Strategy and Policy Committee Kōmiti Rautaki me Kaupapa Here
SPC23-1 Tuesday, 7 March 2023, 9.30am Council Chambers, Barkes Corner, 1484 Cameron Road, Tauranga
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7 March 2023 |
Strategy and Policy Committee
Membership:
Chairperson |
Mayor James Denyer |
Deputy Chairperson |
Cr Richard Crawford |
Members |
Cr Tracey Coxhead Cr Grant Dally Cr Murray Grainger Cr Anne Henry Cr Rodney Joyce Cr Margaret Murray-Benge Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour Cr Allan Sole Cr Don Thwaites Cr Andy Wichers |
Quorum |
Six (6) |
Frequency |
Six weekly |
Role:
· To develop and review strategies, policies, plans and bylaws to advance the strategic direction of Council and its communities.
· To ensure an integrated approach to land development (including land for housing), land use and transportation to enable, support and shape sustainable, vibrant and safe communities.
· To ensure there is sufficient and appropriate housing supply and choice in existing and new urban areas to meet current and future needs.
Scope:
· Development and review of bylaws in accordance with legislation including determination of the nature and extent of community engagement approaches to be deployed.
· Development, review and approval of strategies and plans in accordance with legislation including
· determination of the nature and extent of community engagement approaches to be deployed.
· Subject to compliance with legislation and the Long Term Plan, to resolve all matters of strategic policy outside of the Long Term Plan process which does not require, under the Local Government Act 2002, a resolution of Council.
· Development of District Plan changes up to the point of public notification under the Resource Management Act 1991.
· Endorsement of the Future Development Strategy and sub-regional or regional spatial plans.
· Consider and approve changes to service delivery arrangements arising from service delivery reviews required under the Local Government Act 2002 (provided that where a service delivery proposal requires an amendment to the Long Term Plan, it shall thereafter be progressed by the Annual Plan and Long Term Plan Committee).
· Where un-budgeted financial implications arise from the development or review of policies, bylaws or plans, recommend to Council any changes or variations necessary to give effect to such policies, bylaws or plans.
·
Listen to and
receive the presentation of views by people and engage in spoken interaction in
relation to any matters Council undertakes to consult on whether under the
Local Government Act 2002 or any other Act.
· Oversee the development of strategies relating to sub-regional parks and sub-regional community facilities for the enhancement of community wellbeing of the Western Bay of Plenty District communities, for recommendation to Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
· Consider and decide applications to the Community Matching Fund (including accumulated Ecological Financial Contributions).
· Consider and decide applications to the Facilities in the Community Grant Fund.
· Approve Council submissions to central government, councils and other organisations, including submissions on proposed legislation, plan changes or policy statements.
· Receive and make decisions and recommendations to Council and its Committees, as appropriate, on reports, recommendations and minutes of the following:
- SmartGrowth Leadership Group
- Regional Transport Committee
- Any other Joint Committee, Forum or Working Group, as directed by Council.
· Receive and make decisions on, as appropriate, any matters of a policy or planning nature from the following:
- Waihī Beach, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Te Puke and Maketu Community Boards.
- Community Committee.
Power to Act:
· To make all decisions necessary to fulfil the role and scope of the Committee subject to the limitations imposed.
Power to Recommend:
· To Council and/or any Committee as it deems appropriate.
Power to sub-delegate:
·
The Committee
may delegate any of its functions, duties or powers
to a subcommittee, working
group or other subordinate decision-making body subject to the restrictions within its delegations and provided that any such sub-delegation
includes a statement of purpose
and specification of task.
· Should there be insufficient time for Strategy and Policy Committee to consider approval for a final submission to an external body, the Chair has delegated authority to sign the submission on behalf of Council, provided that the final submission is reported to the next scheduled meeting of the Strategy and Policy Committee.
Strategy and Policy Committee Meeting Agenda |
7 March 2023 |
Notice is hereby given that a Strategy and Policy Committee Meeting will be held in the Council Chambers, Barkes Corner,
1484 Cameron Road, Tauranga on:
Tuesday, 7 March 2023 at 9.30am
9.1 Arawa Road Recreation Opportunities
9.2 Dog Exercise Park Proposed Locations - Ōmokoroa and Katikati
9.3 Community-Led Resource Recovery
9.4 SmartGrowth Quarterly Report - February 2023
9.5 Submission to the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan
9.7 Submission to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Amendment Bill
9.8 Submission to the future for local government review
9.9 Submission to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Bill
9.10 Natural and Built Envrioment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill Submission
1 Present
Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant and to stand aside from decision making when a conflict arises between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest that they may have.
A period of up to 30 minutes is set aside for a public forum. Members of the public may attend to address the Board for up to five minutes on items that fall within the delegations of the Board provided the matters are not subject to legal proceedings, or to a process providing for the hearing of submissions. Speakers may be questioned through the Chairperson by members, but questions must be confined to obtaining information or clarification on matters raised by the speaker. The Chairperson has discretion in regard to time extensions.
Such presentations do not form part of the formal business of the meeting, a brief record will be kept of matters raised during any public forum section of the meeting with matters for action to be referred through the customer contact centre request system, while those requiring further investigation will be referred to the Chief Executive.
7 March 2023 |
9.1 Arawa Road Recreation Opportunities
File Number: A5091955
Author: Cheryl Steiner, Senior Policy Analyst - Consultant
Authoriser: Rachael Davie, General Manager Strategy and Community
Executive Summary
1. Council engaged with the Arawa Road/Penelope Place community in 2022 to discuss their aspirations for recreation opportunities. This was in response to feedback received through the Te Puke - Maketu Reserve Management Plan review.
