with Alexandra, together with wider district benefits.

 

It is unclear if the committee have made applications to other community funding agencies, however staff are aware that discussions were held with Central Lakes Trust (CLT) for which some elements of their programme would fit their grant criteria. At the time of writing this report, CLT had not received an application.

 

Despite there being many reasons to decline the application staff acknowledge the potential for this event to become a signature event on the Central Otago calendar if it is well managed, promoted and financially successful. Wool and creative fashion can be used as a conduit to connect people and place. Wool is an important story for Central Otago communities and the local economy. The fibre is a sustainable product that has been valued by generations. The Eden Hore fashion collection highlights how fashion and fibre can collectively have national and international significance.

 

Provision of a grant at this late stage is unlikely to have any significant effect on the success of the event. The suggested $10,000 budget shortfall should be considered as a minimum with the risk of a greater loss if ticket sales targets aren’t met.  Should WoolOn continue in the future and wish to seek Council funding support, Council may consider it appropriate to request a staff member or Council representative be on the committee to provide input and ensure ratepayer funding is managed appropriately.

 

Staff have reviewed the application received and make the following comments:

 

·     Past WoolOn events have brought positive media exposure for Central Otago, however given the cancellation of the event in 2019 and 2020, the committee may be challenged to achieve the same level of engagement.

·     The WoolOn event and proposed programme is a celebration of wool which historically and today remains one of Central Otago’s core industries. There is potential that if well managed this could become a signature event and educational programme on the Central Otago calendar.

·     The timing of the event is well planned for what is traditionally a quieter visitor period for the region.

·     If the event is successful it may provide future opportunities linked with sustainability, education and the Eden Hore Fashion collection

·     There is a risk that should the event fail in 2021, it would not be able to be revived successfully in future years, which could be considered a big loss for Central Otago’s events calendar.

·     Should Council agree to provide a grant it may wish to consider specific terms and conditions to ensure ratepayer funding is managed appropriately. Staff recommend any funding is tagged to specific elements of the event – such as master of ceremonies, venue costs, marketing and communication.

·     The draft event budget, and financial statement indicate there is a heightened level of risk of WoolOn becoming insolvent should they not sell sufficient tickets and /or not receive additional grant or sponsorship funding.

·     Addressing a known shortfall in funding so close to when the event is to be held is a high-risk strategy and is concerning when opportunities to raise this with potential funders has not been actioned earlier.

·     The applicant is effectively requesting Council to underwrite the 2021 event due to the lateness of the funding application. Council does not financially underwrite projects.

·     Historically there has been community concern from Vincent residents about the plans to move the event to Cromwell, it is not clear if this would still be the case following the cancellation of shows in the previous two years.

·     Based on the event outline received, staff consider the event is unlikely to increase overnight guest nights. It is likely to attract an audience that live within drivable distances, with a lesser number of entrants and supporters choosing to overnight and thus reduce the wider economic benefit to Central Otago.

·     The draft budget includes costs for provision of bus transport to/from The Canyon venue, ex Alexandra and Wanaka – the indications being this service will operate at a loss.

·     The committee have failed to be proactive in accessing opportunities for both funding and promotion. In addition to funding, Tourism Central Otago (TCO) contacted a member of the committee on 24 May 2021, requesting details about WoolOn 2021 which was not responded to. TCO staff subsequently proactively sourced information to create events listings on the regional website.

·     Staff have also recently looked at the WoolOn website identifying that there is a lack of information on the site as to upcoming events and how to book tickets. Their Facebook page does hold that information, however it would be good practice to have multiple digital means of profiling the event and how to book tickets.

 

In light of all the considerations listed above, staff propose the following options noting a recommended option.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 (Recommended)

 

Council considers the application and approves the requested grant amount of $10,000 (zero gst) or an alternate amount it deems is appropriate.

 

Advantages:

 

·         The Society will have certainty of funding to minimise the shortfall of funding anticipated.

·         Council is showing support for an event that does have potential to become a signature event on the Central Otago calendar if it is well managed and financially successful

·         The grant Council previously approved has been returned to district reserves, therefore effectively Council would be no worse off in approving the requested grant.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Council does not have a specified budget for grants of this nature.

·         An approved grant would be an unbudgeted expenditure adding more pressure to the collective district reserves.

·         Council does not underwrite against loss, which this application could be interpreted as.

·         This does not meet the process and intent as outlined in the new Grants Policy.

·         Considering a grant outside the normal advertised funding rounds and contestable process could be considered as unfair to other potential applicants.

 

Option 2

 

That Council declines a grant to WoolOn Creative Fashion Society Incorporated for the WoolOn event 13 – 15 August 2021.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Council does not have a specified budget for grants of this nature.

·         It is financially prudent to decline a grant when there are no available unallocated funds.

·         Approving a grant outside the normal advertised funding rounds and contestable process may be considered as unfair to other potential applicants.

·         The process as outlined in the Grants Policy is met.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         The 2021 WoolOn event will take place, but with a known shortfall of funding, therefore risking insolvency.

·         Council may determine that by agreeing to support the 2021 event with a grant it will allow the Society certainty to keep the event alive for the immediate future.

·         There may be community views that Council should financially support this event that cannot be taken into consideration as there has been no opportunity to consult.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the social/cultural/economic/environmental  wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by provision of funding that supports community priorities.  

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

No.

 

Council does not provide a centralised major event grant budget for opportunities such as this to apply to.

 

Council is yet to consider grant applications to the General Community Grant budget in this first year of the 2021-2031 Long term Plan and therefore the full budget should remain to ensure a robust decision process for applicants. The funding round closed on 1 August 2021 with application totals exceeding the current amount budgeted.

 

On this basis it is recommended that approved funding would need to be funded from reserves to ensure fairness to community groups and organisations already engaged in the normal funding round process. 

 

Staff have discussed the proposed funding recommendations with the Finance Manager, acknowledging that if approved this would be an unbudgeted grant that will add more pressure to the collective district reserves.

 

Approved funding would be considered a grant therefore would be required to meet the accountability requirements of Council’s grant policy.

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

Partially

 

The application is consistent with the principles and objectives of the Central Otago District Council grants policy, however it is being considered outside the normal funding rounds for community grants.

 

The Central Otago Tourism Strategy events project specifies the following approach:

Advance Central Otago as a region that is capable of delivering superb events (especially in areas related to our unfakeable assets). 

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

Should Council agree to provide a grant – the application is required to adhere to the principles within Council’s policies including sustainability, waste minimisation, smokefree etc.

 

Risks Analysis

 

There is a potential risk of wider Central Otago community backlash based on individual views on whether Council should support or not support the event financially.

 

Public events carry a level of risk as they bring together in one place a number of people to participate in the activities associated with the particular event.

 

Event organisers, community groups, organisations and contractors are required to meet the necessary legislative Health and Safety requirements for their activities. The applicant has not identified within their application that a plan is in place, however Central Otago District Council’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing advisor will seek a copy of and review the plan should they deem it necessary.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

 The project does not meet or exceed any of the criteria thresholds in the policy requiring public consultation. Therefore it is not considered significant.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

The applicant is advised in writing of Council’s decision.

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - WoolOn Grant Application

Appendix 2 - Grant Assessment Matrix WoolOn Event  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Alison Mason

Sanchia Jacobs

Media and Marketing Manager

Chief Executive Officer

2/08/2021

4/08/2021

 


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

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11 August 2021

 

21.6.8         Economic Recovery Plan Progress Report

Doc ID:      543258

 

1.       Purpose

 

To provide an update on the implementation of the 2020/2021 Economic Recovery Plan and provide the Economic Work programme for 2021/22.

 

Recommendations

That the report be received and Council notes the work programme for 2021/2022.

 

 

2.       Background

 

In June 2020, the Council received and adopted the Economic Recovery Plan for 2020/21. The Plan outlined the likely impact of COVID-19 on Central Otago’s Economy and actions that the Council could take to support the district’s economic recovery.

 

As part of the plan’s implementation, Council is to be updated on progress every two months. This is the fourth report back.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Key updates

 

New Zealand’s domestic economy continues to perform well overall with the October to December and January to March quarters both performing well, and showing the economy bouncing back faster and stronger than expected. Consumer confidence remains strong and this has led to an increased retail spend. New Zealand’s COVID-19-free status is allowing for the movement of people within New Zealand supporting domestic tourism. The absence of international visitors continues to affect the tourism and education sectors nationally, while most other sectors are performing well. 

 

Treasury predictions during COVID-19 had national unemployment peaking at 10% at this point in time. Nationally unemployment is currently sitting around 5% approximately 1% higher than pre-covid levels.

 

The performance of the global economy is improving as vaccines are rolled out and countries return to normal levels of activity. However, ramped-up consumer demand has contributed to supply chain issues as production lags.  International shipping prices have remained high, and longer and delayed shipping schedules continue. 

 

There is a national trend of increased consumer spending outside of main urban CBDs. Leading economists think this reflects the hallowing out of CBD areas as employees choose to continue to work from home. This trend is likely to benefit Central Otago as more people can choose to live in lifestyle locations while retaining their current job.

 

There has not been a date set for the further opening of New Zealand borders with other countries. The trans-Tasman bubble opening and closing has highlighted the difficulty of quarantine-free travel without a vaccine fully rolled out and without a policy of requiring visitors to provide proof of vaccine.

 

Several new policies have been announced over this period relating to housing, including the restrictions on lending ratios and the bright line test. These, along with lower levels of migration over the past 18 months and increasing interest rates, are expected to cool demand for property and ultimately see the increases in property values we have been seeing level off. This is unlikely to affect the construction industry in the short to medium term as the industry continues to catch up on the shortage of accommodation that has accumulated over a number of years. 

 

Changes to immigration settings that would restrict the number of migrant staff coming to New Zealand have been signalled from Central Government, but the details are not clear yet. With the unemployment rate low and employers already signalling labour shortages it is hoped that any policy changes will take the current situation into account. Migration to New Zealand has fallen from an average of 6000 per month pre-COVID-19, to 600 per month over the past year.

 

Central Otago’s economy has continued to perform well, although comparing card spending data this period with the same period last year is difficult due to the lockdown having happened during this period in 2020.  Comparisons made with two years earlier show an increase in total spending.

