Minutes of Ordinary Council Meeting - Wednesday, 29 April 2026

UNCONFIRMED

Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes

29 April 2026

MINUTES OF Far North District Council
Ordinary Council Meeting
HELD AT THE Council Chamber, Memorial Ave, Kaikohe
ON Wednesday, 29 April 2026 AT 10:03 AM

PRESENT: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania, Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin, Cr Arohanui Allen, Cr Rachel Baucke, Cr Ann Court, 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), Jessie McVeagh (Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Chairperson), Belinda Ward (Te Hiku Community Board Chairperson), Murray Bain (External Advisory Group (EAG) Chair), Vanessa Blakelock and Scott Pearson (Department of Internal Affairs), and David Hawkins (EAG)

STAFF PRESENT: Guy Holroyd (Chief Executive Officer), Charlie Billington (Group Manager-Corporate Services), Hillary Sumpter (Group Manager – Delivery and Operations), Jacine Warmington (Group Manager – Strategic Relationships), Tanya Proctor (Head of Infrastructure), Emma Healy (Chief of Staff), Aaron Taikato (Group Manager - Te Hono), Ruben Garcia (Group Manager – Communications and Engagement), Kate Ivicheva (Group Manager – Planning and Policy), Roger Ackers (Head of Strategic Reform Initiatives), Briar Macken (Manager - Strategy & Policy), Shayne Storey (Team Leader - Policy & Bylaws), Virginia Smith – Policy Advisor), Ken Macdonald (Chief Financial Officer), Rachel Smith (Executive Officer), Ken Lewis (Manager – Communication and Engagement), Steve Ryland (Senior Policy Advisor), Marlema Baker (Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationship Coordinator) Aisha Huriwai (Manager – Democracy Services), Imrie Dunn (Democracy Advisor).

1 Karakia Timatanga / Opening Prayer

At 10:03 am, Mayor Moko Tepania commenced the meeting with a karakia.

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

Apology

Resolution 2026/19

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr John Vujcich

That the apologies received for lateness from Crs Ann Court and Tāmati Rākena be accepted.

Carried

3 Ngā Kōrero a Te Kahika / Mayoral Announcements

· Advised that the meeting was being live streamed on the Far North District Council YouTube channel and Facebook, and reminded attendees that microphones would pick up all sound.

· Noted headsets were available for those who required Te Reo Māori interpreting.

· Acknowledged work underway to improve chamber audio quality (tabletop microphones).

· Acknowledged local RSAs and community groups for organising over 30 Anzac Day services across the Far North district, and thanked Cr Rachel Baucke for attending a service on the Mayor’s behalf due to a scheduling conflict.

· Noted the day in the Mayor’s maramataka is Māwharu (a high energy phase).

· Advised a major item not on the published agenda relating to Northland Waters would be considered first, and acknowledged Murray Bain (External Advisory Group (EAG) Chair), Vanessa Blakelock and Scott Pearson (Department of Internal Affairs), and David Hawkins (EAG) in attendance for tabled report

· Congratulated Mātua Kipa Munro (Te Kuaka Committee member and Chairperson of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia) on being named Chair of a new working group for an Air New Zealand feasibility study for an aviation engineering school in the Far North.

· Advised an extraordinary Council meeting would be required to consider the professional services contract for voting (likely 20 May 2026), with local waters matters also potentially to be included.

· Noted information provided by the Cancer Society regarding fundraising for a new lodge in Whangarei for people undergoing cancer treatment in Auckland, to be available free of charge, and acknowledged fundraising support received to date.

· Provided standard safety/housekeeping information including evacuation procedures and bathroom locations.

4 Ngā Tono Kōrero / Deputation

At 10:15 am, Cr Tāmati Rākena joined the meeting.

· Wendy Henwood, representing Te Mauri o Te Wai, in relation to the commissioning of the Electrocoagulation (EC) machine at the Rawene Wastewater Treatment Plant.

· Elyse King, in relation to Water Done Well.

· Dallas King, representing Ngāti Kaharau and Ngāti Hau Hapū, in relation to wastewater treatment systems discharging into the Hokianga Harbour and the economic benefits of working with hapū and communities on water-related infrastructure.

