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Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes |
27 August 2026 |
MINUTES
OF Far North District Council
Ordinary Council
Meeting
HELD AT THE Council
Chamber, Memorial Ave, Kaikohe
ON Thursday, 27 August
2026 AT 10:05AM
PRESENT: Kahika-Mayor Moko Tepania, Kohepu-Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin, Cr Arohanui Allen, Cr Rachel Baucke, Cr Ann Court, Cr Felicity Foy, Cr Tāmati Rākena, Cr Davina Smolders, Cr Kelly Stratford, Cr John Vujcich.
IN ATTENDANCE: Community Board Chairs; Bill Subritzky, Belinda Ward, Jessie McVeagh, Jonathan Salter (Simpson Grieson), Kawiti Waetford (Kaiwhakawhiti Reo – Language Interpreter).
STAFF PRESENT: Guy Holroyd (Chief Executive Officer), Aisha Huriwai (Manager – Democracy Services), Marysa Maheno (Democracy Advisor), Emma Healy (Chief of Staff), Hilary Sumpter (Group Manager – Delivery & Operations), Tanya Proctor (Head of Infrastructure Transition), Aaron Taikato (Manuhautu Te Hono – Group Manager Te Hono), Kate Ivicheva (Group Manager – Policy & Planning), Jacine Warmington (Group Manager – Strategic Relationships), Ruben Garcia (Group Manager – Community and Engagement), Ken Macdonald (Chief Financial Officer), Rachel Smith (Executive Officer), Ken Lewis (Manager – Communications & Engagement), Casey Gannon (Manager – Civic Engagement & Education), Briar Macken (Manager – Strategy & Policy), Dan Bowmar (Policy Advisor), Charlie Billington (Group Manager – Corporate Services).
1 Karakia Timatanga / Opening Prayer
Kahika-Mayor Moko Tepania commenced the meeting with karakia.
2 Ngā Kōrero a Te Kahika / Mayoral Announcements
Kahika-Mayor Moko Tepania addressed the meeting regarding the expected proceedings for the day.
Kahika-Mayor Moko Tepania Acknowledgment:
- Northland Taniwha’s bringing home the Ranfurly Shield;
- Kate Simmonds on her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Northland Waters;
- Councillor Hilda Halkyard-Harawira’s attendance at the World Waka Ama Games in Singapore; and
- The Council Chambers being illuminated in yellow in recognition of Daffodil Day.
Meeting Matters:
- Kahika-Mayor Moko Tepania advised that no legal staff would be present at the Council meeting.
- He also advised that a major item not on the agenda would be considered today. The Northland Waters Limited – LGFA Accession, Council Support and Establishment Funding item was not included in the agenda due to awaiting legal advice from external counsel, Rice Speir, on important final aspects of agreements & supporting documentation. The report cannot be delayed because deferring the decision would create material funding uncertainty, delay LGFA accession across the three councils, and leave Council funding Northland Waters Ltd (NWL) through undocumented advances for longer.
3 Ngā Whakapāha Me Ngā Pānga Mema / Apologies and Declarations of Interest
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Resolution 2026/65 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin That the apology received from Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira be accepted and leave of absence granted. |
The meeting was adjourned from 11:05AM to 11:15AM.
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4.2 Notice of Motion - Membership of Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships Agenda item 8.2 document number A5919923, public excluded pages 10 - 21 refers |
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Resolution 2026/66 Moved: Cr Arohanui Allen Seconded: Cr Tāmati Rākena That Council: a) notes the purpose of Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships, being to provide strategic leadership and guidance that strengthens Te Ao Māori perspectives within Council decision-making and ensures genuine Te Tiriti-based partnership and leadership between Far North District Council and iwi and hapū, and notes the Committee's responsibilities to build and sustain genuine high-trust relationships, support strategic partnerships, develop partnership engagement frameworks, and assist Council in maintaining effective and good-faith relationships with Māori. b) determines that Council no longer has confidence that Councillor Davina Smolders’ continued membership is compatible with the purpose, responsibilities and relationship objectives of Te Kuaka; and c) removes Councillor Davina Smolders from membership of Te Kuaka Committee for Māori Strategic Relationships, effective immediately. In Favour: Kahika-Mayor Moko Tepania, Kohepu-Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin, Crs Arohanui Allen, Felicity Foy, Tāmati Rākena, Kelly Stratford and John Vujcich Against: Crs Rachel Baucke, Ann Court and Davina Smolders |
The meeting was adjourned from 11:27AM to 11:39AM.