 

Central Otago remains popular with New Zealanders travelling domestically, and the opening of the Lake Dunstan Cycle trail has contributed to grow Central’s profile as a visitor destination. 

 

The Ministry of Social Development’s Job Seeker numbers continue to reflect a relatively stable economy since May 2020. While the number of people on Job Seeker support in the district increased from 70 to 273 during lockdown, it has been decreasing since then to 156 in May 2021.

 

Progress on action plan

 

Key areas of work to date

 

Labour market: 

Ongoing support has continued for horticultural and viticultural efforts to secure both seasonal and permanent labour through work with various groups. The labour market survey for horticulture and viticulture is undertaken every 3-4 years and has been commissioned by the Central Otago Labour Market Governance group with Council supporting this report through contributing funds, acting as the contracting agency for a collection of funders, and overseeing the development of the report.  The finalised report is due in November 2021.

 

An English language training pilot course provided through Southern Institute of Technology was also developed for migrant agricultural workers in Central Otago following feedback from employers and industry training organisations.  The course is aimed to increase English skills to support the employee both in the workplace and in the community and came about following discussions between Council staff and industry on how migrant workers in the agricultural sector could be supported. Upon establishing a need, Council staff brought together interested parties and the pilot course was undertaken. Feedback from the pilot will determine the running of future courses.

 

The Central Otago Youth Employment event was run on 17 March 2021. The event was aimed at connecting youth and employers, helping youth understand some of the roles available in Central Otago and the pathways into them. The day involved over 70 youth from across the district, 30 employers across six industries (agriculture and horticulture; tourism and hospitality; and construction and engineering) and industry representatives from the Ministry of Primary Industries, Go with Hort, and Go with Tourism. Career advisers from the local secondary schools, along with work brokers from the Ministry of Social Development, also took part in the day to build relationships with employers and further their understanding of roles available.  This event was organised by staff and supported through funding from the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs.

 

The Otago Regional Council’s Proposed Plan Change 7 has been heard in the Environment Court during February through to July with a decision still to be released. Central Otago District Council is involved in these proceedings through a submission on this Plan Change as both a water user (supplying community drinking water) and in its role (as identified in the Economic Recovery Plan) of continuing to advocate for and support sustainable water use reforms. Infrastructure Services led the provision of evidence on community drinking water supplies while Economic Development staff provided representation on Councils original submission and evidence on the potential social and economic impact of the plan change on our community.

 

An economic impact report on potential Manuherekia Minimum Flows was commissioned to support informed decision making on the setting of the minimum flow for the Manuherekia river. The consultants reviewed land-use and farm financial models developed by the Otago Regional Council and scaled these models to understand the cumulative effect of the changes on those directly reliant on the water for irrigation, and on those affected indirectly within the district and wider region. The report also identified shortcomings in the base modelling, including the absence of horticulture from the model, and the lack of consideration of tipping points that would trigger land use changes.  Council made a submission to the Otago Regional Council as part of the community consultation process.

 

As part of an initiative exploring opportunities to unlock value from food waste, a report has been commissioned to quantify and understand what happens to fruit that does not end up being sold as fresh produce. This report is the first step to unlocking additional value through quantifying the size of the opportunity. Supporting the development of alternative uses for fruit waste is intended to develop greater returns for growers from products that currently might not have a market and also build resilience to weather events that affect the export suitability of product.

 

A detailed report on the progress of all individual actions is included as Appendix 1.

 

2021 - 2022 Action Plan

 

The 2020-21 action plan has been in effect since June 2020 and was intended to cover a period of twelve months. The plan was a list of priority actions, under four key themes:

·     Training and Education

·     Council Actions

·     Attraction of Visitors and Migration

·     Building Business Resilience

 

The priority actions were initiatives that Council identified it could implement to support the District’s economic recovery, against a backdrop of known and expected challenges caused by COVID-19. An organisation-wide view was taken in the plan to identify the full range of supporting actions that the Council would undertake. Sixteen of the twenty four actions were completed to the point where they could either be closed or subsumed into business as usual activities. Eight of the 24 activities are still in progress and will continue to be worked on.

The outlook for our economy is clearer now, and with the operational period of the previous plan coming to an end, it is time to adopt a plan for the next twelve months. The plan outlined below identifies key projects, is designed for a post COVID-19 environment (the new normal) and is in line with the current Economic Development Strategy 2019-2024. It does not include business as usual economic development work, which will continue alongside it.

 

The two key challenges facing our economy in the short to medium term are:

 

·     Climate change and environment: our industries will need to meet regulations introduced to mitigate the effects of climate change and to operate in ways that more efficiently use natural resources, in particular water, with good environmental outcomes.

 

·     Workforce: with our national economy performing well and our borders closed to migration, an already competitive labour market is going to become even more competitive, posing challenges for employers.       

         

Council contributes to the economic development of the Central Otago District in several ways, including by providing good quality infrastructure, planning and regulatory services, actively promoting business and industry development, and attracting people to the District. The projects identified below are key projects that will be undertaken over the next twelve months by the Economic Development Manager.

 

Key projects in the work programme 2021-2022

 

Workforce

Youth transitions: Council will support the development and introduction of programmes to ensure that secondary school aged youth are aware of local employment opportunities and are well equipped to transition into employment.

 

Internship programme: Council will develop an internship programme to support businesses in getting the skills and capacity they need through short term placements of tertiary students, while raising the profile of the District as a place for students to live.

 

Horticulture and viticulture labour market survey: This report will identify changes to hectares currently planted, future plantings and the permanent and seasonal labour requirements over the next four years. The survey will also seek to understand changes in employer supplied accommodation. The report is essential for industry efforts to attract and retain the labour required.

         

Seasonal labour: Work will continue with industry groups to secure seasonal labour.

 

Support remote working: Council will support provision of a course to support the development of remote workers in our community, and support provision of a co-working space in Central Otago to help remote workers and small businesses to establish.

         

          Climate change and environmental

Unlock value from food waste: We will take steps to understand the volume of food waste in Central Otago’s horticulture sector, the current processing options, and support the development of new commercial streams of fruit waste in order to reduce waste, increase productivity, diversify our industry base and strengthen resilience in the sector.

 

Support industry to adapt to policy changes in water use: Decisions are yet to be made on Plan Change 7 and the Manuherekia Minimum Flows. Depending on the outcomes of these decisions, there could be a role supporting water users to transition from one policy setting to another.

 

As the economic outlook is more positive and with less volatility than predicted when COVID-19 started, economic updates and progress on the workplan will be presented six-monthly. The uncompleted actions from the 2020-2021 action plan will be carried forward in this new reporting. 

 

 

4.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Economic Recovery Actions with updates  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

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Nick Lanham

Saskia Righarts

Economic Development Manager

Chief Advisor

29/07/2021

30/07/2021

 


 

Subject

Action

Assigned to

Status

Update

 

Training and Education

Start-up support

Facilitate and support the development of a service to foster the creation of new businesses and the adaptation of existing business to a new trading environment.

Partnership

Completed – adopted into BAU

2020

August: Discussions are underway with a course provider to deliver business start-up courses in Central Otago, starting September.

 

November: The first start-up course begun in October with nine enrolled from Central Otago.

 

2021

February: Additional startup courses will be offered in 2021

 

July: Continued provision of startup courses and Think Drink events, along with the addition of a Remote working course scheduled for August. 

Education pathways

Facilitate the establishment of a Central Otago forum to establish and promote transitional pathways (secondary to tertiary, community to vocational) into vocational education.

Partnership

Completed – adopted into BAU

2020

August: A forum has been established and is meeting fortnightly.

Active discussions continue regarding a collective space available for the provision of education, co-working, and delivery of business support services.

 

November: A joint tender by REAP and the Cromwell Otago Polytechnic campus has been successful to establish a space in the Central Stories building in Alexandra

 

2021

February: Community learning hub in Central Stories was opened on 11 December. Council was successful in a funding application to the Mayors Taskforce for Jobs. Funding was secured to provide an event to connect youth with potential employers and education.

 

July: Community learning hub continues in Central Stories. Mayors Taskforce for Jobs event was held on 11 March. Work is underway with schools to explore further opportunities to support youth pathways to employment in Central Otago.

Business and employment response centre

Investigate and facilitate partnerships to provide practical support for small and medium businesses.

Partnership

Completed – adopted into BAU

2020

August: Council staff have supported and taken part in a one-off community-led initiative to connect business owners and managers with a range of professional support. A similar event may be repeated in the future.

 

November: no further update

 

2021

February: no further update. Support is currently being provided through existing providers such as the Regional Business Partners Programme which are meeting the needs.

 

July: Support still available through Regional Business Partners (RBP) programme. Tourism Central Otago offering support to tourism operators through its funding from the Strategic Tourism Assets Programme.

Council Actions

Council capital works

Review council capital programme to ensure that it is appropriate, minimises impacts to businesses and is accelerated where possible.

Internal

Completed and closed. 

2020

August: To be delivered as part of the Long-Term Plan.

 

November: Is being considered as part of draft budgets.

 

2021

February: No further update.

 

July: Several major capital projects approved as part of the Long-Term-Plan.

Secure external funding to fast track projects

Secure government funding for appropriate capital work to support civil construction.

Partnership

Completed – adopted into BAU.

2020

August: $4.73 million was secured for three waters services.

$38,000 was secured through the Town Halls and Memorial Funding for maintenance projects. Community groups were supported to put forward environmental projects for funding by the Ministry for the Environment. Awaiting the outcome of the Ministry for Environment funding along with the Crown Infrastructure Partners application for subdivision development.

 

November: Subdivision application to Crown Infrastructure fund have been declined. $500,000 has been secured from Ministry for the Environment by water catchment group for conservation work in the Manuherekia Catchment. $270,000 was secured for maintenance work to Ophir Hall and swimming pool.

 

2021

February: No further update due to few government funding announcements made over this period.

 

July: $315,000 secured from the Tourism Infrastructure Fund for supporting infrastructure at the Riverside Park development.

Council policies and bylaws

Balance ease of application against regulatory requirements and provide online applications where possible.

Internal

In progress

2020

August: no further update

 

November: no further update

 

2021

February: No further update

 

July: Policy and bylaw register updated at Audit and Risk meeting. My CODC online services portal project is underway, with online forms being released over the next two years that cross all Council activities along with the option of Rates and Water invoices being delivered via email.

