Kōrero mai Let's talk, Taitokerau! - Help us plan a strong future for Northland - give us your feedback by Friday 16 April 2021 - Northland ...
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Kōrero mai
Let's talk, Taitokerau!
Help us plan a strong future for Northland - give us your feedback by Friday 16 April 2021
Long Term Plan 2021-2031 Consultation Document
1
Contents Our Northland – building resilience and partnerships 04 A few things you need to know 05 Responding to the bigger picture 06 Community outcomes 07 What’s happened since our 2018 plan? 08 Natural environment 10 Community resilience 22 Regional leadership 36 Other decisions 42 What it means for the money 50 What do you think? 56 Independent auditor’s report 58
Tihewa mauri ora Tukuna te reo mihi ki te atua i hanga nei te taiao, te aorangi, te ao nei Rerea te mihi mōteatea ki te iwi wairua, i tānikohia e rātou te kahu tapu Ā, ka whai ake ngā mihi ki a tātou te hunga kikokiko o Te Taitokerau Whānui E te tī, e te tā, e tā mara mā Mauri tū Mauri roa Mauri ora
Kia tupu ake te manawaroa Your regional councillors
me te kotahitanga Penny Smart – Chair
Kaipara
Building resilience and partnerships
Justin Blaikie – Deputy Chair
We live in an unpredictable world. Lately »M
anaging pest animals and weeds, and
Hokianga–Kaikohe
in Northland we’ve faced flood events, supporting our communities to do the
water shortages, the Covid-19 pandemic, same, so our native ecosystems flourish.
legislative changes and more. Joce Yeoman
»A
dapting to and preparing for climate
Coastal North
As well as dealing with these issues, we’re change and extreme weather events.
continuing to focus on protecting our
Our proposed new work, along with inflation
region’s environmental, social, economic Marty Robinson
and previously approved work that kicks
and cultural wellbeing so future generations Coastal North
in over the next few years, would mean
can thrive.
an extra $70.69 (a 19.8% increase) per
Our plan for the next 10 years is to keep on: ratepayer on average for the coming year Amy Macdonald
– and a total amount of $6,173,365. Our Coastal Central
» Addressing complex water issues, from
new work is outlined in this document, and
droughts and floods to cleaning up our
accounts for 15.9% of the 19.8% increase.
waterways. Rick Stolwerk
We’ve made some great progress in the Coastal South
» Working with mana whenua and the
past few years, and there are still big
community on important mahi, from
opportunities ahead for Te Taitokerau.
large projects such as the Kaipara Moana Colin ‘Toss’ Kitchen
Investing in major infrastructure and large- Te Hiku
remediation programme to targeted
scale projects will mean increased rates,
biodiversity work.
of course. But the result? A thriving natural
» Partnering with tangata whenua by Jack Craw
environment, resilient communities and
formally introducing Māori representation Whangārei Urban
more chances to fulfil our region’s potential.
on the council, and building meaningful
That’s the kind of future we want for
relationships at iwi/hapū level.
Northland. Now it’s time to let us know Terry Archer
what you think. Whangārei Urban
4
Me mōhio ai koe
A few things you should know
Explaining costs and how they Other points
affect rates » The average impact on rates quoted here is indicative,
and will vary a lot depending on where you live. It also
When we talk about costs, we’ll either refer to capital
doesn’t include targeted rates, for things such as flood
expenditure (typically one-off costs associated with major
infrastructure, unless specified. Check out the rates
purchases or infrastructure assets,which are funded from
examples on pages 54 and 55 to see what our proposals
various sources and don’t directly affect your rates), operating
will mean for your rates.
expenditure (ongoing costs of a project, usually funded
directly by rates), or a mixture of both. » Spending quoted in this document excludes GST.
Projects with high capital cost will have a relatively reduced » Rates amounts in this document include GST.
direct impact on rates, as the cost is spread over multiple
» Financial forecasts in this document have been adjusted for
years. Projects of similar total cost will impact rates
future inflation, but the cost of our proposals and the impact
differently based on the mix of operational and capital
on rates are based on today’s dollar values.
expenditure. You can see the specifics of each project in
the Supporting Information document.
Visit nrc.govt.nz/futureplan
5
Tēnā whakawhānui tō whakaaro
Responding to the bigger picture
The upheaval of climate change, a global markets affect our funding. On the other
pandemic and economic uncertainty have hand, we have an opportunity to make the
introduced challenges that continue to most of low interest rates and borrow more
keep us on our toes. As we plan for the next now, to push forward with some amazing
10 years, we must balance long-standing projects. Considering how debt will affect Now we want
issues with preparing for the unknown.
In this Long Term Plan, we’re consulting with
future generations is key in making these
types of decisions. to hear what
you on a number of issues and projects. You can read more about our financial you think.
A lot of this work responds to community strategy on pages 52 and 53, and in the
calls for action and our obligations under Supporting Information document. The
new or upcoming government legislation on document also contains more detail about
carbon emissions, freshwater standards, the projects.
biosecurity and biodiversity. Other work
This is our plan to make the most of
we’re seeking to do capitalises on grants
our resources so we can support our
we’ve received for new and existing
communities and environment to thrive in
projects, such as the Awanui River flood
unpredictable times. It focuses strongly
scheme upgrade and the proposed Otiria-
on what Northlanders have told us is
Moerewa flood scheme.
most important to them: healthy waters,
Much of what we’re proposing is work we protecting our native plants and animals,
need to do now, to respond to pressure and and helping communities become resilient
opportunities. and adaptable.
The unpredictable global situation has Visit nrc.govt.nz/futureplan
also affected our financial strategy. Our
investment income significantly subsidises
the work we do, so changes in the financial
6
Ngā whakataunga ā hapori
Community outcomes
Every project you’ll read about in these pages links into one or more of these community outcomes. They underpin the decisions we
make as we work in partnership with the community to improve Northland’s environmental, social, economic and cultural wellbeing.
