Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Time: |
10:00 AM |
Location: |
Council Chamber, 5 Memorial Avenue, Kaikohe 0405 |
Authorising Body |
Mayor/Council |
|
Status |
Standing Committee |
|
COUNCIL COMMITTEE |
Title |
Te Miromiro – Assurance Risk and Finance Terms of Reference |
Approval Date |
15 December 2022 |
|
Responsible Officer |
Chief Executive |
(1) Purpose
The purpose of Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee is to assist and advise the Governing Body in discharging its responsibility and ownership of finance, risk and internal control.
Committee will review the effectiveness of the following aspects:
1.1 The robustness of financial management practices;
1.2 The integrity and appropriateness of internal and external reports and accountability arrangements;
1.3 The robustness of the risk management framework;
1.4 The robustness of internal controls and the internal audit framework;
1.5 Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards and best practice guidelines;
1.6 The establishment and maintenance of controls to safeguard the Council’s financial and non-financial assets;
1.7 Data governance framework
To perform his or her role effectively, each member must develop and maintain his or her skills and knowledge, including an understanding of the Committees responsibilities, and of the Council’s business, operations and risks.
(2) Membership
The Council will determine the membership of the Committee including at least one independent appointment with suitable financial and risk management knowledge and experience.
The Committee will comprise of elected members, and one independent appointed member, appointed as Chair with full voting rights.
Membership is as follows:
Mr Graeme McGlinn – Chairperson and Independent Member |
John Vujcich – Deputy Chairperson |
Kahika - Moko Tepania |
Kōwhai - Kelly Stratford |
Ann Court |
Penetaui Kleskovic |
Steve McNally |
(3) Quorum
The quorum at a meeting of the Committee is 4 members.
(4) Frequency of Meetings
The Committee shall meet six weekly.
(5) Power to Delegate
The Committee may not delegate any of its responsibilities, duties or powers.
(6) Responsibilities
The Committees responsibilities are described below:
6.1 Financial systems and performance of the Council
6.1.1 Review the Council’s financial and non-financial performance against the Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan
6.1.2 Review Council quarterly financial statements and draft Annual Report
6.2 Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL)
6.2.1 Recommend to Council the approval of the Letter of Expectation and Statement of Intent
6.2.2 Receive Annual Report (s67 LGA)
6.2.3 Receive quarterly financial statements (s66 LGA)
6.2.4 Receive reports on FNHL strategies and plans
6.3 Risk Management
6.3.1 Review appropriateness of Council’s risk management framework and associated procedures for effective risk identification, evaluation and treatment
6.3.2 Receive and review risk management dashboard reports
6.3.3 Provide input, annually, into the setting of the risk management programme of work
6.3.4 Receive updates on current litigation and legal liabilities
6.4 Internal Audit and Controls
6.4.1 Review whether management has in place a current and comprehensive internal audit framework
6.4.2 Receive and review the internal audit dashboard reports
6.4.3 Provide input, annually, into the setting of the internal audit programme of work
6.4.4 Review whether there are appropriate processes and systems in place to identify and investigate fraudulent behaviour
The Committee will manage Council’s relationship with external auditor.
(7) Rules and Procedures
Council’s Standing Orders and Code of Conduct apply to all meetings.
Far North District Council
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting
will be held in the Council Chamber, Memorial Ave, Kaikohe on:
Wednesday 14 May 2025 at 10:00 AM
Te Paeroa Mahi / Order of Business
1 Karakia Tīmatanga / Opening Prayer
2 Ngā Whakapāha Me Ngā Pānga Mema / Apologies and Declarations of Interest
3 Ngā Tono Kōrero / Deputation
4 Te Whakaaetanga o Ngā Meneti o Mua / Confirmation of Previous Minutes
4.1 Confirmation of Previous Minutes
5 Ngā Pūrongo Taipitopito / Information Reports
5.1 Open Resolutions and Actions Update Introduction
5.2 Audit Plan for year ending 2024/25
5.3 Council financial report for the period ending 31 March 2025
5.4 Level of Service KPI Quarter 3 Performance Report for 2024-2025
5.5 Health, Safety and Wellbeing Report
5.6 People and Capability Report - January to March 2025
6 Te Wāhanga Tūmataiti / Public Excluded
6.1 Confirmation of Previous Minutes Public Excluded
6.2 Possible Enforcement Action for Non-compliance.
6.4 FNDC Current Legal Action Potential Liability Claims
7 Karakia Whakamutunga / Closing Prayer
8 Te Kapinga Hui / Meeting Close
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
1 Karakia Tīmatanga / Opening Prayer
2 Ngā Whakapāha Me Ngā Pānga Mema / Apologies and Declarations of Interest
Members need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arises between their role as a Member of the Committee and any private or other external interest they might have. This note is provided as a reminder to Members to review the matters on the agenda and assess and identify where they may have a pecuniary or other conflict of interest, or where there may be a perception of a conflict of interest.
