Agenda of Strategy and Policy Committee

Strategy and Policy Committee Agenda – 07 March 2024

7.2 Review of Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2019

Decision Required

Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	7 March 2024
Report Author:	David Stephenson, Team Leader - Stormwater & Waste Management
Report Authorisers:	Dwayne Fletcher, Strategic Policy Manager; John Ridd, Group Manager - Service and Strategy
Report Number:	RSPC24-03-2

1. Purpose of the Report / Te Take mō te Pūrongo

1.1 To approve the recommendation made by the Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Review Working Party on 8 February 2024, to revoke and replace the Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2019.

2. Summary / Te Tuhinga Whakarāpoto

2.1 Tasman District Council is statutorily responsible for promoting effective and efficient waste management and minimisation in our District, and improving, promoting and protecting public health.

2.2 To deliver this responsibility, Tasman District Council shares a Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (or “Waste Plan”) with Nelson City Council which was adopted in 2019 (the “2019 Plan”).

2.3 Under section 50 of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 (the Act), the 2019 Plan must be reviewed within six years.

2.4 A Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Review Working Party (Working Party) is managing the review of the 2019 Plan. The Working Party has elected member representatives from both councils and, yet to be confirmed, iwi representatives. Attachment A provides the Working Party’s terms of reference. The review timeline is contained in Attachment B.

2.5 The Working Party’s first meeting was held on 8 February 2024 at which time elected member representatives discussed three options for the 2019 Plan review process, based on advice from staff (Attachment B). The three options, as per sections 43 and 50 of the Act, are to either revoke and replace the 2019 Plan; amend; or retain it.

2.6 The Working Party recommends that the 2019 Plan be revoked and replaced.

2.7 Significant changes in national waste and climate change policy have occurred since the 2019 Plan was adopted. Drafting a new Waste Plan to replace the 2019 Plan will enable the incorporation of such policy changes, as well as presenting the opportunity to engage with iwi/Māori, the Nelson-Tasman Business Landfill Unit, and the wider community on the region’s waste activities. Both councils have sufficient budgets to progress the Waste Plan review process under the recommended ‘revoke and replace’ option.

2.8 Staff from both councils are working through the appropriate processes and channels to enable iwi representation on the Working Party.

2.9 On 4 April, the Governing Body of the Nelson City Council will decide whether to approve the same Working Party’s recommendation.

2.10 Provided both councils approve the Working Party’s recommendation, staff will begin drafting a new Waste Plan between April and August 2024. The draft Waste Plan will be developed alongside input from iwi and key stakeholders through a pre-engagement stage, under supervision from the Working Party.

2.11 A draft Waste Plan would then be brought to Council for approval in late 2024, with public consultation using the Local Government Act 2002 Special Consultative Process commencing in February 2025, and a new Waste Plan finalised by both councils by July 2025.

3. Recommendation/s / Ngā Tūtohunga

That the Strategy and Policy Committee

1. receives the Review of Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2019 report RSPC24-03-2; and

2. notes the recommendation of the Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Review Working Party to commence revoking and replacement of the Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2019; and

3. in accordance with section 44 of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, agrees that officers develop a draft replacement Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan for public consultation in 2025, subject to Nelson City Council’s agreement; and

4. notes that Nelson City Council will consider this matter at its 4 April 2024 meeting; and

5. notes that the 2019 Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan remains in effect until such time that both councils adopt a new Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan informed by a public consultation process in 2025.

4. Background / Horopaki

4.1 Under section 43 of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, Tasman District Council is required to have a Waste Management and Minimisation Plan. Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council adopted their Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan in 2019 (2019 Plan).

4.2 Under section 50 of the Act, territorial authorities must review their waste minimisation and management plans within six years. A review must be informed by a ‘waste assessment’, as specified by section 51 of the Act.

4.3 Tasman District Council receives just under $1.0 million per year in funding from the New Zealand Waste Disposal Levy, which is administered by central government, provided the Council meets its obligations under the Act. This funding must be allocated to waste minimisation activities as specified in Council’s 2019 Plan.

4.4 In September 2022, Nelson City and Tasman District Councils approved the formation of a Nelson Tasman Joint Waste Review Working Party (Working Party) to have the responsibility to oversee the review of the 2019 Plan (SPC22-09-3). The review process includes drafting a new or amended Waste Plan, conducting a public consultation process, before recommending a final plan to both councils.

4.5 As set out in the Terms of Reference for the Working Party (Attachment A), the Working Party has the power to recommend, but not decide. It is made up of three elected members from both councils and up to three, yet to be confirmed, iwi representatives.

4.6 Originally, the Working Party’s review progress was to start in 2023, however in March 2023, central government released “Te Rautaki Para”: the New Zealand Waste Strategy 2023, replacing the 2010 New Zealand Waste Strategy. The 2019 Plan gives regard to the 2010 New Zealand Waste Strategy.

4.7 For this reason, the Working Party’s review process was delayed and instead began in February 2024. This delay was intended to allow time to ensure the review gives sufficient regard to Te Rautaki Para / New Zealand Waste Strategy 2023. Shifting the start of the Waste Plan review process also avoided the peak workload period during development of the Councils’ Long Term Plans, and allows the Working Party to consider these draft 2024 Long Term Plans in the development of the new Waste Plan. Attachment B includes the review timeline.

4.8 An invitation was issued to iwi in January 2023 to initiate representation on the Working Party, and this has since been raised to iwi management to confirm appointments. While this is being worked through we will engage with iwi through our existing channels.

4.9 Between August and December 2023, staff from both councils prepared a draft Joint Waste Assessment report to inform the Waste Plan review process. Attachment C provides a summary of the draft Joint Waste Assessment report.

5. Analysis and Advice / Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

5.1 The Waste Plan review process commenced at the Working Party’s first meeting on 8 February 2024. At this meeting, the Working Party considered the content of the draft Joint Waste Assessment and staff’s advice on three options for the review process.

5.2 The three options, as set out by sections 43 and 50 of the Act, are:

· revoke and replace the 2019 Plan;

· amend the 2019 Plan; or

· retain the 2019 Plan.

5.3 The Working Party recommends the councils revoke and replace the 2019 Plan.

5.4 Significant changes have occurred in waste minimisation and climate change policy since the councils adopted the Waste Plan in 2019, along with other relevant shifts in the councils’ strategic directions. These include:

· signed partnership agreement between the iwi and councils of Te Tauihu

· stronger integration between responses to climate change and waste minimisation policy at national and local levels;

· the adoption of councils’ 2021 Long Term Plans and development of draft 2024 Long Term Plans;

· new waste regulations relating to:

o increasing the rate and application of the Waste Disposal Levy;

o prohibition of certain single-use plastic items,

o standardising kerbside recycling collections; and

o increased waste reporting requirements for local authorities

· the publication of an updated New Zealand Waste Strategy in 2023; and

· policy announcements for proposed legislative reform of the Waste Minimisation Act 2008 and Litter Act 1972.

5.5 Whilst some of these changes present some uncertainty and challenges, they also present opportunities. The changes allow the two councils and their communities to rethink their waste planning for the region. The councils, along with the Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit, businesses and communities, have an opportunity to reduce the quantity of waste disposed to landfill, increase the recovery of materials, and reduce associated harm from waste.

5.6 The 2019 Plan does not include significant consideration of climate change impacts on waste services and infrastructure. Revoking and replacing the 2019 Plan presents an opportunity to give better regard to national and regional climate action plans and the councils’ Long Term Plans.

5.7 Amending the 2019 Plan is expected to require a similar level of staff resourcing compared to the option to revoke and replace; both options also require a public consultation phase. The difference in resourcing these two options is not considered significant enough to favour amending the 2019 Plan over replacing it.

6. Options / Kōwhiringa

6.1 The two options for the Committee to consider are outlined in the following table.

Option	Advantage	Disadvantage
1.	Approve the Joint Waste Review Working Party’s recommendation to revoke and replace the 2019 Plan (recommended)	· Allows a new Waste Plan to be drafted that can reflect current community aspirations and needs. · Allows for iwi/Māori engagement. · Supports alignment with national and regional climate change action plans and policy. · Allows alignment with the Te Rautaki Para / New Zealand Waste Strategy 2023 · Aligns with joint approach with Nelson City Council. · The 2019 Plan continues to guide the councils’ waste activities until a replacement Waste Plan is adopted.	· Requires staff resourcing, including pre-engagement phase and public consultation on a draft Waste Plan.
2.	Do not approve the Working Party’s recommendation	· None	· Delays Waste Plan review process and may require additional resourcing · May not be able to meet legislative requirement to review plan within six years, resulting in Waste Disposal Levy funding being withheld · May not align with Nelson City Council’s decision

Option

Advantage

Disadvantage

Approve the Joint Waste Review Working Party’s recommendation to revoke and replace the 2019 Plan (recommended)

· Allows a new Waste Plan to be drafted that can reflect current community aspirations and needs.

· Allows for iwi/Māori engagement.

· Supports alignment with national and regional climate change action plans and policy.

· Allows alignment with the Te Rautaki Para / New Zealand Waste Strategy 2023

· Aligns with joint approach with Nelson City Council.

· The 2019 Plan continues to guide the councils’ waste activities until a replacement Waste Plan is adopted.

· Requires staff resourcing, including pre-engagement phase and public consultation on a draft Waste Plan.