Public value procurement

Review council procurement processes to maximise value to local firms.

Internal

Complete and closed

2020

August: New procurement process has been developed and is being presented to council in the August meeting. 

 

November: procurement policy adopted by council at August meeting.

Seasonal worker accommodation

Review of council policy on onsite seasonal worker accommodation

Internal

 In progress

2020

August: Horticulture industry have met with Planning Manager to discuss options as part of the District Plan review.

 

November: no further update

 

2021

February: no further update

 

July: no further update

Business and consumer confidence

Positive public engagement and communication highlighting Central Otago businesses.

Internal

Completed – adopted as BAU

2020

August: Tourism operators have been showcased through local tourism marketing initiatives.

 

November: successful Eat Taste Central campaign run over this period.

 

2021

February: Central Otago Touring Route was launched in December.

 

July: Articles in local media and Business South magazine.

Council Fees and Charges

Review council’s fees and charging for opportunities to decrease costs to businesses.

Internal

Completed and closed.

2020

August: This will happen through the Long-Term Plan process.

 

November: no further update

 

2021

February: no further update

 

July: Fees and charges set through the Long-Term Plan process.

Encouraging urban investment

Review policy settings through the development of the Housing Strategy to incentivise development and add value to recovery initiatives within fiscal constraints.

Internal

 In progress

2020

August: Housing Strategy development is underway but is currently on hold awaiting the outcome of application for shovel-ready projects.

 

November: Paper presented to Cromwell Community Board 9 November on the Gair Avenue Development.

 

2021

February: Paper being considered at 3 February meeting on Council’s role in housing.

 

July: A paper is being prepared for the August Council meeting.

Spatial planning

Complete identified spatial planning projects and accelerate where possible.

Internal

In progress

2020

August: The Vincent Spatial Plan is currently underway, and community drop ins are scheduled this month.

 

November: a progress report is being presented to the November council meeting.

 

2021

February: Council options on Vincent Spatial Plan released in December for community feedback.

 

July: The Vincent Spatial Plan is being prepared for the August Council meeting.

Economic Development Strategy

Review and update Economic Development Strategy Action Plan.

Internal

Completed and closed

2020

August: Scheduled for early 2021.

 

November: no further update

 

2021

February: scheduled for June 2021.

 

July: Review of action plan undertaken and presented alongside this report.

Attraction of visitors and migration

Destination marketing strategy

Marketing campaign to attract visitors to Central Otago in line with destination management principles.

Internal

In progress

2020

August: Domestic marketing has begun. Tourism Central Otago has secured $700,000 for destination marketing, development of a destination management plan, and business development.

 

November: Staff and contractors have been recruited and these projects are underway.

 

2021

February: The Central Otago Touring route was launched over this period that included online marketing of the route.

 

July: Key activity has been undertaken with the highly successful Thank You New Zealand campaign and coordinated marketing of cycle trails. Recent data from MBIE indicates these campaigns have been successful with visitor spend trending positively against the first 5 months of 2019. 

Migration marketing

Marketing to attract people to move to Central Otago.

Internal

Completed – adopted as BAU

2020

August: Centralotagonz.com has been updated to provide information relevant to people looking to move here such as housing, employment, climate, education. The project also includes the opportunity for those interested in moving to the district to connect with a local and find out what life in Central is really like.

 

November: Online material live. A report is being presented to Council’s November meeting to support the application to Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employments ‘Welcoming Communities’ programme.

 

2021

February: Council’s application to join Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employments ‘Welcoming Communities’ programme was successful.

 

July: Welcoming Communities coordinator recruited and will start in August 2021.

Building business resilience

Regional Economic Recovery

Coordinate regional recovery through the Otago Regional Economic Development (ORED) framework.

Partnership

In progress

2020

August: To date ORED has undertaken regional forecasts on the change in jobs by industry and advised on the composition of the Regional Skills Leadership Group for Otago.

 

November: ORED group are currently identifying key regional projects to support the economic recovery of Otago.

 

2021

February: ORED continues to work on identifying key regional projects as part of the development of a regional action plan.

 

July: ORED are consulting with stakeholders from across the region on key priority themes and projects.

Business Support

Promote the use of the Regional Business Partner Network (RBP).

Partnership

Completed – adopted as BAU.

2020

August: Regular promotion of this support service through fortnightly Economic Development newsletters and the Council Facebook page.

 

November: promotion of the Regional Business Partners continuing.

 

2021

Februrary: promotion of the Regional Business Partners continuing.

 

July: promotion of the Regional Business Partners continuing.

Local economic data

Provide businesses with timely data and information on the state of the local economy and future trends.

Internal

Completed – adopted as BAU.

2020

August: A monthly report is produced and uploaded to the Council website. This monthly report shows changes in consumer spending, building consent numbers, and job seeker benefits.

 

November: Central Otago Economic Performance Indicators report produced each month.

 

2021

February: Central Otago Economic Performance Indicators report produced each month.

 

July: Central Otago Economic Performance Indicators will now be produced quarterly.

Business Monitoring

Continue to survey businesses on a regular basis and maintain a register of top issues and areas for support.

Partnership

Completed – adopted as BAU.

2020

August: Businesses were surveyed at Alert Level 2 through a questionnaire. Ongoing monitoring is taking place through industry focus groups, business breakfasts and feedback from business advisors and the Chamber of Commerce.

 

November: business monitoring continuing through the development of second Sector Snapshot report and monthly meeting with staff from the Regional Business Partner Network

 

2021

February: no further update

 

July: Survey of horticulture and viticulture growers undertaken collectively with industry to understand development and workforce requirements.

Internet connectivity

Develop resilience within the business community through supporting the development of increased online presence and advocating for better internet connectivity.

Partnership

In progress

2020

August: Discussions have been had with Government regarding the roll out of fibre and whether this can be fast-tracked in the district to support economic recovery. Government has advised that the project is going as fast as possible due to capacity constraints.

Coordinated information is now available on centralotagonz.com regarding wireless internet providers. 

 

November: enquiry lodged with alternative broadband infrastructure provider to investigate feasibility of broadband provision to Felton Road in Bannockburn.

 

2021

February: awaiting response from broadband infrastructure provider re Felton Road.

 

July: awaiting response re Felton Road.  A community group in collaboration with a internet service provider have applied to the Fibre Capacity Upgrade fund to extend fibre in Millers Flat.

Advocacy

Advocate to central government for procurement processes of public works projects to be weighted to support local firms and staff.

Partnership

Completed and closed

2020

August: Funding has been allocated to Council which allows application of Council procurement processes.

 

November: CODC adopted procurement policy

Support industry in advocating for reform to RSE regulations and extensions for other visa types.

Partnership

Completed – adopted as BAU.

2020

August: To date, industry has been supported through council facilitated meetings with MBIE, a joint mayoral letter from Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Districts, and co-authored document outlining Central Otago’s labour shortages for distribution to government. The industry has also been supported in putting nominations to the Regional Skills Leadership Group and through forecasting seasonal labour requirements.    

 

November: continued work involving second labour market report and additional meetings with MBIE.

 

2021

February: ongoing work in this area. Government announced in December that 2000 RSE would be allowed into New Zealand in early 2021 and also further changes to working holiday visas to support industry with staff.

 

July: RSE employers continue to be allowed to bring staff into NZ but they must quarantine. Individuals in New Zealand on working holiday or SSE visas have had the conditions of their visas extended for another 6 months.

Continued advocacy and support of the primary sector for sustainable water use reforms.

Partnership

In progress

2020

August: The hearing date for Proposed Plan Change 7 is yet to be announced and staff are awaiting a hydrology report to inform the Economic Impact Assessment for Manuherekia minimum flows.

 

November: Hydrology report expected November. Plan Change 7 hearing date expected November.

 

2021

February: work on the Economic Impact Assessment for Manuherekia Minimum Flows scheduled to start in January. Involvement in Environment Court proceedings for Otago Regional Councils Proposed Plan Change 7 representing the economic impact and but also the effects of the proposal on council as a water user. 

 

July: Provided evidence on the potential economic impact of Proposed Plan Change 7 to the Environment Court. Economic Impact Assessment produced to inform public on the economic effects of the Manuherekia Minimum Flows. Submission also made in response to the ORC public consultation on the minimum flows.

Dispersal of information

Facilitate the dispersal of forecasted construction levels to enable workforce planning at a business and sector level via the Otago Construction Labour Forecasting Project. 

Partnership

Completed and closed.

2020

August: COVID-19 updated report expected to be distributed late August. 

 

November: report will be distributed in November.

 

2021

February: report distributed to industry and presented to Councils February meeting.

 

July: Provided input to inform future updates to this report.

 

 


11 August 2021

 

21.6.9         Waste Services Review

Doc ID:      545510

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To review public information prepared for community feedback on Council’s waste and recycling services.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves the ‘Have Your Say on Our Waste Services’ document for community feedback.

 

 

2.       Background

 

Council is committed to cutting carbon emissions and reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

 

The costs of waste disposal are continuing to increase. In June 2020, central government introduced auctioning for New Zealand Emission Units (NZUs) together with an increase on the price cap on NZUs from $25/tonne to $50/tonne. In July 2020, central government announced it will increase the Waste Disposal Levy through a progressive increase to $60/tonne by July 2024. 

 

All of Council’s waste contracts come to an end on 30 June 2023. New contracts need to be awarded by July 2022 in order to meet lead in times for trucks and equipment.

 

The contracts which are coming to the end of the contracted period are shown below.

 

Contract                  

End Date

Transfer Stations

Includes operation and transfer to landfill

30 June 2023

Kerbside Rubbish Collection

Includes supply of wheelie bins

30 June 2023

Kerbside Recycling Collection (Mixed Recycling and Glass)

Includes supply of wheelie bins

30 June 2023

Landfill-Victoria Flats

Option to negotiate early release from landfill agreement

30 June 2029

Wastebusters

30 June 2023

Enviroschools (REAP)

30 June 2023

 

The total value of these contracts is approximately $4.3 million. This includes waste levy and the emissions trading scheme charges.

