Agenda of Infrastructure Services Committee

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

Infrastructure Services Committee

MINUTES

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Infrastructure Services Committee held in the Council Chamber, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, The Octagon on Tuesday 23 April 2024, commencing at 10.00 am

PRESENT

Chairperson	Cr Jim O'Malley
Deputy Chairperson	Cr Brent Weatherall
Members	Cr Bill Acklin	Cr David Benson-Pope
	Cr Christine Garey	Cr Kevin Gilbert
	Cr Carmen Houlahan via Zoom audio visual link	Cr Marie Laufiso
	Cr Cherry Lucas	Cr Mandy Mayhem
	Ms Marlene McDonald via Zoom audio visual link	Mayor Jules Radich
	Cr Lee Vandervis	Cr Steve Walker

IN ATTENDANCE

Scott MacLean (General Manager Climate and City Growth), David Ward (General Manager 3 Waters and Transition), Nicola Morand (Manahautū – General Manager Policy and Partnerships), Claire Austin (General Manager Customer and Regulatory), Dr Anna Johnson (Manager City Development), Paul Freeland (Principal Policy Advisor), Jeanine Benson (Group Manager Transport), Simon Spiers (Team Leader – Regulation Management – Transport) and Clare Sullivan (Manager Governance)

Governance Support Officer Rebecca Murray

1 karakia timatanga

Ms Marlene McDonald opened the meeting with a Karakia Timatanga.

2 Public Forum

2.1 Parking within the city

Mr Duan Reardon no longer wished to speak.

3 Apologies
	Apologies were received from Crs Andrew Whiley, Sophie Barker and Ms Donna Matahaere-Atariki and an apology for lateness from Cr Carmen Houlahan who entered the meeting at 11.34 am.

	Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Committee: a) Accepts the apologies from Crs Andrew Whiley, Sophie Barker and Ms Donna Matahaere-Atariki. b) Accepts the apology for lateness from Cr Carmen Houlahan who entered the meeting at 11.34 am. Motion carried (ISC/2024/010)

4 Confirmation of agenda

Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Steve Walker):

That the Committee:

Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration.

Motion carried (ISC/2024/011)

5 Declarations of interest

Members were reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arose between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have.

Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Steve Walker):

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Elected or Independent Members' Interest Register; and

b) Confirms the proposed management plan for Elected or Independent Members' Interests.

Motion carried (ISC/2024/012)

6 Confirmation of Minutes

6.1 Infrastructure Services Committee meeting - 13 February 2024

Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Brent Weatherall):

That the Committee:

Confirms the minutes of the Infrastructure Services Committee meeting held on 13 February 2024 as a correct record.

Motion carried (ISC/2024/013)

Part A Reports

7 Actions from Resolutions of Infrastructure Services Committee Meetings
	A report from Civic provided an update on the implementation of resolutions made at Infrastructure Services Committee meetings. General Manager Climate and City Growth (Scott MacLean) responded to questions.

	Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Brent Weatherall): That the Committee: Requests activity reports be included in the next Infrastructure Services Committee agenda. Motion carried (ISC/2024/014)

	Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Brent Weatherall): That the Committee: Notes the Open Actions from resolutions of Infrastructure Services Committee meetings shown in Attachment A. Motion carried (ISC/2024/015)

8 Infrastructure Services Committee Forward Work Programme
	A report from Civic provided an update on the Infrastructure Services Committee forward work programme. General Manager Climate and City Growth (Scott MacLean) and General Manager 3 Waters and Transition (David Ward) responded to questions.

	Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Committee: Notes the Infrastructure Services Committee forward work programme as shown in Attachment A. Motion carried (ISC/2024/016)

9 Submission on the Fast-track Approvals Bill
	This report sought approval of the Dunedin City Council (DCC) submission (the submission) on the Fast-track Approvals Bill 2024 (the Bill). The General Manager 3 Waters and Transition (Dave Ward), Manager City Development (Dr Anna Johnson) and Principal Policy Advisor (Paul Freeland) responded to questions.

	Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Steve Walker): That the Committee: Adjourns the meeting until 11.10 am. Motion carried
	The meeting adjourned at 10.59 am and reconvened at 11.23 am.

	Cr Carmen Houlahan entered the meeting via Zoom audio visual link at 11.34 am.

	Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Brent Weatherall): That the Committee: a) Approves the DCC submission on the Fast-track Approvals Bill 2024, with the following amendments: That staff incorporate in the Council’s submission key elements from the LGNZ submission points one to two and four to 10 on this Bill and address the changes below of the draft DCC’s submission: Paragraph Three - Add strong in front of preference. Paragraph Six - At the end of this sentence …prohibited under a district plan is not necessarily ineligible. NEW This actively undermines our ability and authority to manage our region and to plan for its future as well as potentially rendering any decisions made locally, irrelevant. Paragraph Nine - Increase days to at least 20 days but preferably 30 days Paragraph 11 - We request that these requirements are included in the Bill summary of consultation. Paragraph 12 - At the end of sentence with development - compliant with DCC requirements. Paragraph 13 - New sentence at the end – Local authority advice on these must be cost recoverable. Paragraph 15 - New sentence at the end. We request that there is a clear chain of liability. Paragraph x - ‘Purpose of the Bill - clause 3 (6) As the ‘Wildlife Capital’ of New Zealand, Dunedin is highly dependent on its biodiversity as a key economic driver. Therefore, we support the above point in terms of reminding policy makers that “a sole focus on the economic imperative may ‘forget’ environmental sustainability as the foundation on which this city's enduring economic outcomes depend. New Paragraph 17 - In general we support the submission of LGNZ and Taituarā on this the Bill. Original Paragraph 17 will become Paragraph 18 b) Authorises the Chief Executive to make any minor editorial changes to the submission if required c) Authorises the Mayor or delegate to speak at any hearings in regard to the DCC submission. Division The Committee voted by division For: Crs Bill Acklin, David Benson-Pope, Christine Garey, Kevin Gilbert, Carmen Houlahan, Marie Laufiso, Cherry Lucas, Mandy Mayhem, Steve Walker, Brent Weatherall, Jim O'Malley, Mayor Jules Radich and Ms Marlene McDonald (13). Against: Cr Lee Vandervis (1). Abstained: Nil The division was declared CARRIED by 13 votes to 1 Motion carried (ISC/2024/017)

10 Proposed Parking Changes - Hearings Committee December 2023 Recommendations
	A report presented recommendations of the Hearings Committee meeting, held on 7 December 2023 on proposed changes and corrections to parking and turning restrictions. Cr Jim O’Malley, General Manager Climate and City Growth (Scott MacLean) and Team Leader – Regulation Management – Transport (Simon Spiers) responded to questions. Cr Lee Vandervis left the meeting at 12.38 pm.

	Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Mandy Mayhem): That the Committee: a) Adopts the proposed changes to parking and traffic restrictions shown in the December 2023 update of the Dunedin City Council's traffic and parking restrictions database https://tinyurl.com/ParkingDecember2023v2. b) Notes that the Hearings Committee has considered feedback from consultation on the proposed changes to parking restrictions. c) Notes that all parking restrictions previously approved by Council remain unchanged. Motion carried (ISC/2024/018)

11 Proposed Parking Changes - Hearings Committee March 2024 Recommendations
	A report presented recommendations of the Hearings Committee meeting, held on 15 March 2024 on proposed changes and corrections to parking restrictions. The General Manager Climate and City Growth (Scott MacLean) and Team Leader – Regulation Management – Transport (Simon Spiers) responded to questions.

	Moved (Cr Jim O'Malley/Cr Christine Garey): That the Committee: a) Adopts the proposed changes to parking and traffic restrictions shown in the March 2024 update of the Dunedin City Council's traffic and parking restrictions database https://tinyurl.com/ParkingMarch2024 and https://tinyurl.com/RetailQuarterMarch2024 b) Notes that the Hearings Committee has considered feedback from consultation on the proposed changes to parking restrictions. c) Notes that all parking restrictions previously approved by Council remain unchanged. Motion carried (ISC/2024/019)

12 Naming of two public roads and one private way
	A report sought the approval of two public road names and one private way name in Ocean Grove, Dunedin. The General Manager Climate and City Growth (Scott MacLean) and Team Leader – Regulation Management – Transport (Simon Spiers) responded to questions.

	Moved (Mayor Jules Radich/Cr Bill Acklin): That the Committee: a) Approves the naming of the first public road of the subdivision to be named, as ‘Ocean Heights Drive’. b) Approves the naming of the second public road of the subdivision to be named road as ‘Kingfisher Place’. c) Approves the naming of the private way (access way) of the subdivision to be named, as ‘Teal Lane’. Division The Committee voted by division For: Crs Bill Acklin, David Benson-Pope, Kevin Gilbert, Carmen Houlahan, Cherry Lucas, Brent Weatherall, Jim O'Malley, Mayor Jules Radich and Ms Marlene McDonald (9). Against: Crs Christine Garey, Marie Laufiso, Mandy Mayhem and Steve Walker (4). Abstained: Nil The division was declared CARRIED by 9 votes to 4 Motion carried (ISC/2024/020)

13 Items for Consideration by the Chair

An item for consideration by the Chair:

Cr David Benson-Pope requested information about heavy vehicle safety in the city incorporating both capacity, any guidance given or whether safer routes can be explored in the city. High priority on routes with no run off such as Stuart Street, London Street, Lookout Point, Three Mile Hill, Burlington Street and Pine Hill Road.

14 Karakia Whakamutunga
	Ms Marlene McDonald closed the meeting with a Karakia Whakamutunga.

The meeting concluded at 1.10 pm.

..............................................

CHAIRPERSON

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

3 Waters Activity Report for the Period Ending 31 May 2024

Department: 3 Waters

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on 3 Waters activities for the period ending 31 May 2024.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the 3 Waters Activity Report for the Period Ending 31 May 2024.

DISCUSSION

Capital Programme

Pipe Network Renewals

2 A region wide programme of pipeline renewals with the lead contractors (Downer, Fulton Hogan and McConnell Dowell) has been active since 2020. Productivity of the renewal programme is consistently high and progressively increasing since its inception.

3 An upgrade to the water supply to Mosgiel is a priority project currently being worked on.

4 Future packages of work currently in design are for renewals in the Pine Hill and Otago Peninsula areas.

5 Significant pipeline renewals were also advanced as part of the Retail Quarter Upgrade undertaken by Isaacs Construction. This work is now complete.

