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Minutes of a Meeting of the Wanganui Rural Community Board held at 3.33pm
on Wednesday, 4 May 2016 in Committee Room 2, Municipal Office Building,
101 Guyton Street, Whanganui _____________________________________________________________________________
Present: Messrs David Matthews (Chair), Bill Ashworth, Darrell Monk, Cr
Hamish McDouall, and Cr Jenny Duncan.
Apologies: Alan Taylor and Andy Collins.
In Attendance: Cr Helen Craig, Yth Crs Courtney Crafar and Ellise Smith, Crs
David Cotton and Rod Pearce (Horizons Regional Council).
Officers in Attendance: Kym Fell (Chief Executive), Mark Hughes (Group Manager,
Infrastructure), Stephanie Rose (Policy and Corporate Planning
Manager), Matthew Smith (Emergency Manager), Rui Leitao
(Senior Roading Engineer), Marianne Cavanagh (Senior Policy
Advisor), Ceinwyn Bannister (Policy Advisor), Jo Meiklejohn
(Animal and Parking Management Team Leader), and Cass
Alexander (Communications Officer). Secretary: Louise Davies
(Governance Services Officer).
David Matthews welcomed everyone, and in particular welcomed Kym Fell, Chief
Executive, to his first meeting with the Board. Following introductions, Mr Fell provided a
brief profile of his previous roles.
Board’s Resolution Proposed by Cr McDouall, seconded by Darrell Monk:
THAT the apologies from Alan Taylor and Andy Collins, are received.
CARRIED
1. Confirmation of Minutes – 23 March 2016
Copies of the Minutes of the meeting of the Wanganui Rural Community Board held on
Wednesday, 23 March 2016, were circulated with the Order Paper of the meeting of the
Whanganui District Council, held on 19/20 April 2016. The Council adopted the Board’s
reports and recommendations with the exclusion of Item 4: Dog Control Fees 2016/2017.
Board’s Resolution Proposed by David Matthews, seconded by Cr McDouall:
1.1 THAT the Minutes of the meeting of the Wanganui Rural Community Board held on
Wednesday, 23 March 2016, are confirmed.
CARRIED
- 2 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
2. Actions Arising from Previous Minutes
Item Resolution Action
%
Completed
1 14 May 2015 6. Roading Update
That Council officers investigate
options to mitigate damage to rural
roads.
Rui Leitao Tied up with the update of
the Rural Road Strategy is
the new One Road National
Classification (ONRC)
system. ONRC levels of
service and new guidelines
will be rolling out over the
next 12 months and all Road
Controlling Authorities will
be required to have their
Roading Asset Management
Plans and Activity
Management Plan for
2018/29 to align to
ONRC. Rural strategies will
be included in this
alignment. Nationally there
is great interest on the effect
of forestry on low volume
rural roads and a ‘Special
Interest Group’ has been
formed to assess the
best/fairest way to address
this issue.
Refer to Item 6 in the 4 May
2016 agenda for an update
on this issue.
80
2 5. Feral Goats That the Wanganui Rural Community
Board investigates quantitative
performance measures that could be
implemented to monitor the benefits,
both environmentally and
economically, for the whole
community that any change to feral
goat control (or management) may
bring.
Rowan McGregor
Horizons Regional Council
has secured funding from
the Envirolink scheme
(funded by the Ministry of
Business, Innovation &
Employment – Science and
Innovation), for an initial
Central Government funded
grant of $5,000 for
environmental research.
Research is underway.
Submission on wild goats
made to the Horizons
Regional Council’s
Proposed Pest Management
Plan.
30
3 2 December 2015
4. Process to alter
name of the
Wanganui Rural
Community Board
That the item of business being
discussed lie on the table.
Debate adjourned pending
further investigation of
process required.
0
4 10 February 2016 4. Wanganui Rural
Community Board
Survey to rural
households
That the Wanganui Rural Community
Board agrees to undertake a postal
survey to all rural households in the
Whanganui District.
Marianne Cavanagh
The survey was sent out to a
random sample of 1500
rural residents.
100
- 3 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
That the Wanganui Rural Community
Board agrees to offer an incentive for
completing the survey in the form of a
draw for a $100 Farmlands voucher.
That the survey be sent to all rural
households by the end of February
2016, and results to be reported back to
the Wanganui Rural Community Board
at a later meeting.
A high level results report is
on the 4 May 2016 agenda.
Refer to Item 5.
100
100
5. 4 May 2016
4. Dog Control
Fees 2016/2017
That the Wanganui Rural Community
Board recommends to the Council that
the revised Whanganui District
Council’s Dog Control Fees for the
2016/2017 year are set as follows:
Refer minutes for list.
Jo Meiklejohn
Recommendation excluded
at the Council’s meeting of
19/20 April 2016. Refer re-
tabled Item 4: Dog Control
Fees in the Board’s 4 May
2016 agenda.
80
6 7. Submissions –
Whanganui District
Council and
Horizons Regional
Council – Draft
Annual Plans
2016/17
That the Wanganui Rural
Community Board formally submits
on Whanganui District Council’s
proposed amendments to Year Two
of the 10-Year Plan 2015-2025 and
its proposed Annual Plan 2016/17.
That the Wanganui Rural
Community Board formally submits
on Horizons Regional Council’s
2016/17 Annual Plan.
That Council officers facilitate a
workshop with the Wanganui Rural
Community Board after its meeting
on 23 March 2016 to develop the
Board’s submissions on Horizons
Regional Council’s Draft Annual
Plan 2016/17.
That Council officers facilitate a
workshop, or alternative
communication mechanism, with the
Wanganui Rural Community Board
to develop the Board’s submissions
on the Whanganui District Council’s
proposed amendments to Year Two
of its 10-Year Plan 2015-2025 and
its proposed Annual Plan 2016/17.
That the Wanganui Rural
Community Board presents its
submission on the Whanganui
District Council and Horizons
Regional Council Draft Annual Plans
at the appropriate Council hearings.
That the Chairman of the Wanganui
Rural Community Board is given
delegated authority to sign off on both
of the Wanganui Rural Community
Board’s submissions prior to
lodgement.
Ceinwyn Bannister 80
100
100
100
50
100
- 4 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
7 Late Item –
Wanganui Rural
Community Board
Chair
That Alan Taylor’s notice of
relinquishing the role of Chair of the
Wanganui Rural Community Board
is accepted.
That David Matthews is confirmed
Chair of the Wanganui Rural
Community Board for the remainder
of this term.
That Alan Taylor is confirmed as
Deputy Chair of the Wanganui Rural
Community Board for the remainder
of this term.
That the Wanganui Rural Community
Board’s appointed member to the
Whanganui District Council is David
Matthews.
Malcolm Hunt
100
Board’s Resolution Proposed by Bill Ashworth, seconded by David Matthews:
2.1 THAT the information is noted.
CARRIED
4. Dog Registration Fees
Jo Meiklejohn, Animal and Parking Management Team Leader, reports:
“Introduction
The purpose of this report is to set the dog registration and impounding fees for the
2016/2017 year, as required by section 37 of the Dog Control Act 1996. This item was
previously tabled at the meeting of the Wanganui Rural Community Board (Board) held on
23 March 2016 and the Board consequently made a recommendation to the Council based
upon the information provided at that time. However, due to the rebate fees increase the
revenue decreased and the fees need an amendment in order to maintain the expected
revenue.
It is noted that at its meeting held on 19/20 April 2016, the Council excluded Item 4: Dog
Control Fees 2016/17 and its recommendation, when adopting the Board’s minutes.
Background
The Dog Control Act 1996 s 37 (6) requires the territorial authority to set annual dog control
fees before 31 May of each year. Wanganui District Council’s procedure is to obtain the
endorsement of the Wanganui Rural Community Board in the first instance before seeking
a resolution by the Council.
We currently have 7,462 known dogs on our database, of these 310 (4%) are unregistered.
The breakdown is 5,442 non-working dogs and 1,712 working dogs. Currently 45 (14.5%)
- 5 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
of the 310 unregistered dog owners are under direct debit for this year’s fees, also 14 owners
have paid or are paying towards next year’s fees.