2. Recreation opportunities were identified, and a draft concept plan consulted on in September/October 2022. This report presents the community feedback, with most supporting the concept plan and its implementation.
3. Recommended actions include adoption of a final concept plan, enhancing the use of the road reserve for recreation purposes, developing play features, resolving property boundary issues, removal of grazing on the road reserve and including a project to develop future cycleway connections in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.
1. That the Senior Policy Analyst’s report dated 7 March 2023 titled ‘Arawa Road Recreation Opportunities’ be received. 2. That the report relates to an issue that is considered to be of medium significance in terms of Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. 3. That the Strategy and Policy Committee receives feedback from the consultation period held from 22 September 2022 to 21 October 2022 and set out in Attachment 1. 4. That the Strategy and Policy Committee endorses the response to community feedback outlined in Attachment 2, and adopts the following actions: a. In the short term (next 1-2 years), enhance the use of the road reserve for recreation purposes including: i. Development of play features. ii. Maintain the existing pumice track for walking and cycling, including periodic mowing and removal of grazing. iii. Working with the adjacent property owner to rectify boundary issues where appropriate. b. In the long term (next 3 years plus), undertake a project to further enhance the road reserve as a recreation and ecological corridor with wider linkages, and a potential pump track, and include for consideration in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan. 5. That the Strategy and Policy Committee [adopts/does not adopt] the final Arawa Road Recreation Opportunities Concept Plan, in Attachment 3. |
Background
4. Through the Te Puke-Maketu Reserve Management Plan pre-engagement period in August/September 2021, Council received feedback from a resident of Arawa Road, Pongakawa. The resident requested that Council consider providing a reserve in this community which had grown to around 76 households.
5. This feedback was presented at a Policy Committee workshop in December 2021 where elected members directed staff to review this matter further.
6. Following this direction, in February 2022 Council sent a letter to all residents of Arawa Road/Penelope Place inviting them to complete a short survey. The purpose of this survey was to enable Council to better understand the community’s aspirations around recreation and open space in their neighbourhood.
7. 18 survey responses were received with overwhelming support for an increase in recreation and open space provision in their neighbourhood. This included improvements to walkway connections around the area and to Pukehina Beach, the provision of play equipment, picnic tables, bike tracks, seating and shade.
8. After considering this feedback, a feasibility study was undertaken to get a better understanding of where improvements could be made to increase the recreation and open space provision in the area, and the cost of this.
9. Recommendations were incorporated in a draft concept plan adopted for consultation by the Policy Committee on 23 August 2022. This proposed:
· Development of a 5000m2 ‘rural inspired’ neighbourhood reserve utilising the unformed road reserve at the end of Arawa Road.
· Re-purposing the road reserve into a linear park through a mix of mown and grazed areas, historical/cultural information, signage, planting etc.
· Extension of the walking and cycling trail to provide a safe off-road network accessible to this community including connections to Wharere Road, Kaikokopu Road and Waerenga Road.
10. Consultation was undertaken in September/October 2022.
11. A summary of the community feedback and Council responses (shown in red) is provided in Attachment 2.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Private Plan Change
12. Council received a request for a private plan change on 15 December 2022. The Private Plan Change is to rezone a 12.4ha portion of rural zoned land on Arawa Road to residential.
13. The private plan change will progress through a statutory process with timeframes set out under the RMA. It is anticipated that this plan change would not be subject to a decision before the end of 2023. Subdivision and land use development consistent with the plan change generally follows after it has been made operative.
14. The reserve land proposed will need to be assessed through the plan change process to determine whether it meets Council’s Level of Service.
Stock grazing
15. A neighbouring property owner uses the unformed road to graze and move stock and has an agreement with Council to do this. Concerns have been raised by residents about the impact this has on the ability for residents to use the space for recreation.
Use of road reserve for recreation
16. Use of the unformed part of Arawa Road for recreation is enabled under the Local Government Act 2002. Council can provide facilities for the safety, health or convenience of the public provided that vehicular traffic is not unduly impeded.
17. The public has a perpetual right to pass and repass on foot, on a horse, or in vehicles — without being obstructed or hindered. However, users must consider others, including adjoining landholders and their property. The general rules of the road apply, and the powers to manage the roads are vested in the territorial authority.
18. If the recommendations in this report are approved, staff will investigate changing the status of the road to Local Purpose Reserve to better reflect use in the future.
Stormwater reserve
19. The drainage reserve located at Penelope Place is for the primary purpose of stormwater management. Residents were advised that due to this function, it is not suitable for any recreation and open space features therefore will not be considered as part of this exercise.
Walkway/cycleway connections to Pukehina Beach
20. The scope of feasibility work also considered how Council could improve connectivity between Arawa Road/Penelope Place and Pukehina Beach and the associated cost of this. Previous work had looked at extension of the walkway/cycleway network to achieve this connection however land ownership constraints resulted in it not being progressed.
21. It is recommended that this Arawa Road project does not consider the wider connection to Pukehina Beach at this time due to the requirement to access private land and the need for these links to be considered against walking and cycling priorities across the whole network. However, information contained within the feasibility study and the community feedback will inform a project to establish walking and cycling connections in this area in the future.
