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23 June 2020 |
MINUTES
OF Western Bay of Plenty District
Council
Maketu - Te Puke Ward Forum Meeting No
MTP20-2
HELD AT THE Maketu Fire Station, Maketu
ON Tuesday, 23 June 2020 AT 7:00pm
1 Present
Cr K Marsh, Cr M Lints, Cr G Dally and Cr J Scrimgeour, G Webber (Mayor),
2 In Attendance
M Taris (Chief Executive Officer), G Allis (Deputy CEO/Group Manager Infrastructure Services), J Pedersen (Group Manager People and Customer Services), P Marshall (EA People and Customer Services), C McGirr (Human Resources Coordinator)
3 Apologies
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.1 Moved: Cr G Dally Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour That the apology for absence from Elected Members Ellis and Snell be accepted. |
4 Consideration of Late Items
Nil.
5 Declarations of Interest
Nil.
6 Public Excluded Items
Nil.
7 Public Forum
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.2 Moved: Mayor G Webber Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour That the meeting adjourn for the purpose of holding a public forum. |
Little Waihi Road Naming - Kevin Kiri
· The ‘Little Waihi’ road sign that is adjacent to Arawa Avenue, should be renamed as Maketu Road.
· Bledisloe Park Avenue was once named ‘Little Waihi Road’ and should still be named ‘Little Waihi Road’.
· The ‘Little Waihi’ road signs are likely to be stolen, this is an appealing and popular road sign for visitors.
· Mr Kiri would like to see the speed limit from Arawa Avenue to the village, changed from 70km to 50km as this is a dangerous stretch of road at 70km per hour.
· There is a dangerous ‘hump’ in the middle of the road on the last corner of Bledisloe Park Avenue. People are crossing the centreline to avoid this hump and are unable to see what’s coming from the other direction. Many motorhomes and caravans are using this road.
Te Puke Cemetery and Kiwifruit Shade Cloths – Andrea Marsh
· Te Puke Cemetery was the first cemetery in Te Puke.
· When the Te Puke Cemetery reached capacity, Dudley Vercoe Drive was established along with ‘Te Puke New Cemetery’. Therefore, the original cemetery was then named ‘Old Te Puke Cemetery’.
· The ‘Old Te Puke Cemetery’ should be renamed as this name does not positively represent settlers buried there. Examples given were those such as Settlers Cemetery or First Cemetery Te Puke.
· Renaming the cemetery would positively represent settlers buried there.
· Andrea acknowledged the Kiwifruit industry and applauds the success of Zespri.
· Zespri’s global marketing plan is ‘explore, launch, establish and enhance’. However, the white shelterbelt netting across the countryside is displeasing.
· Green netting is encouraged on the roadsides, whilst white netting is commonly used on the inside of the orchards. White netting is aesthetically unappealing and also reflects car lights.
· District Plan policies outline that white is not encouraged, however this is not strictly enforced.
· The South Island have banned white netting.
· Requests that Council look at this policy and requirements.
Sarah Clumont – No 1 Road
· In 2018 kiwifruit continued to be the largest horticulture exporter in New Zealand with exports exceeding 1.8 billion dollars.
· Sarah lives on No 1 Road, the same road as Trevelyan’s Pack and Cool House.
· To date, Trevelyan’s has sent 1.5 million trays of kiwifruit past the homes on No 1 Road, estimated at 17,000 trays per day. Close to 1,900 vehicles use No 1 Road daily.
· Road between Trevelyan’s and the main road is 2.7km long. This road was part of a pavement road built in 1969, meaning the 1.8 billion dollar kiwifruit industry is serviced by a 50 year old pavement road.
· The construction strength of the sub-base concrete varies significantly across this road.
· Road servicing and rehabilitation of this road has been minimal. Council’s Roading Engineer confirmed via email that funding for an upgrade has not been approved.
· Sarah regularly witnesses traffic noise including frequent ‘earthquakes’ from heavy traffic that shakes her home on a regular basis.
· No 1 Road is unsafe for pedestrians, including school-age children that use the road alongside heavy duty trucks and trailers.