6 Pipeline renewals and upgrades at Bath Street and surrounding streets, by Downer, commenced in April 2024 and will continue into 2025.

7 Works on the Musselburgh wastewater pump station and associated discharge manifold (the component that delivers flow to the three transfer pipelines to the Tahuna wastewater treatment plant) is ongoing and is expected to be completed by July 2024.

Pumping Station Renewals

8 Renewal work to four wastewater pumping station renewals was completed in April 2024. Preparations are underway for pumping station renewals in Karitane, followed by West Harbour and Brighton. The replacement of existing odour control equipment at six wastewater pumping stations is also being planned.

9 A similar approach to pipeline renewals has been taken to the pumping station renewal programme and a term contract has awarded been awarded to Downer. The renewal of the Omimi pumping station, near Warrington will commence in June, followed by the Silverstream water pumping station and the main water pumping station that supplies Mosgiel with treated water.

Treatment Plant Renewals

10 Significant health and safety improvements are being undertaken at Port Chalmers, Outram, Tahuna and Mt Grand treatment plants. Design and physical work packages are underway at Green Island, Tahuna, Mosgiel wastewater water treatment plants (WWTP), and the West Taieri and Waikouaiti water treatment plants (WTP). Upgrade of the Seacliff WWTP is nearing completion, as is sodium hypochlorite storage and dosing at Green Island WWTP. At Waikouaiti WTP construction of the raw water intake pumping station is almost complete; treatment pond construction is underway and the discharge pipeline has been completed. At Mosgiel WWTP a polymer dosing system is being installed. Early procurement of equipment is under way for ultra-violet disinfection reactors at Green Island WWTP and treated water reservoirs at Waikouaiti WTP.

Future Planning

Integrated System Planning (the Programme)

11 The Programme has now entered its final stage which is the development of dynamic adaptive planning pathways. The pathways will inform the future 3 Waters investments required to continue our services while ensuring that our plans are adaptive to any potential future uncertainty. The Programme outputs are expected to be completed by August 2024, in time to be included in the 2025-34 9 year-plan and the anticipated Water Service Delivery Plan arising from Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill which was introduced to Parliament 30 May 2024. A report to ISCOM will be provided at the completion of the Programme.

Future Development Strategy

12 The Programme supports and informs the Future Development Strategy (FDS) and associated FDS implementation Plan. Three waters infrastructure assessments have been completed on areas of interest for future growth and assisted with mapping of constraints and new/upgraded infrastructure requirements. Now that FDS hearings have been completed and decisions made, these will be incorporated into the 2025-34 9-Year-Plan and the anticipated Water Service Delivery Plan.

Servicing Assessment

13 DCC 3 Waters, in conjunction with the Property and Parks and Recreation Groups, has commenced work on a Servicing Assessment in accordance with sections 125-128 of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA). The focus of the assessment is the adequacy of the following services available to communities in Dunedin: drinking water; stormwater; wastewater; public toilets; cemeteries and crematoria.

14 In addition to LGA requirements, the Servicing Assessment contributes to the objectives of the FDS.

15 The Servicing Assessment will produce a report that identifies communities where there is a demonstrable need to undertake detailed investigations of options for servicing improvements.

16 It is anticipated that public engagement will be required to gather information about drinking water, stormwater and wastewater services in communities that currently do not receive these services from DCC networks.

Water Bylaw Improvement

17 DCC 3 Waters has commenced work on updates to the DCC Water Bylaw 2011. The objective of this work is to ensure the Bylaw:

a) addresses current drinking water regulatory requirements

b) manages consumer and public use of the DCC water supply system appropriately to minimise or avoid risks to drinking water safety

c) appropriately reflects Dunedin’s growth and development.

18 DCC 3 Waters will report to the Council in early-2025 to provide Council options and a recommendation should there be a need to consult the public on a Statement of Proposal and draft Bylaw.

Regulatory Performance

Wastewater

19 There are three abatement notices in place for DCC WWTP that are summarised in the table below.

Abatement notice	Update
EN.RMA.22.0040 (Warrington WWTP discharge to land), which relates to non-compliance with discharge limits for total nitrogen. The compliance date is 30 November 2024.	After recent process upgrades, the Warrington WWTP discharge has been compliant with the limit for total nitrogen since February 2024. DCC 3 Waters may seek an early cancellation of abatement notice EN.RMA.22.0040 if discharge quality monitoring results continue to suggest that the process upgrades are having the desired impact.
EN.RMA.22.0041 (Waikouaiti WWTP discharge to land), which relates to non-compliance with discharge limits for ammoniacal nitrogen. The compliance date is 1 November 2024.	Following an operational performance review, discharge monitoring at Waikouaiti WWTP suggests discharge quality is improving and that the discharge will comply with the ammoniacal nitrogen limit prior to the 1 November 2024 compliance date. DCC 3 Waters is currently assessing the relationship between the improvements in discharge quality and the operational changes. This will inform decision-making about whether upgrades originally proposed to address the ammoniacal nitrogen non-compliance are required.
EN.RMA.24.0003 (Tahuna WWTP discharge to air), which relates to non-compliance with discharge limits for oxides of nitrogen. The compliance date is 2 December 2024.	DCC 3 Waters is currently assessing options to address the non-compliance with the Tahuna WWTP air discharge consent. DCC 3 Waters staff will meet with Otago Regional Council (ORC) staff to provide a progress update in late-June 2024.

Drinking water

20 The Water Services Act 2021 requires Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWS Plans) to be developed for all four DCC drinking water supplies. Taumata Arowai completed a review of the Dunedin DWS Plans in April 2024. The review was satisfactory and lead to the identification of further improvements that staff will incorporate into the next update of the DWS Plans.

21 Reporting on compliance with the Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules 2022 (the Rules) is required annually. In February 2024, DCC 3 Waters submitted the first annual compliance report to Taumata Arowai for the 2023 calendar year. DCC reported non-compliance with approximately 40% of the new monitoring and assurance rules. This result reflects the substantial increase in regulatory requirements under the Rules rather than a drop in DCC’s performance as a drinking water supplier or decline in the quality of drinking water produced. Improvement actions to address non-compliance and ensure the DCC is able to evidence the safety of its drinking water in accordance with expectations have been identified and will be progressively implemented.

22 In April 2024 staff were made aware that UV reactors at Outram and West Taieri WTP may not be running in a manner that ensures Rules compliance with respect to protozoa removal. DCC 3 Waters mobilised a team to respond to this and identified several mitigations which were intended to ensure confidence that the water supply is safe (if not compliant). This included some interim operational modifications as well as additional sampling of the raw and treated water. Permanent control modifications have now been made to the UV systems which should now be fully compliant. Whilst the water safety risk was relatively low, a precautionary approach was adopted, in alignment with our duty to provide safe water.

Relationships

DCC Collaboration

23 DCC 3 Waters is actively collaborating with other DCC departments. Key examples of this collaboration are:

a) supporting the advancement and adoption of key DCC initiatives lead by the Procurement and Portfolio and Project Support Office teams

b) supporting the City Development Group on the implementation phase of FDS

c) working with the Property and Parks and Recreation Groups on the Servicing Assessment project (refer paragraphs 13-16).

Treaty Partners Mana Whenua

24 DCC 3 Waters continues to actively engage with Mana Whenua, often via Aukaha, particularly through the Integrated System Planning programme.

Regulation

25 DCC 3 Waters continues to actively engage with Taumata Arowai and the ORC. This involves both strategic and operational meetings being held and a breadth of relations being formed and continuing to grow. Recently Taumata Arowai engaged with DCC regarding its work on development of environmental performance standards for wastewater discharges, seeking to use the Tahuna WWTP as a case study. This is reflective of the constructive and collaborative relationships DCC 3 Waters has with its regulators.

Regional Collaboration

26 Following the recent establishment of the Otago Southland, Local Water Done Well, Working Group, four candidate areas of regional collaboration have been identified:

a) creating regionally consistent Drinking Water Safety Plans

b) focusing on Drinking Water Quality Assurance Rules, particularly in relation to Backflow Prevention

c) creating an efficient and united position on Subdivision Planning

d) managing and operating our networks and facilities consistently.

27 Progress updates on the above will be provided in future ISCOM reports.

28 In April 2024 DCC 3 Waters operational staff visited Stirling Water Treatment Plant, which is operated by Clutha District Council (CDC), to provide technical support to help resolve ongoing plant process issues.

The DCC 3 Waters operations team has undertaken several site visits to Clutha District facilities and has reciprocated this by hosting CDC staff at a number of our water treatment plants.

National Collaboration

29 DCC 3 Waters has engaged with Watercare to share current practice and potential improvements in hazardous chemical storage compliance.

30 DCC hosted a delegation from Wellington Water to share our current practices relating to wastewater sludge treatment and disposal and capital programme delivery.

31 DCC 3 Waters continue to be actively involved with the Water NZ Water Services Managers Group and many of the Special Interest Groups which enable staff to be competent on a range of topics from zero carbon, to smart water meters and backflow prevention.

32 Senior staff are also actively involved with the Water NZ Water Utilities association which enables DCC to showcase its achievements nationally to other Councils, private sector and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

Operational

Operational Cost Saving Opportunities

33 A review of operational cost saving opportunities was initiated in November 2023 with several opportunities identified and a number of these now in place and being realised such as the rationalisation of laboratory sampling.

Service and Supply Contracts

34 The following significant operational service and supply contracts have been subject to review to ensure that appropriate levels of service are provided and value for money is achieved:

· the mechanical plant maintenance contract will continue to 2026.

· the electrical and maintenance contract ends in late 2024 and the delivery mechanism is likely to be reviewed with some aspects re-tendered

· preparations are underway to tender the network maintenance contract which ends in 2026 but necessitates a long lead time for tendering due to the complex nature and financial magnitude of the contract

· a tender process for water treatment coagulant supply is close to completion with full scale trials having identified an effective alternative chemical which is anticipated to result in some reduction in operational cost.

Maintenance Works

35 Preventative maintenance on several stormwater and wastewater pump stations has reduced due to a portable crane (HIAB) being deemed no longer fit for purpose from a health and safety perspective. Subcontractors are being used for essential works whilst a business case is undertaken to identify a longer-term solution.