These outcomes are what we aim to achieve, now and in the future.
Healthy waters for Safe and effective
the environment and transport networks
our people connecting our region
The fresh and coastal waters Transport networks are safe,
of Te Taitokerau are clean and well organised and increasingly
abundant, supporting a healthy low emission, connecting
environment and the needs of communities and supporting
our people. our regional economy.
Protected and
flourishing native life
The incredible array of
native taonga in Te Taitokerau
Resilient, adaptable is treasured and protected,
communities in a Meaningful partnerships on land and in the water.
changing climate with tangata whenua
Communities are well prepared Strong outcomes for Māori
for the growing effects of climate through enduring relationships
change and the hazards our region between iwi/hapū and council.
faces, such as droughts and floods.
A strong and sustainable
regional economy
A sustainable economy,
supporting a healthy
standard of living and
wellbeing in Te Taitokerau.
7
I aha Te Mahere Roa o mua?
What’s happened since our 2018 plan?
2018 2019
KICKED OFF COMPLETED
freshwater improvement projects in the Northern Wairoa catchment a four-year Kaipara hill country erosion project, to stabilise land and
and dune lakes, partnering with tangata whenua and local communities. reduce sediment run-off into the Kaipara Harbour.
STARTED WORK LAUNCHED
on the Awanui River flood scheme upgrade, to better protect Kaitaia and our annual Environmental Awards, to recognise the people and
Awanui from flooding. organisations protecting and enhancing our unique environment.
CELEBRATED ESTABLISHED
100 schools and kindergartens joining the Enviroschools programme. a collaborative staff working group with other Northland councils to
work on a regional climate change adaptation strategy.
BUILT
more biosecurity partnerships with communities, and funded 55 pest- SPENT
control projects. more than $1M on flood mitigation projects.
COMPLETED CREATED
a four-year project to map coastal hazard zones, providing vital more community response plans, bringing the total to 46, to prepare
information for community resilience. for emergencies such as storms, flooding and tsunami.
WORKED PROVIDED
to improve water quality at Otuihau-Whangārei Falls through fencing 17,500 plants to protect dunes and coastal areas through the
and planting. Coastcare programme.
LAUNCHED
the first Northland Walking and Cycling Strategy, to encourage more HELPED
sustainable ways of getting around the region. implement the Taitokerau Northland Economic Action Plan, focusing
on projects to boost the region’s prosperity.
BECAME
a key player in leading the development of an inter-regional marine
pathway plan to manage marine pests.
2020
SIGNED LED
a partnership agreement for the landmark Kaipara Moana remediation a successful funding application to establish Predator Free
programme with Kaipara Uri and Auckland Council, aiming to Whangārei, a project that aims to eradicate possums from the
significantly reduce sediment going into the Kaipara Harbour. Whangārei Heads peninsula.
PROTECTED PREVENTED
400,000 cubic metres of floodwater from swamping Whangārei’s
fragile dune-lake ecosystems by employing contractors to remove
CBD in the July 2020 storm, thanks to the Hopua te Nihotetea
destructive wilding pines.
detention dam.
SUPPLIED RELEASED
more than 9000 predator traps and contributed funds to support updated river flood maps to identify areas of high risk and plan
locals looking after Northland’s 76 community pest control areas solutions for communities.
(which cover 130,393 hectares).
SUPPORTED
SIGNED projects that contribute to the region’s economic development, such
Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements with Patuharakeke and Ngāti as Opononi’s Manea – Footprints of Kupe centre.
Rēhia hapū, to provide more opportunities for tangata whenua to be
involved in the Resource Management Act process. COMPLETED
the three-year Otuihau-Hātea water quality improvement project,
LAUNCHED helping to fund 20km of stock exclusion fencing and nearly 23,000
new bus trials to help communities at Whangārei Heads and Hikurangi native plants in riparian margins.
access Whangārei more easily.
COMPLETED
the Panguru flood scheme, significantly reducing the number of days
that flooding prevents kids getting to school.
GRANTED
$1.15M to landowners across the region to support water-quality
improvement initiatives.
01.
Te taiao
Natural environment
Ask any Northlander why they love living protect our freshwater ecosystems – this scale ecological restoration projects,
here, and chances are they’ll talk about means more support and monitoring work such as the landmark Kaipara Moana
nature: the beaches, marine environment, for us. We’re also supporting biodiversity remediation programme, demonstrate
forests, rivers, lakes, and the birds and by helping to plan and fund planting on an how building enduring partnerships and
animals that live alongside us. Helping ever-growing scale, and ramping up pest managing land sustainably can restore the
native ecosystems flourish is a big part of management on land and in the marine mauri (spiritual lifeforce) of our precious
our job, and the work we need to do in this environment. natural environment.
area is growing quickly.
Local communities and tangata whenua There are several areas in which we need
Water quality is a big focus for us. The are often at the forefront of environmental to make decisions.
community tells us it’s extremely important protection, putting in hours of work with
to them, and the government continues to support from our staff and creating strong
introduce regulations to restore and social connections along the way. Large-
Overall, we’re planning to spend around $45M a year on our natural environment activities (on average over
the first three years), including the work we’re proposing here.
10 Pest control at Puketi ForestAddressing
water health
Being able to safely swim in our rivers We need to increase monitoring to better We’ll also put into practice Te Mana o te
and lakes is something we once took for understand the state of our water, from Wai – a Māori concept underpinning the
granted, but after decades of degradation, groundwater and lakes to rivers and government’s new freshwater reforms –
it’s not always possible. The state of our coasts. There will be a greater emphasis which prioritises the health and wellbeing
waterways is a huge issue for Northlanders, on data processing and quality, so we of the water over all other uses. This
and there’s a raft of new policy direction can make the best decisions possible for shift also means we must more actively
and requirements coming out of central our freshwater resources. Setting goals involve tangata whenua in freshwater
government for freshwater. This means we and rules through our plans, and ensuring management.
need to grow the knowledge and science to activities are consistent with these plans
This work also supports our catchment
develop new approaches that support the through the resource consent process,
management work (more about that on the
work everyone’s doing in this area. will ensure these natural resources are
next page).
well governed.