If a Member feels they do have a conflict of interest, they should publicly declare that at the start of the meeting or of the relevant item of business and refrain from participating in the discussion or voting on that item. If a Member thinks they may have a conflict of interest, they can seek advice from the Chief Executive Officer or the Manager - Democracy Services (preferably before the meeting).
It is noted that while members can seek advice the final decision as to whether a conflict exists rests with the member.
3 Ngā Tono Kōrero / Deputation
No requests for deputations were received at the time of the Agenda going to print.
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
4 Te Whakaaetanga o Ngā Meneti o Mua / Confirmation of Previous Minutes
4.1 Confirmation of Previous Minutes
File Number: A5164867
Author: Amber Wihongi-Alderton, Democracy Advisor
Authoriser: Aisha Huriwai, Manager - Democracy Services
Take Pūrongo / Purpose of the Report
The minutes are attached to allow the Committee to confirm that the minutes are a true and correct record of previous minutes.
That Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held 8 April 2025 are a true and correct record. |
TĀhuhu kŌrero / Background
Local Government Act 2002 Schedule 7 Section 28 states that a local authority must keep minutes
of its proceedings. The minutes of these proceedings duly entered and authenticated as prescribed
by a local authority are prima facie evidence of those meetings.
matapaki me NgĀ KŌwhiringa / Discussion and Options
The minutes of the meetings are attached.
Far North District Council Standing Orders Section 27.3 states that no discussion shall arise on the
substance of the minutes in any succeeding meeting, except as to their correctness.
TAKE TŪTOHUNGA / REASON FOR THE RECOMMENDATION
The reason for the recommendation is to confirm the minutes are a true and correct record of the previous meetings.
PĀnga PŪtea me ngĀ wĀhanga tahua / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision
There are no financial implications or the need for budgetary provision as a result of this report.
1. 2025-04-08
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Minutes - A5171568 ⇩
2. Tender
Panel and Procurement Activity Update April 2025 - A5171572 ⇩
Hōtaka Take Ōkawa / Compliance Schedule:
Full consideration has been given to the provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 S77 in relation to decision making, in particular:
1. A Local authority must, in the course of the decision-making process,
a) Seek to identify all reasonably practicable options for the achievement of the objective of a decision; and
b) Assess the options in terms of their advantages and disadvantages; and
c) If any of the options identified under paragraph (a) involves a significant decision in relation to land or a body of water, take into account the relationship of Māori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral land, water sites, waahi tapu, valued flora and fauna and other taonga.
2. This section is subject to Section 79 - Compliance with procedures in relation to decisions.
He Take Ōkawa / Compliance Requirement |
Aromatawai Kaimahi / Staff Assessment |
State the level of significance (high or low) of the issue or proposal as determined by the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy |
This is a matter of low significance. |
State the relevant Council policies (external or internal), legislation, and/or community outcomes (as stated in the LTP) that relate to this decision. |
This report complies with the Local Government Act 2002 Schedule 7 Section 28. |
State whether this issue or proposal has a District wide relevance and, if not, the ways in which the appropriate Community Board’s views have been sought. |
It is the responsibility of each meeting to confirm their minutes therefore the views of another meeting are not relevant. |
State the possible implications for Māori and how Māori have been provided with an opportunity to contribute to decision making if this decision is significant and relates to land and/or any body of water. State the possible implications and how this report aligns with Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi. |
There are no implications for Māori in confirming minutes from a previous meeting. Any implications on Māori arising from matters included in meeting minutes should be considered as part of the relevant report. |
Identify persons likely to be affected by or have an interest in the matter, and how you have given consideration to their views or preferences (for example – youth, the aged and those with disabilities). |
This report is asking for minutes to be confirmed as true and correct record, any interests that affect other people should be considered as part of the individual reports. |
State the financial implications and where budgetary provisions have been made to support this decision. |
There are no financial implications or the need for budgetary provision arising from this report. |
Chief Financial Officer review. |
The Chief Financial Officer has not reviewed this report. |
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
5 Ngā Pūrongo Taipitopito / Information Reports
5.1 Open Resolutions and Actions Update Introduction
File Number: A5177945
Author: Amber Wihongi-Alderton, Democracy Advisor
Authoriser: Aisha Huriwai, Manager - Democracy Services
TAKE PŪRONGO / Purpose of the Report
To provide Te Miromiro – Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee with an overview of outstanding open resolutions arising from Te Miromiro – Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee meetings.