· There is an online support group who share the same concerns regarding No 1. Road Te Puke.
Dean Flavell
· As a resident, also endorsed Sarah’s presentation regarding her concerns around No 1 Road Te Puke.
· Experiences the ‘earthquake’ shaking from the heavy trucks.
· The road itself has some dangerous sections.
Lorna Cooper
· Shared the same concerns regarding No 1 Road Te Puke.
· These residents put up their own ‘Trucks Slow Down’ sign.
· Has a large dip in the road outside of their driveway, truck drivers brake and then hit this bump which is disruptive for the residents.
· Also feel regular ‘earthquakes’.
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.3 Moved: Cr J Scrimgeour Seconded: Cr G Dally That the meeting reconvene in formal session at 7.24pm. |
8 Minutes for Receipt
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9.1 Minutes of the Maketu - Te Puke Ward Forum Meeting held on 17 March 2020 |
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.4 Moved: Cr M Lints Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour 1. That the Minutes of the Maketu - Te Puke Ward Forum Meeting held on 17 March 2020 be received. |
9 Reports
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.5 Moved: Mayor G Webber Seconded: Cr G Dally That the Minute Action Report be received. |
10 Workshop
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.6 Moved: Cr M Lints Seconded: Cr G Dally A motion was moved that Council suspend standing orders. |
Te Puke Economic Development Group (EDG) and New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated (NZKGI) - Mark Boyle
· Presentation is available on request.
· Attended the Maketu-Te Puke Ward Forum to speak to Elected Members about key aspects that underpin our economy, particularly since recent events regarding COVID-19.
· Discussed economic drivers from eastern Papamoa Hills to Otamarakau, reinforcing the importance of local businesses in Te Puke and their economic drivers, highlighting that Te Puke is in a growth period.
· Emphasis on ‘keeping it local’, spending money locally, supporting local business.
· Advertisements on large billboards, in the Bay of Plenty Times and the Te Puke Times highlighting the communities of Te Puke. Reminding people to stick together and support local where possible.
· Te Puke EDG did a letterbox drop to help remind people what happens in Te Puke, and the value held in this community.
· More than 700 million dollars of kiwifruit is exported from Te Puke region.
· Discussed the growth in the kiwifruit industry in the Te Puke region, 40% of the national crop comes from Te Puke.
· Tens of thousands of people are employed throughout the kiwifruit season.
· Other industries provide economic support such as dairy farms, avocado orchards, forest and wood production, service sector, retail and so forth. Economic output is significant.
· Te Puke EDG has a Facebook campaign advertising local businesses every day. The public is learning of businesses they didn’t know existed.
· Kiwifruit orchards cover large land mass all throughout the region, producing millions of trays of green and gold kiwifruit.
· Large growth and outputs mean a need for more houses and other infrastructure.
· Rangiuru Business Park has been talked about for many years and could create 4,000 jobs and large economic output.
· Te Puke’s need for infrastructure is based on facts and solid forecasts for the future.
Councillor M Lints acknowledged that local businesses are thankful for the recognition and queried how new businesses could get involved. M Boyle advised that it’s a long term project and businesses are welcome to contact him to discuss how to get involved.
Community Hub Feasibility Study - Ian Hurlock and Julie Cross
· Presented regarding the feasibility study for a Maketu Community hub. Presentation is available on request.
· In 2014 Western Bay of Plenty District Council reviewed the Maketu Community Plan. The strongest need identified was the need for a community facility.
· The purpose of the feasibility study was to see if that demand still existed, to review the current facilities, what was already available (did not want projects to overlap) and identify what the community wanted.
· Study took place via social media, community drop-ins, and collecting of information from the community and organisations.
· The community was asked ‘what facilities would you like to have in a new multi-use centre/hub?’. The top three responses were for sports facilities, a multi-use space and an education and training facility.
· The study identified possible stakeholders who had an interest in the hub, such as and not limited to Educare, Maketu School, The Hauhora, Maketu Rotary, ST Johns Church, Sports groups and emergency services (including the Police and DHB).
· The conclusion was drawn that there’s a strong desire for a multi-purpose building with a cultural and sporting theme.