12We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Do the essentials Do the essentials
We need to build our capacity to deal with + some extra
the increase in programmes and legislative If the community is willing to pay more, we could
changes. This money will go towards projects do the work outlined in our proposed option,
such as: implementing Te Mana o te Wai; more while investing even more ($500,000 a year) in
resourcing for lake monitoring and water implementing Te Mana o te Wai. This means we
analysis; modelling and mapping groundwater, could provide even more support to the community
land use and swimming sites; creating systems and tangata whenua for freshwater management.
to manage the increasing quantities of data we
must gather; and contributing to the Far North
Te Hiku water project.
Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $9.20 per rates bill,
which equates to a 2.5% increase
$5.4M
over the next 3 years
All extra spend would be
operational (no capital spend).
in rates. Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $15.10 per rates bill,
$730K of this would be capital which equates to a 4% increase
spend, and the rest would be in rates.
operational.
$6.9M
over the next 3 years
13Managing
our water catchments
The areas of land (catchments) around planning and support on an individual farm This work creates a need to ramp up other
Northland’s rivers and harbours have a huge basis to working with groups of people services. We plan to continue expanding
impact on the health of our waterways. so we can better protect the most at-risk our Flyger Road poplar nursery so it can
We’re working to maintain and improve catchment areas. supply more trees for erosion control.
these ecosystems, to improve freshwater More soil monitoring, wetland and land-
A significant portion of our planned work
quality. Through partnerships with use mapping, and providing support
is part of the Kaipara Moana remediation
landowners, iwi/hapū and other agencies, for landowners around the upcoming
programme, a $300M, decade-long project
we’re running planting programmes, compulsory freshwater farm plans are
to restore the health and mauri of the
managing wetlands and lakes, and tackling also on the cards.
harbour. The ambitious programme is an
soil erosion on hills by providing advice and
equal partnership between Kaipara Uri While this major work is going on, we
trees from our poplar nursery.
and councils. As part of securing central want to increase our Environment Fund to
There’s lots of change happening at a government money ($100M) for the project, provide greater assistance for restoration
national level, so we’re responding to the we need to increase our contribution, as projects in other Northland harbour
likes of new standards for freshwater and does Auckland Council. That's in addition to catchments.
regulations around stock exclusion. We’re the work we already do around the Kaipara
moving from providing water-quality catchment.
14We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Do all this work Do the work and make
Fund our share of the Kaipara Moana extra funding available
Remediation Programme, continue In addition to all the work proposed,
expanding our Flyger Road poplar we could also increase funding via our
nursery, do more soil monitoring and Environment Fund and our contribution
mapping, support landowners around to the Kaipara Moana remediation
upcoming compulsory freshwater farm programme to support landowners
plans, and increase our Environment carrying out sediment control and water
Fund to support landowner efforts to protection work across the region.
protect our waterways. Our funding
of the Kaipara Moana remediation
programme includes borrowing, which
will be paid back via rates.
$5.28M
This cost depends on the level of
Rates impact in the first year: extra support provided. $500,000
an average of $10.90 per rates bill, of extra operational spend added to
which equates to a 2.9% increase the proposed option would have an
in rates. over the next 3 years
overall rates impact in the first year
$1.8M of this would be capital of $16.90, or a 4.5% rates increase.
spend, and the rest would be All extra spend would be
operational. operational (no capital spend).
$6.8M
over the next 3 yearsBiodiversity
Northland is home to a particularly rich advice and assistance to partners, as well We also plan to channel extra resources
array of plants and animals, with many as monitor and report results to support into our CoastCare programme, to help
unique ecosystems found nowhere else. future activities. local communities restore sand dunes,
But these wonders are coming under install fencing and signage, manage weeds,
The government is developing new
increasing pressure from human use, land educate the public, run beach clean-ups
directions for indigenous biodiversity.
intensification, pests, new diseases and and much more. All of this means more
We need to respond to that with a regional
climate change. people working on the ground to protect
biodiversity strategy, then develop and
coastal biodiversity, and healthier beaches
In partnership with iwi/hapū, landowners implement a biodiversity action plan.
for us all to enjoy.
and organisations, we’re working to restore
and improve coastal, freshwater and land
habitats. We provide expert biodiversity
16We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Do the essentials
Do the essentials + some extra
Develop a regional biodiversity strategy (as Do the proposed work, plus start funding
required by government) and action plan; iwi-based kaitiaki rangers to work in their
employ new staff to implement this, as well own rohe. They could patrol coastal areas
as monitor biodiversity and do work in the and educate visitors and locals, undertake
community. monitoring, and encourage respect for the
environment and cultural heritage.
$567K
Rates impact in the first year: Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $2.00 per rates bill, an average of $6.20 per rates bill,
which equates to a 0.5% increase which equates to a 1.7% increase
in rates. over the next 3 years in rates.
$2K of this would be capital spend, $2K of this would be capital spend,
and the rest would be operational. and the rest would be operational.
