Notice of Meeting:
I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Dunedin City Council will be held on:
Date: Monday 10 May 2021
Time: 9.00 am
Venue: Edinburgh Room, Municipal Chambers, The Octagon, Dunedin
Sandy Graham
Chief Executive Officer
Council
PUBLIC AGENDA
MEMBERSHIP
Mayor |
Mayor Aaron Hawkins |
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Deputy Mayor |
Cr Christine Garey
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Members |
Cr Sophie Barker |
Cr David Benson-Pope |
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Cr Rachel Elder |
Cr Doug Hall |
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Cr Carmen Houlahan |
Cr Marie Laufiso |
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Cr Mike Lord |
Cr Jim O'Malley |
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Cr Jules Radich |
Cr Chris Staynes |
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Cr Lee Vandervis |
Cr Steve Walker |
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Cr Andrew Whiley |
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Senior Officer Sandy Graham, Chief Executive Officer
Governance Support Officer Lynne Adamson
Lynne Adamson
Governance Support Officer
Telephone: 03 477 4000
Lynne.Adamson@dcc.govt.nz
Note: Reports and recommendations contained in this agenda are not to be considered as Council policy until adopted.
Council 10 May 2021 |
ITEM TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
1 Public Forum 4
2 Apologies 4
3 Confirmation of Agenda 4
4 Declaration of Interest 5
Reports
5 DCC submission on the Otago Regional Council 2021/31 long term plan consultation 19
6 DCC Submission: Supporting Sustainable Freedom Camping in Aotearoa New Zealand 70
7 Hearing Schedule for the 10 Year Plan and Late Submissions 79
Council 10 May 2021 |
At the close of the agenda no requests for public forum had been received.
At the close of the agenda no apologies had been received.
Note: Any additions must be approved by resolution with an explanation as to why they cannot be delayed until a future meeting.
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Council 10 May 2021 |
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. Members are reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arises between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have.
2. Elected members are reminded to update their register of interests as soon as practicable, including amending the register at this meeting if necessary.
3. Staff members are reminded to update their register of interests as soon as practicable.
That the Council: a) Notes/Amends if necessary the Elected Members' Interest Register attached as Attachment A; and b) Confirms/Amends the proposed management plan for Elected Members' Interests. c) Notes the proposed management plan for the Executive Leadership Team’s Interests. |
Attachments
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Title |
Page |
⇩a |
Councillor Register of Interest |
7 |
⇩b |
ELT Register of Interest |
17 |
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Council 10 May 2021 |
DCC submission on the Otago Regional Council 2021/31 long term plan consultation
Department: Corporate Policy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. This report seeks approval for a Dunedin City Council (DCC) submission (Attachment A) to the Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) 2021/31 Long Term Plan consultation (Attachment B).
That the Council: a) Approves the DCC submission, with any amendments, to the Otago Regional Council 2021/31 Long Term Plan consultation. b) Authorises the Mayor or his delegate to speak to the submission.
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BACKGROUND
2. The ORC sought feedback on their 2021/31 Long Term Plan consultation document by 9 May 2021, although they subsequently extended the deadline for accepting submissions to 16 May 2021.
3. The ORC is seeking feedback on pest control, budget, rehabilitation of Lake Hayes, land and water, biodiversity, air, risk management and building resilience, transport, and regional leadership.
DISCUSSION
4. The DCC submission was prepared with input from Transport, City Development, 3 Waters, Parks and Recreation, Ecodesign Advisor, Policy and Executive Leadership team (ELT) staff.
5. DCC staff drafted a submission in line with current Council strategies and policies and input was sought from elected members via email. Feedback from elected members has been incorporated in the draft submission.
6. Elected member feedback included:
· Noting that while collaboration on climate change projects is crucial to their success, this needs to be done in a way that ensures ultimate decision-making sits with the responsible governing body.
· Highlighting the DCC’s position of seeking the transfer of public transport ownership from the ORC to the DCC to improve transport solutions and further progress Dunedin’s ambition to be Zero Carbon by 2030.
· Suggesting the ORC consider including the development and implementation of action plans with an explicit target date (or dates) for climate change.
· Support for ‘Option 1 Cost: $4.6 million from year 1 onwards’ so the DCC can continue to build momentum in pest control via comprehensive education, engagement and technical support. A delay in financial and technical support to the Predator Free movement may lead to a backwards step in the significant progress already achieved.
