Whakatāne District Council Submissions and Feedback - Annual Plan 2020/21 As Circulated for Council Deliberations on 18 June 2020

Whakatāne District Council Submissions and feedback - Annual Plan 2020/21 As circulated for Council deliberations on 18 June 2020

Pg. Ref Submitter Name 4 Crete@Ohope 5 Anton 6 Mem Jenner 7 Phillipa 8 EBOPCC 9 Jordan Mandery 10 Spakey 11 Bronwen Foxx 12 Patsy 13 X 14 Sandrose9 15 Coops 16 Bmacca 17 Emmeline Taylor 18 Shirley Baker, Water Safety Bay of Plenty 28 Corina Niven, Galatea Reserve and Management Committee 29 Forest & Bird, Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch 30 Graeme Weston 46 John and HJ Blair 48 Ian McDonald, Matatā Residents Association 60 Brent Sheldrake, Sport New Zealand 65 Cindy Lee 70 Rebecca Mackay, Erin Green and Richard Hamer 74 Te Waiti Rangiwai, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare 77 Carolyn Hamill, Bike Trust Whakatāne 79 Toi Economic Development Agency 87 Mem Jenner, Murupara Community Board 90 Mem Jenner – Community Action Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) 92 TeAroha Taki Pg. Ref Submitter Name 94 Moira Hanna – Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board 95 Lucy Devaney – Eastern Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce 100 Graham Chambers 102 Heidi Litchwark – Sport Bay of Plenty 106 Lani Thompson 107 Kiri Carter, Awakeri Events Centre Committee 118 Kiri Carter, Awakeri School Community 124 Gina Seay 125 Ses Webster 126 Nigel Billings, Federated Farmers of New Zealand 131 Gordon J Dickson 132 Sue Shaw 133 Patuheuheu and Ngati Haka hapu, Waiohau Marae 134 Garry Pellett 137 Rex Humpherson, Whakatane MTB Club 138 Tony Goodman 140 Maramena Vercoe, Te Runanga o Ngati Manawa 143 Bonnie Savage & Abraham Aruguipa 144 Shona Pedersen 145 [Anonymous] 147 Potatau Puutu 149 Diane Yalden, Tāneatua Waimana Community Board 151 Sullivan Lake Care Group 156 Feedback from Imaginations Stations 157 Feedback received through social media

Project Report 22 May 2020 - 14 June 2020 Kōrero Mai - Let's Talk Annual Plan - Te Mahere ā-Tau 2020/21

Visitors Summary Highlights

TOTAL MAX VISITORS PER VISITS DAY 300 716 92 NEW 200 REGISTRATI ONS 33 100

ENGAGED INFORMED AWARE VISITORS VISITORS VISITORS 1 Jun '20 21 219 541 Pageviews Visitors

Aware Participants 541 Engaged Participants 21

Aware Actions Performed Participants Engaged Actions Performed Registered Unverified Anonymous Visited a Project or Tool Page 541

Informed Participants 219 Contributed on Forums 0 0 0

Participated in Surveys 21 0 0 Informed Actions Performed Participants Contributed to Newsfeeds 0 0 0 Viewed a video 0 Participated in Quick Polls 0 0 0 Viewed a photo 0 Posted on Guestbooks 0 0 0 Downloaded a document 195 Contributed to Stories 0 0 0 Visited the Key Dates page 0

Asked Questions 0 0 0 Visited an FAQ list Page 0

Visited Instagram Page 0 Placed Pins on Places 0 0 0

Visited Multiple Project Pages 189 Contributed to Ideas 0 0 0

Contributed to a tool (engaged) 21 1 Kōrero Mai - Let's Talk : Summary Report for 22 May 2020 to 14 June 2020

INFORMATION WIDGET SUMMARY

6 0 0 0 0

DOCUMENTS PHOTOS VIDEOS FAQS KEY DATES

Widget Type Engagement Tool Name Visitors Views/Downloads

Document Annual Plan Consultation Document 177 236

Document Proposed Budget Reductions 29 29

Document Rates Modelling 22 23

Document Background Rating Information 19 23

Document Proposed Revenue and Financing Policy 17 17

Document Appendix 2 - Capital Expenditure Table 5 9

Page 3 of 4 2 Kōrero Mai - Let's Talk : Summary Report for 22 May 2020 to 14 June 2020

ENGAGEMENT TOOL: SURVEY TOOL

Kōrero Mai - Let's Talk

Visitors 46 Contributors 21 CONTRIBUTIONS 21

Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on beh...

Question options We need to support local This isn't as important as other things people and businesses 1 12 5 Council should be focusing on (give through the immediate examples below) impacts of Covid-19 1 12 5 Council has got balance about right

We need a strong This should be even more of a focus and emphasis on economic 4 12 4 Council should be doing more (give support and job creation examples below)

4 12 4

We need to focus on our future challenges 1 7 11

1 7 11

We need to relieve financial pressure and 1 8 9 reduce the rating impact

1 8 9 5 10 15 20 25

Optional question (20 response(s), 1 skipped)

Question type: Likert Question

Page 4 of 4 3 Respondent No: 8 Login: Crete@Ohope Email: [email protected]

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: Council has got balance about right We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: Council has got balance about right We need to focus on our future challenges: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below) We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below)

Q2. Please tell us why you provided that answer. It's really helpful if we can understand what you were thinking when you responded. Especially if you think we should be doing more or less of something. Keep in mind if we do more, we will need to reprioritise other things, or increase costs.

I have commented in the comment box below. Lack of direct benefit for Maori constituents. Rate smoothing model is unfair. Abolish penalties on rates defaulting

Q3. Is there something that is missing from our priorities? Given the big changes our District is experiencing at the moment, we have got a big workplan ahead of us. If you think there's something missing please let us know. But also don't forget to let us know your priorities for the District through "Future in Focus".

Kia ora, While I understand this annual plan is going to be different to any other, I have 3 concerns with it. 1. Given the Whakatane district is approx 45% Maori, I don't see anything substantial in this plan that addresses Maori issues or would directly benefit the Maori constituency. 2. The rate smoothing model that council has adopted has given a select few land and building owners negative rates while the rest of the district have had an increase, some substantial. 3. I would like to see the penalty payment on rates defaulting abolished. It is ridiculous and prays on most of those who can't afford rates anyway. In my view the penalties also gives a false account of credit and debt on you books.

4 Respondent No: 9 Login: Anton Email: [email protected]

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: Council has got balance about

right

We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: Council has got balance about right

We need to focus on our future challenges: Council has got balance about right

We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: Council has got balance about right Q2. Please tell us why you provided that answer. It's really helpful if we can understand what you were thinking when you responded. Especially if you think we should be doing more or less of something. Keep in mind if we do more, we will need to reprioritise other things, or increase costs.

not answered

5 Respondent No: 10 Login: Mem Jenner Email: [email protected]

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: Council has got balance about right

We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: Council has got balance about right

We need to focus on our future challenges: Council has got balance about right

We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be

doing more (give examples below)

not answered

6 Respondent No: 11 Login: Philippa Email: [email protected] om

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: Council has got balance

about right

We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: Council has got balance about right

We need to focus on our future challenges: Council has got balance about right

not answered

I'd love to see a change to make the roads more bicycle friendly. I'd also like to see a freshen up of kope, it is looking really run down.

7 Respondent No: 12 Login: EBOPCC Email: [email protected] m

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below) We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: This isn't as important as other things Council should be focusing on (give examples below) We need to focus on our future challenges: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below) We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: Council has got balance about right

Sport within our district need more support. Our local cricket facility is in a poor state with no maintenance for many years meaning it is a health and safety issue. Sports grounds are heavily used and there is a need for multi sports surfaces so we can all use them during our season. Cricket does require your support as our numbers grow but the amount of days in the summer to use them are taken by other sports. Which could use other venues or fields.

Sport Clubs have declined in recent years and some sports have priority over others. Cricket had 4 cricket wickets. 2 artificial pitches (Ohope and Rex Morpeth, 2 Clay wickets both at Ref Morpeth. Cricket can't really use these facilities due to them not being maintained. Sports clubs need the council to maintain and keep these facilities so the cricket club and sports team can use them to gain numbers for participation. You can't grow without these type if facilities. Having budget for these facilities at Rex Morpeth is required.

8 Respondent No: 13 Login: Jordan Mandery Email: [email protected] vt.nz

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: Council has got balance about right We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: Council has got balance about right We need to focus on our future challenges: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below) We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: This isn't as important as other things Council should be focusing on (give examples below)

More thought needs to be put in to the future of whakatane, we need more tourism, the marina is a good start, but that targets only the very wealthy. There needs to be another step down from that, something more accessible for middle and low income earners. Mountain biking, look to Rotoura and their model, it has under gone massive change, from being focused mainly around geothermal to being a biking meca of the world, look at all the spin off business that generates for the hospitality industry alone. While our hills along valley road might not have the same height difference as over in Rotoura, I think a big biking park along valley road would go along way to attracting more business to our town year round, and I has to be big, else no one will come. It could even link up and go around to Ohope, all over the point.

not answered

9 Respondent No: 14 Login: Spakey Email: [email protected]

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: Council has got balance about right We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: Council has got balance about right We need to focus on our future challenges: This isn't as important as other things Council should be focusing on (give examples below) We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below)

I reference, in particular the huge investment in the Waterfront development and the upriver Boat Harbour. I have been unable to uncover any realistic investigations with relevant data to support the viability of these projects. Looking inward it appears to be more of an accommodation to appease Maori interest's in their Tourism and Cultural priorities. Whakatane has been a working Port for over a hundred years and as such has been the magnet to attract people to the waterfront. To consider shifting the commercial aspect of the Port to a remote area upstream without rigorous investigation is a pipe dream. The costs of maintaining access to this facility will create a financial struggle as Dredging and maintenance costs will outstrip harbour income and royalties which will burden our future ratepayers into bankruptcy. The dynamics of the river system and the likely frequency of more violent future flood episodes in line with global warming will render the commercial continuance of the Port to a standstill at these times. The associated loss of income will be catastrophic. Furthermore the jewel in our Tourism Crown was lost during the tragedy of December 9 2019. I believe Council should be limiting any investment in these 2 projects until a clearer picture emerges of where our economic recovery will come from. While these projects have been sold to the Regional Development Minister and who has approved some funding I believe it would be irresponsible to proceed without due consideration given to how the playing field has been reshaped.

not answered

10 Respondent No: 15 Login: Bronwen Foxx Email: [email protected]

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: Council has got balance about right

We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: Council has got balance about right

We need to focus on our future challenges: Council has got balance about right

We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: Council has got balance about right

I believe that the Council is being visionary in its approach to the significant events, facing the District. The Disabilities Resource Centre applauds the approach Council is making and wants to be a supportive partner in the economic recovery of the district. We believe that there is great opportunities for partnerships and projects that will make the district really accessible to older people and people with disabilities.

Just lets make sure that older people and people with disabilities are really factored into projects, make things really accessible, not just public facilities, but the way we consult, talk, and interact.

11 Respondent No: 16 Login: Patsy Email: [email protected] z

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: Council has got balance about right

We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: Council has got balance about right

We need to focus on our future challenges: Council has got balance about right

We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: Council has got balance about right

As part of our districts recovery, I feel that job creation and retention is of the utmost importance and if successfully implemented, will have a positive spin off into all the other areas. It's great to see a strong emphasis on this in the district plan.

I believe the mental well being of our communities is crucial and our time in lock down seemed to highlight this more than ever. I have lived with my family and run a business in rural Awakaponga for 13 years. I employ local people and am an active member within the community serving on our local hall board for several years. We are an active board of 9 members and over time have successfully fundraised to keep our hall asset maintained and improved. We are a growing community with new housing going up steadily and a renewed interest in community activities and hall usage. It has created a strong sense of belonging to many who live here and in surrounding towns such as Matata. This is especially evident in our yoga group which meet 3 times a week at the hall, the seasonal markets and social nights we hold. It is a place our farmers can meet and interact as well as others in our community without having to drive to town which can often be a barrier. Our hall is also a fabulous venue to hire and one of only a few in the Whakatane district area that can accommodate up to 120 people. I feel strongly that our rural communities and meeting spaces such as halls should be supported by council to continue and a focus placed on utilizing them. Support from council in the form of accessible funding will help us keep improving our facility and keep it well maintained. I would also encourage council to view our hall as a wider community asset and consider it for consultation meetings, functions and the like, Kind regards, Patsy Green

12 Respondent No: 17 Login: x Email: [email protected]. nz

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

not answered

We need local mountain bike trails. Somewhere the teenage kids can take themselves to without the need for car/adult transport (like Onepu or Redwoods requires). This will give the youth something to do, keep fit, connect with others, and will also bring visitors from outside town.

13 Respondent No: 18 Login: sandrose9 Email: [email protected]

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: Council has got balance about right

We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: Council has got balance about right

We need to focus on our future challenges: Council has got balance about right

We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below) Q2. Please tell us why you provided that answer. It's really helpful if we can understand what you were thinking when you responded. Especially if you think we should be doing more or less of something. Keep in mind if we do more, we will need to reprioritise other things, or increase costs.

I receive a rating rebate of which I am most thankful for however last year my daughter had to email in Dec to have the rebate deducted from my account From July to Dec the amount paid fortnightly crippled me financially ...It was over $40s more than what i should have paid Is it possible to have the rebates calculated any earlier than NOVEMBER?...Please

not answered

14 Respondent No: 19 Login: Coops Email: [email protected]

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below)

You shouldn't include "people AND businesses" in your statements. I can't answer the first question "a)" because it's not clear what your asking (or you've been offering to anyone other than businesses). Question c) again is lumping some pretty diverse things together which require individual consideration. Question d) I'm not convinced you're using the rates effectively. Do that and then we can have this conversation.

I don't see the diversity of our District reflected in this annual plan, and any group but business owners (particularly not Maori, rangatahi or anyone one that fits into a lower socio-economic bracket) benefitting from these priorities. You can say it trickles down, but we know it doesn't. Our future is our young people, but I do not see rangatahi, their wellbeing or future prioritised, considered or engaged in any meaningful way. This process (and the annual plan) is difficult to navigate, ignores inequity and access issues, and very much appears to be a poorly executed tick box exercise which gives us very little faith in our representation at any local government level.

15 Respondent No: 20 Login: Bmacca Email: [email protected]

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: This isn't as important as other things Council should be focusing on (give examples below) We need to focus on our future challenges: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below) We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below)

a) This question is difficult to answer because it lumps people and business together, for which I have different perspectives. I prioritise the wellbeing of our community and it's people over business support, considering the enormous support and voice this sector always has. c) I'm not confident you have the future of our rangatahi in mind here or that you are really listening to them (or to science) with the urgency that you should be, when they share their concerns and express how they are feeling about the future. Building youth capacity and capability should be a priority of your focus on future challenges. Safer Streets for active travel - now! Not in 5, 10 or 20 years! This is key for climate action, wellbeing, economic prosperity, connection, etc. It's a no brainer. d) I think this can be achieved by using your resources much more efficiently and conscientiously than you do now. WDC needs to be genuinely transparent and accountable for spending - to the public and to the Elected Members.

Integrity. Wellbeing. Transparency. Accountability. Relationships. Fulfilling your obligations as a Te Tiriti partner.

16 Respondent No: 21 Login: emmeline taylor Email: [email protected]

Q1. Do you think we've got the balance about right?Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

We need to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of Covid-19: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below) We need a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below) We need to focus on our future challenges: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below) We need to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact: This should be even more of a focus and Council should be doing more (give examples below)

We have numerous interesting and talented local people in business in our community. It seems the Council are supporting the service providers involved with roading etc. We should also support the local people who are artists, growers, musicians, etc with new initiatives such as developing cool festivals, symposiums and farmers markets.

Developing great cycle/ walking tracks to draw tourists and benefit the local people. Show case our beautiful coastline whilst keeping it unpolluted and pristine with a clean culture called biking and walking. This would greatly increase our local economy and develop employment and business to our area. Marry this idea with the new Marina. Include a beautiful coastal cycle track with this project . Connect this to the Whakatane river walking/ cycle track. Connect this to an improved and safe cycle/walking track from Ohope. It is good to develop the Motu track but to increase tourism make our the Eastern Bay the cycling Meca. We saw how many local people wanted the walk and cycle during lock down. Every new roading project undertaken should consider whether a cycle/ walking track can be included. Make a cycle tracks proper first time and involve experts like Whk mountain bike club.

17 Submission from Water Safety Bay of Plenty

8 June 2020

Whakatāne District Council 14 Commerce Street Whakatāne 3120

To whom it may concern,

Re: Submission to Whakatāne District Council’s 2020/21 Annual Plan from Water Safety Bay of Plenty

Introduction

Water Safety Bay of Plenty (WSBoP) would like to inform Whakatāne District Council (WDC) on the background to, and priority work streams of the Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy. Preventable drowning in the Whakatāne region is a critical community issue which requires a collective response to reduce. In addition, we believe that access to safe water-based activities is essential to personal wellbeing and particularly relevant as we help the community recover post COVID-19.

The over-arching purpose for this submission is to seek a financial contribution and bring awareness to the implementation of the recently finalised Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy. This submission outlines the positive impacts this strategy will have on Whakatāne, by reducing the disproportionate numbers of preventable drownings that are occurring. More specifically, WSBoP would also like Whakatāne District Council to support the implementation of the Bay of Plenty water safety strategy by:  Contributing to funding the salary of the Regional Water Safety Strategy Manager, for the implementation of the Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy;  Working in partnership with WSBoP in the development of relationships with local iwi and Māori communities;  Engaging with the coalition of interested parties already present within the Whakatāne community on the Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy, and;  Including water safety messages and documents in its community communications.

Key points in this document:  Supporting community recovery from COVID-19  How the Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy and initiatives support the Whakatāne District Council’s Annual Plan 2020.  Preventable drowning information in the Whakatāne Region.  Key initiatives planned for next 12 months.  Funding being sought.  Water Safety initiatives deliverables.

1 19

Supporting Community Recovery from COVID-19 and aligning with Whakatāne District Council’s Long-Term Plan (LTP) 2018-2028

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact on the community’s economy and well-being. We believe the Water Safety Strategy and initiatives supports the recovery of the community’s well-being by preventing accidental loss of life.

In-line with the Whakatāne District Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) 2018-2028 Community Outcomes, the Water Safety Bay of Plenty initiative is dedicated to contributing towards a safe community for all, and work in partnership with iwi and the community.

The Water Safety Bay of Plenty initiative is dedicated to supporting the community’s well-being and recovery by encouraging and promoting water sports and activities in a safe way, creating a safer community for all. Given the economic and financial impact COVID-19 has on the community, water-based recreational activities are a great way for the community to achieve positive well-being.

We also believe this aligns with Central Government’s Treasury Living Standards Framework, particularly the Domains of Wellbeing; Environment, Health, and Safety and Security.

Water Safety Bay of Plenty’s initiatives will encourage safety and awareness of the dangers, ultimately encouraging the community to act safety when in, on, or around the water.