· Requirements for a successful community building were identified: funding, to avoid duplication with other facilities, to incorporate current buildings into the project and lastly, community support which is essential.
· The next steps to take are to develop a working group, a concrete plan, take the concept to the Community Board and once agreed take the plan to the community.
Councillor K Marsh summarised by acknowledging that Council have bought land close by that may be suitable. This was an effective study to understand what the Maketu community wants.
Te Puke Police – Sargent Mike Owen
· Mike Owen is the Sargent in charge of the Te Puke Police station
· Thanked the Council for the implementation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. Since April, they have had 300 applications for wanted vehicles. These cameras assist in their discovery.
· Sargent Owen provided an example of how an APNR camera helped locate a stolen car within 5 minutes of the APNR camera activation. This was just one example of how APNR cameras are of value to the Police and therefore, the community.
· The largest issue in Maketu at the moment is rural burglaries where goods such as chainsaws, motorbikes, trailers and more are being stolen.
· Community patrols are usually in place, doing letterbox drops to update the community on what’s happening e.g. rural burglaries. This has been put on hold since COVID-19 but hopes to start up again soon.
· The community needs to take prevention steps, locking up goods as best as possible. Another option is to have cameras on your gates to see who’s coming into your property. This is also a great tool for apprehension, if required.
· The COVID-19 community checkpoints provided a great relationship building opportunity between Maketu residents and the Police. Sargent Owens publically thanked Marsella and Lee Edmonds for the role they played.
· Board member S Beech had offered the Police an office at the Maketu Community Centre on a Thursday. This will start this Thursday 25 June.
Te Puke Town – Alan Beaver
· Discussed the plantings situated in Te Puke which are dangerous and restrict traffic’s vision.
· No 3 Road also has tall plants that restrict vision for vehicles turning out of the road.
· Atuaroa Ave has similar visibility issues due to plants.
· Disagrees with one lane in Te Puke.
· Requests that Council create an environment where traffic has clear visibility in Te Puke.
Dean Flavell – Kaituna River
· Provided a presentation on Te Tini a Tuna – Kaituna Action Plan 2019-2029. This presentation is available on request.
· Mr Flavell is the chairperson of Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority, a co-governance entity which involves Council’s four Territorial Authorities and five Iwi.
· The co-governance team put together a document around the Kaituna River and its catchment. This document then allowed for the Te Tini a Tuna – Kaituna Action Plan 2019-2029 to be developed.
· Values of Te Tini a Tuna are kia whakakotahi – integrated thinking, kia whakapiri – collective action, kia whakamarama – collective enlightenment, kia whakamana – community empowerment.
· Vision is e ora ana te mauri o te Kaituna, e tiakina ana hoki mō ngā whakatupuranga ō nāianei, ō muri nei hoki - that the Kaituna river is in a healthy state and protected for current and future generations.
· Three priority actions were identified. 1) Take collective responsibility for improving the health and wellbeing of the Kaituna River and its tributaries, 2) create a network of healthy and diverse Kaituna habitats and ecosystems, and 3) connect our communities and visitors to our river and to our projects.
· Under these priority actions, multiple projects have been identified:
Project 7 - Wetland re-creation project
· Looks at various projects within the Kaituna catchment. Usually led by Bay of Plenty Regional Council and land owners.
· Planting programme starts on 24 June 2020 with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tumu Kawa, Bay Conservation Alliance and Maketu Ōngātoro Wetland Society.
Project 10 - Kaituna Community Connection Project
· Connecting and planning, identifying who’s doing what, bringing people together to work together. Looking at what projects they can do within Council’s ten year plan
· Aim is for one community event to take place each year
· Goal in original strategy was to create 100 hectares of wetland which has almost been achieved. Desire is to create the largest wetland in the Bay of Plenty.
Project 11 - Kaituna River Access Project
· The lead agent is Western Bay of Plenty District Council with key partners supporting (Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Tangata Whenua, Fish & Game and Kaituna Community) to encourage people to engage with the river
· Initiatives include reconnecting people with river via kayaking, swimming and more.
