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Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes |
22 July 2026 |
MINUTES
OF Far North District Council
Ordinary Council
Meeting
HELD AT THE Council
Chamber, Memorial Ave, Kaikohe
ON Wednesday, 22 July
2026 AT 10:00
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: Belinda Ward (Chairperson, Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board), Bill Subritzky (Chairperson, Te Hiku Community Board)
STAFF PRESENT: Guy Holroyd (Chief Executive Officer), Emma Healy (Chief of Staff), Tanya Proctor (Head of Infrastructure) Charlie Billington (Group Manager – Corporate Services), Ruben Garcia (Group Manager – Communications and Engagement), Hillary Sumpter (Group Manager – Delivery and Operations), Rebecca Rowsell (Senior Solicitor), Rachel Smith (Executive Assistant), Esther Powell (Manager - Climate Action and Resilience), Katy Simon (Adaptation Programme Lead), Virginia Smith (Policy Advisor), Ken Lewis (Manager – Communication and Engagement), Nicola Smith (Manager - Executive Projects), Michelle Rockell (Executive Projects Lead), (Aisha Huriwai (Manager – Democracy Services), Natasha Rmandic (Democracy Advisor)
1 Karakia Timatanga / Opening Prayer
Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania commenced the meeting with a prayer at 10.07am.
2 Ngā Whakapāha Me Ngā Pānga Mema / Apologies and Declarations of Interest
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Resolution 2026/41 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin That the Council note apology from Chairperson Jessie McVeagh. |
3 Ngā Tono Kōrero / Deputation
- Dr Graeme Morrell – North Hokianga Roading Issues
4 Ngā Kōrero a Te Kahika / Mayoral Announcements
- Welcome members, manuhiri/guests;
- Maramataka – Tamatea-kai-ariki;
- Acknowledge outgoing Children’s Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad;
- With the recent announcement from Central Government and the uncertainty around Manawhakahono a Rohe agreements Note that Item 7.7 has been withdrawn;
- Mihi to Cr Foy’s appointment as Chair of the joint RMA Committee;
- Reminder of the application of standing orders following some big issues and discussions, mostly BAU in this paper.
5 He Pānui Whakamōtini / Notice of Motion
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 A5855001, pages 50 - 66 refers |
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Resolution 2026/42 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin That Council confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held 25 June 2026 as a true and correct record. |
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8.1 Community Board Minutes Agenda item 8.1 document number A5864845, pages 642 - 665 refers |
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Resolution 2026/43 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 29 June 2026; b) Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Meeting held 1 July 2026; c) Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board Meeting held 2 July 2026. |
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7 Ngā Pūrongo / Reports |
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7.4 Decision on the Installation of a Memorial Seat for Stanley Julian at Taipa Beachfront Agenda item 7.4 document number A5667986, pages 287 - 291 refers |
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Moved: Cr Felicity Foy Seconded: Cr Ann Court That Council: a. Leave the proposal from the Julian family for the installation of a memorial seat for Stanley Julian, on the Taipa beachfront (Parcel ID LINZ/FNDC: 5231365) at the position indicated in Attachment B of this agenda report to lie on the table. AMENDMENT Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council; b. Leave the proposal from the Julian family for the installation of a memorial seat for Stanley Julian, on the Taipa beachfront (Parcel ID LINZ/FNDC: 5231365) at the position indicated in Attachment B of this agenda report to lie on the table. c. that report come to Te Kukupa on options to amend the 2017 Arts and Memorials in Public Places Policy to delegate decision making authority to Community Boards to approve or decline installations. lost The debate returned to the original motion. Resolution 2026/44 Moved: Cr Felicity Foy Seconded: Cr Ann Court That Council: a. Leave the proposal from the Julian family for the installation of a memorial seat for Stanley Julian, on the Taipa beachfront (Parcel ID LINZ/FNDC: 5231365) at the position indicated in Attachment B of this agenda report to lie on the table. Carried Note: Cr Smolders voted against Secretarial note: exploring opportunities to delegate to Community Board. |
At 11.16am meeting resumed.