Do not approve the Working Party’s recommendation

· None

· Delays Waste Plan review process and may require additional resourcing

· May not be able to meet legislative requirement to review plan within six years, resulting in Waste Disposal Levy funding being withheld

· May not align with Nelson City Council’s decision

6.2 Option 1 is recommended.

6.3 Provided Option 1 is approved by both councils, staff will begin drafting a replacement Waste Plan between April 2023 and August 2024, under the guidance of the Working Party. Over this time, pre-engagement with iwi and key stakeholders will inform the development of the draft Joint Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (JWMMP).

7. Legal / Ngā ture

7.1 Section 44 of the Act sets out the requirements for councils when preparing, amending or revoking a Waste Management and Minimisation Plan. This includes giving regard to the New Zealand Waste Strategy, the most recent Waste Assessment and to undertake public consultation on the plan.

7.2 The Joint Waste Review Working Party has been established to meet Council’s legislative requirements under the Act.

8. Iwi Engagement / Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori Māori

8.1 The Terms of Reference for the Working Party provides for up to three iwi representatives. These positions are not yet filled, and the decision is currently escalated to iwi management.

8.2 Updates to and engagement with iwi on the review of the Waste Plan will be provided through councils’ appropriate channels, including Te Parikaranga (Nelson City Council) and Whakawhitiwhiti Whakaaro (Tasman District Council).

8.3 The recommendation to replace the 2019 Plan with a new Waste Plan enables the opportunity to reflect iwi/Māori strategic values and interests relating to waste minimisation and management, as well as build on the partnership agreement recently signed by iwi and the three councils of Te Tauihu.

9. Significance and Engagement / Hiranga me te Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori Whānui

9.1 The following table provides an assessment of the significance of the decision sought.

	Issue	Level of Significance	Explanation of Assessment
1.	Is there a high level of public interest, or is decision likely to be controversial?	Low	The decision to start work on a replacement Plan is unlikely to be controversial. The public will have opportunities to input on a new Waste Plan via a pre-engagement phase and a public consultation process.
2.	Are there impacts on the social, economic, environmental or cultural aspects of well-being of the community in the present or future?	Low	Updating the 2019 JWMMP provides the opportunity to reflect regional and national waste minimisation and climate change policy.
3.	Is there a significant impact arising from duration of the effects from the decision?	Low	No direct negative impacts
4.	Does the decision relate to a strategic asset? (refer Significance and Engagement Policy for list of strategic assets)	No
5.	Does the decision create a substantial change in the level of service provided by Council?	No
6.	Does the proposal, activity or decision substantially affect debt, rates or Council finances in any one year or more of the LTP?	No
7.	Does the decision involve the sale of a substantial proportion or controlling interest in a CCO or CCTO?	No
8.	Does the proposal or decision involve entry into a private sector partnership or contract to carry out the deliver on any Council group of activities?	No
9.	Does the proposal or decision involve Council exiting from or entering into a group of activities?	No
10.	Does the proposal require particular consideration of the obligations of Te Mana O Te Wai (TMOTW) relating to freshwater and Affordable Waters services?	No

10. Communication / Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero

10.1 Staff have prepared an engagement and communications plan for the review of the Waste Plan. This includes an early engagement phase with iwi, key stakeholders, and the community to inform the development of a draft new Waste Plan, as well as a formal consultation process on the draft Waste Plan in early 2025.

10.2 Shape Tasman Nelson web pages support the councils’ communications to the public and key stakeholders on the review of the Waste Plan. On these web pages people can also post stories and feedback about what the community can do about managing and minimising waste in the region.

11. Financial or Budgetary Implications / Ngā Ritenga ā-Pūtea

11.1 Both councils have allocated budgets for the Waste Plan review process, including the operations of the Working Party, facilitating iwi representation, and the public consultation phase. There are therefore no significant financial implications that will result from the recommended Option 1.

12. Risks / Ngā Tūraru

12.1 The main risk relating to this decision is if both councils do not approve the Working Party’s recommendation, resulting in a delay in the review process.

12.2 If the Waste Plan review process is delayed, there is a risk the councils may compromise receiving their respective share of Waste Disposal Levy funding from central government.

12.3 A further risk to the review process, is if iwi representation is not achieved by the next Working Party’s meeting scheduled for 12 April 2024. Staff are working through the appropriate process and channels to enable iwi representation and pre-engagement.

13. Climate Change Considerations / Whakaaro Whakaaweawe Āhuarangi

13.1 Waste minimisation and management activities are strongly connected to action on climate change. Greenhouse gas emissions are generated by both councils’ activities, and the ability the councils have to influence behaviours in the wider community to reduce emissions from waste generation and disposal. Council’s own carbon footprint can be significantly impacted by such decisions.

13.2 Alongside this, there are adaptation considerations in terms of how waste infrastructure and services respond to the impacts of climate change, and Council’s responsibilities relating to public health and safety when managing disaster wastes.

13.3 The purpose of a Waste Plan is to provide strategic guidance for both councils’ (and the Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit) waste minimisation and management activities.

13.4 For these reasons climate change subject matter experts from both Nelson City and Tasman District Council are part of the project team to ensure a replacement Waste Plan reflects the councils’ climate action plans and national climate change policy.

14. Alignment with Policy and Strategic Plans / Te Hangai ki ngā aupapa Here me ngā Mahere Rautaki Tūraru

14.1 By replacing the 2019 Plan with a new, updated Waste Plan, the councils can develop strategic waste policy which is better aligned with national and regional plans and policy.

15. Conclusion / Kupu Whakatepe

15.1 Approving the Working Party’s recommendation supports the Waste Plan review timeline, and enables the development of a new Waste Plan that can better reflect community aspirations and strategic policy and plans.

16. Next Steps and Timeline / Ngā Mahi Whai Ake

16.1 The Working Party’s recommendation will be taken to Nelson City Council’s Governing Body for approval on 4 April.

16.2 Provided both councils endorse the Working Party’s recommendation, staff will commence drafting a new Waste Plan between March and August 2024, alongside pre-engagement, under the supervision of the Working Party.

16.3 Staff will continue work to enable iwi representation on the Working Party.

16.4 A draft Waste Plan, along with a finalised Waste Assessment report, will be presented to both councils by late 2024. This will be to seek approval to release the draft Waste Plan for a public consultation phase scheduled to take place in early 2025.

16.5 Following the public consultation period, a finalised Waste Plan would be presented to both councils for adoption by July 2025.

16.6 Until such time as a new plan is adopted, the current 2019 Plan remains in effect.

17. Attachments / Tuhinga tāpiri

1.⇩	Attachment A: Joint Nelson Tasman Waste Review Working Party - Terms of Reference	15
2.⇩	Attachment B: 8 February 2024 Rethink Waste Presentation to Working Party	18

Strategy and Policy Committee Agenda – 07 March 2024

7.3 Waimea Inlet Action Plan Annual Progress Report

Decision Required

Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	7 March 2024
Report Author:	Anna Gerraty, Senior Community & Reserves Policy Advisor; Cat Budai, Community Policy Advisor
Report Authorisers:	Dwayne Fletcher, Strategic Policy Manager; Alan Bywater, Team Leader - Community Policy; John Ridd, Group Manager - Service and Strategy
Report Number:	RSPC24-03-3

1. Purpose of the Report / Te Take mō te Pūrongo

1.1 This report informs the Council of progress towards implementing the Waimea Inlet Action Plan during the 2023 calendar year.

1.2 The report also seeks a decision to adopt revised wording for action point 4.1.1 of the Waimea Inlet Action Plan.

2. Summary / Te Tuhinga Whakarāpoto

2.1 In August 2023 (RSPC23-08-2), the Committee agreed to lead or assist with specific actions/targets listed in the updated ‘Waimea Inlet Action Plan 2023-2026’ (Action Plan). The Action Plan is designed to implement the Waimea Inlet Management Strategy (Strategy), to which the Council is a signatory. The Strategy and Action Plan is a non-statutory document aimed at maintaining and improving the health of the Waimea Inlet.

2.2 The Council is a member of the Waimea Inlet Coordination Group (the Group) that coordinates the review, implementation and monitoring of the Strategy and Action Plan.

2.3 In November each year, the Group produces an annual report, summarising progress made in implementing the Action Plan. The progress report for the 2023 calendar year is appended as Attachment 1.

2.4 In 2023, good progress was made in implementing the Action Plan. Highlights include being on track to plant 100,000 plants in the inlet by 2025, planting 1,200 sand-binding plants on Moturoa and installing a tidal gate at Pearl Creek to support fish passage and spawning.

2.5 At the Group’s November 2023 hui, representatives from Nelson City Council (NCC) requested that action 4.1.1 of the Action Plan be reworded to make it more practicable to implement. This request was discussed by Group members, who collectively recommend amending the Action Plan to reflect the revised wording proposed by NCC.

3. Recommendation/s / Ngā Tūtohunga

That the Strategy and Policy Committee

1. receives the Waimea Inlet Action Plan Annual Progress Report RSPC24-03-3; and

2. agrees to revise the wording of action 4.1.1 in the Waimea Inlet Action Plan

FROM:

“By June 2024, develop a long-term plan for the sustainable, environmentally acceptable, and culturally sensitive operation of the Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit”

TO:

“By June 2024, develop a long-term plan for the Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit, which considers its operations with regards to sustainability, environmental and cultural impacts (Lead: Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit).”

4. Background / Horopaki

4.1 The Waimea Inlet is the largest semi-enclosed inlet in the South Island and has international and national importance as a site for migratory birds. The Inlet lies within both Tasman and Nelson regions.

4.2 The initial Strategy was developed in 2010 to coordinate a cross-regional approach to the care of the Inlet. The Council is a signatory to the Strategy, along with NCC, the Department of Conservation (DOC), Fish & Game, and Te Tauihu iwi. The Action Plan is designed to implement the Strategy.

