Agenda of Strategy and Policy Committee Meeting

Te Puke Spatial Plan Sub Committee Meeting Minutes

18 April 2024

UNCOMFIRMED

MINUTES OF Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Te Puke Spatial Plan Sub Committee Meeting No. TPSP24-1
HELD IN THE Te Puke Library and Service Centre (Boardroom),

Jellicoe Street, Te Puke
ON Thursday, 18 April 2024 AT 6.00pm

1 Karakia

Whakatau mai te wairua Whakawātea mai te hinengaro Whakarite mai te tinana

Kia ea ai ngā mahi

Āe

Settle the spirit

Clear the mind

Prepare the body

To achieve what needs to be achieved.

Yes

2 Present

Deputy Mayor J Scrimgeour, Cr G Dally, Cr A Wichers, Member D Snell, Member K Summerhays, Tangata Whenua Representative D Dinsdale (Ngāti Moko), Tangata Whenua Representative H Biel (Tapuika Iwi Authority), Tangata Whenua Representative N Mahia (Te Kapu o Waitaha), Tangata Whenua Representative L Te Amo (Te Kapu o Waitaha), and Mayor (Ex Officio) J Denyer.

3 In Attendance

E Watton (Strategic Policy and Planning Programme Director), G Golding (Governance Manager), A King (Strategic Advisor: Legislative Reform and Special Projects), C Nepia (Strategic Kaupapa Māori Manager), K Lawton (Infrastructure Planner), G Dean (Senior Environmental Planner: Urban Design).

4 Apologies

Apology

Resolution TPSP24-1.1

Moved: Cr A Wichers

Seconded: Cr G Dally

1. That the apology for lateness from Member Chauhan and the apology for absence from Chairperson, Te Puke Community Board K Ellis be accepted.

Carried

5 Consideration of Late Items

Nil

6 Declarations of Interest

Nil

7 Public Excluded Items

Nil

8 Public Forum

Nil

9 Presentations

Nil

10 Minutes for Confirmation

8.1 Minutes of the Te Puke Spatial Plan Sub Committee Meeting held on 22 November 2023

RESOLUTION TPSP24-1.1

Moved: Cr A Wichers

Seconded: Tangata Whenua Representative D Dinsdale

1. That the Minutes of the Te Puke Spatial Plan Sub Committee Meeting held on 22 November 2023 be confirmed as a true and correct record and the recommendations therein be adopted.

2. That the Chairperson’s electronic signature be inserted into the confirmed minutes.

Carried

11 Reports

9.1 Governance Matters

The Subcommittee considered a report dated 18 April 2024 from the Governance Manager. The report was taken as read.

RESOLUTION TPSP24-1.2

Moved: Tangata Whenua Representative D Dinsdale

Seconded: Tangata Whenua Representative H Biel

1. That the Governance Manager’s report dated 18 April 2024, titled ‘Governance Matters’ 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

Carried

RESOLUTION TPSP24-1.3

Moved: Tangata Whenua Representative H Biel

Seconded: Tangata Whenua Representative D Dinsdale

3. That in accordance with Clause 31, Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002 the Te Puke Spatial Plan Sub Committee recommend to Council that two representatives be appointed from Te Kapu o Waitaha as members of the Te Puke Spatial Plan Sub Committee.

Carried

RESOLUTION TPSP24-1.4

Moved: Tangata Whenua Representative H Biel

Seconded: Member K Summerhays

4. That, in accordance with Clause 26, Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002, Tangata Whenua Representative D Dinsdale (Ngāti Moko) be appointed as Deputy Chairperson of the Te Puke Spatial Plan Sub Committee.

Carried

9.2 Endorsement of the Te Puke Spatial Plan Baseline Report

The Subcommittee considered a report from the Strategic Advisor: Legislative Reform and Special Projects. The report was taken as read, with further discussion on the below:

Key points:

· Historical clarification was provided around the history of the water supply and the vulnerability it once had against volcanic ash.

· Most of the schools in Te Puke were full or overfull, and the same was said in regard to the rural schools in the area. Four out of the twelve schools within the area had space for new students.

· Editorial amendments to the report were recommended to the Strategic Advisor: Legislative Reform and Special Projects by the Subcommittee.

Staff responded to pātai as follows:

· The Te Puke Movement and Safety study from September 2023 would be made available to the subcommittee.

· The information from the Social and Cultural Wellbeing assessment along with feedback received during next engagement phase would be used to help put together the draft spatial plan.

RESOLUTION TPSP24-1.5

Moved: Cr G Dally

Seconded: Member K Summerhays

1. That the Strategic Advisor: Legislative Reform and Special Project’s report dated 18 April 2024, titled ‘Endorsement of the Te Puke Spatial Plan Baseline Report’, be received.

