Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting - Wednesday, 1 April 2026

Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes

1 April 2026

MINUTES OF Far North District Council
Ordinary Council Meeting
HELD AT THE Council Chamber, Memorial Ave, Kaikohe
ON Wednesday, 1 April 2026 AT 10:00 AM

PRESENT: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania, Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin, Cr Arohanui Allen, Cr Rachel Baucke, Cr Felicity Foy, Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Cr Tāmati Rākena, Cr Davina Smolders, Cr Kelly Stratford, Cr John Vujcich

IN ATTENDANCE: Bill Subritzky (Te Hiku Community Board Chairperson), Belinda Ward (Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Chairperson) and Jessie McVeagh (Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Chairperson).

STAFF PRESENT: Guy Holroyd (Chief Executive Officer), Emma Healy (Chief of Staff), Charlie Billington (GM Corporate Services), Ruben Garcia (GM Community and Engagement), Tanya Proctor (Head of Infrastructure), Aaron Taikato (GM Te Hono), Rebecca Rowsell (Senior Solicitor), Hilary Sumpter (GM Delivery and Operations),Ken Macdonald (Chief Financial Officer) Rachel Smith (Executive Officer), Myjanne Jensen (Communications Advisor), Aisha Huriwai (Democracy Services Manager), Natasha Rmandic (Democracy Advisor), Mike McMurtrie (Manager – Compliance), Tammy Wooster (Acting GM Planning and Policy), Trish Routley (Manager – Resource Consents).

1 Karakia Timatanga / Opening Prayer

At 10:00 am, Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania commenced the meeting with a karakia.

2 Ngā Whakapāha Me Ngā Pānga Mema / Apologies and Declarations of Interest

2.1 apologies

Resolution 2026/14

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Tāmati Rākena

That the apology received from Cr Ann Court be accepted and leave of absence granted.

Carried

3 Ngā Tono Kōrero / Deputation

There were no Deputations.

4 Ngā Kōrero a Te Kahika / Mayoral Announcements

· Maramataka | Ōturu

· Far North District Council Values / Code of Conduct

· Mangōnui Waterfront Festival

· Maranga Mai E Te Iwi Senior Kapa Haka Regionals

· Te Tai Tokerau Festival 51st Annual Festival

· State of Emergency

· Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund

· Ordersheet Printed to help navigate the agenda and supplementary reports

· Mayor and Councillor Reports will be put on our website

· First Operational Briefing

· Fuel Crisis / Ministers meetings

5 Ngā Pūrongo / Reports

5.1 Northland Waters CCO - Foundational Legal Documents

Agenda item 6.3 document number A5571940, pages 47 - 117 refers

Motion

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council:

a. Note that the Elected Member Steering Group recommends the establishment of an asset owning joint council-controlled organisation (CCO) to provide drinking water and wastewater services for Northland.

b. Confirm its commitment in principle to the formation of an asset-owning joint Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) to provide drinking water and wastewater services in Northland. Endorses in principle the Shareholders Agreement between Far North District Council, Whangarei District Council and Kaipara District Council to establish the CCO, subject to amendment of clause 6 of Schedule 4 (and any related provisions) to ensure that both appointed SRG representatives of each shareholder are elected members of the respective councils.

c. Endorse in principle the Shareholders Agreement between Far North District Council, Whangarei District Council and Kaipara District Council to establish the CCO. Endorses in principle amendment of the Shareholders' Agreement to provide that cross-utilisation of LGFA borrowing headroom across ringfenced shareholder Service Areas may only occur with unanimous shareholder approval as a Reserved Matter under Schedule 3.

d. Endorse in principle the Constitution of the CCO as the foundation document for the entity.

e. Endorse that the Establishment Advisory Group will become the first Board of the CCO when the company is incorporated, subject to reconfirmation from the Elected Member Steering Group.

AMENDMENT:

Moved: Cr Davina Smolders

Seconded: Cr Rachel Baucke

e. Endorses that the Establishment Advisory Group will become the first Board of the CCO when the company is incorporated.

In Favour: Crs Rachel Baucke and Davina Smolders

Against: Crs Moko Tepania, Chicky Rudkin, Arohanui Allen, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Tāmati Rākena, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich

lost

RESOLUTION 2026/15

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That the Far North District Council:

d. Endorse in principle the Constitution of the CCO as the foundation document for the entity.

e. Endorse that the Establishment Advisory Group will become the first Board of the CCO when the company is incorporated, subject to reconfirmation from the Elected Member Steering Group.