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7.2 Future Economic Development Investment and Resourcing for the Far North District – Long Term Plan 2027–2037 Agenda item 7.2 document number A5830580, pages 74 - 266 refers |
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Resolution 2026/45 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council: a) Agree that the future scale, scope, priorities and delivery model for economic development activities within the Far North District should be reviewed as part of development of the Long Term Plan 2027–2037; b) Agree that future economic development investment should be assessed against the economic outcomes sought by Council, including productivity growth, business development, quality employment, investment attraction, Māori economic development and regional prosperity; c) Agree that options for future economic development investment, including investment in Northland NZ and alternative service delivery arrangements, be developed and reported back to Council and Te Koekoeā Committee for Council Controlled Organisations; d) Request the preparation of a detailed options assessment, implementation pathway and funding plan for consideration through the Long Term Plan 2027–2037 process. |
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7.1 Transport Portfolio Holder Terms of Reference Agenda item 7.1 document number A5840207, pages 67 - 73 refers |
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Resolution 2026/46 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council: a) Adopt the attached Transport Portfolio Terms of Reference including the following membership; · Cr Ann Court – Northland Regional Transport Committee Appointment and Road Controlling Authority Forum appointment · Cr Rachel Baucke – Northland Regional Transport Committee Alternate · Cr Tāmati Rākena – Chairperson, North Hokianga Roading Working Group · Cr Felicity Foy – Chairperson, Te Koukou Committee for Transport and Infrastructure b) Update all portfolio terms of reference state that minutes of all portfolio meetings will be circulated for all meetings via Friday Notices for elected member information. |
At 11:22am, Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin left the meeting.
At 11:26am, Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin returned to the meeting.
At 11:39am, Cr Tāmati Rākena left the meeting.
At 11:45am, Cr Tāmati Rākena returned to the meeting.
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7.3 Unbudgeted Capital Funding - Audio System Upgrades Agenda item 7.3 document number A5837747, pages 267 - 286 refers |
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Resolution 2026/47 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council approve unbudgeted capital expenditure for 2026/27 of up to $200,000, to address audio amplification and livestream audio quality issues in Council Chambers and remote formal meeting locations. Against: Kohepū – Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin, and Crs Ann Court and Tāmati Rākena carried |
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Resolution 2026/48 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council Direct the CEO to pursue a digital approach for governance meetings and workshops by 30 September 2026 and to enable savings be made from printing to pay down debt. In Favour: Kahika – Mayor Moko Tepania, Kohepū – Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin and Crs Arohanui Allen, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Tāmati Rākena, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich Against: Crs Rachel Baucke, Ann Court and Davina Smolders carried |
Meeting adjourned at 12.30pm.
Meeting resumed at 1.16pm.
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7.5 2026 Local Government New Zealand Annual General Meeting Remits Agenda item 7.5 document number A5860891, pages 297 - 330 refers |
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Resolution 2026/49 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their position for the following remits: · Dog Control Act Reform – support |
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7.5b 2026 Local Government New Zealand Annual General Meeting Remits |
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Resolution 2026/50 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their position for the following remit: · Improved Regulation of Vape Retailers – support |
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7.5c 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REMITS |
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Resolution 2026/51 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their position for the following remit: · Financial Support for Government Reform Implementation Costs – support |
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7.5e 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REMITS |
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Resolution 2026/52 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their position for the following remit: · Devolution of Place-Naming Authority to Territorial Authorities – support Secretarial note: Crs Baucke, Court and Smolders voted against |
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7.5f 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REMITS |
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Resolution 2026/53 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their position for the following remit: · Enhanced Role for Government in Supporting Subnational Diplomacy – abstain lost Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their position for the following remit: · Enhanced Role for Government in Supporting Subnational Diplomacy – support |
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7.5g 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REMITS |
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Resolution 2026/54 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their position for the following remit: · Bulk Funding of Transport Activities – support CARRIED |
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7.5h 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REMITS |
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Resolution 2026/55 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their position for the following remit: · Improving LTP Audit Requirements - abstain lost Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania
That Council agree their position for the following remit: · Improving LTP Audit Requirements – support |
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7.5i 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REMITS |
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Resolution 2026/56 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their position for the following remit: · A Fairer Approach to Uneconomic Transport Infrastructure Funding - support |
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7.5j 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REMITS |
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Resolution 2026/57 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council agree their priority position for the following remits:
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7.6 Utu Whakawhanake Development Contributions Policy 2025 Amendments - Submission Analysis and Adoption report Agenda item 7.6 document number A5864316, pages 331 - 468 refers |
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Resolution 2026/58 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr Felicity Foy That Council: a) Receive the Utu Whakawhanake Development Contributions Policy 2025 Amendments – Submissions Analysis Report in Attachment 1. b) Adopt the proposed amendments to the Utu Whakawhanake Development Contributions Policy 2025 in Attachment 2 c) Resolves to commence the amended Utu Whakawhanake Development Contributions Policy 2025 on 27 July 2026. d) Delegates to the Chief Executive the selection of the membership of the reconsideration panel, from suitably delegated officers, for the purposes of clause 28 of the amended Utu Whakawhanake Development Contributions Policy 2025. e) Authorise the Chief Executive to make any necessary minor drafting or presentations to the Utu Whakawhanake Development Contributions Policy 2025 to correct any errors or omissions, or to reflect the decisions made by Council. Noted: Cr Smolders voted Against this motion Note: staff to provide more information on Rate support plan |
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7.8 Scoping Report and Community Panels' Terms of Reference - Stage One Community Adaptation Planning Agenda item 7.8 document number A5873826, pages 482 - 548 refers |
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Resolution 2026/59 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr Tāmati Rākena That Council: a) Adopt the scoping report for Stage One Community Adaptation Planning. b) Adopt the Terms of Reference for Community Panels for Stage One Community Adaptation Planning.
