Agenda of Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Wednesday, 9 February 2022

	Authorising Body	Mayor/Council
	Status	Standing Committee
COUNCIL COMMITTEE	Title	Infrastructure Committee Terms of Reference
	Approval Date	7 May 2020
	Responsible Officer	Chief Executive

Purpose

The purpose of the Infrastructure Committee (the Committee) is to ensure cost effective, quality and sustainable infrastructure decisions are made to meet the current and future needs of Far North communities and that Councils infrastructure assets are effectively maintained and operated.

The Committee will review the effectiveness of the following aspects:

· Affordable core infrastructure to support healthy and sustainable living.

· Operational performance including monitoring and reporting on significant infrastructure projects

· Delivery of quality infrastructure and district facilities

· Financial spend and reprogramming of capital works

· Property and other assets

To perform his or her role effectively, each Committee member must develop and maintain

his or her skills and knowledge, including an understanding of the Committee’s responsibilities, Councils’ infrastructure assets such as roading, three waters and district facilities.

Membership

The Council will determine the membership of the Infrastructure Committee.

The Infrastructure Committee will comprise of at least six elected members (one of which will be the chairperson).

Mayor Carter

Felicity Foy – Chairperson

Ann Court – Deputy Chairperson

Dave Collard

Kelly Stratford

John Vujcich

Rachel Smith

Mike Edmonds

Adele Gardner

Non-appointed Councillors may attend meetings with speaking rights, but not voting rights.

Quorum

The quorum at a meeting of the Infrastructure Committee is 5 members.

Frequency of Meetings

The Infrastructure Committee shall meet every 6 weeks but may be cancelled if there is no business.

Power to Delegate

The Infrastructure Committee may not delegate any of its responsibilities, duties or powers.

Committees Responsibilities

The Committees responsibilities are described below:

Quality infrastructure and Facilities

· Assess and provide advice to Council on strategic issues relating to the provision of Council’s infrastructural activities and district facilities

· Review, and recommend to Council, policy and strategies for the delivery of infrastructural asset services

· Monitor achievement of outcomes included in the Infrastructure Strategy and other infrastructure strategies e.g District Transport Strategy

· Ensure that Council protects its investment in its infrastructural assets in accordance with accepted professional standards

· Monitor the risks, financial and operational performance of the Council's infrastructural activities and facilities

· Monitor major contract performance measures/key result areas (KRAs)

Significant Projects – spend, monitoring and reporting

· Monitor significant projects

· Approve budget overspend (above tolerance levels in the CE delegations) and any reprogramming of capex for a project or programme provided that:

o The overall budget is met from savings

o The overall budget for capex is not exceeded. Where this is not the case, the Committee must either:

§ Recommend to Council that additional funding is approved (outside the Annual Plan or Long-Term Plan process), or

§ Recommend as part of the next round of Long-Term Plan or Annual Plan process that the funding is considered for inclusion.

· Approve tenders and contracts provided they are:

o Up to $3 million,

o in accordance with the current year’s plan, whether that be Annual Plan or Long-Term Plan, and

o deemed low by the Significance and Engagement Policy

Compliance

· Ensure that operational functions comply with legislative requirements and Council policy

· Ensure that consents associated with Council's infrastructure are being met and renewals are planned for

Service levels (non-regulatory)

· Recommend service level changes and new initiatives to the Long Term and Annual Plan processes.

Relationships

· Monitoring Council’s relationship with the Northland Transportation Alliance

o Receive quarterly performance reports

· Monitoring Council’s relationship with the Far North Waters Alliance Partner

Property

· Recommend to Council the acquisition or disposal of assets.

· Approve new leases and lease renewals (of non-reserve land), in accordance with the current years’ plan, whether that be Annual Plan or Long-Term Plan.

Receive updates on changes to national and regional policies that impact on Council provision of infrastructure and where appropriate make recommendation to Council.

Rules and Procedures

Council’s Standing Orders and Code of Conduct apply to all the committee’s meetings.

Annual reporting

The Chair of the Committee will submit a written report to the Chief Executive on an annual basis. The review will summarise the activities of the Committee and how it has contributed to the Council’s governance and strategic objectives. The Chief Executive will place the report on the next available agenda of the governing body.

INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE - MEMBERS REGISTER OF INTERESTS

Name	Responsibility (i.e. Chairperson etc)	Declaration of Interests	Nature of Potential Interest	Member's Proposed Management Plan
Hon John Carter QSO	Board Member of the Local Government Protection Programme	Board Member of the Local Government Protection Program
Hon John Carter QSO	Carter Family Trust
Felicity Foy (Chair)	Flick Trustee Ltd	I am the director of this company that is the company trustee of Flick Family Trust that owns properties in Cable Bay, and Allen Bell Drive - Kaitaia.
	Elbury Holdings Limited	This company is directed by my parents Fiona and Kevin King.	This company owns several dairy and beef farms, and also dwellings on these farms. The Farms and dwellings are located in the Far North at Kaimaumau, Bird Road/Sandhills Rd, Wireless Road/ Puckey Road/Bell Road, the Awanui Straight and Allen Bell Drive.
	Foy Farms Partnership	Owner and partner in Foy Farms - a farm on Church Road, Kaingaroa
	Foy Farms Rentals	Owner and rental manager of Foy Farms Rentals for dwellings on Church Road, Kaingaroa and dwellings on Allen Bell Drive, Kaitaia, and property on North Road, Kaitaia, one title contains a cell phone tower.
	King Family Trust	This trust owns several titles/properties at Cable Bay, Seaview Rd/State Highway 10 and Ahipara - Panorama Lane.	These trusts own properties in the Far North.
	112 Commerce Street Holdings Ltd	Owner of commercial property in Commerce Street Kaitaia.
	Foy Property Management Ltd	Owner of company that manages properties owned by Foy Farms Rentals and Flick Family Trust.
	Previous employment at FNDC 2007-16	I consider the staff members at FNDC to be my friends
	Shareholder of Coastline Plumbing NZ Limited
Felicity Foy - Partner	Director of Coastline Plumbing NZ Limited
Felicity Foy - Partner	Friends with some FNDC employees
Deputy Mayor Ann Court (Deputy)	Waipapa Business Association	Member		Case by case
	Warren Pattinson Limited	Shareholder	Building company. FNDC is a regulator and enforcer	Case by case
	Kerikeri Irrigation	Supplies my water		No
	District Licensing	N/A	N/A	N/A
	Ann Court Trust	Private	Private	N/A
	Waipapa Rotary	Honorary member	Potential community funding submitter	Declare interest and abstain from voting.
	Properties on Onekura Road, Waipapa	Owner Shareholder	Any proposed FNDC Capital works or policy change which may have a direct impact (positive/adverse)	Declare interest and abstain from voting.
	Property on Daroux Dr, Waipapa	Financial interest	Any proposed FNDC Capital works or policy change which may have a direct impact (positive/adverse)	Declare interest and abstain from voting.
	Flowers and gifts	Ratepayer 'Thankyou'	Bias/ Pre-determination?	Declare to Governance
	Coffee and food	Ratepayers sometimes 'shout' food and beverage	Bias or pre-determination	Case by case
	Staff	N/A	Suggestion of not being impartial or pre-determined!	Be professional, due diligence, weigh the evidence. Be thorough, thoughtful, considered impartial and balanced. Be fair.
	Warren Pattinson	My husband is a builder and may do work for Council staff		Case by case
Ann Court - Partner	Warren Pattinson Limited	Director	Building Company. FNDC is a regulator	Remain at arm’s length
	Air NZ	Shareholder	None	None
	Warren Pattinson Limited	Builder	FNDC is the consent authority, regulator and enforcer.	Apply arm’s length rules
	Property on Onekura Road, Waipapa	Owner	Any proposed FNDC capital work in the vicinity or rural plan change. Maybe a link to policy development.	Would not submit. Rest on a case-by-case basis.
David Collard	Snapper Bonanza 2011 Limited	45% Shareholder and Director
David Collard	Trustee of Te Ahu Charitable Trust	Council delegate to this board
Mate Radich	No form received
Rachel Smith	Friends of Rolands Wood Charitable Trust.	Trustee.
	Mid North Family Support.	Trustee.
	Property Owner.	Kerikeri.
	Friends who work at Far North District Council.
	Kerikeri Cruising Club.	Subscription Member and Treasurer.
	Vision Kerikeri	Financial Member
Rachel Smith (Partner)	Property Owner.	Kerikeri.