In Favour: Kahika Moko Tepania, Kohepu Chicky Rudkin, Crs Felicity Foy, Tāmati Rākena, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich

Against: Crs Arohanui Allen, Rachel Baucke, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira and Davina Smolders

carried

At 11.12am Meeting adjourned and reconvened at 11.22am.

6 MAJOR ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA

Motion

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin

Resolution 2026/165

Far North District Council Standing Orders (9.12) state that a major item not on the agenda may be dealt with.

The following reports were late for inclusion in the agenda that was published publicly before the 2 clear working days public notification cut off:

Notice of Motion – Transparency, Accountability, and Governance Oversight of Council Funding and Financial Committeements
Annual Plan 2026/27
Proposal: Taipā Waste Water Treatment Plant Ponds Desludge
Notice of Motion – Failure to Accurately Present Committee Resolution

In Favour: Kahika Moko Tepania, Kohepu Chicky Rudkin, Crs Arohanui Allen, Kelly Stratford, Rachel Baucke, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira and John Vujcich

Against: Cr Davina Smolders

carried

6.1 Annual Plan 2026/27

Agenda item document number A5619998, pages 0 - 0 refers

Motion

Moved: Cr Felicity Foy

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council:

a) Endorses in principle a general rates increase of approximately 4.2% for the 2026/27 financial year, consistent with Year 3 of the Long Term Plan 2024–27;

In Favour: Crs Rachel Baucke, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira and Davina Smolders

Against: Kahika Moko Tepania, Kohepu Chicky Rudkin, Crs Arohanui Allen, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich

Abstained: Cr Tāmati Rākena

lost

Resolution 2026/17

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin

That Council:

a) Endorses in principle a general rates increase of approximately 6.7% for the 2026/27 financial year, consistent with Year 3 of the Long Term Plan 2024–27;

b) Approves an inform-only community engagement approach for the Annual Plan 2026/27, including a community feedback workshop in May 2026;

c) Notes that the Annual Plan 2026/27 will be presented for adoption at the ordinary Council meeting on 25 June 2026;

d) Notes that any Annual Plan incorporating a rates increase materially different from the Long Term Plan 2024–27 will constitute a significant or material difference from the LTP, which would require formal public consultation and a create timing risk for meeting statutory requirements for adopting the Annual Plan and striking rates by the required date.

In Favour: Kahika Moko Tepania, Kohepu Chicky Rudkin, Crs Arohanui Allen, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich

Against: Crs Rachel Baucke, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira and Davina Smolders

Abstained: Cr Tāmati Rākena

carried

Note: Elected members requested staff to provide monthly update on progress to be published through Friday Notices.

At 12.20pm Cr Stratford left the meeting and returned at 12.37pm.

5 Ngā Pūrongo / Reports Continued

5.2 Approval of Tourism Frame For Paihia

Agenda item 6.7 document number A5631535, pages 144 - 157 refers

Resolution 2026/22

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Arohanui Allen

That Council, approve the installation of a Tourist Photo Frame at Stockyard Point Scenic Reserve (Te Kotikotinga) in the position indicated, subject to the applicant undertaking the installation to Council specifications.

Carried

At 12.32pm Cr Rakena left the meeting and returned at 12.45pm – absent for vote on item 6.7

5.3 Adoption of Statement of Proposal for Fees & Charges for 2026/27

Agenda item 6.1 document number A5614417, pages 8 - 19 refers

Resolution 2026/17

Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford

Seconded: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

That Council adopt the Statement of Proposal to consult on the Schedule of Fees and Charges for 2026/27.

Carried

Note: Staff will seek feedback from Community Boards around fees and charges not being aligned with their delegations.

At 1:10 pm, Cr Halkyard-Harawira left the meeting and returned at 1:12pm.

At 1.15pm Council adjourned for lunch and reconvened at 2.00pm.