$1.6M
over the next 3 years
17Biosecurity land Introduced pest plants and animals After stepping up the pace on pest The reality is, pest management in threaten our native forests and waterways control in the 2018 Long Term Plan, we Taitokerau is a massive ongoing job and – but managing them well means there’s want to keep up the momentum on this there’s always more work that could room for our native plants and animals to critical activity. Meanwhile, there are also be done. We must balance what our flourish. It also enriches people’s lives, by emerging challenges and opportunities community wants – and can afford – to creating stunning habitats to explore and for pest management that we want to be invest in managing pests, alongside all connecting people as they come together able to respond to, from growing support the other work we need to deliver as a to protect what they treasure. To control for community pest management to better regional council. and remove introduced pests, we work approaches to tackling kauri dieback. closely with tangata whenua, communities, landowners and other agencies. 18
We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Do the essentials Do the essentials
Fund the top priorities to tackle growing + some extra
and long-standing biosecurity issues by: There’s potential to do even more in this area. If
establishing a low-incidence pest plant enough people support the idea, we could do all
programme; supporting our community the proposed work, plus boost funding to develop
pest-control groups with more resources; and maintain more high-value areas (such as Mid
North/Bay of Islands, where high biodiversity
investing more in possum control through
and recreational values meet strong community
the Predator Free Taitokerau programme interest in pest control), put more resource
and our other pest work; tackling the issue into growing our community-led pest-control
of feral deer; and contributing new funding programmes, and begin to establish a pest-free
to tackle kauri dieback in Northland. corridor between Mangawhai and the Kaipara
Harbour by expanding on our existing work.
Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $3.10 per rates bill,
which equates to a 0.8% increase
$2.5M Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $6.00 per rates bill,
which equates to an 1.6% increase
in rates. over the next 3 years in rates.
$9K of this would be capital spend, $9K of this would be capital spend,
and the rest would be operational. and the rest would be operational.
$3.7M
over the next 3 years
19Biosecurity
marine
Marine pests are far less visible than that we already face. Our proposal is to For the past few years, some of our marine
their land-based counterparts, yet are an further develop inter-regional partnerships biosecurity funding has come from a
increasing risk with each passing year. (as part of the Clean Hull Plan, formerly charge paid by the owners of moorings,
Though we’ve made progress on our marine known as the Inter-regional Marine marina berths, boatsheds and ports. We’re
biosecurity programme, and we’re a key Pathway Plan), and invest in developing now proposing to fund new incursion work
leader in developing an inter-regional a marine-vessel database so council – where a new pest pops up – through rates
marine pathway plan, we want to do more. and boaties can easily share information for the first year of this plan. (Boaties will
to help us track and assess risk. We still contribute to the cost of inspections
We plan to respond to growing marine
also want to boost funding to eradicate and monitoring).
threats – everything from introduced crabs
Mediterranean fanworm.
to seaweeds – while dealing with incursions
20We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION OTHER OPTIONS
Do this work, partly
Do this work,
funded by user charges
funded by rates
Boost our marine biosecurity work as
Boost our marine biosecurity work as
described, but fund new marine incursion
described, and fund the full cost
work through an increased charge paid
of new incursions through rates.
by the owners of moorings, marina berths
and ports. This would equate to a 0.3%
increase in rates, or about $1.20 on the
average rates bill, and would equate
to a charge of around $70 per
mooring, marina berth or
boatshed.
Don’t fund this work
$712K
Not doing this work would mean
Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $4.90 per rates bill, risking years of work on inter-regional
which equates to a 1.33% increase marine pest management, and would
over the next 3 years
in rates. reduce our ability to respond to marine
incursions and, in some cases, the
All extra spend would be
operational (no capital spend). opportunity to nip them in the bud.
This wouldn’t have any additional
impact on rates or user charges.
2102.
Manawaroa te hapori
Community resilience
Although no-one can predict the next sensible, sustainable way, while navigating coordinating planning for climate change
challenge Northland will face, being the uncertainties that are present in and adaptation. We also want to create
proactive is vital. The more we prepare today’s world. a more resilient, low-carbon transport
now, the better placed our communities network, and safely manage maritime
The emergency services rate is another
are to understand, plan for and manage activities and navigational safety.
way we keep the community safe. A small
risks – whether that’s a sudden event or
portion of your rates (approximately $12 a This section sets out the new flood
the growing effects of climate change.
year) goes towards supporting life-saving protection work we’re planning to fund
We want to continue working together with services in Northland: Northland Rescue in this Long Term Plan. There’s other work
communities and other councils to build Helicopters, Surf Life Saving, St Johns that’s ongoing or planned for further in
a resilient region. When plans are in place and Coastguard. That’s something we’ll the future. Our 30-year infrastructure
and infrastructure is strong, this brings continue to do. strategy sets out our big decisions and
greater certainty to communities and funding options for flood protection work
The projects we’d like your input on cover
improved confidence for local economies. across the region.
working with communities to protect life
This will allow Northland to grow in a
and property through flood schemes, and Read the strategy in our supporting
information. Visit nrc.govt.nz/futureplan
Overall, we’re planning to spend around $24M a year on our community resilience activities (on average
over the first three years), including the work we’re proposing here.
22 Flooding at Otiria MaraeFlood
protection
Predictions of sea-level rise and An extra consideration we have this time How we pay for our flood
increased rainfall intensity are putting is how to make the best use of government
extra pressure on our communities. We funding that has been approved for two
schemes
need to build, monitor and maintain flood of our schemes, via the shovel-ready When we consulted on our previous Long
protection systems that preserve human infrastructure fund (the Awanui scheme Term Plan in 2018, we had lots of support
life and minimise damage to property and received $8.5M, and the proposed Otiria- for a new region-wide flood infrastructure
infrastructure. Moerewa project received $2.89M). rate, to share the cost of new flood work
in Northland. This rate funds 70% of the
We’re striving to get the work done as We borrow to fund these projects, so we
capital cost of new flood projects, and the
quickly as we can, as that means vulnerable plan to use this funding to pay off the work
local targeted rates, which only apply to
communities can adapt to changing more quickly, significantly reducing the
the affected areas, cover the remaining
conditions sooner. But we need to overall cost.