	Friends who work at Far North District Council.
	Kerikeri Cruising Club.	Subscription Member.
	Vision Kerikeri	Financial Member
	Town and General Groundcare Limited	Director, Shareholder
Kelly Stratford	KS Bookkeeping and Administration	Business Owner, provides bookkeeping, administration and development of environmental management plans	None perceived	Step aside from decisions that arise, that may have conflicts
	Waikare Marae Trustees	Trustee	Maybe perceived conflicts	Case by case basis
	Bay of Islands College	Parent Elected Trustee	None perceived	If there was a conflict, I will step aside from decision making
	Karetu School	Parent Elected Trustee	None perceived	If there was a conflict, I will step aside from decision making
	Māori title land – Moerewa and Waikare	Beneficiary and husband is a shareholder	None perceived	If there was a conflict, I will step aside from decision making
	Sister is employed by Far North District Council			Will not discuss work/governance mattes that are confidential
	Gifts - food and beverages	Residents and ratepayers may ‘shout’ food and beverage	Perceived bias or predetermination	Case by case basis
	Taumarere Counselling Services	Advisory Board Member	May be perceived conflicts	Should conflict arise, step aside from voting
	Sport Northland	Board Member	May be perceived conflicts	Should conflict arise, step aside from voting
	He Puna Aroha Putea Whakapapa	Trustee	May be perceived conflicts	Should conflict arise, step aside from voting should they apply for funds
	Kawakawa Returned Services Association	Member	May be perceived conflicts	Should conflict arise, step aside from voting should they apply for funds
	Whangaroa Returned Services Association	Member	May be perceived conflicts	Should conflict arise, step aside from voting should they apply for funds
	National Emergency Management Advisor Committee	Member		Case by case basis
	Te Rūnanga ā Iwi o Ngāpuhi	Tribal affiliate member	As a descendent of Te Rūnanga ā Iwi o Ngāpuhi I could have a perceived conflict of interest in Te Rūnanga ā Iwi o Ngāpuhi Council relations	Declare a perceived conflict should there appear to be one
	Te Rūnanga ā Iwi o Ngāti Hine	Tribal affiliate member	Could have a perceived conflict of interest	Declare a perceived conflict should I determine there is a conflict
	Kawakawa Business and Community Association	Member		Will declare a perceived conflict should there appear to be one
Kelly Stratford - Partner	Chef and Barista	Opua Store	None perceived
Kelly Stratford - Partner	Māori title land – Moerewa	Shareholder	None perceived	If there was a conflict of interest, I would step aside from decision making
John Vujcich	Board Member	Pioneer Village	Matters relating to funding and assets	Declare interest and abstain
	Director	Waitukupata Forest Ltd	Potential for council activity to directly affect its assets	Declare interest and abstain
	Director	Rural Service Solutions Ltd	Matters where council regulatory function impact of company services	Declare interest and abstain
	Director	Kaikohe (Rau Marama) Community Trust	Potential funder	Declare interest and abstain
	Partner	MJ & EMJ Vujcich	Matters where council regulatory function impacts on partnership owned assets	Declare interest and abstain
	Member	Kaikohe Rotary Club	Potential funder, or impact on Rotary projects	Declare interest and abstain
	Member	New Zealand Institute of Directors	Potential provider of training to Council	Declare a Conflict of Interest
	Member	Institute of IT Professionals	Unlikely, but possible provider of services to Council	Declare a Conflict of Interest
Mike Edmonds	Chair	Kaikohe Mechanical and Historic Trust	Council Funding	Decide at the time
Mike Edmonds	Committee member	Kaikohe Rugby Football and Sports Club	Council Funding	Withdraw and abstain
Adele Gardner	N/A - FNDC Honorarium
	Te Hiku Education Trust	Trustee
	Te Ahu Charitable Trust	Trustee
	ST Johns Kaitaia Branch	Trustee/ Committee Member
	Te Hiku Sports Hub Committee	Committee Member
	I know many FNDC staff members as I was an FNDC staff member from 1994-2008.
Partner of Adele Gardner	N/A as Retired