2. That the Te Puke Spatial Plan Subcommittee endorse the ‘Te Puke Spatial Plan Baseline Report’.

Carried

9.3 Endorsement of the report 'Economic assessment of Te Puke and surrounding areas'

The Subcommittee considered a report dated 18 April 2024 from the Strategic Advisor: Legislative Reform and Special Projects. The report was taken as read.

RESOLUTION TPSP24-1.6

Moved: Deputy Mayor J Scrimgeour

Seconded: Mayor (Ex Officio) J Denyer

1. That the Strategic Advisor: Legislative Reform and Special Project’s report dated 18 April 2024, titled ‘Endorsement of the report ‘Economic assessment of Te Puke and surrounding areas’, be received.

2. That the Te Puke Spatial Plan Subcommittee endorse the report ‘Economic assessment of Te Puke and surrounding areas’.

Carried

12 Information for Receipt

Nil

The Meeting closed at 7.18pm.

Confirmed as a true and correct record by the Strategy and Policy Committee on the 31 July 2025.

……………………………..

CHAIRPERSON

DEPUTY MAYOR J. SCRIMGEOUR

Strategy and Policy Committee Meeting Agenda

31 July 2025

11 Reports

11.1 Adoption of the Speed Management Plan - Alternative Method Proposal

File Number: A6734461

Author: Rebecca Gallagher, Senior Policy Analyst

Authoriser: Emily Watton, Acting General Manager Strategy and Community

Executive Summary

1. An Alternative Method Proposal has been developed for adoption by the Strategy and Policy Committee to ensure compliance with the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 requirements relating to variable speed limits outside the school gate.

Recommendation

1. That the Senior Policy Analyst’s report dated 31 July 2025 titled “Adoption of the Speed Management Plan – Alternative Method Proposal” 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 Strategy and Policy Committee adopts the Alternative Method Proposal contained in Attachment 1 subject to finalisation of the maps and implementation schedules.

4. That the Strategy and Policy Committee delegates to the Chief Executive the authority to make minor amendments to the Alternative Method Proposal to reflect any operational needs including timing of the variable speed limits and extent.

Background

2. On 4 April 2024, the Council adopted the Western Bay of Plenty Speed Management Plan, as required under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed limits 2022. Although the plan was submitted to NZTA for approval, it was declined as it did not comply with the requirements set out in the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 (“the Rules”), which were adopted in September 2024. Despite the plan being adopted prior to the Rules' implementation, NZTA assessed the plan under the updated regulations rather than those that applied at the time Council undertook the Speed Management Plan development and consultation process.

3. The Rules now prescribe a specific format for Speed Management Plans and include requirements for cost-benefit analyses for each proposed speed limit, as well as a mandatory six-week consultation period. Furthermore, the Rules specify timeframes for compliance with the Rules. The only current time constraint impacting the Council relates to the implementation of variable speed limits outside schools, which must be complied with by 1 July 2026. There is no established timeframe for other speed limit requirements under the Rules.

4. In response to the Rules, we have developed an Alternative Method Proposal, focusing solely on variable speed limits outside school gates. This proposal is contained in Attachment 1. A comprehensive Speed Management Plan for other roads in our district may be developed at a later date.

The Rules

5. The Rules outline methods for Councils to set speed limits, either through certified Speed Management Plans or approved Alternative Method Proposals. Both of these are required to be approved or endorsed by NZTA. These Rules also establish technical specifications for speed limits and signage.

6. Key aspects of the Rules include:

· Speed Management Plans are now optional and no longer require a 10-year vision. There are two types of plans: state highway plans (prepared by NZTA) and territorial authority plans.

· A binding schedule specifies permanent speed limits or ranges for each class of road, with Council required to align proposed speed limits accordingly.

· Council must consider economic factors, including travel time impacts, and provide a cost-benefit disclosure statement for each proposed speed limit change during consultation (except for transitional provisions, school-related speed limits, and new roads).

· Consultation requirements now mandate a minimum of six weeks. Summaries of public submissions must be published, with explanations on what changes were made and the rationale for those decisions.

· Speed limits around schools have been updated, requiring variable speed limits outside school during pick-up and drop-off times.

7. According to the Rules, if an Alternative Method Proposal considers only variable speed limits outside school gates, public consultation is not required. Through the development of the Speed Management Plan in 2023 all registered schools were engaged regarding variable speed limits. Feedback from the Ministry of Education in 2023 supported both permanent and variable speed limits, but encouraged that targeted consultation be undertaken with schools to establish their peak before and after school times. The Rules now refer to variable speed limits applying during school travel times, therefore Council is limited on the options for schools to consider for the time the variable speed limits apply.