· Support for ‘Option B: Regional Targeted Rate’ to fund pest management, for larger landowners to contribute more towards biosecurity costs.
· Support for ‘Option 1 Increase total rates to achieve an immediate and sustainable funding source for our operational expenditure’.
· Suggest that the ORC considers including dates for an update of the biodiversity strategy and hui.
· Asks that the ORC initiates a public discussion about the role of Chalmers Properties in supporting the city/region, and that this specifically includes consideration of free holding land for the purpose of encouraging development.
· Support for a new suite of levels of service measures, an annual customer satisfaction survey and utilising best practice in community projects.
OPTIONS
Option One – Recommended Option – Approve the DCC submission, with any amendments, on the ORC’s 2021/31 Long Term Plan consultation
7. Approve the DCC submission to the Otago Regional Council’s 2021/31 Long Term Plan consultation.
Advantages
· Opportunity to show support and highlight pathways for collaboration with the ORC, one of the DCC’s major strategic partners.
· Provide feedback on topics relevant to the DCC’s strategic and operational work.
Disadvantages
· There are no identified disadvantages for this option.
Option Two – Do not approve the submission
8. Do not approve the DCC submission on the ORC’s Long Term Plan 2021/31.
Advantages
· There are no identified advantages for this option.
Disadvantages
· Missed opportunity to show support and highlight pathways for collaboration with the ORC.
NEXT STEPS
9. If Council approves the DCC submission on the ORC 2021/31 Long Term Plan it will be sent to the ORC. DCC will then speak to the submission during the ORC hearings process.
·
10. If Council does not approve the DCC submission, no further action is required.
Signatories
Author: |
Alix de Blic - Senior Policy Analyst |
Authoriser: |
Suzie Ballantyne - Policy Manager Robert West - Acting General Manager City Services |
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Title |
Page |
⇩a |
Draft DCC submission on the ORC's 2021/31 Long Term Plan |
24 |
⇩b |
ORC Long Term Plan 2021/31 consultation document |
30 |
SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS
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Fit with purpose of Local Government This decision promotes the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future.
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Fit with strategic framework
The draft submission has been developed in line with the DCC’s strategic priorities. |
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Māori Impact Statement Given the timeframe constraints for submission feedback, staff have been unable to consult with mana whenua and mataawaka on the impacts that may result from a decision to approve the DCC submission. |
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Sustainability The DCC submission supports sustainability goals in relation to climate change, freshwater, biodiversity, urban development and transport. |
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LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy There are no known impacts for current levels of service and/or performance measures resulting from a decision to approve the DCC submission. |
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Financial considerations There are no known financial implications resulting from a decision to approve the DCC submission. |
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Significance This decision is considered to be of low significance when assessed against the Significance and Engagement Policy. |
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Engagement – external There was no external engagement on this report. |
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Engagement - internal Staff from Corporate Policy, Transport, City Development, 3 Waters, Parks and Recreation, the Ecodesign Advisor and ELT had input to the draft submission. |
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Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc. There are no known risks. |
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Conflict of Interest There are no known conflicts of interest. |
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Community Boards There are no known implications for Community Boards. |
Council 10 May 2021 |
DCC Submission: Supporting Sustainable Freedom Camping in Aotearoa New Zealand
Department: Parks and Recreation
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 This report seeks approval of a Dunedin City Council (DCC) submission (Attachment A) to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on the consultation document ‘Supporting Sustainable Freedom Camping in Aotearoa New Zealand’ (link here).
That the Council: a) Approves the DCC submission, with any amendments, to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment on the consultation document ‘Supporting Sustainable Freedom Camping in Aotearoa New Zealand’. |
BACKGROUND
2 The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is seeking feedback on four proposals to make freedom camping in New Zealand more sustainable. Submissions close on Sunday 16 May 2021.
3 The four proposals are based on recommendations made by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment in his report Not 100% - But Four Steps Closer to Sustainable Tourism. The report identified human waste disposal in the natural environment as a key contentious issue requiring more attention.
4 The consultation document presents four proposals for consideration:
Proposal 1: Make it mandatory for freedom camping in a vehicle to be done in a certified self-contained vehicle.
or
Proposal 2: Make it mandatory for freedom campers to stay in a vehicle that is certified self-contained, unless they are staying at a site with toilet facilities (excluding public conservation lands and regional parks).
and/or
Proposal 3: Improve the regulatory tools for government land managers.
and/or
Proposal 4: Strengthen the requirements for self-contained vehicles.