Factors to consider
Financial considerations
1. An increase of $5.00 per dog for non-working dogs will generate an additional $28,000
(approximately).
2. Changes to the ways of euthanizing are incurring extra direct and indirect costs. These
costs look set to continue to increase. The annual budget was set at $7,000 for
euthanizing, the actual expenditure is around $20,000. This is likely to increase further.
3. There have been no dog fee increases since 2014,
4. A new Animal Welfare Centre has been approved in the 10-Year Plan.
5. We recommend an increase in the first impounding fee of $20.00. Expected revenue
from this will be less than $1,000 based on last year’s impounding numbers.
6. We recommend a change to sustenance fees where a compulsory $15.00 per day fee
applies.
7. Animal Control has started to rent out ‘bark collars’ to see if they are effective in
limiting bark nuisance. We recommend a $40.00 per fortnight fee, with $30.00
refundable on return.
Legal compliance
This fee structure complies with all relevant legislation and policies of Whanganui
District Council.
Policy implications
Currently no charges are applied to the two new permits required under both The Dog
Control Bylaw 2015 and the Keeping of Animals, Poultry and Bees Bylaw. This is
to ensure we gain compliance; extra funding may need to be sought to cover the costs
of maintaining these permits.
Risks
Increasing the impounding fees and charging sustenance from day one will result in
owners being unable to pay for their dog’s release. This will impact upon the
veterinarian costs for euthanizing and other indirect costs associated with euthanizing.
Significance
In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the recommended decision is not
significant.
Engagement
The proposed fee structure is to be endorsed by the Wanganui Rural Community Board at
its meeting held on 23 March 2016.
Assessment of options
Clearly there are a number of options that could be tabled with various price increases,
however the only two options presented are the recommended and preferred option as
previously listed, or the status quo.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Option One 2016/2017 fee structure
Fee Non-Working Dogs Incl GST
$
Full fee Before any rebates for first three dogs 120.00
Prompt payment
rebate
Registration paid on or before 31 July 2016 12.00
Neutered/spayed
rebate
Veterinarian certificate or receipt required as proof 24.00
Good dog rebate No justified complaints over the last registration
year
24.00
Multi-dog rebate For the fourth and subsequent non-working dog with
one owner (only for existing multi-dog owners,
others by approval only)
10.00
Working Dogs
Full fee Before any rebate for first three dogs 40.00
Prompt payment
rebate
Registration paid on or before 31 July 2016 10.00
Multi-working dog
rebate
For the fourth and subsequent working dog with
one owner
10.00
Impounding Fees
First impounding Registered or unregistered dog 90.00
Second and
subsequent
impounding within
registration year
Registered 160.00
Sustenance fee Per day 15.00
Other Fees
Micro chipping fee 25.00
Sale of dog fee Plus any other relevant charges 35.00
Bark collar rental Fortnightly deposit ($30.00 refund on return) 40.00
Option Two 2016/2017
Option Two is to retain the current 2015/2016 fee structure, with the fee reduction rate
matching the newly adopted Dog Control Policy 2015. This would result in the retention of
outdated fees, or fees no longer charged. It would not increase the impounding fee. Increases
to impounding fees will target cost recovery on less responsible dog ownership whilst not
extending the cost across all dog owners.
Fee Non-Working Dogs Incl GST
$
Full fee Before any rebates for first three dogs 110.00
Prompt payment
rebate
Registration paid on or before 31 July 2016 10.00
Neutered/spayed
rebate
Veterinarian certificate or receipt required as proof 25.00
Good dog rebate No justified complaints over the last registration year 10.00
- 7 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Multi-dog rebate For the fourth and subsequent non-working dog with
one owner
10.00
Working Dogs
Full fee Before any rebate for first three dogs 40.00
Prompt payment
rebate
Registration paid on or before 31 July 2016 10.00
Multi-working dog
rebate
For the fourth and subsequent working dog with one
owner
10.00
Impounding Fees
First impounding Registered or unregistered dog 70.00
Second and
subsequent
impounding within
registration year
Registered 150.00
Sustenance fee Daily fee after seven days 15.00
Other Fees
Micro chipping fee 20.00
Sale of dog fee Plus any other relevant charges 30.00
Bark collar rental Fortnightly deposit ($30.00 refund on return) 40.00
Conclusion
A conservative approach has been taken with the Dog Registration Fees for 2016/2017. The
increase is minimal but will provide additional income to meet the rising costs of providing
the service. There have been no increases to fees since 2014, however the Animal
Management team have additional resources, and therefore an increase in service is provided
to the community.”
Discussion
Although an item on Dog Registration Fees had been tabled at the Board’s previous meeting
on 23 March 2016, Jo Meiklejohn explained that the Dog Control Policy stated that discounts
must be set as a percentage. Accordingly, and due to an increase in the rebate fees, the
expected income would have decreased therefore the fees had required amendment in order
to maintain the expected revenue. The full fee for working dogs remained unchanged from
the figure presented at the Board’s last meeting.
Board’s Resolution Proposed by Darrell Monk, seconded by Cr Duncan:
4.1 THAT the Wanganui Rural Community Board recommends to the Council that the
Whanganui District Council’s Dog Control Fees for the 2016/2017 year are set as follows:
Significance of decision – In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the
decision is not significant.
- 8 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Fee Non-Working Dogs Incl GST
$
Full fee Before any rebates for first three dogs 120.00
Prompt payment
rebate
Registration paid on or before 31 July 2016 12.00
Neutered/spayed
rebate
Veterinarian certificate or receipt required as proof 24.00
Good dog rebate No justified complaints over the last registration year 24.00
Multi-dog rebate For the fourth and subsequent non-working dog with
one owner (only for existing multi-dog owners,
others by approval only)
10.00
Working Dogs
Full fee Before any rebate for first three dogs 40.00
Prompt payment
rebate
Registration paid on or before 31 July 2016 10.00
Multi-working dog
rebate
For the fourth and subsequent working dog with one
owner
10.00
Impounding Fees
First impounding Registered or unregistered dog 90.00
Second and
subsequent
impounding within
registration year
Registered 160.00
Sustenance fee Per day 15.00
Other Fees
Micro chipping fee 25.00
Sale of dog fee Plus any other relevant charges 35.00
Bark collar rental Fortnightly deposit ($30.00 refund on return) 40.00
CARRIED
ACTION: Jo Meiklejohn
8. Rural Fire Season and Fire Service Review Update
Matthew Smith, Emergency Manager, provided a verbal update on the Whanganui District’s
Rural Fire Season, and reported on the Department of Internal Affairs’ Fire Service Review
and his assessment of its impact upon Whanganui District Council following the Ministerial
announcement on 29 April 2016. A report was tabled.
Fire Season: Mr Smith reported that there had been 34 fire calls since July 2015. This was
comparable to the 2015/16 fire season, however, there had been no major events that
exceeded a 24 hour duration. Predictions had been for a dry season this year however this
had only become apparent within the last month. As a result, the on call fire crew have been
extended for an additional three weeks until 23 May 2016, and this level of response
readiness will be extended until receipt of significant rainfall to reduce the current fire risk.
- 9 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Fire Services Review: Mr Smith spoke to his tabled report and outlined the following:
The new entity to be called ‘Fire and Emergency New Zealand’ (FENZ).
Legislation to create the new organisation is being drafted and is proposed to be
introduced through Parliament by the end of 2016.
Proposed start for FENZ is anticipated to be mid-2017.
Councils will no longer be Fire Authorities or fund fire suppression. Funding will be
via an increased Fire Levy on insurance – this will be broadened to contents insurance
and third party vehicle insurance.
A transition period of three to four years from mid-2017 is proposed to enable
continuity of rural fire suppression capability, however it was not clear what this
‘transition’ would entail.
Local Committees would be established to be the community voice on FENZ matters.
The Department of Conservation ceases its role as Rural Fire Authority but would still
provide fire suppression capability.