Timing requirements

8. The Rules mandate that Council must use reasonable efforts to comply with the variable speed limits outside school gates by 1 July 2026. This includes the approval by NZTA of the Alternative Method Proposal, the installation of signage and any other speed reduction requirements to implement the variable speed limits.

9. An Alternative Method Proposal solely for the variable speed limits outside school gates does not require public consultation.

The approach for speed limits outside schools

10. As noted, public consultation on the Speed Management Plan was conducted in 2023, which included discussions with schools about speed limits outside their gates. The adopted plan proposed the following:

· Urban schools would have a variable speed limit of 30 km/h during specified times, and a permanent speed limit of 50 km/h outside of these times (unless a lower speed limit already exists).

· Rural schools would have a variable speed limit of 30 km/h during specified times, and a permanent speed limit of 80 km/h outside of these times (unless a lower speed limit already exists).

11. The Rules mandate that Council comply with the variable speed limits outside school gates, but not with the permanent reductions in speed limits around schools.

12. A school under the Rules is defined as being a registered school under section 10(1) of the Education and Training Act 2020 meaning:

“a State school, a State integrated school, a private school, or a charter school”

13. The Rules stipulate that Category 1 schools must have a variable speed limit of 30 km/h during school travel times, while Category 2 schools require a variable speed limit of 60 km/h or less during these times.

14. All schools are classified as category 1 unless Councils or NZTA designate them as category 2. Category 2 schools are more likely to be in rural areas with:

· higher existing speed limits

· comparatively less risk to vulnerable road users – for example, pupils are usually driven or take a bus to school as distance makes active transport modes less practical, and there’s off-road parking and/or pick up/drop off spaces

· other mitigating features for higher speed limits – for example, safety infrastructure such as dedicated cycle lanes.

15. Clarification has been sought from NZTA regarding the categorisation of schools and the corresponding speed limits. A category 2 school can have a variable speed limit between 30km/h and 60 km/h. In addition category 2 schools have a longer road length that a variable speed limit can apply than category 1.

16. The following schools have been suggested by the Transportation team as being category 1 and therefore require the variable speed limit of 30kph during school travel time:

· Fairhaven School

· Katikati College

· Katikati Primary School

· Te Kura o Maketu (Maketu School)

· Ōmokoroa Point School

· Oropi School

· Paengaroa School

· Te Kura o Te Moutere o Matakana

· Te Puke High School

· Te Puke Intermediate School

· Te Puke Primary School

· Te Puna School

· Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Matai

· Waihī Beach School

· Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Otepou

· Whakamarama School

· Pongakawa School

· Ōmokoroa No.1 School

· Pahoia School

· Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Kura Kokiri

17. The following schools have been suggested by the Transportation team as being category 2, as they have existing speed limits of 100km/h, there is off road parking and pupils are less likely to walk or cycle to school:

· Matahui Road School

· Otamarakau School

· Pukehina School

· Rangiuru School

· Te Ranga School

18. To provide consistency across the district, it is proposed that both category 1 and category 2 schools have a variable speed limit outside the school gate of 30km/h.

19. The road length for the variable speed limits is different between the two categories. Category 2 schools have a 600 metres road length and category 1 has a road length of 300 metres.

20. An Alternative Method Proposal has been prepared to reflect the approach to variable speed limits outside the school gate and is contained in Attachment 1.

Finalisation of the Alternative Method Proposal

21. If the Committee supports the approach to school categorisation and the indicative road lengths of the variable speed limit areas contained in Attachment 1, staff will continue to engage with the respective schools to confirm the appropriateness of the extent and duration of the speed limits at each location. To ensure timely implementation ahead of the upcoming election period, it is recommended that authority to approve any minor adjustments be delegated to the Chief Executive. This will support operational efficiency and responsiveness. Additionally, staff will work with each school to confirm the appropriate timing of the variable speed limits, ensuring compliance with the Rules. It is proposed that the Chief Executive be delegated authority to approve the final maps to be contained in the Alternative Method Proposal, following consultation and confirmation with the schools.

22. To confirm any new or proposed change to the categorisation of a school or value of the speed limit would require a decision of Council.

Schools currently out of scope

23. We do not need to include schools where the school gate is on a State Highway, as this is the responsibility of NZTA.

24. As mentioned, the Rules apply only to registered schools. The definition does not extend to kohanga reo or early childcare education. The schools contained in Alternative Method Proposal are those that are currently registered with the Ministry of Education as at 30 June 2025. Te Wharekura o Maketū is in the process of becoming a registered school with the Ministry of Education, therefore we are not able to include it as part of the categorisation at this time. However, when we receive confirmation of the status of the school, given its location it would be classified as a category 1. We have reached out to the school and they have advised that they do not believe there is a need for speed changes around or near the school as the traffic flow is light/low.