5 Proposals 1 and 2 are mutually exclusive options; proposals 3 and 4 are supplementary options.
6 Proposal 2 would still allow local councils to restrict which sites with toilets were permitted for freedom camping.
DISCUSSION
7 Staff have drawn on camper data, survey responses, feedback from Community Boards and resident complaints gathered during freedom camping seasons over the period of 2017 – 2021, to inform the content of this draft submission.
8 Consideration has been given to the economic, environmental and social implications of the proposed changes on Dunedin residents and visitors to the city.
9 The draft DCC submission does not support proposal 1: to make it mandatory for all vehicle-based freedom camping to be done in certified self-contained vehicles (SCVS).
· The DCC currently provides three freedom camping sites at which overnight camping in all vehicle types is permitted. The DCC considers this proposal to be a significant limitation to a considerable proportion of freedom campers that would typically visit Dunedin. Enforcement teams counted 8,039 non-self-contained vehicles during the 2019/2020 season; 99% of these campers abided by the Camping Control Bylaw and who stayed at an unrestricted DCC freedom camping site.
· The DCC achieved a 59% decrease in Camping Control Bylaw infringements and a 31% decrease in freedom camping related complaints by expanding provision of unrestricted freedom camping areas suitable for all vehicle types. This approach was well-received by campers and residents and was assisted by initiatives that received MBIE Responsible Camping funding, particularly the Community Ranger program and increased provision of temporary toilet facilities.
· The DCC has made significant gains with freedom campers littering or leaving human waste in the environment. During the period 2017 – 2021 these issues made up 13% of complaints concerning freedom camping and year-on-year improvements were observed, from 26 such complaints during the 2017/2018 season to two complaints during the 2020/2021 season. Of these complaints a considerable number were attributed to itinerant/homeless campers, and the DCC submits that it is not clear if a regulatory change will lead to positive outcomes in these cases.
10 The draft DCC submission supports Proposal 2: Make it mandatory for freedom campers to stay in a vehicle that is certified self-contained, unless they are staying at a site with toilet facilities as this would:
· Likely have no impact on freedom camping in Dunedin; and
· aligns with measures the DCC has already implemented (i.e. prohibition of freedom camping in non-self-contained vehicles under the Camping Control Bylaw 2015, except at three unrestricted sites with adequate toilet facilities).
11 The draft DCC submission is supportive of Proposal 3: Improve the regulatory tools for government land managers as it may:
· provide a national register and oversight of the self-containment system which would likely improve the consistency of the standard and assist enforcement teams in checking the certification of vehicles;
· provide additional opportunities to collect infringement revenue;
· improve consistency of camping rules across the Dunedin district by enabling bylaw enforcement on other government land; and
· allow councils to confiscate vehicles if they do not meet the requirements to contain a toilet, although the DCC does not anticipate a need to confiscate vehicles in these situations.
12 The draft DCC submission does not support Proposal 4: Strengthen the requirements for self-contained vehicles, as it requires a high standard for certification which may:
· limit the freedom camping opportunities of campers who fail to meet standard requirements only to designated sites under Proposal 2 or prohibit them from freedom camping entirely under Proposal 1; and
· significantly increase demand for unrestricted freedom camping sites in the city. The DCC would need to look to provide additional sites and facilities to cater to an increase in uncertified vehicles. Private campground providers have acknowledged they have struggled to meet peak-season demand in previous years.
13 The DCC has made good progress in addressing local freedom camping issues. Several initiatives have led to increased camper compliance to the Camping Control Bylaw 2015, significant decreases in resident complaints including those involving litter, human waste and overcrowding at popular sites and significant decreases in bylaw infringements despite increasing numbers of freedom campers.
14 Government support toward the Community Ranger programme, temporary toilet facilities, administrative tools/support and bylaw enforcement has been instrumental in the improvement of freedom camping management.
OPTIONS
Option One (Recommended Option) – Approve the submission
15 Approve the DCC submission to the MBIE on the consultation document ‘Supporting Sustainable Freedom Camping in Aotearoa New Zealand’, with any amendments.
Advantages
· Enables the DCC to provide feedback on freedom camping issues and initiatives specific to Dunedin.
· Enables the DCC to flag issues and opportunities the proposals, if adopted, may present at the local level to the MBIE.
Disadvantages
· There are no identified disadvantages for this option.
Option Two – Do not approve the submission
16 Do not approve the DCC submission to the MBIE on the consultation document ‘Supporting Sustainable Freedom Camping in Aotearoa New Zealand’.