Assessment of effects on Whanganui District Council as a Rural Fire Authority:
At some stage of the transition of operational control, funding and maintenance of the
Whanganui Rural Fire Force staff and equipment would pass to FENZ.
Rating and funding for rural fire suppression by the Council would cease. It is
unknown if this would be from mid-2017 or when the transition in our area occurs.
Whanganui Rural Fire Force assets (fire appliance, tanker, ute, quad bike, pumps etc.)
would be required to be available for operational use by FENZ as from the
establishment of the new entity. It is unknown at this stage how the accounting aspects
of this would be handled.
Operationally, there would be little immediate change to rural fire suppression in
Whanganui District. The fire crew and equipment are currently based at the Area Fire
Office (Maria Place Extension) and would remain so.
Existing Rural Fire casual staff would have a new employment arrangement with
FENZ and not the Council. Current paid staff (the fire crew) would continue to be paid
on the same conditions as they are now once they commence with FENZ.
Full time contracts would transfer to the new organisation, with part-time staff or
contract staff, by negotiation. There are no redundancies anticipated.
Repeated mention at the Ministerial briefing, for ongoing ‘support for transition’ from
existing Rural Fire Authorities in order to maintain operational effectiveness.
The Council may have the opportunity to provide direct input into future FENZ
operations through the proposed Local Committee structure.
Current Unknowns:
When the Council’s funding for fire suppression will cease.
When the transition to FENZ would occur in the Whanganui District.
How the asset transfer would be achieved.
What the Council’s Emergency Management Officers’ ongoing support requirement
would be post mid-2017.
Mr Smith recommended that there should be no change made to the Council’s 10-Year Plan
with regard to rural fire activity until clarity had been achieved on when the Council’s
funding for fire suppression would cease.
- 10 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
In response to a question, Mr Smith replied that there was uncertainty on how asset transfer
would be performed as there were various forms of ownership throughout the Districts
nationally and this matter was yet to be worked through.
David Matthews asked how ‘lit’ fires would be funded. Mr Smith explained that the current
method is debt recovery from the fire lighter if they could be identified. For such future
instances, it is proposed that the person is fined and money recovered through the court
system.
Bill Ashworth queried the funding of vehicle accidents. Mr Smith explained that under the
current New Zealand Fire Services Act, the Fire Service are not presently directed, nor
funded, by the Government to perform vehicle emergency work, urban search and rescue,
or hazardous substance response however they perform this work out of their current funding
allocation. The proposed new legislation would effectively incorporate such issues.
Board’s Resolution Proposed by Cr McDouall, seconded by Darrell Monk:
8.1 THAT the information is noted.
CARRIED
9. Manawatu-Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Consistent
Community Tsunami Signage and Public Education Project
Anthony Edwards, Emergency Management Officer, reports:
“Introduction
The purpose of this report is to update the Wanganui Rural Community Board on the
developments of the Manawatu-Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management
(CDEM) Group Consistent Community Tsunami Signage and Public Education Project.
Background
The Manawatu-Whanganui CDEM Group Consistent Community Tsunami and Signage and
Public Education Project is designed to enhance community resilience by clearly identifying
the coastal Tsunami hazard and providing clear simple information about what to do to
avoid the coastal Tsunami risk.
Currently Horizons Regional Council Emergency Management and Whanganui District
Council Emergency Management are working together to develop Geographic Information
System (GIS) mapping to outline our local tsunami threat to our city and neighbouring
coastal communities (Ref B1-B2). They will also show main evacuation routes leading to
Tsunami Safe Assembly Locations (most of these are our Civil Defence Centres). Currently
we are nearing the completion phase of producing these signs, and designs will be sent to
contractors to produce. Our Whanganui Emergency Management Team are also working
with roading contactors to decide the best locations to erect evacuation route signs leading
to our Tsunami Safe Assembly Locations.
Significance of decision – In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the decision
is not significant.
- 11 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Strategic context
Not applicable.
Factors to consider
Financial considerations
Project funded by CDEM resilience fund contribution – $69,711 (including GST).
Local authority contribution
• Confirmation of Tsunami Hazard maps of the Region by GNS Science –
$10,000, funded by Horizons Regional Council on behalf of the CDEM Group.
• Public Education Management by Horizons Regional Council and District
Councils.
• Additional infrastructure required for sign erection. (Horizons and/or District
Councils).
• Detail CDEM and Infrastructure planning for signage location mapping.
• Ongoing maintenance of signage by District Councils (vested asset).
Legal compliance
Tsunami evacuation route signs will be permanently installed alongside roadsides and
be directing motor vehicles and personal. Signs will comply with Land Transport Rule:
Traffic Control Devices (TCD Rule) and Manual of Traffic Signs and Markings
(MOTSAM) issued by Land Transport New Zealand and Transit New Zealand.
Policy implications
Not applicable.
Risks
The CDEM Group is vulnerable to tsunami hazards on both the east and west coasts.
The recent update of New Zealand’s Tsunami Hazard (produced by GNS Science) has
highlighted the vulnerability of our coasts to Tsunami. Within the Manawatu-
Whanganui Area there is currently no signage giving information to the identified at-
risk communities.
Significance
Not significant.
Engagement
To support the erection of the Tsunami Signage, a Public Education programme including
the following elements will be implemented:
1. Community engagement meetings in the communities affected regarding Tsunami
Hazards and the proposed Tsunami Signage.
2. Media programme with information to support the Tsunami Sign Project (via local
community media agencies).
3. Production of District-specific Tsunami evacuation brochures aimed at visitors to the
area (for camping grounds, beach community halls etc.). This will be based upon the
information displayed on our local Tsunami Information Signs.
4. Incorporation of Tsunami Evacuation Information into future Community Response
Plans.
- 12 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Assessment of options
Not applicable.
Conclusion
Undertaking a Group-wide project that has consistent messages and signage relating to local
Tsunami risk and outlining Tsunami evacuation routes is a highly visible and simple way to
increase the resilience of those living in, or visiting, the coastal communities within the
Manawatu-Whanganui CDEM Group area. Recent memory Tsunami events internationally
(Indonesia and Japan) have demonstrated the risk of unprepared coastal communities to
Tsunami.
On completion of the project a report into the production and deployment of the Manawatu-
Whanganui CDEM Group Consistent Community Tsunami Signage will be produced so that
other CDEM Groups can assess if a similar project would be of benefit in their own area.”
References – Agenda Attachments
B1 Tsunami Information Board Signage
B2 Tsunami Mapping
Matthew Smith, Emergency Manager, spoke to the report and tsunami maps.
Discussion In response to a question, Matthew Smith, Emergency Manager, advised that West Coast of
New Zealand was at less risk than the East Coast with regard to tsunami, however potential
for an event still existed, particularly if there was a close, or on-shore event. He added that
should an earthquake knock a person off their feet, or was longer than one minute in duration
(meaning the earthquake was potentially close to shore), there would be no time for an
official tsunami warning.
Bill Ashworth considered that the model did not appear to take the Whanganui River into
account, as in the event that there was a tsunami, the river would not be able to flow out to
sea and would therefore rise. Mr Smith agreed that this might well be the case and in this
eventuation, tsunami evacuation would take priority before evacuation of flood zones.
Mr Smith reported that, subject to funding availability, hazard information boards may be
installed at locations such as Kowhai Park, Traders Market area, and Putiki Marae, and could
incorporate information on multiple hazards: flooding, earthquake/liquefaction, pandemic
etc.
Mr Smith was thanked for his presentations.
- 13 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Board’s Resolution Proposed by Cr McDouall, seconded by David Matthews:
9.1 THAT the information is noted.
9.2 THAT incoming Elected Members are briefed on the Manawatu-Whanganui Civil
Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Community Tsunami Signage and
Public Education Project.
CARRIED
ACTION: Matthew Smith
3. Update from Horizons Regional Council
Cr David Cotton, Horizons Regional Council (Horizons), was invited to provide a verbal
update. On behalf of Cr Pearce and himself, he thanked the Board for the continued
invitations to attend its meetings, and noted his appreciation for being provided the
opportunity to present.