4.3 The Group was formed in 2017 to “identify, prioritise, and coordinate the actions needed to achieve implementation of the Strategy and collate these into a proposed Action Plan.” Cr Ellis is appointed as Council’s elected member representative on the Group, with Cr Kininmonth as an alternate. Staff across different departments of the Council actively participate in the work of the Group.

4.4 Current members of the Group also include representatives from NCC (Cr Sanson and staff), DOC, Waimea Inlet Forum (WIF), Tasman Environmental Trust (TET), Tasman Bay Guardians, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Tama, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Kōata, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Kuia and Ngāti Apa.

4.5 Members of the Group commit to specific actions for their organisation. All targets and actions have a lead organisation responsible for progressing the actions.

4.6 All eight Te Tau Ihu iwi have an open invitation to become signatories to the Strategy, to appoint representatives to the Group and to participate in the development, implementation, review and monitoring of the Action Plan. They have been kept informed of progress throughout the Action Plan’s development and implementation. Seven iwi have now engaged in the work of the Group, but Rangitāne has not had the time/capacity to engage at this stage.

4.7 The Group meets quarterly, with administrative support provided by Tasman District Council staff. The Council works collaboratively with the Group to implement the Action Plan and give effect to the Strategy.

4.8 The initial Action Plan was finalised at the end of 2018. A review of the Strategy and Action Plan (including public consultation on a draft version), led by an external consultant, was completed in June 2023. The Committee adopted the revised ‘Waimea Inlet Management Strategy 2050 and Action Plan 2023 to 2026’ in August 2023.

4.9 The intention is that all Group members work together to achieve the Action Plan’s targets. When unbudgeted funding is required, external funding will be sought. The Strategy and Action Plan is an ‘investment ready’ document that external (i.e. non-Council) funders can refer to when considering funding applications. The Group secured over $3 million of government funding to assist with implementation of the previous (2019) Action Plan.

5. Analysis and Advice / Tātaritanga me ngā tohutohu

Annual progress report on the implementation of the Action Plan

5.1 The Group prepares annual progress reports on implementing the Action Plan for each calendar year. The progress report for the 2023 calendar year is appended as Attachment 1 to this report and key highlights are discussed below.

5.2 Please note that while some iwi have provided updates on progress, others are yet to do so. If any further updates are received from iwi, staff will include them in an updated version of the report published on the Council’s website: Waimea Inlet Management Strategy and Action Plan | Tasman District Council.

Key highlights

5.3 The Waimea Inlet 1 Billion Trees Project (Phase 2) is on track to plant circa 100,000 natives around the Inlet by June 2025. This project has already increased the margin of native vegetation by 4.9 km since 2021.

5.4 As part of Tasman District Council’s Coast Care project, 1,200 sand-binding native plants were established on Moturoa/Rabbit Island during the winter of 2023.

5.5 A tidal gate was installed at Pearl Creek in September 2023 to improve fish passage and inanga spawning in that waterway. Fish habitat restoration work in Neimann Creek continues.

5.6 Saltmarsh trials are underway. These may be an effective soft-engineering technique to help protect sections of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail.

5.7 At the Waimea Delta, 3.5 ha of marsh bird habitat has been enhanced since early 2022. Two phases of earthworks have been undertaken (during 2022 and 2023) to create greater open water areas and 're-wet' portions of the project site, along with weed control and the planting of over 10,000 native plants in the last two years.

5.8 Pest plant control is underway across the Inlet, with no recent discoveries of Class 1 species.

Delays and obstacles

5.9 The investigation of potential seagrass restoration is not currently a priority as there has been a failed attempt in the past. Cawthron Institute is leading research in this space and Tasman District Council will wait to see effective methods proven before investing in this action.

5.10 No funding has been allocated to complete a unified strategic animal pest control plan to control pigs, predators and herbivores where these negatively impact threatened species and habitats. This means it will not be completed by the deadline, however there is a possibility that part of this work could be undertaken by the Kotahitanga mo te Taiao Alliance pest control work stream.

5.11 The 2020 broad-scale mapping report provided robust information about the health of the estuary. A StoryMap was published so people can more easily access and understand this information. The frequency of this mapping has been pushed out to free up resources to achieve several of the recommendations from this report. The next report will be in 2026‑2027 instead of 2023.

Proposal to revise the wording of action 4.1.1

5.12 Following discussion at the quarterly hui last November, Group members recommend that the wording of Action 4.1.1 be amended as follows:

“By 30 June 2024, develop a long-term plan for the Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit, which considers its operations with regards to sustainability, environmental and cultural impacts.”

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5.13 NCC staff raised the request to amend the wording on behalf of Nelson Regional Sewerage Business Unit (NRSBU) staff, who feel that the current wording is not practicable to implement. The proposed revision retains the overall intent of the original wording, but ensures that it can realistically be implemented. Following discussion, Group members agreed that this was a reasonable request, and recommend that all governing bodies agree to revise the wording as outlined in paragraph 5.12 above.

6. Options / Kōwhiringa

6.1 The options are outlined in the following table:

Option	Advantage	Disadvantage
1.	Agree to recommended revision of action wording.	Consistency across all signatories to the Plan. The revised wording is more achievable.	Would need to replace current version of Strategy and Action Plan with the amended version on Council’s website (an easy task).
2.	Retain existing wording of action.	Do not need to update Council’s website.	Other Group members have already adopted the revised wording of action 4.1.1. The original wording is not practicable.

Option

Advantage

Disadvantage

Agree to recommended revision of action wording.

Consistency across all signatories to the Plan.

The revised wording is more achievable.

Would need to replace current version of Strategy and Action Plan with the amended version on Council’s website (an easy task).

Retain existing wording of action.

Do not need to update Council’s website.

Other Group members have already adopted the revised wording of action 4.1.1.

The original wording is not practicable.

6.2 Option 1 is recommended.

7. Legal / Ngā ture

7.1 The Strategy and Action Plan is a non-statutory document. There is no legal requirement to prepare, review or adopt this document.

8. Iwi Engagement / Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori Māori

8.1 Te Tauihu iwi have an open invitation to become signatories to the Strategy, to appoint representatives to the Group and to participate in the development, implementation, review and monitoring of the Strategy and Action Plan. They have been kept informed of progress throughout the review, and Peter Lawless undertook targeted consultation with them during the drafting process. Seven of the eight iwi have attended one or more of the quarterly Group hui held since mid-2018, but Rangitane has not had the time/capacity to engage yet.

8.2 At the November 2023 Group hui, the iwi members present were part of the discussion around rewording the action and advised that they preferred the suggested revision. Notes from the hui were circulated to all eight iwi.

9. Significance and Engagement / Hiranga me te Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori Whānui

	Issue	Level of Significance	Explanation of Assessment
1.	Is there a high level of public interest, or is decision likely to be controversial?	Low	The proposed revision of wording retains the original intent of Action 4.1.1. but makes it more realistic to achieve.
2.	Are there impacts on the social, economic, environmental or cultural aspects of well-being of the community in the present or future?	Low	The original intent of the action will largely be retained by the revised wording.
3.	Is there a significant impact arising from duration of the effects from the decision?	Low	The Strategy and Action Plan is a non-statutory document and is not legally binding.
4.	Does the decision relate to a strategic asset? (refer Significance and Engagement Policy for list of strategic assets)	No
5.	Does the decision create a substantial change in the level of service provided by Council?	Low	The original intent of the action will largely be retained by the revised wording. Implementation of the action would improve the level of service.
6.	Does the proposal, activity or decision substantially affect debt, rates or Council finances in any one year or more of the LTP?	Low	The LTPs of both councils include budget for NRSBU activities.
7.	Does the decision involve the sale of a substantial proportion or controlling interest in a CCO or CCTO?	No/Low
8.	Does the proposal or decision involve entry into a private sector partnership or contract to carry out the deliver on any Council group of activities?	No
9.	Does the proposal or decision involve Council exiting from or entering into a group of activities?	No
10.	Does the proposal require particular consideration of the obligations of Te Mana O Te Wai (TMOTW) relating to freshwater and Affordable Waters services?	No	The Strategy and Action Plan is a non-statutory document. Wastewater from the Bell Island treatment plant is discharged to sea, not freshwater.

10. Communication / Whakawhitiwhiti Kōrero

10.1 Both the Strategy and Action Plan were developed using a collaborative process, by a wide range of parties whose common goal is to maintain and improve the health of the Waimea Inlet. The Action Plan provides an opportunity to build on work currently underway and encourage all interested parties to work together more effectively to achieve enhanced outcomes for the Inlet.

11. Financial or Budgetary Implications / Ngā Ritenga ā-Pūtea

11.1 If the Committee chooses to adopt the revised wording of Action 4.1.1, this will have no material impact on budget implications when compared to the existing wording, as the Action Plan has no statutory weight. Funding of NRSBU activity occurs via the LTP and Annual Planning processes of both councils.

12. Risks / Ngā Tūraru

12.1 The risk of revising the wording of Action 4.1.1 is minimal, as it retains the essence of the original wording. As the Strategy and Action Plan is a non-statutory document, there is no legal risk to revising the wording.

13. Climate Change Considerations / Whakaaro Whakaaweawe Āhuarangi

13.1 The proposal to revise wording of Action 4.1.1 was considered by staff in accordance with the process set out in the Climate Change Consideration Guide 2022. GHG emissions will not change if the revised wording is adopted.