5.4 Local Government reform programme

Agenda item 6.4 document number A5619316, pages 0 - 0 refers

Resolution 2026/18

Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford

Seconded: Cr Tāmati Rākena

That Council:

a) Approves the establishment of a staged programme for Local Government Reform as set out in this report.

b) Approves the governance structure set out in this report, including the establishment of a Local Government Reform Steering Group and External Advisory Group.

c) Endorse the Mayor of Whangārei District Council as Chair of the Local Government Reform Steering Group.

d) Notes the Mayor and two councillors as members of the Local Government Reform Steering Group to be determined by Standing Orders item 5.6 under Voting System B.

e) Approve the Draft Terms of Reference for the Local Government Reform Governance Steering Group (Attachment 1).

f) Approve the Draft Terms of Reference for the Local Government Reform External Advisory Group (Attachment 2) on the provision that each Council appoints an observer with speaking but not voting rights.

g) Approve the indicative timeline set out in this report, which subject to detailed planning once the programme is established, would enable a new governance structure(s) to be in place for the October 2028 local government election.

h) Approve the allocation of $31,250 to meet FNDC’s share of programme costs for the remainder of the 2025/26 financial year.

i) Approve the allocation of $250,000 to meet the placeholder budget of $1,000,000 in its 2026/27 Annual Plan, noting that this amount is indicative only and subject to further detailed planning and refinement.

j) Agree to proceed with the proposed programme and to fund a third of the costs, as outlined in this report, rather than a quarter if only three Northland councils are participating.

k) Agree that the programme approach needs to be reviewed if fewer than three Northland Councils agree to proceed with the programme as proposed.

Carried

Note: By majority votes Cr Stratford and Foy have been voted as members of the Local Government Reform Steering Group.

At 3:06pm, Cr Tāmati Rākena left the meeting.

5.5 Reserves adjoining Simson Park Domain - Reserves Act Classification

Agenda item 6.4 document number A5624582, pages 118 - 122 refers

Resolution 2026/19

Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford

Seconded: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

That the Far North District Council:

a) Approves the reclassification of Lot 25 and Lot 26 DP 51470 as Recreation Reserves under section 24 of the Reserves Act 1977 by delegation of the Minister of Conservation; and

b) Approves the classification of Lot 35 DP 51470 as a Recreation Reserve under Section 16 of the Reserves Act 1977 by delegation of the Minister of Conservation.

Carried

At 1.15pm Council adjourned for lunch and visit to EOC and reconvened at 2.08pm

5.6 Development Contributions – Operational Implementation Status Update and Go‑Live Timing

Agenda item 6.5 document number A5585491, pages 123 - 129 refers

Resolution 2026/20

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council Approve Option B, delaying the Development Contributions go-live date to 1 July 2026.

Abstained: Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira

carried

Note: Information presentations to be run for Community Boards to provide information on Development Contributions.

5.7 Review of Appointment of Non-Elected Members (Appointed Members) to Committees of Council

Agenda item 6.6 document number A5651871, pages 130 – 143 refers

Resolution 2026/21

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Arohanui Allen

That Council adopt the amended Appointment of Non-Elected Members (Appointed Members) to Committees of Council Policy as in Attachment 2.

In Favour: Crs Moko Tepania, Chicky Rudkin, Arohanui Allen, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Tāmati Rākena, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich

Against: Crs Rachel Baucke and Davina Smolders

carried

5.8 notice of motion – transparency, accountability, and governance oversight of council funding and financial commitments

motion

Moved: Cr Davina Smolders

Seconded: Cr Rachel Baucke

That Council:

a) Request that the Chief Executive provide a report to Council within 60 days outlining all funding, grants, donations, koha, or financial contributions made to external organisations or groups during the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 financial years, including those not allocated through formal grants or funding programmes.

b) Request that the report identify the budget source for each payment, including whether it was funded through formal grants and funding programmes or through operational or departmental budgets.

c) Request that the report include the decision-making pathway for each allocation, including who authorised the funding, whether elected member approval was sought or required, and whether any formal policy, framework, or criteria were applied.

d) Request that the report identify the total value of all funding provided outside of formal grants and funding budgets.

e) Request that the report include details of any Memoranda of Understanding, agreements, or arrangements that include current or future financial commitments, including the nature, duration, and value of those commitments.

f) Request that the report identify any existing policies, guidelines, or delegations that enable operational budgets to be used for external funding purposes.

g) Request that Council receive a follow-up report outlining options to strengthen governance oversight, transparency, and consistency of all external funding, including consideration of consolidating all grants, donations, and discretionary funding under a single transparent framework.

