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Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes |
11 December 2025 |
MINUTES
OF Far North District Council
Ordinary Council
Meeting
HELD AT THE Council
Chamber, Memorial Ave, Kaikohe
ON Thursday, 11
December 2025 AT 10:05 AM
PRESENT: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania, Kohepu – Deputy Chairperson Cr Chicky Rudkin, Cr Arohanui Allen, Cr Rachel Baucke, Cr Ann Court, Cr Felicity Foy, Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Cr Kelly Stratford, Cr Davina Smolders, Cr Tāmati Rākena, Cr John Vujcich
IN ATTENDANCE: Chair Jessie McVeagh (Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board), Chair Bill Subritzky (Te Hiku Community Board), Chair Belinda Ward (Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board), Kawiti Waetford (Kaiwhakawhiti Reo Language Interpreter)
STAFF PRESENT: Nicola Griffin (Senior Communications & Engagement Advisor), Rebecca Rowsell (Senior Solicitor), Jacine Warmington (GM – Strategic Relationships), Briar Macken (Manager – Strategy & Policy), Virginia Smith (Policy Advisor), Shelly Wharton (Manager – Infrastructure Engineering), Roger Ackers (GM – Policy & Planning), Ken Macdonald (Chief Financial Officer), Lawrence Wharerau (Acting Pouhautu – Te Hono), Ken Lewis (Manager – Communications & Engagement), Margriet Veenstra (Transportation Business Manager), Aisha Huriwai (Manager – Democracy Services), Marlema Baker (Democracy Advisor)
1 Karakia Timatanga / Opening Prayer
Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania commenced the meeting with the Council karakia/prayer.
2 Ngā Whakapāha Me Ngā Pānga Mema / Apologies and Declarations of Interest
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Resolution 2025/131 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Chicky Rudkin That an apology be received from Cr Foy for lateness. Note: Additional apologies were received from Senior Leadership Team and Managers: Charlie Billington, Emma Healy, Nicola Smith and Carla Ditchfield. Ruben Garcia attending online. |
3 Ngā Kōrero a Te Kahika / Mayoral Announcements
· Maramataka – Korekore-piri-ki-Tangaroa
· Acknowledges the peruperu packhouse whanau in Ngāwhā who are harvesting peruperu now.
· Elected Member Reports – These will be tabled at the new Governance and Operational monthly briefing meetings which will be livestreamed. Thank you to Deputy Mayor Rudkin, Crs Stratford, Halkyard-Harawira and Allen for providing a report. Each month the elected member reports will be uploaded to the Council website.
Note: Democracy Services will distribute the report template via Friday Notices.
· Christmas Events: thanks to the Communications team for putting together a list:
o Te Hiku
§ Far North Christmas in the Sky at the AMP Showgrounds
§ Te Hapua Santa Parade and Whanau Day.
o Bay of Islands-Whangaroa
§ Kerikeri/Waipapa - Mitre 10 Community Christmas event
§ Moerewa Christmas in the Park – Simpson Park Domain
§ Totara North Christmas Market
§ Christmas Skate Night - Bay Sport Waipapa
o Kaikohe-Hokianga
§ Christmas in Awarua
§ Okaihau Christmas Parade – Ōkaihau Rugby Grounds
§ Christmas Dinner at the Sands in Omapere
o Acknowledgement from the Mayor to all Elected Members and staff for a happy Christmas.
· Acknowledging Russell/Kororāreka Cemetery opening of Phase 1 and thank you to Elected Members who attended.
· Reminder – Council closed from 12pm on the 24th December 2025 to the 5th January 2026. The call-centre will be operating during the closure.
4 Ngā Tono Kōrero / Deputation
· Yvonne Repia-Mutu Chair of Ngā Uri Whakatupu o Hokianga and Mori Rapana – Māngungu Commemorations 2026.
o Requests funding support and traffic management planning as well as dust suppressant.
o In 2025 there were significant health & safety risks that need to be mitigated.
o Longterm aspiration is to see the roads fixed/sealed.
· Missy Rivers – Stoney Creek Settlement Road - Paekauri (Tabled Document: A5509360)
o Proposes a joint management.
o FNDC, MPI, DoC and NRC have been to the site and marked the kauri locations.
o No issue with the roads being closed off.
o Emergency Services would just require gate keys for each end.
o Controlled Area Notice is needed.