Cost Implications

25. Each school will need to have new signs installed as there are some schools which have no signage, and others whose signage will not comply with the Rules requirements. Most of the existing sign infrastructure will need to be replaced, including existing static and electronic variable signs. Some static signs may be able to be modified to comply with the new speed limit requirements, while certain electronic variable signs will need to be replaced due to reaching the end of their operational lifespan.

26. Subsidy will be sought from NZTA to provide the required signs, but it is not confirmed what level of subsidy will be made available. There is some opportunity to fund a portion of the new signs through existing budgets.

27. During the next phase of our work, we will be establishing the schedules for the number of signs, locations, and specifications for new infrastructure, and what existing signs can be modified. This will provide a cost estimate of the cost to implement the school speed limits.

Significance and Engagement

28. 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.

29. The Policy requires Council and its communities to identify the degree of significance attached to particular issues, proposals, assets, decisions, and activities.

30. In terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy this decision is considered to be of low significance because the rules have provided clear expectations as to the speed limits outside the school gate. Schools were consulted through 2023 on the speed management plan, and those views have been considered as part of the development of the Alternative Method Proposal.

Engagement, Consultation and Communication

31. As mentioned, consultation under the Rules is not required when adopting an Alternative Method Proposal solely focusing on variable speed limits outside the school gate.

Issues and Options Assessment

32. The options for consideration are discussed below.

Option A – Recommended

Adopt the Alternative Method Proposal as contained in Attachment A and delegate the Chief Executive authority to finalise the maps and implementation schedules.

Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings

· Economic

· Social

· Cultural

· Environmental

Advantages

· Ensures compliance with the Rule regarding variable speed limits outside the school gate.

· Some schools already have variable speed limits which will require only minor changes to signs and markings.

· Ensures that part of the current Speed Management Plan can be progressed now.

· Allows for implementation to occur during school holidays minimising the impact on the community.

Disadvantages

· Only considers the variable speed limits and not the permanent speed limits considered through the current Speed Management Plan.

Costs (including present and future costs, direct, indirect and contingent costs).

It is estimated the total signage costs would be $1.35 million. Subsidy will be sought from NZTA to provide the required signs, but it is not confirmed what level of subsidy will be made available. There is some opportunity to fund a portion of the new signs through existing budgets.

Option B

Do not adopt the Alternative Method Proposal and instead amend/develop a Speed Management Plan to comply with the Rules.

Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings

· Economic

· Social

· Cultural

· Environmental

· High risk that we will be unable to comply with the rule regarding variable speed limits outside the school gate.

· Further staff time would be required which may impact other projects.

· It provides limited time for us to consider the other speed limit changes, including the requirements for the cost benefit analysis.

· Will require significant staff time and resourcing.

· Unlikely to be adopted in time to coincide with the school holidays to allow for implementation of the change.

· We’ve already undertaken two speed limit review processes in the last five years (2020 and 2022), and it is considered there are higher priorities from a work programme/resourcing perspective

Costs (including present and future costs, direct, indirect and contingent costs).

The development of a speed management plan is not currently included in the approved work programme and has not been allocated funding within the existing budget. At this stage, the estimated cost of undertaking such work is unknown.

Statutory Compliance

33. The recommendations contained in this report ensure compliance with the Local Government Act 2002, the Land Transport Act 1998 and the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024.

Funding/Budget Implications

Budget Funding Information	Relevant Detail
Alternative Method Proposal - implementation	It is estimated the total signage costs would be $1.35 million. Subsidy will be sought from NZTA to provide the required signs, but it is not confirmed what level of subsidy will be made available. There is some opportunity to fund a portion of the new signs through existing budgets.

Attachments

1. Alternative Method Proposal ⇩

2. Strategy and Policy Committee - Workshop Notes - 24 June 2025 ⇩

Strategy and Policy Committee Meeting Agenda

31 July 2025

11.2 Deliberations and Adoption of the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan

File Number: A6804598

Author: Rebecca Gallagher, Senior Policy Analyst

Authoriser: Emily Watton, Acting General Manager Strategy and Community

Executive Summary

1. The purpose of this report is to consider feedback received through the recent consultation period, and the adoption of the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Recommendation

1. That the Senior Policy Analyst’s report dated 31 July 2025, ‘Deliberation and Adoption of the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan’ 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 the summary of all written and verbal feedback from the formal consultation period held between 11 March and 11 May 2025, as set out in the document titled ‘Summary of Submissions’, shown as Attachment 4 of the agenda report.

