minutes of a meeting of the wanganui rural …€¦ · 101 guyton street, whanganui _____ present:...

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 -


4 May 2016


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


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.


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


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.


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 -


4 May 2016

7 Late Item –

Wanganui Rural

Community Board

Chair

That Alan Taylor’s notice of

relinquishing the role of Chair of the


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.


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 -


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.

- 6 -


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


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.


$


Prompt payment

rebate


Neutered/spayed

rebate


Good dog rebate No justified complaints over the last registration year 10.00

- 7 -


4 May 2016


one owner

10.00

Working Dogs


Prompt payment

rebate


Multi-working dog

rebate

For the fourth and subsequent working dog with one

owner

10.00

Impounding Fees


Second and

subsequent

impounding within

registration year

Registered 150.00

Sustenance fee Daily fee after seven days 15.00

Other Fees




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.

http://www.wanganui.govt.nz/our-council/publications/policies/Documents/SignificanceandEngagementPolicy.pdf

- 8 -


4 May 2016


$


Prompt payment

rebate


Neutered/spayed

rebate


Good dog rebate No justified complaints over the last registration year 24.00


one owner (only for existing multi-dog owners,

others by approval only)

10.00

Working Dogs


Prompt payment

rebate


Multi-working dog

rebate

For the fourth and subsequent working dog with one

owner

10.00

Impounding Fees


Second and

subsequent

impounding within

registration year

Registered 160.00

Sustenance fee Per day 15.00

Other Fees




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 -


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 -


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:


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 -


4 May 2016

Strategic context

Not applicable.

Factors to consider


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.

http://hubble/sites/TRIM/Records/130/134/143/08-100/Local%20government%20reform%20purpose%20statement%20amendment%20SOLGM%20guidance%20notes%20-%20FAQs%20handout.pdf

http://hubble/site/gov/del/Wanganui%20District%20Council%20Policy%20Register.doc

http://hubble/site/strat/psd/policy/Forms/m%20Doc%20Set%20View.aspx

http://hubble/site/strat/psd/policy/Risk%20Management%20Policy%20and%20Process/Risk%20Management%20Policy%20and%20Process%202014%20FINAL.docx



- 12 -


4 May 2016


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.

http://hubble/sites/ProjectLaunch/default.aspx

- 13 -


4 May 2016

Board’s Resolution Proposed by Cr McDouall, seconded by David Matthews:


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.




- 14 -


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


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 -


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%.


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.




- 16 -


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

- 17 -


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

- 18 -


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.

- 19 -


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

Facebook

Local community meetings

Other

Telephone

Email

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

- 20 -


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

- 21 -


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

- 22 -


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

- 23 -


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.

- 24 -


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.”


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:


5.2

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




- 25 -


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).

- 26 -


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


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




- 27 -


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.


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.





- 28 -


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.”


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.

http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/environmental-reporting/proposed-national-environmental-standard-plantation-forestry

http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/environmental-reporting/proposed-national-environmental-standard-plantation-forestry

- 29 -


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:


6.2 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.




- 30 -


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:


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.

- 31 -


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

http://www.whanganui.govt.nz/our-district/have-your-say/sport-facilities/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.whanganui.govt.nz/our-district/have-your-say/sport-facilities/Pages/default.aspx

- 32 -


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

http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/consultation-on-proposed-animal-welfare-regulations/#meetings

http://www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/consultation-on-proposed-animal-welfare-regulations/#meetings

- 33 -


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

http://www.epa.govt.nz/searchdatabases/Pages/applicationsdetails.aspx?appID=APP202774

http://www.epa.govt.nz/searchdatabases/Pages/applicationsdetails.aspx?appID=APP202774

http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/biodiversity-hazards/streamlining-regulatory-regime-pest-control-consultation-document

http://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/biodiversity-hazards/streamlining-regulatory-regime-pest-control-consultation-document

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/national-regulations-proposed-pest-control

- 34 -


4 May 2016

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


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.

http://www.horizons.govt.nz/assets/about-us/Updated-Community-Grants-guidelines.pdf

http://www.horizons.govt.nz/assets/about-us/Updated-Community-Grants-guidelines.pdf







- 35 -


4 May 2016


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. ”


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:


11.2 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.





- 36 -


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


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.


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.”








- 37 -


4 May 2016


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:


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.




- 38 -


4 May 2016

Factors to consider


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.


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.”


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.

http://www.whanganui.govt.nz/our-district/have-your-say

- 39 -


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