Water safety preventable drowning statistics are reactive as they are calculated ‘after the fact’. Water Safety Bay of Plenty is pushing a proactive approach in Eastern Bay of Plenty as we believe one preventable drowning in the community is one too many. With the local economy recovering, there could be an increase in boating, swimming, fishing and water sports. By adopting a proactive approach in a multi-channel strategy, we aim to drastically lower the drowning rate in Eastern Bay.

Preventable Drownings in Eastern Bay of Plenty

Sadly, the Bay of Plenty region is overrepresented in New Zealand’s drowning statistics and although the preventable drownings for 2019 in the Bay of Plenty were lower than average, the overall 10 year trend is still steadily increasing.

There were 71 preventable drownings in the Bay of Plenty 2010-2019 – and 17 were in Eastern Bay (24%).

 14 of the 17 preventable drownings in Eastern Bay were of Māori ethnicity – 82%.

2 20

Ethnicity

Asian Unknown NZ European (1) (1) (1)

Maori (14)

Eastern Bay preventable drownings 2010-2019; Ethnicity

 The most common environments were beaches (35%) and inland waters1 (23%).

Environment

Tidal Waters (2) Beaches (6) Offshore (3)

Inland Water Pools (5) (1)

Eastern Bay preventable drownings 2010-2019; Environment

 The majority of drownings were immersion incidents2 (29%), followed by water sports3 (23%).

1 Inland waters are estuaries, marinas, rivers and lakes. 2 Immersion incidents includes accidental immersion (didn’t plan on being in the water), and rescuing others. 3 Water sports includes Bodyboarding, diving/jumping, swimming and waterskiing.

3 21

Activity

Watersports (4) Immersion (5)

Underwater Land Fishing (3) (1)

Powered Boat Non-powered boat (1) (3)

It’s also important to note that the preventable downing rate in the Bay of Plenty 2018-2019 as a whole was over twice the NZ average – a rate of 3.1 preventable drownings per 100,000 of population in comparison to 1.8 nationally.

Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy

The Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy has been developed in consultation with sector stakeholders and the community and focuses on reducing preventable drowning deaths and injuries by building a culture of safe enjoyment in, on, and around the water in the Bay of Plenty. The purpose of the strategy is to develop a targeted and collaborative action plan for water safety in the Bay of Plenty and consists of seven key priority actions;

1. Full roll-out of the Water Skills for Life (WSFL) programme. 2. A sustained and collaborative relationship with iwi and the Māori community. 3. Improve Coastguard membership numbers and Day Skipper course enrolments. 4. Sustained investment in activities aimed at changing attitudes and behaviours. 5. Encourage stakeholder collaboration within the water-based sector. 6. Deliver water safety messages targeted at males. 7. Inspect and deploy internationally-recognised signage throughout the Bay of Plenty

As progress is made with each priority action, the strategy will be amended and adapted as a result of the Regional Manager’s feedback and review.

A Governance Group of representatives from regional organisations with interest in water safety was established to act as the owners of the Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy development and a Strategy Manager was employed.

4 22

The WSBoP Governance Group consists of seven members;

Shirley Baker – Independent Chris Emmett and Chase Cahalane – Surf Life Saving NZ (SLSNZ) Antoni Lowe – Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) Kevin Winters – Councillor, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Catherine McCulloch – Sport Bay of Plenty Sunny Peeters – Coastguard Eastern Caine Taiapa – Manaaki Te Awanui

The Strategy Manager, Dave White has been implementing the strategy since October 2019. This position reports directly to the WSBoP Governance Group and the role as the Regional Water Safety Strategy Manager is to coordinate, facilitate and review the delivery of water safety initiatives in the Bay of Plenty, according to the strategy’s priority actions. The Strategy Manager was chosen for the role as he’s got an extensive background in the water space – 16 years surf lifeguard at Piha Beach, an ex-NZ competitive swimmer, a qualified diver and water sport enthusiast.

Current Key Initiatives for next 12 months (to April 2021)

Relationship building with Iwi and Māori community

Māori are overly represented in the preventable drowning statistics in Eastern Bay of Plenty. The Strategy Manager has been working hard to establish relationships with the Māori community in order to collaboratively roll-out water safety messages and initiatives aimed at lowering the drowning rate for Māori. In addition, the Strategy Manager has already been collaborating with Regional Council, as well as Sport Bay of Plenty, Surfing NZ and Surf Lifesaving NZ’s networks.

Further development of this initiative will see progress made in-line with the Water Safety New Zealand Māori Strategy.

Surf Rescue, Rescue Equipment and full roll-out of internationally recognised signage

Collaboration with Surf Lifesaving New Zealand has begun to implement three key initiatives aimed at reducing the drowning rate. These initiatives will be implemented in-line with the Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy as a pilot, before then being rolled out nationally.

Surf Rescue

Surf Rescue is a programme designed in Australia aimed at training local surfers how to identify someone in trouble, conduct rescues on their boards and basic first aid. Surf Lifesaving patrols the beaches but there’s still a vast number of rescues being done by surfers that are going unnoticed and not documented. The programme aims at reducing preventable drowning numbers in isolated areas. Surfing NZ has acquired the rights to implement the programme throughout New Zealand and the Strategy Manager will be collaborating with Surfing NZ and Surf Lifesaving NZ to implement the programme in the Bay of Plenty as a pilot before then being rolled out nationally.

Rescue Equipment

5 23

The Strategy Manager is collaborating with Surf Lifesaving NZ to identify priority areas where imminent drowning danger is present and deploy lifesaving rescue equipment, such as angel rings and rescue tubes.

Deployment of internationally recognised signage

The Strategy Manager and Surf Lifesaving NZ are collaborating to standardize water safety signage throughout the Bay of Plenty to an international standard – this includes identifying areas that are missing signage altogether. Once successfully implemented in the Bay of Plenty, this project will then see the standardization of signage throughout New Zealand.

Water Safety Month 2020

Water Safety Month (WSM) will again be promoted in Oct-Nov. The Strategy Manager is in talks with providers to develop a Bay-wide programme of events, workshops and activities aimed at sparking community engagement whilst promoting water safety.

The end goal is to touch on all aspects of water safety; beach, pool, under 5’s, elderly, boats, rivers, disabilities, mental health and internationals/migrants. The aim of WSM is to produce a mass-collaboration between all stakeholders and providers in the sector and deliver a fun and informative month to the community.

Coastguard membership numbers and Coastguard Ed Day Skipper attendances

It’s estimated that less than 5% of boaties in the Bay of Plenty are members of coastguard. Working alongside Coastguard Eastern, the Strategy Manager aims to develop campaigns, promotional material and potentially workshops and events aimed at encouraging vessel owners to purchase a coastguard membership and/or attend a Day Skipper Course.

The Strategy Manager has already established, and maintains, a close relationship with the Coastguard NZ Eastern Manager, Coastguard Boating Education and Bay of Plenty Regional Council to collaborate in the safer boating space.

Targeted Water Safety Messages

The Strategy Manager has developed a multi-channel communications plan and will be delivering targeted water safety messages in Eastern Bay to the demographics most at risk; males of Māori ethnicity, kayak fishermen and boaties.

Supporting water safety initiatives

Water Safety Bay of Plenty will seek to support the promotion, collaboration and funding of water safety initiatives being managed by providers. To be eligible, the initiative must have an active interest delivering water safety messages, or vital water safety skills.

Funding Being Sought

6 24

Water Safety New Zealand is a funder operating at national level, providing funding to a wide range of providers and organisations to undertake drowning prevention activities. Water Safety New Zealand, TECT, TCC and BOPRC all contributed to the first year of the Strategy Manager’s position and operational costs.

In the first six months the Strategy Manager has; • travelled 14,700km visiting industry stakeholders, investigating signage locations and attending industry events; • established 32 relationships with key stakeholders and providers, and; • attended seven key events where he presented at four of them.

The Strategy Manager has also successfully developed an implementation plan for the Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy, branding, and social media presence for Water Safety Bay of Plenty.

Funding is needed to ensure the Strategy Manager’s position can continue including, operational costs to progress further implementation of the Bay of Plenty Water Safety Strategy. Unfortunately, Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) does not have the financial capacity to fully fund the Strategy Manager role and strategy development and as such essential further contributions are obtained from key stakeholders for this project.

It is estimated that $100,000 per annum is needed for the Strategy Manager’s role (including computer, phone, vehicle, petrol, management overheads etc), plus additional funding for water safety initiatives and marketing campaigns.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and Water Safety New Zealand have already signalled their interest in continuing to support the Water Safety Bay of Plenty initiative and we are currently approaching other councils within the region for contributions.

The Strategy Manager role is being employed and housed by Sport Bay of Plenty on behalf of Water Safety Bay of Plenty, who are working closely with Water Safety New Zealand. It is more practical to have the regional strategy led by someone local. Water Safety Bay of Plenty has also planned to investigate funding and support from corporate entities, however, this will be on a mid to long-term basis given the financial impact COVID-19 has had on the local economy.

Contribution Sought from Whakatāne District Council

Water Safety Bay of Plenty is seeking active support from Whakatāne District Council and funding of $20,000;

1. Funding the Strategy Manager position

Water Safety Bay of Plenty would like Whakatāne District Council to consider contributing to funding of the salary and operational costs of the Strategy Manager. This is a critical role for the success of the strategy.

2. Providing financial support for water safety initiatives

Funding, where possible, will also go toward supporting the development and implementation of water safety initiatives in Eastern Bay of Plenty.

3. Co-production and support

7 25

We would like the council to consider how its operations can be focused on further helping the water safety sector reduce preventable drowning in Eastern Bay of Plenty. WSBoP is willing to work in partnership with Whakatāne District Council to implement initiatives to reduce preventable drowning deaths and injuries. The areas we see the most scope for collaborative activity with Whakatāne District Council is in delivering vital water safety messages aimed at changing behaviours and in developing better collaborative relationships with Māori.

4. Relationships and collaboration

We would like all Whakatāne District Council Councillors and key Council staff to be made aware of the coalition of interested parties already present within Eastern Bay community and wider water safety sector around drowning prevention. There is opportunity for Whakatāne District Council to further engage with these interested community groups, including Water Safety Bay of Plenty which led the development of the Strategy. There are also regional stakeholders that also have an interest in drowning prevention in the Bay of Plenty.

5. Promotion

Where possible, Water Safety Bay of Plenty would encourage Whakatāne District Council to assist in promoting water safety initiatives and delivering water safety messages to the community.

Budget Proposal and Deliverables

We are seeking $20,000 contribution for the following deliverables:

Deliverable 1: Community Engagement and Water Safety Measurables Messages General Community • Attend, where possible, all community • Appearances and/or presentations Engagement events and maintain a presence within the made at every relevant event, where community. possible. • Collaborate with Whakatāne District • Evident collaboration with local Council and local providers. providers. PR / Media • Develop regular PR releases aimed at • Regular media releases made via delivering vital water safety messages to the multi-level communications strategy. community. • Messages targeted toward specific • Develop targeted media releases and demographics. initiatives aimed specifically at males. • Engagement measured on social platforms. Strategy Promotion • Continue to promote the water safety • Eastern Bay community aware of strategy to the community via a multi-level the water safety strategy, manager communications strategy and events. and initiatives within the region. • Where possible, present at key events to • Targeted presentations at as many highlight the strategy’s importance and relevant events as possible. progress. Deliverable 2: Māori Engagement Build relationships • Build sustained collaborative relationships • Māori community is engaged with with local iwi and the Māori community. the Strategy Manager.

8 26

Collaboration • Collaborate with Māori to design and • Regular collaboration and support implement programmes and messages aimed from Māori community. at lowering the Māori drowning rate. • Programmes and initiatives tailored toward Māori demographic and measured results relayed to the Governance group. Deliverable 3: Coastguard Collaboration Coastguard • Collaborate with Coastguard and • A clear increase in Coastguard memberships and Coastguard Ed to increase membership membership rates and Day Skipper Day Skipper courses numbers and also improve registration and participants. attendance numbers to Day Skipper courses. Coastguard • Assist, where possible, in delivering • Coastguard NZ messages pushed messages important coastguard messages to the through the Water Safety Bay of community. Plenty networks and engagement levels measured where possible. Deliverable 4: Provider Collaboration Events Assist providers, where possible, in the • Strategy Manager assists, where planning and promotion of events that possible, with planning, promotion consist of delivering water safety messages and relationship management for and/or skills to the community. local provider water safety initiatives.

Thank you for your time in considering this application for funding. We would like to verbally present to this submission should there be an opportunity.

Yours sincerely,

WATER SAFETY BAY OF PLENTY

Shirley Baker

Chair, Water Safety Bay of Plenty

9 27 Submission from Corina Niven – Galatea Reserve and Management Committee

To whom it may concern

The committee would like to thank the Council for the work completed in the Galatea/Murupara area, including the sealing of Cemetery Road, the repair of Horomanga bridge, the widening of the Galatea Road to allow access into Black Road and the jetty access from Black Road. Also for the work completed at the park area of Lake Aniwhenua - dogs prohibited, seats and rails to exclude traffic and input into the flying fox equipment.

We would like the council to consider our request for the 2020/2021 financial year please. This includes

- the removal of the larch trees at the Galatea cemetery

- Have Cemetery Road included in the reserves management activity mowing of every mow.

- A higher standard of roadside maintenance to the cemetery

We thank you for allowing our request to be considered.

28 Submission from Forest & Bird, Eastern Bay of Plenty Branch

Kia ora

The Branch has the following comments [on the Annual Plan]:

Boat Harbour

1. The Council contribution should come from the Harbour Fund, not general ratepayer funds. 2. There is a high risk of conflict of interest in the processing of consents required for this project. The Annual Plan should therefore include a budget for the use of consultants to process such consents, similar to what was done for the hearings for the Bunyan Rd plan change.

[The remainder of the email has been made on Future in Focus and will be provided along with that material at a later meeting].

Regards

29 Submission from Graeme Weston

30 WDC Annual Plan 2020/21

Submission: Community Solar Farms

Graeme Weston 11 June 2020

Executive Summary Two projects are proposed for two Photovoltaic (PV) panel arrays (solar farms) of different size for the generation of renewable electricity. Both use the same technology and would be located on community lands owned by the Whakatane District Council. The solar farms would take advantage of our district’s unmatched solar resources. The smaller farm (ca. 1-2 Ha) will be of sufficient size to achieve economies of scale and yet supply electricity to our low-income community at rates that address energy poverty. On a per kW basis such a farm would represent a cost saving of 50% relative to a typical rooftop installation. The proximity of the farm to its consumers will allow low transmission costs to reduce charges further. The larger farm (ca. 6 Ha) is designed to address the imperatives of The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill 2019 and the aspirations of the Whakatāne District Council’s (WDC) Climate Change Principles by demonstrating how Solar PV can displace carbon emissions. Solar generation is intermittent as the energy source cannot be controlled. When the sun is not shining, electricity needs to be provided by other sources, such as hydro, wind or geothermal. Solar must therefore be a component of the New Zealand electricity mix. It has a place alleviating electricity shortage in years of low hydro inflows and the difficulty experienced by thermal power stations during the heat of summer (consents prohibit discharging >25°C cooling water to the Waikato River). Locally, the “mix” refers to pairing the two solar farms with the nearby Matahina hydro dam. The farms exploit high summer sunshine hours, when solar works best, and there is low rainfall when dam levels limit hydroelectric generation. When they are generating electricity, the solar farms allow the dams to reduce output and store limited summer water resources. In contrast when solar intensity is low the dams increase generation to provide alternative renewable electricity to the farm’s customers. Matahina acts as an energy storage system much like a battery except that a battery stores energy chemically. Dams and solar farms complement each other in New Zealand. The use of Li-Ion batteries as an energy storage buffer is considered unnecessary considering the availability of the hydro storage option.

31 1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1. Energy Poverty We know about the low incomes of communities in the EBOP.

Figure 1, breakdown of typical consumer power bill, source Electricity Authority

32 The farms can be a simple, positive statement by the WDC to central government, that if NZ is serious about addressing energy poverty then efforts should be made to remove regulatory obstacles to Distributed Energy Resources (DER). Since decentralized electrical generation and storage provided by small, grid-connected on-site generators is the way of the future, why are the regulations a barrier? A typical power bill has several elements that are subject to legacy regulations. These regulations are no longer suitable for an electricity system that is transitioning from a centralized system to DER. Figure 1 shows the breakdown of these elements. The cost of generation (30.5%) includes land value, capital outlay for transformation equipment, maintenance, and fuel. A solar farm on low value communal land, equipment funded at low sovereign rates, with minimal maintenance requirements and using free solar resources should reduce this cost to 15%. The transmission charges (9.9%) do not apply to this project because the electricity generated does not pass through any TransPower assets on its way to local consumers. Subsidies that support high-income cities and their industry at the expense of our low-income region are a perverse distortion of the Transmission Pricing Methodology (TPM) Let those who benefit pay for the services they get from TransPower. The Distribution Charges (26.2%) will be calculated downwards to reflect the proximity of the farm to its consumers. Under current regulations it is not possible to compensate lines companies for distributing electricity short distances from the farm to customers over the Horizon network (Peer-to-Peer trading). This is a political issue that requires Kawerau, Opotiki and Whakatane leaders to engage with local MP’s on behalf of low-income consumers’ Retail costs (16.2%) are also subject to legacy regulations that are unnecessary when the farm is trading with its own customers. The Council Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO) structure can be applied to operate within “The Code” as a Generator/Retailer. This cost can be reduced if it is not tied to a retail bureaucracy. Metering of electricity will be via smart devices that record real-time import/export and quality data on a memory chip. These meters are now a feature of modern electricity distribution infrastructure, are Wi-Fi capable and download “big data” to a central server. This data is “owned” by the consumer, not the meter owner. The hardware is owned by others who are currently collecting this data in anticipation of the Electricity Authority waking up to their role as real time managers of NZ’s electricity system. Meanwhile, the high (3.4%) metering charge is that tiny portion of the data used to calculate monthly invoices. There is room to negotiate delivery of this basic information (and more) for consumers’ benefit. The costs described above are the key targets of the proposed 1 MW solar farm model. The model is scalable and can be used in other locations by other community/iwi groups.

33 The political aspects of these cost reductions should not be controversial, but they are. Alternative means can be adopted now while the incumbent vested interests drag out the inevitable transition to DER. This is wasting time at the expense of low- income consumers.

2. 1 MW Farm at Shaw Road

The first proposal is for the construction of a small solar PV Farm built at ½ the per kW rate of a typical domestic rooftop PV installation. That is $1490/kW versus $2900/kW. Consider the labour costs of installing multiple arrays on one site at ground level compared with installing smaller arrays on multiple sites, working at height on rooftops, and wiring through confined spaces. Then add the power of bulk purchasing of equipment to see why there is a large difference in installation costs. Vector PowerSmart have generously provided details of the cost of installing a nominal 1 MWp (peak power) farm. Both proposals are based on these calculations. The proposed location is a triangular plot of land, presently grazed, next to the oxidation ponds at Shaw Road.

Figure 2: System statistics and location of 1MW Farm beside the Kope Canal, Shaw Road

Because there is a connection point 1 km away at Mill Road, the connection costs to the Horizon grid would be minimal. Formal conversations with iwi cannot start without WDC approval in principle.