30% plus all ongoing operational and
balance the pace of work with the cost
maintenance costs. When you see costs
to our communities.
relating to the flood infrastructure rate
and a targeted rate, this is how it’s divided.
Awanui River flood scheme upgrade
The Awanui River flood scheme upgrade will reduce damage to Thanks to the central government funding, we can complete
the Kaitaia community by providing flood protection for 1:100-year the project in three years instead of eight. We will also be able
flood events, up from 1:30-year events. The project is already well to pay off our contribution in 12 years instead of 30, which will
underway, with $15M of funding approved through our previous save ratepayers a substantial amount in interest. The cost of this
Long Term Plan. However we recently secured $8.5M from central project is split across the region-wide flood infrastructure rate
government for this project, greatly reducing the project cost for and the Awanui River management rate. These rates won’t
ratepayers. The overall project will cost $15.7M, and ratepayers will increase as a result of accelerating this work.
now only need to contribute $7.2M to the project.
24New flood work and a new rate for Otiria-Moerewa and Kawakawa
We’re planning new flood mitigation work in two areas where floods Kawakawa flood mitigation stopbank
are known to occur, and have been successful in securing central There has been a call to reduce the flood risk along Old Whangae
government funding for some of this. While these are two separate Road in Kawakawa. This would involve building a stopbank to deflect
pieces of work, they’re both located within the same catchment and the floodwater away from loca businesses. The stopbank work
we’re proposing to set one new targeted rate (the Taumārere rivers could begin in 2024 and cost around $1.5M. For rates, this means
management rate) to help fund the work. about $1 on the region-wide flood infrastructure rate, and $29.40
(including GST) on the targeted rate, from 2024. For the proposed
Otiria-Moerewa flood mitigation spillway
works to be effective, Far North District Council would also need to
Moerewa and Otiria are frequently flooded when heavy rain occurs.
install a stormwater pump to remove stormwater trapped behind the
Our goal is to reduce that risk to Otiria and Moerewa by constructing
stopbank during a flood.
a spillway that diverts floodwater away from the town, with work
Doing the work in Otiria-Moerewa and Kawakawa
starting in 2021. The total cost of the project is approximately $5M,
but with $2.89M coming from central government, less than half of This work will add about $1.45 extra a year on the region-wide flood
the cost will need to be covered by ratepayers. This portion will be infrastructure rate, increasing to $2.45 a year from 2024.
split, with $1.5M coming from the region-wide flood infrastructure The new Taumārere rivers management rate would add an average
rate and $630,000 from the new targeted Taumārere rivers of $57.50 (including GST) to each rates bill in the targeted catchment,
management rate. Our usual method of funding this work is to fund increasing to $86.90 in 2024. Our proposed option is to repay the
30% from targeted rates, however, with the central government Otiria-Moerewa work in 12 years, meaning that the $57.50 rates
funding ($2.8M) taken into account, this means only about 13% of contribution would stop in 2033. You can see if you fall into the
the total cost of works will need to be funded by the targeted (local Taumārere rivers management rating area in the rates section of
community) rate. our supporting information.
For the average rates bill, this adds about $1.45 on the region-wide Visit nrc.govt.nz/futureplan
flood infrastructure rate, and will be an extra $57.50 (including GST)
for those in the targeted rate area, for a 12-year period.
Whangārei flood mitigation project – Tarewa Road flood wall
We plan to build a flood wall into the footpath, and an earth bund into the existing landscape area, along Tarewa Road to reduce flooding of the
road and shops. The cost over the next three years will be $251,000. The overall project has been underspent, so even with this proposed new
work, the average cost to the ratepayer will decrease.
What if we don’t do this work?
Our proposed option Not doing these projects means our communities will
is to do this work. continue to be hit hard every time there’s a flood – and
Northland experiences heavy rain on a fairly regular basis.
25Upgrading our tsunami warning system
The Northland tsunami siren network is This new tsunami siren network will serve
reaching the end of its lifespan, and we Northland’s coastal communities for the
want to replace and upgrade the network next 20-30 years. We’re budgeting on
to make sirens more easily heard and a district council contribution of $1M
reduce confusion with other alarms. a year for the first two years.
The new sirens can also communicate
specific verbal messages, and cover a
wider area so we won’t need as many.
Do this work
OUR Start replacing the
PROPOSED current sirens now with
verbal communication
ANOTHER
OPTION
electronic sirens, to
futureproof the network OPTION
for the next few decades.
Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $1.20 per rates
bill, which equates to a 0.3%
$2.02M
over the next 3 years
Don’t upgrade the sirens
We could just continue expanding
increase in rates. and maintaining the current system.
This creates a risk of ongoing confusion
$2M of this would be capital with new fire-alert systems, meaning
spend, and the rest would the sirens will be less effective and our
be operational.
resilience to tsunamis will be reduced.
This wouldn’t have any additional
impact on your rates.
26New emergency coordination centre
Recent emergency events in New Zealand While most regions now have a dedicated This would be the central point for
have highlighted the need for purpose-built, multi-agency emergency coordination emergency responses and would also
multi-agency coordination centres that centre, there’s no facility like this in provide office space for the daily
are set up with technology and software Northland. Fire and Emergency New operations of our civil defence emergency
to enable quicker responses to support Zealand (FENZ) own land in central management staff, as well as some Fire
affected communities. Whangārei that would be an ideal site, and Emergency New Zealand and NZ Police
and we’re proposing to build a modern staff. The building would need to meet
emergency coordination centre. Building Code Importance Level 4, and
construction is planned to kick off in 2022.
Do this work
OUR Build a multi-agency
PROPOSED
emergency coordination
centre for the region in ANOTHER
OPTION
2022. We’ll borrow to fund
the building of the centre, OPTION
and repay the borrowing
via rates.
