Agenda of Council - Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Council

14 May 2025

File No.: 25/232

6.1 Mayoral Report

Author(s)

Bernie Wanden JP

Mayor | Kahika

Approved by

Bernie Wanden JP

Mayor | Kahika

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. The purpose of this report is to inform Council and the community about events and functions, and Council-related meetings that I attended 15 March – 30 April 2025, and to provide an update on items of interest.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀ TAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report Mayoral Report be received and noted.

B. That Council authorises the Mayor, and Crs ________ and ________ to attend the Local Government New Zealand Conference to be held in Christchurch 15-18 July 2025.

C. That Council nominates Crs ________ and ________ as the alternates to exercise Council’s voting rights, should the presiding delegate not be in attendance at the 2025 Annual General Meeting of Local Government New Zealand.

MATTERS OF INTEREST | NGĀ TAKE HIRAHIRA

2. The following meetings, functions and events were attended from 15 March – 30 April 2025.

Meetings, Functions and Events Attended

15 March – 30 April 2025

Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs – Governance Group meeting

Taitoko School visit

Tokomaru / Opiki – Community meeting

Wellington Regional Leadership Committee meeting

Local Water Done Well consultation – Facebook live session

HDC Staff Meeting

Chief Executive Employment & Performance Committee meeting

Capital Projects Steering Group meeting

Council workshop and briefing

Citizens Panel Workshop (1) - Local Waters Done Well Consultation

Ratepayer meeting

Business visit - Levin and Horowhenua Veterinary Centre Visit

Citizens Panel Workshop (2) - Local Waters Done Well Consultation

Levin East School visit

Te Awahou Foxton Māori Wardens lunch meeting

Launch of the Papangaio Te Wharangi Manawatū Estuary Management Plan 2025 - 2035

NZ Police Darts Competition opening

Neighbours Day at the Levin Adventure Park

HK Cricket – dinner celebrating 100 years of cricket in Horowhenua-Kāpiti

Celebrating 150 years of Cricket in HK - HK Mayoral XI cricket game

Westpac Levin – blessing and opening

MASH Trust – opening of new Community Space Te Puna Rau Aroha

UCOL – graduation

Monthly catch-up with MP Tim Costley

Coast Access Radio interview

Local Waters Done Well – Four Council Forum

Public forum

Council meeting

Manawatu River Leaders Accord forum

Tokomaru School visit

Horowhenua Transport Services Governance Group meeting

Business visit – New World Levin

100^th Birthday visit to Hilda

Business visit – Oxford Finance

Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs – employers morning tea

Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs – teams meeting

Ratepayer meeting

Community Funding & Recognition Committee meeting

Council workshop and briefing

Zone Three meeting in Hawera

Mitchpine – 50 years celebration

LGNZ zoom with Infometrics’ Brad Olsen: Local government economic insights

Levin tornado – Incident management team briefing, site visits and media interviews

Business visit – Crighton’s ITM

Ratepayer organised meeting - Project Levin Hall and Green - Meet the developer

Levin School visit

Business After 5 function

Kāpiti Coast Trails Trust meeting

Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs meeting

Coast Access Radio interview

Hearing – Local Waters Bylaw

Mayor and Chief Executive catch-up

Rural Health Roadshow – Hon Matt Doocey, Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health

Darlene Rastrick and Paul McMillan (MSD) meeting

Older Persons’ Network meeting

Foxton Easter Fair – opening

Poppy painting at Levin Cenotaph

Business visit – Greenhaven Homes

Audit NZ meeting

Local Waters Done Well meeting with Minister Watts and MP Tim Costley

ANZAC Day – Dawn Service, Manakau Service, Levin War Veterans Service, Levin Civic Service, Masonic Village Service, Ōhau Community Service

Big Dutch Day Out at Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom

Read for Trees Community Planting at Kowhai Park

Levinable Project – Pre-start blessing

Walk of Fame – special plaque unveiling

Koputaroa School visit

Ratepayer meeting – SH57 speed reversal

Horowhenua FMU Water Quality Interventions Governance Group Meeting

Extraordinary Council meeting - Hearing of Submitters - Local Waters Done Well

Risk & Assurance Committee meeting

Submission - Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill

3. Council took the opportunity to submit on the Term of Parliament Legislation Amendment Bill. The submission outlined Council’s support for a four-year term and specifically, the extension of a four-year term to both Parliamentary and Local Government, as the same benefits apply to each.

Council believes this would provide certainty to voters and ensure the electoral system operates more effectively and efficiently.

For information purposes, the submission is attached.

Submission – Horizons annual plan amendment

4. A submission was made to Horizons Annual Plan Amendment specifically to Topic 1: funding public transport improvements without NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi funding. As indicated in the submission, HDC is advocating for better, regular and more accessible transport options across the Horowhenua district.

For information purposes, the submission is attached.

Regional Transport Committee – Draft Minutes 4 March 2025

5. Membership of this Committee is specified by section 105(2) of the Land Transport Management Act 2003 and consists of two Regional Councillors: Crs Rachel Keedwell (Chair) and Sam Ferguson, together with seven members representing Territorial Authorities (one from each Territorial Authority in the region), and one member representing the Waka Kotahi (New Zealand Transport Agency).

This Committee plans and promotes the establishment of an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable land transport system for the Manawatū-Whanganui Region.

For information purposes, the draft minutes are attached.

Climate Action Joint Committee – Draft Minutes 3 March 2025

6. All Mayors within the Horizon’s region are a member of the Climate Action Joint Committee which meets on a quarterly basis. The purpose of this committee is to:

Receive scientific evidence and Mātauranga Māori to inform strategic leadership on how the

Manawatū-Whanganui Region could achieve climate change mitigation and adaptation; and

Inform the development of climate change adaptation and mitigation objectives, share information, and facilitate collaborative action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for climate change impacts.

For information purposes, the draft minutes from the meeting held 3 March 2025 are attached.

LGNZ Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM)

7. The 2025 LGNZ Conference and AGM is being held in Christchurch from 15-18 July.

As Horowhenua District Council is a member of LGNZ, it is entitled to representation at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is held in conjunction with the conference.

Horowhenua District Council is entitled to three votes at the AGM. The voting entitlement of each member authority is determined by that authority’s subscription level. Mayor Wanden is the presiding delegate responsible for voting on behalf of HDC at the AGM.

Horowhenua District Council delegates are selected on a rotational basis to ensure most or all Councillors are able to attend a LGNZ Conference during their time as an elected member. As per the Elected Members Expenses and Allowances Policy 2024, costs for the Mayor and Councillor attendees are able to be covered, for the conference.

Approval is sought for Mayor Wanden and two Councillors to attend the Conference and for the two Councillors to be listed as alternate delegates who can attend and vote on behalf of the Horowhenua District Council at the AGM, in case the presiding delegate is not able to attend.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Submission - Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-Year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill - 29 April 2025	11
b ⇩	Submission - Horizons Annual Plan Amendment - 30 April 2025	14
c ⇩	DRAFT Regional Transport Committee Minutes - 4 March 2025	16
d ⇩	DRAFT Climate Action Joint Committee Minutes - 3 March 2025	20

Council

14 May 2025

File No.: 25/226

7.1 Adoption of the Annual Plan 2025/26 and the Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26

Author(s)

Carolyn Dick

Strategic Planning Manager | Kaihautū Rangapū Hinonga Arawaka

Pei Shan Gan

Financial Controller | Kaiwhakahaere Tahua Pūtea

Approved by

David McCorkindale

Group Manager - Vision & Delivery | Tumu Rangapū, Matawhānui Hapori, Whakarite

Jacinta Straker

Group Manager Organisation Performance | Tumu Rangapū, Tutukinga Whakahaere

Monique Davidson

Chief Executive Officer | Tumuaki

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. This report provides the material required for Council to receive the submissions from consultation on the Food Act and Resource Management fees, to adopt the Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/6 and to adopt the Annual Plan 2025/26.

This matter relates to Delivering the Long-Term Plan 2024-44

Delivering the Long-Term Plan 2024-44

This matter relates to Ensuring Financial Discipline and Management

Ensure financial discipline and compliance with our financial strategy and benchmarks.

Implement organisation-wide stringent budget monitoring to ensure all departments adhere to allocated budgets, promoting a culture of financial accountability and transparency across all levels.

Executive Summary | TE WHAKARĀPOPOTOTANGA MATUA

2. The paper covers two related topics required for delivering Year 2 of the Long Term Plan 2024-2044 (the LTP):

a. Setting Fees and Charges for 2025/26, following the policy approach agreed in the Revenue and Financing Policy within the LTP.

b. Adopting the Annual Plan 2025/26, year 2 of the LTP.

3. As legislatively required, Council has consulted on the proposed Food Act and Resource Management related fees. We also consulted on all other fees. The 3 submissions received are presented today. No comments were received relating to those fees. Three minor changes are recommended to the wider proposed Fees and Charges Schedule presented to Council in December 2024.

4. The proposed Annual Plan 2025/26 is consistent with the strategic and policy direction of the LTP 2024-2044. The proposed total rates increase is 10.2% (before growth), lower than the 11.6% (9.9% after growth) forecast in the LTP 2024-2044. Currently the growth assumption is still being confirmed and so the average rates increase after accounting for growth is expected to be between 1.3% and 1.7% which will make the average rates increase after growth between 8.5% and 8.9%.

5. Additionally, progress in planning and development of a number of projects means some capital project budgets are proposed to be rephrased to align with the now expected timing. This results in an overall reduction of $4.7m in total borrowings over the Long Term Plan period.

6. During Council workshops, Elected Members requested that Council Officers provide an additional option in this paper for increasing the level of rates funding to reduce the level of unfunded deprecation in the three waters activities. This is with the aim of repaying additional borrowings and getting to a balanced budget sooner that the 2027/28 year that is forecast in the Long Term Plan. Increasing rates by a further 0.1% or $62,319 is estimated to increase rates for properties that are serviced by water by a further $4.00 - $5.00.

7. This report does not include setting the rates for 2025/26. A paper will be brought to the 25 June 2025 Council Meeting for that purpose, enabling that calculation to be made with the latest possible count of the growth in rateable properties since 1 July 2024. This is the key reason why the rating examples included in this document will require amendment to ensure that are in line with the final rates setting. This is because the final growth in the rateable properties will not be confirmed until mid-June.

DELEGATION OR AUTHORITY TO ACT | TE MANA WHAKATAU I NGĀ KAWENGA

Fees and charges

8. Council has the power to set fees and charges under section 12(2) of the Local government Act 2002:

12(2) For the purposes of performing its role, a local authority has—

(a) full capacity to carry on or undertake any activity or business, do any act, or enter into any transaction; and

((b) for the purposes of paragraph (a), full rights, powers, and privileges.

Council is also able to set charges through Bylaws under section 150 of the Local Government Act.

9. The fees and charges collated in the Fees and Charges Schedule comply with these two powers.

Annual Plan

10. Section 95 of the Local Government Act 2002 requires Council to adopt an Annual Plan by 30 June for each financial year that a Long Term Plan is not prepared. As 2025/26 is not a Long Term Plan year, that means Council must adopt the Annual Plan 2025/26 by 30 June 2025.

11. Council must consult on the Annual Plan if there are “significant or material differences from the content of the long-term plan for the financial year to which the proposed annual plan relates” (s92(2)(a)).

12. Sections 78, 79 and 82 set out matters that must be considered when determining the consultation approach if consultation is required. To summarise, Council must present information about the change from the Long Term Plan, ensure there are opportunities for people to have a say, for these to be considered by Council with open minds.

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT | He Aromatawai Matua

13. Adoption of the Annual Plan 2025/26 is assessed as not significant as it is generally consistent with the Long Term Plan 2024-2044 with no significant or material changes. While it is acknowledged that the Annual Plan is of community interest given that it has a moderate impact on a large proportion of the community, the changes to the Annual Plan are reducing the level of impact from the Long Term Plan 2024-2044 that was publicly consulted on and adopted in 2024. The decision to adopt the Annual Plan 2025/26 is not considered to trigger the Significance and Engagement Policy criteria of Importance to Horowhenua, Consistency with existing policy, and the Impact on Council’s capacity and capability.

14. The Annual Plan and Fees and Charges schedule will be made public before they take effect, and an online Rates Calculator will be launched following the adoption of the Annual Plan to enable people to check their estimated rates. It is noted that that the final rates calculations will not be available until rates are set on 25 June 2025.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀ TAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report Adoption of the Annual Plan 2025/26 and the Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26be received.

B. That this matter or decision is recognised as significant in terms of s76 of the Local Government Act 2002.

C. Receive the submissions made during consultation on the Food Act and Resource Management fees (Attachment 1).

D. That Council thanks submitters for their time and acknowledges their submissions.

E. That Council amends the Shannon Pool fee from $2.10 to $2.00, noting the different payment arrangement for Shannon Pool.

F. That Council amends the proposed Foxton pool admission fee from $5.70 to $5.60 to be aligned with charges at Levin Pool.

G. That Council updates the Unapproved works (activities being undertaken without an approved WAP or Traffic Management Plan) under Corridor Access Requests from $1,545 to $1,500 due to this being the legislative maximum fine value.

H. That Council, having taken into account the submissions received during the consultation on the Food Act and Resource Management fees and charges, that the Schedule of Fees and Charges 2025/26 be adopted as operative fees and charges for the 2025/26 year, effective 1 July 2025 (Attachment 2).

I. That Council approve that, after considering the matters set out in Section 100(2)(a)-(d) of the Local Government Act 2002, that the Annual Plan 2025/26 does not have projected operating revenues at a level that is sufficient to meet projected operating expenses and balance the operating budget. This is in line with the Financial Strategy and it is noted that the budget planned to be balanced by 2027/28.

J. That Council adopts the Annual Plan 2025/2026 in accordance with s95 of the Local Government Act 2002 (Attachment 3).

K. That the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to insert the after growth percentage rates increase, the rating mechanisms and rating examples detail into the Annual Plan 2025/25 after the rates are set on 25 June 2025, and to make editorial changes that arise as part of the publication process for the Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26 and the Annual Plan 2025/26.

L. That the Council approve a total rates increase after (before growth) for 2025/26 of 10.2% (between 8.5 – 8.9% after growth).

Background | HE KŌRERO TŪĀPAPA

15. Council must adopt an Annual Plan and set rates by 30 June 2025, and adopt any fees and charges that are to be charged for the 2025/26 financial year.

Annual Plan 2025/26

16. Annual Plan 2025/26 covers year 2 of the Long Term Plan 2024-2044. The Long Term Plan focused on: Doing the basics well, being ready for the future including preparing for growth and O2NL, and reviewing the Waste Minimisation and Management Plan.

17. At that time Council agreed a sustainable financial approach was required to balance the impact of economic pressures on our ratepayers and residents, with the need to ensure Council’s finances are sustainable in the longer-term. This included changes to some levels of service.

18. Officers started working on the Annual Plan by reviewing the Long Term Plan budgets with any changes that had occurred since that was adopted or were known would occur before the Annual Plan is adopted.

19. The table below sets out what the Long Term Plan said for Year 2:

Year 2 of 2024-44 Long term plan	2025/26
Total rates increase (decrease)	11.6%
Rates increase (decrease) after growth	9.9%
Growth	1.7%
Rates limit (after growth)	15%
Total rates ($m)	$69.3
Our proposed capital programme ($m)	$47.1
Our proposed net borrowing ($m)	$208.3m
Our LTP 24-44 Financial Strategy borrowings limit (250% of operating income)	$217.6m
Our proposed net debt to operating revenue ratio	239%

20. Council held four workshops in developing the Annual Plan and proposed Fees and Charges, set the direction for the budget at the 11 December 2024 Council meeting , and considered the impacts on borrowings and rates impact from proposed re-phasing of the Capital Programme for 2025/26.