Infrastructure Committee Meeting Agenda

9 February 2022

MINUTES OF Far North District Council
Infrastructure Committee Meeting
HELD Virtually via Microsoft Teams
ON Wednesday, 24 November 2021 AT 1.00 pm

PRESENT: Chairperson Felicity Foy, Deputy Mayor Ann Court, Cr Dave Collard, Cr Rachel Smith, Cr Kelly Stratford, Cr John Vujcich, Member Mike Edmonds, Member Adele Gardner

IN ATTENDANCE: Shaun Clarke (Chief Executive Officer), William J Taylor, MBE (General Manager Corporate Services), Dean Myburgh (General Manager District Services), Andy Finch (General Manager Infrastructure and Asset Management), Darren Edwards (General Manager Strategic Planning and Policy)

1 Karakia TimatAnga – Opening Prayer

Cr. Rachel Smith opened the meeting with a karakia.

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

Apology

Resolution 2021/37

Moved: Chairperson Felicity Foy

Seconded: Cr Rachel Smith

That the apology received from His Worship the Mayor be accepted and leave of absence granted.

In Favour: Felicity Foy, Ann Court, Dave Collard, Rachel Smith, Kelly Stratford, John Vujcich, Mike Edmonds and Adele Gardner

Against: Nil

Carried

3 Ngā Tono Kōrero / Deputation

Per Lugnet spoke on behalf of Northstar.

Manu Burkhardt spoke on behalf of FNR Group – Nga Ara o Te Hiku LTD

Kerry Thomas on behalf of Waka Kotahi to provide an update on a new roundabout project.

4 Confirmation of Previous Minutes

4.1 Confirmation of Previous Minutes

Agenda item 4.1 document number A3476232, pages 14 - 20 refers.

Resolution 2021/38

Moved: Chairperson Felicity Foy

Seconded: Member Adele Gardner

That the Infrastructure Committee confirm that the minutes of the meeting held 13 October 2021 be confirmed as a true and correct record.

In Favour: Felicity Foy, Ann Court, Dave Collard, Rachel Smith, Kelly Stratford, John Vujcich, Mike Edmonds and Adele Gardner

Against: Nil

Carried

5 Reports

5.1 Eastern Ward Tree Removals Request

Agenda item 5.1 document number A3439765, pages 21 - 27 refers.

Resolution 2021/39

Moved: Cr Rachel Smith

Seconded: Cr Dave Collard

That the Infrastructure Committee recommend that Council:

a) approve the removal of the of Eucalyptus Trees along the boundary line walkway behind 121 & Lot 13 Waitotara Drive at an unbudgeted operational expenditure of $27,000 plus GST

b) approve the maintenance to the Eucalyptus trees along the Fairy Pools track and reserve posing potential immediate risk at an unbudgeted operational expenditure of $10,000 plus GST

In Favour: Felicity Foy, Ann Court, Dave Collard, Rachel Smith, Kelly Stratford, John Vujcich, Mike Edmonds and Adele Gardner

Against: Nil

Carried

6 Information Reports

6.1 Kerikeri Waipapa Transport Network

Agenda item 6.1 document number A3437356, pages 28 - 51 refers.

Resolution 2021/40

Moved: Deputy Mayor Ann Court

Seconded: Cr Dave Collard

That the Infrastructure Committee receive the report Kerikeri Waipapa Transport Network and associated attachments.

In Favour: Felicity Foy, Dave Collard, Kelly Stratford, John Vujcich, Mike Edmonds and Adele Gardner

Against: Ann Court and Rachel Smith

Carried

6.2 Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM) Monthly Business Report for September 2021

Agenda item 6.2 document number A3442791, pages 52 - 179 refers.

Resolution 2021/41

Moved: Chairperson Felicity Foy

Seconded: Cr John Vujcich

That the Infrastructure Committee receive the report Infrastructure and Asset Management (IAM) Monthly Business Report for September 2021.

In Favour: Felicity Foy, Ann Court, Dave Collard, Rachel Smith, Kelly Stratford, John Vujcich and Adele Gardner

Against: Nil

Carried

At 2:55 pm, Member Mike Edmonds left the meeting.

6.3 Infrastructure Committee Action Sheet Update September 2021

Agenda item 6.3 document number A3486880, page 180 refers.

Resolution 2021/42

Moved: Cr Rachel Smith

Seconded: Chairperson Felicity Foy

That the Infrastructure Committee receive the report Action Sheet Update November 2021.

In Favour: Felicity Foy, Ann Court, Dave Collard, Rachel Smith, Kelly Stratford, John Vujcich and Adele Gardner

Against: Nil

Carried

5 Karakia Whakamutunga – Closing Prayer

Cr. Rachel Smith closed with a karakia

6 tE kAPINGA hUI / Meeting Close

The meeting closed at 3:20 pm.

The minutes of this meeting will be confirmed at the Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on 9 February 2022.

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

CHAIRPERSON

Infrastructure Committee Meeting Agenda

9 February 2022

5 Reports

5.1 Total Mobility Scheme

File Number: A3521778

Author: Keith Kent, Transport Planner

Authoriser: Andy Finch, General Manager - Infrastructure and Asset Management

Take Pūrongo / Purpose of the Report

The purpose of this report is to seek the approval of the Infrastructure Committee to assign local share funds to Northland Regional Council to support delivery of an introductory Total Mobility Scheme in the Far North District.