· Robert Adams – Housing for the Elderly verbal submission. (online)
· Josh Kirby (KBA Chair) – 11 Matthews Ave Petition received by Kahika Moko Tepania (Tabled Document: A5509358)
o Acknowledges the passing of Mr Monty Knight
o Acknowledges Mayor and Elected Members (returning and new)
o Respectfully request that Mayor Moko Tepania and Elected Members of the Far North District Council:
1. Rescind the motion authorising the demolition of the former Warehouse building located on Matthews Avenue, Kaitaia.
2. Pause all actions relating to this demolition, including the engagement or contracting of any demolition services.
3. Defer further decisions regarding the future use or development of the site until after the new Council is formally established following the 2025 local body elections.
4. Undertake open and transparent public consultation with the wider community before any decisions are made on the future of this site, allowing residents, businesses, and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback and ideas.
11:03 am – meeting adjourned and returned at 11:18 am
10:16 am - Cr Foy arrived
5 He Pānui Whakamōtini / Notice of Motion
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5.1 Notice of Motion - Approval of Central Government Submissions Agenda item 5.1 document number A5482537, pages 6 - 8 refers |
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Moved: Cr Davina Smolders Seconded: Cr Ann Court That the Far North District Council adopt the following policy and procedural requirement: Any submission, representation, or formal position statement made to central government, its ministries, agencies, or parliamentary select committees in the name of the Far North District Council must be approved by the full Council prior to being lodged, unless a specific delegation has been expressly resolved by Council for that particular submission.
In Favour: Cr Davina Smolders Against: Crs Moko Tepania, Chicky Rudkin, Arohanui Allen, Rachel Baucke, Ann Court, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Kelly Stratford, Tāmati Rākena and John Vujcich lost 1/10 NOTE: · GM Policy & Planning to bring the current process back to Council (by 3 March 2026) along with a formal process for all select committee submissions to the Mayor. · Current delegated authority sits with the Mayor and CE. · All select committee submissions will come to Council (via extraordinary meeting) in the interim until a process is confirmed. |
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7.8 Response to Notice of Motion for the Sealing of Marae & Kōhanga Reo Roads Agenda item 7.8 document number A5483419, pages 21 - 62 refers SUPPLEMENTARY AGENDA |
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Resolution 2025/132 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira That Council: a) Endorse the strategic approach of the Unsealed Roads Strategy for unsealed roads: i. Agree to include the identified Marae and Kōhanga Reo sites in the prioritised programme for road sealing and dust mitigation ii. Direct the Chief Executive to continue working closely with Waka Kotahi NZTA to secure funding for dust mitigation at high-risk sites, including those affecting Marae and Kōhanga Reo, and to report back on the outcome of these funding discussions. iii. Direct the Chief Executive to finalise the Unsealed Roads Strategy and present the updated dust risk findings and Draft Dust Control Policy for Council approval by mid-2026. iv. Direct the Chief Executive to incorporate budgetary requirements into the next Annual Plan and LTP.