At 10:31 am, Cr Ann Court joined the meeting.

· Richard Duley, in relation to matters associated with the Kawakawa Housing Development

Attachments tabled at meeting

1 Deputation - Richard Duley document number A5759281 refers.

5 Major Item Not On The Agenda

Resolution 2026/20

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin

That Council:

a) resolves to consider the item not on the agenda Northland Water Done Well: Commitment to the Regional Council-Controlled Organisation and Incorporation Date;

b) note the item was not on the agenda because the timing of conflicting meetings, where information was being received that needed to be incorporated into the report.

c) the report cannot be delayed because it needs to meet the timeframes outlined within the report.

Carried

Attachments tabled at meeting

1 Major Item not on the Agenda - Northland Water Done Well: Commitment to the Regional Council-Controlled Organisation and Incorporation Date document number A5759274 refers

6 Ngā Pūrongo / Reports

At 11:18 am, Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira left the meeting and returned at 11:36 am.

At 11:29 am, Cr Rakena left the meeting and returned at 11:43 am.

At 11:41 am, Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira left the meeting and returned at 11:51 am.

6.1 Northland Water Done Well: Commitment to the Regional Council-Controlled Organisation and Incorporation Date

Agenda item 6.11 document number A5571968, tabled at the meeting.

resolution 2026/21

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr John Vujcich

That Council:

a) Reaffirms its commitment to the establishment of an asset-owning joint three-council-controlled organisation to provide drinking water and wastewater services in Northland, alongside Kaipara District Council and Whangārei District Council, consistent with the Joint Water Services Delivery Plan accepted by the Department of Internal Affairs.

b) Affirms the 30 June 2026 incorporation date contemplated by the Joint Water Services Delivery Plan as adopted by Council on 28 August 2025,

c) note Whangarei District Council’s establishment timeline and call an extraordinary Council meeting on 20 May 2026 to consider establishment and join Northland Waters Limited as a founding shareholder on the current negotiated terms,

d) Resolves that, before establishment approval is taken, FNDC considers the following matters should be sufficiently progressed to support a sound commitment decision:

i. The scope of what the Company will and will not be expected to deliver on Day 1 is agreed between the shareholders and endorsed by DIA.

ii. Establishment-phase Service Level Agreements covering scope, performance, and commercial terms between the Company and the Councils, including a commitment that the Company will operate independently of any one council’s support services within 90 days of incorporation.

iii. A populated establishment budget and an integrated delivery plan demonstrating funding, resourcing, risk management, and critical-path delivery across all three councils.

iv. Independent programme management, transparent and independently endorsed by the board of directors, appointment processes demonstrating operational independence from any individual shareholder council, and a documented conflict-of-interest framework.

v. All foundational documents executed and inaugural directors confirmed through each council’s governance processes.

e) Directs the Chief Executive to present establishment approval for Council decision when the matters recorded in resolution (c) are sufficiently progressed to support a sound commitment decision.

f) Notes that, in the event the Company is incorporated before FNDC is in a position to approve establishment, Council would consider entry to the arrangement on terms no less favourable than those contemplated by the Shareholders’ Agreement and Constitution as endorsed in principle by Council on 1 April 2026.

carried

Against: Cr Davina Smolders

Abstained: Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira

At 12:15 pm, meeting was adjourned and resumed at 1:02 pm. Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira did not return after the adjournment.

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

7.1 Confirmation of Previous Minutes

Agenda item 5.1 document number A5675037, pages 8 - 28 refers.

Resolution 2026/22

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council confirm the minutes of the meeting held 01 April 2026 and Extraordinary Council meeting held 15 April 2026 as a true and correct record.

Carried

Note: pg 14 item 5.1 the tourist photo frame name Te Kotikotinga to be added in brackets.

At 1:19 pm, Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira returned to the meeting.

8 Ngā Pūrongo Taipitopito / Information Reports

8.1 Community Board Minutes

Agenda item 7.2 document number A5729556, pages 211 - 231 refers.

Resolution 2026/23

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 7 April 2026;

b) Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Meeting held 8 April 2026;

c) Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board Meeting held 9 April 2026.