36 A number of significant complex maintenance activities have been completed including repair of the Deep Creek raw water supply pipe; refurbishment of failed mechanical plant associated with the High Rate Activated Sludge and sludge thickening processes at Tahuna Wastewater Treatment Plant; repair of a partially failed pipe at the Musselburgh Wastewater Pump Station; and replacement of Fluoride dosing equipment at Southern Water treatment Plant.

Water Restrictions

37 Water restrictions have been in place in several areas including Port Chalmers and Waikouaiti (including Karitane and Hawksbury Village). Port Chalmers restrictions have now been lifted with restrictions remaining in place at Waikouaiti due to ongoing seasonally low flows in the Waikouaiti River.

Reform Activities

38 The characteristics and timeline of water sector reform has changed significantly over a relatively short period.

39 The following table sets out the history of water services entities (text from Department of Internal Affairs in italics):

Year	Activity
2021	In 2021 Taumata Arowai, the water services regulator was formed, and required all registered water suppliers to submit Drinking Water Safety Plans by November 2022.
2022	In 2022 it was anticipated that four publicly owned water services entities would be created and be operational by July 2024. The four entities contemplated at that time were: · Northern Water Services Entity · Western-Central Water Services Entity · Eastern-Central Water Services Entity · Southern Water Services Entity[1]
2023	In 2023 the reform programme was refreshed and changed to be the ‘affordable water reform’ programme with 10 water services entities being created over a ‘staged go live’ timeline to July 2026. In the 10-entity model Otago Southland would form a regional entity previously referred to as ‘Entity J’. A key consideration and concern related to the 10-entity model was the ‘staged go live’ roll out which would require some councils to establish their regional entity midway through a financial year.
2024	In February 2024 the Government introduced and passed legislation to repeal all legislation relating to water services entities.¹ The Water Services Acts Repeal Act (the Act) repealed the Water Services Entities Act 2022, Water Services Legislation Act 2023 and the Water Services Economic Efficiency and Consumer Protection Act 2023.¹ The Act reinstated previous legislation related to the provision of water services (including local government legislation). This restored continued council ownership and control of water services, and responsibility for service delivery.¹ The water reform programme is now guided by the coalition governments ‘Local Water Done Well’ policy. To commence the legislative changes necessary to implement Local Water Done Well the government has introduced the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill and expects to augment this with further legislation in December 2024. The Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 30 May 2024 and key areas included in the Bill are: · Requirements for councils to develop Water Services Delivery Plans (within 12 months of enactment) · Requirements for councils to include in those plans baseline information about their water services operations, assets, revenue, expenditure, pricing, and projected capital expenditure, as well as necessary financing arrangements, as a first step towards future economic regulation · Streamlined consultation and decision-making processes for setting up water services council-controlled organisations (water services CCOs) · Provisions that enable a new, financially sustainable model for Watercare. In addition, the Government has tabled an amendment paper to the Bill which provides for interim changes to the Water Services Act. This amendment means the Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) will not apply when Taumata Arowai sets wastewater standards.¹

40 DCC 3 Waters has obtained documentation developed by the Department of Internal Affairs’ National Transition Unit under the Affordable Water Reform programme which will potentially assist in the preparation of Water Service Delivery Plans, which are required to be developed within 12 months of enactment of the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill.

41 DCC is also currently working with the Department of Internal Affairs to transition Better Off and Council Transition Support funding arrangements to support Local Water Done Well.

42 DCC had been working to the assumption that national direction on public-private boundary responsibilities on three waters networks would be provided via the Government’s Affordable Water Reform programme. This is no longer the case and so DCC 3 Waters will prepare a report to ISCOM for service delivery models for private watercourses and wastewater laterals.

OPTIONS

43 As this is a noting report there are no options to consider.

NEXT STEPS

44 DCC 3 Waters staff will continue to:

a) deliver the capital programme approved during the 2023/2024 Annual Plan

b) develop process improvements to ensure compliance with new regulatory frameworks

c) Continue Integrated System Planning programme to inform investments for Council’s consideration during the 2025-2034 9-year plan

d) support the Otago Southland Local Water Done Well Working Group

e) provide advice to Council on Local Water Done Well.

Signatories

Author:	John McAndrew - Acting Group Manager, 3 Waters
Authoriser:	David Ward - General Manager, 3 Waters and Transition

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report relates to providing local infrastructure that is considered good-quality and cost effective.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Environment Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	✔
3 Waters Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Spatial Plan	✔	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

The 3 Waters activities support the outcomes of a number of strategies.

Māori Impact Statement

Engagement and contribution to decision making is primarily through the Integrated System Planning and associated adaptive plan processes. Opportunities to work more closely with Aukaha are currently being explored.

Sustainability

The 3 Waters activity contributes positively to the interests of the community by ensuring the provision of safe drinking water, and the safe and sustainable disposal of wastewater and stormwater.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

The 3 Waters activities are included in the Annual Plan.

Financial considerations

The report does not seek any change to capital or operating budgets and provides updates only.

Significance

This noting report is considered of low significance under the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

As an update report no external engagement has been undertaken.

Engagement - internal

The Legal team have provided input into the current status of the legislation.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

No conflicts have been identified.

Community Boards

3 Waters activities are of interest to all members of the community including those areas covered by Community Boards.

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

Property Services Activity Report for the Period Ending 31 March 2024

Department: Property

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Property Services and Parking Operations activities for the period ending 31 March 2024.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Property Services Activity Report for the Period Ending 31 March 2024.

DISCUSSION

Overview

2 Property Services group includes activities and services related to:

· DCC Community Housing

· Property management (including Investment Property, Operational Property, Community Property and Holding Property)

· Land and lease management

· Facilities and Asset Management

3 The property portfolio includes the management of community housing units; arts and culture facilities like the Regent Theatre; sports facilities like the Edgar Centre and the Ice Sports Stadium; and the management of investment properties.

4 Parking Operations are responsible for maintaining the plant and equipment for on-street parking, off-street parking and DCC owned parking buildings.

Community Housing

5 The Community Housing Policy (2022) ensures housing applicants with urgent or physically accessible housing needs are prioritised for a DCC Community House.

6 Housing applicants in Priority Group 1 are being housed, or offered a house, within 3 months of joining the waitlist. Housing applicants in Priority Group 2 are being housed or offered a house within 6 months of joining the waitlist.

7 Tenant Satisfaction Surveys are carried out by the Community Housing Team and indicate tenants’ needs are unmet, being met or exceeded. For the period of July 2023 – 31 March 2024, all tenant satisfaction survey responses indicated their housing met or exceeded their needs.

8 The Community Housing Occupancy rate refers to the number of days and housing units occupied by tenants compared to the total possible days and units, expressed as a percentage.

9 Occupancy rates can be affected by redevelopment work and general movement of tenants vacating.

10 Occupancy remains high at 96% for the last 4 quarters.

Community Housing – Healthy Homes Standard

11 Healthy Homes Standards require a minimum standard of heating, ventilation, insulation, and draft exclusion in all residential tenancies.

12 99% of our Community Housing portfolio meets the Healthy Homes standards as of 31 March 2024, with 1 final unit now underway. It is anticipated that 100% of community housing units will meet the Healthy Homes standards by 30 June 2024. All units must meet the Healthy Homes Standard by 1 July 2025.

Investment Portfolio

13 Occupancy rates across the Investment Portfolio have remained stable. Investment properties are fully occupied except for vacancies at 54 Moray Place (the gym space and YMCA) and two retail tenancies in Wall Street Mall. Staff are working with agencies and potential occupants to resolve these vacancies.

14 WALT (Weighted Average Lease Term) is a metric in commercial real estate that measures how much contract rent is remaining in the portfolio. Specifically, the WALT measures the weighted average remaining contract lease term for all tenants across a portfolio.

15 The WALT metric has been measured for the Investment Portfolio since 30 June 2022.

16 The WALT increase has been driven primarily by negotiated longer lease terms with new and existing tenants.

Capital Delivery Project Updates

17 Dunedin Railway Station - Heritage restoration of the exterior was completed in June 2023. The restoration has been widely recognised for the quality of materials and artisan workmanship employed. The project received the New Zealand Institute of Architects Southern Region Heritage Category Winner, and the National Master Builders Association Category Award Winner for Heritage Restoration.

18 Community Housing – New community housing units on Fitzroy, Oxford and Thorn Streets are in the design and procurement stages. Two four-unit single storey developments and one twenty-unit two storey development will provide high quality accommodation that is warm, dry, and constructed to a universal design standard.

19 Town Hall Exterior Restoration Project (including Municipal Chambers) – Heritage repairs required for the maintenance and restoration of the building exterior will be undertaken over five main stages. The project is currently in the detailed programming stage and an update will be brought to Council before the end of the year.

Parking Operations

20 ‘Pay by Plate’ technology is now available for ‘on-street’ parking meters and all machines have credit card readers. Parking zones have been simplified by having fewer cost zones.

21 License Plate Recognition software has been installed in Great King Street car park and the software is scheduled for installation at the Lower Moray Place car park by October. The LPR software reduces paper waste and provides a more seamless customer experience.

22 Staff are working with data that is being produced by the improved technology, with the aim to provide parking utilisation information in due course.

OPTIONS

23 As this is a noting report there are no options to consider.

NEXT STEPS

Areas of focus for the next quarter will be;

a) Working toward parking utilisation reporting.

b) Delivering the Property Services capital programme.

Signatories

Author:	Anna Nilsen - Group Manager, Property Services
Authoriser:	Mike Cartwright - Acting General Manager Corporate Services

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report promotes the social well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Arts and Culture Strategy	✔	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	✔
Integrated Transport Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

The Property Services activities support the outcomes of a number of DCC strategies.

Māori Impact Statement

Mana whenua will continue to be involved in key Property Services projects.

Sustainability

The Property Services activity contributes positively to the interest of the community by providing and maintaining property required for a wide range of community, housing, Council operations, arts and culture, sport, and heritage service purposes.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

Property Services activities are included in the 10-year plan.

Financial considerations

The updates reported are within existing operating and capital budgets.

Significance

This report is considered of low significance under the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

As this is an update report, external engagement is not applicable.