Abstained: Cr Davina Smolders |
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5.2 Notice of Motion - Sealing of Marae and Kōhanga Reo Agenda item 5.2 document number A5312369, pages 5 - 13 refers SUPPLEMENTARY AGENDA |
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The Mover of this Notice of Motion was satisfied with the staff response provided in item 7.8 Response to Notice of Motion for the Sealing of Marae & Kōhanga Reo Roads (document number A5483419, pages 21 - 62 of the Supplementary Agenda) and hereby rescinds this Notice of Motion. |
12:21 pm meeting adjourned and returned at 12:28 pm
6 Te Whakaaetanga o Ngā Meneti o Mua / Confirmation of Previous Minutes
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6.1 Confirmation of Previous Minutes Agenda item 6.1 document number A5481976, pages 9 - 20 refers |
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Resolution 2025/133 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council confirm the minutes of the meeting held 26 November 2025 as a true and correct record. |
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7.1 Revenue and Financing Policy Amendment Agenda item 7.1 document number A5448566, pages 21 - 79 refers |
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Resolution 2025/134 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council: a) Endorse the proposed amendments to the Revenue and Finance Policy found in Attachment 2. b) Adopt the Proposal in Attachment 4 to be released for public consultation to meet the requirements of section 82 of the Local Government Act 2002. c) Approves the period for making written submissions on the proposal will be a minimum of 4 weeks. d) Delegates authority to the Mayor to decide on the date of any oral presentation/s of submissions. e) Authorises the Chief Executive to make any necessary minor drafting or presentation amendments to the attached supporting documents to correct errors or omissions, or to reflect the decisions made by the Council prior to final publication and public release. Moved: Cr Felicity Foy
h)
FAILED – LACK OF SECONDER
Against: Cr Davina Smolders Abstained: Crs Arohanui Allen and Rachel Baucke NOTE: Staff to provide a workshop or briefing on the Development Contributions Policy including its history and background. |
12:54 pm Cr Halkyard-Harawira left the meeting and joined online at 1:30pm
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Agenda item 8.1 document number A5488428, pages 224 - 241 refers |
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Resolution 2025/135 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council note the minutes from the following Community Board meetings: a) Te Hiku Community Board Meeting held 24 November 2025; b) Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board Meeting 27 November 2025; c) Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Meeting held on 28 November 2025. |
Secretarial Notes:
Chair Bill Subritzky – Te Hiku Community Board
· Inquired about rules regarding use of Council and Community Board logos and how they are presented on event posters.
Staff Note: follow-up on discussion around FNDC branding in relation to events that involve alcohol and alcohol sales.
· 11 Matthews Ave, Kaitāia – this was not a transparent process in the Boards view.
· Highlighted lack of training and/or a handover from previous elected members during induction
Staff Note: GM – Strategic Relationships and Manager – Democracy Services to follow-up
Chair Belinda Ward
· Would like Council to consider increasing the Community Board funding budgets through the Annual Plan & Long Term Plan process as there is increased strain on social sectors in communities.
· Hopes that Community Boards don’t have to reiterate requesting discretionary funding moving forward.
· Would like Council to reintroduce Events & Marketing Manager position and budget.
· Acknowledges staff for getting pertinent reports into Community Board agendas.
Chair Jessie McVeagh
· Acknowledged everyone who attended the Kaikohe-Hokianga Ward Tour
· Acknowledged the Christmas events in each ward.
· Requests support on inducting new members.
· Working on the Community Board’s strategic priorities.
· More Housing/Social Housing needed.
· Homelessness – people living in cars.
· Pressure on wastewater and drinking water.
· Māngungu – one of Hokianga’s biggest events.
· Acknowledges Council staff and Crs appointed to the Board.
Meeting adjourned 1:30 pm and resumed 2:10 pm
2:37pm Cr Halkyard-Harawira (online) left the meeting and returned 2:42 pm
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7.2 Adoption of Committee Terms of Reference Agenda item 7.2 document number A5449114, pages 80 - 105 refers |
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Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That; a) Council adopt the attached Terms of References for the following Committees: 1. Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships 2. Te Miromiro Committee for Assurance, Risk and Finance 3. Te Koekoeā Committee for Council Controlled Organisations 4. Te Koukou Committee for Transport and Infrastructure 5. Te Huia Committee for Chief Executive Performance 6. Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation 7. Te Pīpīwharauroa Committee for External Appointments