13.2 Several of the actions within the Action Plan relate to climate adaptation (see Attachment 1).

14. Alignment with Policy and Strategic Plans / Te Hangai ki ngā aupapa Here me ngā Mahere Rautaki Tūraru

14.1 Both the Strategy and Action Plan have important links with other Council plans and strategies, including the:

· Tasman Resource Management Plan (e.g. management of: nitrate levels; sedimentation; stormwater runoff; biodiversity and biosecurity issues; land development etc);

· Reserve Management Plans for Moutere-Waimea Ward, Richmond Ward and Moturoa/Rabbit Island;

· Waimea River Park Management Plan;

· Tasman Climate Response Strategy and Action Plan; and

· Richmond Catchment Management Plan (this covers stormwater drainage from the urban area into the Waimea Inlet).

14.2 The goals, objectives, outcomes and actions from the Strategy and Action Plan can usefully inform these plans. Similarly, these plans can inform future reviews of the Strategy and Action Plan.

15. Conclusion / Kupu Whakatepe

15.1 Overall, significant progress has been made towards implementing the Action Plan during the 2023 calendar year.

15.2 We recommend that the Committee adopts the proposed revised wording of Action 4.1.1.

16. Next Steps and Timeline / Ngā Mahi Whai Ake

16.1 The Action Plan is intended to be a living document that may be amended over time, in response to new knowledge and changing circumstances.

16.2 One of the tasks of the Group is to report back to Council annually on progress with implementing the Action Plan. The next report will be presented early in 2025.

17. Attachments / Tuhinga tāpiri

1.⇩

2023 annual report on progress implementing Waimea Inlet Action Plan

Strategy and Policy Committee Agenda – 07 March 2024

7.4 Climate Change Update

Information Only - No Decision Required

Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	7 March 2024
Report Author:	Barbara Lewando, Senior Climate Change Advisor; Anna Gerraty, Senior Community & Reserves Policy Advisor; Cat Budai, Community Policy Advisor
Report Authorisers:	Dwayne Fletcher, Strategic Policy Manager; John Ridd, Group Manager - Service and Strategy
Report Number:	RSPC24-03-4

1. Summary / Te Tuhinga Whakarāpoto

1.1 This report provides brief updates on progress with the implementation of the Tasman Climate Response Strategy and Action Plan (2024-2034). It also provides climate change updates in brief at the regional, national and international levels.

2. Recommendation/s / Ngā Tūtohunga

That the Strategy and Policy Committee

1. receives the Climate Change Update report RSPC24-03-4.

3. Tasman Climate Response Strategy and Action Plan – progress update

3.1 An internal working group comprising 20 staff from across Council meets bi-monthly to ensure the Tasman Climate Response Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2034 progresses. Highlights from the last quarter (November 2023 to February 2024) are presented in this section.

3.2 Climate change and resilience have been embedded into Activity Management Plans (AMPs), the Consultation Document and supporting documents to the Long Term Plan. Budgets have been assigned to the draft Tasman Climate Response Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2034, which forms one of the supporting documents to the LTP. The LTP consultation round is scheduled to begin on 28 March.

3.3 A new ring main and condensate removal system has been completed at York Valley Landfill. The new system has reduced the energy required to draw gas from the landfill and has resulted in a small increase in the volume of gas being removed from the landfill.

3.4 We have provided free monthly composting workshops to the community and distributed recycling and waste minimisation information in collaboration with Nelson City Council.

3.5 The construction waste diversion trial has concluded, with staff now reviewing the cost effectiveness of this programme and next steps.

3.6 Several Streets for People projects were rolled out during the past quarter, with painted cycle-lanes now in place on Upper Queen Street and Champion Road, Richmond, and shared paths and cycle lanes installed on Aranui Road, Māpua. In addition, funding from the Transport Choices project was used to complete the shared path on William Street, Richmond, and will be covering additional wayfinding signage for public transport.

3.7 During February, staff members and the wider community were encouraged to join the Aotearoa Bike Challenge, bike to work, and participate in one of three Bikers Breakfast events hosted by Council. These activities align with the ‘travel fresh’ aspects of the ‘Take the Jump’ campaign, which is being rolled out in-house throughout 2024.

3.8 We have been developing ‘Resilient Tasman’, an online platform for resilience, adaptation, and mitigation workstreams. The platform will be piloted internally. It aims to facilitate communication, collaboration, and access to information about the Council’s climate response and strengthen internal networks.

3.9 As part of our work with Kotahitanga mo te Taiao, a spatial mapping exercise is underway to identify indigenous ecosystems and habitats at risk from the effects of climate change and opportunities for ecological restoration across the top of the South. Once complete this data will be added to the Nelson Tasman Risk Explorer tool.

3.10 Guidelines for elected members on incorporating climate change considerations into decision-making are being peer-reviewed and finalised.

3.11 We are collaborating with other councils to advocate for centrally funded, standardised greenhouse gas emissions models and to secure government funding for a decarbonisation tool.

3.12 Staff are chairing the Aotearoa Climate Adaptation Network’s (ACAN) group working on mapping existing adaptation metrics and indicators.

3.13 Tasman District Council is collaborating with FENZ, Civil Defence, Police, and St John on a Rural Resilience Expo planned for 21 April 2024 in Wakefield. The community event aims to inform, educate, and encourage self-sufficiency amongst the Wakefield community in the event of a disaster, with a concentration on main risks like earthquakes, flooding, wildfire, or other disaster-type events that could see the community cut off for a while.

4. Regional update

Nelson-Tasman Joint Waste Review Working Party

4.1 A Joint Waste Review Working Party for Nelson Tasman has been established. Working Party convenes to review the Joint Waste Assessment and make recommendations on the next steps to Councils. The work is led by Karen Lee (NCC) with the support of David Stevenson, Nadine Wakim, Mike Schruer, Cr McKenzie, Cr Maru, and Barbara Lewando.

Nelson-Tasman Regional Climate Change Risk Assessment project

4.2 As outlined in previous ‘Climate Change Update’ reports, we are working together with NCC and iwi partners to undertake a Regional Climate Change Risk Assessment (RCCRA) for both the Tasman and Nelson regions.

4.3 This work is being led by consultant Urban Intelligence. The project aims to evaluate and communicate climate change risks, as well as cascading risks and impacts^{^[1]}. The outcome is a 'living' platform called the ‘Risk Explorer’ that can be used by councils, iwi, businesses, organisations, and communities for climate adaptation planning, asset and spatial planning, and emergency planning.

4.4 The initial assessment is complete and feedback from domain and place-based workshops has been collected, focusing on identifying hazards and screening elements at risk for each domain. Tasman and Nelson staff are providing feedback on datasets and methodology. The consultant is preparing the regional climate change risk report. The work has now been extended until mid-May 2024.

Nelson City Council (NCC) update

4.5 A climate change strategy has been developed by the NCC Climate Change Advisory Working Group.

4.6 Concurrently, NCC’s Climate Action Plan is being updated.

Nelson Tasman Climate Forum update

4.7 Staff and Councillor representatives continue to attend monthly Leadership Group hui of the Nelson Tasman Climate Forum. In December, all four representatives attended a half-day strategy session to identify Forum priorities for 2024.

4.8 Forum members have begun initial planning for Climate Action Week 2024, which will be held from 24 May to 2 June.

4.9 In 2023, the Forum launched the Take the Jump campaign in Nelson/Tasman. Originating in the UK, Take the Jump is a global movement to tackle climate action. The Forum continues to offer free Take the Jump ambassador training, which several Council staff members have enrolled in. We launched this campaign internally late last year and plan to roll out a range of ‘Take the Jump’ events and initiatives for staff throughout 2024.

4.10 The Motueka Repair Café has now held two events, attended by community members keen to have their various items repaired, and will open monthly during 2024. Repair Cafes are about changing the way household items are viewed as throw-away when they get broken or stop working. By fixing these items we not only reduce waste but also build valuable skills as we learn how to fix them, making us all part of a circular economy that focuses on reuse rather than disposal.

5. National update

Briefing to incoming Ministers

5.1 In November 2023, MfE published a Briefing for Incoming Ministers – Environment, Climate Change and RMA reform and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) published a Briefing for Incoming Minister of Climate Change.

5.2 Ministry for the Environment will soon be releasing the new version of Coastal hazards and climate change: guidance for local government.

Resource management reform update

5.3 The Spatial Planning Act 2023 (SPA) and the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 (NBA) came into effect in August 2023. Legislation to repeal the two Acts were passed in parliament in December 2023. The SPA and most of the NBA’s provisions are not in use.

5.4 Almost all resource management activities and areas continue to be covered by the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).

5.5 The Ministry for the Environment (MfE) has prepared information on what the NBA repeal means for:

· fast-track consenting;

· freshwater consents;

· the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management;  

· requiring authorities; and  

· Treaty settlements and other arrangements with Māori.  

5.6 The repeal legislation retains the NBA fast-track consenting process. Any consent issued will be treated like a consent under the RMA.

Fast-track consenting

5.7 The Government is progressing changes to resource management laws as part of its 100 Day Action Plan, with the first steps taken to establish a new fast-track consenting one-stop shop regime. The NBA regime described above applies until this new legislation is passed.