Engagement - internal

As this is an update report, internal engagement is not applicable.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

Any specific issues are discussed with the appropriate Community Board.

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

Waste and Environmental Solutions Activity Report for the Period Ending 31 March 2024

Department: Waste and Environmental Solutions

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Waste and Environmental Solutions activities for the period ending 31 March 2024.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Waste and Environmental Solutions Activity Report for the period ending 31 March 2024.

BACKGROUND

2 The Waste and Environmental Solutions activity provides for effective refuse and recyclables collection, resource recovery, and refuse disposal in a way that protects public health and minimises impact on the environment.

3 The Waste and Environmental Solutions activity includes:

· Planning and policy functions in line with Part Four of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008: “Responsibilities of territorial authorities in relation to waste management and minimisation”

· Administration of Waste Minimisation Grants: Small Project Grants, Community Project/Initiative Grant, and Waste Minimisation Innovation and Development (Commercial) Grant

· Kerbside collection of waste and recycling for most urban and city residents and small businesses

· Disposal Facilities (landfill and transfer station) for waste and a Resource Recovery Park (recycling and reuse store) are provided at Council’s Green Island site. The Waikouaiti site has both a transfer station for waste disposal and recycling facilities. Middlemarch has a transfer station and a community hosted recycling drop-off centre. Waste collected at the community transfer stations is then transferred to Green Island Landfill for disposal. Recycling is sent to the Material Recovery Centre for sorting and transportation to recycling markets

· Public place recycling infrastructure and servicing is provided on the streets in the CBD and Tertiary Precinct, and several satellite locations in the district

· Monitoring the state of the Council’s one proposed, one active, and five closed landfills in accordance with the conditions of consents

· Monitoring the usage, capacity, and condition of public place waste and recycling infrastructure, CAA cardboard collection services, and kerbside collection services

· Education programmes promoting “rethinking, reducing, reusing, and recycling” practices; and

· Education, auditing, and enforcement activities aimed at increasing the quality or quantity of recovered materials.

DISCUSSION

4 Level of Service – Refuse collection and kerbside recycling meet customer expectations.

a) There is no current Residents Opinion Survey data available for this measure

5 Level of Service – Waste minimisation targets are met.

a) The waste minimisation target for municipal solid waste per person is being achieved.

b) The waste minimisation target for municipal solid waste disposed to landfill and incineration is not being met. The introduction of new kerbside services for both food and garden waste on 1 July 2024 is expected to enable this target to be met.

c) The waste minimisation target for diversion of recyclable or reusable materials is not being met. The introduction of new kerbside services for both food and garden waste, plus the establishment of a Construction and Demolition sorting facility at the Green Island Resource Recovery Park, is expected to significantly increase the diversion of recyclable or reusable materials.

d) The amount of diverted material has increased from 16% in 2023 to 29% in 2024; however, this comparison is not reliable as Waste and Environmental Solutions are currently in the process of changing how data is reported to the Ministry for the Environment under the ‘Waste Minimisation (Information Requirements) Amendment Regulations 2023’, including changes for volume-to-weight conversion factors, and the categories for types of waste or diverted materials.

6 Other areas of work:

a) Review of Waste Management and Minimisation Plan - The current Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (WMMP) was adopted on 25 May 2020 and is scheduled for review no later than 2026. An earlier review has been undertaken as part of an Otago Regional Waste Assessment, following reports commissioned by the Otago Mayoral Forum in 2021/22.

b) The WMMP review Steering Group was established and held its first meeting on 24 November 2023 to approve the WMMP 2024 Draft Engagement Plan. Initial stakeholder engagement sessions have been completed. The Steering Group met again on 11 April 2024 and 10 May 2024 to discuss feedback from the engagement sessions with private waste companies, construction and demolition sector, community and not for profit organisations, businesses, and the tertiary precinct. The overall vision and direction to be used in the updated draft WMMP was discussed.

c) Drafting of the new WMMP, using the internal and external engagement feedback, is underway.

d) Further meetings of the WMMP Steering Group are scheduled for June and August, a workshop with Councillors is also scheduled for June, and the updated draft WMMP is scheduled to be reported to ISCOM in August 2024. This will be followed by a Special Consultative Procedure and hearings process, with the final draft presented for adoption in March 2025.

e) Review of Litter Compliance Policy - The Litter Compliance Policy (2021) is due for review. The new Policy is being drafted and is expecting to go to Council for consideration on 1 July 2024.

f) Waste Minimisation Grants - The September 2023 round of Waste Minimisation Community Grants closed for applications on 29 September 2023. The grant received seven applications, but one was withdrawn. The total requested amount was $30,000. Waste Minimisation Commercial Grants also closed for applications on 29 September 2023. The grant received eleven applications but two withdrew. The total requested amount was $141,994.13. The outcomes of this funding round were decided in the November 2023 Grants Sub-Committee Meeting (refer Attachment A).

g) The Waste Minimisation Small Project Grant applications received two applications. The total requested amount was $1,000. These small grant applications were approved by the Grants Sub-Committee Chair and noted by the Grants Sub-Committee at the November 2023 meeting (refer Attachment A).

h) Further to Waste Minimisation contestable grants, the waste levy also annually provides grants or funds approved under financial delegation to some proven programmes for non-contested Community Service Agreements (refer Attachment A).

i) The March 2024 Waste Minimisation Community Grants closed for applications on 28 March 2024. The grant received seven applications. The total requested amount was $34,353.38. The outcomes of this funding round were to be decided in the May 2024 Grants Sub-Committee Meeting.

j) Waste Futures Project – Council resolved to adopt a new kerbside collection service for inclusion in the 2021-31 10‑Year Plan on 31 May 2021. Council also allocated funding for the development of a Resource Recovery Park (RRP) consisting of new waste diversion and transfer facilities, to be constructed at the Green Island Landfill site.

k) Staff are planning for the introduction of new services from 1 July 2024. This work includes a comprehensive communications campaign and improvements to the customer services website and smart-phone application. Staff are also working through the concept design, detailed design, consenting, and procurement required for the Resource Recovery Park.

l) To date, over 154,000 new bins have been delivered to approximately 46,000 properties. Bin delivery is on target to be complete by mid-June. Following completion of the bulk delivery programme, approximately 350 swaps of the green-lidded bin for properties that have applied for a different sized bin will take place.

m) In late March and early April letters were sent to 473 premises owners and ratepayers, plus 352 residents and businesses, in the central city and South Dunedin CBD areas, regarding the phasing out of DCC black bag collections. These areas are not currently included in the kerbside collection areas and do not pay the targeted rate for kerbside collections. Staff are investigating options for including the CBD areas in the targeted rate kerbside collection programme. Until the outcome of this work is known, residential and business occupants of the CBD will have to contract one of several private waste collection service providers already operating in both areas.

n) Construction of the organic waste receival building began in October 2023 in advance of the rest of the RRPP and will be completed prior to the commencement of the new kerbside collection system on 1 July 2024. Food and garden waste collected under the new kerbside collection system, and any green waste dropped off by the public at Green Island, will be consolidated and shredded within the enclosed organics building and then loaded onto trucks to be transported for composting off-site at the Enviro NZ plant in Timaru.

o) A new composting operation for food and garden waste will be established at Green Island as part of the wider Resource Recovery Park (RRP) development during 2024/25. Once the PRP is operational, both organic waste and mixed recycling collections will be processed at the Green Island facilities and the transport of material to Timaru will cease.

p) Smooth Hill Landfill - Council consulted on funding for the development of Smooth Hill as part of the 2021 – 2031 10‑Year Plan. Construction was initially scheduled to start in the 2024-25 year and be completed in 2027; however, the conditions of consent for Smooth Hill require at least three years of baseline environmental monitoring prior to commencement of construction. Because of this requirement, construction on the new landfill is expected to start in the 2026-27 year, with projected completion in 2029. The baseline environmental monitoring is currently underway.

q) Green Island Landfill and Transfer Station Management – The consents for Green Island Landfill were due to expire in October 2023; however, Smooth Hill Landfill will not be ready to accept waste until 2029 (contingent on completion of baseline monitoring, detailed design, management plans, and construction).

r) Staff have evaluated several alternative options to ensure the City’s waste disposal demands can be met. This has led to the selection of an option which continues the filling of the southwestern area of Green Island landfill within the existing 38 ha footprint and perimeter bund (subject to resource consent). The selected option is expected to extend the projected life of the landfill to between 2029 – 2031.

OPTIONS

7 As this is an update report there are no options.

NEXT STEPS

8 Additional kerbside collections for food and garden waste and refuse will be implemented on 1 July 2024.

9 The organics receivals building will be constructed and operational prior to the commencement of kerbside collections of food and garden waste. The remaining facilities in the Resource Recovery Park will be developed during 2024-25.

10 Staff will continue the baseline environmental monitoring as required by the Smooth Hill resource consents, alongside continued engagement with the local community via the Smooth Hill Community Liaison Group and the Independent Peer Review Panel.

11 Staff will continue the resource consent process for the Green Island landfill and Resource Recovery Park, alongside the procurement process for development of the new facilities.

12 Staff will continue developing an amended Waste Minimisation and Management Plan alongside engagement with relevant stakeholders and the community.

Signatories

Author:	Chris Henderson - Group Manager Waste and Environmental Solutions
Authoriser:	Scott MacLean - General Manager, Climate and City Growth

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Activity Report Grants Attachment A	62

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report promotes the environmental well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Environment Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	✔
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	✔
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

The Waste and Environmental Solutions activity supports the outcomes of a number of strategies.

Māori Impact Statement

Mana whenua will continue to be involved in key Waste Futures projects.

Sustainability

The Waste and Environmental Solutions activity contributes positively to the environmental interests of the community through refuse and recycling collection at the kerbside and public places, educating and promoting environmentally sustainable behaviour and managing landfill and transfer station facilities.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

The Waste and Environmental Solutions activity is included in the Long-Term Plan.

Financial considerations

The updates reported are within existing operating and capital budgets.

Significance

This report is considered low in terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

As this is an update report no external engagement has been undertaken.

Engagement - internal

As this is an update report no external engagement has been undertaken.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

Any specific issues are discussed with the appropriate Community Board.