Date	Topic
25 September 2024	Council Workshop 1: Introduction and initial approach discussion
23 October 2024	Council Workshop 2: Budgets and consultation approach
20 November 2024	Council Workshop 3: Budgets
11 December 2024	Council Meeting: Endorsement of Annual Plan 2025/26 budget and draft Fees and Charges
19 March 2025	Capital Projects Steering Group: Borrowings and Rates impact from proposed re-phasing of the Capital Programme for 2025/26
9 April 2025	Council Workshop 4: Pre-Adoption Check-in

21. If the Annual Plan proposes ‘significant or material changes from the Long Term Plan’ council must consult on the Annual Plan. If not, consultation is not required as this indicates Council and its finances remain significantly and materially consistent with the adopted Long Term Plan.

22. Council has held the 16.6% average rates increase in 2024/25 front of mind, aware of the feedback from and impact on ratepayers, but also aware of support for Council’s approach to managing finances.

23. Based on the budgets and material presented in the Workshops and at the Council Meeting on 11 December 2024 for formal direction, Council agreed that as no significant changes from the Long Term Plan were needed or proposed, consultation was not required.

24. At the 11 December 2024 Council Meeting, Council having taken into account the information received during the Council workshops held over the previous three months, endorsed the preferred proposed average rates increase package (after accounting for growth) of 9.3% for the 2025/26 year.

25. Following further work on the budgets, the proposed rates increase in this paper is 10.2% before growth. The detail of this is set out in sections below.

26. The formal rates setting by Council will be finalised at the Council meeting on 25 June 2025 once all information from Quotable Value on number of rating units, valuation of new rating units and new houses is received by Council. This will confirm the total number of rating units that the rates for 2025/26 will be spread across.

Fees and Charges 2025/26

27. The Long Term Plan included a thorough review of the Revenue and Financing Policy and some more significant increases to some fees and charges to ensure Council complied with that Policy.

28. With those increases still relatively recent, and with households still facing a difficult economic climate, most fees and charges have increased by the rate of inflation only. Not all fees and changes are proposed to increase. Some new fees are included, for example: trade waste. Any changes to Fees and Charges would have a corresponding rates impact.

29. Council is required to consult on fees and charges proposed under the Food Act 2014 and Resource Management Act 1991. Detail of the consultation and submissions received is set out in the next section.

Discussion | HE MATAPAKINGA

Fees and Charges 2025/26

30. Council endorsed the Draft Fees and Charges Schedule and preparation consultation material for consultation on the Resource Management and Food Act fees.

Consultation

31. Consultation took place from 28 February 2025 to 28 March 2025. Information was provided through a Let’s Korero page, press release, and social media posts.

32. While consultation was only required for the Food Act and Resource Management fees and charges, the complete proposed Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26 was shared so anyone could see whether there was a change for 2025/26, and if so, how much.

33. Three submissions were received and are presented to Council for receipt as Attachment 1.

Summary of submissions

34. No submissions were received about the Food Act or Resource Management fees and charges themselves.

35. The table below shows that submitter numbers on these fees have been either 0 or 1 over the last six years.

Year	Number of submissions on Food Act and Resource Management fees and charges
2019/20	0 (note: 1 submitted, but withdrawn as was for NGO and eligible for a fee reduction so progressed with officer assistance)
2020/21	0
2021/22	0
2022/23	0
2023/24	1 submission - Consultation on all fees and charges alongside Long Term Plan Amendment
2024/25	1 submission - Consultation on all fees and charges alongside Long Term Plan

36. Three submissions were received providing feedback about other fees and charges in the draft Fees and Charges schedule.

Submitter 1 from Shannon, commented on rates in general, noting a number of services that they say aren’t received in Shannon, and asking that Council stop increasing fees. This submitter had originally signalled they wished to speak in support of their submission but officers were unable to contact them to arrange this.

Submitter 2 provided feedback on a number of fees and charges, noting “On the whole everything looks pretty standard and expected increases”. They also said:

· Good green waste disposal costs go down slightly

· Shannon Memorial Hall fees: Noted that Shannon different to other parts of district, appreciated the 50c only increase

· Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom – tea and coffee: Suggests 50c increase warranted rather than 10c.

· Supports the Mahi Space fees

· Supports Council not increasing printing costs for users

· Shannon Pool fees: Change the $2.10 charge to $2 as finding change fiddly, find extra 10c from elsewhere.

· Other: Suggests fruit at Council-led meetings rather than biscuits as it’s healthier.

Submitter 3 suggested that all the small E-waste parts should be made free, for example all that fits into a rubbish bin and cost less than a $10 fee. They submit that there is no incentive to recycle any of those items and not just discard them with the general rubbish. They also say the litter infringement is way too low especially in comparison to some of the other penalties.

Analysis

37. To determine the proposed fees and charges for 2025/26 the Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL) inflation rates have been applied.

38. Most of the 2025/26 fees and charges have been updated to reflect the BERL rates where required.

Inflation indices according to BERL cost adjusters report	2025/26 cost adjuster (%)
Planning and Regulation	2.7
Roading	3.0
Community	3.0
Water and Environment	2.5

39. All fees are rounded to the nearest ten cents, except for fees above $10 which are rounded to the nearest fifty cents, and composite building fees as the individual fees are already rounded.

40. New fees for 2025/26 are listed below:

A) Proposed new fees for 2025/26 - Community Infrastructure

· Local Waters Done Well Transition:

o Community Infrastructure - Operator Hourly Rate

o Wastewater - Requirement for remedial works on private property

o Stormwater - Application Fee – per connection / disconnection (for water and / or sewer) up to two

o Stormwater - Connection / Disconnection to Network

o Stormwater - Requirement for remedial works on private property

· Trade Waste, Operationalisation of the Bylaw:

o Inspection Fees

o Annual fee; Low risk, Medium risk and High risk

o Monitoring

o Consent Application; Low risk, Medium risk and High risk

o Compliance reinspection monitoring - fixed charge (low, medium and high risk)

o PIN fee for Wastewater Treatment Plant

· Solid Waste Disposal

o Vans/Ute/Trailer/Trucks – Green (per tonne)

o Hazardous Waste Foxton

o Solid Waste Disposal - Polystyrene per tonne (new service)

B) Proposed new fees for 2025/26 - Community Facilities

· Aquatic Facilities

o Aqua Rehab - Single Ticket, and 15 Ticket

o Fitness Class

§ Yogilates, and 15 Ticket

§ Legs, Bums and Tums, and 15 Ticket

C) Proposed new fees for 2025/26 - Compliance

· Building Compliance - Building Act Territorial Authority (TA) processing fee (hourly rate or part thereof)

D) Proposed new fees for 2025/26 - Treasury & Support

· Administration Fees

o Research fee (per hour)

o Rates postponement fee, and Note: 2. A statutory land charge will be registered against the property and the cost of establishing this will be added to the postponed amount.

Shannon Pool fees

41. While overall all fees are rounded to the nearest ten cents, officers are aware that cash payments in Shannon are more common, and on that basis recommend that Council amends the Shannon Pool fee from $2.10 to $2.00.

Recycling, e-waste and litter

42. A submitter suggested that recycling of small e-waste items be made free and that litter infringement fees are too low.

43. Regarding litter infringement fees, these are set under the Litter Act 1979 and so Council cannon change the amount charged.

44. Regarding e-waste recycling, officers note that there are a number of items than can be recycled free of charge currently, and a number of others for a small fee. The intention is to recover the charges applied by the processor to the end waste user. Some items are no charge since the processor does not charge Council to process them, e.g. desktop computers.

It is noted that while there may not be a charge to dispose of the item, there will be some component of cost to be covered by rates, for example, cost to transport, cost to break up into discreet components, cost to handle. The fees go some way to covering these costs. Council will rely on a combination of fees and consumer education to move e-Waste end users to recycle instead of disposing to landfill. Pricing is part of the process to divert e-Waste from going to landfill.

It is not recommended that any further change be made at this time.

Recommended changes

45. Subsequent changes recommended by officers following Council’s endorsement of the proposed fees and charges schedule for 2025/26 include:

a. Correction to Foxton pool admission fee from $5.70 to $5.60 to be aligned with charges at Levin Pool.

b. Correction to Unapproved works (activities being undertaken without an approved WAP or Traffic Management Plan) under Corridor Access Requests from $1,545 to $1,500 due to this being the legislative maximum fine value.

46. It is noted that Council is considering adoption of the Local Waters Combined Bylaw, which enables the collection of related fees and charges, including the new trade waste fees. The amounts of these fees and included in this table

47. The proposed Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26 is attached as Attachment 2.

Recommendations

48. That Council acknowledge, with thanks the submissions received in relation to the proposed Fees and Charges 2025/26.

49. That Council amends the Shannon Pool fee from $2.10 to $2.00, noting the different payment approach.

50. That Council amends the proposed Foxton pool admission fee from $5.70 to $5.60 to be aligned with charges at Levin Pool.

51. That Council updates the Unapproved works (activities being undertaken without an approved WAP or Traffic Management Plan) under Corridor Access Requests from $1,545 to $1,500 due to this being the legislative maximum fine value.

Annual Plan 2025/26

Rates increase

52. Council endorsed a preferred 11% total rates increase (before growth) for 2025/26 year in its meeting on 11 December 2024. Subsequently, officers were able to reduce the total rates increase of 11% down to 10.2%. This was presented in a Council workshop on 9 April 2025. Fixed costs such as interest and Council’s direction for us to stick to our financial strategy goal of a balanced budget by 2027/28 make up the majority of the proposed 10.2% total rates increase.

53. The increase in employee costs is offset by reduction in Maintenance – this is largely due to the Local Water team being brought in house in November 2024 requiring a re-alignment of future budget requirements.

Total Expenditure	2024/25 ($000)	2025/26 ($000)	% Increase/ decrease)
Depreciation	$23,385	$23,386	-
Interest	$7,624	$9,852	3.6%
Employee costs	$21,734	$24,179	3.9%
Maintenance	$18,245	$14,829	(5.5%)
Utilities	$1,762	$1,869	0.2%
Professional Services	$7,303	$6,971	(0.5%)
Insurance	$1,609	$1,936	0.5%
Other Expenses	$7,543	$9,854	3.7%
Fees and Charges	($8,790)	($10,150)	(2.2%)
Grants and Subsidies	($4,852)	($3,344)	2.4%
Debt funded opex	($5,848)	($5,387)	0.7%
Unfunded Depreciation	($7,594)	($5,299)	3.7%
Total Rates needed before growth	$62,121	$68,695	10.6%
Total Rates forecast for 2024/25	$62,337		(0.4%)
*Proposed total rates increase (before growth) for 2025/26*			10.2%

54. The reduction to a 10.2% total rates increase (before growth) from the proposed 11% signalled in 11 December 2024 Council meeting is due to further savings found within Council, and includes the following changes:

Changes	Amount for 2025/26 ($’000)	Rates impact for 2025/26 (%)
Revised total rates increase (before growth) for 2025/26		11%
Changes to subsidised Roading spend (Net decrease) - due to changes in NZTA Waka Kotahi funding for 2024/25 and 2025/26	-$554	-0.9%
Software Licence Fees for Local Waters	+$74	+0.1%
Mahi Space Revenue (new proposed fee)	- $5	-0.0%
Proposed total rates increase (before growth) for 2025/26		10.2%

55. During Council workshops, Elected Members requested that Council Officers provide an additional option in this paper for increasing the level of rates funding to reduce the level of unfunded deprecation in the three waters activities. This is with the aim of repaying additional borrowings and getting to a balanced budget sooner that the 2027/28 year that is forecast in the Long Term Plan. Increasing rates by a further 0.1% or $62,319 is estimated to increase rates for properties that are serviced by water by a further $4.00 - $5.00.

56. If Council requests to increase rates from 10.2% to 10.9% for example, that would have the following impact:

1. Increase rates by $249,275 (62,319 (0.1%) x 4 to get to the 0.4% rates increase)

2. Decrease borrowings by $249,275

3. Increase water or wastewater rates by approximately $17 for everyone connected to water supply ($249,275 / 14,632 connections at 1 July 2024)

57. Officers advice is given the pending decisions on Local Waters Service delivery into the future, and the uncertainty about year-end growth projections, that Council should consider the adoption of resolution That the Council approve a total rates increase after (before growth) for 2025/26 of 10.2% (between 8.5 – 8.9% after growth).

Capital expenditure

58. Capital expenditure required for Council’s infrastructure and community assets for growth, levels of service and renewals is proposed to be $47.7m for 2025/26 year. The table below shows planned capital expenditure for 2025/26 at $47.7m and indicative capital expenditure for 2026/27 at $41.1m and 2027/28 at $65.7m following a capital programme prioritisation exercise completed by Council officers. This was presented to the Capital Projects Steering Group on 19 March 2025 and the information was also provided to all Elected Members for the Annual Plan Workshop on 9 April 2025.

59. There may be some proposals early in the next financial year for capital carry forwards following the finalisation of 2024/25 financial year end results, to account for commitment of capital works not yet expensed by 30 June 2025. This would be brought to Council for approval after finalisation of financial results for 2024/25 year.

Debt

60. The graph below summarises Council’s planned net borrowings. It is important to note that there is $16m debt headroom available in 2025/26 following the prioritization exercise on Council’s capital programme. Council’s debt limit is proposed to be maintained at below 250% of operating income.

61. The changes to LTP borrowings are summarised in table below. There is an overall reduction of $4.7m in total borrowings following the re-prioritisation exercise of Council’s capital programme.

	2024/25 ($m)	2025/26 ($m)	2026/27 ($m)	2027/28 ($m)
Changes to Capital Programme	-7.7	+0.6	-6.0	+6.3
Changes in Capital Subsidy/Grant	+2.4	-1.8	-0.3	-
Changes in debt funded operating costs	+0.3	+0.6	+0.6	+0.3
Total Annual Changes	-5.0	-0.6	-5.7	+6.6
Cumulative Changes	-5.0	-5.6	-11.3	-4.7

Options | Ngā Kōwhiringa

Options \| Ngā Kōwhiringa	Benefits \| Ngā Whiwhinga	Risks \| Ngā Mōrearea
Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26
Option A (recommended) Receive the submissions, agree to the amendments recommended and adopt the Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26 with those amendments included.	· The fees and charges would be consistent with the Revenue and Financing Policy in the LTP 2024/2044. · Council will be able to collect these fees and charges from 1 July 2025. · Council can communicate the confirmed fees and charges with residents and ratepayers so they can plan with certainty.	· Not all submitter recommendations would be actioned. Mitigating this is the consistent application of the approach in the Revenue and Financing Policy. It does not preclude further consideration or changes in future Annual or Long Term Plans.
Option B (status quo) Receive the submissions and adopt the Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26 without agreeing the officer amendments	· The fees and charges would be consistent with the Revenue and Financing Policy in the LTP 2024/2044. · Council will be able to collect these fees and charges from 1 July 2025. · Council can communicate the confirmed fees and charges with residents and ratepayers so they can plan with certainty.	· Without agreeing the officer recommendations, the Fees and Charges Schedule would contain o an unintended higher charge for Foxton pool admission than Levin Pool. o an incorrect and non-legislatively compliance charged for Unapproved works (activities being undertaken without an approved WAP or Traffic Management Plan).
Option C (not recommended) Not adopt the Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26	· Council would not be able to collect these fees and charges from 1 July 2025.	· Inability to collect fees and charges would Council’s financial position and protection of aspects of the district and community members at risk, as the financial deterrent to complying with Bylaws would not exist.
Annual Plan 2025/26
Option A (recommended) Adopt the Annual Plan 2025/26	· Council would be legally compliant as the LGA requires an Annual Plan to be adopted by 30 June. · The strategic direction for council is confirmed for officers to implement and clarifies expectations for the community · The budget and proposed percentage rates increase before growth is confirmed.	· The rates will be struck separately on 25 June 2025 to ensure the correct amount of growth is accounted for. To mitigate any amendments to the Annual Plan needed from this, a recommendation is included in this paper to allow the Chief Executive to make any amendments needed to reflect that.
Option B (not recommended) Not adopt the Annual Plan 2025/26	· Council would not be legally compliant.	· Not adopting the Annual Plan places Council’s reputation, finances, delivery of the capital and operational programme, and credit rating at risk.