Project 12 – Kaituna Cycleway and Walkway Project
· The lead agent is Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Looking at the positive aspects that invite people to connect. Need to talk to like-minded communities, share with communities and talk to tangata whenua for the project to be a success.
Project 13 - Kaituna Cultural and Historical Heritage Project
· For example, when building a cycleway or ‘passages to places’, what is the history and how should this be interpreted. Ensuring historical heritage is represented accurately.
· There’s also a possible collaboration opportunity with Maketu Hoe Waka. Maketu Hoe Waka has recently relocated to Kaituna River Road which is not suitable for young, primary aged children.
· There is the possibility for Maketu Hoe Waka to utilise the river and run waka ama, bringing more people to Maketu.
Geoff Oliver – Joint Proposal Kaituna River Facilities
· Acknowledged Elected Members and Council staff
· Presented on behalf of Coastguard, a joint proposal with Maketu Coastguard, Te Maru o Kaituna and Maketu Hoe Waka.
· Proposed new ideas after meeting with Te Maru o Kaituna who wish to put in historical sites at the possible new facilities (near the new boat ramp in Maketu).
· Met with Maketu Hoe Waka, New Zealand Motorhome Association and Freedom Campers
· Facilities proposal map can be made available on request (slide 25 on Dean Flavell’s presentation).
· Boating activities will increase in the next 10-20 years, meaning the current boat and trailer park won’t have sufficient parking available.
· Spaces identified for motorhomes, freedom campers, toilets, future boat and trailer parking, coastguard building, the Maketu cycleway, a training centre.
· Maketu Coastguard needs a better, more suitably situated building to store emergency equipment that also provides better access to the water for faster emergency response.
· Maketu Coastguard has identified an area that would be suitable for their needs.
· Letters of support have been received from the New Zealand Police, St John, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Royal NZ Coastguard Boating Education and Hon Anne Tolley – Member of Parliament for East Coast.
· Some funds have been raised, and the Coastguard will raise further funds in the future.
· Maketu Coastguard unit was voted unit of the year, out of 78 units in 2018 and 2019.
Helen Potter – 58 No. 1 Road
Helen Potter addressed the forum regarding speed restrictions and rebuilding on No 1 Road.
· Ms Potter acknowledged that it takes time to rebuild the road. However, in the interim how do we reduce the speed limit from the State Highway to 98 No 1 Road, as this appears to be the worst effected area.
· Trevelyan’s expansions and new housing have been approved and built over the years, but no infrastructure support has been actioned. Why has funding towards local road improvements not been provided?
· Can clarity be provided on speed restrictions, and is Council the correct body to approach on this matter? If the speed was reduced to 50 or 60km throughout the identified stretch, it would have an immediate improvement on the ‘earthquake’ effect and quality of life for residents of the road.
· Residents are woken at 4am due to the movement of trucks. Concrete on a four year old home has cracked, convinced this is due to the disruption from the road.
· Councillors advised that, in the coming months, a review of the Speed Limit Bylaw will be seeking community consultation and feedback. Once this review has been completed, Council then goes through the process to publically notify in the New Zealand gazette, to be enforced by the Police.
· Lorna Cooper, resident of No 1 Road, advised they are in the 50km zone however have the issue that people still travel at 60 to 70km regardless of the speed restrictions. Residents are of the opinion that the installation of water pipes has made this issue worse. Has this affected the integrity of the already questionable road, and why was this not identified prior to the pipe installation.
Boyd Harris and Andrew McDowell - Pukehina Surf Club
· The Surf Club covers the area between Maketu and Thornton and has 136 members. Last summer, the Surf Club carried out 1,937 preventative actions.
· Six years ago the club started the process to rebuild the Surf Club building to make it fit for purpose. It is unlikely that the current building would pass a Building Warrant of Fitness. It has lasted well beyond its life expectancy considering the highly corrosive environment it is situated in.
· The Resource Consent for the building was granted two years ago.
· The proposed building will be 530m, over three stories.
· The top story will be an operational area to look over the Little Waihi bar. The middle level will be multi functional to cater for training, cafeteria and meeting space. The bottom level will be operational.