Figure 3: Financials as estimated by Vector PowerSmart

Figure 4: Proposed layout of the solar arrays on the Shaw Road site with PowerSmart estimates.

35 2.1. Intermittency Intermittency is one of the major criticisms of solar electricity generation. Electricity generated from solar PV is highly susceptible to sunshine hours, weather, and the seasons. The usual solution to this variability of supply is batteries.

Figure 5: The seasons have an adverse effect on electricity generation of a 1 MW Farm.

The Hydroelectricity assets located throughout New Zealand can be considered a large peaking and storage plant for electricity. One of these, Matahina Dam, is close by and capable of acting like a battery, storing, and discharging water as required to meet demand. Forming a relationship with TrustPower (who own Matahina) will help to meet the intermittency of the solar issue. In return, the farm would allow the dam to store water in the dry summer periods. TrustPower also operates an electricity sharing scheme called “Solar Buddies” This is the best effort of all the NZ generator/retailers to address the inflexibility of the current Electricity Regulations. If TrustPower agrees to extend the Solar Buddies scheme, it would be a convenient vehicle for managing the administration of selling to the farm’s consumers at low rates.

36 2.2. Tracking Solar tracking devices direct the panels towards the sun.

Figure 6: Estimated Year 1 hourly system output

We live in a low latitude where the sun’s position in the sky varies dramatically between summer and winter months. But because we have relatively abundant radiation, New Zealand lends itself to solar-tracking technologies. The farm offers opportunities for Kokiri entrepreneurs who have already identified this unique situation to test their inventions. Generally, a solar panel system with a single-axis solar tracker (moving in the east-west direction) improves performance by 25–35%. A dual-axis tracker (acting in the north-south direction as well) increases performance by another 5–10%. The long-term benefit of increased production over time is enough to make the initial cost and maintenance fees worth it. A cost-benefit analysis would be required to verify this.

37 2.3. Regulations The difficulties posed by the effect of current regulations on the farm will demonstrate to government how, at local government level, the current regulations are no longer fit for the Distributed Energy Resource (DER) environment. Individual owners of solar rooftop PV (ratepayers and voters) are similarly unable to share locally produced electricity with their neighbours. The benefits of transmitting over short distances are not being realized by consumers.

2.4. Transmission Pricing Methodology (TPM) Power that is generated where it is consumed is usually worth twice that sold to the grid, because a large portion of the cost comprises transmission and distribution charges. Current Electricity Authority regulations impose fixed charges for electricity transmission. They include a TransPower charge for using National Grid assets. Industry moves closer to generation resources when the distortions resulting from TransPower’s fixed-pricing subsidies are removed. Tasman and Tiwai are examples of industrial users that have deliberately built close to generation sources. There is the potential for new heavy industry wanting to establish in the EBOP. New generation sources will move closer to industry, e.g. rooftop solar PV on Auckland Industrial Parks. Wind turbines on the Waitakere Ranges would allow Aucklanders to reduce their dependence on Waitaki electricity. Top Energy is expanding its Ngawha Geothermal Plant offering low income Northland consumers relief from the TransPower impost. Leading to a more efficient national Electricity System. Low income regions do not need to subsidise others. There are solutions available for them to minimize transmission charges. The “User Pays” TPM decision has been announced by the Electricity Authority. It will not be implemented until 2023. Plenty of time for the incumbents to find ways to game the system, as they have done for the last decade. The key solution involving smart technologies to identify grid users was dismissed as “not practical with current technology”. Considering shares are traded around the world in milli seconds this statement lacks credibility and vision.

2.5. Bringing the benefits home The Farm model is designed to generate and distribute locally over local lines company low voltage assets. Line losses are negligible when distances are short. The Farm’s electricity does not go anywhere near the TransPower Grid assets and so is not subject to their high infrastructure costs.

38 A similar 1 MW Farm on their lands near Taneatua would be suitable for Tuhoe allowing them to trade cheap electricity with whanau. They would have minimal Horizon grid use charges and would also benefit from Matahina’s “battery”. It is woeful that Kawerau’s domestic consumers, many of whom are also caught in a poverty trap are paying high transmission charges although geothermal electricity generation is literally “over the fence”. (See Figure 7).

Figure 7: Median Household income in Kawerau, source MBIE

“TransPower's legislative right to recover sunk costs is becoming a major barrier to efficient transmission pricing reform” - Energy Trusts of New Zealand. The Farms would be directly affected by these inequalities, supplying BOPLASS with evidence to present a case for urgent reform to central government. Although the regulations are not a showstopper, the bureaucracy introduces unnecessary costs that degrade the energy poverty initiative.

2.4. Smart Technology Nova Energy are completing the roll out of high specification smart meters to the outstanding Installation Control Points (ICP’s) in our area. The real time data at each home meter box gives us an opportunity to monitor and educate consumers on their electricity use. It allows the Farm administrator to manage the import of dispatchable electricity and record the flow of electricity to customers. The basis for trading units of electricity nationwide in real time.

2.5. Local Opportunities “Big” data will contribute to the inevitable adoption of a New Zealand wide system to efficiently manage our electricity system. There are opportunities for local software developers to produce apps for this and other cost saving purposes using the Farm and customer smart meters at the micro level as a trial. This could be scaled up to a NZ wide Electricity Manager processing real time data to balance the National Grid. Including a training function in the farms operations expands the downstream installation benefits of rolling out the model to other locations, and opportunities for the practical software and data skills needed to meet our unique situation.

2.6. Resilience As NZ moves closer to all electric systems, having local electricity generation that can operate in isolation and independently from external disruption is a natural bonus of DER.

3. 10 MW Solar Farm The second project is located on low value land and is large enough to capture more economies of scale. But it has different aims. Because of its peak generation capacity, the local grid might not be able to cope, so the farm will have commercial utility status. Like the smaller farm, it can pair with Matahina, allowing water to be stored in years of low rainfall. This demonstrates how solar PV and other DER generation can be a positive component of the NZ electricity mix. 3.1. Issues Whakatane Airport is a joint venture with the Crown. The partner will need to be involved in altering the Council Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO) under which the airport business operates. The CCTO has advantages: it is a going concern that

40 could be adapted to incorporate the farm’s commercial side, and it is a legal entity capable of fund-raising. The Crown may consider the project worthy of a funding contribution because of its timely alignment with current government emissions policies.

Figure 8, location of 10 MW Farm 400 M north of the airport runway

A common issue raised on behalf of pilots is glint and glare off the panels. This has been addressed (see FAA study). PV arrays are now installed at Gatwick, London South End, Brisbane, Tonga, Tallahassee, Florida, and Cochin Airports. Connecting to Horizon’s Mill Rd connection point will require an upgrade to the existing cable at a cost of about $200,000.

3.2. Tracking Compared to a fixed mount, a single-axis tracker increases annual output by approximately 30%, and a dual-axis tracker provides another 10–20%. The estimated 14,600 MWh annual generation could increase to 18,980 MWh per year, depending on the final design.

3.3. Expansion The modular and distributed nature of solar electricity naturally lends itself to expansion options. Provided WDC does not envisage larger aircraft using the airport

41 within 30 years, 100 MW would fit on the seaside of the runway. This size is now standard for Australian installations. A business hub is planned for the west end of Whakatane Airport, but the east end has sufficient space for about 50 MW of solar arrays.

3.4. Consenting Since this proposal involves the utilization of council-owned land consenting would involve the use of an independent commissioner and a planning consultant. Low- value land unsuitable for other purposes at the airport is ideal. Council oxidation ponds are a perfect neighbour for the 1 MW solar farm. Minimal civil works are required. Construction involves driving timber piles into the ground and bolting the lightweight panels onto them. Cable conduit trenches will be laid to a container-sized control room, which is also on piles. Environmental impacts are virtually nil because there are no emissions or noise. The farm operates unattended apart from occasional maintenance visits.

3.5. Sustainability Solar farms are new to New Zealand but are common in Australia and Europe. Evidence of their low impact on the environment is abundant. Once established, the site can revert to sheep grazing under the panels. Unless fusion nuclear reactors are viable in the next few years the expectation is the farms will outlast the 25-year warranty on the panels. The inverters have a 10-year warranty and are expected to be replaced at some time there-after. At decommissioning minimal remediation works will be required. There are no large concrete foundations to remove as would be the case of a wind farm. The farm is effectively land banking for the duration of the lease. The risk of consenting holding up installation is low.

4. NZ Greenhouse Gas Emissions An operational solar farm produces no greenhouse gas emissions. However, emissions are involved in the manufacture of panels and other solar components. Nevertheless, detailed life-cycle analysis shows that the life-cycle emissions of solar energy are among the lowest of energy generation technology and many orders of magnitude lower than thermal generation. The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill 2019 sets emissions budgets with which the solar farm projects will comply. The airport joint venture can

42 offer the government credits that some of their other entities (Genesis, Air NZ) will struggle to meet. How can the government not be an enthusiastic supporter of these initiatives?

Figure 9: Ecotricity graphic showing the annual emissions that NZ needs to remove from the energy mix with its replacement renewable fuels.

5. WDC Climate Change Principles

Whakatane District Council’s 2018 Gross Carbon footprint was 3,292.32 tCO2e. The Climate Change Principles have yet to deliver action plans. But the 10 MW farm will produce enough renewable electricity—in one year—to offset 1,480 tonnes

CO2e. This is nearly half of the council’s 2018 gross carbon footprint.

5.1. Aquatic Center Gas Emissions The annual output from a 2.2 MW farm costing $3m would be required to offset the 2018 gas burn at the Aquatic Centre. The size of this farm, 7 rugby fields, presents a stark indication of the true cost gas burning is to the planet. However, we can replace the gas boilers at the Aquatic Centre with $180,000 worth of heat pumps. That looks like great value in terms of reducing emissions. And, because the cost of gas exceeds the cost of CarboNZero electricity purchased for each unit of thermal energy required, it is also cheaper to operate ($31,000 per

43 annum for electricity compared with $65,000 for gas). Gas use does not stack up economically or environmentally.

Figure 10: From WDC Energy Audit showing emission sources requiring attention.

5.2. WDC Total Emissions Whakatane District Council can achieve the benefits of generating our own CarboNZero electricity. We can send a clear sign to the community and the government that solar PV empowers individuals and community groups to reduce emissions.

Cemars have calculated 27.5% (905 tCO2e) of WDC’s carbon footprint is from electricity consumption (see Fig. 10). This is surprising, considering the renewable

44 electricity being generated locally. It is possible that the electricity supplied by Genesis to WDC is tainted with Huntly coal- and gas-fired electricity. (To demonstrate how damaging this is, we would need a 6 MW solar PV farm covering 18 rugby fields, generating CarboNZero electricity, to eliminate this burden.) Proposals to install solar PV on WDC rooftops should be reviewed. Farms are cheaper by 50%. The 10 MW option will cost $1200/kW, compared with $2900/kW to install on multiple rooftops.

5.3. New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme It is not clear whether a WDC solar farm would be eligible for NZ Emissions Trading Scheme credits. As WDC action plans are rolled out (Electric Vehicle Policy, replacement of Gas Boilers at the Aquatic Centre . . .) it is possible that ongoing cash credits would apply. Their worth is difficult to assess: 10 Mar 20 – “The Climate Change Commission says controls on carbon prices should be lifted to about $50 a tonne now.” 28 Feb 20 – “Forest owners – who yesterday called for a $200-a-tonne carbon tax on the burning of coal – say changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme should be signaled in the May budget.”

6. CONCLUSION As NZ transitions to an all-electric energy system, generating Whakatane’s own carbonNZero electricity from its own free fuel (sunshine), using efficient electric devices (heat pumps, variable speed drives), transmitting over shorter distances, built on low-value land, is a cost-effective way to address issues of energy poverty and emissions. Introducing solar PV technology at this scale enhances the economic benefits. It demonstrates—at a community level—how simple it is to generate cheaper electricity and displace the emissions that are dominating “climate change” conversations. Community groups can build their own farms, multiplying the benefits. Whakatane District Council, as a community leader, has the mandate to install both solar farm proposals for their social, economic, and environmental benefits. In terms of the Annual Plan 2020/21, the installation of the farms could be integrated into the action plans of the Climate Change Principles.

45 Submission from John and HJ Blair

Whakatane District has had three disasters, the Edgecombe flood, the volcanic eruption at Whakaaria ( which ended our major tourist attraction) and the world Pandemic of Covert 19, which we are still dealing with and need to be forever vigilant for suspect outbreaks.

Each of these events has had an effect on the local economy, the last being the greatest. Economists are expecting a 7 - 8 % drop in the country's income causing a major recession.

Job losses, business collapses, high unemployment and the resulting effect touching everyone in our community.

Yet the Council seems to persist with the proposed plan for 2020/21 without any significant amendment. Why ignore the economic storm heading our way, part of which are already being felt in our community.

Mortgage is the biggest cost for most households. With the drop in interest rates, banks will find many customers trying to refinance their mortgages to reduce their costs.

The rate demand is the next major cost that family's need to meet. As the capital value for most properties has risen considerably this year, the rate demand will rise making it harder again to budget for. Add that together with the unforeseen hardship created by Covert 19 on the economy and the cost of meeting the rates demand becomes a real hardship.

The 'Winners and Losers' chart (Beacon 27-05-2020) did not advise of any significant changes to the proposed plan to accommodate these hardships. No projects major or minor have been put forward as removal, revision or postponement.

As the district is struggling to recover from the effects of these disasters, I consider the following should be reprioritized:

The 3 million for refurbishment of the council offices and the provision of staff showers should be postponed.

Delay the issue of pushing on with the $40 million Marina plan at this time.

The upgrading of the central town toilets should also be re-considered (when the facilities provide what is needed even though they are aging)

The second bridge into Whakatane has been talked about for years and in this time of hardship, should also be postponed again.

The "Epic" program which was trying to encourage business development in town was struggling to get a positive word said about it by the business world and needs a much more promotional approach. Eg a town farmers market, street musical acts, street art, discount spending from shops and other encouraging ideas.

In order to give people time to recover, readjust and refocus, an understanding approach from our Council would be a huge help to us all.

I would also like to see Government reduce the GST on rates by 5% for at least 2 years. In a period of stress produced by a World wide Pandemic a change in approach is needed by all.

47 Submission from Ian McDonald

48 A Submission to the Whakatane District Council From The Matata Residents Association

SPEED LIMIT REDUCTION ON SH2 - PĀKEHĀ ST

The Residents of Matata want the speed limit on SH2 / PĀKEHĀ St to be reduced from the current 60Kph, down to 50Kph, from the current location of the 60Kph sign, East of the beginning of Manawahe Rd, all the way to the SH2 60Kph sign situated to the West of the Railway subway at the entrance to Matata. See attached photos / screenshots.

We ask the Council to support our submission to the NZTA

The Matata Residents Association will also make the same request of NZTA.

RATIONALE:

Pakeha St/SH2 is, if anything, a very much busier road than Thornton Road/ Arawa St through the small Matata Shopping centre.

In particular SH2 carries a large volume of heavy traﬃc. Currently, we estimate that the bulk of that traﬃc is connected to the logging/forestry/timber industry.

However, with the proposal for a water bottling plant at Otakiri, and its “estimated” 200 heavy trucks per day (?) added to current traﬃc volumes, we as residents, are becoming increasingly alarmed (to say the least) for the safety of our people; pedestrians, motorists and especially our children

There are (approximately) 50 residences on the stretch of road to the intersection of Arawa St and SH2. There are 6 intersections, and there is one primary school. From the SH2 / Arawa St intersection, heading West (on the North side of the highway), there are 8 residences with driveways opening directly onto this road.

This matter requires urgent attention from NZTA

Sincerely,

Frederick Puru Savage - Chair

Jessica Steel - Secretary

Consideration should also be given to erecting “SCHOOL ZONE” signs as per the photo above, and that below also.

50 Intersection of SH2 / Pakeha St and Thornton Road.

51 52 53 Maintenance of the Awa o Te Atua (Matata) Lagoon

A submission to the WDC Annual Plan 2020/2021.

From: The Matata Residents Association Email: [email protected]

A Brief History: Following the 2005 debris ﬂow event various Resource consents were applied for by both Whakatane District Council and the Bay Of Plenty Regional Council. Initially consents No. 64647 (WDC) and 64647-2 (BOPRC), 64647-3 (also BOPRC) were mainly to do with the removal of debris, silt etc. All expire in 2042

Consent No. 64965 (BOPRC) for ongoing use of in-stream structures and erosion protection works associated with the stabilisation of the Awatarariki Stream and

1 (1.1) Restoration of the Awa-o-te-Atua Lagoon, authorise the damming and diversion of water-ﬂow from the Awatarariki Stream through the Awa-o-te-Atua Lagoon,

1 (1.3) Authorise and set conditions for ongoing maintenance including removal of sediment basins and wetland enhancement work. This consent was also conﬁrmed by the Environment Court on 23 July 2009.

10. Provided for the long-term programme for indigenous plantings and, control of pest plants.

The consent holder must involve local Tangata Whenua Re: ongoing monitoring and maintenance. These consents all expire in 2042

In November 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between WDC and DOC. It is speciﬁcally about the lagoon maintenance and pest plant control and has in its wording including but not limited to Raupo”.

Raupo in particular, has encroached on the Western Lagoon, and, at the (inland) side of it, behind Ngati Rangitihi HQ, is now constricting the waterway.

We understand the the WDC/DOC MOU is not a legally binding document.

However, we speciﬁcally note the “good faith” wording of it, and express hope, that these tenets will be adhered to. (extract from MOU document below)

Our Submission is thus:

That the Whakatane District Council, in conjunction with the Department of Conservation, re-commence, and continue, the programme of lagoon maintenance. It seems to us as local residents, that this had dropped oﬀ the radar. (Matata is, after all, the GATEWAY to the Eastern Bay of Plenty).

INCLUDING: * Cleaning out the silt traps and re-instating the “depth” indication markers which were either removed at some previous work stage or, have fallen over ? * Replacing the undersized culverts under the causeway to the DOC camp and car park, with either, double the same-sized culverts or, the same number but “larger” culverts, so as to create more “flow” of water, particularly during rain events. (Hindsight being as it is, this should have been done after the 2005 event) * Liaise with DOC to clear a better flow channel in the Eastern lagoon down to the weir where it enters the Tarawera river. It is overgrown and restricts flow. We do realise however, that this is a recognised wetland.

Sincerely,

Frederick Puru Savage - Chair. Matata Residents Association

Jessica Steel - Secretary

55 Reticulated Sewerage for Matata A Submission to WDC Annual plan - 2020/2021.

From: The Matata Residents Association - June 2020

The community of Matata asks that, the reticulation of Matata for sewage be a matter of absolute priority for the Whakatane District Council.

Background: Water sampling in our village to detect sewage contamination began as far back as 1992.

In June 2004, funding for a sewage scheme was approved and the sum of $6.78 million was approved and held by the Ministry of Health pending the start of work. We understand that the above mentioned funds are still available.