62. Officers recommend that Council:

a. Receive the submissions, agree to the amendments recommended and adopt the Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26 with those amendments included, so that the fees and charges for 2025/26 are consistent with the Revenue and Financing Policy in the LTP 2024-2044, and that Council will be able to collect these fees and charges from 1 July 2025.

Any further change to Fees and Charges would have a corresponding rates impact. This is not recommended.

b. Adopt the Annual Plan 2025/26 so that Council is legally compliant with the Local Government Act requirement that an Annual Plan be adopted by 30 June. This has the additional significant benefits for the community that Council’s strategic direction is confirmed for officers to implement, and to confirm the budget and proposed percentage rates increase before growth.

ENGAGING WITH MĀORI | TE MAHI TAHI KI TE MĀORI

63. The Annual Plan and Fees and Charges Schedule do not propose issues or options with an impact on mana whenua or Māori more broadly. These two documents follow approaches consulted on during development of the Long Term Plan 2024-2044, where Council engaged with iwi and hapū and their feedback was provided and considered.

CLIMATE CHANGE | NGĀ ĀHUARANGI HURIHURI

64. Through continuation of the direction set in the Long Term Plan 2024-2044, implementation of the Annual Plan 2025/26 will continue the positive impact on Council’s ability to respond to the impacts of climate change.

FINAnCIAL AND RESOURCING | TE TAHUA PŪTEA ME NGĀ RAUEMI

65. The financial implications of the Annual Plan 2025/26 and Fees and Charges are included in sections above, and in the Annual Plan 2025/26 and in the LTP 2024/2044.

Legal and Risk | Te Ture me ngā Mōreareatanga

66. As noted in the Options above, if Council does not adopt an Annual Plan for the 2025/26 year it will be in breach of the Local Government Act 2002, unable to strike then collect rates, and putting Council’s credit rating at risk.

67. If Council does not adopt the Fees and Charges for 2025/26 Council cannot legally charge either, putting reputation, financial position and protection of aspects of the district and community members at risk.

POLICY IMPACT | NGĀ PĀTANGA I NGĀ KAUPAPA HERE

68. The proposed Annual Plan 2025/26 and proposed Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26 are consistent with the Policies and Strategies in the LTP 2024-2044.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT | TE WHAKAWHITI PĀRONGO ME TE MAHI

69. Please see the detail above about the consultation on the Food Act and Resource Management fees and charges.

Communicating with our Community | Te Whakawhiti Pārongo ki te Hapori

70. Councils Rates Calculator is now live, enabling ratepayers to see an indication of rates they’ll be charged for the 2025/26 financial year.

Next Steps | HEI MAHI

71. If Council adopts the proposed Annual Plan 2025/26 and proposed Fees and Charges Schedule 2025/26, the next steps are for:

71.1. Officers to prepare the documents for publication

71.2. Letters to Dog owners to be drafted and sent before the registration period opens on 1 July.

71.3. Council to set the rates at the Council Meeting on 25 June 2005.

Confirmation of statutory compliance

In accordance with sections 76 – 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this report is approved as:

a. containing sufficient information about the options and their advantages and disadvantages, bearing in mind the significance of the decisions; and,

b. is based on adequate knowledge about, and adequate consideration of, the views and preferences of affected and interested parties bearing in mind the significance of the decision.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Submissions - Food Act and RM Fees & Charges Consultation - 2025 - Redacted	48
b ⇩	2025/26 Fees and Charges Full Schedule for Adoption	56
c ⇩	Annual Plan 2025-26 for Adoption	100

Council

14 May 2025

File No.: 25/177

7.2 Adoption of Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025

Author(s)

Justine Moore

Principal Advisor - Infrastructure | Kaihautū Whakamahere Tūāhanga

Approved by

Rob Benefield

Commercial & Operations Manager | Kaiwhakahaere o ngā Kawenga Mahi

Daniel Haigh

Group Manager Community Infrastructure | Tumu Rangapū, Tūāhanga Hapori

Monique Davidson

Chief Executive Officer | Tumuaki

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. This report presents the final proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 to Council for adoption.

2. This follows the consideration of the submissions received to the proposed Bylaw by the Hearings and Regulatory Committee of Council on 15 April 2025, which has subsequently resolved to recommend Council adopt the Bylaw with minor amendments.

This matter relates to Pursuing Organisation Excellence

Continuing the journey of organisational transformation by enabling a culture of service, excellence and continuous improvement.

This matter relates to Local Water Services Done Well

Position Council for future changes to Local Waters Done Well waters arrangements.

Executive Summary | TE WHAKARĀPOPOTOTANGA MATUA

3. The purpose of the proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 is to facilitate an integrated approach to Local Waters management of the four Local Waters Services (Water Supply, Wastewater, Trade Waste, and Stormwater) in the Horowhenua District. This approach recognises the interdependencies between each component and promotes their sustainable use and management.

4. At the 11 December 2024 Council meeting, Council adopted the proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw for consultation. Submissions were open from 13 January 2025 and closed on 14 March 2025. Sixteen submissions were received.

5. Submissions were considered by the Hearings and Regulatory Committee of Council on 15 April 2025, where three submitters spoke in support of their written submission.

6. The minutes of the Hearings and Regulatory Committee meeting on 15 April 2025 were presented to Council to be received and noted earlier on today’s agenda. The changes to the Bylaw recommended by the Hearings and Regulatory Committee are presented in the Background section of this report.

DELEGATION OR AUTHORITY TO ACT | TE MANA WHAKATAU I NGĀ KAWENGA

7. Council has authority under the Local Government Act 2002 to make a Bylaw or Bylaws regulating Water Supply, Wastewater, Trade Waste and Stormwater.

8. The Local Government Act 2002 Section 146(1)(a) sets out that Council may make Bylaws regulating:

· On-site wastewater disposal systems,

· Waste management, and

· Trade Wastes

9. Section 146(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 2002 states that Council may make Bylaws for the purposes of managing, regulating against, or protecting from damage, misuse, or loss, or for preventing the use of, the land, the structures, or infrastructure associated with one or more of the following:

· Water races,

· Water Supply,

· Wastewater, drainage and sanitation, and

· Land drainage.

10. Unless transferred to another Territorial Authority or our Regional Council, the decision-making authority for bylaws sites with the Council and cannot be delegated to a Committee of Council or other body (section 161 of the Local Government Act 2002).

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT | He Aromatawai Matua

11. This matter is assessed as significant because of the level of community interest, consistent with Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀ TAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report 25/177 Adoption of Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 be received.

B. That this matter or decision is recognised as significant in terms of S76 of the Local Government Act.

C. That Council resolve to adopt the Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025, attached as Attachment A as an operative bylaw of Council effective 1 July 2025; and in doing so determines that:

C.1 A bylaw is still the most appropriate way of addressing the perceived problems of regulating Local Waters services; and

C.2 That the proposed bylaw is the most appropriate form of bylaw and does not give rise to implications under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.

C.3 That the Horowhenua District Council Water Supply Bylaw 2020 is superseded and therefore revoked.

C.4 That the Horowhenua District Council Trade Waste Bylaw 2015 is superseded and therefore revoked.

Background | HE KŌRERO TŪĀPAPA

Council Priorities

12. It is a Council Priority to navigate the change Horowhenua faces in relation to Local Water Services Done Well in a way that allows Horowhenua to be strategically positioned to embrace and benefit from sector change. Ensuring that Horowhenua Local Waters Bylaws remain current and have been updated to represent the changing local environment will assist with positioning Horowhenua well in the future. This would ensure that any future changes would need to consider any Horowhenua specific regulations already in place.

13. It is also a Council priority to Enable Balanced Growth with Fit for Purpose Infrastructure. Ensuring that our community is aware of their obligations in relation to Local Waters Services and supporting sustainable growth through regulation of a Local Waters Combined Bylaw will enable Council Local Waters Services to function well both now and in the future.

14. Horowhenua District Council has two current and one revoked Local Waters Bylaws.

15. The Horowhenua District Council Water Supply Bylaw 2020 is due for review before 9 December 2025. Unless reviewed and a new or updated Bylaw implemented before 9 December 2027 this Bylaw will be automatically revoked.

16. The Horowhenua District Council Trade Waste Bylaw 2015, is due for review before 6 August 2025. Unless reviewed and a new or updated Bylaw implemented before 6 August 2027 this Bylaw will be automatically revoked.

17. The Horowhenua District Council Wastewater Bylaw 2015 was due for review in 2020. As it was not reviewed within the required timeframe the Bylaw revoked in 2022. To reintroduce regulations surrounding wastewater a new Bylaw is required.

18. Horowhenua District Council has not previously regulated stormwater activities in a Bylaw.

Earlier Steps in the Bylaw Review

Council Meetings and Workshops

19. Three Council workshops were held on 3 July 2024, 11 September 2024, and 25 September 2024, to discuss possible inclusions and Elected Member feedback was incorporated into the proposed Bylaw. These workshops were open to the public and livestreamed. Recordings are available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-Ky1x5hgkYTt9kp_Ww1-6yIb0d6wKM9x

20. All background matters relating to the Bylaw were presented at the 11 December 2024 meeting of Council where it was resolved to consult on this matter using the Special Consultative process. This meeting was open to the public and live-streamed. The recording is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NrTaqz1ttQ&list=PL-Ky1x5hgkYTM34LRxTujy4utEc8lAnpT&index=5

Perceived and Actual Problems

21. The perceived and actual problems identified that are addressed by a Combined Local Waters Bylaw include:

· Damage to the environment. If not effectively managed, the supply of water has the potential to cause irreversible damage to the environment. This includes where water enters, travels through, and exits the water supply network.

· Risk to public health. If the system is not managed appropriately or drinking water is contaminated there is an increased risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable community members.

· Damage to water supply infrastructure and assets. If the water supply is not protected or water treated appropriately there is the potential that damage to the Council’s water supply infrastructure and assets will occur. This in turn may result in water leaks, water that does not meet drinking water standards, and costly repairs. This also includes protection against misuse.

· Water wasteage. If the water supply network is damaged water leaks and water wasteage may occur. This has the potential to reduce the supply available for use and cause damage to the environment.

· Reduced water supply. If the water supply is reduced below required levels the community will be adversely affected. In extreme situations this may lead to businesses not being able to operate, households being without water, and a reliance on emergency water supplies.

· Breach Council’s Resource Consent Conditions. Ineffective management of the water supply system may lead to breaches of resource consent conditions and Council may face associated financial penalties.

22. It is considered that a Bylaw continues to be required to address these problems and remains the most appropriate tool to regulate, manage and protect the water supply system, protect water quality, and support regulatory functions.

Other Activities

23. To address the problems identified, it is also suggested that Council Officers continue to undertake complimentary activities including providing clear guidance and undertaking regular education campaigns to assist the community to comply with the regulations and reduce the risk associated with the problems identified.

Combined Bylaw

24. Council Officers considered the form of the Bylaw as part of the scheduled review into the Water Supply Bylaw 2020, Wastewater Bylaw 2015, and Trade Waste Bylaw 2015.

25. During this process it was identified that all three Bylaws considered similar processes and requirements such as connection, disconnection, addressing damage or obstruction of Local Waters Services, and Fees and Charges for Local Waters Services. It was identified that there were inconsistencies between each Bylaw about how each of these common requirements were written and implemented. A review of stormwater requirements also showed that the same common requirements would also be applicable to a Stormwater Bylaw.

26. Therefore, Council Officers proposed that a Combined Bylaw be written that encompassed all Local Waters Services. This would help make it easier for community members to understand what they need to do to comply with the regulations and will enable Council to consistently apply similar operational processes for the Local Water Services.

Community Consultation

27. Council consulted with the community on the adopted Statement of Proposal that included the Proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 using the special consultative procedures set out in section 83 of the Local Government Act 2002 .

28. Submissions opened on 13 January 2025 and closed on 14 March 2025. A two-month consultation period was required by s148 of the Local Government Act 2002 due to the inclusion of proposed Trade Waste regulations.

29. Consultation information was made available on Council’s Lets Kōrero website and at Council Service Centres. In addition, six social media posts were made, and one Facebook Live event was held. Community members were encouraged to make a submission on the proposed bylaw in three editions of Community Connection, and radio spots promoting the proposed bylaw on local radio stations were held throughout the consultation period. Information about the consultation was also included in newsletters sent out by the Council Compliance Team to all the food businesses regulated by Council. Further, all current Trade Waste customers were sent a letter advising of the bylaw consultation and a letter was hand delivered to other businesses. Information on the consultation was also included in newsletters sent out by the Council Compliance Team to all the food businesses regulated by Council.

Correspondence with the Minister of Health

30. Section 148(1) of the Local Government Act 2002 outlines special requirements for bylaws relating to trade wastes. This includes sending a copy of the proposed bylaws to the Minister of Health for their comments and consulting with any body of persons the Minister of Health specified to the territorial authority.

31. Council Officers wrote to then Minister of Health Hon Shane Reti on 6 September 2024 and Hon Simeon Brown on 13 January 2025. The replies received from the Ministers did not request that Council consult with any additional representatives of the owners or occupiers of trade waste premises or have any additional comments to make on the Proposed Bylaw.

Hearings and Regulatory Committee

32. Sixteen submissions were received and were considered by the Hearings and Regulatory Committee on 15 April 2025. At this meeting the Committee listened to those who spoke in support of their submissions, considered all submissions received and subsequent recommendations from Council Officers.

33. After reviewing the written and verbal submissions the Hearings and Regulatory Committee recommended that Council:

a) Amend A6.1(a) to:

‘Protect and Prevent Damage to Local Waters and the Associated Environment.

To manage, protect and prevent damage or misuse to the Local Waters Services and the associated land, structures, infrastructure and associated environment.’

b) Add the following Explanatory Note after E4.4:

‘Explanatory Note: For clarity any business that produces trade waste but whose waste does not enter the Council Controlled Wastewater or Stormwater Networks, either via pipes, tankered waste operator, or other method, will not be required to hold a Trade Waste Consent but will still be required to register.’

c) Amend E4.3 to:

‘With the exception of Tankered Waste, no person may discharge any Trade Waste in a way that causes that Trade Waste to be discharged off the Premises to land or water outside the premises unless the activity is consented by the Regional Council.’

d) Amend E4.15 to:

‘The period for which a trade waste Consent is granted to be two to five years from the date of the grant.’

34. Remove E4.16 from the proposed Bylaw.

e) Amend the purpose of the Local Waters Combined Bylaw to include reference to Te Mana o te Wai by substituting the purpose with:

‘The overall purpose of the Bylaw is to facilitate an integrated approach to Local Waters management in the Horowhenua District that recognises the interdependencies between each component and promotes their sustainable use and management and recognition of Te Mana o Te Wai. The following purposes are relevant to the four water services (water supply, wastewater, trade waste, and stormwater) managed under this Bylaw.

Discussion | HE MATAPAKINGA

35. The Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 (the Bylaw) is made under powers given to Council under the Local Government Act 2002. Under the Local Government Act 2002, Council is required to review its bylaws within 5 years of it first being made (s158), and then once every 10 years (s159).

36. Following the review process undertaken for the Bylaw, Council Officers concluded that a bylaw and a combined bylaw is the most appropriate way of addressing the perceived problems as they relate to the provisions of Local Waters Services in the Horowhenua, and that the Bylaw as proposed for adoption does not give rise to any implications under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act.