Amendment: Moved: Cr Felicity Foy Seconded: c) That the Chief Executive Officer direct the Climate Team to present potential collaboration options for this project to the RMA Working Group, including options for all Northland councils to align budgets and work programmes. Note: Cr Smolders withdrew her seconding. Amendment: Seconded: Cr Rachel Baucke That Council leave this item to lie. In Favour: Crs Rachel Baucke and Davina Smolders Against: Kahika – Mayor Moko Tepania, Kohepū – Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin and Crs Arohanui Allen, Ann Court, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Tāmati Rākena, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich lost This has now become substantive motion: Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr Tāmati Rākena That Council: a) Adopt the scoping report for Stage One Community Adaptation Planning. b) Adopt the Terms of Reference for Community Panels for Stage One Community Adaptation Planning. c) That the Chief Executive Officer direct the Climate Team to present potential collaboration options for this project to the RMA Working Group, including options for all Northland councils to align budgets and work programmes. In Favour: Kahika – Mayor Moko Tepania, Kohepū – Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin and Crs Arohanui Allen, Ann Court, Felicity Foy, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Tāmati Rākena, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich Against: Crs Rachel Baucke and Davina Smolders carried |
At 2.50pm meeting was adjourned.
At 3pm meeting was resumed
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7.9 Membership Update for Committees of Council Agenda item 7.9 document number A5875246, pages 549 - 553 refers |
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Resolution 2026/60 Moved: Cr John Vujcich Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council: a) remove Councillor Ann Court from the Te Kūkupa Committee for Strategy, Policy and Regulation, effective immediately; b) note that Councillor Ann Court’s removal from the Committee creates a vacancy in the role of Deputy Chairperson, which the Committee will determine; c) replace Pita Tipene with Hohipere Williams as appointed member, as the representative for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hine on Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships; d) appoint Councillor John Vujcich as a member of Te Koukou Committee for Transport and Infrastructure; e) replace of Councillor Rachel Baucke for Kahika-Mayor Moko Tepania at the Youth Engagement and Leadership Portfolio effective immediately; f) And that the Chief Executive Officer (or delegate) update the relevant Terms of Reference to reflect the changes. |
At 4:11pm, Cr Tāmati Rākena left the meeting.
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7.10 Request to undertake public consultation on sale or lease of a portion of park land at 1936 State Highway 10, Waipapa - home of Te Pūawaitanga Agenda item 7.10 document number A5761517, pages 569 - 641 refers |
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Resolution 2026/61 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr Ann Court That Council: a) Approve that public consultation shall run for a period of 4 weeks, commencing 31 July 2026. b) Approve public consultation in accordance with section 138 of the Local Government Act 2002 on the proposed sale or lease of approximately 10 hectares of park land located at 1936 State Highway 10, Waipapa (Lot 18 Deposited Plan 316057) as marked in Attachment F. |
8 Ngā Pūrongo Taipitopito / Information Reports
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8.2 Confirmation of Committee and Joint Committee Minutes - June 2026 Agenda item 8.2 document number A5864858, pages 666 - 667 refers |
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Resolution 2026/62 Moved: Cr Felicity Foy Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin That Council receive the report Committee Minutes June 2026. note: Cr Court abstained |
9 Te Wāhanga Tūmataiti / Public Excluded
RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC
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Resolution 2026/63 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford 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:
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The meeting closed with karakia from Kahika – Mayor Moko Tepania at 4.22pm.
The minutes of this meeting will be confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 27 August 2026.
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CHAIRPERSON