However, the debris ﬂow event of 2005 stalled progress and, in any event, a small, minority group of residents appealed the eventual 2014 Resource Consent for the scheme to the Environment Court, and succeeded. It should also be noted that: 96% of the Matata Community was in favour of the proposal. The WDC has these facts on ﬁle.

In September 2016, the BOP Regional Council produced a report entitled The Need for Reticulation in Matata Ref: ISSN: 1179-9471 (online version) consisting of some 100 pages, which Councillors and Council Staff will have available. Here is the Executive summary of that report, (copied and pasted ...... )

Executive summary:

Studies of water quality in the streams of Matatā go back at least 24 years. Studies have looked at the effectiveness of wastewater treatment for more than 10 years.

Water quality has consistently required “action”. Microbial Source Tracking has confirmed that the source of the contamination is from human sources.

Inadequately treated wastewater, from septic tanks, discharging into streams within the community represents a risk to public health.

In 2004 an application was made for SWSS funding to provide reticulation. Use of the A+ assessment tool shows an urgent need for reticulation. WDC will now make a “Better Business Case” for additional funding. Ref: ISSN: 1179-9471 (online version)

56 Our Submission:

Councillors of the Whakatane District. This matter has dragged on for many years and it is now well beyond time for the Council to act. As you deliberate on the multitude of matters you will have before you in the current term, please ask yourselves whether the health of our residents, and in particular that of the children of Matata Public School, where the lower ﬁeld has to be closed because of sewage contamination when the water table rises after rain, is more important than (for example) Council Ofﬁcers spending time on such things as a $2million car park at Ohope wharf. (It’s noted that funding for this was from the Harbour Fund) or, boardwalks and cycleways for that matter.

It is, in our opinion, an embarrassment to the Eastern Bay of Plenty that the issue of sewerage for Matata is still to be resolved or indeed, acted upon. In fact, its almost third world. Please ﬁnd time to read the BOPRC report Ref: ISSN: 1179-9471 (online version) where a “Maintenance Zone” is mentioned and note please that, A Maintenance Zone is NOT an acceptable option for Matata.

In respect of plan change 14, Under the proposed rules, the only time that residents would be required to upgrade their systems to an aerated wastewater treatment system (AWTS) is if Whakatāne District Council fails to make progress towards reticulating Matatā, or if their current septic system fails.

Therefore it is now imperative that progress by the WDC is made

Consider also ( please ? ) that the total cost of the reticulation of sewage in Matata is now many millions of dollars more that it was in 2004 and, 2014 so, any more “dilly-dallying” will result in even greater costs to your ratepayers who, should they become acquainted with the facts, will be possibly like Queen Victoria, (attributed quote)” “we are not amused”

Sincerely, On behalf of the Residents of Matata,

Frederick Puru Savage - Chair Matata Residents Association

Jessica Steel - Secretary

57 SELECTED NOTES: From ISSN: 1179-9471 (online)

The Need for Reticulation in Matatā Environmental Publication 2016/10 ISSN: 1175-9372 (print) ISSN: 1179-9471 (online) 28 September 2016 Bay of Plenty Regional Council 5 Quay Street PO Box 364 Whakatāne 3158 NEW ZEALAND

The effectiveness of on-site wastewater systems in Matatā has been studied for more than 10 years. An application was made for Ministry of Health Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme (SWSS) funding in 2004 and a subsidy was approved. Progress was delayed by the 2005 debris ﬂow event and the subsequent recovery. An application was made to Bay of Plenty Regional Council in December 2013 for a resource consent to establish a local WWTP and to discharge treated wastewater into the sand hills to the East of the town. The decision to issue a resource consent in June 2014 was appealed to the Environment Court and the Court’s decision was to cancel the consent for the wastewater treatment plant. In response to the Environment Court decision and a meeting of the Matatā community, Whakatāne District Council decided to look for an alternative solution. Whakatāne District Council convened a working party to look at the future wastewater needs in an holistic manner. From a large list of options a small number of possibilities were further developed and costed. The smaller list was presented to Whakatāne District Council and a single preferred option was chosen. The preferred proposal was to direct wastewater to Edgecumbe and from there to Whakatāne. This made best use of existing infrastructure and resolved a number of other wastewater issues. The Sanitary Works Subsidy Scheme funding can only be applied to the design and construction of new infrastructure and cannot be applied to the upgrade of existing infrastructure. It is therefore not possible to use the SWSS funding for the upgrading of the Edgecumbe WWTP and the pipeline to Whakatāne. No additional funds are available from the SWSS. In order to continue with the development of the preferred option it is necessary to apply for a Better Business Case for funding support from government. As part of the Better Business Case it is essential to demonstrate a need for reticulation. Bay of Plenty Regional Council has been asked to assist Whakatāne District Council in demonstrating the need for reticulation of Matatā. This document sets out a method of achieving this, the selection of the assessment tool, the application of the tool and the conclusions reached.

58 WATER SAMPLING: The pie chart above is a summary of all the results reported over the years and illustrates the range of results as a percentage of the total. As can be seen, there are a signiﬁcant number (32%) of red category results. It is not acceptable to ignore these results. Action is required.

The two screenshots below, are from the recently produced consultative document for the WDC Annual Plan, 2020/21. Both of them reference Matata.

59 Submission from Brent Sheldrake - Sport New Zealand

11 June 2020

Submission to Whakatane District Council’s 2020/21 Annual Plan

Sport New Zealand and Local Government share a common interest to ensure the wellbeing of all New Zealanders using physical activity as a core building block. Together we need to collectively focus on the significant task ahead – that of the social and economic recovery of our country as a result of COVID-19.

The impact of COVID-19 on the play, active recreation and sport sector

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the sport sector hard, with fears that COVID-19 could force numerous sport and active recreation organisations to collapse. Sport and active recreation rely on a fabric of clubs and associations, which play a key role in allowing so many New Zealanders to take part. These organisations are the lifeblood for many communities.

By nature, and without much in reserves, the COVID-19 crisis will undoubtedly result in sport organisations facing financial black holes they may not be able to navigate their way out of. Consequently, many governing bodies and associations have had to stand down their grassroots-focused workforces, and some are facing further cost-cutting measures.

While social restrictions have eased, and play can resume in some form, organisations are likely to face ongoing issues reopening their doors and getting members back. For example, new hygiene and sanitation requirements add to the cost burden, while the capacity of individuals and families to cover registration fees may be reduced. There are issues ahead that haven’t been addressed yet, which could have a number of long-lasting impacts on participation levels, the economy and society.

These are the main issues for the sport sector currently observed:

• Lost revenue: Inability to provide their services to their membership, especially at the time of year which marks the beginning of the season for winter codes and typically at a time when they organise tournaments, events and training. They have also lost a significant part of the income that comes from other sources i.e. Class 4 Gaming, social events, food and bar sales and different types of fees, e.g. membership, participation or subscriptions.

• Cash flow difficulties: organisations have fixed costs that they have to pay regardless of the loss of revenues.

• Reduced capacity: Sports organisations have lost a significant part of their workforce, i.e. layoffs of employees or volunteers who are restricted to their homes during the lockdown.

P +64 4 472 8058 Level 1, Harbour City Centre, 29 Brandon Street, Wellington 6011 PO Box 2251 Wellington 6140, New Zealand sportnz.org.nz

61 2

• Membership: Even with the restrictions relaxed, there is the possibility that people are gradually becoming comfortable in their COVID-19 adjusted leisure patterns and that they will not want to re- commit to club-based sport participation. Further, with the rise in unemployment caused by the pandemic, many individuals and families will not have the disposable income available to pay membership fees and other associated costs with sport participation. As we know, deprived communities are often the most fragile and hard hit by such events, and they are the ones that can least afford to lose access to play, active recreation and sport.

If sport and recreation organisations have no option but to succumb to COVID-19, the impact on the sector and on physical activity levels in our communities will be catastrophic.

With this in mind, we would like to acknowledge and thank you for the immediate steps Whakatane District Council has taken, to support the play, active recreation and sport sector in your community including the rent / lease relief that was kindly offered during lockdown to those sport and recreation organisations with facilities on your parks and reserves. Local Government is one of our most critical stakeholders and the major provider of facilities for the play, active recreation and sport sector. Maintaining your investment is vital.

The importance of rebuilding a sustainable sector

The benefits of play, active recreation and sport on wellbeing are well known and proven. Being physically active improves mental and physical health, quality of life and individual wellbeing. In contrast, disengagement and physical inactivity is associated with poor health, a rise in health costs, loss of productivity and associated costs, such as pain and unhappiness to individuals and families.

Play, active recreation and sport supports the social integration of whānau, friendship networks and communities. Whānau relationships and spiritual connections through whakapapa and tangata-whenua are particularly important for Māori and Pasifika. We know that healthier, happier individuals are more likely to do well in other areas of their lives, such as in social and professional situations. These social factors lead to robust community cohesion and resilience and contribute to social, cultural and economic development (WHO 2018).

Sport New Zealand’s response to the crisis

Sport NZ is implementing a number of measures in response to COVID-19 including:

• An initial $70m commitment which was announced in April to help sustain our partner organisations, including RSTs, with baseline funding through until 30 June 2021;

• A $15m Community Resilience Fund which was made available in early May (from re-prioritisation of Sport NZ programmes and reserves) which is now delivering money to help regional and local organisations remain financially viable through the immediate period of disruption created by COVID-19. Clubs can apply for up to $1000 in support. Regional recreation and sports organisations can apply for up to $40,000. RSTs are administering the fund on behalf of Sport NZ utilising their local sector knowledge and connections. To date and via our regional investment partner Sport BOP, it is difficult to break down the investment at this stage into a district by district basis, but of the total $1.1m available to the BOP region, the RST has already distributed a total of $29,000 to Eastern BOP clubs (i.e. Whakatane, Kawerau, Opotiki) and $140,000 to Regional Sports organisations across the BOP, with applications still pending at the time of writing. Sport NZ encourages you to continue to promote this opportunity via Sport BOP to all your sport and active recreation clubs / associations across your district.

62 3

• A $265m Recovery Package was announced by the Minister as part of Budget 2020. This is the largest ever investment by Government into the Play, Active Recreation and Sport sector and it reflects the significant impact of COVID-19. The funding will be spread over four years and seek to achieve three outcomes:

1. Reset and Rebuild (30%) This new funding will provide further support and relief to ensure organisations at all levels, local, regional and national, remain viable for their communities. It will help these bodies to make the changes required to operate successfully and thrive in a post COVID-19 environment. It will also seek to address current imbalances in the sector, including the underrepresentation of women and girls, Māori, people with disabilities and low socio-economic groups.

2. Strengthen and Adapt (40%) COVID-19 has highlighted many areas in which sport and recreation organisations are vulnerable and ways to make them stronger. Opportunities might include mergers and/or shared services models. How and where this future-focused funding is targeted is something Sport NZ will work through in collaboration with our partners and wider stakeholders.

3. Different and Better (30%) Because this is a once in 50-years opportunity, we have to make the most of this chance to reimagine how the sector might look in the future and what will best enable it to meet the needs of all New Zealanders, including those who are currently underrepresented. Our sector won’t maximise our future potential if we simply replay our current approach.

Whakatane District Council Partnership with Sport Bay of Plenty

• On behalf of the people of Whakatane and Sport NZ, thank you for your contribution to sport and recreation in your district. As highlighted on the following page and throughout this submission, district councils are critical enablers in driving quality play, active recreation and sport experiences and the wellbeing outcomes that we all seek, and your effort and investment is sincerely appreciated.

• Sport NZ would also like to take this formal opportunity to thank you for the strong partnership that has long existed between Sport BOP and the Whakatane District Council, as evidenced by the extensive list of projects, programmes and quality opportunities that have been developed over recent years.

Your critical role in the sustainability of a vibrant sector

Sport and recreation contribute $4.9 billion or 2.3% to our annual GDP, with the sector employing more than 53,000 New Zealanders. However, the downstream benefits of sport and recreation on our society extend beyond the numbers, to explain who we are as a nation, our tenacity, our spirit and at times like this, our courage.

Like all local and central Government organisations, we understand you will be redefining strategy, re- evaluating priorities and grappling with funding pressures. Given this is a crucial time when many impactful decisions will be made, you need to be aware of how critical territorial authorities are to the play, active recreation and sport system. Local Government is the major provider of facilities for the sector. Without these facilities, the sport and recreation organisations that Sport NZ funds would not be able to provide the

63 4 participation opportunities that they do to your communities.

Without sustained investment from local government, our sector and communities will suffer, and that will create significant consequences for New Zealand into the future, resulting in much wider issues for us all to manage.

We sincerely look forward to continuing to work with you in partnership, to ensure access to play, active recreation and sport remains within the reach of all communities, across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ngā mihi nui

Brent Sheldrake Regional Partnership Manager - Northern M: 027 478 5122 E: [email protected]

64 Submission from Cindy Lee

As Council looks to a plan for the next year and our future, I encourage council to try to look to building in systems for success, leveraging off of existing programs, systems and networks to meet common outcomes . And this has the added bonus of building capacity, value and strength within our community. Work smarter & simpler, not more.

1) The priority of providing an Immediate Covid Response & Recovery planning is really good (as is the partnership with Toi EDA and the Chamber, Emergency Response to do so…well done). Yet this focus could be expanded longer term to better support the needs of our wider community.

a) Change WDC procurement & contracting policy to support the prioritising purchasing of goods and awarding contracts to local contractors, businesses and services. i. Work with our regional / central govt leaders to encourage their procurement systems and contracts to include “a buy local and contract local prioritization”. ii. Work with chamber, Toi EDA and TLA’s to encourage our regional businesses to signup and commit to supporting & prioritising the use of local tenders, local contractors, local businesses and local services. 1. Those who to commit to this can put a sticker in their front window or doorway? iii. Work with Iwi & Marae to do the same

b) Provide opportunities to bring the community together as well as support the local economy . Ex. shut down the strand one Friday a month for live music, food, shopping and offer free stalls for local mum and pop businesses to sell their wares. . Support secondary schools with expanding their Career Expo to a community EBoP Earn and Learn Expo . Use Shovel Ready/PGF Funding to create a COVID Community Projects fund where community groups can submit for funding to complete projects that meet WDC LTP goals and create some part time work or project income, ex: o Repurposing recycling into saleable products o Developing multipurpose trails or Hut accommodation in new areas (like into Taneatua, Matata, the lakes, etc)

c) Work with BOPRC to add a commuter train to the back of every logging train going back and forth to Tauranga and offer for free or low cost for the next year a. This would make us a popular day trip and weekend destination for TGA b. Increase our communities access to jobs in TGA c. And when the cruise ship travel re-opens, sets us up for increased tourism

d) Share the good news stories with our community to change the narrative to the positive. . Example: Share about our recent credit cards & how we are only down 10% vs. 20% nationally, projects that are starting up & your taking tenders for, the # of jobs created and offered……to help create a buzz where we can.

e) No one seems to know what Te Ara Mahi is or what WDC 13 step plan is …may be good to share and gain feedback

2) Creating jobs and supporting the local economy Working w/ iwi, central Govt and regional TLA’s is a great start. But we also need to include the community & education sector in the conversation and planning to make this a success.

a) We need to make it easier for our community to understand & connect with our local opportunities . ex. support the hosting of annual regional job fair . encourage the business and leisure show to have a underlying focus on employment, actively encourage businesses who have workforce/ apprenticeship needs to host a booth (for free?) identify these with a Jobs placard to encourage our community to connect with them and drop of CV/s if they are seeking work . promote the Connect EBoP Platform provides a local clearing house of training, job search and job supports in our community, as well as a regional online sales platform for our mum and pop businesses outside of the cbd.

b) We should have a bigger focus re: economic drivers and anchors for our WhK community. . With our fantastic environment & proximity to the port, we should be looking at becoming a hub for a multinational corporation and becoming their NZ /Pacific distribution centre (ex. Ali Baba, Costco, Ikea, Microsoft campus, Google) . Lobby to have the University of Waikato Marine research centre located here (instead of TGA) . Or perhaps we could work with Films BoP to become a upper north island film studio location (as providing a great environment is how Hollywood started). And with the pandemic the multibillion dollar film industry will be looking for safe locations for their projects ( see what my brother in law is doing in Hawaii, we could do this here)

f) Provide opportunities to bring the community together as well as support the local economy

66 . Ex. shut down the strand one Friday a month for live music, food, shopping and offer free stalls for local mum and pop businesses to sell their wares. . Support secondary schools with expanding their Career Expo to a community EBoP Earn and Learn Expo . Use Shovel Ready/PGF Funding to create a COVID Community Projects fund where community groups can submit for funding to complete projects that meet WDC LTP goals and create some part time work or project income, ex: o Repurposing recycling into saleable products o Developing multipurpose trails or Hut accommodation in new areas/ private land for public use (Taneatua, Matata, the lakes, etc) o Creation of local eco or marae based tourism c) Give the community an opportunity to voice ideas of how we can support & grow our economy and district…. 1. the marina project really focusses our future on the well-off & pakeha in our community. 2. What about everyone else? Especially the 45% of our community who are Maori? 3. How will locals know about the jobs that are created from the Revitalization & Harbour development projects? i. Is there an expectation that contractors employ a certain amount, or all, local employees & have apprentices?? 4. Start to engage with community before decisions are made o Provide a up & coming projects page on your website w/ embedded consultation links o Seek their ideas on how projects could proceed & try to build them into the planning process, when possible . ex. there may be farmers/ landowners up the valley who would be keen to have equestrian, biking, hiking trails on their land . there may be tourism, trail, hut accommodation opportunities, up the valley, across the plains, &/ or linking the Whirinaki . There may be Ecotourism opportunities d) Schools and the education sector need to be part of this conversation and planning so they can start to collaborate and re-focus on how to change their curriculum & delivery to better prepare our young people towards our changing workforce needs. o Meet with secondary school leaders quarterly to share trends, PGF projects, projections so they can start to pivot towards changing their curriculum to pathway students into the jobs that will be coming o Work with CoC, Toi EDA to better understand industry/ biz training needs,

67 o We need to encourage & build up community commitment to offering apprenticeships and youth work experience so they are ready to step into local employment opportunities

e) We need to support a EBoP region wide promotion/ lens so we leverage off off each other’s growth, and build strength across the region (ex. EBoP domestic tourism campaign, trail projects that link our TLA’s with Rotorua, and / or our region becoming a “great walk” with the lakes)

f) Our Young people should be part of this conversation and planning… what are their dreams for our collective future? Are they aware of current opportunities? What are their ideas for our future and growth? . Are we utilising & actively supporting our existing Youth networks to activate & co-design with our young people (like Youth Council, Youth of Kopeopeo, Interact groups) . Engage youth in creating positive FB posts and videos

g) With the Active Whk Strategy and community momentum around creating urban access to Mountain bike trails o This focus should widen to include trails & recreational access for elderly, young mums with prams, the disabled, & equestrians o as these are all important facets of our community as well as separate domestic tourism populations

h) Promote the Connect EBoP platform to serve as a local clearing house for training, job search and job supports in our community, as well as a regional online sales platform for our mum and pop businesses (outside of the cbd). . The platform provides a safety net and a secondary sales channel for our regional small businesses in case we have to go back to higher alert levels in the future.