Options | Ngā Kōwhiringa

37. There are four (4) options considered in the table below. This report recommends that Council proceed with Option A, to adopt the Proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 incorporating the changes recommended by the Hearings and Regulatory Committee.

Options | Ngā Kōwhiringa

Benefits | Ngā Whiwhinga

Risks | Ngā Mōrearea

Option A (recommended)

Council adopts the Proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 incorporating the changes recommended by the Hearings and Regulatory Committee in resolutions HARCC/2025/3, HARCC/2025/4, HARCC/2025/5, HARCC/2025/6 and HARCC/2025/7.

· Bylaw controls are in place to ensure appropriate regulation is in place to protect and meet the purpose of the proposed Bylaw.

· Public consultation was carried out as defined by the Local Government Act 2002, and due consideration was given to all submissions received through the Hearings and Regulatory Committee process; and therefore, giving rise to the democratic process of decision-making delegated to the Hearings and Regulatory Committee.

· The bylaw may not align with some community views.

Option B (not recommended)

Council adopts the Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 as originally drafted and consulted on without the recommendations of the Hearings and Regulatory Committee incorporated.

· Bylaw controls are in place to ensure appropriate regulation is in place to protect and meet the purpose of the proposed Bylaw.

· The bylaw may not align with some community views.

· Does not give effect to submissions in the public consultation process carried out as defined by the Local Government Act 2002.

· Could give rise to legal challenge in the perception that Council failed to adequately account for the feedback received during the consultation process.

Option C (status quo)

Status Quo

Do not continue with the Local Waters Combined Bylaw, and in doing so decide to either allow for the expiry of or revocation of the Water Supply Bylaw 2020 and Trade Waste Bylaw 2015.

· There would be reduced time and cost associated with implementation of the bylaw.

· Some provisions in the bylaw would lapse (those made under the Local Government Act 2002).

· Revocation of the bylaw, would result in Officers having difficulty managing Local Waters services in the Horowhenua and that Council Officers would be unable to enforce matters currently regulated through the Bylaws and those included in the proposed Bylaw. Regulation would instead rely on the provisions in the Water Services Act 2021 and other legislation.

· There would continue to be no Wastewater Bylaw or Stormwater Bylaw.

· All trade waste fees would need to be charged using the formula method – this is more a complex method and would result in increased administration requirements and possible increased costs for trade premises.

Option D

(not recommended)

Refer the matter back to Officers for further consideration, with a view of bring a further report to Council with changes.

This option would require a direction from Council around any changes identified that are to be considered before any subsequent report is tabled.

· Likely impact on Local Waters service income including trade waste.

ENGAGING WITH MĀORI | TE MAHI TAHI KI TE MĀORI

38. For Māori, water is the essence of life, like the blood of Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) who supports all people, plants and wildlife. Enhancing the health and wellbeing of our waterways is a priority for many iwi.

39. It is acknowledged that mana whenua, and more broadly Māori with respect to Council’s obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi – Te Tiriti o Waitangi, are concerned about the protection of environmental and cultural interests in the Horowhenua. It is specifically acknowledged that this includes Horowhenua’s water services.

40. Council contacted representatives at the start of the consultation period from Te Tumatakahuki, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Rangitāne o Manawatū, and Ngāti Tukorehe to invite feedback.

41. Representatives from Muaūpoko Tribal Authority met with Council Officers to discuss the proposed changes, specifically including the proposed introduction of stormwater regulations.

42. While no formal response was received from Te Tumatakahuki, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Rangitāne o Manawatū, and Ngāti Tukorehe, Council Officers will continue to engage with representatives.

CLIMATE CHANGE | NGĀ ĀHUARANGI HURIHURI

43. One of the purposes of the Bylaw is to manage changing environmental conditions. Specifically, the inclusion of Stormwater in the Bylaw will support Council to respond to climate related events and contribute to reducing the potential impact for community members.

FINAnCIAL AND RESOURCING | TE TAHUA PŪTEA ME NGĀ RAUEMI

44. Costs associated with this work, such as staff time, are proposed to be met within current budgets.

45. Any changes to forecast revenue or expenses in relation to implementing the Proposed Bylaw will be outlined as part of the relevant Annual Plan.

Legal and Risk | Te Ture me ngā Mōreareatanga

Decision Making

46. The Bylaw is made using bylaw-making powers from the Local Government Act 2002.

47. Unless transferred to another Territorial Authority or our Regional Council, the decision-making authority for bylaws sits with Council and cannot be delegated to a Committee of Council or other body (section 161 of the Local Government Act 2002).

48. When deliberating, Council should keep in mind the Council’s decision-making powers and the scope of the consultation materials. Significant changes from the original proposals may require further consultation.

49. There is no legislative requirement to have a Water Supply, Wastewater, Trade Waste, or Stormwater Bylaw, however, the Local Government Act 2002 enables Councils to implement and enforce Bylaws for the purpose of managing, regulating against, and protecting the water supply network, wastewater network and stormwater network from damage, misuse or loss. This in turn contributes to public health and safety. Without a Bylaw in place Horowhenua District Council would be unable to enforce the regulations in the Bylaw.

Addressing Issues and Compliance with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990

50. Council is required under the Local Government Act 2002 to resolve that bylaws are the most appropriate way of addressing particular issues. This process for review required by section 155 of the LGA consists of the following two stages:

· Section 155(1) requires Council to determine whether a bylaw is the most appropriate way of addressing the perceived problem.

· Section 155(2) and (3) requires Council to consider whether the format of the bylaw is appropriate; and whether any aspect is in conflict with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.

51. The Bill of Rights protects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people in New Zealand.

52. Consideration of whether there are any implications under the New Zealand Bill of Rights is only able to be confirmed once the final version of the Bylaw has been developed.

53. Council Officers do not consider that the proposed Bylaw will give rise to any implications under the New Zealand Bill of Rights.

Other Legislation and Regulations

54. Local Water Services are regulated through a number of different mechanisms including, but not limited to, the Water Services Act 2021, Resource Management Act 1991, Health Act 1956, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017, Horowhenua District Plan, and Horizons One Plan. If there are any discrepancies between any legislation or the listed plans and the Bylaw, the legislation or Plan takes precedence.

POLICY IMPACT | NGĀ PĀTANGA I NGĀ KAUPAPA HERE

55. Local Water Done Well is the Government’s policy to address water infrastructure challenges across New Zealand. New legislation has been introduced that requires Councils to decide how water services are delivered in the future.

56. The Local Government (Water Services) Bill (the Bill) includes provisions around the power to make water services bylaws. If enacted it is likely to include provision for a Water Services Provider to make, amend or revoke water service bylaws.

57. If the proposed Bylaw is adopted, Council will be required to review this Bylaw within five years. This will align with the timeframes outlined in the Bill for completing an initial review and then developing a plan to amend, revoke, or revoke and replace the Bylaw within the five-year timeframe.

58. While it is almost certain that some changes to the regulations in the Bylaw will be required for subsequent Local Waters Bylaws at the time they are made, this proposed Bylaw before Council now would put Horowhenua in good stead to adapt to the proposed legislative changes. However, until the Bill is enacted this is unable to be confirmed.

59. The Bylaw has connections to Fees and Charges as set through the Annual Plan and Long-Term Plan processes.

60. Officers will also ensure that any connections with the Vesting Policy, currently being developed, are identified and considered.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT | TE WHAKAWHITI PĀRONGO ME TE MAHI

61. If adopted, communication of the adoption of the Bylaw will need to be advertised through public notice in the local newspaper circulating in the district, as well as publicly notified on Councils website; and

62. If adopted, the Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 will need to be published on Councils website under Bylaws and Policies.

Next Steps | HEI MAHI

63. If adopted, public notice will need to be given on the Bylaw, as well as Council’s website and publications (including forms) will need to be updated to refer to the Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025.

Confirmation of statutory compliance

In accordance with sections 76 – 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this report is approved as:

a. containing sufficient information about the options and their advantages and disadvantages, bearing in mind the significance of the decisions; and,

b. is based on adequate knowledge about, and adequate consideration of, the views and preferences of affected and interested parties bearing in mind the significance of the decision.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025	183

Council

14 May 2025

File No.: 25/223

7.3 New Parking Restriction - Ballance Street, Shannon

Author(s)

Vaimoana Miller

Compliance Manager | Tumu Tūtohu

Approved by

Brent Harvey

Group Manager - Community Experience & Services | Tumu Rangapū, Wheako Hapori, Ratonga

Monique Davidson

Chief Executive Officer | Tumuaki

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. This report seeks approval from Council to install a new restricted parking space located in Balance Street Shannon, outside the Moana Road store in response to a request from the store owner.

This matter relates to Pursuing Organisation Excellence

Continuing the journey of organisational transformation by enabling a culture of service, excellence and continuous improvement.

Executive Summary | TE WHAKARĀPOPOTOTANGA MATUA

2. This report seeks Council approval to install a P30 (30-minute time-restricted) parking space outside the Moana Road Store in Ballance Street Shannon, in response to a request from the store owner. The store has only one parking space directly outside its premises, which is frequently occupied by trucks parking for extended periods. This limits customer access and negatively impacts the store’s ability to serve passing trade.

3. The site is located near a corner with limited alternative parking options nearby. Introducing a P30 restriction will support short-term parking turnover, improve accessibility for customers, and better align with the intended use of the space in a retail setting.

4. Council approval is recommended to implement the time restriction to support local business activity and encourage responsible parking behaviour.

DELEGATION OR AUTHORITY TO ACT | TE MANA WHAKATAU I NGĀ KAWENGA

5. The Horowhenua District Council’s Terms of Reference state that the power to make or amend a bylaw cannot be delegated to any committee, officer, or subordinate decision-making body.

6. Under clause 28.1 of the Land Transport Bylaw 2024, any changes to parking restrictions, including time restricted parking such as a P30, must be made by Council resolution, and in some cases, follow the Special Consultative Procedure.

7. As the installation of a P30 restriction in Ballance Street Shannon constitutes an amendment to existing parking controls under the bylaw, this report is presented to Council for formal approval, in line with both the Terms of Reference and the Bylaw.

8. As the parking space is located on a state highway within a 50km/h zone, Council holds delegated authority to manage parking controls, provided changes do not materially impact the safe and efficient operation of the state highway. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will be informed of the proposed restriction as a matter of good practice, although formal approval is not required.

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT | He Aromatawai Matua

9. The installation of a P30 parking restriction outside the store has been assessed against Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy and is considered not significant.

10. The proposal has low impact on Council’s strategic assets, levels of service, and financial operations, and affects a small number of individuals in a localised area. As such, no further community engagement is required, and the matter can be determined by Council resolution in accordance with the Land Transport Bylaw 2024.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀ TAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report 25/223 New Parking Restriction - Ballance Street, Shannon be received.

B. That this matter or decision is recognised as not significant in terms of S76 of the Local Government Act.

C. That Council adopt the amendment to schedule 12 of the Land Transport Bylaw 2024, that includes the addition of a P30 parking restriction in Ballance Street Shannon, 18m from Plimmer Terrace extending 12m in a south easterly direction.

Background | HE KŌRERO TŪĀPAPA

11. The proposal aligns with Council’s Top Priorities for 2024/2025 by:

11.1. Supporting organisational excellence through a customer-focused solution that improves access and responsiveness.

11.2. Strengthening community connections by responding to a local business owner’s direct request.

11.3. Enhancing the functionality of existing public infrastructure in a way that supports economic activity and accessibility.

Discussion | HE MATAPAKINGA

12. This report seeks Council approval to implement a 30-minute (P30) parking restriction in Ballance Street Shannon outside the Moana Road store, following a request from the business owner. The store has limited parking available, and the sole on-street carpark is often occupied by trucks for extended periods, restricting access for short-stay customers. There are no nearby alternative parking options, due to the site’s proximity to an intersection.

13. Introducing a P30 restriction will support short-term parking turnover and make the space more accessible to customers, helping the business remain viable and supporting passing trade. This is a practical, targeted response to a specific community need and aligns with Council’s broader efforts to enable vibrant, accessible commercial areas.

14. This decision is consistent with Council’s Land Transport Bylaw 2024 and contributes to achieving outcomes in a cost-effective and responsive manner. The proposed change has been assessed as not significant under Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy, due to its low financial impact, minor effect on levels of service, and limited scope of influence.

Options | Ngā Kōwhiringa

15. Council has the following options as outlined in the table below:

Options | Ngā Kōwhiringa

Benefits | Ngā Whiwhinga

Risks | Ngā Mōrearea

Option A (recommended)

Approve the installation of a P30 parking restriction on Ballance Street Shannon outside the Moana Road store

This option involves adopting a resolution under the Land Transport Bylaw 2024 to install a 30-minute time-restricted park (P30) in the on-street space directly outside Moana Road in Ballance Street Shannon.

· Improves parking turnover and access for short-term customers.

· Supports local business viability.

· Aligns with Council’s priorities to improve customer experience, community wellbeing, and economic outcomes.

· Responds to a community request and demonstrates responsiveness.

· May inconvenience truck drivers or other long-stay parkers who currently use the space.

· Minor signage and enforcement implications.

Option B (status quo)

Decline the request and retain the existing unrestricted parking.

· No change or cost involved.

· Maintains the current unrestricted access for any type of vehicle.

· Continued long-stay parking may limit customer access and affect the impacted local business’ viability.

· Missed opportunity to respond to a valid community concern and improve public space utility.

· Inconsistent with strategic direction relating to responsiveness and support for local business.

16. The following option was identified but not considered a reasonably practicable option:A wider review involving the state highway could complicate matters. Broader changes might require formal consultation with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, particularly if traffic flow, parking supply for trucks, or safety at the intersection is impacted. This would add time, complexity, and cost.

17. This request relates to a single parking space in a very localised area. The scale and nature of the problem experienced do not justify the time, cost, and complexity of a wider parking review. Immediate action through a targeted intervention (Option 1) would be a faster, more efficient, and community-responsive approach that fits the scale of this issue.

ENGAGING WITH MĀORI | TE MAHI TAHI KI TE MĀORI

18. The proposed installation of a P30 parking restriction outside the Moana Road store in Shannon involves a minor operational change within an existing urban environment, with no impact on ancestral lands, waterways, taonga, or wāhi tapu, it is considered to have no specific impact on mana whenua or Māori interests.

CLIMATE CHANGE | NGĀ ĀHUARANGI HURIHURI

19. The proposed installation of a P30 parking restriction outside the Moana Road store in Shannon involves a minor operational change within an existing urban environment. While it may result in trucks relocating to nearby parking spaces, any additional vehicle movements are expected to be minimal and have no material impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The proposal does not affect climate change adaptation or the district’s resilience to climate risks.

FINAnCIAL AND RESOURCING | TE TAHUA PŪTEA ME NGĀ RAUEMI

20. The proposed installation of a P30 parking restriction will incur minor initial costs associated with the purchase and installation of appropriate signage. No new road markings are required, as existing parking markings are already in place. These costs can be accommodated within Council’s existing operational budgets for traffic and parking management.

21. The proposed location is approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the main area routinely patrolled by Council’s parking wardens, who operate primarily on foot within the Levin Central Business District. As a result, regular enforcement of the new restriction would require a diversion of existing resources or adjustments to existing patrol scheduling. No additional staffing is proposed at this time. Council Officer’s approach will be to monitor compliance following installation and adjust enforcement practices if necessary.

22. It is noted that the store owner is not seeking active enforcement of the P30 restriction but has requested the installation to encourage appropriate use of the parking space. While this reduces immediate enforcement pressure, Council retains responsibility for monitoring and enforcing the restriction as resources allow.

Legal and Risk | Te Ture me ngā Mōreareatanga

23. The proposal is consistent with Council’s powers under the Horowhenua District Council Land Transport Bylaw 2024, which enables parking restrictions to be imposed or amended by Council resolution.