Significance and Engagement
22. The Local Government Act 2002 requires a formal assessment of the significance of matters and decision in this report against Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. In making this formal assessment there is no intention to assess the importance of this item to individuals, groups, or agencies within the community and it is acknowledged that all reports have a high degree of importance to those affected by Council decisions.
23. The Policy requires Council and its communities to identify the degree of significance attached to particular issues, proposals, assets, decisions, and activities.
24. In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy this decision is considered to be of medium significance because of the anticipated level of community interest within a defined local community area, the proposed development costs, and recognising the Māori cultural values and their relationship to land and water.
Engagement, Consultation and Communication
25. Feedback on the Draft Concept Plan was from 22 September to 21 October 2022. Letters were sent to Arawa Road/Penelope Place residents inviting them to have their say. A Have Your Say event was held on 9 October 2022 on Arawa Road. All information was included on Council’s website and promoted through Council’s communication channels.
26. 38 pieces of feedback were received as follows:
· 15 responses through the online survey
· 4 feedback forms and emails
· 19 comments from the Have Your Say event on 9 October 2022
27. A full copy of feedback is included in Attachment 1.
28. Emails were sent to Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakahemo and Ngāti Whakaue advising of this work and inviting feedback on the proposal.
29. Ngāti Whakaue advised that in this instance, the project is more in Ngāti Whakahemo territory and they will defer to their mana. Ngāti Whakaue will however, maintain an interest in the project, if it impacts on the Kaikokopu River. Ngāti Pikiao advised that they did not have any issues with what is proposed in the draft concept plan and that they would defer to defer to Ngāti Mākino in future decisions on the project. No other feedback was received. Mana whenua engagement will need to be a key part of the future walking and cycling project.
Issues and Options Assessment
Option A Adopt final concept plan in Attachment 3 and implementation actions outlined in Attachment 2 in response to community feedback.
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Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings · Economic · Social · Cultural · Environmental |
Advantages: · Gives effect to the key themes of engagement feedback. · Provides certainty and transparency regarding Council’s approach to provision of recreation opportunities. · Supports community aspirations and a sense of ownership of recreation opportunities. Disadvantages: · Some may consider the concept plan does not respond to their feedback provided and therefore should not be adopted. Note a wide range of views need to be considered along with best practice for reserve development. · Potential for future recreation opportunities to be provide through Private Plan Change process although timing and outcomes currently unknown. |
Costs |
$55k is included in the draft 2023/2024 Annual Plan for neighbourhood reserve features. Estimated mowing costs are up to $5k per year depending on frequency. Future recreation upgrade project and wider linkages to be costed and considered in the 2024-34 LTP. |
Option B Do not adopt final concept plan in Attachment 3 and implementation actions outlined in Attachment 2 in response to community feedback.
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Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings · Economic · Social · Cultural · Environmental |
Advantages: · No cost to Council. · Potential for recreation provision in proposed Plan Change although outcome and timing are unknown. Disadvantages: · Does not give effect to community aspirations reflected over the last year and the key themes of engagement feedback. · Ability to do some relatively minor improvements in the short term to address some of the issues raised. |
Statutory Compliance
30. The concept plan is consistent with the goals and approach outlined in the Recreation and Open Space Strategy.
31. Reserves planning is the responsibility of the Policy Committee, which has delegated authority to hear submissions to a draft reserve management plan/concept plan and adopt or not adopt accordingly.
32. Implementation funding is to be considered through the Annual Plan process 2023/24 and the 2024-2034 LTP.
Funding/Budget Implications
Budget Funding Information |
Relevant Detail |
2023/2024 Annual Plan 2024-2034 Long Term Plan |
$55,000 is included in the draft 2023/2024 Annual Plan for neighbourhood reserve features. Estimated mowing costs are up to $5,000k per year depending on frequency. Future recreation upgrade project and wider linkages to be costed and considered in the 2024-34 LTP. |
1. Attachment
1 - Community Feedback - Arawa Road Concept Plan ⇩
2. Attachment
2 - Arawa Road - Submission Responses 7 March 2023 Policy Committee ⇩
3. Attachment
3 – Arawa Road Recreation Opportunities Concept Plan ⇩
7 March 2023 |
9.2 Dog Exercise Park Proposed Locations - Ōmokoroa and Katikati
File Number: A5093264
Author: Cheryl Steiner, Senior Policy Analyst - Consultant
Authoriser: Rachael Davie, General Manager Strategy and Community
Executive Summary
1. In September 2020, Council adopted a level of service for the provision of dog exercise parks. Four designated dog exercise parks will be provided across the district, in Te Puke, Ōmokoroa, Katikati and Waihī Beach. Council will develop the basic facilities and has funding in the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan for this purpose.
2. Lawrence Oliver Park in Te Puke has been identified as the location for the dog exercise park in Te Puke. This project will get underway in 2023 and will need to be staged due to increased costs to achieve the level of service. Consultation on this site was undertaken through the Te Puke-Maketu Reserve Management Plan process in 2022.
3. Staff assessed potential sites for the Ōmokoroa and Katikati dog exercise parks due to be developed in 2023 and 2024. This report proposes Links View Drive Reserve in Ōmokoroa and Donegal Drive Reserve in Katikati as suitable locations for dog exercise parks. The next step will be to ask the community on their views before making a final decision. Waihī Beach site options will be considered at a later date.
1. That the Senior Policy Analyst – Consultant’s report dated 7 March 2023 titled ‘Dog Exercise Park Proposed Locations - Ōmokoroa and Katikati’ be received. 2. That the report relates to an issue that is considered to be of low significance in terms of Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. 3. That engagement is undertaken (in a manner consistent with part 17 of this report) on a proposal to develop dog exercise parks on: a. Links View Drive Reserve in Ōmokoroa, and b. Donegal Reserve in Katikati.