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

Transport Activity Report for the Period Ending 31 March 2024

Department: Transport

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The purpose of this report is to provide an update on Transport activities for the period ending 31 March 2024.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Transport activity report for the period ending 31 March 2024.

BACKGROUND

2 The Transport activity report covers planning, construction, maintenance, and upgrading of Dunedin’s roads and footpaths.

3 The Transport activity includes:

· Maintenance of Transport corridors (footpaths, roads, cycleways), streetlights and traffic signals.

· Renewals of footpaths, roads, bridges, seawalls and traffic signals.

· Road safety education.

· Planning for major capital projects.

· Regulation (not enforcement) of parking, and speed limits.

· Asset Management of transport related assets.

· Managing and obtaining co-funding from Waka Kotahi NZTA.

DISCUSSION

Customer service

4 The current Level of Service measure for responding to service requests within 5 days is 90%

5 Work has been undertaken this reporting period to streamline the processes for responding to service requests. This has resulted in an improvement in response times year-to-date, compared to previous year and is currently sitting at 92%.

Network resealing programme

6 Roads that have been resealed in the following areas this reporting period:

Waikouaiti, Henley, Brighton, Waverley, Portobello, Broad Bay, Mosgiel, Careys Bay, Port Chalmers, Sawyers Bay and Fairfield.

7 Rattray Street and Three Mile Hill were also resealed. Both roads received a high grit asphalt treatment. This is the first time this product has been used and will help mitigate ice impacts in the winter. This will be monitored over the winter and may be deployed in other areas in the future.

8 Footpath renewals, including the addition of some drop-kerbs for accessibility, have been completed in various locations across the city. These include Aytoun Street and Larnach Road in Waverly, and Perth and McDonald streets in Mosgiel.

School speed limits

9 The following schools have had speed limit work (including physical infrastructure) completed this reporting period:

· Opoho School

· Elmgrove Primary School

· Taieri College

· Silverstream School

· Outram School

Shaping Future Dunedin Transport

10 The project plan for the on-road License Plate Recognition (LPR) project has been completed. LPR will be used for efficient on-road parking management and compliance. This is part of a strategic parking management approach.

11 Staff are preparing procurement documents for the supply and installation of parking way-finding gantries. Again, this is part of a strategic parking management approach. The tender will be released to the market in the 24/25 year.

12 Stage 1 of the Harbour Arterial was completed this reporting period. The installation of lights on Ward Street (just north of the intersection of Strathallan Street) has proven to optimise traffic flow in this area.

13 Designs for the Harbour Arterial Stages 2 and 3 were completed this reporting period.

14 The detailed design of the Mosgiel Park and Ride has been completed. Physical construction will be considered as part of the 9 year-plan.

Dunedin urban cycleways

15 Staff have been working with various stakeholder groups in the preparation of the Strategic Walking and Cycling Plan.

16 Staff continue to work with the Tunnels Trust on the Tunnels Trail project.

17 Remedial brick work was completed on parts of the Chain Hills tunnel recently.

OPTIONS

18 As this is an update report there are no options.

NEXT STEPS

19 Staff are reviewing the upcoming renewals programmes. Included in this work is the identification of opportunities to improve network accessibility and safety.

20 Staff will continue to work with the Trust to deliver part of the Tunnels Trail in 2024/24.

21 Staff will continue preparing procurement documents as part the on-road Licence Plate Recognition and parking wayfinding projects.

22 Implementation of further speed reduction work at the following schools:

· Grants Braes School

· Balmacewen Intermediate School

· Pine Hill School

· Liberton School

· Shetland – Chapman streets roundabout (Wakari)

· Church and Wickliffe Streets roundabout (Mosgiel)

Signatories

Author:	Jeanine Benson - Group Manager Transport
Authoriser:	Scott MacLean - General Manager, Climate and City Growth

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report promotes the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of communities in the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

The Transport activity supports the outcomes of a number of strategies.

Māori Impact Statement

Mana whenua will continue to be involved in various Transport projects.

Sustainability

The Transport activity is included in the 9 Year Plan.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

This is considered low in terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Financial considerations

The updates reported are within existing operating and capital budgets.

Significance

The report is considered low in terms of the Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

As this is an update report no external engagement has been undertaken.

Engagement - internal

As this is an update report, no internal engagement has been undertaken.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

Any specific issues are discussed with the appropriate Community Board.

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

Road Naming of Three Private Ways

Department: Transport

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report seeks the approval of road names for three private ways in the Mosgiel-Taieri area.

2 The new names proposed by the developers for the private ways are:

· ‘Wilden Lane’ is the preferred name, with ‘Wantwood Lane’ as the alternative name, for Stage 2 of the subdivision located at 80 School Road South, Taieri. While ‘Wilden Lane’ does not fully comply with the Road Naming Policy, it is supported by staff. ‘Wantwood Lane’ complies with the Policy but was not supported as a road name by the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board and the Infrastructure Services Committee (ISCOM) earlier in the year.

· ‘Cottage Lane’ is the developer’s preferred name and ‘Stables Lane’ as the alternative, for the subdivision located at 267 Gladstone Road North. ‘Cottage Lane’ does not fully comply with the Road Naming Policy due to the similarity to another road name in Dunedin, but this option may still be supported providing the suffix is changed to ‘Cottage Drive’. ‘Stables Lane’ complies with the DCC Road Naming Policy.

· ‘Mako Lane’ as the preferred name for the subdivision located at 4, 6 and 8 Lorne Street for a project led by ‘Kāinga Ora-Homes and Communities’. This option complies with the DCC Road Naming Policy and was approved as part of the Road Name Register by the Infrastructure Services and Networks Committee in 2017.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Approves the naming of the new private way off School Road South, Taieri as ‘Wilden Lane’ or as ‘Wantwood Lane’.

b) Approves the naming of the new private way off Gladstone Road North, as ‘Cottage Drive’ or as ‘Stables Lane’.

c) Approves the naming of the new private way off Lorne Street, as ‘Mako Lane’.

BACKGROUND

3 The DCC Road Naming Policy provides the framework for timely and consistent naming of roads that reflect the identity of the local community. The DCC Road Naming Policy requires that Community Boards consider proposed names for roads in their area. For reference, the Road Naming Policy and Road Naming Procedure can be accessed on the DCC website at www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-naming.

4 A ‘legal road’ is any road legally vested in the council for the purpose of a road.

5 A ‘private way’ is a privately owned driveway, lane, or access way which serves as access from private properties to a public road.

6 The Road Naming Policy requires staff to consult with Community Boards where road names are proposed for Community Board areas.

7 The three private ways to be named are part of subdivisions located within the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board area. Support from the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board is sought at their meeting of 12 June 2024. The outcome will be communicated to the Committee at the meeting.

DISCUSSION

8 The table presented below details the options proposed by the property developers or surveyors, and their compliance with the Road Naming Policy. Additional details including a full assessment for each proposed road name, evidence of consent where relevant, and geographic details of the new roads are provided in Attachments A to I.

9 It should be noted that the Road Naming Policy places less weight on the appropriateness criteria with respect to private ways.

Summary of proposed road names

Development details	Location of road	Proposed road name	Alternative road name	Recommended road name
80 School Road South, Taieri (Stage 2)	New private way off School Road South	Wilden Lane	Wantwood Lane	Wilden Lane
267 Gladstone Road North	New private way off Gladstone Road North	Cottage Lane	Stables Lane	Cottage Drive
4, 6 and 8 Lorne Street Kainga Ora	New private way off Lorne Street	Mako Lane		Mako Lane

Subdivision at 80 School Road South

10 The developer has proposed ‘Wilden Lane’ as the preferred option for the private way coming off School Road South for Stage 2 of the subdivision.

11 The preferred name ‘Wilden Lane' holds personal significance for the developer's family who have a farming background. According to the developer, the name honours the pioneering history and development of a significant farming community in the Otago area, often referred as the ‘Wilden Area’. One of the project's pioneers is retired farmer Bill Gibson, who now resides in Mosgiel. 'Wilden Estate' originated as a subdivision of the extensive Moa Flat Station in the early 1900s and has since evolved into an 1800-hectare farm and run block. Between 2013 and 2017, research was conducted into the history of this land, resulting in the publication of the book 'Wilden - The Story of the West Otago Farming Community', which is held by the University of Otago's Hocken Collection.

12 'Wilden' is similar to the name of an existing commercial farm in the Otago region named as ‘Wilden Station’. Due to existence of a current commercial association, the name does not fully align to the Road Naming Policy (Clause 4.4) but staff support this option as the name is similar (but not identical), to the commercial organisation and is also a historic reference.

13 The alternative name ‘Wantwood Lane’, has some historical and geographical significance for the area. ‘Wantwood Station’ was the name of a farm located within the Waimea Valley and is also associated to the Otago region through the New Zealand Agricultural Company and specifically through its former Directors, William Larnach, Robert Stout and Julius Vogel who were prominent Otago Settlers. However, the Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board and ISCOM did not support the use of this name when it was first presented in February 2024, considering it too similar to ‘Wychwood Lane’, approved for the private way for Stage 1 of this subdivision.

Subdivision at 267 Gladstone Road North

14 The developer has proposed ‘Cottage Lane’ as the preferred option for the private way coming off Gladstone Rod North of the subdivision and ‘Stables Lane’ as the alternative option.

15 The name ‘Cottage’ has some historical connection with the use of the land and refers to a cottage originally built around 1907, which still stands near the access road to the property. According to the developer, the name also alludes to the style of the houses being constructed on the land where eight out of nine houses are built in a "cottage style".

16 ‘Cottage Lane’ as proposed by the developer is similar but not identical to another private road named ‘Old Cottage Lane’ within Dunedin, on Blueskin Road, Waitati. Following recent discussions with Land Information New Zealand, staff do not anticipate confusion due to the name not being identical and the two roads being over 25 km apart, meeting the essential requirement for addressing purposes. Nevertheless, staff recommend changing the suffix to ‘Cottage Drive’ to ensure clear distinction between the two names.

17 ‘Stables Lane’ was presented as the alternative option for this subdivision. The name has some significance as the land was originally used to house jockeys who trained horses on the property. ‘Stables Lane’ complies with the Road Naming Policy.

Subdivision at 4, 6 and 8 Lorne Street-Kainga Ora

18 The developer has proposed ‘Mako Lane’ as the only option presented for the private way coming off Lorne Street. According to the application, ‘Mako’ (which refers to a type of New Zealand flora), may be found in the area.