WhakarĀpopoto matua / Executive Summary

· In December 2020, the Far North District Council endorsed the development of a Total Mobility Scheme as one of the planning activities in the Far North District Council Integrated Transport Plan recommended programme.

· The Far North District Council Long Term Plan 21-31 holds $31,000 local share in Operational funds to assist the Northland Regional Council in the development of Total Mobility services in 2022.

· Northland Regional Council propose to introduce the Total Mobility Scheme into the Far North district starting with Kerikeri in July 2022 as a trial to monitor uptake.

· Northland Regional Council request that the Far North District Council assign them the local share of $31,000 so they can implement the project.

tŪtohunga / Recommendation

That the Infrastructure Committee approves the assignment of Total Mobility Scheme local share operational funding of $31,000 to the Northland Regional Council.

1) TĀhuhu kŌrero / Background

In December 2020, the Far North District Council (FNDC) endorsed the development of a Total Mobility Scheme as one of the planning activities in the FNDC Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) recommended programme.

The FNDC Long Term Plan (LTP) 21-31 holds $31,000 local share in Operational funds to assist the Northland Regional Council (NRC) in the development of Total Mobility services in 2022. A further $155,000 of local share has been set aside to assist NRC with service maintenance contributions in future years.

As operational funding managers of the Waka Kotahi (New Zealand Transport Agency) Public Transport activity class and Total Mobility work category, NRC request that FNDC assign them the local share of $31,000 currently allocated to Total Mobility within the LTP 2021-2023 so they can implement a proposed introductory project in Kerikeri.

With the nature and profile of this project, it is considered appropriate for the Infrastructure Committee to confirm the decision.

2) matapaki me NgĀ KŌwhiringa / Discussion and Options

Proposal

NRC have prepared a report for FNDC setting out a proposal to implement the Total Mobility Scheme starting in Kerikeri July 2022. This is provided in attachment 1. ‘Proposed Kerikeri Total Mobility Scheme October 21 – A3548749’

Key features of the report and proposal include:

· Relevant legislative context – the Land Transport Management Act (LTMA) 2003 legislates for Regional Councils to assist people that were physically unable to use public transport by providing 50% subsidised taxi travel initiating Total Mobility Schemes in the Region that are administered by NRC

· Regional context – the Regional Public Transport Plan 2021-2031 contains a significant amount of reference material on the topic of Total Mobility

· Outline of scheme operational requirements – client eligibility criteria, subsidy fare share and payment mechanism, service operator requirements

· Details of historic decisions taken by Councils regarding declined scheme participation. Only Whangarei District Council have participated in the Total Mobility scheme

· Recent relaxation to the requirement for affiliation of service providers to Approved Taxi Organisation (ATO)

· Filling the void left by the expiry of Age Concern Kerikeri scheme in April 2021 which has provided similar service to Total Mobility for many years

· Collaborative efforts between NRC and FNDC leading to funding provision in the LTP, the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) and the Regional Public Transport Plan (RPTP).

· Potential adoption of alternative delivery model based on Environment Canterbury’s Community Vehicle Trusts (CVT) which is more suited to isolated Northland areas with few service providers. This initiative provides funding towards a vehicle that community trust volunteer drivers use to provide health appointment transport services. The regional council also provide assistance in setting up the community trust. The Community Vehicle Trust website indicates that there are 16 trusts currently operating in the Environment Canterbury region

· Proposed implementation staging:

o Stage 1: Discussion with Age Concern Kerikeri on reinstatement of their transport scheme which provided transport subsidies for over 65s and used transport operator services such as ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘Health Drive’

o Stage 2: FNDC and NRC redevelop the Age Concern Kerikeri scheme in line with the national Total Mobility Scheme. Client eligibility criteria would need to encompass level of mobility in addition to age

o Stage 3: Seek organisations in Kerikeri that would like to become assessing agencies for client’s eligibility to register as users. NRC would travel to Kerikeri to train and support agencies and operators

o Stage 4: Seek other potential transport operators and assess their eligibility to become registered transport providers in addition to ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ and ‘Health Drive’

Discussion

FNDC are unable to undertake this work as Total Mobility is a work category under the Public Transport activity class that sits under NRC control as operating managers. Provision of related entries in the LTP was the agreed financial mechanism to obtain the necessary local share to contribute to NRC’s development of the Total Mobility Scheme in the Far North.