Advantages
· There are no identified disadvantages for this option.
Disadvantages
· Missed opportunity to provide Dunedin-specific feedback on freedom camping initiatives and issues.
· Missed opportunity to provide feedback on the potential impact of the proposals on Dunedin visitors and residents.
NEXT STEPS
17 If the Council approves the DCC submission on the MBIE consultation document ‘Supporting Sustainable Freedom Camping in Aotearoa New Zealand’, it will be sent to the MBIE before the deadline.
Signatories
Author: |
Stephen Hogg - Parks and Recreation Planner |
Authoriser: |
Scott MacLean - Acting Group Manager Parks and Recreation Robert West - Acting General Manager City Services |
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Title |
Page |
⇩a |
DCC submission - Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employent - Supporting sustainable camping in New Zealand |
76 |
SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS
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Fit with purpose of Local Government This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities. This decision promotes the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future. |
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Fit with strategic framework
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Māori Impact Statement There are no known specific impacts for tangata whenua resulting from a decision to approve the DCC submission. |
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Sustainability The DCC submission supports sustainability goals in relation to Responsible Camping, environmental stewardship and tourism. |
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LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy There are no known impacts for current levels of service and/or performance measures resulting from a decision to approve the DCC submission. |
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Financial considerations There are no known financial implications resulting from a decision to approve the DCC submission. |
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Significance This decision has been accessed under the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy as being of low significance. |
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Engagement – external There was no external engagement on this report. |
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Engagement - internal Parks and Recreation Services drafted this submission with input from Enterprise Dunedin and Corporate Policy had input to the DCC submission. |
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Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc. There are no known risks. |
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Conflict of Interest There are no known conflicts of interest. |
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Community Boards Previous feedback from Community Boards on freedom camping issues and initiatives has contributed to the DCC’s draft submission. The timeframe for this submission has not allowed time to specifically consult with Community Boards on these proposals. |
Council 10 May 2021 |
Hearing Schedule for the 10 Year Plan and Late Submissions
Department: Civic
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. The purpose of this report is to provide the Councillors with a schedule of submitters wishing to present their views at the 10 year plan hearings during the week beginning 10 May 2021, and to consider whether or not to accept the late submissions received.
2. Approximately 2,322 submissions have been received, with around 200 submitters wishing to present their submissions to Councillors.
3. Submissions closed on 29 April 2021. Fourteen submissions have been received since the closing date.
That the Council: a) Considers whether to allow the late submissions to be accepted. |
DISCUSSION
4. Hearings for the 10 Year Plan will be held over the week beginning 10 May 20210 as follows:
Monday 10 May 2021 1.00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday 11 – Friday 14 May 2021 9.00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5. Attached to this report is the 10 year plan Speaking Schedule (Attachment A). Please note that the schedule for next week may be subject to change. An updated scheduled will be emailed to Councillors as necessary.
Late submissions
6. Submissions closed at 12 pm on 29 April 2021, however due to timing issues, engagement with the Chamber of Commerce could not take place until the evening of 29 April. The submissions received through this engagement event have not been treated as late submissions.
7. All of the late submissions received have been tagged as “late submissions” and have not been assigned topics. The late submissions were received from:
Name |
Submission number |
Craig Robinson, Sharon Blackie |
818215 |
Moira Cadogan |
818218 |
Malcolm Deverson |
818219 |
Jeff Todd |
818220 |
Rosealeen Smith |
818222 |
Kath Beattie |
818245 |
Carol Jamieson |
818357 |
Alan Race, Urban Access Dunedin Inc |
818409 |
Anonymous |
818411 |
Anonymous |
818412 |
Cheryl Tapp |
818414 |
Rebekah Graham, Parents of Vision Impaired (NZ) Inc. |
818428 |
Marilyn & Trevor Cook |
818456 |
Phylis McPherson / Mary O’Brien |
818462 |
8. No new topics have been introduced in the late submissions received. Mary O’Brien has asked to present at the 10 year plan hearings.
9. Late submissions received on annual plans and 10 year plans in previous years have been accepted by Council, and it is recommended that these submissions are also accepted.
10. As this is an administrative only report, a summary of considerations is not required.
Signatories
Author: |
Clare Sullivan - Team Leader Civic |
Authoriser: |
Sandy Graham - Chief Executive Officer |
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Title |
Page |
⇩a |
Submitter speaking schedule as at 5 May 2021 |
81 |