WHAKARĀPOPOTO MATUA / Executive SummarY
· This report introduces a new standing item for Te Miromiro – Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee.
· Open resolutions are a mechanism to communicate progress against decisions/resolutions.
· Open resolutions are also in place for all formal elected member meetings.
· Action points are a mechanism to capture actions that are not part of a formal decision / resolution but require follow up or confirmation from staff.
That Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee receive the Open Resolutions and Actions Introduction report. |
tĀHUHU KŌRERO / Background
This report serves as an introduction, confirming inclusion of an Open Resolutions and Actions Update report as a regular item at future committee meetings.
Any resolution from a decision report is compiled in an open resolution status report, to capture actions trigged by decisions, with staff providing updates on incomplete tasks
Since many reports received by this committee are informational, they do not generate open resolution items. However, a need has been identified to record and track action points arising from information reports or meeting discussions.
As this is the first iteration of the report, there are no open items recorded. Moving forward, these will be captured and reported at committee meetings.
MATAPAKI ME NGĀ KŌWHIRINGA / Discussion and Next Steps
Managers will assist in recording and following up outstanding open resolutions or actions points with staff where appropriate, and occasionally, may be in a position to provide a further verbal update at meetings following the printing of an agenda. Democracy Services staff will support the process by generating reports.
PĀNGA PŪTEA ME NGĀ WĀHANGA TAHUA / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision
There are no financial implications or need for budgetary provision in receiving this report.
Nil
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
5.2 Audit Plan for year ending 2024/25
File Number: A5179315
Author: Angie Thomas, Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authoriser: Charlie Billington, Group Manager - Corporate Services
TAKE PŪRONGO / Purpose of the Report
This report presents the audit plan for year ending 2024/25 from Deloitte.
WHAKARĀPOPOTO MATUA / Executive SummarY
Far North District Council is required to be audited by the auditor appointed by the Office of the Auditor General, which for Far North District Council is Deloitte.
That the Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee receive the Audit Plan for year ending 2024/25. |
tĀHUHU KŌRERO / Background
Far North District Council, in compliance with the Local Government Act 2002, prepares an Annual Report at the end of each financial year. This is required to be audited by the appointed Auditor, which for Far North District Council is Deloitte.
MATAPAKI ME NGĀ KŌWHIRINGA / Discussion and Next Steps
The planned timing of the audit with Deloitte for the financial year 2024/2025, are as follows:
o Interim Audit – July
o Final Audit – August - September
PĀNGA PŪTEA ME NGĀ WĀHANGA TAHUA / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision
The proposed fees have been included in the audit plan.
|
Proposed 2024/25 ($,000) |
PY 2023/24 ($,000) |
Fees payable |
|
|
2023/24 Base fee |
245 |
245 |
CPI increase |
9.8 |
|
Increased hours |
24 |
|
Total audit fees (excludes OAG support, disbursements and GST) |
279 |
245 |
Trustee reporting |
10 |
8 |
Total audit relate and other assurance fees |
289 |
253 |
1. Audit
Plan for year ending 30 June 2025 - A5179257 ⇩
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
5.3 Council financial report for the period ending 31 March 2025
File Number: A5168784
Author: Angie Thomas, Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authoriser: Charlie Billington, Group Manager - Corporate Services
Take Pūrongo / Purpose of the Report
To provide an overview and information on the current financial position and performance of the Far North District Council for the period ending 31 March 2025.
WhakarĀpopoto matua / Executive Summary
· This report provides a summary overview, Statement of Financial Performance, Capital Performance and Borrowing & Investment reports.