Remission on Contiguous Land: Referring to an enquiry from David Matthews, Cr Cotton
advised that all Horizons rates demands included information regarding remissions for
contiguous farms on its back page, and a link to its website to access the respective
application form. The policy for remission on contiguous farms was for rural land that did
not have a dwelling and an application must be made annually although consideration was
being given to extend this to every 2-3 years.
It had been agreed that the presentation of this information on the Horizons Rates invoices
could be improved. Cr Cotton suggested that the Board also promulgate the message that
applications could be made as many rural ratepayers were unaware of the rate remission
availability.
Annual Plan 2016/2017
Rates Increases: The average rate increase across the region was expected to be 2.9%, a
decrease from the signalled 3.5% increase. Rates had increased in some specific areas as
higher levels of service had been requested in those areas e.g. for additional transport
services or due to issues with river schemes.
Cr Cotton had sought information on the urban to rural split for the Whanganui District but
this had not been specifically available from Horizons and he had questioned this. Cr Cotton
was able to provide examples, however, of the proposed average rate increases by way of
property value breakdowns across the District. Deliberations on the Horizons Annual Plan
would be held next week.
Accelerate25: Cr Cotton noted that the Annual Plan consultation had also asked for
submissions on Horizons’ continued involvement with the Accelerate25 project. It was
suggested that the whole programme was being product driven rather than being market
driven. Mr Matthews thanked Cr Cotton for his update.
Significance of decision – In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the
decision is not significant.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
5. Wanganui Rural Community Board – Results of Survey to Rural Households Marianne Cavanagh, Senior Policy Advisor, reports:
“Introduction
The purpose of this report is to present the results from the Wanganui Rural Community
Board (Board) survey that was sent to a random sample of 1,500 rural households in the
Whanganui District.
Background
Versus Research undertakes annual surveys on behalf Whanganui District Council to
identify residents’ perceptions on a wide range of services and facilities, including the Board.
Results from the last survey indicated a drop in satisfaction and awareness of the Board.
The Board had expressed concerns over the sample’s representativeness of rural residents
that was used for the Community Views survey, resulting, with the assistance of the Strategy
and Policy team, in the development of a new survey to be sent to a wider rural sample. The
purpose of this survey was to gain a broader understanding of the issues facing rural
residents, including their perceptions and awareness of the Board.
A randomly selected sample of 1,500 rural households was established using the Council’s
property database. Duplicated addresses and names were removed. Surveys were distributed
from 15 March 2016 with return self-addressed envelopes and a closing date of Monday, 11
April 2016.
Strategic context
Whilst the annual Community Views Survey is a key monitoring tool which contributes to
the Board’s performance measures, this survey provides a wider and targeted source of
information on specific areas such as communication and the role of the Board.
Findings from this survey can help inform communication methods, strategies and identify
areas of concern for rural residents. Information can also be harnessed to assist with
delivering on objectives outlined in the Board’s strategic plan Rural Directions 2014-2023.
Factors to consider
Financial considerations
As part of this survey an incentive of a draw for a $100 Farmlands voucher was approved.
Legal compliance
Not applicable.
Policy implications
Not applicable.
Risks
Not applicable.
- 15 -
Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Significance
In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the recommended decision is not
significant.
Engagement
The survey was posted to 1,500 rural households. This sample was randomly selected from
the Council’s Property database. This database contains approximately 3,500 rural
household addresses. All duplicates were removed prior to establishing the final sample.
Of the 1,500 surveys sent out, 43 were returned to sender, primarily due to an incorrect
address. Where possible these are being updated in the Council’s database. Of the remaining
surveys that had been sent out, 241 completed surveys were received – giving a response
rate of 16%.
This survey has a margin of error of +/- 7% (based on a total of 2,542 rural households) 1.
This is almost half of the 2015 Community Views survey, which had a margin of error of
13.7%.
Assessment of options
A summary of the results from the survey are detailed below. A copy of the full results is
tabled (Ref F1).
Awareness
While approximately two thirds (68%) of respondents were aware of the Board, less than
60% were aware that the Board had a representative on the Whanganui District Council. In
comparison, the results from the 2015 Community Views Survey found that 34% of rural
respondents were aware of the Board (out of a total of 60 respondents).
1 Margin of error provides an indication of how statistically robust the survey results are. It is calculated by the
expected difference between the true parameter of the population and the sample used in the survey.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Just over a third (36%) were aware of which rural subdivision their property was in, however
less than a quarter (24%) knew who the representative for their subdivision was. The most
frequently recalled subdivisions were Westmere, Kaitoke, Kai Iwi, Mangamahu, Fordell and
Okoia. A complete list of subdivisions identified can be viewed in the full survey report (Ref
F1).
68%
32%
Do you know of, or have you heard about, the Wanganui Rural Community Board?
Yes No n=238
60%
40%
Are you aware that the Wanganui Rural Community Board has a representative on the Whanganui District Council?
Yes No n=239
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Less than a quarter (24%) of respondents were aware who their representative on the Board
was. Those that did know were then asked who the representative was. Names that were
listed can be viewed in the full results report (Ref F1).
36%
65%
Are you aware of which rural subdivision your property is in?
Yes No n=231
24%
77%
Do you know who the representative for your subdivision is on the Wanganui Rural Community Board?
Yes No n=234
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Key issues in rural areas.
Respondents were asked what the top two issues they are facing in their rural area were.
Overall the most frequently mentioned issue was roading. This included speed limit
concerns, roading and verge maintenance, the quality of roads, and traffic concerns such as
intersections.
Other common issues raised were regarding the increases to rural rates, including paying for
the new wastewater treatment plant; pest control – both flora and fauna; and the lack of
coverage and speed of broadband. Water concerns were also a strong theme – concerns about
drought, remaining issues from the June 2015 storm event and continuing flood protection.
Other respondents had land concerns such as erosion and subdivisions. Rubbish dumping
was also raised as an issue.
When the key issues are broken down to identified subdivisions, most themes remained
consistent across all. Other less commonly identified issues included theft in Otamatea and
Whanganui; lack of events and a decreasing population in Mangamahu; water quality and
noise pollution in Kaitoke; and rural fire support in Kaukatea and Whanganui.
Key issues raised by respondents have also been correlated to subdivisions (where
identified). These are tabled. (Ref F2).
A full list of verbatim comments can be seen in the full survey results report as tabled (Ref
F1).
Communication The preferred way for respondents to communicate with the Board was by email and
telephone. However some noted that email was not the best way for them due to limited
broadband coverage in their area. Facebook was the least desired method, again possibly
due to some having a lack of broadband access in their area.
Local community meetings appealed to some, with most respondents (50%) indicating they
would attend a community meeting depending on the times of the meeting. Under half (42%)
of respondents indicated it was unlikely that they would attend regular community meetings.
Other options for communication suggested were using the Board’s local representative,
mail, newsletter, and newspaper.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Note: These are not represented as a percentage as respondents could select as many options
as they wanted.
Hotwire
Awareness of the Board’s newsletter 'Hotwire" was low with only 18% of respondents aware
of it. This is much less than the rural respondents in the 2015 Community Views Survey,
where 46% were aware of Hotwire. However, it should be noted that the total sample size in
the Community Views Survey for this question was only 27 respondents.
18
48
86
209
241
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Local community meetings
Other
Telephone
What is the best way for you to communicate with the Wanganui Rural Community Board?
8%
50%
42%
How likely would you be to attend regular community meetings?
Very likely
Likely - depending on times
Unlikely
n=240
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Those that were aware of Hotwire were asked to rate their satisfaction with the frequency of
the newsletter, the type of information it contained and the readability of it.
Respondents were most satisfied with the readability (80%) and the type of information
contained in the newsletter (61%). Less (56%) were satisfied with the frequency. It is
important to note here that the sample is considerably smaller – a total of 40 respondents.
18%
82%
Are you aware of the Rural Community Board newsletter ‘Hotwire’?
Yes No n=220n=220
10%
10%
5%
70%
51%
51%
20%
33%
41%
0%
5%
2%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
The readability of the newsletter
The type of information in the newsletter
The frequency of the newsletter
If yes, how satisfied are you with the following?