If the Kerikeri scheme is successful, NRC suggest that this Total Mobility Scheme model could be introduced in other towns such as Kaikohe and Kaitaia.

The following two options are offered for consideration:

Option A: Provide local share funding to NRC (recommended)

· Facilitates the delivery of national, regional and local objectives and benefits as defined in the FNDC adopted Integrated Transport Plan, Benefits Realisation Plan including:

o Government Policy Statement – Transport 2021 priority: Inclusive Access – Enabling all people to participate in society through access to health care

o Ministry of Transport – Transport Outcomes Framework: Inclusive access

o Waka Kotahi Land Transport Benefits Framework: Impact on community cohesion

o Regional Land Transport Plan 21-27 priority: Provide people with better transport options & consider the needs of the transport disadvantaged

o FNDC Long Term Plan 21-31objective: Connected

o FNDC Integrated Transport Plan Benefit: District resource allocation delivering community transport needs

· Enables NRC to administer and operate the Total Mobility Scheme in the Far North with full cooperation and involvement of FNDC with minimal resource investment

Option B: Decline request for local share funding

· The Total Mobility Scheme related national, regional and local objectives and benefits would not be achieved

· NRC cannot implement Total Mobility initiatives in the Far North without local share as the regional council does not rate for Total Mobility services in the Far North

· FNDC cannot undertake this work independently because Total Mobility is a work category under the Public Transport activity class of the National Land Transport Fund that sits under NRC control as operating managers

· Council would need to approve the removal of Total Mobility Scheme initiatives from the FNDC Integrated Transport Plan and notify the Disability Action Group accordingly

· Council would need to seek approval of the Regional Council (via a paper to the Regional Transport Committee) to remove all association and reference to Total Mobility activity in the Far North as currently recorded in the Regional Land Transport Plan and Regional Public Transport Plan

· Allocated local share $31,000 in LTP 21-31 would need to be declared surplus through a proposed change in the 2022/23 Annual Plan

Take Tūtohunga / Reason for the recommendation

Option A, providing NRC with the local share funding is recommended as Total Mobility is one of the planned action areas of the FNDC Integrated Transport Plan and will deliver a significant number of national, regional and local benefits, primarily to the transport disadvantaged communities of the Far North District.

3) PĀnga PŪtea me ngĀ wĀhanga tahua / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision

The FNDC LTP 21-31 holds $31,000 local share in Operational funds as a sub-activity of ‘Improvements identified in FNDC Integrated Transport Strategy & high level DS’. The LTP presents this in the table entitled ‘Funding Impact Statement – Roading and Footpaths’ under the heading of ‘Applications of operating funding – Payments to staff and suppliers’. This allocation was included to assist the Northland Regional Council (NRC) in the development of Total Mobility services in 2022. A further $155,000 of local share has been set aside to assist NRC with service maintenance contributions in future years.

NRC require FNDC’s full local share of LTP $31,000 to implement their proposal. They will seek to maximise the available subsidy Funding Assistance Rate (FAR) from Waka Kotahi’s Total Mobility Work Category 517 and provide any necessary remaining amounts to implement the project.

The attached report contains preliminary costing options / Scheme expenditure for NRC’s proposal in Kerikeri. The options demonstrate the increasing level of service in terms of number of trips per day relative to increasing levels of investment. Option 4 demonstrates the level of service attainable with the proposed level of investment requested by NRC. It should be noted that these cost options are provided for indicative purposes only at this stage and will be subject to refinement and reporting to Council if the scheme proceeds.

Āpitihanga / Attachments

1. Proposed Kerikeri Total Mobility Scheme October 21 - A3548749 ⇩

Hōtaka Take Ōkawa / Compliance Schedule:

Full consideration has been given to the provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 S77 in relation to decision making, in particular:

1. A Local authority must, in the course of the decision-making process,

a) Seek to identify all reasonably practicable options for the achievement of the objective of a decision; and

b) Assess the options in terms of their advantages and disadvantages; and

c) If any of the options identified under paragraph (a) involves a significant decision in relation to land or a body of water, take into account the relationship of Māori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral land, water sites, waahi tapu, valued flora and fauna and other taonga.