4. That the Strategy and Policy Committee [adopts/does not adopt] the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan, shown as Attachments 2 and 3 of the agenda report, and inclusive of the following:

Issue 1.1 – Proposed Reserve Naming

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee approves the following reserve names:

1. Bramley Reserve

2. Kowhai Reserve

3. Kuaka Rise Reserve

4. Wāhi ō Te Kakaramea

5. Wāhi ō Te Mangawhai

6. Jack Lloyd Reserve

7. Wāhi ō Te Hakao

8. Wāhi ō Te Ōturu – I’Anson

9. Wāhi ō Te Tawa ki Tahataharoa

AND

That the Strategy and Policy Committee approves retention of the following reserve names:

1. Te Puna Quarry Park.

2. Minden Lookout

And that the reserve management approach information for Te Puna Quarry Park is updated as follows:

· Work with tangata whenua and interested parties on developing cultural presence initiatives (for example art works, sculptures, interpretation signage, etc) in the reserve.

And that the reserve management approach information for Minden Lookout is updated as follows:

· Delete the reference to renaming the lookout to ‘Waihi o Te Rangituanehu’.

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee approves the renaming of the following reserves:

[Committee to advise names]

That the Strategy and Policy Committee approves the retention of the current names for the following reserves:

[Committee to advise names]

Issue 2.1 – Pest Management Policy (Policy 28)

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee replaces the Pest Management Policy with the following:

Council aims to work strategically with the community to manage pest animals and plants on its reserves. To help ensure pest control efforts contribute to positive environmental outcomes, reserves may be prioritised based on a range of ecological and community-based considerations.

Reserves will be selected by the Reserves and Facilities Manager using criteria such as the presence of wetlands, active volunteer involvement, designation as high-priority biodiversity sites or significant ecological features, threats to indigenous biodiversity from pests, the presence of “at risk” or “threatened” native species, and the existence of community-led pest control initiatives. Priority will also be given to protecting habitats that support biodiversity and ecological resilience.

Council’s approach is guided by the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan and the relative level of threat posed by pest species. This work is expected to be further supported by the developing Pest Free Parks Strategy, which aims to provide a framework for Council, tāngata whenua, and the wider community to collectively enhance biodiversity outcomes. This includes consideration of available resources, capacity and capability, and alignment with other areas of Council’s service delivery.

Council will continue to support and recognise the contribution of volunteers through coordination and sustainable funding, and may also support education, signage, and community outreach to raise awareness and encourage responsible pest management practices.

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee retains the Pest Management Policy as contained in the draft Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 4.2 – Kaimai Views Reserve

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information for Kaimai Views Reserve in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

· Continue working with the Friends of Kaimai Views community group to restore and maintain the reserve;

· Develop a concept plan to enhance the reserve for recreational use (subject to future community consultation and design). Preliminary ideas include:

o Additional amenity planting

o New or upgraded trail connections including potential pond crossing

o Improved way-finding and interpretive signage

o New playground on the western side of the reserve

o Formal car parking at Sentinel Avenue side of Parcel 1207/345

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 4.6 – Ōmokoroa Domain and Esplanade

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information for Ōmokoroa Domain and Esplanade in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

· Review the concept plan to consider whether it is fit for purpose and to consider toilets, parking and any access issues.

· Place a note on the concept plan to state that items in the concept plan may differ as it is implemented.

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 4.7 – Ōmokoroa Sports Ground

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information for Ōmokoroa Sports Ground in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

· Has been identified as a potential new site for the Ōmokoroa Bowling Club and other low-impact sports (subject to feasibility and community feedback) to be considered through the development and acquisition of the Active Reserve.

· Place a note on the concept plan to state that items in the concept plan may differ as it is implemented

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 4.8 – Precious Family Reserve

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information for Precious Reserve in the Kaimai RMP as follows:

· Maintain the reserve for its ecological character and for passive recreation.

· Work with the community to support expanded wetland planting and low-impact ecological enhancements.

· Implement improvements to the Mabs Kelly walkway/cycleway by addressing safety concerns and resurfacing.

· Place a note on the concept plan to state that items in the concept plan may differ as it is implemented.