Very satisfied Satisfied Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied Dissatisfied n=40
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Wanganui Rural Community Board Facebook page
Very few respondents (3% – equating to six individuals) were aware that the Board had a
Facebook page. Of those, only one respondent indicated that they currently use it. Some
respondents did make the comment that they would now look at it, others indicated that they
do not use Facebook, or cannot access it due to lack of broadband coverage.
Rural section in the Wanganui Chronicle newspaper
Almost half (47%) the respondents were aware that members of the Board wrote articles for
the rural section in the Wanganui Chronicle newspaper. Of these respondents, 91% had read
these articles.
3%
97%
Are you aware of Wanganui Rural Community Board Facebook page?
Yes Non=220
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Online meeting agendas
Few respondents (18%) were aware that the Board’s meeting dates and agendas are available
online on the Whanganui District Council website. Some respondents did indicate that now
they were made aware of this, they would view the Board’s agendas online.
47%53%
Are you aware that members of the Wanganui Rural Community Board write articles for the rural section in the
Wanganui Chronicle newspaper?
Yes No n=219
18%
82%
Are you aware that the Wanganui Rural Community Board meeting dates and agendas are available on the Whanganui
District Council website?
Yes No n=211
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Role of Board in emergencies
Given that the June 2015 storm event affected many rural residents, respondents were asked
what role they expected the Board to play in District-wide emergencies, should such an event
happen again.
Most comments focussed on the need for communication and coordination of services to
rural residents. Having a key contact for rural areas to check on residents and provide
information was key. In addition, some wanted to see the Board advocate on behalf of rural
communities for repairs and ongoing assistance after events.
Respondents also acknowledged how well the June 2015 event was managed.
A full list of verbatim comments is as tabled (Ref F1).
Additional comments
Respondents were given the opportunity for any additional comments. These tended to be
centred on additional concerns around roading, verge maintenance, rural rates, rubbish and
pests. Some referred to the June 2015 storm event and acknowledged the work that had been
done.
For some respondents the survey had brought their attention to the existence of the Board
and that there is a Facebook page and a representative on Council.
A full list of verbatim comments is as tabled (Ref F1).
Suggested actions
The results from this survey provide the Board an opportunity to review their key
communication tools. Awareness of the Board was predominantly low, which highlights the
need for an increased presence, utilising both online and non-online avenues. Some
suggested actions resulting from the survey results are noted below.
Hotwire: review the purpose and frequency for the Hotwire newsletter. Consider options for
moving this online – links could be published through Facebook and emails.
Facebook: promote activity and awareness of this page. Key articles and links could be
shared, and it also provides a platform for local discussions.
Online agendas: publish a link to these for each meeting through Facebook. Increasing the
awareness of the online presence of the agendas as well as continuing to promote the Board’s
social media presence.
Rural section in the Wanganui Chronicle newspaper: overall these had the most awareness
from respondents – and of those that were aware almost all had read them. Find a way to
increase the awareness of these articles, and if possible increase the articles and use this as
an opportunity to promote activities of the Board, and upcoming meetings.
Whanganui’s Our District your Say – this is the Council’s online panel of ratepayers,
residents, and business owners. This panel consists of those who wish to be involved in
future consultation opportunities with Council – to which 105 respondents of this survey
agreed. Surveys, polls and discussion topics can be sent out to the panel to gather feedback.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
The Board can utilise this panel for future research requirements, or topics they wish to
gather feedback on.
Survey results: a summary of the survey results is available to all rural residents. A more
visual presentation of key findings could be incorporated into the next Hotwire newsletter,
and promoted through Facebook.
Conclusion
This survey provided the Board an opportunity to gain a wider perspective on the rural
communities’ awareness of the Board and the Board’s activities. This was sent to a larger
sample than that used for the Community Views Survey. The results have highlighted some
areas for improved communication as well as highlighting key issues and requirements for
rural residents.”
References – Agenda Attachments
F1 WRCB Survey results report
F2 Key issues by identified subdivisions
Discussion Marianne Cavanagh, Senior Policy Advisor, spoke to the report. Members then discussed
how the Board might best raise its awareness to the rural community and the best method of
distributing the Board’s Hotwire newsletter. Suggestions included:
Including the Hotwire newsletter with the Council’s rates invoices.
Profile on Board members in the Wanganui Chronicle’s ‘On The Land’ insert.
Email to the database that had been created through the survey.
Survey results to be publicised.
ACTION: Cass Alexander
The recipient of the $100 Farmlands voucher was selected using a ‘randomiser’ phone
application and the winner was Susan Bunn.
Board’s Resolutions Proposed by Cr McDouall, seconded by Darrell Monk:
5.1 THAT the information is noted.
5.2
THAT the recipient of the incentive of a $100 Farmlands voucher is confirmed as Ms
Susan Bunn.
5.3
THAT the recommendations outlined in the report are discussed and any identifiable
actions are agreed upon.
CARRIED
ACTION: Marianne Cavanagh
Significance of decision – In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the
decision is not significant.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
6. Synopsis of the Effects of Forest Harvesting on Whanganui Rural Roads
Rui Leitao, Senior Roading Engineer, reports:
“Introduction
The purpose of this report arose from Cr Helen Craig’s request for information, in a
summarised form, on the effects of forest harvesting on Whanganui’s rural roading network,
during the Council meeting of 8 March 2016.
Background
The Whanganui District has the second largest area of wood supply in the southern North
Island with 28,645 hectares (ha) planted in mostly radiata pine. The age profile of wood
supply in the Whanganui region is tabulated below:
1-5
years
(ha)
6-10
years
(ha)
11-15
years
(ha)
16-20
years
(ha)
21-25
years
(ha)
26-30
years
(ha)
31-80
years
(ha)
8,242 8,162 3,888 2,606 889 150 4,708 Source: MAF Statistics
The Council received two reports in regards to the effects of forestry traffic on local roads.
These two reports predict different impacts of forest loading on the road pavements. One
report was commissioned by the Council and was entitled ‘Rural pavement maintenance as
a consequence of forestry activities’ (2011). The second report, produced by the New
Zealand Forest Owners’ Association, was entitled ‘A review of issues relating to the use of
district roads for the transportation of forest harvest’ (2003).
There were two supplementary reports also commissioned by the Council. Firstly the Moore
report entitled ‘Forestry effects on low volume rural roads: 30 year regional forecast’ (2011),
and the Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL) report entitled ‘Analysis of key
sectors and their road use’ (2011).
An independent review of the above-mentioned documents was carried out. This review
focused on the expected traffic loading from forestry against other key sector generated
traffic loading and the consequent damage to the road pavements. The review, like the
reports, did not include the effects on bridges nor the geometric design aspect of the local
roads.
Since then a nationwide groundswell of like-minded Road Controlling Authorities (RCAs),
have prepared guidelines for RCAs, via the Road Controlling Authorities Forum, on
‘funding unplanned pavement consumption: heavy vehicles on low volume roads’. The draft
document [Ref A1] was published in October 2015. The guidelines align with our findings
and research recommendations.
Another document produced by the Ministry for the Environment on a proposed National
Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry [Ref A2] went out for consultation in June
2015, with submissions having closed on 11 August 2015. It will now go before the House
for adoption as a government policy (a process that may take 12 months).
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Strategic context
Whanganui’s Leading Edge Strategy includes specific areas affected by forestry. These are
in terms of Community, Connectivity, Environment and Economy. Forestry affects the
environment both positively (by consuming carbon) and negatively (by consuming over half
of the roading pavements). At harvest time the impact on the rural roading network affects
the ability to connect communities (Rural-Rural and Rural-Urban).
The greatest effect is the economic impact – while contributing (gross domestic product)
positively to New Zealand, it impacts locally in a negative way because the Council’s current
land valuation based rating system greatly under-recovers the costs to maintain the roads
consumed by this activity. Consequently other rural activities end up paying for this. The
current (national) view on this is that this activity should be rated on Capital value, not Land
value.