This project has no impact on Don’t build the centre
your rates for the first year
because the cost won’t kick in
until year two. Then it will be
$5.68M
over the next 3 years
If we don’t build the new emergency
coordination centre as proposed,
our capacity to coordinate during
$501,890 a year, adding $6.00 emergency responses will be limited.
to the average rates bill,
We may also lose the opportunity
which equates to a 1.6%
to partner with FENZ, and may
increase in rates.
not find another suitable site
$5.5M of this would be capital for several years. This wouldn’t
spend, and the rest would have any additional impact on
be operational. rates.
27Climate change
resilience
Climate change is heightening the impact for large-scale tree planting, and invest The Climate Change Response Act 2002
that natural hazards, such as flooding, in research so we can plan for different (and 2019 amendment) is prompting us
drought and coastal erosion, have on climate scenarios. to create a zero-carbon transition plan,
Northland. But we don’t know when the next outlining how we intend to achieve net-zero
Working with district councils, tangata
big weather event will strike, or how quickly carbon emissions by at least 2050. We’re
whenua and affected communities is
factors such as sea-level rise will affect also investigating replacing our ageing
crucial to making us better prepared for
communities – and there’s currently no harbour boat with an electric or hybrid
climate change. We want to create three
coordinated strategy to address this. vessel (see Harbour safety and navigation,
adaptive pathways plans to cover how to
page 32), and moving to electric buses
We’re already doing a lot of work to help manage larger population centres when
(see box page 34).
our communities prepare for the effects they’re threatened. For smaller coastal
of a changing climate. Our scientists are communities, we want to create a toolkit
mapping vulnerable areas of Northland, and that communities and hapū can use to
developing rules and projects to protect at- develop their own adaptive pathways plans.
risk land. We provide funding and support
28We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Do this work Don’t do this work
Undertake adaptive pathways planning, Only assist district councils with technical
with a dedicated programme for hapū and advice on climate change, and don’t put
community-led adaptive planning. Write extra resources towards reducing our
and begin implementing a zero-carbon carbon footprint. This wouldn’t have any
transition plan. additional impact on rates.
Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $6.90 per rates bill,
which equates to a 1.8% increase
$2M
in rates. over the next 3 years
$11K of this would be capital spend,
and the rest would be operational.
29Improving water resilience Water is a crucial resource, and access to The drought also exposed significant water Due to climate change, droughts are safe drinking water is also a fundamental poverty issues, particularly in remote expected to become more frequent and right of all New Zealanders. Recent drought communities that couldn’t access public severe. We’re proposing to provide funding conditions led to severe water shortages water-supply schemes and lacked water and grants to those most in need so and prolonged restrictions in Northland, storage infrastructure. they can buy water tanks, guttering and exposing our lack of water resilience. spouting, in partnership with other funders. 30
Do you support the scheme or not, and why?
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Set up and fund Don't support the
the scheme scheme
Put $500,000 a year into this scheme. Only respond to this issue on an
We could also fund the scheme to a emergency basis. This wouldn’t have
greater or lesser extent. Tell us what any additional impact on rates.
you hink.
Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $6 per rates bill,
which equates to a 1.6% increase
$1.5M
over the next 3 years
in rates.
This would all be operational spend.
31Harbour safety
and navigation
We use our existing maritime vessel as a of additional capital to get a new boat Abandoned vessels are a growing issue
pilot boat, to maintain buoys and beacons, designed and built, offsetting the project in our coastal waters, which cost money
and to respond to oil spills. It’s critical to the cost by selling our current boat. We’re to deal with, despite our best efforts to
safe running of our maritime operations. looking into the option of an electric/hybrid charge the owners. We’re proposing to
But it’s 20 years old and now we need a vessel too, and will consult with you again add an extra charge to our mooring fees
replacement vessel. This is something if the feasibility study shows this is a viable to cover much of this cost, but want to split
we must do. option involving more cost. the cost so 35% is covered by general rates
(a total cost of $14,175 per year).
A new maritime vessel will mean gains We also need to replace 11 fixed steel
in efficiency, design and technology. beacons, which are old and time consuming
Having a purpose-built boat will increase to maintain, with 14 relocatable, more
our capacity for an oil-spill response durable plastic buoys.
in Northland, so we’ve budgeted $1.6M
32We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Do all this work Do the work but don’t share
Replace our harbour boat and ageing the cost of abandoned boats
beacons – something that we must do to Go ahead with the essential boat and beacons
ensure the safe running of our maritime work, but don’t share the cost of dealing with
operations – and share the cost of abandoned boats, and leave this to be covered
dealing with abandoned boats, with rates 100% by users via a charge on moorings.
covering 35% and 65% covered by users
via a charge on moorings.
Rates impact in the first year:
$1.75M
Rates impact in the first year: this would have no impact on rates,
an average of $0.17 per rates bill, as the cost of abandoned boats
which equates to a 0.04% increase would be covered by users via
in rates. over the next 3 years charges on moorings.
$1.67M of this would be capital
$1.67M of this would be capital spend, and the rest would be
spend, and the rest would be operational.
operational. See page 5 for further
explanation on how costs
affect rates.
$1.7M
over the next 3 years
33Increasing
CityLink services
Prioritising public transport instead of move from cars to buses. During peak Increasing these services will cost
personal car use reduces traffic congestion hours, buses would run every 15 minutes approximately $4.2M over three years,
and pollution, and carbon emissions – which instead of every 30 minutes, and off-peak but with a 54% subsidy from Waka Kotahi
makes for a cleaner, greener Northland. buses would run every 30 minutes instead NZ Transport Agency. The cost to the
We’re proposing more frequent buses on of once an hour. ratepayer is significantly reduced, totalling
main arterial routes once bus lanes have $437,000 in 2022/23 and $644,000 and
been added and upgraded (by Whangarei $851,000 in the two subsequent years.