24. As the location is on a state highway within a 50km/h urban area, Council holds delegated authority to manage parking controls, and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will be informed as a courtesy.

25. The proposal is assessed as not significant under the Significance and Engagement Policy, with no additional consultation or engagement with Māori required.

26. There is a minor risk that compliance may be lower due to limited enforcement coverage at this location; however, this is considered manageable through periodic monitoring and clear signage.

POLICY IMPACT | NGĀ PĀTANGA I NGĀ KAUPAPA HERE

27. The proposal is consistent with the current Horowhenua District Council Land Transport Bylaw 2024, which allows Council to impose parking restrictions to manage traffic and support fair access to businesses and services.

28. The proposal supports current Council strategic objectives under the Plan on a Page by improving accessibility, supporting local economic activity, and making better use of urban infrastructure.

29. There are no identified negative impacts on existing Council policies, and the proposal is consistent with the current Compliance Strategy by favouring voluntary compliance through signage and proportional monitoring.

30. In the future, if broader parking management reviews are undertaken (for example, through strategic transport planning or urban growth frameworks), this decision may need to be considered as part of a wider parking management approach for state highway corridors within urban areas.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT | TE WHAKAWHITI PĀRONGO ME TE MAHI

31. Following Council approval, the new P30 parking restriction will be publicly notified through Council’s established communication channels and website, and signage will be installed on-site to clearly inform users of the new restriction.

32. No further community consultation is planned, as the proposal has been assessed as not significant under the Significance and Engagement Policy; however, Council officers will monitor feedback from the community after implementation and respond as needed.

Communicating with our Community | Te Whakawhiti Pārongo ki te Hapori

33. An engagement plan is not needed to implement this decision. Council will communicate this decision through its established communication channels.

Next Steps | HEI MAHI

34. Subject to Council approval, officers will arrange for the installation of the P30 parking signage and publicly notify the change in accordance with the Land Transport Bylaw 2024.

35. Officers will also inform Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency of the new restriction as a courtesy, monitor compliance following implementation, and respond to any issues or feedback as required

Confirmation of statutory compliance

In accordance with sections 76 – 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this report is approved as:

a. containing sufficient information about the options and their advantages and disadvantages, bearing in mind the significance of the decisions; and,

b. is based on adequate knowledge about, and adequate consideration of, the views and preferences of affected and interested parties bearing in mind the significance of the decision.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

There are no appendices for this report

Council

14 May 2025

File No.: 25/212

7.4 Property Strategy amendment - Iwi First Right of Refusal

Author(s)

Lacey Winiata

Parks & Property Manager | Tumu Rawa, Papa Rēhia

Approved by

Brent Harvey

Group Manager - Community Experience & Services | Tumu Rangapū, Wheako Hapori, Ratonga

Monique Davidson

Chief Executive Officer | Tumuaki

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. To amend the Property Strategy to introduce a First Right of Refusal for iwi on non-core Property identified for disposal.

This matter relates to Enhancing Māori Relationships

Progress development of the Māori relationships and engagement framework.

Executive Summary | TE WHAKARĀPOPOTOTANGA MATUA

2. Horowhenua District Council’s Property Strategy was adopted in 2015–16 to provide a framework for the acquisition and disposal of property. On 19 July 2023, Council resolved to explore including a Right of First Refusal (RFR) for mana whenua on the disposal of non-core property. This proposed amendment would give iwi/hapū the first opportunity to purchase surplus properties at market value before they are listed on the open market..

3. Following that initial Council resolution, the kaupapa was brought back to Council in December 2023 where it was outlined further refinement and feedback was required. Therefore, it was decided to leave the amended proposal on the table pending further refinement and agreement on a way forward from all Iwi Partners.

4. Since that time Officers have met and liaised via email and phone with Te Tumatakahui, Muāupoko Tribal Authority, Rangitaane and Ngāti Tukorehe regarding the proposed amendment, which would see the addition of the attached appendix outlining the process for non-core property to go to iwi for first right of refusal.

5. More recently, Officers have held a workshop with Elected Members to understand further information required in order to make a decision. This information is outlined in the report.

DELEGATION OR AUTHORITY TO ACT | TE MANA WHAKATAU I NGĀ KAWENGA

6. Council has the authority to make a decision as to whether to amend the Property Strategy or not.

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT | He Aromatawai Matua

7. This matter is assessed as not significant according to the significance and engagement policy because it is a report for Council to help make a decision as to whether amend a current strategy of Council. There are no budget implications.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀ TAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report 25/212 Property Strategy amendment - Iwi First Right of Refusal be received.

B. That this matter or decision is recognised as not significant in terms of S76 of the Local Government Act.

C. That Council incorporates the proposed amendment to the Property Strategy, allowing for iwi/hapū to have first right of refusal for any non-core property that is to be disposed of.

D. That Council choose not to progress with the proposed amendment to provide iwi the first right of refusal, and the current approach of informing iwi / hapu when Council intends to dispose of a property continues in line with the current Property Strategy.

Background | HE KŌRERO TŪĀPAPA

8. Since 2014 Council has been considering issues relating to its property portfolio. In 14/15 Simpson & Co provided a report to council suggesting Council split its property portfolio into core and non-core property.

9. In the 2015-16, Council adopted the Property Strategy. The purpose of the Strategy was to provide an overarching framework which assists Horowhenua District Council in decision making with regards to its property assets.

10. The Property Strategy categorises properties into core and non-core, and utilises a 10-point assessment to help inform property decisions. This assists council in setting financial targets based on assumed property sales through Long Term Plan (LTP) cycles.

11. Since the implementation of the Property Strategy, Council has disposed of a number of non-core properties in line with resolutions of Council.

12. At its meeting of 19 July 2023 Council resolved That the Council ask the Chief Executive to review the Property Disposal Strategy to include a Right of First Refusal for Mana Whenua clause for any further property disposals. As part of that review a process was to be developed for this clause, in collaboration with Māori ward councillors and Iwi partners, to be appended to the strategy after subsequent approval from council. The Right of First Refusal Clause should give Mana Whenua the first opportunity to purchase any surplus property Council resolves to dispose of at market value prior to the property being offered for sale on the open market.

13. Between July and the subsequent meeting in December 2023 when the report was brought back to Council Officers worked with some Councillors and had initial discussions with iwi gaining feedback which was brought back to Council to consider.

14. As previously mentioned, Council decided in December 2023 to leave the amended proposal on the table and seek further feedback from iwi.

15. This work was undertaken with feedback outlined in the discussion section of the report. The report was brought back to Council in December 2024, but was left on the table at that meeting.

16. In March 2025, Officers brought the draft amendment to Council for a workshop to outline the process taken to date and ask whether information was missing in order to make a decision. This feedback has been incorporated in the discussion section of the report.

Discussion | HE MATAPAKINGA

17. Over the past year Officers have met with, had phone conversations and shared emails with Te Tumatakahuki, Muaūpoko Tribal Authority, Rangitaane and Ngāti Tukorehe.

18. As has been discussed, the attached, proposed amendment for consideration is but one step iwi/hapū expect to be involved in during the property disposal process.

19. Resourcing remains a challenge for iwi and hapū within our district at this time. While there is a strong willingness to be engaged in the property disposal process, Officers acknowledge there may be times when this is trying. Officers are looking at ways items can be brought to iwi/hapū attention and administered more efficiently to alleviate this constraint; this is regardless of the decision today.

20. There is strong feedback from our iwi partners that they want to be involved in the decision making process, when Council is considering whether a property is core or non-core. While this is not within scope of the amendment, it is something Officers are aware of when progressing through research and planning on the future of Council properties.

21. Overall, there is an expectation by iwi/hapū that Council involves them in Council’s property disposal process. As kaitiaki and mana whenua of their rohe, iwi/hapū see their role in helping Council determine the best use of land and property for the community. Therefore, this proposed amendment is viewed as one, helpful, piece of a larger picture.

22. It is important to note that, if adopted, the amendment will not apply retrospectively to previous Council decisions and will only take effect from the date of adoption

23. Officers provided a briefing to Council on the Iwi First Right of Refusal to ensure elected members had the necessary information to make an informed decision at the 14 May Council meeting. While the key points from the briefing have been summarised under the headings below, it has been challenging for officers to provide advice or consolidate the feedback from councillors due to the wide range of perspectives and information being sought on this kaupapa.

Proposed amendment for disposal of non-core properties

24. When working on the appendix wording and incorporating feedback from iwi partners, there needed to be a balance struck between providing a clear pathway for Officers to work within and a framework to assist with decision making, as well as the ability to allow for conversations, with Officers to work in good faith alongside iwi/hapū.

25. The proposed amendment is the default process for the sale of properties Council has deemed non-core. This will be the process Council follows unless expressly provided for by resolution of Council.

Alternative avenue for disposal of non-core properties

26. In the past Council has made decisions regarding properties deemed non-core, but made a Council resolution to dispose of them in a different manner. This may be to further a community outcome or a Council priority. An example of this has been when properties have been decided to be disposed of to increase housing capacity and further the Housing Action Plan.

27. This amendment does not restrict Council from making similar decisions in the future. Rather following the default process, Council may decide via resolution to dispose of a property through the open market or through non-procurement activity (EOI etc).

28. Council will make this decision should the property, including location, is aligned with a Council priority or Community Outcome.

Properties that are tenanted

29. There are a few of our leases that give first right of refusal to the tenants, this is because it is endowment property or in one case has been agreed prior to signing the lease.

30. Excluding these, should a property be tenanted that is to be sold on the open market it will follow the Property Strategy.

Ongoing engagement with iwi/hapū

31. Officers are continuing to look at Council properties, including previous resolutions and how best to optimise disposal. As has been outlined in the feedback, iwi/hapū expect to be involved in these conversations to help steer the considered direction for the betterment of the community. Prior to information coming to Council it will be expected that feedback is sought from our iwi partners.

32. Officers will continue to liaise with our iwi partners on the list of properties earmarked for disposal, in the aim to give a lead in time prior to sale and facilitate discussions as early in the process as possible regardless of the method of disposal.

Options | Ngā Kōwhiringa

Benefits | Ngā Whiwhinga

Risks | Ngā Mōrearea

Option A (recommended)

The attached appendix is added to Council’s Property Strategy and relevant amendments made, including wording, outlining the process for Council’s non-core properties identified for disposal to go to iwi/hapū for right of first refusal.

· A clear process is outlined for Officers and Council to follow in regards to approaching iwi/hapū with non-core property for disposal.

· It could take a slightly longer time to dispose of properties.

Option B (status quo)

Do not adopt the amendment, and maintain status quo.

· Council continues as it has been, with no change needing to be implemented.

· There is a risk that it could damage Council’s reputation with iwi/hapū.

Options Commentary | He Tāpiringa Kōrero Mō ngā Kōwhiringa

33. To clarify, should there be more than one iwi/hapū interested in a property and cannot decide who should be purchasing it from Council, the amendment outlines the property will then go on the open market allowing for all interested parties to make an offer.

ENGAGING WITH MĀORI | TE MAHI TAHI KI TE MĀORI

34. Officers met with Muaūpoko Tribal Authority and Ngāti Tukorehe, and received email feedback from Te Tumatakahuki and Rangitaane.

35. As previously mentioned, iwi/hapū are very keen to be engaged in Council’s property disposal process and would like to see this expanded further than what is outlined in the appendix.

36. It should be noted that the future of Council’s properties are often viewed differently between Council and iwi/hapū. With the latter believing there should be a more strategic approach to managing property into the future, rather than disposal as a way to manage debt.

CLIMATE CHANGE | NGĀ ĀHUARANGI HURIHURI

37. The decisions and matters of this report are assessed to have low or no climate change implications.

FINAnCIAL AND RESOURCING | TE TAHUA PŪTEA ME NGĀ RAUEMI

38. The decisions and matters of this report are assessed to have no additional financial impacts, outside of those that would already be incorporated when disposing of a property.

LegaL and Risk | Te Ture me ngā Mōreareatanga

39. Te Tiriti o Waitangi / The Treaty of Waitangi obliges councils to involve Māori in making decisions on matters that affect them. Regardless of the decision today Council is obliged to include and engage with iwi/hapū on key decisions. As land and property is often viewed as a taonga Property Disposal decisions would more than likely need to involve iwi/hapū.

40. There is the risk that should Council decide not to include the attached appendix that it will cause damage to the relationship with iwi/hapū and could potentially affect other mahi occurring in Council. This could be managed by confirming the process of status quo and outlining the motivation behind the decision.

POLICY IMPACT | NGĀ PĀTANGA I NGĀ KAUPAPA HERE

41. There are no policy impacts, but should Council decide to accept the appendix the Property Strategy will be amended.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT | TE WHAKAWHITI PĀRONGO ME TE MAHI

42. Should Council decide to amend the strategy and include the appendix, communication will need to occur with iwi/hapū on what this means and offer an opportunity to meet and discuss.

43. Additionally, there may be public interest considering the very limited number of Council’s who currently have this incorporated within their policies.

Communicating with our Community | Te Whakawhiti Pārongo ki te Hapori

44. This will be undertaken by utilising Council’s normal communication channels.

Next Steps | HEI MAHI

45. Regardless of the decision, korero will need to be had with iwi/hapū partners on the decision and what it means for them.

Confirmation of statutory compliance

In accordance with sections 76 – 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this report is approved as:

a. containing sufficient information about the options and their advantages and disadvantages, bearing in mind the significance of the decisions; and,

b. is based on adequate knowledge about, and adequate consideration of, the views and preferences of affected and interested parties bearing in mind the significance of the decision.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Draft Property Strategy Appendix - Council report attachment - 28 November 2024	267
b ⇩	G0502 Property Strategy WEB	269

Council

14 May 2025

File No.: 25/237

7.5 Adoption of Policy for Responding to External Consultations

Author(s)

Carolyn Dick

Strategic Planning Manager | Kaihautū Rangapū Hinonga Arawaka

Approved by

David McCorkindale

Group Manager - Vision & Delivery | Tumu Rangapū, Matawhānui Hapori, Whakarite

Monique Davidson

Chief Executive Officer | Tumuaki

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. This report seeks Council adoption of the Policy for Responding to External Submissions.

This matter relates to Responding to Central Government Reforms

Responding to Central Government Reforms

DELEGATION OR AUTHORITY TO ACT | TE MANA WHAKATAU I NGĀ KAWENGA

2. Section 12 of the Local Government Act 2002 gives Council the power to adopt policies such as the one attached (emphasis added):

12 Status and powers

(2) For the purposes of performing its role, a local authority has—

(a) full capacity to carry on or undertake any activity or business, do any act, or enter into any transaction; and

(b) for the purposes of paragraph (a), full rights, powers, and privileges.

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT | He Aromatawai Matua

3. This matter is assessed as not significant because it relates to matters where Council is being consulted, not where Council is proposing the change.

4. Council will seek to take a collaborative and locally joined-up approach where appropriate for all parties. The approach of sharing draft submissions and working with iwi and hapū to ensure support for shared positions has already started, enabling and not constraining each group to share different perspectives on matters as well.

5. Submissions may also include support for or from partners, stakeholders and/or other parts of the Horowhenua community. This would be worked out at the time, with the continued intention of being inclusive and collaborative in Council’s approach.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀ TAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report 25/237 Adoption of Policy for Responding to External Consultations be received.

B. That this matter or decision is recognised as not significant in terms of s76 of the Local Government Act.

C. That Council adopt the Policy for Responding to External Submissions included as Attachment 1.

Background | HE KŌRERO TŪĀPAPA

6. Council is a strong advocate for the Horowhenua District and matters affecting the district and role and function of Council and local government more broadly. This advocacy includes submitting on Central Government reform proposals and legislation, and to consultations by other Councils, Government Departments or Ministries.