Factors to consider
Financial considerations
A more thorough assessment has been carried out on the rural pavement maintenance
requirements as a consequence of forestry activities, and it was compared to the current
forward works programme. The report assesses the land use impact between farming
and forestry; the predicted increase in Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCV) over the
next 25 years; it identifies risks; and the most affected routes.
Interestingly the assessment revealed that there is very little difference between
preventative maintenance and reactive maintenance costs. Both of these, however, are
$20M over/above the current forward works programmed funding levels of the next
25 years. This will need to be budgeted for over and above the current routine
maintenance budget. New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) financially assists our
road maintenance budget (60% from 2019/20), but it will require strong and
evidentiary data to be persuaded to fund these effects over and above the current
funding provisions.
Legal compliance
The Land Transport Amendment Bill 2010 (road safety and other matters) covers this
issue and of particular interest are 10.i and 10.j, which provide quite significant powers
to local authorities and have the potential to impact profoundly on policy development.
The Resource Management Act also has restorative measures that can apply to parties
creating a negative environmental effect through their actions/activities.
A legal process is difficult, risky and costly, as Forest Owners have successfully shown
their propensity to challenge court action.
Policy implications
The Council has no District Plan controls, policy nor bylaw on this matter. However,
the law allows councils to develop bylaws, by which it would be enacted within local
authorities. If neighbouring local authorities had similar bylaws it would allow for
greater management of heavy traffic.
There is a ‘National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry’ proposal by the
Ministry for the Environment to change current Government Policy on forestry. While
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
proposing ‘bringing about a more consistent and appropriate plantation management
framework’ and ‘facilitating the sustainable management of natural and physical
resources’, it also proposes a reduction of unnecessary resource consent by eliminating
local authority functions from the process.
Risks
With the well documented research into the effects of forest harvesting on the
Council’s rural network indicating the need to spend an extra $20M (between 2020
and 2030) to maintain the existing levels of service. There is an opportunity to rate
accordingly and ahead of time. The risk of not doing so will have an impact on our
community and other rural activities and industries.
Significance
This is ‘not significant’ in terms of Council’s current Significance and Engagement Policy.
Engagement
A Wanganui Rural Community Board driven project, with a number of stakeholder and
shareholder meetings, has taken place throughout the District since 2010.
Assessment of options
The following options were agreed:
Targeted Rates Although forest owners were not in favour of this option they felt that $20M spread
over 30 years ($667,000/year) over the whole District may not be that imposing. There
will be no NZTA financial assistance.
Timing of Work If road works and forestry works were better co-ordinated, then the road renewal
expense risk could be reduced. The highest risk will continue to be the private forest
owners. It would be beneficial if regional councils liaised with the Road Controlling
Authority (RCA) when they received ‘Forest Harvest Plans’ and/or resource consent
applications.
Designated/Limited Use Rural Roads
Although in Whanganui this option is limited by geography, there are opportunities to
exclude some rural roads from being used by logging traffic.
Designated/Time of Year Logging Restriction
Since water is the great accelerator of pavement deterioration, there is an option of
limiting logging traffic on some rural roads in July and September each year.
Reduced Levels of Service/Temporary
This option is to allow rural roads to become ‘rougher’ and/or unsealed during logging
periods. This could extend over a number of years.
Reduced Levels of Service/Permanent
This option is to allow rural roads to revert permanently from sealed to unsealed due
to the damage caused by logging traffic.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Boundary Consistency
Forest owners have a real problem with complete inconsistencies between all RCAs
(not only in our region). A consistent approach (permits, bylaws, liaison, etc.) across
RCAs and improved communication across boundaries will allow for better asset
management.
Lobby Groups
Participants felt the success rate of a lobby group would be low and recommended not
to proceed forming a lobby group.
Conclusion
Forestry harvesting (and haulage) impact on our rural roading network will be significant
between 2020 and 2030. The cost to maintain current levels of service will be $20M/10-
years over/above the current base line budget.
The key question however, remains on how to raise the extra road renewal funds required to
achieve the agreed customer levels of service from within the community, as no financial
assistance is likely from NZTA. From the extensive consultation undertaken by Wanganui
Rural Community Board the current recommendation by the rural community is to distribute
the road network cost pro-rata according to the land use activity. This conclusion aligns with
the independent reviewer’s recommendation of distributing costs using the productivity of
each farming sector in the District.
This has become a nationwide issue, consequently a draft guideline document has been
published on funding unplanned pavement consumption by heavy vehicles on low volume
roads, which the Wanganui Rural Community Board will now have to consider before
making a recommendation to Council.”
References – Agenda Attachments
A1 RCA Forum – Funding unplanned pavement consumption: heavy vehicles on low
volume roads – Guidelines for local road controlling authorities.
A2 Ministry for the Environment – Proposed National Environmental Standard for
Plantation Forestry.
Ref A2 may be accessed through http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/environmental-
reporting/proposed-national-environmental-standard-plantation-forestry
A full copy of the references to be provided to the Wanganui Rural Community Board
members only.
Discussion Rui Leitao, Senior Roading Engineer, spoke to his report and the attachments as
circulated with the agenda. Drawing attention to the Road Controlling Authorities
(RCA) table that compared the ratio of annual rates per hectare against the annualised
production of heavy vehicle traffic per hectare, he noted the huge disparity between
the three principal land uses of dairy, pastoral and forestry and its heavy skew toward
the pastoral sector and questioned the method of valuation and respective rating. Mark
Hughes, Group Manager, Infrastructure, considered, however, that there would always
be difficulties in presenting comparable figures between these three land users and it
was not a simple matter.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Given the indicative need for the Council to fund an extra $20M for the roading activity
(between 2020 and 2030) to maintain existing levels of service due to the effects of
forest harvesting on the rural network, Cr Craig considered that the Council needed to
address its rating system and should be focused on this issue now.
Although the issue had been raised with the Council frequently in the past, Board
members agreed that a workshop to discuss the eight options, as outlined in the report,
would be of value. Discussion then centred on the most suitable timing for a workshop
for all Elected Members to be held. It was agreed that one be scheduled as soon as
practicable.
Recommendation to Board
Proposed by Cr McDouall, seconded by Cr Duncan:
6.1 THAT the information is noted.
6.2 THAT incoming Elected Members are briefed on the effects of forest harvesting on
Whanganui’s rural roading network.
6.3 THAT the Wanganui Rural Community Board schedule a workshop to discuss the effects
of forest harvesting on Whanganui rural roads as soon as practicable, and invite all
Councillors to attend.
CARRIED
ACTION: Rui Leitao
7. Roading Update
Rui Leitao, Senior Roading Engineer, reports:
“Introduction
The purpose of this report is to ensure the Wanganui Rural Community Board (Board) is
kept up to date on roading activities and proposed projects in the rural network.
Strategic context
These projects will help us achieve our goals as set in the 10-Year Plan and the Roading
Asset Management Plan.
Roading Projects
Delivery of Network Maintenance Work
Road maintenance delivery continues to be provided through Wanganui Alliance, a
performance tensioned shared-risk contract with Downer, with specialist support from
external engineering when required.
Significance of decision – In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the
decision is not significant.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Emergency Works – October 2013 storm event
The October 2013 storm event caused a number of slips throughout the District, valued
at $3.6M. Approximately $2.7M has been completed. The balance:
Whangaehu Valley Road (6.7 kilometres) slip repairs – These works are now
progressing well, with practical completion expected by the end of May 2016.
Mangamahu Road (16.2 kilometres) slip repairs (retreat) – These works are
progressing well, with practical completion expected by mid-May 2016.
Emergency Works – June 2015 extreme weather event
The estimated cost for the network reinstatement from this event remains at $25M.
This work will take two financial years to complete (2015/16 and 2016/17).
Network reinstatement work is progressing well in the minor cost sites
(<$50,000).
Tenders have closed for the rip-rap bank stabilisation of seven (7) sites around
the District.
Tender documents are being prepared for further (bulk earthworks and retaining
walls) work packages.”
Significance of decision – In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the decision
is not significant.