District Council) to encourage people to
Electric buses on CityLink service
UP
As part of working toward a cleaner This project would take several years to
DS
environment, one of our long-term goals is implement and is likely to cost around $15M.
A
HE
to have a carbon-neutral bus fleet operating We’ll come back to you in the next Long Term
A
the CityLink services. We’re beginning to Plan (in 2024) to let you know how we’re
ST
investigate the possibility of replacing the getting on with this.
JU
existing diesel-motor bus fleet with electric
buses when the contract with the current
bus operator comes up in 2027.
34We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Increase the frequency Maintain bus services
of bus services at current level
from 2022/23 This wouldn’t have any additional
impact on rates.
Rates impact in the first year: this
project has no impact on rates in
$1.1M
over the next 3 years
the first year because the project
won’t kick off until year two. The
cost will be targeted to apply to the
Whangārei district only. In year two,
it will add $11.40 to rates bills in the
Whangārei district.03.
Hautūtanga ā rohe
Regional leadership
As a regional council, we continually future. That covers everything from sporting facilities that have a regional
advocate for region-wide projects that honouring Treaty of Waitangi obligations to benefit. We want to make council services
have a significant impact on Northland’s working in partnership on environmental more accessible, manage our money
wellbeing. projects such as dune-lake protection and well, and promote sustainable economic
freshwater management. development. Expanding our team, having
Making decisions in partnership with Māori
efficient systems and updated IT will make
is a central part of that goal. Building The more Northland grows, and the more
that possible. Let’s see how it breaks down.
enduring relationships between iwi/ work we need to do, the greater our need
hapū and council means we can help for resources. We’re continuing with
nurture strong Māori communities, and the targeted regional sporting facilities
incorporate their values into Northland’s rate, which goes towards developing new
Overall, we’re planning to spend around $35M a year on our regional leadership activities (on average over
the first three years), including the work we’re proposing here.
36 Signing of Mana Whakahono a Rohe agreement with Patuharakeke hapūMirimiria
Romiromia
Māori
Ngā ringa e rua
Both hands are significant
When working together
partnerships Likened to Iwi Māori and council
Approximately one-third of Northlanders Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Board, and Kaipara Rohe agreements with two hapū, to give
identify as Māori, compared with one-sixth Moana Remediation Joint Committee. In tangata whenua more opportunities to
of the national population. We see creating October 2020, council voted to introduce be involved in Resource Management
and sustaining meaningful partnerships dedicated Māori seats from the next local- Act decisions, and plan to roll these out
with Māori as key to a thriving Northland. body election in 2022. That process is still more widely. As part of this, a fund will
underway. Issues such as land use, water enable hapū members to train in resource
We’ve been actively working to identify and
quality and allocation and poverty mean consents, planning and decision making.
implement meaningful opportunities for
it’s vital we work in true partnership with
Māori to have a voice of influence within Other planned initiatives include improving
iwi/hapū.
council. The Te Taitokerau Māori and council’s cultural competency and meeting
Council Working Party (TTMAC), established The projects we propose are seeking to our Treaty of Waitangi obligations,
in 2014, advises council on governance, support greater Māori representation and putting more resources into relationship
environmental and strategic matters that leadership, and enable tangata whenua to management, employing Māori technical
are relevant to tangata whenua. We’re also participate more fully in decision making. advisors, and professional development
part of two co-governance partnerships: We recently signed Mana Whakahono ā for TTMAC members.
38We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Do this work Don’t do this work.
In addition to the work described, create Not doing this work goes against our
meaningful partnerships with Māori by values as an organisation representing
implementing programmes across council the people of Northland. This wouldn’t
to increase our cultural competency, have any additional impact on rates.
and provide support to iwi/hapū to build
their capacity and capability so they can
address opportunities and challenges
themselves and engage meaningfully with
council activities.
Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $4.25 per rates bill,
which equates to a 1.1% increase
$1.24M
over the next 3 years
in rates.
$4K of this would be capital spend,
and the rest would be operational.
39Supporting the work
across council
A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to effective as possible. We’re embarking on applies to the way we run our finances,
make council’s activities happen. As our a major IT project, which will upgrade and respond to law changes, and deal with
region grows and we deliver more large- streamline our IT systems into one cloud- major disruptive events such as Covid-19.
scale projects, we need more resources based system – this will improve efficiency, We need extra resources to increase the
to keep council running smoothly. We’re security and data management. capacity of our team, put more money into
planning to spend more money on a variety training and development, and buy more
To stay connected with our communities,
of behind-the-scenes and public-facing vehicles to support our work in the field.
we’re planning to expand our network of
projects, from information technology
regional service centres, increase our
(IT) and customer services to community
online services, and work with district
engagement and corporate excellence.
councils to develop a regional accessibility
Over the past few years in our annual plans, strategy. There’s also growing demand for
we’ve talked about the challenge we face the Enviroschools programme.
with striking the right balance between
As council expands, we want to ensure
maintaining efficient, fit-for-purpose IT
we keep striving for excellence. This
systems and keeping everything as cost-
40We have a plan to do more, and we’d like your opinion.
OUR PROPOSED OPTION ANOTHER OPTION
Continue with the current level of
Do this work resourcing. This will have serious
Support our ongoing activities and consequences, including potentially losing
growth by investing in better IT systems, access to government funding for major
employing more staff, developing a projects, being unable to properly serve our
regional disability strategy, meeting the communities, and inability to operate due to
growing demand for the Enviroschools outdated IT systems. It would not have any
programme, and much more. The capital additional impact on rates in the short term.
cost of the IT project will be funded by
borrowings, and repaid via the council Keen to get into the detail?
services rate.
The specific proposals and their costs are
outlined in our Supporting Information
document. Visit nrc.govt.nz/futureplan
Rates impact in the first year:
an average of $9.20 per rates bill,
which equates to a 2.45% increase
$7.29M
over the next 3 years
in rates.