 

Transfer stations are located in Alexandra, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh.  The transfer stations accept a variety of materials including general rubbish, recycling and greenwaste. Anyone can drop a car load of greenwaste off at transfer stations for no charge. Larger loads incur a small fee. The Alexandra and Cromwell transfer stations are open seven days per week, while the Ranfurly and Roxburgh transfer stations open in the afternoon on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in summer and Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday in winter.

 

Wastebusters operate a recycling hub and re-use shop in Alexandra where second-hand items and materials can be taken for re-use and recycling. There is currently no equivalent facility in Cromwell.

 

There are dedicated rubbish drop-off facilities in Tarras and Patearoa. These services use Council branded rubbish bags that must be purchased from Council service centres or the Tarras Store.

 

In addition to recycling drop-offs at the transfer stations, there are recycling drop-off facilities in Omakau, Oturehau, Patearoa, Poolburn, Roxburgh, Ranfurly and Tarras. These are public facilities which have no user charges.

 

There is an increasing public expectation that waste, in particular organics (food waste and greenwaste), will be managed in an environmentally sustainable manner.  Most local authorities are considering introducing an organics service or have already committed to introducing them.

 

Kerbside food waste collections are currently in place or in progress in Auckland, New Plymouth, Waikato district, Whakatane, Kawerau, Christchurch, Selwyn, Waimakariri, Hutt, Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, Hamilton, Ruapehu, Dunedin and Wellington.  Queenstown Lakes District Council are currently preparing an organics strategy that considers the introduction of kerbside organic collections alongside other interventions.

 

Further work is being undertaken on investigating processing of greenwaste, and potentially food waste, within Central Otago. As part of this work the potential of a combined Queenstown / Central Otago facility located within Central Otago district is also being considered. A report will be provided in early 2022 with the options for this.

 


 

3.       Discussion

 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact freight networks, community feedback is needed now to help inform what should be collected at kerbside, and what other supporting services should be provided to ensure effective and efficient waste management. This will allow the successful contractor enough time to be ready to commence a new service from 1 July 2023.

 

Currently the kerbside collection consists of three 240L bins. The rubbish (red lid) bin is collected fortnightly. The mixed recyclables (yellow lid) bin is also collected fortnightly, except on the eighth week, when it is swapped out for the glass (blue lid) bin collection.

 

The annual cost of the kerbside service is $334.

A picture containing text, bin, container

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Options for an improved kerbside collection service have been developed and assessed using the Better Business Case methodology, including the following steps:

·     Development of a longlist of options for the collection system and assessment of these options against strategic objectives and critical success factors.

·     Shortlisting of options and an economic assessment (financial and non-financial) of the shortlisted options to identify three recommended options for consultation.

 

Shortlisting of options has been undertaken with an economic assessment (financial and non-financial) of these options to identify three recommended options for community feedback.

 

The options developed include:

 

Option 1: Improved status quo

 

Option 1 is the minimum change considered. It introduces an additional 240L bin for a four-weekly collection of greenwaste (a green lid bin). The glass (blue) bin would change to a more regular four-weekly collection, in a smaller 140L bin. This option will also allow a choice of a 240L or 140L rubbish (red) bin. If the smaller 140L rubbish bin is chosen it will have a discounted rate, of approximately $40 per annum. The 240L mixed recycling (yellow) bin would move to a consistent fortnightly collection.

 

The estimated annual cost for Option 1 is approximately $350 to $400.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option 2: Weekly rubbish option

 

Option 2 is an enhancement on Option 1. In addition to the four-weekly greenwaste and glass collections, this option also introduces weekly rubbish bin collections. Both the rubbish and glass bins would be a smaller 140L bin. As in Option 1, the 240L mixed recycling bin would be collected fortnightly.

 

The estimated annual cost for Option 2 is approximately $400 to $450.

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Description automatically generated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Option 3: Weekly organic collection

 

Option 3 introduces an 80L organics bin to collect both food and greenwaste every week. The rubbish bin will still be collected fortnightly but residents would be able to choose between a 240L or smaller 140L option. If they choose the smaller 140L rubbish bin they will pay a discounted rate of approximately $40pa for kerbside service.  As in Options 1 and 2, the 140L glass (blue) bin would be collected every four weeks and the 240L mixed recycling (yellow) bin would be collected fortnightly.

 

The estimated annual cost for Option 3 is approximately $430 to $500.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Further information is available in the ‘Have Your Say on our Waste Services’ document in Appendix 1. The proposal is that the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback from the 25th of August 2021 through to the 24th of September 2021.

 

Feedback is also being sought on the use of Council’s other waste services. This includes transfer stations, recycling drop offs and re-use shops. The survey will be available online through SurveyMonkey. Paper copies will be able to be printed at libraries and service centres. The survey questions are available in Appendix 2. 

 

Results from the community feedback will be provided to Council along with the proposed procurement plan in November.


 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

Approve the ‘Have Your Say on our Waste Services’ document for community feedback.

 

Advantages:

 

·         The public have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals and current use of other Council waste services.

·         Information on how people use current services will enable robust decision making.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         None

 

Option 2

 

Decline to approve the ‘Have Your Say on our Waste Services’ document and not seek community feedback.

 

Advantages:

 

·         None.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         No opportunity for the public to provide input.

·         Limited information available on how the public use Council services.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the environmental wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by ensuring options are available for waste to be disposed of in an appropriate manner. 

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

The proposal is being accommodated within existing budgets.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

Yes

 

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

Yes

The proposed options for feedback supports the actions of Council’s Sustainability Strategy and Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2018.

 

Risks Analysis

 

There are no significant risks to Council associated with the proposal.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

 

Community feedback will occur from 24 August 2021 to 25 September 2021.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

·     Preparation of the consultation documentation and planning for the consultation exercise.

(August 2021)

 

·     Council approval of the shortlisted options for public consultation.

(August 2021)

 

·     Carry out public consultation on the proposed service changes.

(August - September 2021)

 

·     Completion of Business Case for Waste Services Review, incorporating consultation outcomes, Councillor feedback and the transfer station review outcomes.

(October 2021)

 

·     Council decision on recommended future services.

(November 2021).

 

·     Council approval of procurement plan.

(November 2021).

 

·     Development on tender documents.

(November 2021 – January 2022).

 

·     Tender out to market.

(January 2022 – March 2022).

 

·     Recommended tenderer to Council.

(June 2022)

 

·     Contact awarded.

(June 2022)

 

·     Service commencement.    

(July 2023)

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - DRAFT Have Your Say on Our Waste Services.pdf

Appendix 2 - DRAFT Waste Services Feedback Questions.pdf  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Quinton Penniall

Julie Muir

Environmental Engineering Manager

Executive Manager - Infrastructure Services

4/08/2021

4/08/2021

 


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

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11 August 2021

 

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11 August 2021

 

21.6.10       Appointment of Consultants for Water and Wastewater Technical Support for 2021-24

Doc ID:      534361

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider the direct appointment of consultants for technical support for water and wastewater during the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves the direct appointment of Stantec for the provision of technical services for water and wastewater for the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period for Cromwell, Vincent and Maniototo areas.

C.      Approves the direct appointment of Fluent Solutions for provision of technical services for water and wastewater for the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period for the Teviot area.

D.      Approves the direct appointment of Beca for provision of technical services for water and wastewater for the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period for the Maniototo area, and reticulation renewals and operational support as required.

E.      Approves the direct appointment of Beale Consulting for the provision of technical services for resource consent applications for the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period.

F.      Approves the direct appointment of Rationale for the provision of strategic planning support for the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period.

G.      Approves the direct appointment of Mott MacDonald for hydraulic modelling for the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period.

 

2.       Background

 

Council approved the direct appointment of Stantec to provide technical support for water and wastewater for the 2020-21 financial year on 28 July 2020.

 

The amount of investment occurring in the infrastructure sector has increased significantly due to government economic stimulus packages and increased local authority investment in the 2021 Long Term Plans. 

 

There is a shortage of experienced consultants to undertake the work that is currently planned and consultants are now in the position where there is more work than capacity to deliver. Building on existing strategic relationships is likely to be more effective in ensuring delivery of Council’s work program than tendering will be.

 

Stantec have been the successful tenderers in the following recent works:

 

·     Design of Lake Dunstan Water Supply which was tendered in June 2017.

·     A variation was awarded to include design of the main Clyde wastewater pipeline so this could be incorporated into one construction contract for the water and wastewater pipes between Clyde and Alexandra in June 2018.

·     Design of Clyde wastewater main pump station and reticulation network which was tendered in June 2019.

 

The delivery of the design work for these projects has required Stantec to familiarise themselves with the hydraulic models for water and wastewater for the Alexandra-Clyde Basin, and they have formed a good working relationship with Mott MacDonald who undertake all of Council’s hydraulic modelling. Stantec have gained significant knowledge of the issues relating to Lindavia in Lake Dunstan, and water treatment options to manage this issue.

 

Stantec have been involved in the projects in the 20/21 period that are being delivered under the stimulus fund. They have also been providing operational support with the equivalent of a 0.4 full time equivalent to provide some cover to vacant staff roles within the council water team.

 

Fluent Solutions have been providing design services for infrastructure on the smaller council supplies, particularly the Roxburgh falling main.  This has provided them insight into the hydraulic modelling for the Teviot area.

 

Beca have provided technical advice on the Naseby water supply.  They have also provided specialist operational technical support from their Dunedin office at short notice when there were plant failures at the Alexandra wastewater treatment plant.  They have also provided updated operating procedures for all treatment sites, and a review of the Cromwell wastewater site.  Beca have previously prepared options for replacing the Alexandra Bridge Hill rising main.

 

Over the 20/21 financial year Rationale have provided support in delivering the Department of Internal Affairs request for information.  They have also been providing strategy support with the equivalent of a 0.4 full time equivalent to provide some cover to vacant staff roles within the council water team.  Rationale provide strong strategic planning expertise.

 

Simon Beale of Beale Consulting has prepared resource consent applications for the Omakau wastewater, and Ranfurly water takes.  Mr Beale has a good working relationship with the Otago Regional Council, and with Central Otago District Council, and is now based in Alexandra.  Further work is going to be required for new resource consents for the Lake Dunstan, Cromwell, and potentially Omakau water takes.  The Lake Roxburgh Village wastewater consent will also expire in 2023.