19 The name has been approved in 2017 by the then Infrastructure Services and Networks Committee to become part of the Road Name Register. ‘Mako' or 'Makomako', scientifically known as 'Aristotelia serrata', is a small tree native to Aotearoa. Early settlers referred to it as 'wineberry' or 'New Zealand currant'. This tree, with bright green foliage, typically reaches heights of up to 9 meters and is widespread across the country. In early summer, it produces flowers that are succeeded by berries ranging in colour from white to pink, red, and black.

20 The spelling of the list of Māori names approved in 2017, which includes ‘Mako’, was reviewed by staff and the Te Reo Māori consultancy ‘Tēnei te Ruru Ltd’ to confirm the appropriateness of the proposed names. ‘Mako Lane’ complies with the Road Naming Policy.

OPTIONS

Option One – Recommended Option - The Committee supports the preferred options proposed as ‘Wilden Lane’, ‘Cottage Drive’ and ‘Mako Lane’ as the names for the three new private ways

Advantages

· The road will be named, and land owners gain a street address allowing them to progress with building and access to services.

Disadvantages

· There are no significant disadvantages identified with this option.

Option Two – Alternative Option – The Committee supports the alternative options proposed as ‘Wantwood Lane, ‘Stables Lane’ and the preferred option ‘Mako Lane’ as the names for the three new private ways

Advantages

· The road will be named, and land owners gain a street address allowing them to progress with building and access to services.

Disadvantages

· There are no significant disadvantages identified with this option.

Option Three – Status Quo - The Committee does not support either of the options proposed as ‘Wilden Lane’ or ‘Wantwood Lane’, ‘Cottage Drive’ or ‘Stables Lane’ and, ‘Mako Lane’ for the three new private ways

Advantages

· There are no advantages identified with this option.

Disadvantages

· The roads will not have a name until new options are presented. This may inconvenience new or potential new property owners within the subdivision.

NEXT STEPS

21 If the new road names are approved, staff will process the required documentation, and advise the developer and Land Information New Zealand of the new road names.

Signatories

Author:	Jeanine Benson - Group Manager Transport
Authoriser:	Scott MacLean - General Manager, Climate and City Growth

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Attachment A-Assessment for Wilden Lane	75
⇩b	Attachment B-Assessment for Wantwood Lane	77
⇩c	Attachment C - 80 School Road - Site Plan	79
⇩d	Attachment D - Assessment for Cottage Lane	81
⇩e	Attachment E - Assessment for Stables Lane	83
⇩f	Attachment F - 267 Gladstone Road-Site Plan	85
⇩g	Attachment G - Assessment for Mako Lane	87
⇩h	Attachment H - Background makomako-wineberry	88
⇩i	Attachment I - 4, 6 and 8 Lorne Street Site Plan	91

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

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.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Economic Development Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Environment Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	✔
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Spatial Plan	✔	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

This is an administrative function.

Māori Impact Statement

Staff have worked with Te Reo experts to review the option proposed as ‘Mako Lane’ and continue to work to add Māori names to the Road Name Register in a way that is meaningful for mana whenua.

Sustainability

There are no implications for sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications for the 10 year plan.

Financial considerations

There are no financial implications.

Significance

The significance of this decision is considered low in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

There has been engagement with the developers/surveyors and with ‘Tēnei te Ruru Ltd’ for the botanical name proposed.

Engagement - internal

There has been engagement within the Transport Group, with Māori Partnerships and Business Information Services.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no known risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

Support from the Mosgiel Taieri Community Board is sought at their meeting of 12 June. The outcome will be communicated to the Committee at the meeting.

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

Submission on the Proposed Changes to NZTA Emergency Works Policy

Department: Transport

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report outlines the proposed changes to the Waka Kotahi NZTA’s emergency works policy (Attachment A). This policy stipulates the types of emergency events that are eligible for co-funding, including the frequency rate (of these events) that are eligible for a higher-than-normal rate of co-funding.

2 The report recommends that Council approves a submission in opposition to the proposed changes to NZTA’s emergency works policy. The submission is Attachment B.

3 The proposed changes will increase the local share required to respond to emergency events that impact on the roading network.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Approves the submission on the proposed changes to the NZTA emergency works policy.

BACKGROUND

4 Waka Kotahi NZTA emergency works co-funding current criteria is as follows:

a) To be of an unusually large magnitude or severity for the area (as a guide, they would be expected to have an annual return period greater than 1 in 10 years)

b) To originate from natural, short duration triggering events, including very high intensity rainfall, severe wind, severe drought in government declared drought areas, or seismic events

c) To reduce, or significantly reduce (within a 12-month period), of levels of service significantly below those that existing prior to the event

d) The event must total cost of $100,000 or more (per event) for the region of an approved organisation (i.e Council or Territorial Authority) noting this includes funding for Waka Kotahi NZTA’s events as well

e) The event must be clearly defined, named, and described, with a separate funding application required for each event.

5 The Funding Assistance Rate (FAR) for emergency works is at the normal FAR (51%) for works up to the value of 10% of the Waka Kotahi NZTA approved annual Maintenance, Operations and Renewals (MOR) budget.

6 Over the 2021-24 NLTP period the annualised MOR budget is $30.73m 10% of this or $3.07m in response to an emergency event would be at a FAR of 51%.

7 For events with a reinstatement cost exceeding the 10% threshold an enhanced FAR of +20% is applied to costs above the 10% threshold to reduce the local impact of funding the response to a large-scale event. The rate for DCC being 71%.

8 Over the 10 years from 2014/15 to 2022/23, DCC has experienced six events where the Transport Department applied for emergency works co-funding. Five of these events were approved.

Financial Year	Event	Criteria	Event Cost ($)	Local Share Impact ($)	Average FAR
2014/15	June 2015 Rain Event	1 in 100 years based on 24hr period at Musselburgh rain gauge	3,161,899	1,340,992	57.6%
2017/18	July 2017 Rain Event	1 in 20 years based on 48hr period Musselburgh rain gauge	19,979,502	5,915,857	70.4%
2017/18	February 2018 Rain Event	1 in 10 years based on 6hr period at Musselburgh rain gauge	1,122,941	366,994	67.3%
2018/19	November 2018 Rain Event	1 in 50 years based on 24hr period at Swampy Summit	831,876	205,498	75.3%
2019/20	April 2020 Storm Surge - Taieri Mouth Road	No criteria available, co-funding not approved. Minor works completed through maintenance budgets.	800,000
2022/23	July 2022 Wind and Rain	No short-term event to meet 1 in 10 criteria, total rainfall for July between 2.5 and 4.8 times average for July coupled with strong winds in excess of 100km/hr.	2,026,892	985,185	51.4%

9 The scale of an event and complexity of sites requiring remediation results in the response to an event normally occurring over multiple financial years. Over the last three National Land Transport Programme periods the spend profile has been as follows:

10 Between 2014/15 and 2019/20, Transport budgeted $500,000 per annum for emergency event response. Through the DCC budgeting process for 2020/21 budgets relating to unknown events or reactive budgets such as compensation claims were removed.

DISCUSSION

11 Waka Kotahi NZTA are proposing the following changes to their emergency work policy:

a) A change to the qualifying trigger for an emergency event (that would qualify for an increased FAR) to a minimum frequency 1 in 20-year event from the current 1 in 10-year event.

b) A reduction in the enhanced FAR from normal FAR +20% to normal FAR +10%. Events with response exceeding the 10% MOR budget threshold would be funded at 61% rather than the current 71%.

c) Restricting provision of a bespoke FAR (i.e., greater than an increased FAR) to those events which are considered extreme and for which Crown funding is made available.

12 Of the six events where emergency works funding was sought over the past 10 years, only 3 would have met the proposed emergency works policy (i.e a 1 in 20-year event threshold) for an enhanced FAR rate.

13 The impact of a $10m emergency event response on the current and proposed funding structure is as follows: -

	Current funding criteria	Proposed funding criteria	Additional DCC Cost
1 in 10-year event
Total cost	$10,000,000	$10,000,000

51% FAR	($1,567,230)	($5,100,000)
Increased FAR 71% (Current)	($4,604,634)
Increased FAR 61% (Proposed)

DCC impact	$3,828,136	$4,900,000	$1,071,864

1 in 20-year event
Total cost	$10,000,000	$10,000,000

10% of MOR programme at 51% FAR	($1,567,230)	($1,567,230)
Increased FAR 71% (Current)	($4,918,170)
Increased FAR 61% (Proposed)		($4,225,470)

DCC impact	$3,514,600	$4,207,300	$692,700

14 For a $10m event the impact of the proposed changes would be an additional $1.07m local share for a 1 in 10-year event and $0.69m for a 1 in 20-year event.

15 The concern with the proposed change is the shift in qualifying events to a 1 in 20-year event. Once a 1 in 20-year threshold is met the impact from a reduced enhanced FAR is immaterial over the remediation work timeframe.

OPTIONS

16 There are two options presented. The first is to submit to Waka Kotahi NZTA on the proposed emergency works policy, the second is not to submit.

Option One – Approve submission - Recommended Option

17 This option highlights the negative impact the proposed changes to the policy could have to the transport and tourism corridors following an emergency event, and that the proposed changes place additional financial burden on the local ratepayers when responding to an emergency event.

Advantages

· Council acknowledges the proposed changes, but not support the changes to application of enhanced FAR rates in the Waka Kotahi NZTA emergency works policy.

Disadvantages

· There are no disadvantages.

Option Two – Status Quo

18 Council does not provide feedback to Waka Kotahi NZTA.

Advantages

· There are no advantages.

Disadvantages

· Council accepts the proposed reductions in funding for emergency events and the subsequent financial impact.

NEXT STEPS

19 If a submission is approved, DCC Transport staff will submit to Waka Kotahi NZTA on the proposed changes to the emergency works policy.

Signatories

Author:	Jeanine Benson - Group Manager Transport
Authoriser:	Scott MacLean - General Manager, Climate and City Growth

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Emergency works investment policies consultation	99
⇩b	DCC draft submission on emergency works policy	108

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision promotes the social and economic well-being of communities for the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	☐
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

Māori Impact Statement

Mana whenua have not been directly engaged in relation to the emergency works policy.