7. Central Government has indicated that there will continue to be a significant amount of legislative and policy direction reform coming out of Government through 2025 and further. Water Services and Resource Management Reform continue, and detail of Local Government reform is expected in the next few months.

8. Within the often short submission periods officers have sought to ensure that the view of Council can be captured, and so include matters Elected Members wish to be raised.

9. This Policy aims to provide a clear and consistent approach to guide officers and to provide more certainty to Elected Members about what they will receive when.

10. To assist this, officers are tracking upcoming legislation to be able to signal to Council when the external submission opportunities are expected.

Discussion | HE MATAPAKINGA

11. The introduction of a new Policy is a continuous improvement initiative intended to bring greater clarity and consistency for the way Council responds to legislation changes and reform.

12. While the current process has been effective with Officers making a process work to ensure that submissions on behalf of Council have been submitted, the process for each of these has been varied on a case by case basis. Sometimes the process followed has been out of necessity to ensure that Officers have submitted within short consultation timeframes.

13. Having a defined Policy can help manage expectations and also save time having to establish what process will be followed on a case by case basis. Feedback from Elected Members has informed development of the Policy. Further feedback from Elected Members was sought on the draft policy, via email, in August with the Policy presented for adoption reflecting the feedback provided.

14. Following Council feedback, the following additions have been made.

14.1. Note that the Policy does not supercede Council’s Standing Orders.

14.2. Include the Drivers for Making a Submission.

14.3. Provide additional detail distinguishing between approaches to different types of submission.

14.4. Note that submissions may also include support for or from partners, stakeholders and/or other parts of the Horowhenua community. This would be worked out at the time, with the continued intention of being inclusive and collaborative in Council’s approach.

14.5. Include a diagram to assist in determining which approach would apply.

Options | Ngā Kōwhiringa

· Options | Ngā Kōwhiringa

· Benefits | Ngā Whiwhinga

· Risks | Ngā Mōrearea

· Option A (recommended)

· Adopt the Policy for Responding to External Submissions

· This approach:

· Provides an agreed approach between Elected Members and officers for officers to follow.

· Provides greater clarity and certainty for Council about what information will be presented, and the views and endorsement sought.

· Can be amended as needed via agreement of Council.

· Central government consultation timeframes may not enable time for the consideration Council wishes to give a matter.

· However, the Policy provides alternative approaches to give Council the best opportunity to ensure Council can raise the matters it wants to.

· Option B (status quo)

· Not adopt the Policy for Responding to External Submissions

There has been not significant disagreement raised about the Policy so it is unclear what benefits there would be to not adopting the Policy. Possibly could enable greater flexibility in the process when the submission timeframes would otherwise make it difficult to follow the process in the Policy.

There would not be an agreed approach between Elected Members and officers for officers to follow.

Not having an agreed approach raises the risk of a fragmented or inconsistent approach to external submissions. This may lead to frustration and missed opportunities to have Council’s voice heard on upcoming reforms.

Officers recommend Option A which would enable the Policy to start to be applied. If Council is not comfortable with the current content of the Policy, Council would have the option of seeking changes to be made to the Policy before it is adopted.

ENGAGING WITH MĀORI | TE MAHI TAHI KI TE MĀORI

15. The approach of sharing draft submissions and working with iwi and hapū to ensure support for shared positions has already started, enabling and not constraining each group to share different perspectives on matters as well.

CLIMATE CHANGE | NGĀ ĀHUARANGI HURIHURI

16. There are no specific climate change matters to consider with adoption of this policy.

FINAnCIAL AND RESOURCING | TE TAHUA PŪTEA ME NGĀ RAUEMI

17. There is no additional funding or resourcing required. However, officers note there is a significant amount of consultation signalled for the first half of 2025, particularly in the Local Government Act and Resource Management areas. This is likely to put pressure on officers to balance this with the demands of current work programmes, and place pressure on Council’s capacity to consider a significant amount of additional material.

Legal and Risk | Te Ture me ngā Mōreareatanga

18. There is no legal risk in adopting this Policy.

POLICY IMPACT | NGĀ PĀTANGA I NGĀ KAUPAPA HERE

19. As described in the Options table, a benefit of adopting this Policy is to provide an agreed Policy for responding to external submissions.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT | TE WHAKAWHITI PĀRONGO ME TE MAHI

20. The practice of sharing submissions on matters of shared interest with iwi and hapū has already started. The Policy itself can be shared with iwi and hapū as a further sign of Council’s intent to work more closely together for the benefit of the district and community.

Communicating with our Community | Te Whakawhiti Pārongo ki te Hapori

21. Where considered to be of community interest, submissions prepared by Council could be shared on Council’s website, so the community has the opportunity to read about Council’s position matters being consulted on that impact our community and district.

Next Steps | HEI MAHI

22. Officers will share this Policy with iwi and hapū, and work in accordance with the Policy for future external consultations.

Confirmation of statutory compliance

In accordance with sections 76 – 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this report is approved as:

a. containing sufficient information about the options and their advantages and disadvantages, bearing in mind the significance of the decisions; and,

b. is based on adequate knowledge about, and adequate consideration of, the views and preferences of affected and interested parties bearing in mind the significance of the decision.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	HDC Policy on Approach to External Consultations - May 2025	297

Council

14 May 2025

File No.: 25/251

7.6 Districtwide Water Meter Project - Update and Delegation

Author(s)

Ben Blyton

Procurement Advisor | Kaitohutohu Kaitaonga

Jeremy Simons

Local Waters Business and Operations Manager

Approved by

Daniel Haigh

Group Manager Community Infrastructure | Tumu Rangapū, Tūāhanga Hapori

Monique Davidson

Chief Executive Officer | Tumuaki

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. This report is intended to provide Council with an update to the Districtwide Water Meter Project including a revised budget and request to clarify the financial delegations to the Chief Executive.

This matter does not relate to a current Council priority.

Executive Summary | TE WHAKARĀPOPOTOTANGA MATUA

2. In the almost 18 months since the project approval, and while the project is going well officers have taken the time to re-evaluate how the project could be completed to ensure we complete it on budget and in timeframe.

3. The new project team have worked diligently to come up with an updated project plan which proposes a change in methodology, and sees utilising small local contractors. This plan has been presented and endorsed by internal stakeholders with a strong focus on ensuring the project is delivered with best public value, and was approved by the Procurement Review Group on 9 April 2025.

4. While the current re-calculated figures show a budget requirement of $6.582M, to provide Officers flexibility, an approval of $6.78M ($320K or 5% increase from the original budget) is requested of Council noting that Council Officers acknowledge that the extra expenditure is required to come from existing CAPEX budgets. Updates on the progress of the project, including budgets, will continue to be provided by Officers to the Project Steering Group. This change still fits into the wider Capital Programme budget.

5. Within this report are the revised options (A & B) considered for the continued implementation of the Districtwide Water Metering programme which is already included in the LTP.

6. It proposes that council approve implementation of Option A, being the approval of the new revised Districtwide Water Meter Project plan noting a budget increase to 6.78M and the financial delegation to the Chief Executive.

DELEGATION OR AUTHORITY TO ACT | TE MANA WHAKATAU I NGĀ KAWENGA

7. This report seeks approval of the revised budget for the Districtwide Water Meter Project noting the steps Officers have taken to create efficiencies and keep costs sustainable while delivering on time.

8. This report also seeks approval for a clearer financial delegation to the Chief Executive for the entire Districtwide Water Meter Project.

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT | He Aromatawai Matua

9. This matter is assessed as not significant because it has already been through the correct process.

RECOMMENDATION | NGĀ TAUNAKITANGA

A. That Report 25/251 Districtwide Water Meter Project - Update and Delegation be received.

B. That this matter or decision is recognised as not significant in terms of S76 of the Local Government Act.

C. That Council approve the new revised Districtwide Water Meter Project plan noting an increased budget $6.78M noting that the budget increase will be required to come from existing CAPEX budgets.

D. That Council approve financial delegation to the Chief Executive for the sum of $6.78M for the delivery of the Districtwide Water Meter Project.

Background | HE KŌRERO TŪĀPAPA

10. On 13 December 2023, Council Officers presented a report to Councillors on the implementation of Districtwide Water Meters. On the recommendation of Officers, Council passed the following resolutions:

11. While it was believed that the intention of the resolution Council was to give the Chief Executive delegation for the project, unfortunately, the wording of resolutions 3.5.1 and 3.5.2 only provide $5.5M of the $6.46M originally required. As of 13 March 2025, the project has spent $3.75M (which includes $2.92M for the Water Meters alone) therefore the original delegation has not been exceeded.

12. In the almost 18 months since the project approval, a number of staff changes, unforeseen expenditure and some under estimated productivity estimates have seen the project team re-evaluate how the project could be completed with minimal financial impact and time delays.

Discussion | HE MATAPAKINGA

13. The new project team have worked diligently to come up with an updated project plan which has addressed the issues which have presented since handover. This plan has been presented and endorsed by internal stakeholders with a strong focus on ensuring the project is delivered with best public value.

14. A newly established budget, with adding and removing original items based on prioritisation, provides an estimated increase in project budget requirement by $121.5K (2%) bringing the total budget to $6.582M. While the current re-calculated figures show a budget requirement of $6.582M, to provide Officers flexibility, an approval of $6.78M ($320K or 5% increase from the original budget) is being requested of Council noting that Council Officers acknowledge that the extra expenditure is required to come from existing CAPEX budgets.

15. A memo outlining these changes was presented to the Procurement Review Group (PRG) on 9 April 2025 with the PRG providing full endorsement of the revised project budget as well as the increased and clarified delegations to the Chief Executive.

Options | Ngā Kōwhiringa

Benefits | Ngā Whiwhinga

Risks | Ngā Mōrearea

Option A (recommended)

Approve the new revised Districtwide Water Meter Project plan noting an increased budget to $6.78M; and

Approve financial delegation to the Chief Executive for the sum of $6.78M for the delivery of the Districtwide Water Meter Project.

· This option enables the project to be delivered as originally promised but with a new realistic approach.

· Increase budget has potential to give less flexibility in the remainder of the CAPEX programme.

Option B (status quo with delegation – not recommended)

Do not approve the revised Districtwide Water Meter Project plan noting the current budget of $6.46M; but still

Approve financial delegation to the Chief Executive for the sum of $6.46M for the delivery of the Districtwide Water Meter Project.

· This option keeps the project within the original budget.

· The project has a risk of not being delivered to the standard expected and/or the completion date delayed.

Options Commentary | He Tāpiringa Kōrero Mō ngā Kōwhiringa

16. Option B carries a high likelihood of cost overrun to deliver the full project scope.

17. A further Option not considered is to keep the current delegations however this does not enable the Chief Executive to approve all the contracts and work required to complete this project.

ENGAGING WITH MĀORI | TE MAHI TAHI KI TE MĀORI

18. Whilst there are no parts of this paper to work through with Iwi, the positive impacts of automated metering systems i.e. reduction in wastage or water leakage, should be shared and celebrated with our Iwi partners.

CLIMATE CHANGE | NGĀ ĀHUARANGI HURIHURI

19. Council’s Water Demand Management strategy places great emphasis on the impacts of Climate Change to water security.

20. District-wide water metering is one of the interventions required to enable the implementation of water conservation measures which will ensure the efficient use of a valuable natural resource. The implementation of this project will include a waste minimisation plan for the re-use and recycling of all water meters that are being replaced.

FINAnCIAL AND RESOURCING | TE TAHUA PŪTEA ME NGĀ RAUEMI

21. Adjustments required to the budget expenditures for 2024/25 and 2025/26 have been identified due to the proposed procurement of Contractors and water meters within the 2024/25 financial year. The original procurement plan allocated meter deliveries within the 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 budgets. However, the initial budget allocation was insufficient to cover these costs and misaligned with the actual programme which has resulted in an updated programme that has been accelerated.

22. With the reforecasting of the program and cashflow based on actuals and estimate, adjustments have been made to the estimated costs to manage the financial impact to this year’s budget. The following actions have been implemented: - Contractor Costs: Negotiated rates for meter installations and maintenance are forecasted to remain within budget. - Deferred Costs: Procurement and installation of gateways and repeaters have been shifted to the next financial year to ease budget strain.

Legal and Risk | Te Ture me ngā Mōreareatanga

23. The execution of the proposed option will assist HDC with compliance as a water supplier in terms of general duty to ensure drinking water is safe (up until the point of supply) duties to provide sufficient quantity of drinking water and to protect against the risk of backflow, and obligations around notification and reporting.

POLICY IMPACT | NGĀ PĀTANGA I NGĀ KAUPAPA HERE

24. In preperation for an LTPA 26 or LTP27. An initial review of water charging options is to be undertaken between July and November 2025.

COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT | TE WHAKAWHITI PĀRONGO ME TE MAHI

25. No further consultation is required to be undertaken for this option of the project. Future change and review of the targeted water rate, volumetric water use charge and remission of excessive water use charges would require consultation.

26. Implementation of a new customer engagement system and portal would include consultation with the various affected parties within council operations as well as any external parties such as Older Persons Network, Ratepayers Associations, etc.

Communicating with our Community | Te Whakawhiti Pārongo ki te Hapori

27. This project would likely elicit strong community views relating to the ownership and affordability of water supplies. This will be managed through a robust, timely and thorough communications plan which will include online and print public notifications, direct notices to affected customers when meters are to be installed and infographics on the digital displays as well as physical exhibitions of the new meter systems at all HDC customer centres.

Next Steps | HEI MAHI

28. Officers will continue to deliver the Districtwide Water Meter Project on the back of Councils decisions from this report.

29. Updates on the progress of the project, including budgets, will continue to be provided by Officers to the Project Steering Group.

Confirmation of statutory compliance

In accordance with sections 76 – 79 of the Local Government Act 2002, this report is approved as:

a. containing sufficient information about the options and their advantages and disadvantages, bearing in mind the significance of the decisions; and,

b. is based on adequate knowledge about, and adequate consideration of, the views and preferences of affected and interested parties bearing in mind the significance of the decision.

Attachments | NGĀ TĀPIRINGA KŌRERO

No.	Title	Page
a ⇩	Memo to PRG - Districtwide Water Meter Project - April 2025	309
b ⇩	Detailed Procurement Plan - Districtwide water metering - 4 part procurement	311

Te Awahou Foxton Community Board

10 March 2025

Te Awahou Foxton Community Board

OPEN MINUTES

UNCONFIRMED

Minutes of a meeting of the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board held in the Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 92 Main Street, Foxton on Monday 10 March 2025 at 6:00 pm.

present

Chairperson	Mr John Girling
Deputy Chairperson	Mr Trevor Chambers
Members	Mrs Nola Fox
	Mr Brett Russell
	Mr David Roache
	Deputy Mayor David Allan

IN ATTENDANCE

Reporting Officer	Monique Davidson	Chief Executive
	James Wallace	Land Transport Manager
	Nirmal Rama	Land Transport Projects Engineer
Meeting Secretary	Grayson Rowse	Principal Advisor – Democracy
	Alice Petersen	Democracy Support Officer

1 Apologies

There were no apologies.

2 Public Participation

There was no public participation.

3 Late Items

There were no late items.

4 Declaration of Interest

Members were reminded of their obligation to declare any conflicts of interest they might have in respect of the items on this Agenda.