b) in Te Kūkupa Terms of Reference, the words “Resource Management Act functions” will be changed to “Resource Management Reform matters”. c) the CE (or his appointed delegate) work with each of the Chairpersons to make minor and/or technical amendments and/or corrections to finalise their relevant Committee Terms of Reference. d) the following notes and updates are included: - In the Te Koekoeā Terms of Reference (agenda page 93 – Membership section) replace Mr Graeme McGlinn’s name with “appointed member”. - Cr Halkyard-Harawira be appointed to Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation. - Make the following correction (on page 102 Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation Terms of Reference) which to state: section 42(3)(a) and remove the following text: “(unless specifically delegated by Council)”. Moved: Cr Davina Smolders That the Far North District Council amend the Terms of Reference for Te Kuaka, Te Miromiro, Te Koukou, Te Huia, Te Kūkupa, Te Koekoeā and Te Pīpīwharauroa to incorporate the governance controls proposed by Councillor Davina Smolders in the agenda table on pages 82 to 85, including but not limited to: 1. Explicit advisory status for Te Kuaka 2. Embedding affordability and rating impact criteria 3. Strengthened financial and capital oversight functions 4. Transparent external appointment processes 5. Mandatory performance and accountability measures for CCOs and the Chief Executive. LOST – LACK OF SECONDER Moved: Cr Tāmati Rākena Seconded: Cr Arohanui Allen the following additions from Cr Rākena be included in the Terms of Reference for Te Kuaka Committee for Strategic Māori Relationships: Pg. 82 - Proposed amendment – Te Kuaka Committee provides recommendations to full Council. - Rational - Strengthens Council’s relationship with iwi and hapū by promoting effective partnership models, improving engagement practices, and championing shared decision-making. - Staff response – add - …”add value to relationships with Māori” Pg. 89 - ADD - Oversee Te Pae o Uta - ADD – Continues with the development and implementation of Te Kuaka - Te Pae ki Tawhiti 2040 Strategic Intent. - ADD – All committee members to have full speaking and voting rights. - Point 1 - Build and sustain genuine, high-trust relationships based on He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. - Point 4 – Develop and approve frameworks for partnership, engagement, monitoring and reporting. - Point 7 – Provide direction to the governing body on relationship strategies and opportunities. - Point 10 – direct to Council, as appropriate, in conducting and maintaining effective, good faith working relationships with te Iwi Māori (e.g Iwi Hapū Environmental Management Plans). In Favour: Crs Moko Tepania, Chicky Rudkin, Arohanui Allen, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Kelly Stratford, Tāmati Rākena and John Vujcich Against: Cr Davina Smolders Abstained: Crs Rachel Baucke and Ann Court carried 8/1 The Amendment became the substantive motion: Resolution 2025/137 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That; a) Council adopt the attached Terms of References for the following Committees: 1. Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships 2. Te Miromiro Committee for Assurance, Risk and Finance 3. Te Koekoeā Committee for Council Controlled Organisations 4. Te Koukou Committee for Transport and Infrastructure 5. Te Huia Committee for Chief Executive Performance 6. Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation 7. Te Pīpīwharauroa Committee for External Appointments b) in Te Kūkupa Terms of Reference, the words “Resource Management Act functions” will be changed to “Resource Management Reform matters”. c) the CE (or his appointed delegate) work with each of the Chairpersons to make minor and/or technical amendments and/or corrections to finalise their relevant Committee Terms of Reference. d) the following notes and updates are included: - In the Te Koekoeā Terms of Reference (agenda page 93 – Membership section) replace Mr Graeme McGlinn’s name with “appointed member”. - Cr Halkyard-Harawira be appointed to Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation. - Make the following correction (on page 102 Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation Terms of Reference) which to state: section 42(3)(a) and remove the following text: “(unless specifically delegated by Council)”. e) the following additions from Cr Rākena be included in the Terms of Reference for Te Kuaka Committee for Strategic Māori Relationships: Pg. 82 - Proposed amendment – Te Kuaka Committee provides recommendations to full Council. - Rational - Strengthens Council’s relationship with iwi and hapū by promoting effective partnership models, improving engagement practices, and championing shared decision-making. - Staff response – add - …”add value to relationships with Māori” Pg. 89 - ADD - Oversee Te Pae o Uta - ADD – Continues with the development and implementation of Te Kuaka - Te Pae ki Tawhiti 2040 Strategic Intent. - ADD – All committee members to have full speaking and voting rights. - Point 1 - Build and sustain genuine, high-trust relationships based on He Whakaputanga and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. - Point 4 – Develop and approve frameworks for partnership, engagement, monitoring and reporting. - Point 7 – Provide direction to the governing body on relationship strategies and opportunities. - Point 10 – direct to Council, as appropriate, in conducting and maintaining effective, good faith working relationships with te Iwi Māori (e.g Iwi Hapū Environmental Management Plans). Against: Cr Davina Smolders Abstained: Crs Rachel Baucke and Ann Court |