That Te Miromiro – Assurance Risk and Finance Committee receive the Far North District Council Financial Report for the period ending 31 March 2025. |
TĀhuhu kŌrero / Background
This report provides financial information for the period ending 31 March 2025.
matapaki me NgĀ KŌwhiringa / Discussion and Options
This report is for information only.
TAKE TŪTOHUNGA / REASON FOR THE RECOMMENDATION
Accept the commentary for the period ending 31 March 2025.
PĀnga PŪtea me ngĀ wĀhanga tahua / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision
There are no financial implications or budgetary provisions required as a result of this report.
1. Council
Financial Report Mar 2025 - A5171458 ⇩
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
5.4 Level of Service KPI Quarter 3 Performance Report for 2024-2025
File Number: A5168796
Author: Angie Thomas, Acting Chief Financial Officer
Authoriser: Charlie Billington, Group Manager - Corporate Services
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is to present the Level of Service KPI Performance Report for the Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee’s consideration.
Executive Summary
This report is to present the level of service KPI performance report for the Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance committee’s consideration.
That the Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee receive the Level of Service KPI Quarter 3 Performance Report for 2024-2025. |
Background
An overview of staffing and financial data is included to give an overall picture of the activity groups, and what factors may have an influence on performance.
Discussion and Next Steps
This report is for information only.
Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision
There are no financial implications or budgetary provision needed as a result of this report.
1. KPI
Quarterly Report Jan to March 2025 - A5173184 ⇩
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
5.5 Health, Safety and Wellbeing Report
File Number: A5170713
Author: Ian Wilson, Manager - Health, Safety and Well Being
Authoriser: Jacine Warmington, Group Manager - Strategic Relationships
TAKE PŪRONGO / Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is to provide Te Miromiro – Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee with an overview of key activities related to Health Safety and Wellbeing across the organisation for March – April 2025.
WHAKARĀPOPOTO MATUA / Executive SummarY
The Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) team is focused on managing FNDC’s risks, in particular critical risks. A critical risk is one that will occur infrequently but has serious consequences to health, safety, and well-being should an incident occur.
The report provides an update on critical risk mitigation, HSW training, and other achievements across the organisation.
That Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee receive the report Health, Safety and Wellbeing Report.
|
tĀHUHU KŌRERO / Background
The health, safety, and well-being (HSW) of employees and stakeholders remains a key priority for the Far North District Council (FNDC). Ensuring a safe and supportive environment is critical not only for regulatory compliance but also for fostering a culture that values the physical and mental health of the workforce.
Critical risks, defined as those with low frequency but high potential impact, pose significant challenges to the organisation. Addressing these risks requires proactive identification, robust mitigation strategies, and continuous monitoring to prevent incidents and protect the well-being of all individuals involved.
This report, covering the period of March and April 2025, highlights the FNDC’s ongoing efforts in health, safety, and well-being. It aims to provide the Te Miromiro – Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee with a comprehensive overview of activities, focusing on critical risk management, HSW training initiatives, and key achievements. This information underscores the organisation’s commitment to enhancing workplace safety and wellbeing through strategic interventions and continuous improvement.
MATAPAKI ME NGĀ KŌWHIRINGA / Discussion and Next Steps
Health, safety, and wellbeing achievements
• Engagement with 176 staff around critical risks
• No lost time injuries (LTIs) due to work injuries
Hazard and risk management
The Health, Safety, and Wellbeing (HSW) team is focused on managing FNDC’s risks, particularly critical risks. Following consultation with staff in 2023 six critical risks were identified that are involved with activities conducted by FNDC staff.
The critical risks identified are listed below:
• Driving on Council business
• Lone working
• Psychosocial hazards
• Contractor management occupational health & safety (OHS)
• Site Visits
• Threatening behaviour towards customer-facing staff
Table 1 shows the various ways the HSW team has proactively collaborated with staff regarding managing critical risks during March and April 2025. 176 staff were engaged through audits, workshops, team talks, and training.