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Background
4. Demand for the provision of dog exercise parks came from a review of Council’s Dog Control Policy and Bylaw in 2016, pre-engagement feedback from the 2021-2031 Long Term Plan process and Annual Plan submissions in 2020/2021.
5. Council currently has one designated dog exercise area at TECT Park.
6. The rationale for establishing a level of service for dog exercise parks is recognition of future growth, community support for Council provision of these facilities, the need to protect ecological sensitive areas and balance recreational needs of dog owners against the aims of effective dog control.
7. In 2020, Council adopted a level of service for dog exercise parks as follows:
· Provision of four designated dog exercise areas in Te Puke (2021/22), Ōmokoroa (2022/23), Katikati (2023/24) and Waihī Beach (2024/25).
· Council to provide basic specifications – fully fenced with double entry gate, access to drinking water, some natural contouring of land, trees planted for shade, dog poo bag dispenser, rubbish bin, basic bench seating (approx. cost of $30,000 however costs have increased since this was adopted).
· To be funded from a mix of 80% dog registration fees and 20% rates.
8. Lawrence Oliver Park in Te Puke was identified as the location for the dog exercise park in Te Puke. This project will now get underway in 2023 and will need to be staged due to increased costs to achieve the level of service. The dog exercise park is approximately 4500m2 and has an active space and a separate chill zone (a smaller, fenced area with seating). Each park is likely to be different to cater to the characteristics of the park and local community needs.
9. Funding for the Ōmokoroa dog exercise park is included in the initial 2023/2024 Annual Plan budget and Katikati is included in 2024/2025. Waihī Beach location options will be determined at a later date. The project budgets will be increased in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan to ensure the level of service can be achieved.
site assessment process
10. The location of the Te Puke dog exercise park site was determined through consultation on the Te Puke-Maketu Ward Reserve Management Plan process.
11. The following criteria was used to assess sites for Ōmokoroa and Katikati:
· Proximity to walking and cycling networks.
· Proximity to residential areas – is it central to most areas in the community and where most dog owners live.
· Carparking nearby.
· Limited direct neighbours preferable due to potential noise, however recognise that parks are in urban areas and there may be some locations where this may occur.
· No identified sites of cultural/historical/ecological significance.
· No parks that will displace existing users significantly.
· Ability to accommodate a dog park of up to 5000m2 with flexibility for configuration.
· Reserve Management Plan alignment.
12. Staff considered the criteria against the reserves network in each location. Site visits were undertaken for the short list of potential sites before determining proposed sites for community feedback. The community may also identify other sites that they think would be suitable locations for dog exercise parks and these will be assessed against the above criteria before a final decision is made.
13. Maps of each site and the staff assessment are included in Attachment 1.
Significance and Engagement
14. The Local Government Act 2002 requires a formal assessment of the significance of matters and decision in this report against Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. In making this formal assessment there is no intention to assess the importance of this item to individuals, groups, or agencies within the community and it is acknowledged that all reports have a high degree of importance to those affected by Council decisions.
15. The Policy requires Council and its communities to identify the degree of significance attached to particular issues, proposals, assets, decisions, and activities.
16. In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy this decision is considered to be of low significance because the provision of dog exercise parks has already received community support and the proposed sites are likely to only impact a small section of the community.
Engagement, Consultation and Communication
17. Community engagement will include:
· Meeting with mana whenua;
· Meeting with the Community Boards;
· Letters to adjacent owners and affected parties for each site;
· Letters to any community groups associated with each site;
· Place based community engagement in Ōmokoroa and Katikati.
18. Feedback will then be reported to the Policy Committee for a final decision.
Issues and Options Assessment
Option A Endorse proposed sites in Ōmokoroa and Katikati for community feedback |
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Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings · Economic · Social · Cultural · Environmental |
Advantages: · Delivers on an adopted level of service. · Responds to community feedback for provision of dog exercise areas. · Proposes sites that meet criteria to ensure suitability of the reserve for this type of activity. · Potential to understand community views on the suitability of these sites for this purpose or whether they consider other sites to be more appropriate. · Feedback likely to also assist with the design of the dog exercise parks. · Determining community support for dog exercise parks is a requirement of the Dog Control Policy. Disadvantages: · Community may consider other sites to be more appropriate however the engagement will ensure they can still identify these sites if they wish. |
Costs |
$30,000 budget for each dog exercise park included in the current 2021-2031 LTP. Further increases to ensure the level of service can be achieved to be included for consideration in the 2024-2034 LTP. |
Option B Do not endorse proposed sites in Ōmokoroa and Katikati for community feedback (either for the reason of not providing proposed sites when consulting, or not consulting at all and proceeding with the development) |
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Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings · Economic · Social · Cultural · Environmental |
Advantages: · Either ability to go out to the community with no proposed sites and a blank slate or if no consultation occurs, ability to proceed with the development sooner. Disadvantages: · Need to deliver on the level of service and ensure the sites are suitable for this type of activity. · Need to ensure community support the proposed sites for this type of activity. |
Costs |
$30,000 budget for each dog exercise park included in the current 2021-2031 LTP. Further increases to ensure the level of service can be achieved to be included for consideration in the 2024-2034 LTP. |
Statutory Compliance
19. Site specific community engagement will be carried out in accordance with s82 of the Local Government Act 2002 (Principles of Consultation). Implementation funding is included in the LTP 2021-2031.