In Favour: Crs Rachel Baucke and Davina Smolders

Against: Kahika Moko Tepania, Kohepu Chicky Rudkin, Crs Arohanui Allen, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich

lost

5.9 Notice of Motion - Failure to Accurately Present Committee Resolution to Council, Fettering of Decision-Making, and Compliance with the Local Government Act 2002

Agenda item document number A5657523, pages 0 - 0 refers

motion

Moved: Cr Davina Smolders

Seconded: Cr Rachel Baucke

That Council:

a) Receive a report from the Chief Executive explaining how the resolution of the Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation meeting held on 17 February 2026 (Resolution 2026/3) was not accurately presented to Council.

b) Require that the report identifies:
i. How the committee’s carried resolution (Option 3) was not presented to Council.
ii. Who was responsible for preparing and approving the Council agenda in this instance.
iii. Whether any changes, substitutions, or omissions were made to the committee recommendation, and by whom.
iv. Whether any elected members, staff, or external parties influenced or directed any such change.
v. What governance, legal, or quality assurance processes failed.

c) Request advice on whether this situation constitutes a breach of:
i. The Local Government Act 2002, including section 14 principles of transparency and democratic accountability;
ii. The administrative law principle against fettering discretion;
iii. Council Standing Orders and internal governance protocols.

d) Require a corrective report to Council clearly setting out:
i. The accurate committee resolution.
ii. The implications for the Long Term Plan and associated policy direction.

e) Direct that Council considers whether the decision made should be reviewed or rescinded, on the basis that it may have been made on an incorrect and potentially unlawful foundation.

f) Direct the Chief Executive to implement safeguards to ensure:
i. Committee resolutions are carried forward to Council accurately and without alteration;
ii. Any departure from a committee recommendation is explicitly identified, justified, and resolved by Council;

iii. Processes prevent any action that could fetter Council’s discretion or misdirect future decision-making.

In Favour: Crs Rachel Baucke and Davina Smolders

Against: Kahika Moko Tepania, Kohepu Chicky Rudkin, Crs Arohanui Allen, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich

lost

Meeting Duration

Resolution 2026/22

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Felicity Foy

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.

Carried

7 Te Whakaaetanga o Ngā Meneti o Mua / Confirmation of Previous Minutes

7.1 Confirmation of Previous Minutes

Agenda item 5.1 document number A5633503, pages 8 - 9 refers

Resolution 2026/23

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Kohepu Chicky Rudkin

That Council confirm the minutes of the meeting held 05 March 2026 as a true and correct record.

Carried

8 Ngā Pūrongo Taipitopito / Information Reports

8.1 Response to Council - Roaming and Aggressive dogs in Ahipara

Agenda item 7.1 document number A5629400, pages 158 - 165 refers

Resolution 2026/24

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Kohepu Chicky Rudkin

That Council receive the report Response to Council - Roaming and Aggressive dogs in Ahipara.

Carried

At 3.51pm Chair McVeagh left the meeting.

8.2 Community Board Minutes

Agenda item 7.2 document number A5642773, pages 166 - 184 refers

Resolution 2026/25

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council note the minutes from the following Community Board meetings:

a) Te Hiku Community Board Meeting held 10 March 2026;

b) Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Meeting held 11 March 2026.

c) Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board Meeting held 12 March 2026;

Carried

Note: THCB Chairperson spoke of concerns around speed and public safety concerns along Tokerau Beach and requested staff assistance.

At 3:17pm, Cr Arohanui Allen left the meeting.

8.3 Committee and Joint Committee Minutes - March 2026

Agenda item 7.3 document number A5642783, pages 185 - 186 refers

Resolution 2026/26

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council receive the report: Committee and Joint Committee Minutes.

Carried

9 RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC

Resolution 2026/27

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Felicity Foy

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

The general subject matter of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48 of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

General subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Ground(s) under section 48 for the passing of this resolution
8.1 - Notice of Motion - Far North Holdings Ltd Statement of Expectation	s7(2)(b)(ii) - the withholding of the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information	s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7
8.2 - Confirmation of Previous Minutes - Public Excluded	s7(2)(a) - the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons s7(2)(h) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)	s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7
8.3 - Far North Holdings Limited - Letter of Expectations 2026-29	s7(2)(h) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)	s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7
8.4 - Confirmation of March Community Boards Minutes - Public Excluded	s7(2)(a) - the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons s7(2)(h) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)	s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7
8.5 - Confirmation of Committee and Joint Committee March 2026 Minutes - Public Excluded	s7(2)(a) - the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons s7(2)(h) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations)	s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7
8.6 - Stormwater Unbudgeted Expenditure and Restricted Reserve Fund Allocation	s7(2)(a) - the withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons s7(2)(i) - the withholding of the information is necessary to enable Council to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations) s7(2)(j) - the withholding of the information is necessary to prevent the disclosure or use of official information for improper gain or improper advantage	s48(1)(a)(i) - the public conduct of the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding would exist under section 6 or section 7