 

Council uses Mott MacDonald to maintain the hydraulic models of the water and wastewater networks.  Hydraulic models are used to understand flow and capacity across the networks and where constraints occur.  These are particularly important for optimising the design between treatment capacity, reticulation capacity, pump sizing, and reservoir storage.  Hydraulic modelling requires a particular technical expertise that is in short supply and high demand.  Council has no modelling expertise, and engages Mott MacDonald to manage and maintain the models.  This includes modelling new subdivisions and their impacts on the network.  Over the next three years the models will be updated to include the Cromwell and Vincent spatial plan changes.  Consultants working on design projects for council work with Mott MacDonald to ensure that improvements are designed to optimise the networks, and provide for peak demand now and for the future from growth.

 

As a result of their involvement in the existing and historical work, these consultants have a good understanding of parts of the Council networks, our processes and reporting requirements and have formed a good working relationship with council staff.

 

The combined professional services value for each of these consultants is expected to exceed $200,000 over the next three years. Under the current Procurement Policy this is categorised as high expenditure and would normally require a market tender or closed competitive process.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Experience and innovation in the early stages of a project can significantly reduce construction costs. That is why involving the right technical expertise early in the process is important.

 

Better Planning - More Potential Savings

 

Subject to approval, the current Procurement Policy allows an exemption from open advertising under certain circumstances. Some of these circumstances include:

 

·         Where the services required are specialist technical or professional services.

·         When it is not practical or cost-effective to conduct an open tender or proposal.

·         Where there is limited time for the procurement process.

 

When an exemption from open advertising is recommended, approval is on a one-up basis. As the total amount of this professional services contracts is in excess of $200,000, Council approval is required to use direct appointment as the alternative procurement method.

 

The contracts for technical services are usually awarded on qualities relating to experience with little to no weighting given to price. The expertise, experience and innovation of the individual people who work on the project have more of an impact on the cost than the differences in the fees charged for the work.

 

There is a time and cost requirement for tendering work. A tender process for this work is expected to take 12 weeks, and preparation of tender documents and evaluation is expected to take approximately 80 hours of senior staff time. This means that while the tender process will add time and cost to progressing work, it is unlikely to deliver any added value.

 

There is limited time for delivery on much of the current water and wastewater programme, particularly those projects under the stimulus fund which need to be completed by the end of March 2022. A key benefit of direct appointment is that it will save time.

 

Given positive history of work with Council, their technical expertise and the constraints mentioned above, it is recommended to make a direct appointment of Stantec, Fluent Solutions, Beca, Rationale, and Beale Consulting rather than go through an open tender process.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

Direct appointment of the following consultants for water and wastewater for the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period:

·         Stantec for technical services for Cromwell, Vincent and Maniototo areas.

·         Fluent Solutions for technical services for the Teviot area.

·         Beca for technical services for the Maniototo area, and reticulation renewals and operational support as required.

·         Beale consulting for resource consent applications.

·         Rationale for strategic planning support.

·         Mott MacDonald for hydraulic modelling expertise.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Will fast-track the delivery of the 2021-24 Long Term Plan programme of work

·         Will reduce the staff time required on preparing professional services tender documents and procurement.

·         Will build on the existing familiarity that consultants have developed from previous work on parts of the network, reducing time and costs.

·         Will further develop institutional knowledge for these consultants to enable them to provide additional support to council if required for a delivery transition process.

·         Builds on existing strategic relationships with existing suppliers in a constrained market.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Reduces the opportunity for new players to access the local market.

 

Option 2

 

Tender the work.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Open transparent and competitive process.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Will create cost for consultants to tender in a market where there is more work than resource available.  This could result in no tenders being received.

·         Will require significant staff time which will result in lost opportunities to undertake operational management and progress other items of work.

·         Will create a high risk that the 2021-24 programme of work is not delivered.

·         If a different consultant was selected then the benefits of work undertaken to date would be lost.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the social and economic  wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by providing good quality infrastructure in a way that is most cost effective for households and businesses.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

Yes.

The work will be undertaken within existing budgets.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

This decision is inconsistent with the existing Procurement Policy as high expenditure would normally require a market tender or closed competitive process.

With approval, an exemption from open advertising can be used in certain circumstances including: the services required are specialist technical or professional services, where it is not practical or cost-effective to conduct an open tender or proposal and where there is limited time for the procurement process.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

This decision will enable investigation work which will contribute to improved climate resilience and sustainability to be undertaken.

 

Risks Analysis

 

There are risks to Council if appropriate technical expertise is not included in the development and delivery of long-term plan programmes.

There are minimal risks to Council in undertaking direct appointment for a period of one year for the scale of work that is proposed.

There is a risk to Council if we are unable to deliver the Stimulus programme prior to the end of March 2022.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

 

 

This decision is not significant and does not meet the thresholds of Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

If Council approves the direct appointment of Stantec then work will commence immediately. If not, then a tender process will be initiated.

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Nil

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Chantal Green

Julie Muir

Infrastructure Finance Officer

Executive Manager - Infrastructure Services

27/07/2021

30/07/2021

 


11 August 2021

 

21.6.11       Naseby Water Supply

Doc ID:      547589

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider upgrading of the Naseby treatment plant to provide service during climatic events which affect the quality of the source water.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Agrees to proceed with construction of a clarifier, pH correction, and flocculation tank to be funded from tranche 1 of the water stimulus funding.

C.      Directs staff to investigate options for an alternative water source for the Naseby water supply, including consideration of a single Maniototo water treatment site.

 

2.       Background

 

A significant rainfall event occurred from 1 January to 4 January 2021 which resulted in Naseby receiving high turbidity raw water from the Hawkdun irrigation race.  This caused the treatment plant to become in-operable which resulted in the reservoirs emptying, and a period of 10 hours of no water supply to Naseby properties.  The treatment plant was subsequently bypassed to enable raw water to be supplied, with a boil water notice in place for 28 days.

Following this event there has been discussion within the community regarding the water levels in the reservoirs, council’s response to the event, and the quality of communication regarding the event.  Consultants Beca were engaged to undertake a review of the following:

·     A timeline of the event.

·     What occurred at the plant as the event developed.

·     A record of communications and the timeliness of these relative to changes occurring in the situation.

·     A review of the plant’s performance.

·     A review of the actions taken at the time of the event, including provision of water tankers.

·     Storage levels in the reservoirs prior to and during the event.

·     Expected consumption rates for this period, including peak population.

·     Capacity of reservoirs relative to demand.

·     Recommendations regarding resilience improvements to avoid this occurring in the future.

 

The following information was used to inform the review :

·     Analysis of data and information relating to the event itself – water flows, rainfall, population.

·     Engagement with Council staff – infrastructure and communications.

·     Review of public communications from Council relating to the event.

·     Engagement with Council contractors and water treatment plant operators.

·     Meeting with Maniototo Community Board and Naseby Vision to understand views and key issues on behalf of the local community.

 

The report received from Beca regarding the event is attached.  The key findings are:

 

Cause and Reservoir Levels

 

The water treatment plant was operating at maximum capacity prior to the rain event, and was struggling to meet demand due to high visitor numbers.  The reservoirs were however maintaining a steady level between 80% and 96% up to 1 January which indicates that the plant was meeting demand during low turbidity over the peak period.

 

When the rain event occurred, the plant began automated backwash procedures at 1pm on 1 January, as the turbidity increased.  The reservoir level at this time was 80%.  The reservoir level began dropping from this point due to the inability of the plant to treat water to keep up with demand.

 

The plant automatically shut down between 8am and 9am on 2 January due to turbidity exceeding the setpoint of 7 NTU.  During this event turbidity reached 500-700 NTU. 

Reservoir storage at 9am on the 2 January was 36%.   A conserve water notice was issued at 10am on 2 January, with the reservoirs becoming empty at 6am on 3 January.

 

13 attempts were made to restart the plant, but the programming would not allow this to occur above a turbidity on 7 NTU.  A bypass was then put in place to enable the raw water to enter the reservoirs and a boil water notice was implemented. 

 

Communications

 

The Beca report provides detail regarding community feedback regarding communication throughout the event.

 

This identifies that while a wide range of communication methods was used over the course of the event, the feedback from the community was that the communication was not adequate. 

 

The report acknowledges that both the communications team, and infrastructure teams are small and there was a lot to keep on top of during the event.  There are a number of recommendations, some of which have already been implemented, and the remaining will be implemented by November.  These include:

 

·     Development of templates to support the communications team, as well as a tour of sites to increase understanding of how the system operates.

·     A daily summary providing a situation update from the water services team.

·     The Get Ready system be used to notify the public of boil water events.

·     Ensuring information is provided to the afterhours service, and has been disseminated by them to all their staff.

·     Specific communication with the Naseby Holiday Park regarding decreasing reservoir levels, and onsite storage at the Holiday park to manage pressure and supply interruptions.

·     Public updates on tankers being removed for refilling

·     Education on three waters reform

·     Update the community on outcome of this review.

 

Council has appointed a Water Operations Team Leader who will lead this work.  This person has experience in public communication and liaison during significant water events and will add a valuable skill set to the water team. 

 

Procedural Performance

 

The Beca report acknowledges that there was widespread damage across the region from this weather event and that council and Fulton Hogan allocated resources appropriately.  Recommendations, and the follow up actions by council are:

·     Priorities for responding to events – council has an emergency response plan which covers the recommendations in the report, and this was followed for this event.  Training will be provided to new infrastructure staff on these procedures as part of their induction process

 

·     Availability of council personnel and key service providers – ensure that water and communications staff are rostered on-call over holiday periods and public holidays.  The Executive Team will discuss how this cover will be managed.

 

·     Ensure that key external providers are available on call during holiday periods.  Fulton Hogan provide this service as part of their contract with council and responded appropriately to this event.  Discussion will be held with other key external providers to ensure an on-call service is available for other service providers.

 

Emergency Operating Procedures

 

The Beca report acknowledges that the scale of this event was such that a boil water notice for 14 days would have been required regardless of the procedures that were implemented. 

 

A trade-off is required between shutting down the system entirely for 14 days, and relying solely on tanker water, or keeping water flowing into households for sanitary and firefighting purposes and extending the timeline of the event in order to clean the system.

 

The report discusses options for setting the turbidity levels before the plant shuts down at a higher level, with a boil water notice still implemented.  The benefit of this is that the duration of the event would be shorter.  This would only work for milder events (<15NTU).  An emergency operating procedure is being developed for this scenario.

