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Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes |
24 September 2026 |
MINUTES
OF Far North District Council
Ordinary Council
Meeting
HELD AT THE Council
Chamber, Memorial Ave, Kaikohe
ON Thursday, 24
September 2026 AT 10:01 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: Community Board Chairs; Bill Subritzky, Belinda Ward, Jessie McVeagh, Kawiti Waetford (Kaiwhakawhiti Reo – Language Interpreter).
STAFF PRESENT: Guy Holroyd (Chief Executive Officer), Charlie Billington (Group Manager – Corporate Services), Aaron Taikato (Group Manager – Te Hono), Kate Ivicheva (Group Manager – Planning and Policy), Kayla Jonas (Manager – People and Capability), Jacine Warmington (Group Manager – Strategic Relationships), Ruben Garcia (Group Manager – Communications and Engagement), Rachel Smith (Executive Officer), Ken Lewis (Manager – Communication and Engagement), Cath Beaumont (Road Corridor Manager), Margriet Veenstra (Manager - Property Information & Business Compliance)(VC), Rhonda-May Whiu (Democracy Advisor), Imrie Dunn (Democracy Advisor).
1 Karakia Timatanga / Opening Prayer
At 10:01 am, Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania commenced the meeting with a karakia.
Secretarial Note: A point of order was raised regarding Standing Order 25.2 and 11.2, concerning the recording of the meeting by external videographer, the potential for disruption, and the use of Council facilities during the election period. The Mayor briefly adjourned the meeting to obtain procedural advice before reconvening and issuing a ruling on the matter.
At 10:05 am, meeting was adjourned and resumed at 10:17 am.
Secretarial Note: Following a point of order concerning disruption to the meeting, the Chair ruled that the external videographer be removed from the meeting. The ruling was based on advice provided by legal and governance staff and was not related to the election period. The meeting was briefly adjourned to enable the ruling to be implemented, after which proceedings resumed.
At 10:19 am, meeting was adjourned and resumed 10:21 am.
2 Ngā Kōrero a Te Kahika / Mayoral Announcements
· The Mayor outlined the meeting procedure and agenda sequence, noting the significant decisions ahead.
· Acknowledged the passing of Matua Jim Peters and Rihari Dargaville during the previous week.
· Noted that today’s Maramataka is Atua, moving towards a period of high energy.
· Acknowledged Ngā Manu Kōrero National Secondary Schools Speech Competition, hosted in Kaikohe for the first time in the competition’s 61st year, and celebrated Te Tai Tokerau achieving the highest aggregate score across 15 regions.
· Acknowledged Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and the events held across the district to celebrate Māori Language Week.
· Noted forecasts of a dry summer and encouraged residents to use water mindfully and consider installing rainwater collection tanks, with guidance available on Council’s website.
· Acknowledged the mahi of the community boards in supporting local events, cultural activities and community-led projects across the district.
· Confirmed that the public-excluded report on 11 Matthews Avenue, Kaitāia had not been formally removed and remained on the circulated agenda for discussion.
· Noted recent investment in the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail and progress on the Kaitāia Airport upgrade, including new fuel infrastructure.
· Advised that a letter had been received from Minister Watts about the Head Start local government reform proposals, with an announcement expected at 11:00 am today.
· Noted that individual desktop microphones for elected members were expected to be installed during conference week in the second week of October.
3 Ngā Tono Kōrero / Deputation
Kim Robinson representing the New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Club Trust and Jontelle Cullen-Beech the trilingual interpreter
· This presentation will cover the NZ Sign Language Strategy 2026-2036 which encourages local government to learn NZSL.
4 Ngā Whakapāha Me Ngā Pānga Mema / Apologies and Declarations of Interest
There were no apologies.
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 A5951683, pages 7 - 18 refers. |
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Resolution 2026/83 Moved: Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Council meeting held 27 August 2026 as a true and correct record. |
At 10:51 am, Cr Arohanui Allen left the meeting and returned at 10:52 am.
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Agenda item 5.2 document number A5951781, pages 19 - 36 refers. |
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Resolution 2026/84 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr Tāmati Rākena That Council note the minutes from the following Community Board meetings: a) Te Hiku Community Board Meeting held 31 August 2026; b) Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board Meeting held 2 September 2026; c) Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board Meeting held 3 September 2026. |
Secretarial note: Kahika suggested that the upcoming election period provides an opportunity to advocate for stronger vape shop regulation. They offered to work with the Chair and Community Board Chairs on developing a draft advocacy letter to political parties, seeking either greater regulatory powers for councils or stronger central government controls.