Table 1 – HSW Engagement
Date |
Topic |
Team |
No. of attendees |
Description |
3/03/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
D&O - Property & Facilities Management |
4 |
Staff engagement |
3/03/2025 |
HSW inductions |
All staff |
5 |
Staff training |
6/03/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
D&O - Resource Consents Administration |
1 |
Staff engagement |
6/03/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
P&P - Planning & Policy Leaders |
5 |
Staff engagement |
7/03/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
CS - Transaction Services |
1 |
Staff engagement |
10/03/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
I - Capital Works & Renewals - Transportation |
6 |
Staff engagement |
10/03/2025 |
Lone working |
Capital Works & Renewals - Transportation |
6 |
Staff training |
12/03/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
D&O - Building Compliance |
5 |
Staff engagement |
14/03/2025 |
Awhi mai, Awhi atu |
All staff/people leaders |
1 |
Wellbeing initiative |
17/03/2025 |
Heights Safety & Awareness |
HSW team |
2 |
Staff training |
18/03/2025 |
HSW inductions |
All staff |
4 |
Staff training |
18/03/2025 |
Awhi mai, Awhi atu |
All staff/people leaders |
1 |
Wellbeing initiative |
21/03/2025 |
Awhi mai, Awhi atu |
All staff/people leaders |
2 |
Wellbeing initiative |
21/03/2025 |
Psychosocial Hazards |
All staff |
88 |
Staff awareness |
26/03/2025 |
Contractor Management |
Infrastructure delivery (Hoskin Civil) |
1 |
Audit |
27/03/2025 |
HSW inductions |
All staff |
1 |
Staff training |
27/03/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
I - Waters |
7 |
Staff engagement |
28/03/2025 |
HSW Committee |
HSW Committee |
6 |
Staff engagement |
31/03/2025 |
HSW inductions |
All staff |
4 |
Staff training |
3/04/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
I - Infrastructure services |
13 |
Staff engagement |
4/04/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
SR - Te Hono |
5 |
Staff engagement |
8/04/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
C&E - Communications & Engagement |
8 |
Staff engagement |
10/04/2025 |
HSW role profiles |
I - Infrastructure Engineering |
4 |
Staff engagement |
Current Projects
· Review of the contractor management H&S process (completion Q1 25)
· Review of the lone working process and associated tools and devices (completion Q1 25)
· Role profiles (completion Q1 25)
Future Projects
· Emergency procedures (commencing Q1 25)
· Review of driving on Council business (commencing Q1 25)
· Review of threatening behaviour (commencing Q1 25)
Emergency Management
Trained fire wardens conduct six monthly fire drills across its offices, iSites and libraries. Workplace inspections are carried out by the designated H&S representative each quarter.
Table 2 – Fire drills and workplace inspections conducted during March and April
Date |
Topic |
Team |
Description |
26/03/2025 |
Fire Emergency Evacuation |
Kaikohe HQ |
Fire Drill |
3/04/2025 |
Fire Emergency Evacuation |
Southern Animal Shelter |
Fire Drill |
13/03/2025 |
Quarterly WPI |
Strategic Relationships/Lockwood Area |
Workplace inspection |
HSW incidents
Figure 1 – PeopleSafe stories
reported during March and April 2025
Table 3 - Story type and location of incident reported into PeopleSafe for March and April 2025
When did it happen? |
Story Type |
Where |
4/03/2025 |
Injury |
Car Park - John Butler Centre |
7/03/2025 |
Threatening Behaviour |
Off Site (Monitoring-compliance-inspection) |
10/03/2025 |
Threatening behaviour |
Off Site (Monitoring-compliance-inspection) |
14/03/2025 |
Injury |
Service Centre - Kawakawa |
14/03/2025 |
Threatening behaviour |
Library Te Ahu |
21/03/2025 |
Injury |
All office environments |
27/03/2025 |
Nice Job |
Service Centre - Kawakawa |
31/03/2025 |
Near miss |
Service Centre - John Butler Centre |
31/03/2025 |
Pain & Discomfort |
All office environments |
2/04/2025 |
Threatening behaviour |
Ward Kaikohe-Hokianga |
2/04/2025 |
Pain & Discomfort |
All office environments |
3/04/2025 |
Threatening behaviour |
Library Te Ahu |
3/04/2025 |
Accident |
All office environments |
5/04/2025 |
Threatening behaviour |
Library Kaikohe |
7/04/2025 |
Threatening behaviour |
Service Centre - Kawakawa |
12/04/2025 |
Threatening behaviour |
Library Kaikohe |
12/04/2025 |
Threatening behaviour |
Library Kaikohe |
15/04/2025 |
Pain & Discomfort |
Service Centre - John Butler Centre |
17/04/2025 |
Near miss |
Library Kaikohe |
22/04/2025 |
Accident |
Off Site (Monitoring-compliance-inspection) |
23/04/2025 |
Threatening behaviour |
Off Site (Monitoring-compliance-inspection) |
PeopleSafe
PeopleSafe is FNDC's Health and Safety reporting database for all work-related injuries, incidents, accidents, near misses, risks, hazards, discomfort, and pain. It is a requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) for FNDC to provide a platform to report such incidents.