Peak Demand

 

There is a high level of uncertainty regarding peak population within Naseby over the Christmas/New Year period.  Cell phone data analysis suggests a peak population of just under 1000 people.  The local community believes that the population over this period is between 3000-4000 people.

This difference has significant water capacity and cost implications.  Council staff will undertake a survey with accommodation providers to understand peak capacity, and some residential surveys may need to be undertaken over the Christmas period to supplement this.

Leak detection work is also being undertaken to ensure that there is no significant water loss occurring.

 

 

Plant Performance

 

A number of improvements to the source, treatment process and the reticulation could be implemented to improve the reliability of the water supply and prevent or shorten future events. Further investigation has been undertaken on the options that have been presented in the Beca report and cost estimates prepared.  These are:

 

·     Improved treatment

installing a clarifier to reduce the turbidity to a level where it can be treated –$320,000

duplicate key treatment items to provide redundancy –$570,000

installation of pH adjustment –$250,000

flocculation tank improvements - $50,000 (included in clarifier cost above)

filtration upgrade - $30,000 (completed)

 

·     Increased treatment capacity

investigate visitor numbers during peak times to understand demands

depending on the amount of increased capacity required, increase treatment capacity above 5 L/s (second intake, second filter, second UV, second blower and backwash pump, increased PACl and hypo storage, duplication of pipework, associated installation –$1,070,000

 

·     Increased water storage 1500m3 raw water storage to provide three to four days of peak storage –$3,100,000 – this is not recommended as the issue in meeting peak demand is due to the restrictions on the plant capacity, and not on the storage capacity.  High turbidity events also last for in excess of four days.  The treatment capacity can be more cost effectively addressed, and provide a better outcome, than increasing water storage.

 

·     Source protection – the report recommends that an alternative source is identified or a legal agreement is negotiated with the irrigation company to protect water quantity and quality in recognition of the importance of public water supply over commercial use.  Council staff believe that it is impractical and inappropriate to shift this risk to the irrigation company.  Issues relating to water sources within the broader Maniototo area are discussed below.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

The procedural, emergency operating procedure, and communications recommendations in the Beca report are able to be implemented quickly, and at minimal cost.  Many of these have already been undertaken, with the remainder to be completed by November.

 

There are three council operated water schemes within the Maniototo area, at Naseby, Ranfurly, and Patearoa.  These supplies all have resilience issues during moderate rainfall events, and during drought conditions. 

 

The operating environment for provision of community water supplies is changing significantly due to a number of factors.  These include changes to the consenting of water takes, enforcement of the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards, and increased costs to upgrade the supplies to meet these standards.

 

 

Consenting of Water Takes

 

Central Otago District Council has been an active participant in the Otago Territorial Authorities submission on the Otago Regional Council (ORC) Plan Change 7.  This has provided an increased level of understanding of the likely considerations and conditions that will be applied to the future allocation of water for community water supplies. 

 

The two water take consents from the Eweburn for Ranfurly expire in October 2021 and are currently being renewed.  The ORC is considering the renewal of these in accordance with the provisions of Plan Change 7.  The renewed consents are likely to be for a period of either six years, or 14 years with additional requirements relating to Plan Change 7.

 

The Ranfurly water supply is also supplemented during dry periods with water purchased from the Hawkdun irrigation race.  The Naseby water supply is solely provided from the Hawkdun irrigation race.  The consents for this water are held by the Hawkdun Irrigation Company and expire in 2037. 

 

The Patearoa water supply is sourced from the Sowburn, and the consent for this take expires in 2050.

 

While community water supplies have a higher priority for allocation of water than irrigation water, the use of the irrigation infrastructure to source and supply community water supplies adds another level of complexity and source management issues. 

 

Draft Plan Change 7 amendments that have been negotiated between the Otago Terriotrial Authorities and the Otago Regional Council for community water supplies.  These extend the time period for consents from 6 years to 2035, and add requirements for demand management and water conservation, consideration of storage of rainwater and the use of reservoirs, and analysis of water use patterns for different sectors for the purpose of identifying end users.  This includes identifying consequential effects of the end use of water from different water users for supply of water beyond the next six years.  It is expected that these requirements will be included in the next Otago Regional Land and Water Plan.

 

Establishment of New Drinking Water Regulator

 

Tauamata Arowai has now been established as the new drinking water regulator and are expected to take over all regulatory functions in November 2021 after the Water Service Bill is adopted.  This Bill will provide new legislation to enable enforcement of the existing New Zealand Drinking Water Standards with penalties for non-compliance. 

 

The draft penalties for recklessness in supply of unsafe drinking water is a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years or a fine not exceeding $600,000, or both for an individual, or a fine not exceeding $3 million for a body corporate or an unincorporated body. 

 

The draft penalty for negligence is a fine not exceeding $300,000 for an individual, and $1.5 million for a body corporate or an unincorporated body.

 

There are a number of other penalties ranging from $25,000-$75,000 for an individual, and $100,000 - $300,000 for a body corporate or an unincorporated body. 

 

It will be necessary for council to demonstrate that it is actively working towards upgrading the Maniototo water supplies to meet the drinking water standards.  This includes demonstrating that the supplies are resilient to expected climatic events.

 

The requirements to meet the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards and the penalties for not meeting these apply irrespective of three waters delivery reform.

 

Costs for Upgrading and Operating Treatment Plants

 

Initial rough estimates to upgrade water treatment plants were based on the expectation that simple filtration, UV treatment, and chlorination would achieve compliance.  In order for this to occur the source water quality would have to be a consistently high quality.  This is not achievable for any of the water supplies in Central Otago, as water is either sourced from open water sources, or shallow bores.

 

This means additional treatment processes and plant redundancy is required to enable capacity to be maintained when the quality of source water deteriorates due to climatic events.  This increases both initial capital costs, and ongoing operational costs.  The life span of the components is between 10 and 20 years which also results in relatively high depreciation costs.

 

The skill level required to operate these more complex treatment plants is higher, resulting in increased skilled resources being required.  Historically an operator could manage several plants, but the higher complexity plants are more likely to require a full time operator for each plant.

 

A budget of $455,000 was provided for upgrading of the Naseby water supply in 2018/19, with $758,000 being spent.  While the upgrade undertaken is adequate to meet the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards during perfect conditions, the plant is unable to provide treated water during even moderate rain events.

 

A budget of $600,000 was provided for upgrading of the Ranfurly water supply and $300,000 for Patearoa in 2020/21.  Investigation work on these upgrades commenced in 2020 and has been focussed on analysing the quality of the source water during different seasons.  The initial recommendation for both the Patearoa and Ranfurly supplies has been that consideration should be given to finding alternative water sources.  It is likely that the upgrading required to meet the drinking water standards and provide resilience to weather events will require significantly more funding than has currently been budgeted. 

 

In order to ensure that treated water meets the drinking water standards, and is resilient to climatic events, a wider range of options needs to be considered than initially proposed.  This includes consideration of alternative water sources and combining the treatment for two or three townships at one site.  Estimates will then need to be recalculated for these options.

 

The options presented below include upgrading the Naseby supply to remain an independent supply with the current water source, or alternatively an interim upgrade to enable the supply to continue to operate during moderate weather events, with potential for connection to an alternative source in the future.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

Undertake an interim upgrade of the Naseby water treatment to enable the existing plant to operate during periods of high water turbidity in the Hawkdun irrigation race.  Retain the existing plant capacity until consideration of a new source and combined Maniototo water treatment site is completed.  Water restrictions and conserve water notices may be required if a climatic event occurs which reduces the plant capacity during peak demand period.

 

This would include the construction of a clarifier, pH correction, and flocculation tank improvements. The estimated cost of this work is $570,000.  It would exclude increasing redundancy, increasing capacity, and increasing storage which would be an additional cost of $4,740,000.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Improvements could be implemented within 9 months (dependent on material supply)

·         Cost of $570,000 can be accommodated within tranche 1 of the water stimulus funding

·         Will enable water to continue to be treated during moderate turbidity events

·         Will shorten the period of time for boil water notices during extreme climatic events

·         Consideration of an alternative source can be undertaken prior to further significant investment.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Water restrictions may be required during the peak population time which is typically two weeks over Christmas and New Year

·         Boil water notices may still be required if turbidity is exceptionally high following extreme climatic events.

 

Option 2

 

Undertake a complete upgrade of the Naseby water treatment to enable the existing plant to operate during periods of high water turbidity in the Hawkdun irrigation race.  This would require increased plant redundancy and capacity to enable the plant to meet peak demand during extreme climatic events.

 

This would include the construction of a clarifier, pH correction, flocculation tank, increased redundancy, and increased plant capacity. The estimated cost of this work is $2,210,000.  It would exclude increasing storage which would be an additional cost of $3,100,000.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Part of the plant could be shutdown for cleaning during peak periods, while the remaining section continues operating.  This would reduce the risk of water restrictions or conserve water notices being required during peak demand periods.

·         Will enable water to continue to be treated during moderate turbidity events

·         Will shorten the period of time for boil water notices during extreme climatic events

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Boil water notices may still be required if turbidity is exceptionally high following extreme climatic events.

·         Increased cost of $1.64 million over option 1, which has not been budgeted.

·         Potential of increased sunk costs if an alternative water source and combined Maniototo treatment plant is identified as a preferred option.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the social and economic wellbeing of the Naseby and Maniototo communities, in the present and for the future by providing and interim water treatment solution while a more resilient and longer term option is identified.

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

The proposed option can be accommodated within the provisions of tranche 1 of the water stimulus funding

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

Yes

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

The proposed option is to find a solution for water treatment for the Maniototo which provides resilience and reliability to climatic events, and expected future impacts from climate change.

 

It also considers the longer term sustainability of the current supply from the Hawkdun irrigation race.

Risks Analysis

Another extreme event could occur at peak demand where turbidity still exceeds the ability of the plant to operate at full capacity.

Costs could increase, and project timing could be prolonged due to material supply issues.  Staff have engaged Beca to continue with designing option 1 while council considers this issue.  This will enable ordering of materials if needed as soon as a decision is made.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

Information will be provided to the community regarding the options available, and the reasons for the decision that is made following the council meeting.