5 Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/1

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mr Roache:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board held on Monday, 11 November 2024, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

6 Presentations

6.1	Seabury Ave / Nash Parade Safety Improvement Options
	Purpose \| Te PŪTAKE The purpose of this presentation was to present for discussion the options for safety improvements on the corner of Seabury Avenue and Nash Parade Foxton Beach in relation to the pump track.
	Officers outlined options to improve the safety of the intersection of Seabury Ave and Nash Parade in Foxton Beach. This intersection has raised concerns due poor visibility and it’s higher use by children, cyclists, and walkers. Improvements for this intersection are included in the Land Transport work programme but due to a change in Land Transport funding from NZTA, there is limited funds for safety improvements. Officers are working on low cost but effective mitigation options, and presented to the Board several options that are currently being explored. The most immediate is a speed bump on the eastern side of Seabury drive near the intersection as this can be delivered within budget this financial year and has a tentative install date before the end of March. Pricing for more extensive work is underway to determine what can be delivered in the 2025/26 financial year. The Board requested officers report back to a future Te Awahou Foxton Community Board Meeting the detailed pricing of more extensive safety measures at Seabury Ave / Nash Parade. Officers also spoke to speed management options for Lady’s Mile. Officers advised that work is commencing on speed humps along lady’s mile. Officers are currently speaking with emergency services to ensure design won’t hinder their ability to respond to emergencies.

Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/2

MOVED by Mr Roache, seconded Mr Russell:

That the Presentation - Seabury Ave / Nash Parade Safety Improvement Options be received and noted.

Carried

7 Elected Members Reports

7.1	Chairperson's Report - February 2024
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE To receive the Chairperson’s report highlighting matters of interest to Te Awahou Foxton Community Board.
	Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/4 MOVED by Mrs Fox, seconded Mr Russell: A. That Report 25/87 Chairperson's Report - February 2025 be received and noted. Carried
	Officers noted and apologised for the error in the date of the Chairperson’s report advised it was written in February 2025 not November 2024. The Chair updated the Board on the Flood Resilience Group’s work. The group is positive and keen to continue meeting with a redefined scope.

7.2	Community Board Member Report - Brett Russell
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report was present to update the Community Board on the activities of Community Board Member Brett Russell.
	Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/5 MOVED by Mr Roache, seconded Mr Russell: A. That Report 25/85 Community Board Member Report - Brett Russell be received and noted. Carried
	Board Member Brett Russell spoke to his report and highlighted the work of the Estuary Trust included a farewell function on Saturday 15 March to say goodbye to the migratory birds but it’s also noted sadly that loose dogs have been seen in the Estuary. Officers already began work on renewed signage that will be erected with the next two weeks. Mr Russell spoke to concerns around the delivery of economic development with Horowhenua. Officers clarified that The Horowhenua Company Ltd are contracted to delivery Economic Development within the Horowhenua District and that last year as a lead into the upcoming legally required s17a review, Horowhenua District Council and The Horowhenua Company Ltd jointly commissioned the Sage Bush report that explored the current economic development strategy, the benefits and values of economic development. This report identified Foxton as having many opportunities for economic development with the construction of Ō2NL Highway and officers expressed how Foxton Futures would have a key part to play in this. The Manawatu Estuary Trusts progress on finalising development of the Manawatu Estuary Management Plan for 2025-2035. The plan is due to be launched 1PM – 3PM Friday, 21 March 2025 at the Manawatu Marine Boating Club.

7.3	Community Board Member Report - Nola Fox
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE To present to Te Awahou Foxton Community Board matters relating to Te Awahou Foxton Community Board area.
	Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/6 MOVED by Mr Roache, seconded Mr Chambers: A. That Report 25/88 Community Board Member Report - Nola Fox be received and noted. Carried

8 Reports

8.1	Update on Te Awahou Foxton Community Board Priorities
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE 1. This report updates progress of the Board’s priorities. This matter does not relate to a current Council priority.
	Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/7 MOVED by Mr Roache, seconded Mrs Fox: A. That Report 25/101 Update on Te Awahou Foxton Community Board Priorities be received and noted. Carried
	Officers spoke to the report noting the progress of the Foxton Beach Endowment Fund Policy review highlighting the previous workshop and next steps. Officer also acknowledged the Foxton and Foxton Beach Community Plan was unanimously endorsed by Council and noted it has been shared with Foxton Futures. The expressions of interest (EOI) for Foxton Futures Group has now closed with 18 EOI’s received. The Board held an open workshop last month where officers presented a stormwater update. The Board expressed the desire for a more detailed update on flooding protection not just the environmental impact progress. Officers advised that one of Council’s Top 12 Priorities is “Community Preparedness; to continue tackling stormwater hotspots across district”, that this work has been prioritised in and around Foxton and an update on this to the Board will be captured in an upcoming report.

8.2	Foxton Beach Endowment Fund Update
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report presented an update to the board on financial movements in the Foxton Beach Endowment Fund. This matter relates to Ensuring Financial Discipline and Management Provide transparent financial reporting and regular updates to the community on the Council’s financial performance and initiatives.
	Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/8 MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mr Russell: A. That Report 25/86 Foxton Beach Endowment Fund Update be received and noted. Carried
	Officers presented the report, noting minor formatting changes and account name has been updated. Officers highlighted the financial performance. Officers are continuously working to improve the report. The Board requested an update on Pinewood Motor Camp lease at its next meeting.

8.3	Horowhenua District Council Organisation Performance Report February 2025
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report presented to the Board the Organisation Performance Report for October 2024 highlighting areas of interest to the Foxton Community. This matter relates to Pursuing Organisation Excellence Continuing the journey of organisational transformation by enabling a culture of service, excellence and continuous improvement.
	Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/9 MOVED by Mr Roache, seconded Cr Allan: A. That Report 25/64 Horowhenua District Council Organisation Performance Report February 2025 be received and noted. Carried
	The Board raised concerns over the Foxton Pool closure for lane marker repairs over the school holiday period. Officers acknowledged that closure over the April school holidays isn’t ideal but it’s necessary to have the least impact on the swim school and local schools usage during term which are major revenue earners for the Foxton Pools. Officers are looking into community events that can be stood up over the school holidays. Officers answered questions from the Board on the Financial Summary Report.

8.4	Te Awahou Foxton Community Board - Actions Monitoring Report - March 2025
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report presented to Te Awahou Foxton Community Board the updated monitoring report covering requested actions from previous meetings of the Board. This matter relates to Pursuing Organisation Excellence Continuing the journey of organisational transformation by enabling a culture of service, excellence and continuous improvement.
	Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/10 MOVED by Mr Roache, seconded Mrs Fox: A. That Report 25/79 Te Awahou Foxton Community Board - Actions Monitoring Report - March 2025 be received and noted. Carried

7.15pm There being no further business, the Chairperson declared the meeting closed.

CONFIRMED AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF Te Awahou Foxton Community Board HELD ON

DATE: ...........................

CHAIRPERSON:

Community Funding and Recognition Committee

02 April 2025

Community Funding and Recognition Committee

OPEN MINUTES

UNCONFIRMED

Minutes of a meeting of Community Funding and Recognition Committee held in the Council Chambers, 126-148 Oxford St, Levin on Wednesday 2 April 2025 at 10:00 am.

present

Chairperson	Councillor Nina Hori Te Pa
Councillors	Councillor Rogan Boyle	Not Present
	Councillor David Allan
	Councillor Alan Young	Apology
	His Worship the Mayor Bernie Wanden

IN ATTENDANCE

	Arlo Campbell	Youth Advisor
	Cacia Wall	Youth Advisor
Reporting Officer	Mark Hammond	Community Facilities and Services Manager
	Emma Gowan	Community Development Adviser
	Laura Fisher	Community Development Coordinator
Meeting Secretary	Alice Petersen	Democracy Support Officer

1 Apologies

Apology

Resolution number CFARC/2025/8

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Cr Wanden:

That the apology from Councillor Alan Young be accepted.

CARRIED

2 Late Items

There were no late items.

3 Declaration of Interest

Youth Advisor Cacia Wall declared a conflict of interest in one of the Youth Empowerment Fund applications and did not take part in the discussion of this individuals application.

4 Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/9

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mayor Wanden:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Community Funding and Recognition Committee held on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Excluded Meeting of the Community Funding and Recognition Committee held on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

5 Reports for Decision

6.1	Proposed Criteria for Youth Excellence Awards
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report presented a proposal to amend the criteria for the Youth Excellence Awards – Academia category. This matter relates to Community Connections and Better Wellbeing. Activate the key priorities within the Community Wellbeing Strategy.
	Resolution Number CFARC/2025/10 MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mayor Wanden: A. That Report 25/150 Proposed Criteria for Youth Excellence Awards be received. B. That this matter or decision is recognised as not significant in terms of S76 of the Local Government Act. Carried

	Resolution Number CFARC/2025/11 MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mayor Wanden: C. That following discussion at the Funding and Recognition Committee meeting, the proposed Youth Excellence Awards – Academia criteria be circulated to the three colleges for their feedback before the Committee making its final decision. D. That the Funding and Recognition Committee approve, in principle, the proposed changes to the Youth Excellence Awards – Academia criteria, subject to feedback from the three colleges. Carried

8 Procedural motion to exclude the public

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/12

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mayor Wanden:

That the public be excluded from the following part(s) of the proceedings of this meeting.

The general subject 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(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution follows.

This resolution is made in reliance on section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by section 6 or section 7 of that Act which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public, as follows:

C1 Youth Empowerment Fund 2024-2025 - Q1 Applications

Reason:	The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.
Interests:	s7(2)(a) - The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.
Grounds:	s48(1)(a) The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.
Plain English Reason:	This report contains applications for funding which include personal details..

C2 Urupā Whānau Maintenance Fund

Reason:	The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.
Interests:	s7(2)(a) - The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.
Grounds:	s48(1)(a) The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.
Plain English Reason:	This report includes funding applicant details, including bank account details, names and addreses which is not in the public interest to disclose. The names of successful applicants and thier projects will be released after this meeting.

C3 Community Events and Programmes Fund 2024-2025, R2

Reason:	The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.
Interests:	s7(2)(a) - The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.
Grounds:	s48(1)(a) The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.
Plain English Reason:	This report includes funding applicant details, including bank account details, names and addreses which is not in the public interest to disclose. The names of successful applicants and thier projects will be released after this meeting...

The text of these resolutions is made available to the public who are present at the meeting and form part of the minutes of the meeting.

In accordance to standing order 18.2 the meeting noted that two Youth Advisors are remaining in the meeting for item C1 Youth Empowerment Fund 2024-2025 - Q1 Applications due to their expertise and as per the criteria of the Youth Empowerment Fund.

Carried

10.10 am The public were excluded.

Resolutions in relation to the confidential items were released from public excluded business by resolution at the close of the meeting and are recorded below.

Reports for Noting

Youth Empowerment Fund 2024-2025 - Q1 Applications

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

This report was presented to discuss applications received for quarter one of the Youth Empowerment Fund 2024-2025 and decide on funding allocations.

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/8

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Cr Hori Te Pa:

A. That Report 25/144 Youth Empowerment Fund 2024-2025 - Q1 Applications be received and noted.

Carried

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/9

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mayor Wanden:

That the Committee approve the following grants for the Youth Empowerment Fund 2024-2025:

Applicant:	Amount awarded:
Ellah Haerewa	$500
Issac Bell	$500
Imogen Williamson	$500
Amelie Williamson	$500

Carried

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/10

MOVED by Mayor Wanden, seconded Cr Allan:

That these minutes are to be released from in-committee business at the close of the meeting.

Carried

Urupā Whānau Maintenance Fund

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

This report was presented to discuss applications received for round 1 of the Urupā Whānau Maintenance Fund 2024-2025 and decide on funding allocations.

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/11

MOVED by Mayor Wanden, seconded Cr Allan:

A. That Report 25/139 Urupā Whānau Maintenance Fund be received and noted.

Carried

Officers to bring back questions

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/12

MOVED by Mayor Wanden, seconded Cr Allan:

That the Committee approve the following grants for the Urupā Whānau Maintenance Fund 2024-2025:

Applicant:	Amount awarded:
Raumatangi	$500
Te Kapa	$500
Whanau urupa - Mete	$500
Te Kiore	$500
Whakawehi	$500

Carried

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/13

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mayor Wanden:

That these minutes are to be released from in-committee business at the close of the meeting.

Carried

Community Events and Programmes Fund 2024-2025, R2

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

1. To discuss applications received for round 2 of the Community Events and Programmes Fund 2024-2025 and decide on funding allocations.

Community Connections and Better Wellbeing.

This matter relates to Community Connections and Better Wellbeing.

Activate the key priorities within the Community Wellbeing Strategy.

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/14

MOVED by Cr Hori Te Pa, seconded Cr Allan:

A. That Report Community Events and Programmes Fund 2024-2025, R2 be received and noted.

Carried

Applications on block - David / Nina

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/15

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Cr Hori Te Pa:

That the Committee approve the following grants for the Community Events and Programmes Fund 2024-2025 R2:

Applicant:	Amount awarded:
Adult Day Care Centre	$3,500.00
MASH Trust	$2,985.00
Aspie Answers	$1,500.00
Horowhenua SuperGrans trading as Skills4Living	$2,875.00
English Language Partners NZ Trust (Horowhenua-Kapiti Centre)	$3,000.00
Beyond Courageous Limited	$3,840.00
Legacy Centre Levin	$2,800.00
Levin MenzShed	$2,500.00
Levin Uniting Church and Community Centre	$5,000.00
Altrusa Int Levin	$500.00
Shannon Christmas Parade and Celebrations	$1,850.00
Levin Garden Club	$1,000,00
New Zealand National Refugee Youth Council Incorporated	$2,500.00
Levin Swimming Club Incorporated	$500.00

Carried

Resolution Number CFARC/2025/16

MOVED by Mayor Wanden, seconded Cr Allan:

That these minutes are to be released from in-committee business at the close of the meeting.

Carried

11.43 pm There being no further business, the Chairperson declared the meeting closed.

CONFIRMED AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF Community Funding and Recognition Committee HELD ON

DATE: ...........................

CHAIRPERSON:

Hearings and Regulatory Committee

15 April 2025

Hearings and Regulatory Committee

OPEN MINUTES

UNCONFIRMED

Minutes of a meeting of Hearings and Regulatory Committee held in the Council Chambers, 126-148 Oxford St, Levin on Tuesday 15 April 2025 at 10:00 am.

present

Chairperson	Deputy Mayor David Allan
Deputy Chairperson	Councillor Justin Tamihana	via A/V Link
Councillors	Councillor Sam Jennings
	His Worship the Mayor Bernie Wanden

IN ATTENDANCE

Reporting Officer	Daniel Haigh	Group Manager Community Infrastructure
	Justine Moore	Principal Advisor - Infrastructure
	Carolyn Dick	Strategic Planning Manager
	Grayson Rowse	Principal Democracy Advisor
Meeting Secretary	Alice Petersen	Democracy Support Officer

1 Apologies

There were no apologies.

2 Late Items

There were no late items.

3 Declaration of Interest

Members were reminded of their obligation to declare any conflicts of interest they might have in respect of the items on this Agenda.

4 Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution Number HARCC/2025/1

MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Mayor Wanden:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Hearings and Regulatory Committee held on Tuesday, 9 October 2024, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

5 Reports for Decision

6.1	Proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw - Hearing of Submissions
	The purpose of this report was to summarise the submissions received during consultation on the Proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 (the Bylaw), and to provide the platform for the Hearings and Regulatory Committee (the Committee) in its deliberation on those submissions; and subsequent recommendation to Council on the final form of the Bylaw.
	The Chair spoke briefly about the process for the day and acknowledged the Manawatū Estuary Management Team had not been able to attend to speak today.
	Resolution Number HARCC/2025/2 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Mayor Wanden: That Report 25/92 Proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw - Hearing of Submissions be received. That this matter or decision is recognised as significant in terms of S76 of the Local Government Act. That the Committee considers the feedback from submitters and officers on the Proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw. Carried
	The committee heard from submitters as follows: Charles Rudd submission (#12) spoke to submission raising concerns on stormwater systems, enforcement and Lake Horowhenua pollution. Vivienne Bold submission (#13) spoke to her submission raising concerns on waste and storm water infrastructure and environmental pollution. Martin O’Malley submission (#17) spoke to his submission raising concerns on cost to café/pubs/restaurants with trade waste charges and asset management. Officers responded to questions throughout the speakers and then took questions from the committee. Clarifying management of food/hospitality businesses trade waste, purpose to formalise process by registering and consenting. Officers outlined at a high level the process of consenting for businesses highlighting the difference between smaller lower risk food/hospitality businesses and larger commercial business like manufacturers or larger food businesses. Discussion around the timeframe of consents with officers recommending that the change to ‘two to five years’ allow for greater operational flexibility for low-risk compliant businesses as their consent timeframe can be extended to five years.