· The Surf Club is a great cause and members are proud to be a part of the group, however, funding is becoming a serious need.
· COVID-19 has had an impact on the certainty of what funding will be available. The Club has self-funded to date and current funding is up to $1.6 million. They are conscious of not creating funding fatigue.
· Total cost is projected to be $3.6 million, this has been valued by a quantity surveyor.
· The Surf Club has an upcoming community engagement for fundraising. This includes a Polar Plunge on 4 July 2020 and a Moana to Maunga walk challenge on 18 July 2020.
· What is the process for applying to Council for funding support?
· A temporary premises/cabin will also be required throughout the build. The Club is currently looking at the reserve opposite the Hippy Pippy. A Club member behind this reserve has a storage shed that can be used.
Maketu Community Board - Shane Beech
· Member Beech thanked the Forum for coming out to Maketu for this meeting.
· It is great to see contractors back in to Maketu post-COVID-19 and that works are restarting. Now the community is waiting for the cycleway to be progressed.
· Thank you to Julie Cross and Ian Hurlock for the comprehensive community hub feasibility study that they have presented to the Forum.
· Member Beech expressed support for Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority group and requested that Council maintain momentum with this project.
Te Puke Community Board - Richard Crawford
· The Community Board membership is completely new this triennium. They are all still learning, but have a great representation across demographics
· They have been active throughout the community response to COVID-19
· The third Community Board meeting since elections was held last week
· It was interesting to hear the concerns around No. 1 Road and these have been noted
· They plan to move forward by consulting positively and collaborating with the community
· Community led projects are a powerful way forward. Member Crawford thanked the community groups for their presentations, and supports the collaboration with the Coastguard.
Paengaroa Community Association Incorporated - Clifford McNaughton
· Paengaroa Community Association is a group of volunteers. They have recently finished work at Conway Reserve.
· The Association has recently received funding from Seeka to put up signs around Paengaroa, depicting the village’s history. This is planned for Monday 29 June 2020.
· Mr McNaughton provided an update that the speed limit on State Highway 33, which is being reduced to 60km per hour. This change comes into effect on Monday 29 June 2020. This also has an impact on automatically lowering the speed on Wilson Road South to also be 60km per hour. It was asked if the Police can please monitor and enforce the new speeds.
· Sargent Owens confirmed that Te Puke Police complete regular patrols in this area.
11 Recommendations to council/committees
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.7 Moved: Cr K Marsh Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour Staff to research why the road name was renamed from Little Waihi Road to what is now, Bledisloe Park Avenue, and make a decision on progressing this |
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.8 Moved: Cr K Marsh Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour In relation to the road name change from Little Waihi Road to Bledisloe Park Avenue. Staff to review what the current District Plan rules are, and report findings to the Policy Committee for a decision. |
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.9 Moved: Cr K Marsh Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour Response to be provided by Gary Allis on the current planned works for No. 1 Road, when these are to take place and an overview of the upcoming Speed Limits Bylaw Review. Mayor Webber to prepare a letter to the District Commander recommending policing on No. 1 Road. |
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.10 Moved: Cr K Marsh Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour The Maketu Community Hub project is to be referred to the Long Term Plan process. |
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.11 Moved: Cr K Marsh Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour Staff to notify Mr Beaver and the public on the timing of the plan to put in the ‘Trish Waugh’ landscaping recommendations of shorter plants. This will be in stages, starting with low visibility intersections. |
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.12 Moved: Cr K Marsh Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour Council’s involvement with the Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority Group is to be referred to the Long Term Plan. |
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.13 Moved: Cr K Marsh Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour The Ford Road Concept Plan in the Ward Management Plan will be referred for consultation with the community. Staff to provide comment on this process. |
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Committee Resolution MTP20-2.14 Moved: Cr K Marsh Seconded: Cr J Scrimgeour Staff to work with the Surf Club on the funding for public toilets, to be referred and decided through the Long Term Plan process. Staff to work with the Surf Club on the temporary location of a container during the building process. |
The Meeting closed at 9.07pm.
The minutes of this meeting were confirmed at the Maketu - Te Puke Ward Forum held on 17 September 2020.
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CHAIRPERSON