5.8 The proposed new regime aims to “improve the speed and process for resource approvals for major infrastructure projects, unlocking opportunities in industries such as aquaculture and mining in our regions,” Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

5.9 Cabinet has agreed that the new fast-track consenting regime will consist of:

· a new fast-track process contained in a standalone Act, with its own purpose statement focused on economic development;

· a priority for regionally and nationally significant infrastructure and development projects;

· a process for projects to be referred by Ministers into the fast-track process if it meets appropriate criteria;

· a list of projects that will be first to have their consents approved and conditions set by an Expert Panel;

· a process where referred projects will go to an Expert Panel which will apply any necessary conditions to ensure adverse effects of the project to the environment are managed appropriately, and where the panel will have only a limited ability to decline a project once referred; and

· a “one-stop-shop” where other relevant permits are obtained in addition to resource consents.

5.10 Phase two of the new government’s RMA Reform agenda includes introducing this permanent one-stop-shop fast-track consenting regime, as well as progress on their Going for Housing Growth package, and other amendments to make it easier to get things done in New Zealand across aquaculture, farming, energy and other industries.

5.11 Assuming that provision is made for public input to development of this new legislation, staff will prioritise development of a written submission from Council on the Bill.

Updated coastal climate change guidance

5.12 On 29 February, the Ministry for the Environment published updated Coastal Hazards and Climate Change guidance.

5.13 This national guidance is a technical document designed for practitioners involved in land-use planning, resource management, building consenting, asset and flood risk management, and infrastructure planning.

5.14 Key updates include:

· Advances in sea-level rise science and updated global projections from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Sixth Assessment Report

· New relative sea-level rise projections and vertical land movement estimates from the NZ SeaRise Programme

· Advances in knowledge relating to the types of coastal hazards (such as sea-level rise, storms, flooding, or rising groundwater) and how they interact and exacerbate each other

· Updated guidance on carrying out risk assessments and adaptation pathway planning.

5.15 This guidance updates previous Coastal Hazards and Climate Change guidance released in 2017 and interim guidance on sea-level rise published in 2022.

5.16 Technical supplementary documents to support the guidance will be published in mid-2024.

5.17 Broader guidance on the practical steps to take as part of the adaptation process is expected to be published later in 2024. When this Adaptation Planning Guidance is released, a condensed technical version of the Coastal Hazards and Climate Change Guidance will sit alongside it as a companion document.

5.18 At the time of writing, staff are currently reviewing the new guidance to understand what implications it may have for our work programmes and resource and building consent processes. In particular, it is understood from MfE staff that the interim guidance on sea-level rise published in 2022 has been incorporated into the new 2024 guidance largely unchanged, which would suggest that there are no significant changes to our existing information on relative sea level rise and how we apply this in our decision-making processes.

Clean Car Discount Scheme repealed

5.19 The Government has passed legislation repealing the Clean Car Discount for all vehicles registered after 31 December 2023.

5.20 The Clean Car Discount started in 2021 to provide rebates and charges based on carbon emissions for new and used vehicle imports.

5.21 The National and ACT parties campaigned on repealing the programme, saying it was unfair on some groups like farmers who had no viable low-emission alternative to utes, and was therefore adding to their costs.

5.22 “Our coalition government is committed to increasing the uptake of electric vehicle ownership by supercharging EV charging infrastructure. We will deliver a comprehensive, nationwide network of 10,000 public EV chargers by 2030, while considering robust cost/benefit analysis,” Transport Minister Simeon Brown said.

5.23 The Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Repeal) Amendment Bill passed its third reading on 14 December 2023.

5.24 The repeal of the Clean Car Discount scheme applies to all vehicles registered from 11.59 pm on 31 December 2023 and rebate applications closed at the same time.

National electric vehicle charging strategy

5.25 On 6 October 2023, Te Manatū Waka Kotahi Ministry of Transport released ‘Charging our future: National electric vehicle charging strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand 2023–2035’.

5.26 The strategy outlines Government’s long-term strategic vision for a national electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure that can support a growing EV fleet, while helping New Zealand meet its climate commitments. Key targets are:

· there will be a journey charging hub every 150–200 km on main highways by 2028; and

· to support the installation of at least 600 EV charging stations in rural locations by 2028.

5.27 The strategy was informed by consultation on a draft EV charging strategy in May 2023.

5.28 The government's plan focuses on establishing a nationwide network of public EV charging infrastructure, with NZTA overseeing progress towards the targets set down in the strategy vision. The initiative involves expanding the current 1200 EV chargers to 10,000, mitigating "range anxiety" to promote EV adoption.

5.29 The comprehensive charging network is a key element of the Government's strategy to revitalise the economy for the benefit of all New Zealanders, and a map outline charging facilities for the South Island.

Government changes speed limit rules

5.30 Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced that the Government is amending speed limit rules made by the previous Government’s Land Transport Rule.

5.31 Changes made in December remove mandatory requirements for Road Controlling Authorities to implement speed management plans and remove deadlines for local Road Controlling Authorities to submit these plans by 29 March 2024.

5.32 “This will allow work to begin on a new Rule to ensure that when speed limits are set, economic impacts – including travel times – and the views of road users and local communities are taken into account, alongside safety,” Minister Brown said.

5.33 The new Rule will also implement variable speed limits on roads approaching schools during pick up and drop off times, rather than permanent reductions.

5.34 The Minister is writing to Road Controlling Authorities throughout the country to notify them of the changes and to advise them that work has begun on the new Rule. This will allow them to stop work on current speed management plans until the Rule is put in place.

5.35 The Joint Regional Transport Committee is Tasman and Nelson has just closed consultation on possible speed limit changes to recommend to the Joint Council Committee." It will consider any new requirements alongside the feedback from the community.

New forestry rules

5.36 Changes have been made to how commercial forestry is managed to give local councils more power to decide where new forests are located. The regulations are known as the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry (previously the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry) to reflect the inclusion of carbon forests. They came into force on 2 November 2023.

5.37 Forests planted for carbon sequestration will now be managed in the same way as plantation forests. All forests will now have clear rules about harvesting practices. Councils will be able to have plan rules, developed in consultation with their communities, controlling where new commercial forests are located.

5.38 Other changes include clear rules on harvesting practices and new requirements to remove large pieces of slash.

Climate Change Commission’s final advice for the second emissions reduction plan

5.39 On 12 December, the Minister of Climate Change released He Pou a Rangi the Climate Change Commission’s final advice to inform the Government’s plan to meet Aotearoa New Zealand’s greenhouse gas reduction goal for 2026-2030.

5.40 The Commission’s analysis shows the country has made progress, but it is not on track to meet its climate goals for the end of this decade.

5.41 The Commission’s advice makes 27 recommendations to the Government, focused on areas where there are critical gaps in action, or where efforts need to be strengthened or accelerated. This includes:

· building more renewable electricity and ensuring networks keep up with growing and variable demand;

· support moves to swap fossil fuels for renewable energy in heating and industry;

· retrofit buildings so they are healthier, more resilient, lower emissions and cheaper to run;

· avoid installing new fossil gas in buildings where there are affordable low emissions alternatives;

· encourage households and businesses to switch to electric vehicles;

· make it easier for more people to choose public or active transport;

· prepare for the rapid roll-out of low emissions technologies and practices on farms;

· directly resource iwi/Māori efforts to reduce climate pollution;

· sort out the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme and the role of forests;

· commit to how much climate pollution must be cut at its source; and

· manage the impacts of climate policy on people, businesses and communities using existing policy options while a broader strategy is developed.

5.42 The Commission’s advice is intended to inform the Government’s decisions about the policies it includes in its second emissions reduction plan.

5.43 The Government has until the end of 2024 to consider the advice, consult on policies to meet the country’s emissions budgets and release the emissions reduction plan for 2026‑2030.

5.44 From next year, the Commission will also independently assess and publicly report on how the country is tracking against emissions budgets as well as how well emissions reduction plans are being delivered.

Our atmosphere and climate 2023 report

5.45 On 11 October 2023, the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ released the latest, three-yearly update about the state of Aotearoa New Zealand’s atmosphere and climate. The report ‘Our atmosphere and climate 2023’ provides further evidence that emissions from human activities are putting pressure on our climate, which is adversely impacting the environment, communities, Māori interests, infrastructure, and the economy. Findings noted in the report include:

· eight of the 10 warmest years recorded in Aotearoa up to 2022 have been in the last decade;

· glaciers are in retreat and sea levels around parts of the country rose twice as fast in the last 60 years as they did in the previous 60 years;

· the frequency of extreme temperature events in Aotearoa has doubled due to human activities; and

· about 750,000 New Zealanders and 500,000 buildings worth more than $145 billion are near rivers and in coastal areas already exposed to extreme flooding.

5.46 A key theme of the report is the impact that climate change is having on biodiversity and ecosystems. This natural infrastructure acts as a buffer against the worst effects of climate change.

5.47 Alongside the report, the Ministry has also used the digital storytelling platform ArcGIS StoryMaps to look at the impacts our changing climate is having on the plants and animals that call Aotearoa home. The four stories include, photos, maps, videos, graphics and interactive features, to show how climate change is causing impacts on plants and animals in Aotearoa.

Research findings on emissions from household food purchases

5.48 A paper published in the Journal of Cleaner Production in December 2023: Quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions of New Zealand households’ food purchases: An analysis by demographic variables found that eating less meat and dairy has the potential to help New Zealand reach its climate goals.

5.49 Red and processed meat (35%) and dairy products (19%) were responsible for over half of dietary greenhouse gas emissions associated with New Zealand households’ food purchases in 2019, according to an analysis of data from almost 2,000 households and two million purchases.

5.50 The study used data on greenhouse gas emissions for various foods through the production cycle from farming, to processing, transport, and refrigeration, up until the point of purchase.

5.51 Households with older primary shoppers had higher per capita dietary emissions, while larger households had lower per capita dietary emissions.