	Resolution Number HARCC/2025/3 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Mayor Wanden: That the Committee recommends Council amend A6.1(a) to: “Protect and Prevent Damage to Local Waters and the Associated Environment. To manage, protect and prevent damage or misuse to Local Waters Services and the associated land, structures, infrastructure and associated environment. “ Carried
	Resolution Number HARCC/2025/4 MOVED by Mayor Wanden, seconded Cr Jennings: That the Committee recommends Council adds of the following Explanatory Note after E4.4: “Explanatory Note: For clarity any business that produces trade waste but whose waste does not enter the Council Controlled Wastewater or Stormwater Networks, either via pipes, tankered waste operator, or other method, will not be required to hold a Trade Waste Consent but will still be required to register.” Carried


	Resolution Number HARCC/2025/5 MOVED by Cr Tamihana, seconded Cr Jennings: That the Committee recommends Council amend E3.4 to: With the exception of Tankered Waste, no person may discharge any Trade Waste in a way that causes that Trade Waste to be discharged off the Premises to land or water outside the premises unless the activity is consented by the Regional Council. Carried
	Resolution Number HARCC/2025/6 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Mayor Wanden: That the Committee recommends Council amend E4.15 to “The period for which a trade waste Consent is granted to be two to five years from the date of grant.” That the Committee recommends Council remove E4.16 from the proposed bylaw. Carried
	Resolution Number HARCC/2025/7 MOVED by Cr Tamihana, seconded Cr Allan: That the Committee recommends Council amend the purpose of the Local Waters Combined Bylaw to include reference to Te Mana o te Wai; by substituting the purpose with: “The overall purpose of the Bylaw is to facilitate an integrated approach to Local Waters management in the Horowhenua District that recognises the interdependencies between each component and promotes their sustainable use and management and recognition of Te Mana o Te Wai. The following purposes are relevant to the four water services (water supply, wastewater, trade waste and stormwater) managed under this Bylaw.” Carried

Resolution Number HARCC/2025/8

MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Tamihana:

E. That the Committee recommends Council adopt the Proposed Local Waters Combined Bylaw 2025 incorporating the changes recommended by this Committee.

Carried

11.22 pm There being no further business, the Chairperson declared the meeting closed.

CONFIRMED AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF Hearings and Regulatory Committee HELD ON

DATE: ...........................

CHAIRPERSON:

Risk and Assurance Committee

30 April 2025

Risk and Assurance Committee

OPEN MINUTES

UNCONFIRMED

Minutes of a meeting of Risk and Assurance Committee held in the Council Chambers, 126-148 Oxford St, Levin on Wednesday 30 April 2025 at 1:00pm.

present

Chairperson	Cr Sam Jennings
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Paul Olsen	(Apology)
Members	Cr Alan Young
	Cr Clint Grimstone	(Apology)
	Cr Jonathan Procter
	Mayor Bernie Wanden
	Jenny Livschitz	Independent Member (via A/V Link)
	Sarah Everton	Independent Member

IN ATTENDANCE

Reporting Officer	Jacinta Straker	Group Manager - Organisation Performance
	Monique Davidson	Chief Executive
	Daniel Haigh	Group Manager - Community Infrastructure
	Brent Harvey	Group Manager - Community Experience and Services
	David McCorkindale	Group Manager – Community Vision and Delivery
	Blair Spencer	Group Manager – Housing & Business Development
	Ashley Huria	Business Performance Manager
	Pei Shan Gan	Financial Controller
	Tanya Glavas	Safety & Wellbeing Lead
	Catherine Godfrey	Risk Advisor
Meeting Secretary	Alice Petersen	Democracy Support Officer

1 Apologies

Apology

Resolution number RAACC/2025/15

MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Mayor Wanden:

That the apology from Councillors Grimstone and Olsen be accepted.

CARRIED

2 Late Items

There were no late items.

3 Declaration of Interest

There were not declarations of interest.

4 Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution Number RAACC/2025/16

MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Risk and Assurance Committee held on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

That the minutes of the meeting of the Public Excluded Meeting of the Risk and Assurance Committee held on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, be confirmed as a true and correct record.

Carried

5 Reports for Noting

5.1

PwC Tax Governance Presentation

Purpose | TE PŪTAKE

This report presented the Risk and Assurance Committee with the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) annual tax update for the Horowhenua District Council, as part of the tax governance framework programme.

Resolution number RAACC/2025/17

MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young:

A. That Report 25/203 PwC Tax Governance Presentation be received and noted.

B. That this matter or decision be recognised as not significant in terms of s76 of the Local Government Act 2002.

CARRIED

Resolution Number RAACC/2025/18

MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Procter:

C. That the Committee notes the Annual Tax Update presentation by PwC.

Carried

Officers briefly introduced the report before introducing Phil Fisher from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to present the Annual Tax Update to the committee.

Mr Fisher presentation gave an update on the council’s tax governance, pointing out key risk areas like GST, FBT, and withholding tax. Mr Fisher highlighted that a Council is good position and noted upcoming changes to FBT rules, the government stepping back from not-for-profit tax reforms, and future tax issues related to water services entities.

Mr Fisher answered questions from the committee around review prioritisation, operational changes with ACC levies and governances role in tax oversight. overseeing tax risk.

5.2	Continuous Improvement and Audit Actions Monitoring Report
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report updates the Risk and Assurance Committee on progress on the action items from previous resolutions. This matter relates to Pursuing Organisation Excellence Continuing the journey of organisational transformation by enabling a culture of service, excellence and continuous improvement.
	Resolution number RAACC/2025/19 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young: A. That Report 25/195 Continuous Improvement and Audit Actions Monitoring Report be received and noted. CARRIED
	Officers introduced the report and noted strong progress on audit action items, with several completed and set to be removed from the next report. Audit NZ has verbally approved the closure of some of the older recommendations. The PAYE compliance review is almost complete and outcomes will be updated for the next meeting. Committee members praised the team for effectively addressing long-standing issues and improving oversight.

5.3	Health, Safety and Wellbeing Dashboard - Quarterly Report
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report providing the Committee with Health, Safety and Wellbeing information and insights for the quarter from January 2025 – March 2025.
	Resolution number RAACC/2025/20 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young: A. That Report 25/207 Health, Safety and Wellbeing Dashboard - Quarterly Report be received and noted. CARRIED
	Officers introduced the report noting that Erode reporting is still being refined for detailed data to the minute as the committee has requested. Officers also highlighted that contractor reporting is now included, and all WorkSafe notifications have been closed with positive outcomes. An increase in peoplesafe reports from civic sites since November 2024 is due to Local Waters coming inhouse so waters related incidents are now included. Threatening behaviour toward staff has risen across all sites, with police informed and staff encouraged to report incidents. Officers noted that risk management will be a key focus in coming years. Officers highlighted the Health and Safety Deep Dive into Local Waters noting that it is a higher risk activity for Council but it has a strong safety mindset with high reporting culture.

5.4	Legislative Compliance
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report detailed the Council’s legislative compliance for the 12 months to 28 February 2025. This matter relates to Pursuing Organisation Excellence Continuing the journey of organisational transformation by enabling a culture of service, excellence and continuous improvement.
	Resolution number RAACC/2025/21 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young: A. That Report 25/208 Legislative Compliance be received and noted. CARRIED
	Officers introduced the report highlighting a 100% response rate from officers and noting an actions monitoring report will be brought to future meetings reporting progress. Officers also noted that a number of incompliance or partial compliance have been corrected already and this will be shown on the upcoming actions monitoring. The committee commented positively on how comprehensive the report is and noted that there were no high risk areas with non-compliance or only partial compliance.

5.5	Risk and Assurance Committee Work Programme
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE The purpose of this report was to provide the Risk and Assurance Committee with an outline of a draft Work Programme for 2024/25. This matter relates to Pursuing Organisation Excellence Continuing the journey of organisational transformation by enabling a culture of service, excellence and continuous improvement.
	Resolution number RAACC/2025/22 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young: A. That Report 25/220 Risk and Assurance Committee Work Programme be received and noted. CARRIED
	Officers introduced the report advised this is the proposed agenda for last meeting of this committee this triennium which is scheduled for August. Officer noted that the Annual Report 24/25 is scheduled to be adopted before the October Election.
	Resolution Number RAACC/2025/23 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young: B. That the Risk and Assurance Committee supports the proposed Risk and Assurance Committee Work Programme for 2024/25 Carried

5.6	Financial Dashboard as at 31 March 2025
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report presented a high-level overview of the financial position and results to the committee, with a focus on the March 2025 results. This matter relates to Pursuing Organisation Excellence Continuing the journey of organisational transformation by enabling a culture of service, excellence and continuous improvement.
	Resolution number RAACC/2025/24 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young: A. That Report 25/224 Financial Dashboard as at 31 March 2025 be received and noted. CARRIED
	Officers introduced the report highlighting an increase in overdue debts, with both residential ratepayers and businesses facing financial stress. Officers advised they have a focus on reducing debt and working with the community to through payment arrangements. Officers noted the changes in the capital projects program due to shifting priorities, funding availability and market conditions, advising that this is leading to a slight decrease in planned spending.

5.7	Treasury Update - March 2025
	Purpose \| TE PŪTAKE This report was presented to update the committee on the treasury activity for the last quarter, which is outlined in the Bancorp Treasury Reporting Dashboard for the March 2025 quarter. This matter relates to Ensuring Financial Discipline and Management Monitor Treasury opportunities to take advantage of favourable interest rates, reduce debt servicing costs, and maintain the Council’s credit rating. Provide transparent financial reporting and regular updates to the community on the Council’s financial performance and initiatives. Ensure financial discipline and compliance with our financial strategy and benchmarks.
	Resolution number RAACC/2025/25 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young: A. That Report 25/202 Treasury Update - March 2025 be received and noted. B. That this matter or decision is recognised as not significant in terms of S76 of the Local Government Act. CARRIED
	Officers introduced the report and noted that there was no borrowing activity in the last quarter. The Committee queried if forecasted percentage of debt to operating income ratio is on target. Officers confirmed it is projected to be under 250% financial strategy limit.
	Resolution Number RAACC/2025/26 MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young: C. That the Committee notes the Bancorp Treasury Reporting Dashboard for the March 2025 quarter. D. That the Committee notes the presentation from Bancorp Treasury that is tabled at the committee. Carried

8 Procedural motion to exclude the public

Resolution Number RAACC/2025/27

MOVED by Cr Jennings, seconded Cr Young:

That the public be excluded from the following part(s) of the proceedings of this meeting.

C1 Discussion on the Options for Credit Rating Services

Reason:	The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.
Interests:	s7(2)(h) - The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.
Grounds:	s48(1)(a) The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 7.
Plain English Reason:	This report is to facilitate a discussion of potential suppliers. Discussion of this item in public would disadvantage Council in potential future negotiations.

C2 Risk Management Quarterly Report

Reason:	The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 6.
Interests:	s6(a) - The making available of the information would be likely to prejudice the maintenance of the law, including the prevention, investigation, and detection of offences and the right to a fair trial.
Grounds:	s48(1)(a) The public conduct of the part of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists under section 6.
Plain English Reason:	This report identifies potential vulnerabilities and strategies to manage these vulnerabilities. Disclosing these would negate the effectiveness of risk mitigations..

The text of these resolutions is made available to the public who are present at the meeting and form part of the minutes of the meeting.

Carried

2.09 pm The public were excluded.

Resolutions in relation to the confidential items are recorded in the confidential section of these minutes and are not publicly available.

3.08 pm There being no further business, the Chairperson declared the meeting closed.

CONFIRMED AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF Risk and Assurance Committee HELD ON

DATE: ...........................

CHAIRPERSON:

Te Awahou Foxton Community Board

05 May 2025

Te Awahou Foxton Community Board

OPEN MINUTES

UNCONFIRMED

Minutes of a meeting of the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board held in the Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, 92 Main Street, Foxton on Monday 5 May 2025 at 6:00 pm.

present

Chairperson	Mr John Girling
Deputy Chairperson	Mr Trevor Chambers	(Apology)
Members	Mrs Nola Fox	(Apology)
	Mr David Roache
	Mr Brent Russell	(Apology)
	Deputy Mayor David Allan

IN ATTENDANCE

Reporting Officer	Monique Davidson	Chief Executive
	Ashley Huria	Business Performance Manager
Meeting Secretary	Alice Petersen	Democracy Support Officer

1 Apologies

Apology

Resolution number TAFCB/2025/10

MOVED by David Roache, seconded Cr Allan:

That the apology from Trevor Chambers, Nola Fox and Brett Russell be accepted.

CARRIED

2 Public Participation

The following members of the public attended the meeting and spoke on the items listed:

Name	Agenda Item
Christina Paton	7.2 Update on Te Awahou Foxton Community Board Priorities

3 Late Items

There were no late items.

4 Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

5 Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/11

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mr Roache:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Te Awahou Foxton Community Board held on Monday, 10 March 2025, be confirmed as a true and correct record

.Carried

6 Elected Members Reports

6.1

Chairperson Report - April 2025

This report presented the Chairperson’s report highlighting matters of interest to Te Awahou Foxton Community Board.

Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/12

MOVED by Mr Girling, seconded Mr Roache:

That Report 25/229 Chairperson Report - April 2025 be received and noted.

Carried

7 Reports

7.1

Update on the Bird Viewing Platform Project at Foxton Beach

This report provided an update on the Bird Viewing Platform Project at Foxton Beach

Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/13

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mr Roache:

That Report 25/230 Update on the Bird Viewing Platform Project at Foxton Beach be received and noted.

Carried

7.2

Update on Te Awahou Foxton Community Board Priorities

This report updated progress of the Board’s priorities.

Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/14

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mr Roache:

That Report 25/190 Update on Te Awahou Foxton Community Board Priorities be received and noted.

Carried

7.3

Foxton Beach Endowment Fund Update

This report updated the board on financial movements in the Foxton Beach Endowment Fund.

Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/15

MOVED by Mr Roache, seconded Cr Allan:

That Report 25/172 Foxton Beach Endowment Fund Update be received and noted.

Carried

7.4

Te Awahou Foxton Community Board - Actions Monitoring Report - April 2025

This report presented Te Awahou Foxton Community Board the updated monitoring report covering requested actions from previous meetings of the Board.

Resolution Number TAFCB/2025/16

MOVED by Cr Allan, seconded Mr Roache:

That Report 25/174 Te Awahou Foxton Community Board - Actions Monitoring Report - April 2025 be received and noted.

Carried

6.22 pm There being no further business, the Chairperson declared the meeting closed.

CONFIRMED AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF Te Awahou Foxton Community Board HELD ON

DATE: ...........................

CHAIRPERSON:

Mayor	His Worship The Mayor Bernie Wanden
Deputy Mayor	Councillor David Allan
Councillors	Councillor Mike Barker
	Councillor Rogan Boyle
	Councillor Ross Brannigan
	Councillor Clint Grimstone
	Councillor Nina Hori Te Pa
	Councillor Sam Jennings
	Councillor Paul Olsen
	Councillor Jonathan Procter
	Councillor Justin Tamihana