Sustainability

There are implications for sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are implications as this decision relates to the financial strategy.

Financial considerations

There are financial implications. The cost of remediating the network in an emergency event could potentially increase.

Significance

This decision is considered low in terms of the council significance and engagement policy.

Engagement – external

There has been no external engagement.

Engagement - internal

There has been engagement with DCC Transport.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

There are implications for community boards in areas that could be affected by weather events related to this emergency works policy.

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

Submission on the Rules Setting Local Government Performance Measures (Safety of Drinking Water)

Department: 3 Waters

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report seeks the Committee’s retrospective approval of a Dunedin City Council (DCC) submission to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). The submission responds to consultation on proposed amendments to the local government mandatory non-financial performance measure for safety of drinking water.

2 The DCC submission is include in Attachment A. Consultation opened in late-April 2024 and closed on 10 May 2024 meaning there was insufficient time to obtain approval from the Infrastructure Services Committee (ISCOM) in advance.

3 The DCC submission was lodged on the 10 May 2024 following engagement with the Chair and Deputy Chair of the ISCOM. Councillor Jim O’Malley approved the DCC submission under delegated authority as Chair of the Committee.

4 Retrospective approval of the DCC submission by the Committee is now sought as DIA’s timeframe for the consultation fell outside the Committee meeting cycle.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Approves, retrospectively, the DCC submission to the Department of Internal Affairs on proposed amendments to the local government mandatory non-financial performance measure for safety of drinking water.

BACKGROUND

5 The Local Government Act 2002 requires the Secretary for Local Government to make rules specifying non-financial performance measures for local authorities to use when reporting to their communities. The purpose of the performance measures is to help the public to contribute to discussions on future levels of service for their communities, to participate in local authority decision-making processes, and to enable comparison of the level of service provided by different local authorities.

6 Rules specifying local government mandatory non-financial performance measures came into force in 2014. The rules established five groups of performance measures relating to:

a) Stormwater drainage

b) Sewerage and the disposal of sewage

c) Flood protection and control works

d) Water supply

e) Provision of footpaths and roads.

7 Councils report to the DIA on these performance measures annually in Annual Reports.

8 On 22 April 2024, the DIA initiated consultation on proposed amendments to the performance measure for safety of drinking water, which is one of the water supply measures. The consultation document is attached to this report at Attachment B.

9 The proposed amendments to the performance measure for safety of drinking water were designed to reflect recent changes to New Zealand’s drinking water regulatory system (including changes to drinking water standards).

DISCUSSION

10 The DCC submission:

a) supported updating the performance measure for safety of drinking water to align it with New Zealand’s new drinking water regulatory system;

b) expressed concern that the proposed amendments to the measure would reduce the scope of the measure to an extent that would be inconsistent with the overall purpose of the performance measures; and

c) noted that the name of the measure could be improved to support better public understanding of the scope of the information that councils’ reporting on the measure provides.

11 The DCC submission recommends that the DIA:

a) reviews the scope of the amended measure and consults with council drinking water suppliers and the wider water industry on a range of scope options; and

b) amends the name of the measure to ‘safety of drinking water (microbiological)’ or similar.

12 In support of the first DCC recommendation, the DCC submission suggested a reformulation of the measure that would achieve a similar scope to the current measure and enable the public to compare the level of service provided by different local authorities.

OPTIONS

13 Not applicable.

NEXT STEPS

14 No further action is required if the Committee retrospectively approves the DCC submission.

15 If the Committee does not retrospectively approve the DCC submission, staff will advise the DIA to disregard the DCC submission.

Signatories

Author:

Scott Campbell - Regulation and Policy Team Leader

Authoriser:

Jared Oliver - Planning Manager

John McAndrew - Acting Group Manager, 3 Waters

David Ward - General Manager, 3 Waters and Transition

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Submission on the Rules Setting Local Government Performance Measures - proposed amendments to Safety of Drinking Water Measure	115
⇩b	DIA Consultation Document: Consultation on Rules Setting Local Government Performance Measures	119

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Economic Development Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Environment Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	✔
3 Waters Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	✔
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

The DCC submission was prepared in line with the goals and objectives of Dunedin’s strategic framework.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known specific impacts for Māori related to the DCC submission on proposed amendments to the local government mandatory non-financial performance measure for safety of drinking water.

Sustainability

There are no known specific implications for sustainability related to the DCC submission on proposed amendments to the local government mandatory non-financial performance measure for safety of drinking water.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

Any amendments to the local government mandatory non-financial performance measure for safety of drinking water will need to be incorporated into the levels of service and related performance measures set out in the DCC LTP 2025-34.

Financial considerations

There are no financial implications directly related to the DCC submission on proposed amendments to the local government mandatory non-financial performance measure for safety of drinking water.

Significance

This decision is considered low in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

There has been no external engagement.

Engagement - internal

Staff from the 3 Waters Group were involved in the development of the DCC submission. The DCC Corporate Policy team was informed about development of the DCC submission.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks directly related to the DCC submission on proposed amendments to the local government mandatory non-financial performance measure for safety of drinking water.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

There are no known specific implications for Community Boards related to the DCC submission on proposed amendments to the local government mandatory non-financial performance measure for safety of drinking water.

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

Submission on the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill

Department: 3 Waters and Legal Services

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report seeks the Committee’s approval of a draft Dunedin City Council (DCC) submission (Attachment A) to Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Select Committee on the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill (the Bill) and the associated Amendment Paper 41 (Amendment). The Bill and Amendment were introduced to Parliament on 30 May 2024 and referred to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee for consideration. The Select Committee is due to report back to Parliament on the Bill and Amendment by 18 July 2024.

2 This Bill is the second step in a legislative programme designed to give effect to the Government’s ‘Local Water Done Well’ policy.

3 The key points from the draft DCC submission relate to:

a) water services delivery plans;

b) information disclosure requirements;

c) water services council-controlled organisations;

d) amendments to Water Services Act 2021: Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations; and

e) Government support for councils.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Approves the draft DCC submission to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee on the Bill and Amendment (Attachment A).

b) Authorises the Mayor and/or his delegate to speak to the submission.

c) Authorises the Chief Executive to make any minor editorial changes if needed.

BACKGROUND

4 The purpose of the Bill is to establish a framework for local government to manage and deliver water services. The Bill contributes to implementing the Government’s ‘Local Water Done Well’ policy.

5 The Bill includes the following features designed to give effect to its purpose:

a) Requirements for councils to adopt water services delivery plans (WSDP) within 12 months of enactment. WSDPs must include detailed information on the current state of councils’ water services arrangements for water supply (including drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater) and set out a strategy for how they will achieve the delivery of financially sustainable water services by 30 June 2028.

b) Provisions to enable the introduction of additional information disclosure requirements for councils and water services council-controlled organisations.

c) Alternative, streamlined consultation and decision-making processes for councils wishing to establish a water services council-controlled organisation (or join or amend an existing one).

d) Provisions that enable Auckland Council to implement its preferred model for water services delivery through changes to Watercare Services Limited.

6 In addition, the Government tabled the Amendment, which would insert additional clauses in the Bill to amend the Water Services Act 2021. The amendments would require Taumata Arowai (the water services regulator) not to have regard to the Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management when making wastewater environmental performance standards.

7 The Bill and Amendment are available on the New Zealand Legislation website: https://legislation.govt.nz.

8 The Government intends to introduce a further bill to Parliament in December 2024 as part of implementing the ‘Local Water Done Well’ policy. This bill is expected to provide for a long-term replacement for the current water services delivery system, including through the establishment of:

a) long-term requirements for financial sustainability of water services;

b) new classes of council-controlled water organisations and service delivery models; and

c) a comprehensive economic regulation system for water services.

9 Further background information on water services reform is provided in paragraphs 38-39 of the ‘3 Waters Update’ report, which is also included on the agenda for the 18 June 2024 meeting of the Infrastructure Services Committee.

DISCUSSION

10 The draft DCC submission is generally supportive of the Bill, which addresses concerns that were put forward in DCC submissions regarding the previous Government’s water services reform programme. The draft submission states, however, that it is difficult for the DCC to fully consider the full impact without the full legislative detail that is still to come in the third and final bill in the suite of legislation (due in December 2024).

11 Issues and DCC recommendations raised in the draft submission are summarised in the following paragraphs. The draft submission does not comment on the Bill provisions that relate specifically to Watercare Services Limited.

Water services delivery plans (WSDP)

12 The content of the proposed WSDPs is vast. The draft submission recommends clarifications to the provisions setting out WSDP content and clarification of the definition of ‘financially sustainable’. It also states further guidance is needed to support councils to prepare compliant WSDPs and avoid delays due to amendment requests or imposed Government intervention.

13 The draft submission supports the provisions in the Bill that establish the timeframe covered by a WSDP. The draft submission urges the Government to keep the flexibility built into the timeframe and states that the DCC does not support any changes to it. It also asks the Select Committee to consider amendments to the fixed time periods for granting extensions, as well as consideration and acceptance of WSDPs.

14 The draft submission states that the 12-month time frame to submit a WSDP is appropriate, but that this is subject to resourcing and the DCC’s recommendations on WSDP content being addressed. The DCC is one of 12 councils that opted to adopt an annual plan in 2024/25 and a 9-year long-term plan for 2025-34. Efficiencies are likely to be gained by the DCC preparing and adopting the WSDP in parallel with the 2025-34 long-term plan.

Information disclosure requirements

15 The draft submission is generally supportive of the establishment of a framework for economic regulation for water services.

16 Foundational information disclosure requirements could include the disclosure of commercially sensitive information such as third party contracts and transactions. The draft submission seeks reassurance that commercially sensitive information will be managed appropriately.

Water services council-controlled organisations

17 The Bill provides an alternative decision-making process if a local authority decides to establish, join or amend a water services council-controlled organisation (WSCCO). The draft submission states that while the DCC is appreciative of this as an option, there is still not enough detail relating to WSCCOs, especially relating to financial considerations.

18 Further, the draft submission states that the proposed legislative pathways implemented under ‘Local Water Done Well’ should be enabling rather than mandatory in nature. It also makes clear that flexibility is essential to allow the DCC to pursue whichever options are most efficient for its water service delivery.