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 4.11 – Memorial Wall and Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information for Gerald Crapp Reserve in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

· Has been identified as a potential site for a Memorial Wall (subject to feasibility and community feedback)

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 5.1 – I’Anson Bush Reserve (Wāhi ō Te Ōturu - I’Anson)

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information for Wāhi ō Te Ōturu - I’Anson in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

· Investigate applying an appropriate reserve classification (i.e. Nature Reserve), which supports ecological protection and low-intervention management of the reserve once the transfer of the reserve is complete;

· Continue working with the Friends of I’Anson community group to restore and maintain the reserve;

· Consider new future amenities and facilities. Such as:

o Additional bench seating

o Track repairs and surface refurbishments

o Path extension to the existing Loop Road car park

o Car park CCTV camera

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 5.3 – Maramatanga Park

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information for Maramatanga Park in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

· Consider new amenities and facilities for the playground area, such as:

o Drinking fountain

o Rubbish bin

o BBQ

o Toilets

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 6.1 – Ongaonga Scenic Reserve, Lower Kaimai Reserve, Lower Kaimai Hall site (Former)

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends page 13 of the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

“The Poripori Road Picnic Area provides a peaceful spot for relaxation and swimming, while Ongaonga Scenic Reserve offers virgin native bush and the potential to be developed for hiking and bird watching.”

AND

Update the reserve specific information in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

Ongaonga Scenic Reserve include:

· Work with the Lower Kaimai community to restore and maintain the reserve

· Consider development of new tracks and footbridges within the reserve

Lower Kaimai Reserve include:

· Consider a potential boundary adjustment of land parallel with Ngamuwahine Road to connect trails to Ongaonga Scenic Reserve.

Lower Kaimai Hall Site (Former) include:

· Consider potential divestment of the site with proceeds used to support strategic upgrades to reserves in the Lower Kaimai area.

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee agrees to make no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 7.1 – Kaiate Falls Scenic and Esplanade Reserve

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information in the Te Puke Maketu Reserve Management Plan for Kaiate Falls Scenic and Esplanade Reserve as follows:

· Consider new future amenities and facilities. Such as:

o Additional picnic tables

o Improved toilet facilities

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 7.2 – Kaiate Hall

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan to remove all reference to Kaiate Hall and refer the submissions to the Department of Conversation for their consideration.

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 7.3 – Oropi Memorial Hall

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the reserve specific information for Oropi Memorial Hall in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

· Continue working with the Oropi Settlers Incorporated on development of indoor sports facilities at this site, subject to feasibility work and funding.

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Issue 8.2 – Governance, Planning and Cultural Recognition

(a) That the Strategy and Policy Committee amends the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan as follows:

To include in the Kaimai Ward community groups, committees and stakeholders the following:

Pirirākau is a hapū with a large rohe extending from the Wairoa River in the east to the Aongatete River in the west, including Te Puna, Minden, Whakamārama, Ōmokoroa, Hūharua (Plummers Point), Pahoia, Apata, and Aongatete. Pirirākau holds enduring kaitiakitanga responsibilities across these areas, providing cultural leadership in reserve naming, cultural site identification, pest management support, and environmental restoration activities.

Pirirākau actively engages with both Council and the wider community through reserve planning processes, cultural narrative development, collaborative planting and restoration projects, and pest control initiatives. They work alongside community organisations such as Ōmokoroa Pest Free, Omokoroa Environmental Managers Inc, Friends of the Blade, Whakamārama Community Inc, and Te Puna Heartlands, supporting shared outcomes in environmental protection and cultural education. Their involvement also includes kaitiaki training, environmental education projects, and hapū-led site visits to culturally significant areas.

AND

Reserve specific information for the following reserves in the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan:

· Kotuku Reserve - “work with Pirirākau to acknowledge, preserve and maintain cultural heritage values of the area including investigation to apply Historical Classification to the urupā site.”

(b) That the Strategy and Policy Committee makes no change to the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

5. That the indicative costs to implement future capital projects contained within the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan to be referred to the Annual Plan 2026/27 and Long Term Plan 2027-37 for consideration.

6. That the Policy Committee requests the Chief Executive to direct staff to prepare a decision story in general accordance with resolutions of this meeting for approval by the Mayor, as the formal response to submitters and for dissemination to those that provided feedback as the response to their feedback, and to be published on the Council’s website.

7. That the Chief Executive is authorised to make any required editorial changes to the final Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Background

2. Reserve Management Plans are a statutory requirement under the Reserves Act 1977 (“Reserves Act”) and are prepared in accordance with this Act. There are management plans in place for 222 reserves across the Western Bay of Plenty District with 63 reserves across the Kaimai Ward.

3. Council regularly reviews its Reserve Management Plans to:

· Understand what the community wants for local parks and open spaces;

· Make sure the plan meets the needs of the district’s growing and diverse population;

· Align the plan with new or updated Council rules, policies, and strategies;

· Ensure the plan matches the services the community expects; and

· Include information about new reserves and updated plans for specific areas.