Secretarial note: Community Board Chairs highlighted a range of local issues affecting their communities, including vape shop proliferation, transport and roading resilience, environmental protection, wastewater management, and public safety. While the issues vary across the district, there is a shared desire for stronger regulatory tools, improved infrastructure investment, and greater responsiveness to community concerns.
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6.1 Temporary Road Closure Reports Agenda item 6.1 document number A5953549, pages 37 - 45 refers. |
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Resolution 2026/85 Moved: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That pursuant to the Local Government Act 1974, Section 342 and Schedule 10, Clause 11(e), the Council approves the temporary closure of specified roads to enable the safe operation of the following community and public events: a) Kaikohe Library Opening: Monday 9 November 2026 b) Kerikeri Half Marathon: Saturday 21 November 2026 c) Kerikeri Street Party: Saturday 21 November 2026 d) Kaikohe Christmas Parade: Saturday 28 November 2026 e) Paihia Christmas Parade: Friday 4 December 2026 f) Waitangi Week 2027: Friday 29 January – Saturday 6 February 2027 g) Māngungu Treaty Commemorations 2027: Friday 12 February 2027 h) Cruz’n the Bayz: Thursday 4 March – Sunday 7 March 2027 i) Mangōnui Waterfront Festival: Saturday 27 March 2027 |
At 11:31 am, meeting was adjourned and resumed at 11:51am.
At 11:54 am, Crs Arohanui Allen and Felicity Foy joined the meeting.
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6.2 Russell Speed Limit Changes Supplementary Agenda item 6.7 document number A5942776, pages 4 - 14 refers. |
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Resolution 2026/86 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council: a) receive the report "Russell Speed Limit Changes” for consideration. b) note that consultation on proposed speed limit changes within the Russell-Kororāreka catchment was undertaken in 2024 and that some originally proposed speed limits are no longer available under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024. c) approve the Ōkiato-Russell route speed limit changes d) direct the Chief Executive to present the balance of the Russell-Kororāreka speed limit proposals to the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board for consideration and provide advice on potential future funding opportunities. e) direct the Chief Executive to seek approval from the Director of Land Transport for any speed limit changes approved by Council. f) delegate authority to the Chief Executive to approve any minor or technical amendments required through the Director approval process that do not materially change Council's decision. |
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6.3 Russell Placemaking - Endorsement of Final Design for Cass St and The Strand Agenda item 6.2 document number A5952657, pages 46 - 55 refers. |
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Resolution 2026/87 Moved: Cr Ann Court Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council approves: a) the final design plan for Cass Street and The Strand, per Attachment 1 with the following changes as described in Option 1: i. Shift proposed pedestrian safety bollards, provide additional signage, and install a bicycle parking rack. ii. Use grey-tinted concrete as the proposed construction material for the raised crossing entrance to Cass St (from York St) b) the amendment of Schedule 1; Schedule 2 Part A, B, C and H; Schedule 3 Part A and Part B; and Schedule 5 of the Parking Bylaw as per the final design plan for Cass Street, Russell, in attachment 1 c) the drafting of amendments to the Road Use Bylaw to enable regulation of The Strand to: i. be a shared zone with pedestrians ii. have authorised vehicle only access. |
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6.4 Carry Forwards for Capital Programme 2025-26 Supplementary Agenda item 6.7 document number A5941060, pages 15 - 20 refers. |
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Resolution 2026/88 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr John Vujcich That Council: a) approves the capital budgets identified in the report “Carry Forwards Capital Programme 2025-26” totalling $140,019,158 being carried forward to the 2026-27 financial year; and b) notes that carrying these budgets forward does not commit Council to spending the full amount in 2026-27, and that capital expenditure continues to be funded as it is incurred; and c) notes that staff will report capital delivery progress quarterly to Te Miromiro Committee for Assurance, Risk and Finance; and d) notes that the affordability, scale and phasing of the capital programme will be considered through the Long Term Plan 2027-37. |
7 Te Wāhanga Tūmataiti / Public Excluded
RESOLUTION TO EXCLUDE THE PUBLIC
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Resolution 2026/89 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:
And that the below named are permitted to join the Public Excluded part of the meeting: · Kaiwhakawhiti Reo – Language Interpreter Kawiti Waetford · Community Board Chairs Bill Subritzky, Jessie McVeagh and Belinda Ward · Far North Holdings Limited Chief Operating Officer Robert Binney in relation to item 8.6 · Tim Fischer in relation to item 8.2 · Graham Day Law North in relation to item 8.1 Abstained: Cr Davina Smolders |
Confirmation of information and decisions to be released in public
At the conclusion of the public excluded session, Council confirmed that the information discussed during the public excluded part of the meeting would remain confidential and not be released into the public record.