3) Maintaining a focus on our long-term priorities . Climate change needs to be a lens we use to consider every decision from here on out. o Decisions should be wider & more impactful than council getting electric vehicles (ex. stop allowing building in potential future flood areas, and any trails created should be above future flood lines) . The focus on safe drinking water and using central govt and shovel ready funds to help with infrastructure projects is good and will help us to save $ longer term. Thanks. o The community in general does not understand this space, the costs involved, and why this a priority. Keep any messaging really simple.

68 . Environment: Partner with and leverage off of existing community groups who work in this space (food rescue, crop swap), to promote environmental sustainability and climate friendly messages out . Community Development: We should be actively partnering with Iwi and Youth around reimagining what our future looks like

4) Reducing the impact on rates / reducing financial pressure on the district is really important. . I have heard so many people comment that our rates are higher than Auckland’s (?) and if true, this should not be the case. o We should be focusing on how to work smarter not hiring more staff or consultants. o Good to partner with existing groups in the community with complementary goals to leverage off of and broaden efforts o Is there a way to decrease the use of official consultation reports ( ex. APR) as it appears they often just resubmit the community’s work and we get charged 10-20K?

69 Submission from Rebecca Mackay, Erin Green and Richard Hamer

Kia ora,

We’d like to register the signatures and comments of the 748 supporters of the “Safer Streets” petition we launched during the Covid 19 Lockdown 4 here in Whakatāne. These signatures largely represent households or whanau, and what our supporters were asking for was to see the Whakatāne District Council make safer streets for active travel an immediate priority. See here for more: https://www.change.org/p/judy-turner-mayor-of-whakatane-district-council-whakat%C4%81ne-want- to-keep-our-streets-safer-after-lockdown?use_react=false

As the community advocates and initiators of this initiative and the ongoing kaupapa towards this end, we’d like to see this feedback represented in submission material on both the “Immediate response to Covid-19” and “Focusing on the future” section of the Annual Plan consultation 2020/21, and also as part of the “Future in Focus” LTP consultation, specifically under the priorities: “Taking action on climate change”, “Proactively managing population growth”, “Building Natural Hazard Resilience”, “Supporting a vibrant and creative District’, and “Enhancing transport efficiency, safety and transport options.”

We acknowledge that we have spoken to our Elected Members and that we have contributed to the Innovative Streets Round 2 funding application. We also acknowledge that the Active Whakatāne Strategy was recently passed. However, based on our interactions and presentations to Elected Members and the Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board, we have our concerns that many of our elected representatives are not responsive to either community voice or evidence, that safer streets for active transport still does not have the urgency and prioritisation around it that our community has been asking for for years now, and that WDC’s own Climate Change Principals are not the decision-making tool that WDC suggested they would be at any level of local government here. The lack of meaningful action or support for the MTB Park since WDC commitment was confirmed in the previous LTP also raises red flags around the wider kaupapa as well as democratic process and WDC's genuine engagement with it.

Please note community voice and reasons for signing our petition, as per comments shared on our petition:

“I liked the feel of the town during Alert Level 4.” (LB)

“It’s been my dream for years and years! Much progress has been made since Cycle Action Whakatāne started, and now, during lockdown, we can see the benefits of quieter and safer roads, especially (but not exclusively) for our children.” (PN)

“We have an opportunity not only to make our streets safer for people to use but also to begin to make changes to adapt to a more resilient community coping with the affects of climate change…using this opportunity to focus on the possibilities of what we can adjust rather than attempting to return to business as usual.” (CC)

“People must come first.” (TO)

70 “I’m sick of feeling unsafe biking on the cycleways and road.” (AJ)

“My family and I love biking around the Whakatāne/Ōhope area and would like to do so safely. Safe cycle ways offer so much; reduce pollution, reduce vehicle road use, exercise, family activity,fun, tourism, time spent in nature. This is definitely what Whakatāne needs.” (ET)

“Great idea.” (DS)

“I’m signing because myself and my family really loved biking around streets during Level 4, and would love to see Whakatāne make some real environmental changes post Covid-19.” (KH)

“Because I want my children to feel what freedom is and embrace it. So that I don’t end up in hospital again. So that we can make Whakatāne a great place to be.” (JM)

“Definitely lovely to see more tamariki, elderly and families out getting some fresh air, been active, and enjoying their neighbourhoods, but even more so feeling safe to do so.” (TH)

“People have the right to safe exercise on the streets in Whakatāne.” (HM)

“All towns in NZ need to be more bike friendly. Have a look at Holland for how to do it.” (LQ)

“Cycling in and around Whakatāne could be much safer and more accessible for wheelchair, pushchairs, scooters and other forms of transport.” (CR)

“I’m 8 years old and I have done a lot more biking during lockdown. I feel more safe on the pathway but it has been pretty safe on the road too during lockdown. I love biking because it is fun. I really love mountain biking. Biking is exciting and I like to do it with my friends and family. I can’t do it with my friends at the moment though.” (LM)

“Quieter streets during lockdown have made cycling safer for everyone. Let’s keep this going.” (SC)

“Because I have a small child who needs this too.” (CH)

“I’d like to see roads safer for my children to bike safely to school. Crazily enough, it’s the traffic around the schools on James Street that is extremely unpredictable with cars always in a rush and not watching for the foot and bike traffic. I feel there is not enough safe bike options for children to use on their journey to and from school around the community.” (MH)

“Kia piki te ora – cycleways are a good way to increase the vitality, quality of life of the people and the town, they encourage natural movement and all age activity and cut down pollution. I was raised in Whakatāne (70s 80s) and people of all ages rode bikes everywhere then – it can be done. Plant more trees along the cycle ways too to increase birdlife. Many progressive communities across the globe favour inner living cycling, e.g. Copenhagen 62% of people cycle.” (RR)

71 “The pathways around Kopeopeo are disgusting. I’d like to go further around, to a park, but I can’t. All I can do is sit here [Salvation Army Park Bench], a few doors down from my house.” (a. 94 years)

“I am from Whakatāne, an idea like this should be used in all towns, so Whakatāne could set a standard for others to follow.” (BS)

“Riding your bike is a great way to change your lifestyle.” (PM)

“The situation cause by Covid 19 clearly demonstrated that the community will use our streets on mass by foot, cycle and mobility device when safe to do so!” (RH)

“My family live in Whakatāne and their safety is important to me.” (SM)

“Having been hit twice by cars in Whakatāne while riding my bike, one requiring hospitalization for 2 compression fractures of my spine, I totally agree with this petition! Make our streets safer!” (DC)

“It is so good to see so many people of all ages on bikes enjoying themselves. Long may this continue!” (AW)

“Great idea!” (EF)

“I bike to work everyday which includes a school drop off.” (GC)

“Cycle lanes would be great round town and more signage for traffic as me and my children often ride but have had some close calls.” (HA)

“Safer roads for families biking please.” (DH)

“I’m signing because women do not feel safe taking their kids out on roads and that’s a missed opportunity. Kids mums and dads should be getting around on bikes. It’s healthy.” (GM)

“Streets for people!” (PC)

“Love this initiative! It has truly been wonderful cycling around Whakatāne with my children curing Lockdown. We have felt safe to explore at our own pace, and the kids have developed a lot more confidence on their bikes. I hope we can all continue to cycle this way in the future!” (AH)

“It’s been amazing! We haven’t had to drive to an empty carpark on a Sunday afternoon to have a safe space to let the kids practice riding. We’ve been able to ride on the footpaths and streets. The girls have taken their trainer wheels off! What I’m worried about, however, is that the confidence my kids have developed is misplaced. If we got back to normal, Whakatāne is not a safe place for them to bike. My boy wants to bike to school now. But I can’t let him, not if it goes back to like it was before Lockdown.” (AJ)

“It has been wonderful and freeing to walk and bike the streets safely over lockdown.” (SS)

72 “And lets encourage WDC to firmly advocate that Burma Road and Maraetōtara Road are publicly owned and should be promoted as a safe and accessible cycling resource for the community and visitors.” (RVR)

“We would hardly ever ride our bikes, but we now absolutely love it and would love to continue safely. This would be great for Whakatāne.” (JJ)

“For a safer and healthier community.” (AR)

“No more endless rounds of consultation.” (SS)

“I love biking for recreation but also to run errands and do my shopping. I feel so much safer doing this in lockdown with reduced traffic. No close calls with motor vehicles, no abuse, much reduced fumes. It has also been uplifting to see so many people on their bikes. It just whos that if the environment is right more people will use bicycles instead of cars.” (MH)

“Yes! Our whānau has loved being able to use the streets during lockdown like we haven’t been able to before. We’d love to be able to access our neighbourhoods like this into the future.” (EG)

“For safer streets and urban spaces that are designed for people and wellbeing, not cars. For more active, healthy and connected communities.” (RM)

73 Submission from Te Waiti Rangiwai

Tena koutou

Please find attached a submission for your consideration for the upcoming year.

Korero contained within the submission is supported by Ngati Whare users of these public spaces and many others within our rohe.

This submission is also supported by members of the Rangitaiki River Forum who will provide their written support for the kaupapa also.

Nga mihi

Te Waiti Rangiwai

Pou Whakahaere

To: Rangitāiki River Forum

Date: Friday, 5 June 2020

From: Te Waiti Rangiwai, Member for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare

Subject: Public Amenities at Lake Matahina and Eastern side of Thornton River Mouth

I wish to raise the following matters for the Rangitāiki River Forum to consider at the meeting.

Recommendation

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1. Request Trustpower Limited consider funding and maintenance of alternative toileting solutions at Lake Matahina while Whakatāne District Council considers their options;

2. Recommend to Whakatāne District Council that it support funding the continuation and maintenance of toilet facilities at Lake Matahina; and reconsider re-siting rubbish bins to the carpark areas.

3. Recommend to the relevant local authority that it consider funding the installation and ongoing maintenance of toilet amenities on the eastern side of the Thornton River Mouth.

Background

1. Toilet Facilities and Refuse Bins at Lake Matahina Carpark

As a regular domestic user of the breadth of the Rangitāiki River including the Matahina Dam, I observed that the refuse bins in the carpark area and next to the toilet had been removed recently. The toilet also has been de-commissioned.

I raised these issues with the Whakatāne District Council and received the following responses:

a. Beau Fraser, Team Leader Properties and Facilities Assets: The Matahina Dam toilet was burnt down prior to Christmas. Since then we have cleared the site of all the burnt material leaving only the concrete block shell. There was never a bowl or wash sink in the facility, as there is no water supply. We are still working through the costs of replacing the toilet, so that Council can decide whether to allocate funds to the endeavour.

b. Nigel Clarke, Manager Solid Waste: These bins have a long history of abuse, as well as been burned out numerous times they are used as a local dumping ground and often overflowing and surrounded by household waste (not litter from visitors). When they are full of household rubbish visitors to the site cannot use them. As they were not used as intended and misused, we made the decision to remove them. This also encourages those visiting the site to take responsibility for their waste and

75 take it away with them. We have done this in other areas (as have other councils) and it has worked as a deterrent to illegal dumping. 2. Toilet Facilities on Eastern Side of Thornton River Mouth

Myself and my whanau and most every other whanau within our rohe have been visiting the Rangitāiki River mouth at Thornton for years to fish. There has never been a toilet on the Eastern side of the river. The state of the dunes, vegetation, even the rocks close to the sea have been used and will continue to be used as a toilet, which is abhorrent and disgusting.

With all of us now becoming more and more aware of the environmental footprint we as humans leave behind, my patai are these:

a. Who has mana whenua (territorial authority) over this side of the river?

b. Would those who have mana whenua been open to funding the installation and ongoing maintenance of a small toilet amenity on this side of the river?

c. I note with interest that houses are now sited on the road close to the mouth. This has surely opened the way for this type of minor infrastructure work to occur?

My patai to Trustpower Ltd is:

1. Will Trustpower Ltd consider funding and maintenance of alternative toileting solution/s at Lake Matahina Dam while Whakatāne District Council considers their options?

My patai to Whakatāne District Council is:

1. Will Whakatāne District Council reconsider re-siting refuse bins to the carpark areas; and

2. Consider funding the installation and ongoing maintenance of toilet amenities on the eastern side of the Thornton River Mouth.

My third patai is to the RRF itself:

Will the RRF put their support behind these three kaupapa?

Te Waiti Rangiwai Pou Whakahaere Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare

76 Submission from Carolyn Hamil – Bike Trust Whakatāne

77 Bike Whakatane Trust

Annual Plan Submission 2020/2021

The Bike Whakatane Trust would like to submit to the WDC’s Annual Plan 2020/21 consultation.

Firstly, we commend the Council on the recent adoption of the Active Whakatane Strategy. Our vision is that Whakatane District becomes an even more enjoyable place to live and work, and active transport has a huge part to play in this. We now request that Council promptly prioritises, enables and develops meaningful change in the active transport space through the upcoming Implementation Plan. We want to see tangible benefits in safer streets for all people, and in particular school-aged children, the elderly and those with disabilities. We want to know that significant budget for the Transport team will be made available and allocated to these ‘on the ground’ changes, and that WDC is not relying on external funding alone for cycling infrastructure improvements. We see improvements in active transport infrastructure as a strong commitment and outworking of the Climate Change Principles already adopted by WDC in late 2019.

Secondly, we want to support the Whakatane Mountain Bike Club in urging the Council to make the establishment of mountain bike trails in Whakatane a reality. It has been two years since Council gave full backing to the concept at the 2018-21 LTP hearings, along with huge support from the community. The growing domestic cycle tourism and MTB industry show it is prudent for the Council to demonstrate strong leadership by allocating resources, time and initiating collaboration with community groups to make this happen.

Thanks for your consideration.

78 Submission from Toi Economic Development Agency

ANNUAL PLAN SUBMISSION – 2020/2021 WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL

1 SUPPORT FOR THE WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL (WDC) – ANNUAL PLAN (2020/21)

Over the last 12 months there have been significant events in the Whakatane district that have demonstrated how resilient our community is, and how we come together in times of adversity. WDC have demonstrated amazing leadership, over this period ensuring that local communities are listened to and provided with the support they need. We fully support the proposed changes to the annual plan (as stated) with a core focus on jobs (immediate impact), a vision for the future (longer term leadership), and a plan that balances the financial pressure on our community, while embracing the need for increase community and iwi engagement.

2 REASON FOR THE REPORT

In addition to providing support for the AP submission, we wanted to highlight how Toi EDA can help support WDC over the coming year, based on demonstrated progress made over the last 12 months. This report provides an update to Whakatane District Council (WDC) on the activities performed by Toi EDA in 2019 / 20. It is noted that WDC is the main core funder for Toi EDA, and this continued support is gratefully appreciated. In addition, we would like to update the councillors in relation to Covid19. Specifically, the impacts we are seeing for our business community, including the actions that are being taken to address the economic recovery for our local communities. We will highlight some of the challenges and opportunities this recovery will bring to the EBOP. Note: This is an update report, with no decisions sought.

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Over the past year there have been significant changes made at Toi EDA. A board refresh was completed in May 2019, including a new Chair, and new General Managers were hired in May 2019. This resulted in a new vision of creating better opportunities for the future generations, and an updated strategy (completed in August 2019), with agreement that Toi EDA focus areas need to be around three key pillars: 1. Creating a Winning brand – To attract (and retain) businesses, investment & talent to the EBOP

Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Development Trust PO Box 349 Whakatāne 3158. Telephone 07 922 3316 Website www.toi-eda.co.nz

2. Economic Development – Target immediate Provincial Growth Funding (PGF) & seek other opportunities for sustainable economic development. It is noted that Toi EDA will support strategic sectors, and not individual businesses. 3. Create Thriving Communities – Address constraints to growth in areas such as housing / workforce / infrastructure

Throughout 2019 a large focus was around attracting PGF funding into the EBOP. Across the EBOP, $205 million has been secured in PGF funding which will result in 2327 direct jobs and 1466 indirect jobs, a total of 3793 jobs. This is an increase of 17% against the current workforce and does not include jobs created outside the subregion.

Although this PGF investment is great for the EBOP, there is an immediate issue with increased unemployment as a result of Covid19. Although the EBOP has strong demand for it’s primary production sector Whakatane has been dealt a double blow with the impact of Whakaari and Covid19 significantly impacting the local economy.

Toi EDA has proudly assisted, together with the EBOP Chamber of Commerce, the management of the Whakaari Recovery Fund Panel, which has resulted in many businesses receiving direct support to ensure their in-going viability post-Whakaari. This successful collaboration model was rolled into the

There are plans in place (through government stimulus packages) and local initiatives to address current employment issues, however the timing for rolling these out are critical, as businesses are facing significant issues with cashflow.

4 BACKGROUND

Toi EDA is set up as the local Economic Development Agency (EDA) for the Eastern Bay of Plenty. We cover the three district areas of Kawerau / Opotiki and Whakatane.

Toi EDA board is required to have the following representation :  2 representatives nominated by Maatatua  1 representative nominated by Whakatane District Council  1 representative nominated by Opotiki District Council  1 representative nominated by Kawerau District Council  1 representative nominated by Bay of Plenty Regional Council  Up to 2 other board nominations

The board is made up of volunteers , with the current board makeup as follows :  Maatatua : Anthony Olsen  Whakatane District Council : Aaron Milne / Wiremu Docherty  Opotiki District Council : Ray Sharp / Arihia Tuoro  Kawerau District Council : David Turner  Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) : Tina Ngatai  2 other board nominations : John Galbraith

Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Development Trust PO Box 349 Whakatāne 3158. Telephone 07 922 3316 Website www.toi-eda.co.nz

Toi EDA is funded through the three district councils, based on a population split, with some funding from BOPRC. In addition Toi EDA attracts philanthropy funding and funding through central government for specific projects.