· Identify development needs and recommended funding requirements for Council’s financial planning processes

4. Council’s Reserve Management Plans are contained in two parts:

(a) Part one includes district-wide information that applies to reserves across the district. It includes information about the statutory context, the maintenance levels of service and the reserve objectives and policies, which guide Council’s approach to the management of its reserves. The district wide information is updated alongside the respective ward review every three years.

(b) Part two includes ward specific information and will be updated approximately every nine years. It includes ward specific population, age and demographic information along with information about community groups and key stakeholders who operate in the ward. it includes key information about every reserve in the ward.

5. The Kaimai Reserve Management Plan (Kaimai RMP) and district-wide reserve management information was last reviewed and adopted by Council in 2016. The revised Kaimai RMP is expected to be in place for nine years and sets the outcomes and actions to progress over this period.

6. Attachment 2 contains the final Kaimai Reserve Management Plan and Attachment 3 contains the final district-wide reserve management information. The proposed changes to these documents are contained in red text and relate to the matters discussed in this report and the issues and options outlined in Attachment 1.

Draft Kaimai Reserve management plan

7. On 3 March 2025, the Strategy and Policy Committee approved the release of the proposed draft Kaimai RMP and consultation document for formal consultation under Section 41(6) of the Reserves Act.

8. The key aspects of the draft Kamai RMP were:

(a) Introduction of the Pest Management Policy (Policy 28)

(b) Introduction of 16 new reserves

(d) Proposed major improvement works including concept plan development for (totalling approximately $1.9m):

(i) Te Puna Quarry Park

(ii) Wāhi ō Te Hakao

(iii) Wāhi ō Te Tawa ki Tahataharoa

(e) Proposed minor capital improvement works (totalling approximately $300,000), including:

(i) Te Puna Quarry Park governance and management approach

(ii) Reclassification of reserves

(iii) Memorial Wall in Ōmokoroa

(iv) Essential items for new reserves (bollards, bins, signs, etc)

(v) All proposed enhancements including:

(1) Enhancements and maintenance of existing reserves and shared paths

(2) New shared paths in the Minden, along the Wairoa River esplanades, and around Mangawhai Pā Historic Reserve

(3) New cultural and historical elements

(4) New sports hard court at the Ōmokoroa Sports Ground

(5) New playground at the Omanawa Community Hall and new swing set at the Oropi War Memorial Hall

(6) Potential new community garden at McDonnell Street Reserve and Tui Glen Road Reserve.

Representation Review impacts on Kaimai RMP

9. An outcome of the Local Government Commission determination on our representation arrangements included changes to the Kaimai Ward boundaries. This has an impact on the reserves contained within the Kaimai RMP. As a result, the following reserves will be updated and removed from the Kaimai RMP and contained in the Te Puke-Maketu Ward:

(a) Kaiate Falls Scenic and Esplanade Reserve

10. The following reserves are formally included in the Kaimai RMP under Whakamarama and Pahoia Reserves:

(a) Pahoia Reserve

(b) Pahoia Domain

11. We amended page 135 of the Kaimai RMP (contained in attachment 2) to incorporate references to the Pahoia community.

12. These reserves were all included in the draft Kaimai RMP for consultation, noting that the representation review process was ongoing. This means that none of these reserves “missed out” on community consultation between the respective RMP review processes.

Editorial Updates to the Kaimai RMP

13. We made minor editorial changes to the Kaimai RMP, which includes typographical changes, updating the names of the community groups and minor changes to reserve information to more accurately reflect the reserve. We have also to ensure consistency between reserve management plans included the following appendices:

(a) Table of Reserves Covered by this Reserve Management Plan and their Legal Descriptions

(b) Reserves Requiring Classification or Reclassification

(d) Bylaws

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 medium significance due to the level of tangata whenua and community interest, the potential future development costs, and the legislative requirement to undertake consultation.

Engagement, Consultation and Communication

17. Consultation on the draft Kaimai RMP took place from 11 March to 11 May 2025. In accordance with section 41 of the Reserves Act, public notices advising that the draft Kaimai RMP was available for inspection were published in the Bay of Plenty Times on 7 March 2025 and in the Weekend Sun on 11 March 2025. Formal notice was provided to the Minister of Conservation on 11 March 2025.

18. In total, 71 submissions were received on the draft Kaimai RMP. Nine submitters spoke at the hearings on 20 May 2025. The summary of submissions is contained in Attachment 4. The full submission pack was received at the 20 May 2025 Strategy and Policy Committee meeting and can be found here: 20 May 2025 Strategy and Policy Committee Meeting Agenda.