5 Te Whakaaetanga o Ngā Meneti o Mua / Confirmation of Previous Minutes
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5.1 Confirmation of Previous Minutes Agenda item 5.1 document number A5892217, pages 7 - 28 refers |
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Resolution 2026/67 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held 22 July 2026 and Extraordinary Council meetings held 16 July and 4 August 2026 as a true and correct record. Note: Cr Ann Court noted that Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Chair Jessie McVeagh’s name is spelt incorrectly in the previous minutes. |
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6.1 Voting System for 2028 Local Body Elections Agenda item 6.1 document number A5887615, pages 29 - 48 refers |
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Resolution 2026/68 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council adopt Single Transferable Voting as Far North District Council electoral voting system for the 2028 and 2031 local body elections. Against: Crs Ann Court and Felicity Foy carried |
7 Ngā Pūrongo Taipitopito / Information Reports
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Agenda item 7.1 document number A5892288, pages 201 - 219 refers |
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Resolution 2026/69 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 3 August 2026; b) Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Meeting held 5 August 2026; and c) Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board Meeting held 6 August 2026. |
12:12PM Kohepu-Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin left the meeting.
12:14PM Kohepu-Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin returned to the meeting.
12:18PM Cr Arohanui Allen left the room.
12:24PM Cr Arohanui Allen returned to the room.
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7.2 Committee and Joint Committee Minutes - July and August 2026 Agenda item 7.2 document number A5892305, pages 220 - 264 refers |
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Resolution 2026/70 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council receive the report Committee and Joint Committee Minutes July and August 2026. Abstained: Cr Ann Court carried |
6 Ngā Pūrongo / Reports continued
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6.2 Vehicle Crossings Bylaw Review Agenda item 6.4 document number A5884171, pages 59 - 81 refers |
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Resolution 2026/71 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania That Council: a) agree, under section 155(1) of the Local Government Act 2002, that a Bylaw is the most appropriate way of addressing problems related to Vehicle Crossings b) agree, under section 155(2) of the Local Government Act 2002, that the current Vehicle Crossings Bylaw is not the most appropriate form because: i) it is not consistent with relevant legislation, codes and guides ii) it is not certain c) agree, the Vehicle Crossings Bylaw should continue with an amendment to: i) ensure consistency with relevant legislation, codes and guides ii) improve certainty d) agree, to progress amalgamating the vehicle crossing bylaw provisions into the Road Use Bylaw e) note, under section 155(2) of the Local Government Act 2002, a full analysis of any implications regarding the Vehicle Crossings Bylaw under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 cannot be completed until the amendments to the bylaw have been drafted f) note, a full analysis of any inconsistencies regarding the Vehicle Crossings Bylaw under the Regulatory Standards Act 2025 cannot be completed until the amendments to the bylaw have been drafted. carried |
12:32PM Cr Tāmati Rākena left the room.
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6.3 Kaupapa Here Hiranga me te Hononga / Significance and Engagement Policy 2024 Review Agenda item 6.5 document number A5884320, pages 82 - 105 refers |
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Resolution 2026/72 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council: a) Agrees, the Kaupapa Here Hiranga me te Hononga / Significance and Engagement Policy has been reviewed b) Agrees, the Kaupapa Here Hiranga me te Hononga / Significance and Engagement Policy should continue with amendment Against: Cr Davina Smolders |
12:36PM Cr Tāmati Rākena returned to the meeting.