5 Specific Observations and Commentary on the Annual Plan:

 13 Point Plan to respond to Covid-19 o Toi EDA supports the approach of the 13 point plan. o Swim lanes have been created to ensure that there is alignment between Toi EDA’s efforts and WDC. o It is noted that Toi is mentioned in the annual plan, together with other partner organisations, and we are committed to ensuring the impacts of COVID-19 are minimised. o Toi EDA would like to acknowledge the considerable efforts of WDC Management on the recovery efforts to date. The considerable hours and commitment to a speedy recovery, and to taking the opportunity to make the necessary improvements that will improve our community resilience are noted. o The focus on jobs, partnership with iwi (demonstrated with the new Boat Harbor and Town Revitalisation relationships), working with central government is applauded. o It is noted that after many years of little central government investment many constraints exist that must be overcome to ensure the PGF monies make the maximum impact locally. Toi EDA looks forward to working alongside Toi EDA as part of the 13 point plan to resolve housing, workforce and infrastructure (digital, roading) challenges.  Reimagining the District: o The focus on water and environmental improvements is noted as a key part of Creating Thriving Communities. Toi EDA supports these efforts. o Climate Change needs to be taken seriously and Toi EDA looks forward to collaborating together with Council on creating a business environment that embraces the changes that are required. o The capacity and capability to deliver on the strategy remains a significant challenge and Toi EDA supports the efforts to increase the very limited strategic economic development resourcing committed to this area. The team is currently stretched in this area and the PGF, Whakaari and Covid-19 responses have pushed this team to the absolute limit and beyond. Resilience in the team should be built, and where appropriate, the responsibilities should be shared with other sub-regional Councils and Toi-EDA to lessen the collective burden. o Partnerships and leveraging the collective capability (both human and financial resources) held by different organisations will be critical to creating our Thriving Communities. As a result, the early and sustainable relationship building with all Iwi partners noted in the annual plan is essential to the Districts success.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Development Trust PO Box 349 Whakatāne 3158. Telephone 07 922 3316 Website www.toi-eda.co.nz

TOI EDA BACKGROUND 2019 A board refresh was completed in May 2019, with David Turner taking over as chair and new board members appointed (Wiremu / Aaron and Arihia). At that same time new General Managers (GM’s) were appointed: Ian Morton / Karl Gradon. Throughout June / July 2019 strategy workshops were held ensure there was clear strategic direction in place for Toi EDA. It was agreed through these workshops that the purpose of Toi EDA is to create vibrant communities by addressing three strategic pillars: 1. Winning brand – To attract businesses, investment & talent to the EBOP and to change the narrative about the region to one that inspires hope 2. Economic Development – Target immediate Provincial Growth Funding (PGF) & seek other opportunities for economic development 3. Thriving communities – Address constraints to growth in areas such as housing / workforce / infrastructure

Below is an update (mapped against our Key strategic pillars)

Strategic Pillar Achievements – 2019/20

Winning  Strategy Approved Brand  Monthly communications released to media  Initial discussions – Campbell Squared & board to discuss current branding of the EBOP  Organised Stakeholder Strategies facilitated workshop on impacts of Covid19 with local government / iwi / industry

Economic  $205 million PGF funding secured for the EBOP across 4 key clusters Development

Thriving  Workforce communities o Driver & operator Training Centre Set up in Kawerau to support the EBOP – Truck Driving / Logistics & transport (MBIE Funded) o Workforce advisory board – Terms of Reference Refreshed o Licence to work programme – Students completed course across EBOP o Supported local workforce groups & PGF applications – Kawerau / Opotiki o Database set up – Workforce mapping (PGF projects)  Housing o Kāinga Ora agreement to joint working group to progress

Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Development Trust PO Box 349 Whakatāne 3158. Telephone 07 922 3316 Website www.toi-eda.co.nz

Strategic Pillar Achievements – 2019/20 housing plan for EBOP  Infrastructure o Digital connectivity group set up

Other  Whaakari support o Business Grants Process and panel management, awarding over $1.9m to the region  Covid 19 o Joint working – Chamber of Commerce / Toi EDA reaching out to a new database of 1000 businesses during Covid19 & set up Facebook o Co-ordinated EBOP response to Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP)

6 TOI EDA – What’s next (2020 /21)

We are currently in the process of finalising our plan for 2020 / 21, this will comprise a mixture of Covid 19 recovery support, as well as BAU, see details below :

Strategic Pillar Plan – 2020/21

Winning  Create a narrative of hope for the region by Increasing and impriving Brand communications to create public and business confidence (Covid19)  Finalise & release annual report (BAU)  Seek further partnership opportunities (BAU)

 Confirm need & deliver – business & talent attraction plan (Covid19 plus other funding required)

Economic  Create a sustainable economic engine for the region, based on our ky Development strategic advantages

 Support capability / capacity for PGF projects ($205M) (Covid19) [Funding request with MBIE]  Co-ordination of government stimulus packages, including workforce database (Covid19) [Funding request with MBIE]

Thriving  Focus on areas where Toi EDA can have meaningful impact that connect

Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Development Trust PO Box 349 Whakatāne 3158. Telephone 07 922 3316 Website www.toi-eda.co.nz

Strategic Pillar Plan – 2020/21 communities people and create a wonderful place to live  Workforce o Driver & operator Training Centre - increase utilisation / support Covid19 immediate training / Identify commercial model for running centre (MBIE Funded) o Support Rangitaiki 22B Trust – Set up Marine Technical Training Centre (BAU)

o Deliver Link up programme (Philanthropy funded) o Trial initiatives (a) class 1 driver licencing, (b) pathways to work for youth (Philanthropy funded) o Support Ngati Awa to set up Whakatane workforce team (BAU)  Housing o Create & deliver housing (Tactical and Strategic) plan for EBOP in conjunction with partners (BAU plus other funding required)  Infrastructure

o Create and deliver digital connectivity plan (BAU plus other funding required) o Transport- clarify scope & role Toi EDA (BAU)

Other  Covid 19

o Support councils – roll out of govt stimulus packages (Council funded)  Future funding o Feed into Long Term Plans – Councils (BAU) o Identify & deliver a collaborative funding model (BAU)

7 Challenges / Opportunities

Challenge : Lack of resource to deliver There is a significant amount of work ahead of us in the economic recovery space. Across the EBOP we have limited resources (Council / iwi / Toi EDA / Chamber of Commerce) to deliver against the increased demands being placed on us with PGF delivery and other government stimulus packages. In addition we believe there needs to be a co-ordinated picture pulled together for the EBOP so that businesses can be provided with certainty of when funding will arrive, so they can make decisions around their workforce needs (and redundancies).

Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Development Trust PO Box 349 Whakatāne 3158. Telephone 07 922 3316 Website www.toi-eda.co.nz

Currently Toi EDA has core funding of $187k per annum, which funds administration of Toi EDA (as an entity), 1 days per week for both Ian & Karl, and a part time administrator. Over 2019/20 Karl / Ian were funded (1 day per week each) through MBIE to support the PGF projects, but this funding is coming to an end in Jun 2020. Our funding for philanthropy (which funds our workforce development manager – Barbara) is in place for specific purposes to support system changes for getting youth into employment. We have submitted a request to MBIE to seek funding for : o Ian & Karl (1.5days per week each) o Barbara – workforce manager (1 day per week) If we do not get this funding we will be unable to support / co-ordinate Covid19 response for the EBOP.

Opportunity : $20Bn unallocated funding in budget to support Covid19 Government announced as part of their budget the biggest stimulus package the government has ever announced, this included an increase to PGF funding, Capital Infrastructure Projects (CIP), Green Projects, and an unallocated budget of $20Bn. There is an opportunity for the EBOP to leverage the success of the RGLG (iwi leaders / civic leaders / industry leaders) to pull together and create a co-ordinated plan for the EBOP. This will require : o Mandate from the Regional Growth Leadership Group (RGLG) o Funding to prepare an EBOP report (similar to the last RGLG report) If we decide not to progress with an EBOP voice, we envisage that a national and regional approach will be co-ordinated with the ministries and may not take into consideration the unique needs for our already challenged subregion. It is the opinion of Toi EDA that local recovery efforts are best coordinated at the local level, and seeking coordinated funding for these efforts is best done locally as a result.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Development Trust PO Box 349 Whakatāne 3158. Telephone 07 922 3316 Website www.toi-eda.co.nz

86 Submission from Mem Jenner – Murupara Community Board

Murupara Community Board Submissions to the Annual Plan

Tena koutou katoa,

Firstly, a huge acknowledgement for the mahi done in regards to Whakaari/White Island Eruption and COVID-19 Response. Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed and it’s times like this we see the true value of sharing & caring to our own and the many visitors who grace our district.

Secondly, we acknowledge and appreciate the mahi in the Galatea/Murupara Ward.

- Effort made to retain the quality of the water - Extra seating & rubbish bins around Murupara especially outside the Bakehouse. - The upgrade of the entrance to Black Road – Lake Aniwhenua. - The barriers put up around the Bakehouse and huge block seating is amazing as is the paving. - Galatea Cemetery Road is looking good.

Thirdly, we support all 10 priorities.

Murupara:

Footpaths: There are still footpaths that need repairing, especially in the CBD outside Credit Union Central and Lil Vics Takeaways. The elderly finds it hard having to walk, walk with a walking stick, a walking frame & push shopping trolleys on a surface full of “footpath potholes” and as acknowledged through COVID-19 they are our most vulnerable.

As mobility scooters become part of footpath and road use and being mindful of the lengths we go to for disability access in terms of safety for all users, we would like to see the gradient and width of footpath to road entry & exit improved. Mobility scooters get stuck in the gutter as soon as the wheels hit the road and wobble as they try to navigate the narrow entry onto the road and the exit as they cross the other side of the road,

Oak Street Park: This is another danger zone, especially for the safety of our other vulnerable population, our children. We would like to keep the park attractive and safe. Barriers around this park would be ideal, this has been in the pipeline for many years.

87 Traffic Calming Solutions: Pine Drive & Oregon Drive are used as speedways, due to lack of programmes in Murupara to support safe driving and community safety, the Community Board continue to support the need to support traffic calming solutions in Murupara.

Speed Limit Change: We would like to see the speed limit of 80kms dropped to 50kms on State Highway 38 from the Rangitaiki River Bridge to the end of Ngati Manawa Road. Although this stretch of road is a main highway, it is still residential with side roads entering & exiting, thus speeding vehicles especially trucks pose a threat to this environment.

Shade Sails for CBD Playground: We would appreciate a sail or sails over the CBD Playground especially in summer when the heat is at its best. It would mean that community are able to utilise this playground more and the money invested into this park would not be wasted.

Overgrown Sections: We know this is a recurring issue and would like to work together to make owners accountable for the sections they purchase. Overgrown and unsightly sections increase fire risks, hidden hazards and can become a dumping ground.

Cap Off-Licenses: We consider ourselves to be a huge part of the Whakatane District who wants to maintain and encourage vibrant, creative, safe, resilient and thriving communities. This can be achieved by working together to cap the number of off-licences permitted in the town to 1. This could also be a useful tool for other small towns (under 5000 people) in the district as an element in the Local Alcohol Policy.

Civil Defence Response Plan: We would appreciate help to get this completed and rubber stamped after waiting 8 years. We have experienced 2 major emergencies and continue to be put on the back burner, we would progress it ourselves however this will be useless once Emergency Management take over.

Galatea:

Galatea Cemetery: The Larch Trees have roots running underneath the RSA side of the cemetery, it would be appropriate to fell these trees and use to make a fence as part of an upgrade strategy.

Lake Aniwhenua Reserve & Hollys Playground.

Support a walking/cycling track around Lake Aniwhenua: Increase local activities, tourism, and visitor numbers to the district.

88 Shade sale over Hollys Playground & the recoating of the fibre glass tuna: As above improve safety in summer therefore increasing user numbers. This park is well used throughout the year and by looking after our visitors we are looking after our district.

A 2nd solar shower at the Reserve: This would cater to the large numbers visiting Lake Aniwhenua Reserve and improved facilities.

Ruatahuna:

Mimiha Bridge – The possibility of looking at having 2 lanes on this bridge instead of one.

Waiohau: We support the submission sent through from Ngapera Rangiaho in terms of Footpaths & Roading through the Significance & Engagement Policy. And would add the submission supports elderly with chronic illnesses i.e. dialysis patients with mobility aides which allows them to maintain their independence, encourage engagement with the rest of the community and minimise health risks due to isolation. The request for streetlights along the footpath from Waiohau Kura and North bound past Waikokopu Stream is also a safety precaution from an existing deep drain and ditch.

Te Whaiti/Minginui:

Shade Sail: for the playground. Once again to improve safety in summer and increase its use by locals and visitors to the area.

Thanking you.

Murupara Community Board

Mem Jenner

89 Submission from Mem Jenner – Community Action Youth and Drugs (CAYAD)

Whakatane District Council 2020/2021 Annual Plan Submission. June 2020.

Introduction:

1. Maori make up a majority of the population in small towns in the Whakatane District. The supply and use of alcohol contributes significantly to inequalities in health and wellbeing for Maori; for instance, the Maori mortality rate attributable to alcohol is 2.5 times that of non-Maori. This reflects a range of historical and continuing impacts of colonisation including trauma, loss of land and valuable resources. In rural communities alcohol harm is compounded by greater economic deprivation and poor access to services. Job losses due to COVID-19’s impact may exacerbate these issues. 2. Off-licences are a critical issue as they supply 75% of alcohol the consumed in New2 Zealand, at the lowest prices. (https://www.actionpoint.org.nz/tags/alcohol_is_a_major_factor_contributing_to_heal th_inequities). 3. In Murupara, nearly half the community signed a petition against a new off-licence outlet in 2016. The application was ultimately withdrawn due to issues raised by Police about the applicant – rather than the town’s clear view that another outlet would bring a significant risk of increasing alcohol related harm and social problems in a community that already faces significant hardship. Although the outcome was good for Murupara, there is nothing in place to prevent future applications either succeeding or requiring another intensive mobilisation of residents and professionals. 4. The Murupara Community Board has identified that to respect the wishes of its residents and to improve health it is appropriate to cap the number of off-licences permitted in the town to 1. We further believe this could be useful tool for other small towns (under 5000 people) in the district as an element in the Local Alcohol Policy.

Our request for the Annual Plan:

 We ask that in 2020, the Council reviews whether sufficient data is being collected to monitor the LAP and its impact across the district towards the object of minimising alcohol related harm (as per the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act). We further request a commitment to undertaking sufficient monitoring to help community boards and the Council make an informed decision on capping alcohol off-licences (including grocery store licences) to 1 in towns with fewer than 5000 residents.  Regarding the proposal to cap off-licences, we ask that in 2020 the Council: o Initiates an action plan to engage the public and raise awareness of the forthcoming review of the LAP, and the proposal to reduce alcohol related harm and inequities when the LAP is reviewed. This should include evidence-informed discussion of the impacts of alcohol supply in the local areas, with a priority focus on reducing inequitable health and social outcomes for Maori, as per Council obligations stemming from Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

90 o Provide opportunity through the REIMAGINE OUR DISTRICT and FUTURE IN FOCUS for more discussion as the Council develops the 2021-2030 Long Term Plan.

I look forward to an awesome, safe and brilliant future for our District.

CAYAD (Community Action on Youth & Drugs)

Mem Jenner (Kaimahi)

91 Submission from TeAroha Taki

Kia ora,

Firstly, tena koutou katoa, I have been a rate payer at this property since 2004, and have experienced a huge jump in Rates increases over the last 10 years.

Starting from page 5. of the Annual Plan 2020/21

It is interesting to read over all these Council's Plans is focused on COVID 19, and interesting to note you would expect to have unallocated funding. If that is the case which should now be so, Aotearoa is on Level 1, that these funds should be diverted to minimizing Rates including unpaid Rates to the Householder and the general businesses who experienced great stress during Lockdown. Rates relief would definitely help the whole community rather then balancing the books by increasing rates across the board.

As you will note I live in Murupara it means an increase at the present time of $30.00 quarter or $120 per annum. I am absolutely gobsmacked due to the fact our community were totally out in the cold by WDC, we never saw or heard or got any information of how Council was going to help anybody. So I think it is pay back time and leave our Rates increase till we all get over the shock of receiving Rates Notices for nothing of value added or services rendered.

Page 7 New Projects

The very sad events of Whakari shocked everyone all over New Zealand but many Maori had no time to grieve as Council wanted to get on with the job of making money, how very thoughtless was that Then along comes COVID19 and the focus in these new projects still does not consider the communities who pay the rates and keep you in a job.

Key projects should include Maori not just to stimulate the economy of the Council and business partners who would cost us heaps in consultation and meetings. These should be bought out into the open for discussion whatever Council believes what opportunity would happen the quickest. These projects from a Maori perspective can generate employment, tourism, food and garden, horticulture and permaculture and other business contacts online, radio and 5G protection programs. This is not farfetched it can and is happening within iwi and community. Our local community protected ourselves by closing our Iwi borders and Police approved willingly, as it saved them working rurally so they could protect others in the Urban areas. We had 5 tangihanga and we certainly didn't need all this social distancing caper, we know what we need to do to protect the vulnerable. That was to bury our dead without any sexton. And we pay humgous rates for a urupa and some families don't need this so called service.

92 page 11 A Plan that thinks of the Future.

The District needs to Plan very carefully in this stage "Reimagine Our District" and as I will always say give Maori Wards a say in this reimage program because it needs a budget which should include PGF to enable these changes rather then relying on the Ratepayers again. Paying Rates for services not supplied like empty sections with no house Maori Freehold land NO services not even a Rubbish collection, no water, no sewage, this is totally wrong and just numbers on paper. Another situation is Environment collecting when our rivers and swamp areas have dried up and being diverted to supply Galatea farmers for irrigation. This is down right wrong without consultation again and Maori Landowners left high and dry. page 14 A Plan that balances the financial pressure

I wonder how you expect to boost our economy and again the Rate Payers are expected to pay up 3.5% increases.

This plan seems to target ratepayers in which ever way we turn, yet here in Murupara we can't even get Council to clean up our town, where we are wallowing in leaves endless leaves and zilch support and action to tidy up. Do you think this is fair on our local community. But I can see thinking behind all this as I know when you visit Whakatane pretty gardens and flowers flourishing, is this how you expect to boost and smooth out the impact of Whakatāne Urban at the cost of ratepayers again. The Council certainly sees a better future in Whakatane but certainly nothing for us in Murupara, this is your own pressure not ours given the fact the lack of consultation and working with our community.

Whakatane Boat Harbour Development

Whakatane Riverfront Revitalisation

Whakatane Boat Harbour Development

Whakatane Everything

But not a cent to give our Māori communities to get a little value out of our RATES.

Even to tidy up our Council Buildings and clear away all the bloody leaves that blow around this town.

Give us a FAIR GO please

TeAroha Taki

93 Submission from Moira Hanna – Whakatāne-Ōhope Community Board

Whakatane-Ohope Community Board Annual Plan submission 2020

The Board agrees that Council needs to support local people and businesses through the immediate impacts of COVID-19, and has got the balance about right.

The Board agrees that Council needs a strong emphasis on economic support and job creation, and should be prioritising this even more.

The Board agrees that Council needs to focus on our future challenges and should be prioritising this even more.

The Board agrees that Council needs to relieve financial pressure and reduce the rating impact, and should be prioritising this even more.

The Board would like to see an increase in the budget for encouraging active transport modes, as a result of the Active Whakatane strategy, and aligning with the Climate Change strategy.

The Board also encourages Council to collaborate and share ideas/codesign with Community Groups such as Youth of Kopeopeo, in particular their ideas on creating green spaces, pedestrianising King St, moving the public toilets to a safer place, offering free wifi, and creating empowering opportunities with initiatives such as a waharoa or gateway.

The Board also wants to support the Whakatane Mountain Bike Club in urging the Council to make the establishment of mountain bike trails in Whakatane a reality, in cooperation with local landowners, and in a suitable location that unites all stakeholders.

Nga mihi nui

Moira

94 Submission from Lucy Devaney – Eastern Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce

Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce

Submission to Whakatane District Council Annual Plan 2020-2021

96 About the Chamber

The Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce is a not for profit, membership-based organisation with a membership of 240 organisations. We have a wide reach into the business community crossing a range of demographics in both business size, and industry sector. Our reach extends beyond our membership base, particularly through recent business support response for Whakaari business support and Covid-19 support.