2. This section is subject to Section 79 - Compliance with procedures in relation to decisions.

He Take Ōkawa / Compliance Requirement	Aromatawai Kaimahi / Staff Assessment
State the level of significance (high or low) of the issue or proposal as determined by the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy	This report has a high degree of significance as it has the potential to cease an agreed planned transport activity and negatively affect a minority group.
State the relevant Council policies (external or internal), legislation, and/or community outcomes (as stated in the LTP) that relate to this decision.	FNDC Integrated Transport Strategy FNDC Integrated Transport Plan FNDC Long Term Plan 21-31 NRC Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-2031 NRC Regional Public Transport Plan 2021-2031 Far North 2100 Regional Accessibility Strategy
State whether this issue or proposal has a District wide relevance and, if not, the ways in which the appropriate Community Board’s views have been sought.	This issue has district wide relevance as an activity identified for action in the FNDC District-wide Integrated Transport Strategy.
State the possible implications for Māori and how Māori have been provided with an opportunity to contribute to decision making if this decision is significant and relates to land and/or any body of water. State the possible implications and how this report aligns with Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi.	The implications for Māori are not materially different from any other group in the community.
Identify persons likely to be affected by or have an interest in the matter, and how you have given consideration to their views or preferences (for example – youth, the aged and those with disabilities).	The views of persons with mobility impairment as represented through the Disability Action Group have not been obtained.
State the financial implications and where budgetary provisions have been made to support this decision.	Financial implications are covered in section 3.
Chief Financial Officer review.	This report has been reviewed by the Chief Financial Officer.

Infrastructure Committee Meeting Agenda

9 February 2022

6 Information Reports

6.1 Tourism Infrastructure Fund Round 4 - Freedom Camping Study

File Number: A3473099

Author: David Clamp, Manager - Major and Recovery Projects

Authoriser: Andy Finch, General Manager - Infrastructure and Asset Management

TAKE PŪRONGO / Purpose of the Report

To present tourism infrastructure fund Round 4 report “Freedom Camping Study Tif-R4-005f FNDC.

WHAKARĀPOPOTO MATUA / Executive SummarY

The report considers all forms of camping across the Far North district, but the primary focus is on demand for low-cost or free camping. It considers the current supply of campsites and holiday parks across the district, including those provided by commercial operators, DoC and others. It addresses all campers visiting the district regardless of origin (locals, Northlanders, other New Zealanders and overseas visitors).

The work began with an infrastructure focus but uncovered some wider issues which are included in the report as they should influence infrastructure planning.

TŪTOHUNGA / Recommendation

That the Infrastructure Committee receive the report “FREEDOM CAMPING STUDY TIF-R4-005F FNDC”.

tĀHUHU KŌRERO / Background

In preparing applications to the Tourism Infrastructure Fund for 2019/20 project funding it became clear that significant growth in the number of visitors choosing to tour and freedom camp in the Far North was placing an increasing strain on camping facilities. It was apparent that a review of these facilities and the current freedom camping situation was required to ensure the best-value solutions were considered and that strong data was available to support external funding applications.

An ever-increasing number of Far North residents and visitors are choosing to camp at a wide range of campsites and scenic spots right across the district. This is putting significant pressure on DoC and commercial camping sites.

Those who cannot find ‘formal’ camping sites then tend to join the large number of people already enjoying the freedom camping experience, turning scenic public areas into freedom camping ‘hotspots’ - particularly in peak season.

Covid-19 had no detrimental effects on camping numbers over the 2020/21 summer season and in fact numbers were likely higher overall with domestic visitors the vast majority. Covid-19 continues to cause major disruption to international and regional travel. The Delta strain is changing the way we approach the pandemic, and the shape of the upcoming 2021/22 peak tourist season is an unknown. The infrastructure issues addressed in this report are still relevant.

The Freedom Camping Act does not allow local authorities simply to ban freedom camping so the activity needs to be managed. This means encouraging and enabling responsible freedom camping behaviour and ensuring that there is adequate supply to meet demand. ‘Supply’ should not be read exclusively as freedom camping locations - it can also mean low-cost commercial or privately managed camping spots and overnight park-up areas in our towns where campers can safely stay while supporting local businesses.

Most travellers want to do the right thing, but it is frequently difficult for them to know or find out where they can stop and camp legally. There is little consistency across the country and travellers can unwittingly travel from one council jurisdiction to another and be subject to an entirely different set of freedom camping restrictions. Some councils have developed bylaws governing freedom camping, some use a reserves bylaw, some have guidelines and yet others have none of these, meaning they choose to take a permissive approach.