The most frequently reported incidents are threatening behaviour, which are listed as critical risks. 21 HSW incidents were entered into PeopleSafe during March and April, down from 23 incidents reported during January and February 2025.
Staff warning flags
Three staff warning flags (SWFs) were raised by staff during March and April 2025 for threatening behaviour.
What is a SWF?
• SWFs are memo alert pop-ups in Pathways that open automatically when an address or person has a SWF allocated against them.
• The SWF will warn employees of hazards associated with the person or address.
• SWFs are usually created because of abusive, violent, or dangerous behaviour by the occupant of the address. Other hazards, such as dangerous dogs, may be listed.
Health Safety and Wellbeing of Elected Members when undertaking Council business
It is recognised that elected members in their governance role are asked to attend meetings with residents/ratepayers/general public and sometimes at private residences. It is strongly recommended that elected members contact appropriate council staff or the HSW team, to confirm whether or not there are SWFs either on the person/people or address before accepting meetings.
Elected members can have any stories relating to injuries, incidents, or accidents (including near misses, risks, hazards, etc.) they are aware of, logged in PeopleSafe by contacting Democracy Services who will input information on their behalf.
ACTIONS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING:
Action 1: The committee would like to what know current process or future actions being taken regarding safety at public events. The issue was raised as a consequence of the Destiny Church Man Up protest at Te Atatu Library, Auckland.
Response: FNDC has a suit of controls currently in place to address safety at its various service centres, iSites, libraries, and museums. These are summarised below.
Threatening behaviour towards front facing staff - a critical risk
- Violence at work: customer service areas | WorkSafe
Threatening behaviour towards front-facing staff is a critical risk in any organisation. This can include verbal threats, physical intimidation, or any other actions that make staff feel unsafe. Addressing this risk involves a multi-faceted approach:
1. Policy Development
· Zero Tolerance Policy: Established a clear zero-tolerance policy for threatening behaviour, with well-defined consequences.
· Reporting Mechanisms: Created confidential and accessible ways for staff to report incidents.
Examples:
- PC 006 Workplace, Harassment, Discrimination & Bullying Prevention Policy
- PeopleSafe
2. Training and Awareness
· Conflict De-escalation Training: Provided staff with training on how to handle and de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
· Awareness Programs: Educated staff about the types of behaviour that are unacceptable and how to report them.
Examples:
- Conflict resolution training at FNDC
- Antisocial behaviours guide
- JSA - libraries and museums
3. Environmental Design
· Safe Workspaces: Designed workspaces to ensure safety, such as installing barriers, panic buttons, and surveillance systems.
· Controlled Access: Limited public access to sensitive areas to reduce the risk of confrontations.
Examples:
- Panic alarms and emergency lock down processes.
4. Support Systems
· Counselling Services: FNDC offers access to counselling and psychological support for staff who have experienced threatening behaviour.
· Regular Check-ins: Conducted regular check-ins with staff to understand their concerns and provide support.
Examples:
- EAP
- Wellbeing and support
5. Enforcement and Follow-Up
· Consistent Enforcement: Ensured that policies are consistently enforced and that all reported incidents are thoroughly investigated.
· Follow-Up: Followed up with affected staff to ensure they feel supported and to prevent recurrence.
Examples:
- PeopleSafe
6. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
· Legal Action: Being prepared to take legal action against individuals who threaten staff, including involving law enforcement if necessary.
· Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all policies and procedures comply with relevant laws and regulations.
7. Culture and Leadership
· Leadership Commitment: Ensuring that leadership is committed to a safe working environment and visibly supports initiatives to protect staff.
· Promote a Positive Culture: Fostering a workplace culture where respect and safety are paramount.