5.52 The inverse relationship between household size and per capita dietary emissions could be attributed to increased energy efficiencies and reduced food waste associated with larger households, the study found.

Climate change reform and the impact on local government

5.53 Last October, LGNZ commissioned guidance to support councils to factor climate change into their long-term plans: Climate Change Reform and the Impact on Local Government A Guide for 2024 – 34 Long-Term Plans.

6. International update

United Nations Climate Summit National Statement for New Zealand

6.1 The United Nations climate conference known as the Conference of the Parties (COP), held in Dubai in November 2023 is significant in driving rapid action to meet the Paris Agreement goal. Last year marked the conclusion of the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement. New Zealand commitment to its Paris Agreement goals includes a focus on both adaptation and mitigation. Climate Change Minister Hon Simon Watts stated COP28 National Statement for New Zealand | Beehive.govt.nz that New Zealand will develop a national Climate Adaptation Framework, engaging various stakeholders, and collaborate with Pacific neighbours on addressing climate change impacts.

6.2 Throughout COP28, New Zealand endorsed several initiatives, including the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Targets Pledge, the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health, the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, the Mutual Recognition of Certification Schemes for Renewable and Low-Carbon Hydrogen and Derivatives Pledge, and the COP28 Gender-Responsive Just Transition and Climate Action Partnership Pledge.

New Zealand climate and biodiversity solution presented to the world at COP28

6.3 "Recloaking Papatūānuku” is a proposed nature-based solution to strategically restore and enhance 2.1 million hectares of diverse indigenous forest across Aotearoa New Zealand over the next decade. The proposed initiative, which seeks to address climate and biodiversity challenges, was presented at COP28 by Pure Advantage and WWF-New Zealand.

6.4 Political leaders, including Minister of Climate Change Simon Watts and predecessor James Shaw, expressed support for the initiative, emphasising the urgency of addressing environmental challenges. Former Green Party Co-Leader, James Shaw, highlighted that a large-scale indigenous forest initiative like Recloaking Papatūānuku could make a significant difference to the country's future National Determined Contributions (NDC) and reduce the need to purchase offshore carbon credits.

6.5 While Recloaking Papatūānuku has been designed specifically for New Zealand’s unique landscape and indigenous forests, it was discussed throughout the presentation how the framework for the initiative could be replicated in regions across the world.

6.6 More information about the Recloaking Papatūānuku proposal is available on the Pure Advantage website.

UK’s First Local Authority with Climate Action Just Transition Plan launched at COP28

6.7 Newham Council in the United Kingdom has become the first local authority to pioneer a Climate Action Just Transition Plan. The plan aims to tackle the disproportionate impacts of climate change on Newman’s residents, who bear costs for climate adaptation.

6.8 Timed to coincide with the with the UN’s COP28 Summit, the plan outlines a strategy to ensure that the transition to Net Zero benefits the community, promoting a fairer Newham with lower emissions and improved resilience to the climate emergency. Find out more about our Just Transition Plan: Executive Summary.

2023 officially warmest year on record, WMO says

6.9 The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has officially confirmed that 2023 was the warmest year on record, by a huge margin.

6.10 In 2023, the global temperatures reached 1.45 ± 0.12 °C above pre-industrial levels, bringing the world closer to the limits outlined in the Paris Agreement. The combination of El Niño and climate change intensified heat in the latter part of the year, with 2024 anticipated to be potentially even warmer. The record-breaking heat in 2023 had significant socioeconomic impacts.

Synergising Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction

6.11 The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction flagship initiative, Comprehensive Disaster and Climate Risk Management (CRM), in alignment with Target E of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Target E aims to increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies, emphasising the promotion of policy coherence with climate change. The CRM programme seeks to integrate risk-centred approaches into National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and climate/forecast information into national and subnational risk reduction strategies, aligning them better with the national adaptation goals. Watch the video here.

Word Population Data Sheet 2023 supports climate resilience

6.12 The 2023 World Population Data Sheet, released during a year marked by climate change related events, provides demographic insights such as age, gender, and socioeconomic status. This data can aid in identifying groups vulnerable to climate change impacts, allowing decision-makers at all governance levels to consider these characteristics when planning resilience-building strategies for their communities.

7. Attachments / Tuhinga tāpiri

Nil

Strategy and Policy Committee Agenda – 07 March 2024

9.6 Strategic Policy and Environmental Policy Activity Report

Information Only - No Decision Required

Report To:	Strategy and Policy Committee
Meeting Date:	7 March 2024
Report Author:	Alan Bywater, Team Leader - Community Policy; Barry Johnson, Environmental Policy Manager; Dwayne Fletcher, Strategic Policy Manager
Report Authorisers:	John Ridd, Group Manager - Service and Strategy
Report Number:	RSPC24-03-5

1. Summary / Te Tuhinga Whakarāpoto

1.1 This report provides the Committee with an update on some of the key highlights of the Service and Strategy Group’s Strategic Policy and Environmental Policy work.

2. Recommendation/s / Ngā Tūtohunga

That the Strategy and Policy Committee

1. receives the Strategic Policy and Environmental Policy Activity Report RSPC24-03-5.

3. Strategic Policy Update – Dwayne Fletcher and Alan Bywater

3.1 The following tables contain an update of the key projects and activities that the Strategic Policy Team either manages or is involved in.