Board’s Resolution Proposed by Bill Ashworth, seconded by Darrell Monk:
7.1 THAT the information is noted.
CARRIED
11. Policy and Strategy Update
Ceinwyn Bannister, Policy Advisor reports:
“Introduction
The purpose of this report is to update the Wanganui Rural Community Board (Board) on
the current status of the Council’s ongoing review of its strategies, policies and bylaws and
to brief the Board on current Governmental consultations and funding opportunities that are
relevant to its mandate.
Background
The Board’s Rural Directions strategy states that the role of the Board is to act as an advocate
for the community and maintain an overview presence with a specific focus on the Council’s
services to rural communities.
This report is provided to the Board to inform it of upcoming Council reviews and
development plans, enabling the Board to determine how it wishes to participate (if at all)
with respect to the issues brought to their attention via this reporting mechanism i.e.
workshops, submissions, working parties or individual participation. The Board is invited to
attend and participate in all Council workshops.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Strategic context
The Board’s strategic vision for the Whanganui rural community as articulated in ‘Rural
Directions’ is that it be ‘prosperous, connected and happy.’
Current Council Reviews
Smokefree Outdoor Areas Policy and Smokefree Bylaw: At its meeting held on 19 April
2016, the Council resolved to review its Smokefree Outdoor Areas Policy 2014 and for the
Smokefree Bylaw 2010 to be reviewed in a collaborative effort with the Whanganui Tobacco
Control Advisory Group. A workshop is to be arranged by Council officers for Elected
Members.
Viewpoint Whanganui and Our District, Your Say Online Community Panel: Viewpoint
Whanganui and Our District, Your Say Online Community Panel provide further
opportunities for residents and visitors alike to engage with issues important to Whanganui
outside of Whanganui District Council’s formal consultations. ‘Viewpoint Whanganui’ will
be launching soon, whereas ‘Our District, Your Say’ is already operational, enabling panel
participants to provide their views on issues that the Council is currently consulting the
community on.
Local Alcohol Policy: Council officers are currently drafting a research report to support
the rationale for the local alcohol policy. Iwi and other stakeholder forum opportunities are
in the process of being organised.
Liquor Control Ban Area Bylaw: Council officers are currently reviewing liquor control ban
area provisions within Council bylaws with a view to developing a standalone Liquor
Control Ban Area Bylaw.
Cemeteries and Crematoria Bylaw: Whanganui District has the following cemeteries located
outside of the Wanganui urban areas – Brunswick, Matarawa and Maxwell. Council officers
are currently reviewing this bylaw and also the Cemetery Monument Policy which sets out
standards in relation to monuments at Council-owned cemeteries.
Sport and Recreation Facilities Review: The Council is currently seeking public feedback
on a review recently completed by Global Leisure Group on behalf of Sport Whanganui and
the Council with respect to current built sporting facilities (infrastructure) within the District.
The outcome of this review will frame future community conversations as the Council
develops a strategy to ensure Whanganui has the right amount and type of sport and
recreation facilities and that they are maintained to a standard necessary for their purpose.
Public feedback on the Sport and Recreation Facilities Review closes on Monday, 2 May
2016.
Link to consultation page: http://www.whanganui.govt.nz/our-district/have-your-say/sport-
facilities/Pages/default.aspx
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Current Central Government Consultations
1. Consultation on proposed animal welfare regulations: The Ministry of Primary
Industries has just released a consultation paper on proposed amendments to animal
welfare regulations. The consultation covers:
a) Live animal exports.
b) Care of and conduct towards animals.
c) Surgical and painful procedures.
While most animal welfare offending in New Zealand is at a low to medium level of
severity, the proposed regulations seek to set specific penalties – including fines – for
low to medium level animal welfare offences so that such offending can be dealt with
more effectively.
Some examples of what may change under the proposed regulations include:
• Dogs travelling on the back of vehicles on public roads will be required to be
secured so they cannot fall off.
• If you are dehorning cattle, sheep or goats, you would be required to administer
pain relief.
• If a dog shows signs of heat distress from being left in a hot vehicle, the person
in charge of the dog will be liable for a fine.
• De-clawing cats and de-barking dogs will be prohibited except for therapeutic
purposes.
• If you want to transport injured stock – a veterinary certificate would be required.
• Hot branding any animal would be prohibited.
These new regulations will provide a tiered enforcement regime of offences, penalties
and infringements which will allow animal welfare inspectors to respond to animal
welfare offending more effectively and at a level that is appropriate to the seriousness
of the offence. In addition, new compliance notices will allow an animal welfare
inspector to require a person to stop or start doing something in order to meet animal
welfare requirements.
Consultation on Proposed Animal Welfare Regulations closes Thursday, 19 May 2016.
Link to the webpage which has a link to the PDF of the consultation document:
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/consultation-on-proposed-
animal-welfare-regulations/#meetings
2. Extending the use of the insecticide Exirel to allow for aerial application: The
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is currently seeking public feedback on an
application made by DuPont (New Zealand) Limited for the removal of current
restrictions which limits the application method of the insecticide Exirel to ground-
based methods only, and to also permit the application of Exirel by aerial methods.
The applicant proposes downwind buffer zones of 100 metres and five metres for aerial
and ground-based application respectively, along with other controls to mitigate risks
to aquatic organisms and to bees.
Exirel is an insecticide containing the active ingredient cyantraniliprole. This
insecticide was assessed and approved for use by the EPA in June 2013, with controls
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
limiting its use to only ground-based applications along with a requirement that this
be specified on the product label. A maximum application rate of 50 grams of
cyantraniliprole per hectare, a maximum of three times per year with a minimum of
seven days between applications was also set. These controls were set as part of a
suite of controls to manage the risk of adverse effects to aquatic and terrestrial
environments.
Submissions close 5pm on Monday, 23 May 2015.
Link to the webpage with the application information:
http://www.epa.govt.nz/searchdatabases/Pages/applicationsdetails.aspx?appID=APP
202774
3. Streamlining the regulatory regime for pest control: In June 2011 the Parliamentary
Commissioner for the Environment released a report titled ‘Evaluating the use of 1080:
Predators, poisons and silent forest’. The Commissioner:
‘concluded that the labyrinth of laws, rules and regulations that govern 1080
and the other poisons used to control induced pests creates unnecessary
complexity and confusion.’
It is proposed that regulatory controls on vertebrate toxic agents be simplified by
putting in place regulations under the Resource Management Act (RMA) which will
exempt the requirement for a resource consent or rules in regional plans for discharges
of:
• Any vertebrate toxic agent that has been through a ‘full’ assessment under the
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.
• Any vertebrate toxic agent that has been through a ‘rapid’ assessment, provided
a full assessment under the HSNO Act has been completed for the active
ingredient in the formulation.
• The brodifacoum use is compliant with the conditions of registration placed on
the relevant brodifacoum based products (Pestoff Rodent Bait 20R; AVCM
registration no V009014) registered under the Agricultural Compounds and
Veterinary Medicines Act 1997.
Submissions close 5pm Sunday 22 May 2016.
Link to the Ministry webpage containing the consultation document:
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/biodiversity-hazards/streamlining-regulatory-
regime-pest-control-consultation-document
Media release by Minister for the Environment, Hon Dr Nick Smith:
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/national-regulations-proposed-pest-control
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
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Closed Consultations
Freshwater Consultation: The Ministry of Primary Industries recently sought public
feedback on the next steps Central Government proposed to improve the water management
of fresh water in New Zealand. This was briefly discussed at the 23 March 2016 Board
meeting whereupon it was decided that interested Board members email Council officers
with their views and that a submission be made on behalf of the Board. Consultation closed
on Friday, 22 April 2016 and the Board did submit (Ref D).
Funding Opportunity
Applications of up to $7,500 are currently being sought by Horizons Regional Council for
its community grants programme aimed at encouraging and supporting not-for-profit
community-led projects designed to enhance the Region’s natural environment and
encourage people to engage with the natural environment. The Board may wish to consider
making an application with respect to environs around the William Birch Pool at Maxwell
or for the pool itself e.g. water lilies to assist in oxygenation.
Alternatively, the Board may wish to initiate an opportunity for partnership with Horizons
and seek funding for a project re Earth Day 2017 (Saturday, 22 April 2017).