20. Reserves planning and policy development are the responsibilities of the Strategy and Policy Committee, which has delegated authority to hear submissions to a draft reserves management plan/concept plans and adopt or not adopt accordingly.
21. Council’s operative Dog Control Policy and Dog Control Bylaw takes a permissive approach to the control of dogs. In public places where there are no designated restrictions, dogs must be under control at all times. Where a dog is causing or is likely to cause, danger, distress or nuisance it must be kept on a leash and under the control of the owner. Dog owners must carry a leash at all times. Designated public places are set out in the schedules to both the policy and the bylaw.
22. The Dog Control Policy includes a clause that Council intends to develop dog exercise areas where there is demonstrable community support for such a facility.
Funding/Budget Implications
Budget Funding Information |
Relevant Detail |
2021-2031 LTP |
$30,000 budget for each dog exercise park included in the current 2021-2031 LTP. Further increases to ensure the level of service can be achieved to be included for consideration in the 2024-2034 LTP. |
1. Attachment
1 - Dog Exercise Park Site Assessment (7 March 2023 Policy Committee Report) ⇩
7 March 2023 |
9.3 Community-Led Resource Recovery
File Number: A5105736
Author: Matthew Leighton, Policy and Planning Manager
Authoriser: Rachael Davie, General Manager Strategy and Community
Executive Summary
1. To consider the Community-Led Resource Recovery Feasibility Study (Attachment 1) completed by Envision New Zealand and determine Council’s next steps in response to this.
1. That the Policy and Planning Manager’s report dated 7 March 2023 titled ‘Community-Led Resource Recovery’ be received. 2. That the report relates to an issue that is considered to be of low significance in terms of Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. 3. That the ‘Community-Led Resource Recovery Feasibility Study’ be received, as per Attachment 1. 4. That community-led resource recovery initiatives are delivered and the initial actions be: a. That Te Puke and Katikati/Athenree be progressed as two separate processes to recognise the different community groups and tangata whenua interests; b. That a Council operated Community supported approach is progressed, whereby Council continues to operate the site(s) in the short-medium term (12-18 months) while working with industry experts and potential operator(s), for Te Puke and for Katikati/Athenree, with community groups being invited to take on the community activator role and community and tangata whenua invited onto advisory boards, and industry expertise is sought to work alongside the current team to expand activities on the existing sites; and c. That a Community and Council hybrid approach, whereby Council continues to operate the current activities on the sites and community operates reuse retail activities, be progressed as soon as possible for Te Puke, through conversations with community groups. |
Background
2. Through the Long Term Plan 2021-31, Council made a commitment to identify other opportunities to reduce waste to landfill. The LTP included funding to investigate and establish community-led resource recovery centres. This aligns with the District’s Waste Management and Minimisation Plan vision of ‘Minimising waste to landfill’ and also reflected an anticipated reduction in recyclable material going through our recycle centres.
3. Community-led resource recovery involves community organisations as operating enterprises that deliver resource recovery services in the district. There are over 100 of these organisations successfully operating across the country. Currently, there are none operating in the Western Bay sub-region.
4. Community-led / operated resource recovery centres (CRRCs) provide significant positive outcomes for communities because their kaupapa is centered on zero waste and circular principles with activities focused on pushing up the Waste Hierarchy. Community organisations operating in this sector are focused on providing meaningful employment opportunities and education focused on waste prevention. Local examples include the Seagull Centre at Thames and CReW in Whakatāne.
Summary of the Report
5. Council commissioned Envision New Zealand to deliver a feasibility study that explores whether three of its Community Recycling Centres (Te Puke, Katikati and Athenree) would be suitable to transition to being managed by the community and incorporate resource recovery activities. These three sites continue to be well utilised by the community, however, as they currently focus on recycling it is important to explore the opportunity recover more items from the waste stream intended for landfill and so push activities on site up the waste hierarchy.
6. Envision has found that all three sites are suitable to incorporate small-scale resource recovery as there is sufficient space and the sites are all well maintained with the current facilities in good condition. However, all sites will require investment to secure either a new resource consent or a variation to an existing resource consent, as well as other specialist assessments.
7. Based on the current resource consent context provided by Harrison Grierson Consultants Limited as well as its central location, the Te Puke Community Recycling Centre appears to be the best site to start to transition. Katikati and Athenree are also viable options, however, require more work to be able undertake any of the proposed activities.
8. The community consultation process revealed a number of credible community organisations that are interested in operating all three sites, however, none of these organisations have operated or worked in a resource recovery facility previously. This is not uncommon with many operators in the Zero Waste Network.
9. The options and recommendations outlined in this report recognise the steps that both the community and Council would be taking should they elect to move forward with this opportunity. The outlined pathways include taking a slower and methodical approach to transition and/or an approach that would involve a community organisation forming a Joint Venture with an existing organisation that is seasoned in resource recovery, working with local councils and community organisations. This is a common arrangement with community organisations within the Zero Waste Network.
Feasibility Study Recommendations
10. The report sets out three broad ways forward:
1. Council operated, Community supported |
Council continues to operate the site(s) in the short-medium term (12-18 months) while working with industry experts and potential operator(s). This would include: · Establishing an Advisory Board; · Establishing a Community Activator role focused on identifying and starting up reuse activities; · Employing an industry expert in a management support role to work alongside the current team to expand activities using concept plans as a guide.