Project		Description	Status		Comments
Corporate Planning
Urban Development Entity – Investigation Study		Funded by the Three Waters Better Off Funding, this is a joint project with Nelson City Council to consider the feasibility, economics and structure of a potential joint regional development entity (such as an Urban Development Agency) or fund to help address urban housing issues in Nelson Tasman.	Complete		Target date: 31 January 2024 The study has concluded that the best model for a joint urban development entity would be a combination of a regional planning committee and a property-trading Council Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO). However, further analysis indicated that such an entity was unlikely to be feasible. The consultants’ reports are on the agenda for the Joint Committee of Tasman District and Nelson City Councils on 12 March 2024.
Annual Report 2023/2024		Preparation of the Council’s Annual Report for the 2023/2024 year.	On track		Target date: 31 October 2024 Planning is underway, including meeting with Audit New Zealand to agree an audit plan.
Long-Term Plan 2024-2034		Preparation of the Long Term Plan 2024-2034.	On track		Target completion date: 30 June 2024 Following workshops with Councillors the recommended directions for the proposed LTP programme, budget, and key issues were approved on 13December 2023. The proposed LTP supporting information was considered by Councillors at a workshop on 1 February. Staff have prepared and submitted relevant AMPs, supporting and key workstreams such as Assumptions, Financial Strategy, Infrastructure Strategy, Growth Model and various policies and strategies and where required presented these to Audit NZ. Staff have also been working on the Consultation Document and this work in progress was submitted to Audit NZ and the designers. Audit NZ has five weeks to work through these documents from 5 February. Planning for the consultation process is underway including arranging dates to present to the community associations.
Emergency Fund Policy review		Review of the Council’s Emergency Fund Policy as part of the Long-Term Plan 2024-2034.	On hold		Target completion date: December 2023 Staff have prepared an update of this policy for consideration. However, given the current intention not to include pre-funding of reserves for emergency events in the LTP, this has been put on hold.
Reserves and community facilities
Review of Richmond and Lakes-Murchison Wards reserve management plans (RMP)		Project to review the two existing RMPs.	On track		Target completion date: Feb 2025 Initial feedback round closes 28 March 2024. See Shape Tasman page for project details: https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/rmp-reviews.
Classification of existing reserves in Richmond and Lakes-Murchison Wards		Project to classify existing reserves in two Wards (this step is required before Council can publicly notify draft RMPs).	Delayed		New target completion date: Mid 2024 Staff have finished collating information about all the parks and reserves in Richmond and Lakes-Murchison Wards. The Department of Conservation is working through this information to confirm which reserves are already classified and which still need to be. We are working with iwi to prepare proposals for classifying reserves. Maps have been created showing the location of all parks and reserves in both Wards. We will present a report to Council in the next few months outlining the proposed process for classifying reserves for these Wards.
Community Leasing and Licensing Policy		Development of a new internal policy to guide operational decision-making around entering into and reviewing leases of Council owned land	On track		Target completion date: 3^rd quarter 2024 We held a workshop with councillors on 16 August 2023 to get direction on this policy. Staff are currently in the process of drafting a policy for formal consideration in mid-2024 with formal consultation following the LTP.
Climate change and environmental
Tasman Climate Response Strategy and Action Plan (2023-2035)		The draft document is available on the Shape Tasman webpage.	On track		Target completion date: Ongoing Public feedback on the draft Strategy and Action Plan was workshopped with councillors on 13 December. A revised version of this document, including draft budget details, will form a supporting document to the LTP, meaning the public can make a formal submission during March-April 2024. Quarterly Progress Report: Staff provide regular updates on progress implementing the Strategy and Action Plan in the ‘Climate Change Update’ reports to alternate Strategy and Policy Committee meetings (see separate agenda item).
Organisational greenhouse gas inventory		Annual monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions from Council operations.	On track		Target completion date: April 2024 Staff are responding to feedback from external auditors and revising the 2022/2023 inventory calculations and draft report. We anticipate presenting the verified report to the Committee in April or May.
Community greenhouse gas inventory		Bi-annual monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions for the Tasman District	Delayed		New target completion date: April 2024 Inventories for the 2018-2020 period have been prepared and audited and will be presented to the Committee at a future meeting. Staff are also starting to plan for the inventories for subsequent years.
Nelson-Tasman Climate Change Risk Assessment (NTCCRA) project		Regional assessment to identify the likelihood of future climate hazards and their potential impacts for our communities. This is fundamental for informing the prioritisation of climate action and will provide the foundation for regional climate change adaptation planning and resilience building.	Delayed		New target completion date: First quarter 2024 Staff from Tasman District Council and Nelson City Council are collaborating on the project developing a regional a regional climate change risk assessment and a geospatial supporting tool. The first pass assessment has been completed. Domain and place-based workshops took place September / November 2023. The final assessment is underway, with ongoing progress in developing data and methodology. The risk explorer system is being developed as the project progresses, and more user issues with the developing system have been identified by staff at Nelson and Tasman than was anticipated. This will delay the completion of this work but will not add additional cost to the project.
Bylaws
Public Places Bylaw		Currently no bylaw in force. Review needed for bylaw to regulate activities, such as hawking, busking, and food vendors in public places. If needed, make new bylaw.	On track		Target completion date: Fourth quarter 2024 Staff supporting the Regulatory Services team. The issues were discussed at a workshop on 10 October 2023. Early engagement has been analysed and staff are in the process of drafting bylaws. The proposed content will be workshopped with Councillors on 21 May 2024.
Dog Control Bylaw		Cyclic review of Dog Control Bylaw	On track		Target completion date: Fourth quarter 2024 Staff supporting the Regulatory Services team. The issues were discussed at a workshop on 10 October 2023. Early engagement has been analysed and staff are in the process of drafting bylaws. The proposed content will be workshopped with Councillors on 21 May 2024.
Cat Bylaw		Currently no bylaw in place. If Council supports, make a new bylaw.	On track		Target completion date: Fourth quarter 2024 Staff supporting the Biosecurity team. The issues were discussed at a workshop on 10 October 2023. Early engagement has been analysed and staff are in the process of drafting bylaws. The proposed content will be workshopped with Councillors on 21 May 2024.
Water Bylaw		Review to align with Government legislation and improve current protection levels.	On track		Target completion date: Fourth quarter 2024 Staff supporting the Community Infrastructure team. Amendments to the bylaw are relatively minor and unlikely to require public consultation. The amended water bylaw will be drafted for presentation to a future Council meeting in 2024.
Introductory Bylaw		Bylaw that has provisions common to all bylaws such as issuing licences or permits, and notice requirements.	On track		Target completion date: Fourth quarter 2024 The issues were discussed at a workshop on 10 October 2023. Minor amendments to the bylaw are to be made.
Infrastructure Planning and Policy
General
Kāinga Ora Housing and Communities Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF)	New 3-Waters and roading infrastructure which will support the first phase of the housing development by Wakatū Incorporation in Motueka West is well underway. Water and wastewater mains are largely complete. The stormwater project and the roundabout at Manoy Street/Whakarewa Street intersection are in the final design and procurement phase.			On track	Target Completion Date: July 2024 The installation of water is complete and wastewater infrastructure is on track. The roundabout design is included in the Motueka Transport Choices project. A preferred contractor has been awarded for the stormwater project. Wakatū has submitted a resource consent application and further information has been requested. The plan change process is also progressing in parallel and submissions have been received.
LTP support work	Overseeing AMP development for LTP and directly providing planning support for 3 waters, solid waste, transport, rivers and coastal infrastructure			On track	The infrastructure planning team has been heavily involved in LTP preparation, including the application of the newly-developed prioritisation and risk framework to capex and opex activities/GLs, in collaboration with asset managers; drafting of AMPs; and project growth driver analysis to support the Development Contributions Policy update. Next steps for the next 3-4 weeks will include finalising AMP drafts in preparation for consultation (by end-March), and review and update of the Infrastructure Strategy following feedback from Audit.
Transport
Joint Speed Management Plan	Undertake a review of speeds across Nelson and Tasman, culminating in a Joint Speed Management Plan to submit to Waka Kotahi. The new speed limits can be introduced over time once approved.			On track	Target completion date: June 2024 After the Joint Nelson Tasman Regional Transport Committee in October, it was decided that consultation will occur from 13 November for at least five weeks. The closing date for submissions was extended to 29 February 2024. Drop in sessions have been held at Libraries, and at A & P shows. At the time of writing this report, over 1,900 submissions have been received. Next stages are hearings on 28 & 29 April, workshop with RTC on 13 May, and with Joint Council on 20 May, deliberations by RTC 19 June, and by the Joint Committee of Council 9 July
Regional Land Transport Plan and Regional Public Transport Plan (RLTP & RPTP)	Review of Joint Regional Land Transport and Public Plans together with Nelson City Council.			On track	Target completion date: June 2024 Consultation closed 22 February. 85 submissions have been received. A hearing will be held 20 March, with deliberations (RTC) 17 April. The final form of the RLTP will be influenced by the yet to be released Government Policy Statement on Land Tranport (GPS).
Discount rates for Motueka to Takaka Bus	A trial subsidy for Tasman/Nelson residents on GB Coachlines			On track	Target completion date: 30 June 2024 Initial trial was a success. The trial has been amended to 20 subsidised rides a month for local residents until 30 June 2024. Work is underway to see if Waka Kotahi funding is available in 2024/2025 year.
Planning input	Providing transport advice to various planning processes			Ongoing	Ongoing Currently involved with Richmond Intensification, Mapua Masterplan, Motueka West Plan Change, and Plan Change 79
Stormwater & Rivers
Richmond South Stormwater Programme	Development of a stormwater management programme for existing and future development areas in Richmond South, including cross-section designs for planned drain upgrades. Stormwater Management Plan will feed into a future structure plan for the area.			On track	Target completion date: Ongoing programme of work Initial phase of a robust business case is underway, to inform the Options Report which will be brought to Strategy & Policy Committee in May 2024 (planned). Adoption of the Options Report will enable exercise of PWA authority for compulsory acquisition if needed in the future. Several property purchases are in progress.
Māpua, Ruby Bay, and Coastal Tasman Catchment Management Plan Now the Māpua Master Plan	A stormwater model for Māpua, Ruby Bay, and Coastal Tasman to identify locations that are at risk of stormwater flooding in 1% and 10% AEP events was prepared in 2022, with the intention of completing the Catchment Management plan as required under Tasman District Council’s stormwater discharge consent. The CMP has now been incorporated into the Māpua Master Plan process, which was approved/adopted by Council in February 2023.			On track	Target completion date: June 2024 for Draft Masterplan Staff are processing feedback from the first round of engagement, with a Council workshop planned for the end of November. Consultation for the second round of engagement will proceed in February 2024.
Brightwater and Wakefield Catchment Management Plan	Development of a stormwater catchment management plan for the Brightwater and Wakefield Urban Drainage Areas, as required by Tasman District Council’s stormwater discharge consent.			Delayed	Target completion date: Q2 2024 (revised from Q1) Updates to the existing Brightwater-Wakefield stormwater model are underway to establish baseline conditions. Next steps will be to identify stormwater issues and solutions, and to consult with iwi and the community. Initial presentations to both Community Associations took place in June 2023. Follow-up progress presentations to both community associations took place in Nov/Dec 2023. The Draft CMP is now being prepared.
Richmond stormwater monitoring programme	Under the conditions of consent, the Council is required to develop a stormwater monitoring plan for Richmond. Future planning for other UDAs is also underway, with Motueka next in line.			On track	Target completion date: Ongoing Staff have initiated the monitoring programme in April 2023, starting with biological and water quality monitoring at three locations along Jimmy Lee Creek. Monitoring is intended to expand to Motueka in the 2023/2024 financial year, following completion of the Motueka CMP in 2022.
Richmond Central Stormwater Business Case	Business case to assess the management of stormwater in the Richmond CBD catchment			On track	Target completion date: Q4 2023 (for second stage) Q2 2024 (for final stage). The first stage of technical work has been completed, which included the re-assessment of the proposed options to gauge effectiveness in removing flood risk. The second stage is currently ongoing, which will involve assessment of potential new options to create a more robust business case. The final stage will involve costing and compilation of the business case for review by Council.
District-wide Stormwater Flood Modelling	Stormwater modelling covering the entire District at a high level to inform future Catchment Management Plans (CMP) for smaller Urban Drainage Area, and to assist with rural stormwater management.			Delayed	Target completion date: Q3 2023 (To be reassessed) Project priority is being reassessed to adjust to Annual Plan 2023/24 budgets and overall strategic policy team resources. Current expectation is that the model extent will be limited to Golden Bay to permit those CMPs to be completed.
River Management Plan(s)	Development of the Council’s first River Management Plan, as required under the Rivers Activity Management Plan, to help us meet strategic long-term goals for multiple issues and values on Council’s X and Y rated rivers.			On track	Target completion date: Q4 2024 Staff are working to scope an appropriate brief for this work, considering infrastructure needs and coordination with iwi. Work is commencing with an internal review of current best practice policies and consent compliance measures (see item below).
Review of River consent Environmental Management Plan and Best Practices Guide	The Rivers team is initiating a review of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that governs our various river works, as required by the consent. We are using this opportunity to overhaul and update the EMP to incorporate the NPS-FW and Te Mana o te Wai more explicitly. The project will also include an overhaul and update of our Best Practices Guide which provides direction on how we do our work.			On track	Target completion date: Q2 2024 Work is underway with expected completion as per target completion date.
Water and Wastewater
Wastewater modelling	Modelling of Waimea Wastewater network Network monitoring, data analysis and model outputs will inform the timing of specific capital works projects that are planned as part of the Waimea Wastewater Network Strategy			On track	Target completion date: Q3 2024 Staff have engaged consultants to undertake a four-staged modelling project for the Waimea wastewater trunk main. Consultants have recommended the collection of additional flow data before building and calibrating the model. The planned installation of flow monitoring devices is underway. The target completion date has been previously extended due to a lack of storm events and associated flows to help staff test any model against.
Te Tai o Aorere Regional Wastewater Philosophy	An initiative between Council, NRSBU and potentially NCC to develop a blueprint of iwi and community aspirations for future wastewater networks. The plan will identify values, objectives, and outcomes.			On track	Target completion date: July 2024 Early engagement with iwi commenced in July and a pōwhiri and hui were held at Te Awhina Marae. A small working group of four members (two iwi, one Council and one NRSBU) are drafting the philosophy and ensuring progress is supported at regular full hui. This work will be completed in draft by end of October/December 2023. A Council workshop is planned for 26 March 2024 to review this work and its relation to the planned Motueka Wastewater Treatment Plan relocation project. Iwi have indicated that this project is a key priority for them.
Motueka Wastewater Treatment Plant Relocation	Restarting the Motueka Wastewater Working Group to start the extensive collaborative process of relocating the Motueka WWTP prior to the current consent expiry in 2035.			NEW	Target Completion Date: Q4 2024 to re-establish Working Group and Council approval of governance structure and role The Working Group was paused in 2022 to allow the Regional Wastewater Philosophy discussion to proceed. With that work resolving, staff are now in the process of reinitiating the Working Group and restarting important discussions on the future of wastewater treatment for Motueka.
Waste Management and Minimisation
Waste assessment	Conduct a waste assessment, prior to a review of the Joint Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (Waste Plan), as required under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.			Complete	Target completion date: December 2023 Staff from Council, Nelson City Council (NCC) and the Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Business Unit have completed the waste assessment with support from consultants Morrison Low.
Joint Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (Waste Plan)	Review the Joint Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (Waste Plan), as required under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.			On track	Target completion date: July 2025 A new project timeline has been agreed to with NCC, first working group meeting in February 2024, with a view to public consultation beginning November 2024 and final plan adopted July 2025.