Examples:
- H&S Policy
- Mental wellbeing policy
- Strategic Leadership Team Involvement and Commitment Pledge
Summary of implementation steps:
1. Risk Assessment: Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify areas of vulnerability and potential threats.
2. Policy Drafting: Developed and communicated a clear policy on handling threatening behaviour.
3. Training Programmes: Implemented training programmes for staff, particularly those in front-facing roles.
4. Infrastructure Improvements: Made necessary changes to the physical workspace to enhance safety.
5. Establish Reporting Channels: Set up confidential reporting mechanisms for staff to report incidents.
6. Regular Reviews: Regularly reviewed and updated policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective.
Action 2: The Committee would like H&S commentary on the recent Redwood tree incident at the Kerikeri Retirement Village.
Response: Property & Facilities staff have adequately investigated the incident and have provided a plan (based on arborist report) for the removal of some of the redwood trees to address immediate risks and have a maintenance plan that will support healthier trees less susceptible to toppling over.
PĀNGA PŪTEA ME NGĀ WĀHANGA TAHUA / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision
There are no financial implications.
Nil
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
5.6 People and Capability Report - January to March 2025
File Number: A5166122
Author: Emma Healy, Chief of Staff
Authoriser: Guy Holroyd, Chief Executive Officer
TAKE PŪRONGO / Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is to present Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee with the quarterly update on People and Capability activities.
WHAKARĀPOPOTO MATUA / Executive SummarY
Included in the report is information on:
· Exit Interviews and Analysis;
· Recruitment activity;
· Culture; and
· Employment Relations.
That Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee receive the report People and Capability Report - January to March 2025. |
tĀHUHU KŌRERO / Background
This report will be presented to Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee on a quarterly basis.
MATAPAKI ME NGĀ KŌWHIRINGA / Discussion and Next Steps
This report is Information only.
PĀNGA PŪTEA ME NGĀ WĀHANGA TAHUA / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision
Nil
1. People
and Capability (Chief of Staff) Report Jan to March 2025 - A5166130 ⇩
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
5.7 Resource Consent Abatement Notice Update
File Number: A5165145
Author: Doug Astill, Compliance Officer - Infrastructure Services
Authoriser: Tanya Proctor, Head of Infrastructure
TAKE PŪRONGO / Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is to provide Te Miromiro Committee members with an update of outstanding abatement notices issued by Northland Regional Council.
WHAKARĀPOPOTO MATUA / Executive SummarY
· There are eight outstanding abatement notices as at 23 April 2025.
· Northland Regional Council has confirmed that the abatement notice for Ahipara Wastewater Treatment Plant will remain in force until 12 months (October 2025) of compliant data is achieved.
· Northland Regional Council is the Regulator charged with ensuring compliance with the conditions of consent issued under the provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991.
· An abatement notice is generally the first enforcement action taken and acts as a record of the non-compliance with consent conditions. Should the non-compliance continue further enforcement action can follow.
· Non-compliance can have environmental, operational, reputational, and financial/legal impacts.
· Council’s aim is to be fully compliant with all consent conditions and no abatement notices outstanding.
That Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee receive the report Resource Consent Abatement Notice Risk Profile. |
tĀHUHU KŌRERO / Background
Council holds multiple resource consents required to provide water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste and community facilities throughout the Far North District.
Resource consents are issued under the provision of the Resource Management Act 1991 (the RMA) by Northland Regional Council. Any activity that contravenes, or is likely to contravene the RMA, (any Regulations, a Rule in a Plan, or a condition of a Resource Consent) can result in an abatement notice being issued - s322(1)(a)(i) by Northland Regional Council.
To have an abatement notice cancelled Council must investigate the cause of the non-compliance, establish the required mitigation to achieve compliance, and liaise with Northland Regional Council to agree compliance has been achieved and unlikely to recur.
Non-compliance can have the following impacts:
· Environmental – possible contamination
· Operational – process / resourcing improvement required
· Financial & Legal – possibility of fines and/or prosecution
· Reputational – local / national media reporting reducing trust within the community and the Regulator (Northland Regional Council).
Non-compliance can happen for several reasons, such as missing data or non-compliant discharges, and are treated seriously by Council given that further action from the regulator may include fines or prosecution.
It is the aim of Council to be fully compliant with all consent conditions and have no abatement notices outstanding.