Amendments to Water Services Act 2021: Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations

19 The draft submission states it does not support the proposed amendments to the Water Services Act 2021, which would mean that Taumata Arowai would not need to have regard to the Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations when making wastewater environmental performance standards.

20 The draft submission expresses concern that removing the consideration of the hierarchy of obligations could mean the resulting wastewater standards do not protect the health of freshwater and associated values, including Mana Whenua values and drinking water values.

Government support

21 The draft submission requests that consideration is given to additional Government support and resources for councils to adopt and implement a WDSP and to meet any other resulting obligations.

OPTIONS

Option One – submit on the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill (Recommended Option)

22 Approve, with any suggested amendments, the draft submission to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee on the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill (Attachment A).

Advantages

· Opportunity to provide feedback on implementation of the Government’s ‘Local Water Done Well’ policy.

· Opportunity to recommend changes to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee on particular provisions of the Bill.

Disadvantages

· There are no identified disadvantages for this option.

Option Two – do not submit on the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill

23 Do not approve the draft submission (Attachment A).

Advantages

· There are no identified advantages for this option.

Disadvantages

· Missed opportunity to provide feedback on implementation of the Government’s ‘Local Water Done Well’ policy.

· Missed opportunity to recommend changes to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee regarding the provisions of the Bill.

NEXT STEPS

24 The deadline for submissions on the Bill was 13 June 2024. On 5 June 2024, staff lodged a short placeholder submission, stating that the DCC intended to make a detailed submission following consideration by the appropriate Committee of Council on 18 June 2024.

25 If the Committee approves the draft DCC submission at the 18 June 2024 Committee meeting, the DCC submission will be considered by the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee alongside the placeholder submission.

Signatories

Author:

Katherine Quill - Policy Analyst

Scott Campbell - Regulation and Policy Team Leader

Nadia McKenzie - In-House Legal Counsel

Karilyn Canton - Chief In-House Legal Counsel

Authoriser:

Jared Oliver - Planning Manager

John McAndrew - Acting Group Manager, 3 Waters

David Ward -

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Draft DCC submission - Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill	129

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities and promotes the social, economic environmental and cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Economic Development Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	✔
3 Waters Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Spatial Plan	✔	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

This report has been prepared with reference to the Dunedin strategic framework.

Māori Impact Statement

The draft DCC submission opposes the proposed amendments to the Water Services Act 2021, which would remove the need for Taumata Arowai to have regard to the Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations when making wastewater environmental performance standards. The draft submission states that excluding consideration of the hierarchy of obligations from the process for making wastewater environmental performance standards could mean the resulting standards do not adequately protect Mana Whenua values.

Sustainability

Financial sustainability of local government water services is a key objective of the Government’s ‘Local Water Done Well’ policy. The Bill is designed to implement this policy and ensure delivery of water services is financially sustainable.

The draft submission states that excluding consideration of the Te Mana o te Wai hierarchy of obligations from the process for making wastewater environmental performance standards could mean the resulting standards do not adequately protect the health of freshwater. Protecting the health of freshwater supports environmental sustainability.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

This report and the decision to approve a submission to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee have no direct implications for these plans and strategies. However, should the Bill be enacted, implications for the next LTP and annual plan are likely. The DCC would likely develop and adopt a Water Services Delivery Plan in parallel with the process for developing and adopting the DCC’s 2025-34 long-term plan.

Financial considerations

There are no financial implications directly associated with this report and the decision to approve the draft submission to the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee.

Significance

The decision to approve the draft DCC submission is considered low in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

A workshop with the members of ISCOM/Councillors scheduled for Wednesday 12 June 2024 to inform development of the draft submission. The workshop was open to the public.

There has been engagement with other Otago and Southland councils in relation to the Bill.

Engagement - internal

Staff from the Legal Team, 3 Waters Group, and the Executive Leadership Team have contributed to the development of the draft DCC submission.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified risks directly related to the DCC submission on the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Bill.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

Community Boards are likely to be interested in the proposed water services delivery changes and staff will consider how to update the Community Boards.

Infrastructure Services Committee

18 June 2024

Remit Support LGNZ

Department: City Development

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) Annual General Meeting (AGM) is to be held on 21 August 2024, in Wellington.

2 At that meeting, consideration will be given to various remits that have been submitted by local authorities, that have received formal support from councils or support from at least one zone or sector group.

3 The Council has received a request for support for a remit from Gisborne District Council prior to it being submitted to LGNZ for consideration. The purpose of this report is to decide if it wishes to support the remit regarding the proactive lever to mitigate the deterioration of unoccupied buildings.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Decides whether or not to support the remit proposed by Gisborne District Council seeking proactive legislative levers to mitigate the deterioration of unoccupied buildings and incentivise repurposing vacant buildings.

BACKGROUND

4 The Council has received a remit proposed by Gisborne District Council seeking support so that it can be submitted to LGNZ for consideration at the AGM in August. The remit seeks that LGNZ advocates to the Government:

· For legislative change that will enable local authorities to remediate the decaying condition of unoccupied buildings and;

· To incentivise repurposing vacant buildings to meet region-specific needs, for example accommodation conversion.

DISCUSSION

5 The proposed remit with supporting information is attached. Staff have included the following comments.

6 Demolition by neglect is when a building is allowed to deteriorate to the point that demolition becomes necessary, or restoration becomes economically unreasonable. In some cases, building owners may allow this to happen to bypass heritage protections.

7 Demolition by neglect can be an issue for historic and heritage buildings that require substantial financial investment to enable ongoing use, typically arising from compliance requirements, earthquake strengthening, amenity upgrades, or repair and deferred maintenance.

8 Dunedin residents have expressed concern about demolition by neglect and DCC has previously explored options to manage this issue. Demolition by neglect is not regulated, nor specifically referred to, in the Resource Management Act 1991, the Building Act 2004, or the Local Government Act 2002.

9 The Local Government Act 2002 provides a mechanism to make general bylaws. Clutha District Council introduced clauses about property maintenance, with the aim of preventing derelict/abandoned buildings, in its Regulatory Bylaw 2022. However, it is understood that the bylaw is unenforceable without costly prosecutions.

10 Staff have reported to Council on derelict buildings in 2014, 2017, and 2023. In February 2023, the DCC submitted on demolition by neglect as part of its submission to the Environment Select Committee on the Natural and Built Environment Bill and Spatial Planning Bill (both Acts were repealed in December 2023). Gisborne District Council have cited previous DCC reports on this issue in their remit.

11 In May 2023, staff noted that this issue would be explored in the 2023 Ōtepoti Dunedin Heritage Action Plan. Reducing demolition by neglect is identified as an ‘outcome we want to support’ in the Heritage Action Plan (work to develop the HAP Implementation Plan is ongoing).

12 For part one of the remit, DCC has previously identified (Bylaw Review Update, 15 May 2023) that current legislation does not allow Councils to manage demolition by neglect. Legislative change is needed to provide local government with proactive and enforceable methods for requiring building owners to remediate deteriorating buildings. Staff recommend supporting this aspect of the remit.

13 For part two of the remit, DCC already has incentives to support building owners who are motivated to maintain their buildings, i.e., the Dunedin Heritage Fund. Nevertheless, any additional incentives that can be developed to motivate reluctant buildings owners will be useful in discouraging demolition by neglect. Staff recommend supporting this aspect of the remit as it works in tandem with part one of the remit.

14 Staff recommend Council supports the remit.

NEXT STEPS

15 The Gisborne District Council will be advised following the meeting of the outcome of the decision.

Signatories

Author:	Mark Mawdsley - Team Leader Advisory Services
Authoriser:	Claire Austin - General Manager Customer and Regulatory

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Remit from Gisborne District Council	142

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This decision promotes the social, cultural, environmental, and economic well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Arts and Culture Strategy	✔	☐	☐
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Future Development Strategy	✔	☐	☐
Integrated Transport Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	✔
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	✔	☐	☐

This decision contributes to Council’s strategic priorities by making people feel connected and involved in community affairs. It also contributes to supporting the city’s built heritage.

Heritage Strategy: The Heritage Strategy is structured around goals and actions to identify and enhance, recognise and protect, and promote and increase appreciation of Dunedin heritage, and to work with key heritage agencies.

This decision promotes the social well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Social Wellbeing Strategy: Connected people; Vibrant and cohesive communities.

This decision promotes the economic well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Economic Development Strategy: Build the skills base; education and employment, a compelling destination – enhance the city and environs.

This decision promotes the environmental well-being of communities in the present and for the future.

Spatial Plan: A memorable and distinctive city; a vibrant and exciting city; a city that enables a prosperous and diverse economy.

Māori Impact Statement

No known impacts for Māori

Sustainability

The aspiration to increase retention and adaptive reuse of existing buildings aligns with

Sustainability and zero carbon outcomes.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

No known implications.

Financial considerations

No known implications.

Significance

This decision is considered low in terms of the Council's Significance and Engagement Policy

Engagement – external

There has been no external engagement

Engagement - internal

There has been no internal engagement

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

Conflict of Interest

No conflict of interest.

Community Boards

No implications for Community Boards.

[1] https://www.dia.govt.nz/Water-Services-Policy-legislation-and-process

https://www.dia.govt.nz/Water-Services-Policy-legislation-and-process#repeal

Able Charitable Trust t/a Able Minds	$5,000
Dunedin Curtain Bank Trust	$5,000
Mornington Playcentre	$5,000
Our Food Network	$5,000
South Dunedin Community Network Incorporated	$5,000
The Nest Collective	$5,000
TOTAL funding	$30,000

Foodprint	$15,000
Garden to Market	$7,000
Light Bolt Limited	$15,000
Mizen Automation	$15,000
Sandymount Distillery	$10,000
Wild Dispensary	$8,000
TOTAL funding	$70,000

Pioneers Koputai Early Learning Centre	$500
Te Mana Ahua Ake Charitable Trust	$500
TOTAL funding	$1,000

KiwiHarvest	$28,500
syd – Bike Refurbishment programme	$9,000
TOTAL funding	$37,500

	Title	Page
A ⇩	Minutes of Infrastructure Services Committee meeting held on 23 April 2024	16

Author:	Rebecca Murray - Governance Support Officer
Authoriser:	Scott MacLean - General Manager, Climate and City Growth