Carried

9.2 Far North Holdings Limited - Letter of Expectations 2026-29

Agenda item 8.3 document number A5629474, pages 22 - 42 refers

Resolution 2026/18

Moved: Cr John Vujcich

Seconded: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

That Council:

a) Endorse the Letter of Expectations 2026-29 as issued to Far North Holdings Limited on 27 February 2026; and

b) Note that FNHL’s draft Statement of Intent 2026-29 is now in hand and that Council's shareholder feedback period runs to 1 May 2026 under Schedule 8 of the Local Government Act 2002.

c) Note that FNHL’s draft Statement of Intent will be presented for consideration at the meeting of Te Koekoeā Committee on 21 April 2026.

In Favour: Crs Moko Tepania, Chicky Rudkin, Arohanui Allen, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Tāmati Rākena, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich

Against: Crs Rachel Baucke and Davina Smolders

carried

9.3 Confirmation of Previous Minutes - Public Excluded

Agenda item 8.2 document number A5648835, pages 16 - 21 refers

Resolution 2026/15

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council confirm the minutes of the Public Excluded Extraordinary Council Meeting held on 05 March 2026 as a true and correct record.

Carried

9.4 Confirmation of March Community Boards Minutes - Public Excluded

Agenda item 8.4 document number A5644266, pages 43 - 46 refers

Resolution 2026/16

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Arohanui Allen

That Council confirm the minutes of Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board - Public Excluded.

Carried

9.5 Confirmation of Committee and Joint Committee March 2026 Minutes - Public Excluded

Agenda item 8.5 document number A5644268, pages 47 - 56 refers

Resolution 2026/17

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council confirm the March 2026 Public Excluded minutes for the following Committees as a true and correct record;

· Te Pīpīwharauroa Committee for External Appointments – 22 January 2026.

· Te Miromiro Committee for Assurance, Risk and Finance – 17 February 2026.

· Te Koukou Committee for Transport and Infrastructure - 25 February 2026.

Carried

9.6 Stormwater Unbudgeted Expenditure and Restricted Reserve Fund Allocation

Agenda item 8.6 document number A5632271, pages 57 - 62 refers

Resolution 2026/18

Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford

Seconded: Cr Felicity Foy

That the Far North District Council approve:

a) unbudgeted expenditure, estimated at $600,000.00, to enable the completion of an accelerated delivery programme that will achieve compliance with provisions of the Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 as it relates to the delivery of Stormwater services across the Far North District; and

b) the transfer of targeted rate funds held in the Council created restricted reserve for Urban Stormwater to stormwater operations to meet the cost of the unbudgeted expenditure referred to in a) above.

Carried

9.7 Taipā Wastewater Treatment Plant Desludging Procurement

Agenda item 8.7 document number A5632271, separate cover

Resolution 2026/19

Moved: Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira

Seconded: Cr Felicity Foy

That Council:

a) approve a direct award to Conhur Ltd to:

i) dredge and dewater the ponds at Taipā wastewater treatment plant; and

ii) dispose the sludge to the Kaitāia sludge drying facility; and

b) approve a variation to Contract 7/23/508 valued at $1,174,200.00 for the works in a) and increasing the total contract value to $9,340,087.00; and

c) delegate to the Chief Executive / Head of Infrastructure authority to execute this variation; and

Carried

Note: Staff to review Procurement Policy to prioritise local contractors for work, and where possible contracts are split to direct award to local contractors and establish a list of local contractors to understand availability of the market. Report to be presented to Council.

At 4:17 pm, Cr Arohanui Allen returned to the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 4.31pm and reconvened at 4.40pm.

10 Karakia Whakamutunga / Closing Prayer

Meeting closed by karakia from Kahika Moko Tepania.

11 Meeting Close

The meeting closed at 5.28pm.

The minutes of this meeting will be confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 29 April 2026.

...................................................

CHAIRPERSON