The closing date for applications is 5pm Friday, 13 May 2016.
Link to the community grants webpage: http://www.horizons.govt.nz/about-us/people-and-
careers/grants-and-sponsorship/community-grants/
Link to the community grants guidelines: http://www.horizons.govt.nz/assets/about-
us/Updated-Community-Grants-guidelines.pdf
Factors to consider
Financial considerations
Not applicable.
Legal compliance
Not applicable.
Policy implications
Not applicable.
Risks
Not applicable.
Significance
This report is not considered significant with respect to Council’s Significance and
Engagement Policy.
Engagement
Not applicable.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Assessment of options
Not applicable.
Conclusion
The Board is an important advocate for the rural communities within the Whanganui District.
Active participation in workshops and submitting on both local and central government
proposals ensures that the opinions and perspectives of rural residents and communities are
considered when decisions are made. ”
References – Agenda Attachments
D Submission on the ‘Next Steps for Fresh Water Consultation Document’.
Discussion
Ceinwyn Bannister, Policy Advisor, spoke to her report and highlighted the significant
Council policies and Central Government consultations that may be of interest to the Board.
Recommendation to Board
Proposed by Bill Ashworth, seconded by David Matthews:
11.1 THAT the information is noted.
11.2 THAT Wanganui Rural Community Board involvement in Government consultation and
Council policies, strategies and bylaws is discussed.
11.3 THAT the Wanganui Rural Community Board apply to Horizons Regional Council’s
Community Grants Programme to seek funding with respect to environs around the
William Birch Pool at Maxwell or for the pool itself.
CARRIED
ACTION: Ceinwyn Bannister
10. Zone 3 Community Boards’ Conference 2016 Update
Louise Davies, Governance Services Officer, reports:
“Introduction
This report provides details regarding the 2016 Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ)
Zone 3 Community Boards’ Conference which is being hosted by the Wanganui Rural
Community Board (Board).
Background
At its meeting held on 16 June 2015, the Board resolved to host the Zone 3 Community
Boards’ Conference 2016. The Conference has been hosted by the Board in May 2014 and
2012, with both conferences having been very successful and attracting excellent
representation from all members of Zone 3.
Significance of decision – In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the
decision is not significant.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
This year’s conference has been scheduled to be held on 20/21 May 2016.
Strategic context
Hosting the Conference aligns with the Board’s 10-Year Strategy Plan: Rural Directions
particularly with regard to its vision to promote community partnerships, economic growth
and to ensure representation for the Whanganui rural community on a wide range of matters.
Factors to consider
Financial considerations
Board members from other districts meet their own costs.
Legal compliance
Not applicable.
Policy implications
Not applicable.
Risks
Not applicable.
Significance
The decision required on this item is not significant in relation to the Council’s Significance
and Engagement Policy.
Engagement
Not applicable.
Assessment of options
Not applicable.
Details The Conference is to be held on 20 and 21 May 2016 in the Whanganui District Council
Chambers, Municipal Building, 101 Guyton Street, Whanganui, and will commence
approximately lunchtime on Friday, 20 May 2016.
The programme includes a range of topics and presentations (Ref C). On the agenda is:
Updates on LGNZ, and LGNZ Legislation; changes to the Health and Safety Act; Roading
issues; Rural Recycling; Representation Reviews; Ability of Community Boards to effect
District Plans, Long Term Plans and Annual Plans; and an update from the Community
Boards’ Executive Committee.
Further to the formal programme, Conference attendees will be invited to dinner on the
evening of Friday, 20 May 2016.
Conclusion
Given that the Zone 3 Community Boards’ Conference 2016 is being hosted by the
Wanganui Rural Community Board, all members are strongly encouraged to show their
support by attending the Conference.”
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
References – Agenda Attachments
C Agenda for the Zone 3 Community Boards’ Conference 2016
Discussion
David Matthews noted that the Zone 3 Community Boards’ Conference was to be held in
the Council Chambers and urged all Board members to attend.
Board’s Resolution
Proposed by Cr McDouall, seconded by David Matthews:
10.1 THAT the information is noted.
CARRIED
12. Rural Community Board submission to the Whanganui District Council draft
Annual Plan 2016/17 and proposed amendment to the 10-Year Plan 2015-2025
Stephanie Rose, Policy and Corporate Planning Manager, reports:
“Introduction
The purpose of this report is to discuss the approach for the Wanganui Rural Community
Board’s submission to the Whanganui District Council’s draft Annual Plan 2016/17 and
proposed amendment to the 10-Year Plan 2015-2025.
Background
The draft Annual Plan 2016/17 and proposed amendment to the 10-Year Plan were adopted
by the Council on 5 April 2016 (Refs E1-E4). The Wanganui Rural Community Board
(Board) has corresponded via e-mail on its submission to these documents and will finalise
this submission at a workshop to be held directly following the Board’s meeting on 4 May
2016. The draft submission will be tabled at this meeting.
Consultation opened on 7 April 2016 and will close at 5.00pm on 6 May 2016. Submissions
will be heard on 18 and 19 May 2016.
Strategic context
The Board’s participation in the annual planning process is one means of ensuring that the
views of the rural community are successfully represented. This is in keeping with the
Board’s role to act as an advocate for the interests of the community, and to maintain an
overview of services provided by the Council with a specific focus on rural communities.
Additionally, the Board’s vision and mission for itself is set out in its strategic plan ‘Rural
Directions 2020’. This strategic document is the starting point from which the Board
develops its submissions on key documents including draft Annual Plans.
Significance of decision – In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the
decision is not significant.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Factors to consider
Financial considerations
Not applicable.
Legal compliance
Not applicable.
Policy implications
Not applicable.
Risks
Not applicable.
Significance
The decision required on this item is not significant in relation to Council’s Significance and
Engagement Policy.
Engagement
The Board has engaged internally via email in relation to its submission.
Assessment of options
Not applicable.
Conclusion
The Board is an integral part of the governance structure of the Council and is an important
advocate for the rural communities within our district. Active participation in the submission
process ensures that the opinions and perspectives of rural residents and communities are
considered and incorporated into the Council’s annual planning and decision-making. The
Board will finalise its submission at a workshop directly following this meeting.”
References – Agenda Attachments
E1 Draft Annual Plan 2016/17 Consultation Document incorporating proposed
amendments to the 10-Year Plan 2015-2025.
E2 Supporting information and project updates.
E3 Full information on the proposed amendments to the 10-Year Plan 2015-2025.
E4 Funding impact statements.
All references may be accessed through the Council’s website
(http://www.whanganui.govt.nz/our-district/have-your-say)
A full copy of the references to be provided to the Wanganui Rural Community Board
members only.
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Wanganui Rural Community Board
4 May 2016
Discussion Stephanie Rose, Policy and Corporate Planning Manager, advised that she had drafted a
submission on the Annual Plan 2016/17 based upon feedback received from Board members.
A workshop to discuss the Board’s submission was scheduled for the conclusion of the
meeting.
Crs Duncan and McDouall advised that they would not attend the Board’s workshop as it
could be perceived to be a conflict of interest.
Board’s Resolutions Proposed by Cr McDouall, seconded by Darrell Monk:
12.1 THAT the Wanganui Rural Community Board submit to the Whanganui District Council’s
draft Annual Plan 2016/17 and proposed amendment to the 10-Year Plan 2015-2025.
12.2 THAT the Wanganui Rural Community Board’s submission is confirmed at a workshop to
be held directly following the Wanganui Rural Community Board meeting on 4 May 2016.
12.3 THAT the Wanganui Rural Community Board speak to its submission at the Whanganui
District Council submission hearing.
CARRIED
ACTION: Stephanie Rose
In closing the meeting, David Matthews advised that Ceinwyn Bannister had resigned and
thanked her for the work that she had put in to the Board including its submissions, and
applications for awards at the National Community Boards’ Conferences. Ms Bannister
replied that it had been a privilege and pleasure to work with the Board.
The meeting closed at 5.40pm.
Significance of decision - In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy, the
decision is not significant.