4. Environmental Policy Update – Barry Johnson

4.1 In October 2023 the Strategy & Policy Committee resolved to pause the whole of plan review and development of its replacement of the Tasman Environment Plan to focus in the short term on 5-key Environmental Policy workstreams. The aim of the reset is to maintain progress on key topics while we await pending and potential changes to New Zealand’s environmental legislation.

4.2 The short-term focus environmental workstreams are:

- Urban growth - implementing the Nelson Tasman Future Development Strategy (FDS);

- Natural Hazards – responding to hazards and climate change;

- Freshwater – implementing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. See From the Mountains to the Sea;

- Outstand Natural Landscapes and Features – progressing a plan change to address a longstanding obligation; and

- Coastal – Port Tarakohe, marine ecological research, and implementing the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement within the above workstreams.

4.3 Alongside these workstreams there are a number of other areas of work that are also covered off in the sections below.

Urban Growth

4.4 Work is progressing well on the initial stages of developing a plan change to implement FDS sites to provide additional land for housing and businesses. The plan change will also include provisions to enable and encourage redevelopment and higher densities in some of the District’s existing urban areas.

4.5 There is a Council workshop scheduled for early April to discuss and get direction from Council on the scope of the plan change.

4.6 A hearing for Plan Change 76 (Wakefield) is likely to be in June due to expert witness availability. Staff have met with landowners and interested groups to settle on a way forward that has enabled the plan change to proceed to a hearing.

4.7 Plan Change 80 Motueka West was notified in December with the submission period running through until early February. Four submissions were received and a summary of those submissions is being prepared. The plan change will be open for further submissions in March. Following the round of further submissions, staff will assess whether any further analysis is required ahead of scheduling a hearing, if one is required.

Richmond Spatial and Intensification Plan (RSIP)

4.8 The RSIP project, rebranded as “Richmond on the Rise” or (ROTR) is nearing completion. The final round of engagement on this project occurred mid-September to October 2023. Responses from the public were low, but very positive and supportive of the direction.

4.9 Following public engagement there have been several discussions with key landowners who have a particular interest, and this has informed a final draft of the plan.

4.10 The plan and supporting documents were workshopped with Councillors in November and a final version of the plan will be presented to the Strategy & Policy Committee next month for adoption.

Hazards

4.11 Early scoping work is progressing well and a workshop is planned for April to get direction from Council on the scope of the project.

Coastal Policy update

4.12 The coastal planning team are developing a Structure Plan for Port Tarakohe. There is no current strategic plan covering Port Tarakohe and its surrounds so this project will provide a strategic framework to help guide the growth and development of the port. The project so far has identified a number of issues with the current planning provisions for Port Tarakohe. There is a need to amend the zoning for the port and adjoining land to align with its anticipated future use and the New Zealand Policy Statement (NZCPS). Additionally, consultation to date identified a number of significant issues (and opportunities), and this project provides an opportunity to address the issues.

4.13 An Issues and Options report has been prepared that incorporates and updates previous planning work, iwi and community feedback. The report has been released for public feedback until 1 March. Consultation has included a public open day in Golden Bay. The report outlines eight key issues and, a set of possible responses to issues such as planning, legislation, and development.

4.14 Once the engagement is completed the feedback will be collated and a draft structure plan will be prepared for Council's consideration.

Te Waikoropupū Water Conservation Order

4.15 Te Puna Waiora o Te Waikoropupū Springs and Wharepapa Arthur Marble Aquifer Water Conservation Order 2023 (WCO) came into effect on 19 October. This represents the culmination of significant effort by a large number of people since the application was originally lodged with the Minister for the Environment in 2012.

4.16 The WCO, alongside the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) will be implemented through changes to the Tasman Resource Management Plan. The RMA deadline of December 2024 to notify a change to give effect to the NPS-FM has been changed to 2027 by a recent change to the RMA. However, the WCO includes a requirement for Council to use best endeavors to achieve the 2024 timeframe.

4.17 Notification of a plan change will start to implement the legal framework the WCO requires to manage the Springs and the associated aquifer. In parallel, the Council is progressing an Action Plan in conjunction with farmers and Manawhenua ki Mohua that will identify actions by the Council and land and water users in the Springs recharge area to manage nitrate.

4.18 Discussions are underway with manawhenua to start the conversation around how the Council and manawhenua can work together to implement the WCO. Initial discussions are likely to focus on an independent review of the Council’s monitoring programme for the springs and associated aquifer.

Deferred Zones

4.19 Progress has slowed somewhat due to staff capacity being prioritised to the Long Term Plan. Consultation with landowners and affected neighbours on draft proposals is underway with notification of a proposed plan change anticipated mid 2024.

4.20 The following table gives a brief update on the major environmental policy work streams.

Project	Description	Status	Comments
RM Reform Scoping	Scoping the readiness and requirements to transition to the new system that will replace the RMA	COMPLETED	Joint with ngā iwi and Nelson City Council with Government funding. Now complete. Report released late 2023.
Whole of Plan review	Review of the Tasman Regional Policy Statement and Tasman Resource Management Plan	On hold	Paused until there is more clarity on the new government’s intentions. Work programme reset to focus on key priorities.
E-Plan	Procurement and implementation of an electronic plan to replace paper-based planning documents	In progress	Procurement nearly complete. Project is planned to be completed by July.
Future Development Strategy Implementation	A programme of work to implement the Nelson Tasman Future Development Strategy	In Progress FDS & IMPLEMENTA TION PLAN COMPLETED	FDS implementation plan considered for adoption by Joint Nelson Tasman Committee on 14 November. The Housing and Business Assessment is now complete. Implementation is through Growth Plan Changes.
Growth – Richmond Central	Development of a spatial & intensification plan for the existing Richmond urban area.	On track	Preparation of spatial plan nearly complete. Adoption by Council early 2024.
Growth – Richmond South	Development of a potential structure plan for Richmond South FDS growth area and consideration of possible re-zoning for growth	On-hold	Two rounds of community engagement completed; further progress paused until after the Richmond SIP is completed.
Growth plan changes	Plan changes to enable higher density housing on residential zoned land and some re-zoning of rural land to residential in Murchison, Wakefield, Brightwater and Motueka.	On track Murchison & Brightwater	Murchison and Brightwater operative. Māpua is on hold pending Mapua Master Plan project outcomes. Wakefield hearing 2024. Motueka notified, open for submissions.
Freshwater – NPS-FM implementation Including Takaka & Waimea	Project to implement the NPS-FM	In progress	Staff are working with iwi, Nelson, and Marlborough councils to implement new NPS requirements.
Coastal Hazards	Project to identify and manage coastal hazards in Tasman.	In progress	TEP November 2022 engagement included targeted questions for some coastal communities on high level resilience options. The anticipated Climate Adaptation Act will have significant bearing on this work programme.

5. Attachments / Tuhinga tāpiri

Nil

[1] Cascading impacts from extreme weather/climate events occur when an extreme hazard generates a sequence of secondary events in natural and human systems that result in physical, natural, social or economic disruption, whereby the resulting impact is significantly larger than the initial impact (IPCC).

Chairperson	Cr K Maling
Deputy Chairperson	Cr C Butler
Members	Mayor T King	Cr C Hill
	Deputy Mayor S Bryant	Cr M Kininmonth
	Cr G Daikee	Cr C Mackenzie
	Cr B Dowler	Cr B Maru
	Cr J Ellis	Cr D Shallcrass
	Cr M Greening	Cr T Walker