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2. Community & Council hybrid
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Council continues to operate the current activities on the sites and community operates reuse retail activities
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3. Community operated, Council supported
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Community operates the full site, supported by Council
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Significance and Engagement
11. The Local Government Act 2002 requires a formal assessment of the significance of matters and decision in this report against Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy. In making this formal assessment there is no intention to assess the importance of this item to individuals, groups, or agencies within the community and it is acknowledged that all reports have a high degree of importance to those affected by Council decisions.
12. The Policy requires Council and its communities to identify the degree of significance attached to particular issues, proposals, assets, decisions, and activities.
13. In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy this decision is considered to be of low significance because this relates to an existing project budgeted for through the Long Term Plan 2021-31 and does not significantly impact levels of service currently delivered at the community recycling centres.
Engagement, Consultation and Communication
14. A key element of the study has been to work with potentially interested community groups to understand their aspirations and level of interest. Two discussions were held in Katikati and Te Puke with interested groups, facilitated by Envision New Zealand.
Tangata whenua engagement has also been important and the involvement of Te Kāhui Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana and Te Ihu o Te Waka o Te Arawa will continue to be sought.
Interested/Affected Parties |
Completed/Planned |
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Name of interested parties/groups |
Attendees to hui were: · Katikati Taiao · The Daily Charitable Trust (Te Puke) · Live Well Waihi Beach · Envirohub / Precious Plastics · Katch Katikati · Sustainability Options · Vincent House · WBOPDC staff. Further engagement will be undertaken following Committee decisions. |
Planned |
Completed |
Tangata Whenua |
Presentation to a joint forum workshop and trips undertaken with Forum representitives to CReW in Whakatāne and Matakana Island to discuss this kaupapa in more detail. Further engagement will be undertaken following Committee decisions. |
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General Public |
The wider community input will be sought to help inform the detail of future work, following Committee decisions. |
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15. Our community recycling centre staff are permanent part-time staff and are aware of this study. Council signalled that following the introduction of kerbside, Council would be considering the future of these sites and how they may be best utilised to encourage further waste minimisation. The recommendations would see our staff continue in their roles and, depending on the actions progressed in the longer term, likely transfer over to support operation of the sites under community groups. Engagement with staff will continue and their input sought into site improvements.
Issues and Options Assessment
16. The below table sets out consideration of the substantive options.
Option A (recommended) That community-led resource recovery initiatives are delivered and the initial actions will be: a. That Te Puke and Katikati/Athenree be progressed as two separate processes to recognise the different community groups and tangata whenua interests; b. That a Council operated Community supported approach is progressed, whereby Council continues to operate the site(s) in the short-medium term (12-18 months) while working with industry experts and potential operator(s), for Te Puke and for Katikati/Athenree, with community groups being invited to take on the community activator role and community and tangata whenua invited onto advisory boards, and industry expertise is sought to work alongside the current team to expand activities on the existing sites; and c. That a Community and Council hybrid approach, whereby Council continues to operate the current activities on the sites and community operates reuse retail activities, be progressed as soon as possible for Te Puke, through conversations with community groups.
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Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings · Economic · Social · Cultural · Environmental |
Helps develop community group capacity and knowledge in this space and set up a successful transition. Avoids undue risk for Council and Community groups to existing services. Allows Council to focus resource on one area at a time and potentially achieve a quicker success given the fewer site limitations in Te Puke. Allows for community group and tangata whenua engagement and input into activities. Increased diversion of reusable material from landfill and delivery on social outcomes. May not meet all community group’s immediate aspirations. Will require Council to apply for resource consent changes required to allow for retail activity on these sites. |
Costs (including present and future costs, direct, indirect and contingent costs). |
Met within existing budgets. Potential for Waste Disposal Levy funding to be utilised, or other external funding sources. |
Option B That community-led resource recovery initiatives are delivered and the initial actions will be: a. That Te Puke and Katikati/Athenree be progressed as two separate processes to recognise the different community groups and tangata whenua interests; b. That Community operated, Council supported approach is taken, whereby the Community operates the full site and is supported by Council, for both Te Puke and Katikati/Athenree and community groups approached to take on the full sites and their current operations as soon as possible. |
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Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings · Economic · Social · Cultural · Environmental |
Community groups are placed under increased pressure to build knowledge and capacity quickly. Increases risk of an unsuccessful successful transition and delivery of existing services. Council resource will be stretched to support a transition in both Te Puke and Katikati/Athenree simultaneously. May deliver on some community groups’ immediate aspirations, but increased risks. Increased diversion of reusable material from landfill and delivery on social outcomes. Restrictions in resource consent requirements may prevent or curtail some activity on these sites. Resource consent changes required to allow for retail activity on these sites. |
Costs (including present and future costs, direct, indirect and contingent costs). |
Largely met with existing budgets, but additional resource may be required for delivery. Potential for Waste Disposal Levy funding to be utilised, or other external funding sources. |
Option C That community-led resource recovery initiatives are not delivered and actions are not progressed at this time: |
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Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings · Economic · Social · Cultural · Environmental |
May enable consideration alongside the review of the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan later this year. Would not deliver increased diversion of reusable material from landfill or delivery on social outcomes. Would not meet community group’s aspirations. |
Costs (including present and future costs, direct, indirect and contingent costs). |
None. |
Statutory Compliance
17. This report and recommendations align with the vision and actions of the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2017, and the direction and projects included in the Long Term Plan 2021.