Secretarial note: At 5:17pm, the meeting resumed in open session. Agenda items 7.1, 7.2, 8.4 and 8.5 were deferred to the 22 October 2026 Council meeting.
At 5:17 pm, Crs Arohanui Allen and Tāmati Rākena left the meeting
At 5:20 pm, Cr Arohanui Allen returned to the meeting.
6 Ngā Pūrongo / Reports Continued
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6.5 Adoption of He Kāinga Mana - Housing Strategy Agenda item 6.3 document number A5948827, pages 71 - 117 refers. |
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Resolution 2026/90 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Kahika - Mayor Moko Tepania That Council: a) adopt the He Kāinga Mana Housing Strategy at Attachment 1 b) authorise the Chief Executive to make any necessary minor drafting amendments to the strategy document to correct errors or omissions. Against: Crs Rachel Baucke, Ann Court and Davina Smolders |
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6.6 Te Patukeha Iwi - Hapū Environmental Management Plan Agenda item 6.4 document number A5954187, pages 118 - 245 refers. |
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Resolution 2026/91 Moved: Cr Kelly Stratford Seconded: Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira That Council: a) receive the report Te Patukeha Iwi Hapū Environmental Management Plan; b) note that Te Kuaka Te Ao Māori Committee, at its meeting on 23 September 2025, resolved to recommend that Council endorse the Te Patukeha Iwi Hapū Environmental Management Plan; c) formally approve the Te Patukeha Iwi Hapū Environmental Management Plan as a reference document to inform Council’s planning, policy, consenting, operational and decision-making processes where relevant; and d) note that approval does not approve additional funding or commit Council to implementing all actions identified in the plan, and that any future funding or project commitments will be considered through the appropriate Council processes. Abstained: Crs Rachel Baucke and Davina Smolders |
Secretarial note: Cr Ann Court requested that the following words spoken by Cr Halkyard-Harawira be recorded in the minutes: "I don't stomach lies and people who thieve off Māori”.
At 5:36 pm, Cr Hilda Halkyard-Harawira left the meeting.
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6.7 Far North Holdings Ltd - Statement of Intent Agenda item 6.5 document number A5946116, pages 246 - 249 refers |
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Resolution 2026/92 Moved: Cr John Vujcich Seconded: Cr Kelly Stratford That Council agrees to the Far North Holdings Limited Statement of Intent for the year ending 30 June 2027, which covers the period 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2029, in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002. Against: Cr Davina Smolders |
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6.8 IAF Kaikohe Wastewater and Water Reticulation Projects Agenda item 6.6 document number A5942162, pages 268 - 272 refers |
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Resolution 2026/93 Moved: Cr John Vujcich Seconded: Cr Felicity Foy That Council: a) approve a variation to Contract 7/25/023 (Kaikohe IAF Wastewater Reticulation Upgrades) for additional wastewater reticulation upgrade works to meet the IAF project scope valued at $2,700,000, and b) increase the total contract value to $ 14,011,276.00, and c) delegate to the Chief Executive authority to execute this variation, and d) the reallocation of LTP24/27 water and wastewater project budgets to support the completion of the IAF water and wastewater upgrades, being: I. wastewater $1,198,500 II. water $600,000. Against: Cr Ann Court |
Secretarial note: Following discussion on the Kaikohe IAF Wastewater Reticulation Upgrades project, members requested a post-project review and reporting to Te Koukou on lessons learned and opportunities for improvement in future projects.
8 Karakia Whakamutunga / Closing Prayer
At 5:59 pm, Kahika Moko Tepania closed the meeting with a karakia.
The meeting closed at 5:58 pm.
The minutes of this meeting will be confirmed at the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 22 October 2026.
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CHAIRPERSON