19. The engagement, consultation and communication undertaken for the Kaimai RMP review is set out below:

Interested/Affected Parties	Engagement/Consultation
· General Public	· Public notice of formal consultation. · Temporary billboards at Ōmokoroa Domain and Maramatanga Park in Te Puna, and posters at Council’s Library and Service Centres. · Media release on Council’s website and social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). · Four community drop in events: o ‘Doggy Day Out’, Ōmokoroa Sports Ground (22 March); o Oropi Market community drop-in session, Oropi Memorial Hall (30 March); o Basketball ‘Have-a-go’ day, Maramatanga Park, Te Puna (5 April); o Kaimai Ward Community Expo, Te Puna School Hall (7 May). · Formal hearings on Tuesday 20 May 2025	Completed
· Interested parties and groups	· Invitations to participate in formal consultation; · Workshop with: o Ōmokoroa Community Board; o Te Puna Quarry Park Society. · Hui with: o Friends of I’Anson Bush Reserve; o Friends of Kaimai Views Reserve.
· Tangata Whenua	· Invitations to participate in formal consultation; · Workshop with Te Kāhui Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana Forum.

Issues and Options Assessment

20. From the feedback received through consultation the following topics were raised:

(a) Reserve naming/renaming

(b) District Wide Policy Approaches

(d) Ōmokoroa Reserves

(e) Te Puna-Minden Reserves

(f) Omanawa-Kaimai Reserves

(g) Oropi, Ohauiti, Pyes Pa Reserves

(h) Consultation and Governance

(i) Issues outside of scope of Kaimai RMP

21. Attachment 1 consolidates the Issues and Options matters raised through the Kaimai RMP process.

22. The options to address the substantive matter of this report are discussed below.

Option A

That the Committee passes specific resolutions on the issues and options and adopts that Kaimai Reserve Management Plan contained in Attachment 2 and 3.

Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings

· Economic

· Social

· Cultural

· Environmental

Advantages

Ensures we are continuing to meet our responsibilities under the Reserves Act 1977.

Responds to the issues raised by submitters and provides direction as to the management of the Kaimai Ward reserves.

Disadvantages

May not address all concerns raised by submitters.

Costs (including present and future costs, direct, indirect and contingent costs).

The financial implications of each option are outlined in the Issues and Options Papers (as per Attachment 1).

Propose Implementation of Kaimai Reserve Management Plan to take place over 9 years with estimated costs of:

· $2.7M – Proposed major improvement works.

· $400K – Proposed minor improvement works.

Funding to be sought through future Annual Plan and Long Term Plan processes.

Option B

That the Committee does not adopt the Kaimai Reserve Management Plan.

Assessment of advantages and disadvantages including impact on each of the four well-beings

· Economic

· Social

· Cultural

· Environmental

Advantages

Further information may be requested for consideration prior to decision making.

Disadvantages

Uncertainty of decision making. Further staff time would be required which may impact other projects.

Costs (including present and future costs, direct, indirect and contingent costs).

Financial implications are unclear as further understanding of what changes are required.

DECISION STORY

23. A decision story is proposed as the formal response to submitters. It will be prepared in general accordance with the resolutions of this meeting and signed off by the Mayor. This will be sent to all submitters that provided contact details and will also be posted on Council’s website. It will set out the key decisions made by Council in relation to the final Reserve Management Plan, and be prepared and disseminated as soon as practicable following this meeting.

Statutory Compliance

24. Consultation on the Kaimai RMP was undertaken in accordance with Section 41(6) of the Reserves Act 1977, and follows pre-engagement undertaken between 22 October and 12 November 2024, pursuant to Section 41(5) of the Reserves Act 1977.

Funding/Budget Implications

Budget Funding Information

Relevant Detail

Estimated costs to implement potential future developments

Propose Implementation of Kaimai Reserve Management Plan to take place over 9 years with estimated costs of:

· $2.7M – Proposed major improvement works.

· $400K – Proposed minor improvement works.

Funding to be sought through future Annual Plan and Long Term Plan processes.

Attachments

1. Issues and Options Paper ⇩

2. Kaimai Reserve Management Plan - Part 2 - Reserve Specific Information ⇩

3. Kaimai Reserve Management Plan - Part 1 - District Wide Information ⇩

4. Summary of Submissions ⇩

5. Strategy and Policy Committee - Workshop Notes - 14 July 2025 ⇩

Strategy and Policy Committee Meeting Agenda

31 July 2025

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Chairperson	Mayor James Denyer
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Murray Grainger
Members	Cr Tracey Coxhead Cr Grant Dally Cr Anne Henry Cr Rodney Joyce Cr Margaret Murray-Benge Cr Laura Rae Deputy Mayor John Scrimgeour Cr Allan Sole Cr Don Thwaites Cr Andy Wichers
Quorum	Six (6)
Frequency	Six weekly