We are currently the regions largest business network and we see our primary focus as representing the business community on issues and opportunities that affect its growth and development. We see the relationship with local government as a significant factor in this and with effective communication we can all achieve positive, beneficial outcomes.

Our contribution to economic development: Delivery of contract services:

• Regional Partnership for building business capability. (subcontractor to Tauranga Chamber of Commerce. The scheme is a result of a joint initiative to provide support to small and medium size enterprises (SME’s) funded by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) through Callaghan Innovation. Regionally we work in collaboration with Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, Rotorua Chamber of Commerce and Poutama Trust. • Through the Regional Partnership we deliver Business Mentors NZ to offer one on one support from volunteers in the Business community. • Whakaari Business Support. Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce acknowledges Whakatane District Council for the support and collaboration in conjunction with Toi EDA on the Business support and recovery that was provided to the Business community post Whakaari / White Island eruption.

Advocacy:

• We compile submissions to both local and central government. • We work with the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce and Industry for Central Government submission • We provide comment to local media in response to issues affecting the business community.

Networking, Training and Business Events:

We hold networking and training events, connecting with over 1000 people each year designed to be informative, connect business owners, educational and recognise business excellence. These events include:

• Business After 5 networking events • Women in Business Lunch series • Bi – annual Business awards • Legends in Business series • Zest (young professionals) events

The Chambers revenue stream is through membership fees and sponsorship support and user fees for services supplied. The Chamber receives no public funding from local government, and no central government funding other than through contracts which cover the operating costs for the contracted programmes.

97 The Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce makes its submission on the proposed annual plan 2020/21 through the lens of business and the commercial environment. The Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce would like to acknowledge and commend Whakatane District Councils prompt action to support and initiate economic recovery post Whakaari / White Island eruption and the collaborated efforts between WDC, Toi EDA and Eastern Bay Chamber that went in to Business Support. Whakatane’s unique position, having experienced two major economic setbacks in such short time frame meant that the recovery model could be adapted into Covid-19 business support on a wider scale. The strengthened relationship and between EBOP Chamber, Toi EDA and WDC has been beneficial for the business community.

13 Point plan to respond to Covid-19 observations.

• It is observed that the Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce is mentioned in the annual plan to address the needs and aid in the economic recovery of our District. We are dedicated to working with WDC and other partner organisations to support the business community through uncertain times. • Eastern Bay Chamber acknowledges the support WDC has provided to retailers through providing immediate support to local businesses and ratepayers. • Eastern Bay Chamber acknowledges utilising the Harbour fund grant to reduce the EPIC targeted rate which will support EPIC to implement its town centre strategy. It is suggested that EPIC work in close collaboration with the Chamber. • Eastern Bay Chamber acknowledges and commends WDC and partnering organisations on the successful applications to the PGF fund which has resulted in significant economic development and job creation in our region. How will WDC ensure local contractors and business secure the contracts to complete the approved PGF projects? • Eastern Bay Chamber encourages extensive community and business consultation on the design phase of the riverfront revitalisation project. • It is noted the significant debt is being taken on. We encourage the WDC to work closely with businesses to ensure that funding streams and potential partnership structures are investigated to leverage the collective balance sheets in the region. • Eastern Bay Chamber supports the increased climate change conversations and looks forward to leveraging our existing partnerships to work with businesses to communicate messages and enable businesses to manage the change that will be required.

In particular, Eastern Bay Chamber acknowledges the support shown to the Chamber over the last year by Steph O’Sullivan, Julie Gardyne and Nicola Burgess. We commend WDC on the focus the 2020/21 annual plan gives to economic development and job creation and look forward to working together on delivering support to businesses through challenging times.

98 CONTACT DETAILS:

Name: Lucy Devany

Position: General Manager

Name of Organisation: Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce

Postal Address: Po Box 217 Whakatane, 3158

Phone: 027 758 5614

Email: [email protected]

Signed:

Date: 15 June 2020

99 Submission from Graham Chambers

SUBMISSION TO WDC ANNUAL PLAN 2020/21

INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF A CABLE FERRY CROSSING THE WHAKATANE RIVER

Introduction

The Whakatane township currently is a divided town with the Central Business District on the southern bank of the river while the residential area of Coastlands and the rapidly expanding subdivisions of Bunyan Road and Piripai are on the northern bank. This proposal is for a low cost, environmentally friendly cable ferry which would link these areas and give quick and easy access to and from the CBD.

Rationale

Cable ferries are a proven cost effective method of crossing rivers throughout the World where the expense of a bridge is not justified or affordable. It is noted that a second bridge crossing the Whakatane River at a current estimate cost of between $25 and 60 million has, understandably, not been included in the draft Long Term Plan.

A cable ferry could accommodate pedestrian traffic, cyclists and mobility scooters, and four light vehicles if deemed necessary. With a docking point in the vicinity of the Whakatane Yacht Club, passengers would have direct and easy access to shops and offices in the CBD.

Operation

It is envisaged the vessel would travel along a stationary, submerged cable anchored to land based abutments on both north and south banks of the river and driven by an electro/hydraulic propulsion system powered by rechargeable batteries.

Advantages

The advantages are many:

 Relieves pressure on car parking facilities behind the Strand.  Relieves traffic congestion at the Hub roundabout and Landing Road bridge.  An easy, safe and quick route into town. Crossing time is estimate at four minutes plus loading and unloading.  Reduces the need for a supermarket on the northern side of the river.  Does not present any obstacles for other river traffic, or for debris to lodge against.

100  A point of difference for visitors and tourists visiting the District.  Environmentally friendly.

I wish to be heard in support of my submission.

Graham Chambers

Mechanical Engineer (retired)

15 May 2020

SPEAKING NOTES

1. Town terminal upstream side of the Whakatane Yacht Club.

2. Coastlands terminal upstream side of the Orini Canal

3. Possible increase of upwards of 400 homes on north side of the river within the next five years.

4. Quick access to the centre of town.

5. Motive power : diesel/hydraulic or electro/hydraulic.

6. Possibility of grant funding: the iconic Wairoa walking and cycling bridge in the Western Bay of

Plenty attracted $1m grant from Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust plus funding from the NZ

Transport Agency. Total cost of this bridge estimated to be $6.5m. Cable ferry a cheaper option.

7. Any walkway/cycleway over the Whakatane River would need to be high enough to allow

vessels to pass underneath hence increased cost.

8. Speak to photos before handing each one around.

101 Submission from Heidi Litchwark – Sport Bay of Plenty

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15 June, 2020

Whakatane District Council Private Bag 1002 Whakatane 3158

RE: SUBMISSION TO WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL ANNUAL PLAN 2020

Introduction

Sport Bay of Plenty is a charitable trust which focuses on informing and supporting the Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity sector of the Bay of Plenty. We work in collaboration with a number of stakeholders including regional and local sport and recreation organisations, health organisations, Local Government and Sport New Zealand.

We endorse the work of the Whakatane District Council; and we advocate that sport and recreation continue to be a core service and purpose of the Council.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank the various staff members and Councillors at WDC for their positive approach to working with Sport BOP.

Summary of key points

1 Reinforce the purpose and Importance of Sport and Recreation to Strong Communities. Given the Covid-19 situation localised/grassroots sport and recreation should be a priority area given focus for community wellbeing rebuilding and reconnecting communities. 2 Support and commend council with the ongoing provision of Spaces and Places/Facilities, including the representation within the Bay of Plenty Regional Facilities Strategy. 3 Sport BOP greatly values the strategic partnership we have with Whakatane District Council and would like this relationship to continue to meet the long term community outcomes.

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Sport Bay of Plenty Strategic Plan

Purpose: Leadership of sport and recreation in the Bay of Plenty Vision: Enriching lives through sport, recreation and physical activity in the Bay of Plenty: More People, More Active, More Often

Key strategic priority areas aligned with our Vision 2030:

 Partnerships and Collaboration: Provide regional leadership through collaborative partnerships and shared goals  Opportunities to Participate: Motivate targeted groups by utilising the Physical Literacy approach  Community and People Focused: Support and work within communities to provide focused initiatives  Fit for Purpose Infrastructure: Ensure our community has the best spaces and places to play  Expertise in the Sector: Develop our sector through a capable workforce  Embracing Technology: Identify and review technology opportunities

Feedback on Annual Plan

Importance of Sport and Recreation in Covid-19 Recovery

Covid-19 has put us all in a situation almost no one ever thought we would experience in our lives. However, how our nation has banded together in a response has been a true reflection of who we are as a country. While we still do not understand completely the implications this situation has will have long term, we do know there will be many financial, social, mental and physical challenges. Local, grassroots sport and recreation has always been a valuable vehicle for Community Development connecting and strengthening communities on a consistent basis offering something for everybody regardless of background, age, and demographic.

Through the lockdown we have seen our local community sport and recreation clubs continuing to provide a sense of community by reaching out in various ways and giving individuals a strong feeling of pride and connection. As we have progressed downwards through the alert levels, and now we have been successful in eliminating Covid-19, our local clubs will remain critical in the response and recovery of sport and recreation. Now we have reached Alert Level 1, the sport and recreation community is poised ready to activate their activities again and bring their communities back together. There are some wider challenges to this however, that as stakeholders we all need to look to support in the following areas-

1. Sport and Recreation will be focused primarily around the grassroots/local level first and foremost, keeping things very local and downsized will be important to ensure that sport remains accessible and community focused as possible.

2. The financial challenge that the sector faces due to the lack of class 4 gaming will mean sporting organisations and clubs will be needing to cover costs and struggle to find opportunities to fill this gap. Cost is already a barrier to participation and given the considerable loss of income our sector faces over the coming months/year we need to ensure this is not increasing the impact of this barrier.

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Provision and Planning of Spaces and Places

Through well planned and thought-out infrastructure provided in communities, we see sport and recreation becoming a critical piece to how our community live their lives. At all levels of participation, having spaces and places that meet community demand is important. We applaud Whakatane District Council for their ongoing commitment to the Bay of Plenty Spaces and Places initiative. The well provided sport and recreation infrastructure in the district is able to provide for the ever-changing community need and is crucial to supporting the overall goal of wellbeing.

Sport Bay of Plenty Strategic Partnership

We wish to thank Whakatane District Council for their continued partnership with Sport Bay of Plenty. The partnership has seen us together achieve many great community outcomes through Sport and Recreation. From supporting club sport to achieve their goals, to getting people district wide engaging in healthy active lifestyles. Every day, sport and recreation can be seen being enjoyed by thousands of residents. Sport Bay of Plenty is able to support the community with many services thanks to our relationship. The outcomes achieved together are a true reflection of both organisations values and aspirations to collectively work towards a stronger healthy community.

We would like to thank you for your consideration of this feedback to the Whakatane District Council Annual Plan.

Yours sincerely SPORT BAY OF PLENTY

Heidi Lichtwark Chief Executive

105 Submission from Lani Thompson

I believe that the destruction of the CBD carpark in Kakahoroa Drive is the death knell to retail in Whakatane. There are so many other options available to achieve the link that you seek between the CBD and the riverfront. It does not have to be that land. Taking away carparking which is crucial to the facilitation of retail in our CBD is irresponsible and short sighted as evidenced in other towns and cities around us who have experienced the same thing. Build an over bridge above the carpark if you must have something there. Wellington City have an example of something that could work perfectly well (City to Sea bridge) but ours could be an interactive walk to the river front promenade with a story of the town to enjoy along the bridge. I believe this would be a better use of the money if you must have something there.

Nothing must happen without a full and robust consultation process that involves all CBD stakeholders. The lead up to this annual plan has been something which this rather extraordinary as far as consultation processes go and has made it impossible for groups such as EPIC to engage with its membership in time. EPIC needs to be in the group tasked with consulting and planning all things target rate area related because it is ultimately their membership who’s businesses stand to be destroyed by this concept.

Regards,

Lani Thompson

106 Submission from Awakeri Events Centre Committee

Good afternoon,

Please find attached my written submission to the Whakatane District Council Annual Plan 2020/21 on behalf of the Awakeri Events Centre Committee and Awakeri Community, where I am a local resident and currently the Secretary for the Committee.

I would like to thank you for your consideration of these honest but real comments from our Awakeri and Whakatane communities whom I have consulted with.

I look forward to your favourable response and meeting with you to discuss this submission in more detail as a matter of urgency.

Nga mihi,

Kiri Carter

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Submission to the Whakatane District Council Annual Plan 2020/21 on behalf of the Awakeri Events Centre Committee

12th June 2020

On behalf of the Awakeri Events Centre Committee I would like to make a submission to the WDC Annual Plan 2021 in consideration for the carpark to be sealed (this would include drainage and sealing) to be included in the annual plan.

The Awakeri Events Centre was built over 24 years ago by local families fundraising many hundreds of thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours to build this amazing facility for our Community to utilise. When it was originally built, the committee at the time were planning to fundraise further to cover the cost to have the carpark sealed, unfortunately this did not happen. Many years on the carpark remains unsealed. The Centre has a full new committee which came on board back in 2017, when the Committee retired after many years struggling to keep the facility running. At that stage, the hall’s financial situation was not good.

The new committee has come on board with fresh enthusiasm and ideas, but we still struggle financially as we have been required to continue to pay for the repairs and maintenance of such a large building (upgrading the septic, overhauling the security system, meeting the building compliance issues for health and safety etc.). The money that we make from Club membership and hiring out the facility only just covers the basics. We do a fantastic job of hosting events, which includes the Dairy Industry Awards, Fonterra & Eastpack events and hosting birthdays and wedding celebrations. Our biggest downfall is the state of our carpark. We have not been in a good enough financial position to continue metalling the carpark area (local contractors have been generous to top it up from time to time), but this is a cost that should be covered by the local Council, regardless of what past agreements were in regards to sealing the carpark.

I had dealings with Jim Findlay and Mike Naude in regards to seeking assistance to get this project done, and they were very helpful. Unfortunately at that time, we had other more pressing concerns to address and the carpark issue was put on hold.

As mentioned in the Council Plan booklet, Judy states “the Council has a responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of our communities both now and into the future… that is the key focus”. We are currently hosting for the community, Badminton on a Wednesday, we did have the Plains Rangers in the past and we are working to have them back in the near future - we lost them over the last two seasons due to the conditions of the soccer fields (too wet and boggy, this could have been a problem from not good drainage from the carpark). We are hoping the issues with the fields will be alleviated once the drainage and stormwater issues from the carpark are addressed when it is sealed. We have started meditation classes, open to the whole community, a great way to increase our communities spiritual and emotional wellbeing. We are also looking to host basketball in the gymnasium in the near future, another great way to encourage our people to be active in our community. We also host an Annual Quiz Night for everyone in our district to attend and compete in winning this prestigious trophy.

At the moment the carpark is a mess. It is full of potholes, the water doesn’t drain away effectively, it’s muddy in winter which contributes to a nightmare for the committee when it is in use in the winter as all the mud comes straight inside the facility. The committee cannot afford to pay for the constant re-metalling, and we cannot expect our local contractors to constantly give us the metal for free, especially in the current economic climate following the COVID-19 pandemic.

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We had some significant events cancelled due to COVID-19 which adds to the financial pressure the Centre is under.

Our venue can host up to 300 guests seated, which must be one of the only venues in the Eastern Bay that is able to host so many guests, noting a recent article in the Beacon Friday 5th June where the Ohope Top 10 can no longer operate as a place of assembly for functions, because it’s not part of their consent. Our venue is the perfect place to host the events and we want to host more functions, but unfortunately, with the current state of the carpark we struggle to compete with other venues, with our guests needing to navigate across the stones, mud and puddles.

Our facility is in a great central location for many of the surrounding towns of Whakatane, Edgecumbe and Kawerau. The sports fields adjoining the Centre are regularly used on the weekends to host soccer games and weeknights for practices. The Awakeri Sports Fields are the only sports ground in our district that still remain unsealed. Unlike many others that have been sealed, the land the carpark resides on is Council owned land, it should be sealed by the Council, this is one of the many projects we as rate payers see value in going back to our communities.

Another reason to address the unsealed carpark is the many safety concerns and issues it poses. There are no line markings for where to park cars or which direction to enter or exit the car park, often coursing chaos by people in vehicles and pedestrians navigating across the car park (this could be for an event at the Centre, sports events on the field or by the school community at the start and end of each school day). When there is poor weather and lots of rain, it is difficult to find good areas to park to avoid puddles and mud and trying to avoid slipping over or sinking incidents whilst navigating the carpark. The carpark is not user friendly for the disabled members of our community, that are required to use a wheelchair or walking aids. We want everyone to use our facilities safely.

The Events Centre in recent years has started to host an Electrical Industry Trade Show, a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses in the electrical industry but it is also a fantastic opportunity for our hospitality sector with out of town suppliers coming from as far as Auckland down to Wellington to come and stay in our region and spend money on accommodation and food etc. We have hosted this for the last two years and it has been successful but again major issues with the state of the carpark (bringing mud and dirt into the centre) and also the chaos of no structure to the carpark layout. Some of the suppliers are also limited and cannot do the mobile exhibits due to the uneven status of the unsealed carpark. It’s great that we can host such wonderful events to help support our local businesses and our local economy, but it would be better if we could have more of these types of trade shows but for different industries and have more attend if our carpark was in a better state.

Since the sale of the Awakeri Memorial Hall two years ago, Awakeri Events Centre is the only community hall remaining in our area since the last one was sadly sold by the Council to private owners. We want to be able to celebrate our Community and the amazing place we live. We have an amazing community facility, sealing the carpark could really bring a reason to celebrate and bring us all together again. With the unfortunate sale of the Awakeri Memorial Hall our local Awakeri Scouts Group has also been required to relocate (still a work in progress). At this stage the Scouts are going to be relocated onto Ministry land at Awakeri School. In recognition of the school working with the council to find a new home for the Scouts, it would be great if they could in turn seal the carpark as the carpark is used daily (morning and afternoon) by the school community. I am not sure of what plans there are for the Returned Services Memorial but maybe it could be someone close to the school or the Events Centre (in consultation with the RSA and appropriate parties).

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We are trying to encourage more use of our events facility, but we are competing with other facilities especially for events like weddings and things, it’s difficult for people to navigate across the stones, mud and puddles to attend a formal function.

At the end of 2019, the committee agreed with the BOPRC to use our Centre as an Emergency Centre for a major event (Kerry Smith & Andrew Pawson). It is in a good location being the approximate centre between the Whakatane, Edgecumbe and Kawerau townships. When emergency happens (eg. it was the BOPRC Emergency Centre for 8 consecutive days after the 2017 Edgecumbe Flood) … if there’s flooding going on around the area, I can assure you there is flooding going on in the Awakeri Events Centre carpark - mud, puddles, excess water.. a very chaotic state. This is not what you would want when you have many people that could potentially be coming to the centre in an emergency and seeking a reprieve from floods!