Carried

6 Ngā Pūrongo / Reports (Continued)

6.2 Psychoactive Substances Local Approved Products Policy Review

Agenda item 6.1 document number A5658938, pages 28 - 40 refers.

Resolution 2026/24

Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford

Seconded: Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira

That Council:

a) Agree that the Psychoactive Substances Local Approved Policy has been reviewed.

b) Agree that the Psychoactive Substance Local Approved Policy 2014 should continue without amendment.

Carried

6.3 Revenue and Financing Policy Amendment Adoption

Agenda item 6.2 document number A5658941, pages 41 - 84 refers.

Resolution 2026/25

Moved: Cr John Vujcich

Seconded: Cr Felicity Foy

That Council:

a) adopt the Revenue and Financing Policy 2024 Amendment – Submissions Analysis Report in Attachment 1.

b) Adopt the amendment to the Revenue and Financing Policy 2024 as set out in Attachment 2.

c) Resolve that the amended Revenue and Financing Policy 2024 takes effect from 1 May 2026.

d) Authorise the Chief Executive to make any necessary minor drafting or presentation amendments to the Revenue and Financing Policy 2024 to correct errors or omissions, or to reflect the decisions made by Council prior to final publication and public release.

carried

Against: Cr Davina Smolders

At 1:43 pm, meeting was adjourned, and resumed at 1:52 pm.

6.4 Submissions on Government Reforms and Bills - Decision Making Processes

Agenda item 6.3 document number A5658947, pages 85 - 94 refers.

Motion

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Tāmati Rākena

That Council:

a) approve the Submissions on Government Reforms – Decision Making and Approval Process 2026 as set out in the Attachment to this report

b) delegate authority to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Chief Executive to approve and sign-out submissions to the Government and to Select Committees, with a requirement that a minimum of two of those office holder’s sign-out any submission

c) delegate authority to Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy, and Regulation to approve submissions, consistent with the Submissions on Government Reforms – Decision Making and Approval Process 2026 as set out in the Attachment to this report

d) approve updates to Council’s Delegations Register and the Terms of Reference for Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy, and Regulation in accordance with b) and c) above

amendment

Moved: Cr Tāmati Rākena
Seconder: Cr Arohanui Allen

That Council:

a) approve the Submissions on Government Reforms – Decision Making and Approval Process 2026 as set out in the Attachment to this report subject to adding Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships Chairperson to policy section 3 b) i) .

d) approve updates to Council’s Delegations Register and the Terms of Reference for Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy, and Regulation in accordance with b) and c) above

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

Against: Crs Rachel Baucke and Davina Smolders

Abstained: Cr Ann Court

carried

Amendment

Moved: Cr Davina Smolders

Seconded: Cr Rachel Baucke

That Council amends the proposed decision-making process for submissions on Government reforms and Bills as follows:

a) That all submissions on behalf of Far North District Council must be approved by resolution of full Council prior to submission, except in cases of genuine urgency;

lost 3/8

In Favour: Crs Rachel Baucke, Ann Court and Davina Smolders

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

Amendment

Moved: Cr Davina Smolders

Seconded: Cr Rachel Baucke

b) That all submissions include a clear record of Council’s resolution, including voting outcomes;

c) That where urgency prevents prior Council approval, any submission made under delegated authority must be reported back to the next Council meeting for confirmation, including full disclosure of content and rationale;

d) That Council retains the authority to determine whether it will make a submission on any Government reform or legislative proposal.

e) That Council retains the authority to determine whether it will make a submission on any Government reform or legislative proposal.

lost 3/7

In Favour: Crs Rachel Baucke, Ann Court and Davina Smolders

Against: Kahika Moko Tepania, Kohepū Chicky Rudkin, Arohanui Allen, Felicity Foy, Tāmati Rākena, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich

Abstained: Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira

The amendment became the substantive motion.

Substantive Motion

Resolution 2026/26

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council:

d) approve updates to Council’s Delegations Register and the Terms of Reference for Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy, and Regulation in accordance with b) and c) above

carried

Against: Cr Davina Smolders

Abstained: Crs Rachel Baucke and Ann Court

At 2:26 pm, meeting was adjourned, and resumed at 2:36 pm.

At 2:36 pm, Cr Arohanui Allen left the meeting.