18. The report and recommendations meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002.
Funding/Budget Implications
Budget Funding Information |
Relevant Detail |
$421,000 |
The Long Term Plan 2021-31 includes $421,000 across 2023 and 2024 for establishment costs. This is funded through the Waste Disposal Levy external funding we receive. Additional operational funding may be necessary to deliver actions, this can be funded from the Waste Disposal Levy external funding. Additional funding may be available for community groups through funding applications to external funders. |
1. Community
Led Resource Recovery Feasibility Study - Envision - February 2023 ⇩
7 March 2023 |
9.4 SmartGrowth Quarterly Report - February 2023
File Number: A5122174
Author: Tracey Miller, Strategic Advisor Resource Management
Authoriser: Rachael Davie, General Manager Strategy and Community
Executive Summary
1. This report has been prepared to provide an update on the SmartGrowth work programme over the last quarter. Key projects underway include the SmartGrowth Strategy, Industrial Land Study, the Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessment and the Priority Development Areas.
1. That the Strategic Advisor Resource Management’s report dated 7 March 2023, titled SmartGrowth Quarterly Report - February 2023, be received. |
Background
SmartGrowth Strategy
2. The SmartGrowth partners are currently developing a sub-regional spatial plan that will incorporate the National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD) requirements for a Future Development Strategy. This document will be known as the SmartGrowth Strategy.
3. The Strategy will consider how housing, infrastructure, transport, community development and the environment need to be looked at together to achieve effective growth in the Western Bay of Plenty subregion.
4. The SmartGrowth strategy is an initiative between central and local government and tāngata whenua and will be woven into the 2024-2027 Long-Term Plan for each of the partner councils, as well as other key strategic planning documents.
5. The SmartGrowth Strategy is centered around the following key themes:
· Urban Form and Centres (building off UFTI)
· Infrastructure (Three Waters, Social Infrastructure)
· Climate Change & Resilience
· Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessment and Industrial Land (discussed further below)
· Transport
· Areas to be protected and developed carefully,
· Blue-Green Environment
· Tangata Whenua Spatial Plan
· Future Development Strategy requirements
· Economic Well-being
· Housing
· Rural
· Funding and Financing.
6. A final draft version of the strategy will be shared with the public for consultation from August – October 2023.
7. A Local Government Act 2002 Special Consultative Procedure is required to meet the consultation needs of the Future Development Strategy component of the SmartGrowth Strategy. This will be required in August/September this year and one of the partner councils will be required to run the process (hearings/submissions).
8. The Combined Tangata Whenua Forum is also working on a Tangata Whenua Spatial Plan to incorporate tangata whenua values, aspirations, and priorities. Direction from the Tangata Whenua Spatial Plan will feed into the SmartGrowth Strategy.
9. The SmartGrowth Strategy is due to be adopted in late 2023.
Industrial Land Study
10. As identified above the SmartGrowth partners are developing a sub-regional SmartGrowth Strategy. A key part of this work is understanding our industrial land needs over the next 30 years.
11. The purpose of the Industrial Land Study is to identify potential locations for future industrial development and make recommendations on possible locations (3-6 shortlisted sites).
12. A geospatial framework has been developed to identify land suitable for industrial development. This framework has then been applied to identify locations for potential industrial development in the sub-region. The sites are ranked and scored using a mulita criteria analysis (MCA) which considers a wide range of factors such as geotechnical considerations and proximity to key transport links. The MCA needs to take into consideration wider planning/strategic content and in particular SmartGrowth/UFTI principles as well as national objectives and policies.
13. To date four potential broad area clusters have been identified, including Ōmokoroa and surrounds, Tauranga Eastern Link area, Tauriko and the Omanawa block and Te Puke / Paengaroa.
14. The next step in the Industrial Land Study is for the SmartGrowth project team to compile a short list of sites (3-6) for the project consultants to further assess. A report will then be prepared and made available through SmartGrowth.
Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessment
15. Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council are required to undertake a Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessment (HBA) as part of their response to the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 (NPS-UD). This assessment sets out the housing component required for the Tauranga Tier 1 urban environment, which covers the urban areas of Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District.
16. HBAs must be prepared every three years to ensure planning decisions are well-informed and in time to inform Long Term Plans.
17. Two technical assessments have been undertaken to meet the NPS-UD requirements. The SmartGrowth Housing Capacity Assessment (December 2022) (updating the 2021 assessment). The second technical report that informs the HBA is the Business Capacity Assessment prepared by Market Economics (December 2022).
18. Tauranga City and the Western Bay of Plenty have seen a rapid and sustained increase in population, with the sub-region’s population expected to increase to 282,900 people in the next 30 years.
19. Statistics NZ 2022 projections estimate the population will increase at a faster rate than in 2021. This means more land is needed for housing and employment.
20. It is estimated that an additional 42,990 new homes will need to be built over the next 30 years within the western Bay of Plenty subregion to meet housing demand comprising a mix of detached and attached dwellings. Tauranga City will require another 33,890 new houses and Western Bay of Plenty District another 9,100 new houses for its future population.
21. A housing insufficiency has been determined for the sub-region in the short, medium, and long-term (next 30 years), which reflects the delay in being able to bring to market new development areas due to infrastructure and national policy hurdles.
22. The final HBA report is being completed currently. The report and its key findings will be reported through SmartGrowth and as well to the Performance and Monitoring Committee in the next quarter.
Priority Development Areas
23. Priority Development Areas (PDAs) provide a focus on connecting key areas of the sub-region while supporting the core elements of transport and planning intensification. PDAs have been selected on the basis that they provide a focus on unlocking key development areas.