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6.4 Proposed Strategic Parking Policy - Te Rautaki Tunga Waka o Te Hiku o te Ika - Right Space, Right Place. Agenda item 6.6 document number A5889564, pages 106 - 147 refers |
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Resolution 2026/73 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr Arohanui Allen That Council adopt Te Rautaki Tūnga Waka o Te Kaunihera o Te Hiku o te Ika - Right Space, Right Place Strategic Parking Policy (attachment 1). |
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6.5 Establishment of Objections Panel under the Dog Control Act 1996 Agenda item 6.7 document number A5906082, pages 148 - 152 refers |
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Resolution 2026/74 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council: a) approve the establishment of an Objections Panel, being a subordinate decision-making body, to hear objections matters provided for under the Dog Control Act 1996. b) appoint to the Objections Panel as independent commissioners to hear and determine objections under the Dog Control Act 1996: a. Sue Wells b. Crystal Beavis c. Shelley Chadwick d. Janet Gibb c) delegate to the Objections Panel all necessary powers and functions necessary to hear objections under the Dog Control Act 1996, not limited to, receiving and considering evidence and submissions, conducting hearings, confirming, varying, or rescinding decisions subject to objection, and issuing written decisions with reasons; d) approve the Objections Panel sitting as any one or more of the appointed hearings commissioners appointed from time to time, based on availability, with a single commissioner legally able to exercise all the powers and functions of the Objections Panel. |
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6.6 Adoption of New Committee Meeting Dates for 2026 Agenda item 6.2 document number A5899018, pages 49 - 53 refers |
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Resolution 2026/75 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council; a) agree to cancel the following formal meeting dates: · Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee – 22 September 2026 · Te Koekoeā Committee for Council Controlled Organisations – 13 October 2026 · Te Koukou Committee for Transport and Infrastructure – 14 October 2026 · Te Huia Committee for Chief Executive Performance – 2 December 2026; and b) adopt the revised formal meeting dates; · Te Koekoeā Committee for Council Controlled Organisations – 12 October 2026 · Te Koukou Committee Transport and Infrastructure – 12 October 2026 · Te Miromiro Committee for Assurance Risk and Finance – 16 October 2026 · Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee – 5 November 2026 · Te Huia Committee for Chief Executive Performance – 24 November 2026 |
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6.7 Elected Members on Private Trusts Agenda item 6.3 document number A5776546, pages 54 - 58 refers |
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Resolution 2026/76 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin That Council leave to lie item 6.3, Elected Members on Private Trusts. |
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6.8 Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure for Kaikohe Library & Civic Hub Agenda item 6.8 document number A5913870, pages 153 - 158 refers |
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Resolution 2026/77 Moved: Cr John Vujcich Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council: a) approve the recommendation to grant a licence to Meridian Energy to construct and operate electric vehicle charging infrastructure on the Kaikohe Library & Civic Hub site at 69-71 Broadway, Kaikohe 0405, with the legal description Lot 1 Deposited Plan 114630 & Part Lot 13 Deposited Plan 7437, subject to Meridian Energy agreeing to licence terms satisfactory to Council; and b) authorises the Chief Executive Officer or his delegate to negotiate licence terms and conclude the licence on behalf of Council. Abstained: Crs Davina Smolders and Kelly Stratford |
The meeting was adjourned from 1:09PM to1:55PM.
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6.9 Council Open Resolutions and Actions Update - August 2026 Agenda item 6.9 document number A5870386, pages 159 - 200 refers |
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Resolution 2026/78 Moved: Cr Ann Court Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council receive the report Council Open Resolutions and Actions Update August 2026.
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7 Ngā Pūrongo Taipitopito / Information Reports continued
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7.3 Annual Report on Dog Control 2025-2026 Agenda item 7.3 document number A5904235, pages 265 - 274 refers |
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Resolution 2026/79 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That the Council receive the report Annual Report on Dog Control 2025-2026. |
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Major Item Not On The Agenda |
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Resolution 2026/80 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council: a) resolve to consider the major item not on the agenda, Northland Waters Limited – LGFA Accession, Council Support and Establishment Funding; b) note that the item was not included in the agenda due to awaiting legal advice from external counsel, Rice Speir, on important final aspects of agreements & supporting documentation; and c) note that deferring the decision would create material funding uncertainty, delay LGFA accession across the three councils, and leave Council funding NWL through undocumented advances for longer so must be considered today. |
8 Te Wāhanga Tūmataiti / Public Excluded
RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC
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Resolution 2026/81 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Tāmati Rākena 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:
and that Kaiwhakawhiti Reo – Language Interpreter, Kawiti Waetford and Community Board Chairs remain in the public excluded part of the meeting. |
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Confirmation of Information and Decisions to be Released in Public |
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Resolution 2026/72 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Felicity Foy That Council confirms the decisions contained in the part of the meeting held with public excluded be restated in public meeting when appropriate as follows: - Item 8.5 Contract 7/24/27 – Kaitāia Wastewater Overflows Stage 1 Variation Approval; and - Tabled public excluded item 8.8 Northland Waters Limited – LGFA Accession, Council Support and Establishment Funding. Carried |
9 Karakia Whakamutnga / Closing Prayer
Kahika-Mayor Moko Tepania closed the meeting with karakia.
The meeting closed at 4:00PM.
The minutes of this meeting will be confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 24 September 2026.
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CHAIRPERSON