6.5 Temporary Road Closure: Paihia Marathon 2026

Agenda item 6.5 document number A5723483, pages 134 - 137 refers.

Resolution 2026/27

Moved: Cr John Vujcich

Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin

That pursuant to the Local Government Act 1974, section 342 and schedule 10 clause 11(e), the Council approves the proposed temporary road closures to accommodate the safe operations of the Bay of Islands Run Walk Festival 2026.

Carried

Secretarial note: A discussion was held for staff to have an event calendar to capture events across the district.

At 2:48 pm, Cr Arohanui Allen returned to the meeting.

6.6 Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub Steering Group: Terms of Reference Endorsement

Agenda item 6.6 document number A5655989, pages 138 - 145 refers.

Resolution 2026/28

Moved: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin

Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford

That Council approve the adoption of the updated Terms of Reference (included as Appendix 1) for the Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub Steering Group.

Carried

Abstained: Cr Ann Court

6.7 Appointment of Iwi & Hapū Members to Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships Committee

Agenda item 6.7 document number A5727606, pages 146 - 150 refers.

Motion

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira

That Council:

a) confirms the appointment of the following representatives to Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships:

· Nyze Manuel – Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa

· Kipa Munro – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia

· Mike Te Wake – Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa

· Pita Tipene – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine

· Thomas Hōhaia – Te Roroa Hapū

o Darren Beatty – alternate Te Roroa Hapū

· Rukuwai Allen – Te Whiu Hapū

b) notes that no nomination has been received from Te Rūnanga o Ngāpuhi at the time of this report and that this position will remain vacant until a nomination is received and confirmed by Council resolution; and

c) further notes that the Whanaungatanga Kī Taurangi agreement was entered into with Te Kahu o Taonui through the Mayoral Forum, and that the Te Kahu o Taonui representatives currently appointed to Te Kuaka Committee also represent those iwi and hapū parties to the Whanaungatanga Kī Taurangi agreement (Ngāti Kuri, Te Aupouri, NgāiTakoto and Ngāti Kahu) who do not hold a separate Memorandum of Understanding with Far North District Council.

Amendment

Moved: Cr Davina Smolders

Seconded: Cr Ann Court

That Council defer the appointment of committee and members under item 6.7 until the Terms of Reference for the Te Kuaka Committee are amended to explicitly confirm that the committee is advisory only, and that all decision making authority rests with the elected Council

In Favour: Crs Rachel Baucke, Ann Court and Davina Smolders

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

lost 3/8

Resolution 2026/29

Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania

Seconded: Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira

That Council:

d) confirms the appointment of the following representatives to Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships:

· Nyze Manuel – Te Rūnanga o Whaingaroa

· Kipa Munro – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia

· Mike Te Wake – Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa

· Pita Tipene – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine

· Thomas Hōhaia – Te Roroa Hapū

o Darren Beatty – alternate Te Roroa Hapū

· Rukuwai Allen – Te Whiu Hapū

e) notes that no nomination has been received from Te Rūnanga o Ngāpuhi at the time of this report and that this position will remain vacant until a nomination is received and confirmed by Council resolution; and

f) further notes that the Whanaungatanga Kī Taurangi agreement was entered into with Te Kahu o Taonui through the Mayoral Forum, and that the Te Kahu o Taonui representatives currently appointed to Te Kuaka Committee also represent those iwi and hapū parties to the Whanaungatanga Kī Taurangi agreement (Ngāti Kuri, Te Aupouri, NgāiTakoto and Ngāti Kahu) who do not hold a separate Memorandum of Understanding with Far North District Council.

Carried

Against: Cr Davina Smolders

Abstained: Crs Rachel Baucke and Ann Court

At 3:27 pm meeting was adjourned and resumed at 3:31 pm.

Secretarial Note: The Chief Executive Officer was asked to make appropriate arrangements to consider remaining agenda items.

9 Karakia Whakamutunga / Closing Prayer

At 3:31 pm, Kahika Moko Tepania closed the meeting with a karakia.

10 Meeting Close

The meeting closed at 3:31 pm.

The minutes of this meeting will be confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 28 May 2026.

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CHAIRPERSON