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

·         Project scope change request made to Crown Infrastructure Partners to substitute Naseby clarifier upgrade for Naseby reservoir storage project – submitted

·         Water testing to inform design - underway

·         Specification of clarifier, flocculation tank, and pH correction – underway

·         Council decision – 11 August

·         Material quotations and procurement – mid September

·         Fabrication and delivery – mid November

·         Installation – December – February

·         Commissioning – March 2022

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Naseby Water Treatment Plant Review  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Julie Muir

Sanchia Jacobs

Executive Manager - Infrastructure Services

Chief Executive Officer

29/07/2021

3/08/2021

 


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

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11 August 2021

 

21.6.12       Appointment of Consultant for Bridge Structural Advice for 2021‑24

Doc ID:      547518

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To consider the direct appointment of a consultant for advice for bridges during the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Approves the direct appointment of Beca for the provision of structural advice for bridges for the 2021-24 Long Term Plan period.

 

2.       Background

 

Council approved the direct appointment of Beca for the provision of structural advice for bridges for the 2020-21 financial year on 28 July 2020.

 

Specialist structural engineering advice is required to review the condition and future upgrade requirements of Council’s bridge network. Detailed design is also required for work in the Long-Term Plan programme.

 

Council has 177 bridges with 37 of these expected to reach the end of their economic life within the next 25 years, and a further 30 requiring significant renewal work within the next 25 years. A large number of these are on low volume roads where there are alternative routes, and the economic viability of their replacement needs to be considered. Forward budgets have been prepared based on the assumption that not all bridges will be replaced.

 

The number and weight of trucks is also increasing, as a result of regulatory changes and improvements in land productivity. There are 23 weight restricted bridges, 22 of these are on low volume rural roads where there is a higher risk of overloading occurring.

 

A more detailed understanding of the replacement needs, options, and costs is required to inform community consultation regarding affordability and options for the future. The specialised expertise required for this programme of work is not available within Council. In the past, this advice has been sourced externally when required for individual bridges. There has been a proposal to undertake this work over the past four years, but it has not progressed due to staff changes and vacancies within the roading team.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Structural engineers who specialise in bridge work are a small subset of the broader structural engineering profession. This means there are limited people who undertake this work and those with experience typically are in high demand. This has been reflected in the timeliness of delivery on past Council bridge work.

 

Council has a vast network of bridges which are unlikely to be sustainable from an affordability perspective. A strategic approach is required to deliver the required level of service across the network which will require innovative thinking. Many structural engineers are able to evaluate the replacement of an individual bridge. Consideration of the need and affordability of the wider network requires a different way of thinking.

 

Beca have been undertaking work for Council reviewing the structural integrity of bridges on the network, and are investigating options for replacing bridges damaged by the January 2021 floods. Through this work they have demonstrated an ability to deliver innovative solutions to manage risk and provide affordable options.

 

After the inspections have been done then further work will be undertaken to identify options and costs for addressing issues. It is therefore difficult to define the full scope of the work from the outset. Council and consultant staff will need to work together on the project.

 

Subject to approval, the current Procurement Policy allows an exemption from open advertising under certain circumstances. Some of these circumstances include:

 

·     Where the services required are specialist technical or professional services.

·     When it is not practical or cost-effective to conduct an open tender or proposal.

·     Where there is limited time for the procurement process.

 

When an exemption from open advertising is recommended, approval is on a one-up basis. As the total amount of the professional services for bridge works is expected to be in excess of $200,000, Council approval is required to use direct appointment as the alternative procurement method.

 

The contracts for technical services are usually awarded on qualities relating to experience with little to no weighting given to price. The expertise, experience and innovation of the individual people who work on the project have more of an impact on the cost than the differences in the fees charged for the work.

 

There is a time and cost requirement for tendering work. A tender process for this work is expected to take 12 weeks, and preparation of tender documents and evaluation is expected to take approximately 80 hours of senior staff time. This means that while the tender process will add time and cost to progressing work, it is unlikely to deliver any added value.

 

The amount of investment occurring in the infrastructure sector has increased significantly due to government economic stimulus packages and increased Local Authority investment in the 2021 Long Term Plans. 

 

There is a shortage of experienced consultants to undertake the work that is currently planned and consultants are now in the position where there is more work than capacity to deliver. Building on existing strategic relationships is likely to be more effective in ensuring delivery of Council’s work program than tendering will be.

 

Given Beca’s positive history of work with Council on bridges, their technical expertise and the constraints mentioned above, it is recommended to make a direct appointment of Beca for specialist bridge advice instead of going through an open tender process.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

Make a direct appointment of Beca for a period of three years to progress structural bridge analysis and design work.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Will fast-track consultant engagement, resulting in reduced staff and consultant input being required.

·         Will enable construction of renewals and improvement work which requires technical input to commence earlier.

·         Will utilise the knowledge that Beca have gained through recent bridge investigation work to be carried through to option analysis and development of the bridge strategy.

·         Will enable the development of a bridge strategy to proceed within the next 12 months.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Reduces opportunity for other players to access the local market.

 

Option 2

 

Tender the work.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Open transparent and competitive process.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Will create cost for consultants to tender in a market where there is more work than resource available.  This could result in no tenders being received.

·         Will require staff time which will result in lost opportunities to progress other items of work.

·         Will delay commencement of construction on 2021/22 bridge renewal programme.

·         If a different consultant was selected then the benefits of work undertaken to date could be lost.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the social and economic  wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by providing good quality infrastructure in a way that is most cost effective for households and businesses.

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

Yes. The work will be undertaken within existing budgets provided for this work.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

This decision is inconsistent with the existing Procurement Policy as high expenditure would normally require a market tender or closed competitive process.

With approval, an exemption from open advertising can be used in certain circumstances including: the services required are specialist technical or professional services, where it is not practical or cost-effective to conduct an open tender or proposal and where there is limited time for the procurement process.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

This decision will enable investigation work which will contribute to improved climate resilience for bridges.

 

Risks Analysis

 

There is a risk in managing peak workload with limited resources.

There are risks to Council if appropriate technical expertise is not included in the development and delivery of Long-Term Plan programmes.

There are minimal risks to Council in undertaking direct appointment for for the scale of work that is proposed.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

 

 

This decision is not significant and does not meet the thresholds of Councils Significance and Engagement Policy.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

If Council approves the direct appointment of Beca then work will commence immediately. If not, then a tender process will be initiated in the next 9 months due to the high workloads caused by reform in the Infrastructure Department.

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Nil

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Chantal Green

Julie Muir

Infrastructure Finance Officer

Executive Manager - Infrastructure Services

27/07/2021

30/07/2021

 


11 August 2021

 

21.6.13       Road Renaming Approval Report - Portion of Watson Road

Doc ID:      544185

 

1.       Purpose of Report

 

To ratify the Vincent Community Board’s recommendation to rename a portion of Watson Road to Pīhoihoi Road

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.      Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.      Rename a portion of Watson Road to Pīhoihoi Road.

 

2.       Background

 

A report was presented to the Vincent Community Board on 20 July 2021 (appendix 1) to consider renaming the right-hand section of Watson Road from the T intersection at Nelsen Ridge Road.  A map showing the portion of Watson Road to be renamed is attached as appendix 2.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Renaming a portion of Watson Road will clarify access points for emergency services. Property owners on Watson Road were consulted and are in support this proposal. Once the recommendation is ratified by Council, staff will write to each of the affected property owners to inform them of the decision.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

Ratify the Vincent Community Board recommendation to rename a portion of Watson Road to Pīhoihoi Road.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Provides clear directions to access points for emergency services.

·         Name is approved by Aukaha.

·         Names complies with Council policy.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Six rapid numbers will need to be reissued.

 

Option 2

 

Do not ratify the recommendation.

 

Advantages:

 

·         None identified.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         No clarification for emergency services.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

This decision promotes the environmental wellbeing of communities by providing clear direction to access points for emergency services.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

Costs for the road sign and replacement rapid number plates will be met by the Council roading budgets.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

This decision is consistent with other policies.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

Managing change while protecting and enhancing our culture, heritage and landscape is one of council’s sustainability goals.  Road renaming has the ability to celebrate cultural and heritage aspects of the area.  Road renaming has no climate change impacts or benefits.

 

Risks Analysis

 

Approval of this road rename presents no discernible risks.

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

 

 

Council has consulted with affected parties and have gained support for this proposal.

 

Staff will inform affected property owners of the name change once ratified by Council.

 

This decision does not trigger engagement under the engagement significance policy.

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

1)   Council confirms the name change.

2)   Council sends a copy of the resolution to the Registrar-General of Land and the Surveyor-General.

3)   Staff will inform affected parties of decision.

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - VCB report 20 July 2021.pdf

Appendix 2 - Map portion of Watson Road.pdf  

 

Report author:

Reviewed and authorised by:

 

 

Faye Somerville

Julie Muir

Roading Administration Assistant

Executive Manager - Infrastructure Services

8/07/2021

4/08/2021

 


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 

PDF Creator


PDF Creator


Council meeting

11 August 2021

 


11 August 2021

 

21.6.14       Rural Networks South Island rent review.

Doc ID:      541119

 

1.           Purpose of Report

 

To provide further information for the purpose of reassessing the licence fees and power charges payable by Rural Networks South Island (the Company) for the licences and leases held over various Council reserves.

 

Recommendations

That the Council

A.          Receives the report and accepts the level of significance.

B.          Agrees to:

 

1.     Reduce the licence fee for the Gilligans Gully site from $6,000 to $4,800 per annum plus GST.

 

2.     Reduce the licence fees for the Clyde Lookout, Earnscleugh Road, and Sugarloaf sites from $5,000, to $1,900 per annum plus GST.

 

3.     Reduce the rental for the Alexandra Airport site from $5,000 to $1,900 per annum plus GST, subject to the lessee continuing to provide free internet services to the Airport Terminal.

 

4.     Charge a flat fee of $600 per annum plus GST (per tenant as applicable) for power at the Gilligans Gully and Clyde Lookout sites with that fee being subject to adjustment (increase) by 10% on renewal.