The process followed on receipt of an abatement notice is:
- Acknowledge receipt of the notice
- Investigate the non-compliance with the conditions of the consent
- Verify the non-compliance
- Investigate the steps to mitigate the non-compliance and immediately notify the regulator of these steps with a timeframe
- Follow up mitigation actions either weekly or monthly according to the nature of the non-compliance
- On achieving compliance, the Regulator is notified and a request for the notice to be removed is made.
MATAPAKI ME NGĀ KŌWHIRINGA / Discussion and Next Steps
The last report:
Regular updates on progress towards the removal of Abatement Notices are provided to Te Koukou – Transport and Infrastructure Committee.
Agenda of Te Koukou - Transport and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Wednesday, 23 April 2025
Council entered the current financial year with three long-standing abatement notices in place:
- Ōpononi/Ōmāpere Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Kaitāia Wastewater Network Overflows
- Ahipara Wastewater Treatment Plant
What has changed since the last report?
· Ahipara Wastewater Treatment Plant abatement will stay in place until 12 months of compliant data received, expected October 2025.
· Pākāraka truck stop data collected in March/April 2025 will enable an application to have abatement removed in May 2025.
· Contractor to provide discharge records for Kerikeri Sports complex which will address the current abatement notice.
At 23 April 2025, a total of seven (8) abatement notices remain outstanding - Water (1), Wastewater (4), District Facilities (2), and Solid Waste (1).
The table below categorises these abatement notices as:
High |
Long term or not resolvable short term |
Several significant factors and probability of escalation |
Medium |
Several issues to ensure
compliance |
Possible escalation of several factors |
Low |
Short time to resolve /
low cost |
Low possibility of escalation |
Abatement notices ranked Low are operations related, with mitigations largely reliant on establishing robust maintenance and audit procedures.
Improvements in asset management, operations, compliance audit programme, and support for District Facilities operations are required to support this assessment.
The four (4) notices issued for the wastewater treatment plants are all ranked High as they all relate to contaminant levels.
Mitigation actions are underway for each of these notices, and compliance is expected to result from completion of current maintenance works.
The notice for the Russell Landfill leachate is ranked High as this is a known issue which in turn directly impacts the operation of the wastewater treatment plant. Resolution requires budgetary provision within Solid Waste to address this matter, together a level of service agreement between Solid Waste and Wastewater to actively manage the Landfill consent.
The provision of wastewater discharge reporting for the Kerikeri Sport Complex is ranked High as the Regulator has advised that infringements will be issued is compliance is not achieved and maintained. Daily recording by the contractor will be provided to the Regulator each quarter as required by the consent.
Activity |
Mitigation actions |
Environ-mental |
Operational |
Financial/Legal |
Reputational |
Ōpononi/Ōmāpere Wastewater Treatment Plant |
Planned upgrades as per LTP 24/27 |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
Kaitāia Wastewater Network Overflows
|
Planned network upgrades as per LTP 24/27. Stage one on progress, work begins 28th April. |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
Ahipara Wastewater Treatment Plant
|
Next planned Wetland renewal in procurement stage. NRC advised in April 2025 , 12 consecutive compliant samples will be needed before lifting the abatement. Results are currently compliant for six out of last seven months. |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
Waitangi River take
|
Confirm progress on correct reporting and ensure this is relayed to NRC. |
Low |
Low |
Low |
Low |
Kerikeri Sports complex WW reporting |
Confirmed current monitoring status with contractor. New report due to NRC in May 2025. |
Low |
Low |
High |
Low |
Kohukohu WWTP
|
Currently desludging work in progress. Compliance to provide updates to NRC. |
High |
High |
High |
High |
Russell landfill |
Confirming leachate flow reduction with waste management. |
Medium |
Low |
Low |
High |
Pākāraka truck stop |
Compliance to provide Mar/Apr data to NRC in April and request cancellation of notice. |
Low |
Low |
Low |
Low |
PĀNGA PŪTEA ME NGĀ WĀHANGA TAHUA / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision
There are no financial implications or budgetary provisions resulting from this information report.
Nil
Te Miromiro - Assurance, Risk and Finance Committee Meeting Agenda |
14 May 2025 |
6 Te Wāhanga Tūmataiti / Public Excluded
RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC
That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting. The general subject matter of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:
|
7 Karakia Whakamutunga / Closing Prayer
8 Te Kapinga Hui / Meeting Close