$507K of this would be capital
spend, and the rest would be
operational.
4104. Ērā atu whakataunga Other decisions 42
Oruku Landing conference and events centre
The proposed Oruku Landing development, The hotel, apartments, hospitality venues Construction is scheduled to begin in
on Riverside Drive in central Whangārei, is a and retail shops will be built by the privately September 2022, and once fully operational,
significant opportunity for local economic owned Northland Development Corporation. the conference and events centre is
development. The proposed development Whangarei District Council (WDC) will be expected to employ about 35 people full
comprises both public and private elements, responsible for developing and running time.
coming together as a four-star hotel, the conference and events centre, which Central government is prepared to put $60M
apartments, restaurants and shops, as well it will own. The conference and events towards the conference and events centre,
as a conference and events centre that we centre will tap into the lucrative domestic provided that there is also a local share
are considering contributing funding to. market for hosting meetings, functions and contributed. WDC has asked us to contribute
trade shows, and can host community and up to $14M towards a high-quality internal
performing arts events. fit-out of the conference and events centre
as part of this.
OUR We need to hear what you think before
PROPOSED
deciding whether to contribute the funding.
This financial arrangement also depends on
OPTION Contribute to the project
the project being successfully supported
through WDC’s Long Term Plan.
Contribute to Northland’s economic If we decide to fund the project, we will
development by helping fund the internal
establish a specific rate in the 2023/24
fit-out of the Oruku Landing conference
year to cover our contribution: 80% from
and events centre. We would fund the
This project won’t affect rates
ratepayers in Whangārei district, and 20%
lump-sum contribution via borrowings,
in the first and second years, from ratepayers in the rest of Northland.
which would be repaid via a new
as a separate targeted rate for targeted rate.
this project will be established
in 2023/24. Once set up, the
new rate would mean an extra
$25.75 on the average rates
bill in Whangārei district, and
ANOTHER
$1.2M
$5.45 in the Kaipara and Far
North districts, for 12 years Don’t contribute
until the borrowing is repaid.
a year from 2023 OPTION to the project
43Funding economic development
The way we pay for economic development infrastructure in Northland, which is a This will mean the IGR's dependence is
isn’t exactly simple, so we’re looking to better use for the rate now the joint funded by revenue from the repurposed
clarify it. This means we’re planning to venture with KiwiRail has concluded. rate, investment income, and gains made
make some changes to rates and reserves. from our community investment fund. To
We’re also planning to close our
make it even clearer, we’re re-naming the
First, we’re proposing to change our infrastructure facilities reserve, which has
community investment fund the economic
regional infrastructure rate, originally fulfilled its purpose of smoothing costs,
development reserve.
set up to fund infrastructure projects and is now at zero balance. If this reserve
beginning with the Marsden Point rail is closed, revenue collected through the The aim of these changes is to phase
link project. The rates money collected new regional economic development rate out the dependence of the IGR on
(around $700K a year) currently goes into will be directed into council’s investment investment income and fund our economic
the infrastructure facilities reserve. We’re and growth reserve (IGR), which funds development activity from just two
proposing to change the name of this rate most of our economic development activity sources: our economic development rate
to the regional economic development (through funding for Northland Inc and and the income generated by the economic
rate and apply it to activities that support other projects). development reserve.
economic wellbeing and community
Here are a few of the projects we’ve supported
through the Investment and Growth Reserve:
» Manea – Footprints of Kupe visitor and education centre, Opononi ($500,000)
» Hundertwasser Art Centre, Whangārei ($1.5M)
» Te Hononga Hundertwasser Memorial Park, Kawakawa ($500,000)
» Pou Herenga Tai – Twin Coast Cycle Trail, Ōpua to Hōreke ($900,000)
44Changes to rates
We’re making a few changes to the names in an additional cost, but many proposals As set out on the previous page, we’re also
and purposes of our rates. These changes outlined in this document would be applied going to re-name the regional infrastructure
won’t in themselves affect how much you to this new rate. The new rate will be called rate as the regional economic development
pay, but in some cases will result in a slight the land and freshwater management rate. rate, and there will be a new targeted river
change to what the rate funds. management rate for Taumārere (see Flood
We also plan to re-name the current civil
protection page 24).
Firstly, we’re looking to combine our land defence and hazard management rate as
management and freshwater management the emergency and hazard management
rates. These rates are both calculated in the rate, to align with changes at central
same way and fund very similar activities, government level. The activities that the
particularly now that the link between land rate is applied to will be expanded slightly
management and freshwater management to include targeted climate change work
is stronger than ever. We’ve found that we’re carrying out.
in many cases we were splitting the cost
of projects across these two rates. The
move to combine the rates won’t result
45Reviewing financial reserves
Reserves help us to have money ready to go infrastructure opportunities. We’re planning If we don’t make these changes, a lack
when it’s needed, and we plan to increase to set it up so income from the reserve can of clarity will remain about the use of the
our ability to do this by making some contribute to operational spend, reducing reserve, and we may not be able to take
changes to what’s currently known as our the impact on future rates, and capital advantage of opportunities or secure
infrastructure investment fund reserve. can be used for joint projects with central shared funding for projects.
government, other agencies and the private
This reserve, with a current balance of $21M, We’re also making some minor changes to
sector. Council would decide which projects
was set up to help smooth the financial our equalisation fund reserve, which sets
to fund through a formal decision.
impact of big, irregular infrastructure aside surplus income from our forestry
projects. The current balance is the result As part of these changes, we propose investments.
of commercial and investment income. to re-name the reserve to the regional
project reserve.
We’re proposing to broaden the purpose of
the reserve to allow us to be more agile and
provide support to projects in the timeliest
manner, e.g. co-investment in urgent
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