24. There are six PDA areas, these are: Ōmokoroa, Tauriko West, Te Papa, Wairakei-Te Tumu, Rangiuru and a new Eastern Centre.
25. Progress made in the last quarter includes Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council progressing Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS) Plan Changes (Plan Change 33 and 92 respectively). These Plan Changes require medium density standards to be applied to all of Tauranga City, as well as Ōmokoroa and Te Puke within Western Bay of Plenty.
26. The construction contract for the interchange at Rangiuru Business Park has been awarded. The interchange is due for completion by 2024.
27. Ministers for Housing and Transport have confirmed a commitment to progressing a full business case for a new Eastern centre.
28. A report on the PDAs will be presented to the SmartGrowth Chief Executives Advisory Group (CEAG) on 9 March 2023.
7 March 2023 |
9.5 Submission to the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan
File Number: A4953668
Author: Tom Rutherford, Policy Analyst
Authoriser: Rachael Davie, General Manager Strategy and Community
Executive Summary
1. For the information of the Strategy and Policy Committee, this report presents a submission made by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council on the following matter:
(a) Submission to Waka Kotahi on the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan.
1. That the Policy Analyst’s report dated 7 March 2023 titled ‘Submission to the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan’ be received. 2. That the following submission, shown as Attachment 1 of the agenda report, is received by the Strategy and Policy Committee and the information is noted: · Western Bay of Plenty District Council submission to Waka Kotahi on the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan, dated 12 December 2022. |
1. WBOPDC
Submission - Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan ⇩
7 March 2023 |
9.6 Submission to the Targeted Review of the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2006
File Number: A5020549
Author: Tom Rutherford, Policy Analyst
Authoriser: Rachael Davie, General Manager Strategy and Community
Executive Summary
1. For the information of the Strategy and Policy Committee, this report presents a submission made by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council on the following matter:
(a) Submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment on the Targeted Review of the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2006.
1. That the Policy Analyst’s report dated 7 March 2023 titled ‘Submission to the Targeted Review of the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent Authorities) Regulations 2006’ be received. 2. That the following submission, shown as Attachment 1 to this report, is received by the Strategy and Policy Committee and the information is noted. |
1. WBOPDC
Submission - Targeted Review of the Building (Accreditation of Building Consent
Authorities) Regulations 2006 ⇩
7 March 2023 |
9.7 Submission to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Amendment Bill
File Number: A5110316
Author: Tony Clow, Principal Policy Lead: Environmental Planning
Authoriser: Natalie Rutland, Environmental Planning Manager
Executive Summary
1. This report presents the submission made by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Amendment Bill.
1. That the Principal Policy Lead: Environmental Planning’s report dated 7 March 2023 titled “Submission to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Amendment Bill” be received. 2. That the following submission, shown as Attachment 1 to this report, is received by the Strategy and Policy Committee and the information is noted. |
1. WBOPDC
Submission - Local Government Official Information and Meetings Amendment Bill ⇩
7 March 2023 |
9.8 Submission to the future for local government review
File Number: A5110395
Author: Ariell King, Strategic Advisor: Legislative Reform and Special Projects
Authoriser: Rachael Davie, General Manager Strategy and Community
Executive Summary
1. For the information of the Strategy and Policy Committee, this report presents a submission made by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council on the following matter:
(a) Submission on the Review into the Future for Local Government (2022) He mata whāriki, he matawhānui’
1. That the Strategic Advisor: Legislative Reform and Special Projects report dated 7 March 2023 titled ‘Submission on the Future for Local Government Review be received. 2. That the following submission, shown as Attachment 1 to this report, is received by the Strategy and Policy Committee and the information is noted. a. Submission on the Review into the Future for Local Government (2022) ‘He mata whāriki, he matawhānui’ |
1. Future
for Local Government review - Submission ⇩
7 March 2023 |
9.9 Submission to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Bill
File Number: A5104139
Author: Matthew Leighton, Policy and Planning Manager
Authoriser: Rachael Davie, General Manager Strategy and Community
Executive Summary
1. For the information of the Strategy and Policy Committee, this report presents a submission made by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council on the following matter:
(a) Submission to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Bill.
1. That the Policy and Planning Manager’s report dated 7 March 2023 titled ‘Submission to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Bill’ be received. 2. That the following submission, shown as Attachment 1 of the agenda report, is received by the Strategy and Policy Committee and the information is noted: a. Western Bay of Plenty District Council submission to the to Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment Bill, dated 12 February 2023. |
1. WBOPDC
Submission - Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Community Participation) Amendment
Bill ⇩
7 March 2023 |
9.10 Natural and Built Envrioment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill Submission
File Number: A5115015
Author: Tracey Miller, Strategic Advisor Resource Management
Authoriser: Rachael Davie, General Manager Strategy and Community
Executive Summary
1. For information of the Strategy and Policy Committee, this report provides the submission made by Western Bay of Plenty District Council on the following matter:
(a) Submission on the Natural and Built Environment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill.
1. That the Strategic Advisor Resource Management’s report dated 7 March 2023, titled ‘Natural and Built Environment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill Submission’ be received. 2. That the following submission, shown as Attachment 1 to this report, is received by the Strategy and Policy Committee and information is noted. a) Western Bay of Plenty District Council Submission on the Natural and Built Environment Bill and the Spatial Planning Bill.
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1. Western
Bay of Plenty District Council submission on NBEA and SPA Bills ⇩