 

5.     Backdate the revised fees and charges to the commencement of the new licences and leases being 01 July 2020.

 

C.          Authorises the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

 

 

2.           Background

 

At their meeting of 26 August 2020 Council considered a report proposing the legalisation of the licences and leases held by Rural Networks South Island over the following sites:

 

-        Gilligans Gully Road, being Part Lot 8 DP 429123,

-        Clyde Lookout Road, being Part Town Belt of Clyde,

-        Earnscleugh Road, being Part Section 149 Block I Fraser Survey District,

-        Sugarloaf, being Part Lot 15 DP 418764, and;

-        Alexandra Airport, being Part Lot 2 DP 300842.

 

The report also contained recommendations regarding site fees, sub-tenanting, and power charges.

 

A copy of the report dated 26 August 2020 is attached as Appendix 1.

 

On consideration the Council resolved (Resolution 20.7.18) as follows:

 

B.    Approves, subject to the Reserves Act 1977, the granting of licences to Rural Networks South Island for the purpose of locating telecommunications towers on sites on the following reserves:

 

·        Gilligans Gully Road, being Part Lot 8 DP 429123,

·        Clyde Lookout Road, being Part Town Belt of Clyde,

·        Earnscleugh Road, being Part Section 149 Block I Fraser Survey District, and;

·        Sugarloaf, being Part Lot 15 DP 418764

 

C.    Agrees to the inclusion of terms in the Gilligans Gully licence providing for:

 

·        the existing sub-tenancy to 2 Degrees Limited, and;

·        the charging of a fee to cover power at $750 per annum per tenant, subject to adjustment by any increases in supply of energy or network charges.

 

D.    Agrees to include a term in the Clyde Lookout Road licence providing for the charging of a fee to cover power at $750 per annum, subject to adjustment by any increases in supply of energy or network charges.

 

E.    Agrees to grant consent (under delegated authority), on behalf of the Minister of Conservation, to Council issuing licences over sites on the scenic and recreation reserves identified above in B.

 

F.     Approves, subject to the Airport Authorities Act 1966, the granting of a lease to Rural Networks South Island for the purpose of locating a telecommunications tower at the Alexandra Airport, being Part Lot 2 DP 300842, subject to the Company continuing to provide free internet services to the Airport Terminal.

 

G.    Agrees to the new licences and the lease being granted for a term of 5 years each, with one right of renewal, subject to adjustment by CPI on renewal, commencing 01 July 2020.

 

H.    Approves the use of the Licence Fee Calculator (shown in Figure 6) for the purpose of determining current rentals and subrentals.

 

I.       Agrees, subject to adjustment by CPI, to the Licence Fee Calculator being adopted as the standard for determining future rentals and subrentals for telecommunications sites on Council reserves.

 

Authorises the Chief Executive to do all that is necessary to give effect to the resolution.

 

As noted in the report dated 26 August 2020, the Company disagreed with the valuation advice received from QV and ruralvalue relating to licence fees for Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) sites. The Company also disagreed with the advice received from the electrical engineer regarding the estimated power consumption and costs.

 

On release of the resolution the Company advised that the rentals were not sustainable and that the power charges were too high. They then asked if Council could reconsider the proposed rentals and power charges.

 

A second report proposing a reduction of the site rentals and power charges was put to Council’s meeting of 24 March 2021.

 

A copy of the report dated 24 March 2021 is attached as Appendix 2.

 

On consideration the Council resolved (Resolution 21.2.3) as follows:

 

         That the item is left to lie on the table pending further information.

 

On release of the resolution the Company was advised of the outcome and provided with a summary of the feedback from councillors. That summary included the following advice:

 

The Councillors did not believe that the letter from the secretariat of WISPA equated to evidence of actual site rental fees. They also had concerns regarding the setting of the power charges given the increased that have been proposed by power companies over the next few years.

 

And:

 

Councillors are now asking the licensee to provide valuation data as evidence in support of the request to reduce the licence fees.

 

In response, the Company advised that they were disappointed that the letter from the secretariat of the Wireless Internet Service Providers Association of New Zealand Incorporated (WISPA.NZ) was not considered evidence of industry rental standards. They also advised that:

 

My valuer and surveyor are unable to provide me [valuation] information till mid May, which I know is a bit unhelpful. The numbers are still 30% higher than I expect to pay. Power is well above what we use.

I am presently evaluating the logistics of moving my towers onto private land and should have completed this in next 2 weeks.

 

 

3.       Discussion

 

Further Information – Power

The Company’s Gilligans Gully and Clyde Lookout antennas are connected to Council’s water reservoir power supplies.  The options relating to power have been reviewed and are expanded on below. These include the Company:

 

·     establishing their own connection to the network,

·     installing a sub-meter,

·     installing a solar powered system, or;

·     making payment of a set fee for power in conjunction with the rent.

 

To recap on the advice of the electrical engineer, requiring the Company to establish their own connection to the electricity network or to install a sub-meter would be cost prohibitive.

 

Installing a check-meter would be less expensive, however. The ongoing readings, calculations and reconciliations required to produce an account would be inefficient and onerous. Further compounding those inefficiencies are access issues. The two sites are located rurally in secure locations.

 

While solar power is noted as an option above, changing to solar would carry its own costs (which have not been researched). Instead, the fairest solution is to work with the existing electrical set-up. This means a flat fee remains the most practical solution for recovering power.

 

The power accounts from the Earnscleugh site are accurate evidence of power consumption by a single antenna. Accounts from the latter half of 2020 indicate an annual consumption of approximately $560 per annum plus GST. This is consistent with the recommendation of $600 per annum plus GST. It also allows a buffer allowing for a 7% increase in charges over time.

 

Further Information – Licence Fees: Gilligans Gully

The Company has agreed to accept the proposed licence fee of $4,800 per annum plus GST for the Gilligans Gully site. The Company’s acceptance of this fee is based on their ability to recover up to 75% of the fee from the subtenant.

 

After collecting 75% of the fee from the sub-tenant the Company will be responsible for the remaining $1,200. This brings the Company’s share of the licence fee into line with what they believe to be a fair rental of $1,500 per annum plus GST.

 

 

 

Further Information – Licence Fees: All other sites

While the Company had intended to provide their own valuation evidence in support of reducing rentals further, they have now advised that this was cost prohibitive. As an alternate to that option, the Company were asked to provide copies of other agreements to occupy.

 

The Company has not provided copies of any occupation agreements.

 

It is now proposed that a licence fee of $1,900 per annum plus GST be adopted for the remaining towers. This fee is the midpoint between the rental proposed in the report dated 24 March 2021 and the Company’s request for rentals of $1,500 per annum pus GST.

 

Renewal, reviews, and other provisions:

Resolution 20.7.18 provides for rent reviews on renewal. The methodology for determining the new rental is adjustment by CPI. For simplicity and in consideration of the existing 7% buffer, it is proposed that on renewal the annual power charge of $600 be increased by 10% to $660 per annum plus GST. It is proposed that one power charge be levied per tenant.

 

For the purpose of clarity, the licence to occupy the Alexandra Airport site will be granted subject to the Company continuing to supply free internet services to the Airport Terminal.

 

 

4.       Options

 

Option 1 – (Recommended)

 

That the Council agrees to:

 

1.   Reduce the licence fee for the Gilligans Gully site from $6,000 to $4,800 per annum plus GST.

 

2.   Reduce the licence fees for the Clyde Lookout, Earnscleugh Road, and Sugarloaf sites from $5,000, to $1,900 per annum plus GST.

 

3.   Reduce the rental for the Alexandra Airport site from $5,000, to $1,900 per annum plus GST, subject to the lessee continuing to provide free internet services to the Airport Terminal.

 

4.   Charge a flat fee of $600 per annum plus GST (per tenant as applicable) for power at the Gilligans Gully and Clyde Lookout sites with that fee being subject to adjustment (increase) by 10% on renewal.

 

5.   Backdate the revised fees and charges to the commencement of the new licences and leases being 01 July 2020.

 

Advantages:

 

·         The rental is the middle ground between the previous recommendation and the request.

·         Power charges for Gilligans Gully and the Clyde Lookout sites will align with actual power accounts and will provide for increasing charges during the first term of the licences.

·         The provision for reviewing the power charges (on renewal) aligns with the simple methodology for reviewing rent.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         None.

 

Option 2

 

That the Council does not agree to reduce the licence fees and charge a flat fee for power.

 

Advantages:

 

·         None.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         Does not recognise the Company’s advice that the existing fees are unsustainable.

·         Power charges for Gilligans Gully and the Clyde Lookout sites will not align with actual power accounts or provide for increasing charges during the first term of the licences.

·         The provision for reviewing the power charges (on renewal) will not align with the simple methodology for reviewing rent.

 

Option 3

 

That the Council determines other licence, rental fees, and/or power charges are appropriate.

 

Advantages:

 

·         Councillors may determine other fees and methodologies for determining them are more appropriate.

 

Disadvantages:

 

·         May also not be sustainable by the Company.

·         May not provide a simple methodology for assessing and recovering power.

·         May not resolve the matter.

 

 

5.       Compliance

 

Local Government Act 2002 Purpose Provisions

While infrastructure for internet services is not a Council activity, this promotes the social and economic  wellbeing of communities, in the present and for the future by enabling Rural Networks South Island to continue to transmit wireless internet services in a sustainable manner.

 

Financial implications – Is this decision consistent with proposed activities and budgets in long term plan/annual plan?

 

The income will be less than anticipated but will be sustainable in the longer term.

 

Decision consistent with other Council plans and policies? Such as the District Plan, Economic Development Strategy etc.

 

The decision to align the power charges on the Gilligans Gully and Clyde Lookout with the actual charges on the Earnscleugh site promotes equity and fairness.

 

Considerations as to sustainability, the environment and climate change impacts

 

No sustainability, environmental or climate change impacts are related to the recommendation.

 

Risks Analysis

 

If the fees are not reduced the Company may vacate the various sites with no income being received or fees recovered.

 

Significance, Consultation and Engagement (internal and external)

 

The Significance and Engagement Policy has been considered with none of the criteria being met or exceeded.

 

 

 

6.       Next Steps

 

1.   Licences updated and sent to licence holder for execution                      August 2021

2.   Licence fees and power charges invoiced                                                  August 2021

 

 

7.       Attachments

 

Appendix 1 - Copy of report to Council dated 26 August 2020

Appendix 2 - Copy of report to Council dated 24 March 2021