The MBIE funded ($249k 2020/21) Kaitiaki Rangers programme has been a highly successful initiative over the last three years and has contributed significantly to the management of campers during the peak season. Unfortunately MBIE has very recently announced funding will no longer be provided for the Responsible camping program. Alternate funding options need to be considered to keep the program running.

Freedom camping has not been formally addressed by the Far North District Council since 2016 when a freedom camping policy was developed. At that time the Council chose not to develop a Freedom Camping bylaw but to use instead the Reserves bylaw to restrict freedom camping in some areas. The reserves bylaw has since expired but many of the restrictive camping signs remain in place. In addition, some out-of-date documents, such as the policy, are still in the public domain.

MATAPAKI ME NGĀ KŌWHIRINGA / Discussion and Next Steps

There is no clearly nominated ‘owner’ within the Far North District Council of freedom camping issues and opportunities; nobody who really understands the issues and represents the topic in strategic discussions, policy development or in planning changes. Management of freedom camping is dependent on MBIE funding and, at peak, must often be rushed.

The report recommends the development of a Responsible Camping strategy for the Far North that considers the following;

1. Better leverage and publicise existing infrastructure

a) Aim to increase camping supply and spread the infrastructure burden over peak camping periods through a number of options listed in the report.

2. Provide more toilets and dump-stations on key tourist routes

a) The review identified a shortage of dump-stations (particularly the Cape Reinga area, the Hokianga and Doubtless Bay)

b) A new toilet block is also recommended at Te Paki Stream

3. Provide better information

a) provide information that is sufficiently clear and complete to help campers do the right thing. (Websites and signage)

4. Adopt a regulatory approach where education trumps enforcement

a) A freedom camping bylaw is not recommended. Lessons learned from other councils indicate that it does not provide much benefit and results in increased enforcement and legal costs.

b) So far, an educational approach (rather than a focus on enforcement) has been successful for Far North District Council, with low levels of complaints since the introduction of the Kaitiaki Ranger programme

5. Encourage campers to take responsibility

6. Trial ‘smart bins’ to reduce rubbish overflow

7. Extract additional value from camping visitors

a) The provision of adequate facilities will encourage campers to stay longer, visit more commercial visitor attractions and continue to spend money in the area

b) allow other individuals or organisations with suitable land to provide camping spaces at peak season

c) Explore user pays as an option for new infrastructure

8. Allocate dedicated resource/s

a) Allocate dedicated resource and strategic guidance and ownership to this topic

9. Work towards a more ‘joined up’ approach

a) work with adjoining local authorities to develop common standards for signage

b) think Northland-wide in terms of information sharing.

c) participate in the national Responsible Camping Forum to help develop national standards

The document will be used to support infrastructure planning and to provide the data and background required to support external funding applications.

Report recommendations would be adopted subject to the approval of a costed implementation plan

PĀNGA PŪTEA ME NGĀ WĀHANGA TAHUA / Financial Implications and Budgetary Provision

Nil.

Āpitihanga / Attachments

1. Attachment - TIF R4 Freedom Camping Study FINAL Report - 281021 - A3572966 ⇩

Time:	9.30 am
Location:	Virtually via Microsoft Teams

Compliance requirement	Staff assessment
State the level of significance (high or low) of the issue or proposal as determined by the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy	This is a matter of low significance.
State the relevant Council policies (external or internal), legislation, and/or community outcomes (as stated in the LTP) that relate to this decision.	This report complies with the Local Government Act 2002 Schedule 7 Section 28.
State whether this issue or proposal has a District wide relevance and, if not, the ways in which the appropriate Community Board’s views have been sought.	It is the responsibility of each meeting to confirm their minutes therefore the views of another meeting are not relevant.
State the possible implications for Māori and how Māori have been provided with an opportunity to contribute to decision making if this decision is significant and relates to land and/or any body of water.	There are no implications on Māori in confirming minutes from a previous meeting. Any implications on Māori arising from matters included in meeting minutes should be considered as part of the relevant report.
Identify persons likely to be affected by or have an interest in the matter, and how you have given consideration to their views or preferences (for example – youth, the aged and those with disabilities.	This report is asking for the minutes to be confirmed as true and correct record, any interests that affect other people should be considered as part of the individual reports.
State the financial implications and where budgetary provisions have been made to support this decision.	There are no financial implications or the need for budgetary provision arising from this report.
Chief Financial Officer review.	The Chief Financial Officer has not reviewed this report.

Year	Amount
2021-2022	$324,328
2022-2023	$303,700
2023-2024	$303,700