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7.3 Establishment of Portfolios and Adoption of Terms of Reference Agenda item 7.3 document number A5486045, pages 106 - 128 refers |
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Resolution 2025/138 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Chicky Rudkin That Council adopt the attached terms of references and establish: a) Community Trust, Participation and Engagement Portfolio b) Youth Education and Leadership Pathways Portfolio c) Housing Delivery & Partnerships Portfolio d) Affordability & Value for Communities Portfolio and e) Transport Portfolio with Terms of Reference to be provided in March 2026. Against: Cr Davina Smolders |
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7.5 Adoption of Formal Meeting Calendar for 2026 Agenda item 7.5 document number A5485579, pages 132 - 136 refers |
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Resolution 2025/139 Moved: Cr Felicity Foy Seconded: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania That Council adopt the 2026 formal meeting schedule with the following additions for Monthly Operational Briefings (MOBs): - 19 March - 16 April - 21 May - 11 June (ability to switch to 18 June which is an existing reserve date) - 9 July - 13 August - 10 September - 8 October - 24 November - 10 December And - that a workshop or formal meeting be held in Te Hiku in the 2026 Calendar year. - add the 9th & 10th February Waimate signing, 12th February Māngungu signing and 28th April Te Hiku signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to the Council calendar. - remove National Council dates from the calendar - add a Council meeting on 1st April 2026 |
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Resolution 2025/140 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agrees that the meeting continue beyond the six hour duration in Standing Order 4.2 - Meeting Duration, to discuss the remaining items left on the agenda. |
Cr Smolders has declared a percieved conflict of interest for Item 7.6 and left the table.
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7.6 Analysis of Public Consultation and Decision on the Housing for the Elderly Rent Setting Options Agenda item 7.6 document number A5461364, pages 137 - 151 refers |
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Resolution 2025/141 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council: a) adopt the following changes to the Housing for the Elderly Policies and Information 2010: 1) 60% market rate, or 2) 30% NZ Superannuation (net, after tax at the ‘M’ rate) plus the maximum amount of accommodation supplement applicable to the unit area as defined by Work and Income. ii) couples to pay an additional $20 per week across all units on top of the maximum payable rent. iii) annual rent reviews to occur yearly on 1 July as follows: o market valuation rent reviews to occur every 2 years, with the next being for the year 2027/2028. o apply CPI adjustment to rents in alternate years. iv) implementation of 2 yearly reviews of the rent settings to ensure these continue to be fit for purpose and report the findings to Council. b) approve that the changes to the Housing for the Elderly Policies and Information 2010 be implemented using the market rent figures in the valuations obtained December 2023: i) from 12 December 2025 for new tenants. ii) from 1 April 2026 for existing tenants, subject to any requirements under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 c) approve the changes in the Housing for the Elderly Policies and Information 2010 as set out in Attachment D and authorise the Group Manager Delivery & Operations to make any necessary minor drafting or presentation amendments to correct errors or omissions, or to reflect the decisions made by Council. Abstained: Crs Arohanui Allen, Rachel Baucke, Tāmati Rākena and John Vujcich |
Cr Rakena left the room at 4:03 pm and returned at 4:05pm
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7.7 Appointment of Non-Elected Members (Appointed Members) to Committees of Council Policy Review and Adoption of Amended Policy Agenda item 7.7 document number A5464469, pages 211 - 223 refers |
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Resolution 2025/142 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania That Council: a) agree the Appointment of Non-Elected (Appointed Members) to Committees of Council Policy has been reviewed. b) adopt the amended Non-Elected (Appointed Members) to Committees of Council Policy as in Attachment 1. Against: Cr Davina Smolders |
8 Ngā Pūrongo Taipitopito / Information Reports
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8.2 Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill Submission Agenda item 8.2 document number A5476836, pages 241 - 247 refers |
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Resolution 2025/143 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Tāmati Rākena That Council receive the report Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill Submission. Cr Foy left the meeting at 4:26 pm and returned 4:29pm Against: Crs Ann Court and Davina Smolders Abstained: Crs Rachel Baucke and John Vujcich |
The meeting closed at 4:30 pm.
The minutes of this meeting will be confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 5 March 2026.
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CHAIRPERSON