When it is bad weather, the mud and yuck all comes inside (there’s only so much muck the mats in the doorways can absorb). The mud and stones also get hauled into the public toilets which are also a part of the Centre (which the Committee maintains). With the public toilets there are often trucks and the occasional buses that come into the carpark area, causing the potholes and further degradation of the metal in the carpark. In summer and the drier months it can be just as hazardous with the dust problem which the unsealed carpark creates.

As a committee we want to continue to have this facility used by the local and wider communities, bringing people together and enhancing our community’s wellbeing because we have strong community spirit. All our committee members are volunteers, we are passionate about where we live, the community that is part of our area and we want to ensure our building is maintained and looked after for many years to come. Being sustainable means we need to hire out our facility more, to do this we need the outside carpark area sealed so it is cleaner, safer and easier to use, and for it to look good for special functions such as weddings and award nights.

In the current economic climate, we can not expect our local people to do anymore fundraising but rather the money they contribute as part of their rates towards a cause that would see our community celebrating and continuing to use this amazing facility now and into the future. We are not in a financial position to fund the sealing of the car park and it would be detrimental to our community if this facility were left any longer in its current state. If the current committee members gave up (we are always trying to get new members on board but everyone realises what a huge commitment it is to run such a facility), this would see the Centre building being sold, pulled down or removed (this is a reality the previous committee were resigned to). We would never want it to get to this point. However, we now seek your support to get this matter resolved as a matter of urgency.

I would also like the Council to consider the comments of support from our current A.E.C. Committee members, and our local community ratepayers:

Brett & Natasha Grindrod (Chairperson of AEC Committee and local farmer/ Committee member and teacher) - We would like to show our full support for any assistance for the Awakeri events centre carpark to be sealed. The carpark is a very busy area and utilised daily by a lot of people and during large events and at the end of every school day, the carpark is overflowing and becomes a safety issue. It would be great to have some markings to show individual carparks because it can be a real health and safety issue where people choose to park with the movement of people often in close proximity to children. In wet weather the carpark becomes a complete 'bog' and this mud is transferred into the Events Centre creating problems for running events smoothly and adding to

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cleaning costs. The sealing of the carpark would be of great benefit to both Awakeri primary school and the local community.

Karen John (Committee member) - Having the Awakeri carpark sealed would definitely have a huge impact on everyone who uses the carpark and on the community. At the moment it is disgustingly dirty and not user friendly. I refuse to use it to pick kids up from school as it just makes the inside of my car a mud bath. Turning up to events at the Awakeri Event Centre is not nice especially if it is wet. Your shoes cake with dirt, you need to avoid the massive puddles and take care not to slip over. It's not very inviting. I am just imagining how amazing it would be to have this carpark sealed. It would definitely create happiness and make everyone’s life so much easier. The whole community would benefit from this.

Hannah Horner (Committee member) - In support of your application to Council regarding the Awakeri Events Centre carpark. I sit on the committee for the Awakeri Events Centre and fully support the need to seal the carpark. There are many aesthetic reasons it should be done but we also have a cleaning issue. The School regularly use it for assemblies (which we encourage the use of as regular payers of the facility), they have 300 children plus teachers and parents coming into the hall over winter the mud and water we get on the floors requires the hall to be cleaned each time. This is time consuming for the teachers and costly. We have no income to cover extra cleaning, so this causes us great concern. Sealing the carpark will eliminate this issue.

Alan & Brigette Davidson (Committee member and teacher) - It would be great to have the carpark sealed as a large number of events are held annually in the events centre. It would tidy up the appearance and significantly reduce the dirt taken into the Event Centre when it is wet. This is particularly important when events like weddings take place. The school uses the gymnasium on a weekly basis again with a sealed carpark, this would reduce the mess that can be made by taking 300 plus students and teachers across the unsealed carpark.

Peter Fitzgerald (former principal of Awakeri School and former Committee member) - For nearly 20 years the Awakeri Events Centre and School have been trying to have the car park sealed. It is used daily by school visitors, events centre users and sports ground users of which there could be over 80 cars on a Saturday. The school car park is also used and takes the overflow from the sports ground car park. The school and the events centre have spent thousands already on initial drainage works, forming and metaling the area and in having a car park design, engineering and drainage plans completed which were presented to the council nearly 10 years ago. Awakeri remains one of the few council sports grounds that does not have a sealed car park. The Awakeri community would look forward to having this rectified by the council.

Michelle & Richard Butler – We believe it should be sealed, and we cannot understand why it hasn’t been (mainly for aesthetic reasons). Awakeri has a rich farming history, we attract a lot of visitors to our community hub for various event. We have a well maintained and attractive school and awesome Events Centre and then there’s the car park! Through the rainy season it’s just one muddy pothole, annoying mess. A lot of money was spent on the flooring of the Events Centre, trying to maintain that when your route to it is via a sludge pond, it seems pointless. Sealing it is a one off job, meaning less long term maintenance of continually spreading metal over it which doesn’t last long before the next pot hole eventuates again (also for a more cost effective long term maintenance reason too). And not to mention all that grime gets traipsed through the car and many ruined shoes!

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Dominique Keremeledis – I feel the Events Centre car park needs to be sealed, there are constant pot holes, with all the traffic that goes in and out of there I believe it would be an asset to the community if it was sealed.

Karen Mcleod & Troy Doherty - Please consider sealing the car park at the Awakeri Events Centre. The centre is used extensively by the community for meetings, functions and sport. The car park surface is uneven and continually ends up with water ponding after rain events. This in turn means the entrances to the buildings end up muddy and slippery making access especially difficult for those with mobility issues. It also leads to issues with mud and dirt inside the buildings as you can’t avoid walking through it.

Karla Ferguson - I have been an Awakeri school parent for 8 years and in that time I have watched the carpark deteriorate dramatically. On wet days the carpark turns into a mud pool and a place to avoid. The carpark is used for many community events such as soccer, badminton and by the community using the Event centre. I would really appreciate if this 'mud pool' of a carpark could be tar sealed to make it a more user friendly place.

Charmaine Timbs - Of course we would appreciate the council sealing the Event Centre car park. How many times have we been to events there when we have had to change shoes due to walking through puddles before we enter the centre? Just driving in is an issue - pot holes galore.

Nicci Rabbits - The Awakeri Event Centre is such a great venue for all sorts of functions and events, from weddings and conferences to school socials, but it is such a shame the car park is not sealed. As soon as there is any rain the whole area turns to mud. This is terrible for people getting in and out of their cars, especially if they are dressed up for a particular function! It also means the mud from everyone's shoes is walked in and through the centre, adding to the wear and tear of the floors and greatly increasing the cleaning workload! The sealing of this car park would make such a huge improvement for all those using the Event Centre.

Gary Baker - We wish to give our support for the sealing and resurfacing of the carpark in front of the Events Centre at the Awakeri School entrance. The points we feel warrant this work being done are as follows - SAFTEY. With some events attracting older generation people, the carpark in wet weather is dangerous as the mud and sludge that is present has previously caused slips, trips and falls as people move into the hall. This is particularly dangerous for the elderly people attending events. In wet weather the carpark causes mud and debris to be walked into the hall, which has just had new flooring installed in recent years. We think that this is an important issue to have addressed and made safe for all users of the council owned land. We collectively have a duty of care to make sure that no person is caused injury or harm. At the moment this is not a safe area for all to enjoy.

Narelle Henman – It would be fantastic to have this parking area sealed. We use the parking for Events at the hall, school, Saturday soccer and when we use the tennis courts. It gets quite rutty and has puddles, and potholes in the winter so it would be great to have it sealed.

Lisa Power – The Events Centre is a well-used community asset. It would be great if the carpark was sealed to enhance every visitor’s experience. The potholes and mud are a real turnoff, especially when dressed up to attend a formal event there.

Solange Thompson - It would be a huge advantage to our Awakeri community if the car park by the Events Centre was tar sealed. Not only would be it be great to not be driving through mud every winter for the school parents, but also for groups using the facilities, whether it be for soccer or

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other community events. In fact, perhaps it would be even become more attractive as a venue for hire if it was tar sealed.

Jo Baker - Can you please forward this email on to the council on my behalf for our support in the bid to get the carpark sealed on Council owned land. This carpark area has been in ever worsening condition since the hall was built more than 20 years ago. It is time to finish the job and seal the carpark. With winter finally here the carpark is now constantly a bog of mud and pot holes. The chances of someone twisting an ankle or falling due to lost balance is amplified due to the uneven surface. Please consider this request and let’s talk about the opportunity to improve the area for all people to use and benefit from.

Shelley Angell - I would like to see the Awakeri events centre car park sealed not only is this a very busy carpark twice a day during school terms it is also used during the day for meetings held at the centre and heaps of different times over weekends for sport and use of the events centre and school turf. The carpark in its current state is very dusty in summer and when it rains it floods making it not very pleasant to use!! I think as a large number of people in our community use this it would benefit greatly from being sealed.

John McKay (Committee member) - I think sealing the carpark would mean the public toilets would be used more as they were intended, at the moment the whole entrance area is not as welcoming as it would be if sealed.

Mark & Katie Carter - Under the new Annual District Plan we would like the Whakatane District Council to consider sealing the carpark of the Awakeri Events Centre. We consider this of high importance to the Rangitaiki Plains and Awakeri School communities because of the following points:

1. To lessen the wear and tear on the floor finishes in the Awakeri Events Centre from tracking in mud and abrasive material from the carpark. 2. To increase the appeal of the Awakeri Events Centre for functions e.g. after rain no bride would want to track her wedding dress through the carpark on the way to her reception. 3. A muddy carpark reduces the appeal of using the turf and tennis court by soiling your expensive turf footwear. 4. As no parking space lines or traffic arrows can be painted on the unsealed carpark surface the safety of young children at drop off and pick up to school is jeopardised. We have often observed cars backing out or driving forward from makeshift parking spots making it hard for young children to know where to look to for danger. 5. As family members of the previous owner of the land that the Awakeri Events Centre sits on we are concerned the facility is not being used to its full potential because of the unsightly carpark. 6. Given the WDC disposed of the Awakeri War Memorial Hall it would be a fair expectation that at least some of the proceeds from that sale be directed into making the replacement venue as user friendly as possible. As a close neighbour and member of the Awakeri School community we have made direct observations on the above points. We believe this year it is incumbent the WDC makes resealing this eyesore of a carpark a priority for the good of Awakeri community. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Byron Horner (Committee member) - The carpark area is used by both the school community and the events centre community users resulting in a high traffic area and causing high wear and tear of the carpark which relies on more community members to maintain the upkeep (volunteer hours and

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fundraising). This is proving hard to obtain from the small community when we already rely on them so much to keep the hall funded (through fundraising and holding community events). This is resulting in a substandard facility for both the school and the community events centre. The carpark needs to be sealed urgently.

Emma Munn - I think it would be great if the centre carpark was sealed as part of the Councils Annual Plan. It gets very muddy during winter and uneven to walk and drive on.

Christian Wetting - The sealing of the Awakeri Events Centre would be a great "finishing touch" to a hugely useful community asset. Speaking as both a parent at Awakeri School and also as President of local football club, Plains Rangers, the car park is used extensively every day. This includes weekends for visiting sports teams and of course weekday mornings and afternoons for school pickups. Eliminating the dust and completing the look of the place would improve the functionality of the car park significantly. It would also provide an opportunity to have a safer entry and exit flow as presently it is just an empty space with no correct direction of flow for turning traffic. This sealing upgrade would be greatly appreciated by the community.

Leigh Carter - We want to make our community facility carpark more user friendly, safer and organised for all users of the school, the Awakeri sports grounds, the Events Centre and the public toilets. I support this application to be put forward to the Council in consideration for the carpark sealing to be included in its Annual Plan. As a local contractor (having donated multiple loads of metal over recent years) I would be happy to work with the Council to get the carpark work completed.

Sjoerd & Crystal Overdevest - We are writing in regards to the Awakeri Event centre carpark. We use the Awakeri Events centre Carpark in a number of ways.

1) Having Children at Awakeri school doing drop off and pick up's, the event centre carpark is a place you will find us on a number of mornings or afternoons during the week. On a wet day it is far from ideal getting your nice work shoes wet and muddy as you wade across the carpark to get your young children safely into the school grounds.

2) Saturday morning sports at Awakeri, this is the main carpark for the soccer fields at Awakeri and same as my above comment on a wet winters day you are often getting out of your car into a muddy puddle which requires more than just your gumboots.

3) As local Kiwifruit growers we are often at meetings which are held in the Awakeri Event Centre, to which again if it has been raining you need to wear your gumboots and leave at the door as opposed to wearing nice footwear to a business meeting!!

So in conclusion we are well in favour of the Awakeri Event Centre carpark being sealed. Should we as rate payers in the local area be subject to sit at business meetings in our socks or having wrecked work shoes from traipsing around in the mud outside a local council facility. I do not think anywhere else in town you are subject to this. So, I ask the question why have we been doing it for so long (waiting for it to be sealed)?

Jamie & Sarah Hathaway - As local community residents, we think the Awakeri Events centre carpark needs to be sealed, it is not only used for the events centre but also parents of the school and local community sports groups who we think would all benefit from this. In winter it is very muddy and messy and we really think these needs to be fixed for our local community.

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Barrie Hawkes - To the Whakatane District Council, I would like to strongly support the idea that the WDC seals the carpark at the Awakeri Sports field, adjacent to the Awakeri Events Centre. I would like to make this submission in my various roles (retired deputy principal of Awakeri School, past president of Plains Rangers Football Club, past president of Awakeri Football Club, past committee member of the Awakeri Events Centre). The car park badly needs sealing: - A regular Saturday’s junior football can have at least half of the 12 Awakeri teams and their opponents playing on the sports field. So, the carpark caters for teams from all around the WDC’s area and beyond. When the weather is wet, the carpark is covered in a layer of mud, which is pretty unpleasant for the players, and other family members to walk through. - When Plains Rangers played at Awakeri, up until last season, we had visitors and supporters from all around the BOP come to Awakeri. They would have to park in a sometimes wet and muddy parking area, not a great advertisement for our region. - When it rained heavily, water would flow off the carpark onto the playing fields, at times helping make areas of the field unplayable. This primarily flowed onto the practice area under the floodlights of Plains Rangers. This was one of the main reasons why we had to relocate to Edgecumbe. - When events are on at the Events Centre, they often attract visitors from all over the BOP and beyond, e.g. a National Fungi conference was held there with scientists and members from far and wide. People coming to special events, like weddings, do not expect to have a carpark in the state like it currently is. It is a bad look for our community that they might have to walk through wet mud to get into the facility. - From the Events Centre point of view, the car park can be off putting to potential visitors. Visitors also bring gravel, and mud into the centre on their feet. - The school uses the Events Centre regularly, e.g. for the kapa haka practices that I was involved in. It would be great if the children and staff didn’t have to pick their way across the carpark, avoiding sharp stones, puddles etc on their way! - To my knowledge, every other sports field in the BOP that our teams travel to has a sealed carpark – Kawerau, Edgecumbe, Ohope, Whakatane …. Why not Awakeri??

Jill & Scottie Mcleod - The Awakeri Sportsground and Public toilets must be one of the only, if not the only, Whakatane District Council owned facility with an unsealed car park. This car park is widely used by many different members of our larger community, for differing sports events, community events, school events on the fields, and a full range of sports and community events in the Awakeri Events Centre. While the local community are keen to seal the car park for Events Centre users, that is probably out of reach of local aspirations especially when many of the users are using the sports fields and/or public toilets only - bearing in mind the community, through volunteers, have built and been operating this great asset to the larger district for the last 24 years with no input from ratepayers apart from an initial sum of money which was given to provide public toilets, and an annual payment for keeping them clean and operational. In the last ten or so years, SH 30 has become an extremely busy road and is even more important now to have good off-road parking for our users of Council Sports Fields than ever before. Line haul trucks are also known to use the car park for off-road rests and toilet facilities.

Kim & Cam Peat – Cam and I both whole heartedly support the proposal to seal the car park by the Awakeri Events Centre, through the submission to Council.

Lee Cowdery – The car park at the Events Centre is Awakeri is long overdue for a proper seal for many reasons but the main one needs to be around the safety of children and cars. This is just not achievable with the current surface. I support the car park to be sealed by the Council 100%. Please take this seriously.

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Leona & Craig Spence – Craig and I would like to support the Awakeri Events Centre carpark to be sealed by the Council, as it is an injury waiting to happen, especially in winter when we are attending night events at the Centre. With the rain it creates mud, puddles and dips that are impossible to see in the dark.

Dianne Hawkes – I am totally in support of the Council sealing the car park by the Awakeri Event Centre. This is well overdue. It is unsightly to say the least, it is always muddy, and the area develops potholes and trip hazards and I do not think any other council owned sports grounds car parks in our district are left unsealed. This is used extensively by the wider community and really should be a priority for the Council to seal. Thank you for considering our request and we look forward to nice smooth tarmac very soon.

Tramel & Tony Edelsten – The sealing of the carpark at Awakeri Events Centre would ensure the Centre is better utilised. Currently the dust and mess from the carpark is very off putting for those wanting to book events, especially brides. It would create a far better facility both visually and practically if the carpark were sealed.

Lauren and Nigel Timbs - We support the carpark at Awakeri School/Awakeri Events Centre to be sealed, by the Council - 1) Due to it being more pleasant picking children up from school and weekend sports with no muddy puddles, 2) It would also be more aesthetically pleasing for events at the school and events centre if the carpark were sealed, 3) It would help with more upmarket bookings at the Events Centre by the carpark being tidier with the sealing of it. Due to the loss of venues in the Whakatane area (such as Ohope), it is now that we need to help keep bookings in our area and sealing the carpark would help draw bookings.

Bronwyn Jones (Badminton) – We are generally there in the dark, splashing through puddles, tracking mud into the hall and ruining shoes. Uneven ground and the slipperiness of the car park can cause injuries.

Jo & Joe Spod – our family would like to express our support to the submission for sealing the carpark at Awakeri School /Events Centre by the Council. This carpark is used on a daily basis and is often in bad condition in its current state, particularly during and after rain. Sealing the carpark would be a much needed and long awaited improvement that would benefit not only the Awakeri school community by enhancing the access to the School, the Awakeri sports grounds, but also the wider community of ratepayers and users of this important community facility. Surely a 'shovel- ready' project such as this would be worthy of the council's attention in the current 'post-covid' environment to help stimulate and boost the local rural economy. I look forward with interest to seeing how this project progresses.

Richard Mahy – The current condition of the unsealed carpark of the Awakeri Events Centre is extremely frustrating. The Council needs to take ownership and responsibility for sorting the carpark out. It should have been dealt with years ago.

Leanne Sommerville – I am more than happy to support the sealing of the carpark by the local Council. In summer it is dry and dusty and in winter it is wet with lots of potholes. Lots of events happen in the hall and it is not a good look for visitors when the carpark is in such a bad state especially during the winter months.

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Furthermore, I would like to thank you for your consideration of these honest but real comments from our Awakeri and Whakatane communities. I look forward to your favourable response and meeting with you to discuss this submission in more detail as a matter of urgency.

Ngā mihi

Kiri Carter Secretary On behalf of the Awakeri Events Centre Committee M 021 730275 E [email protected]

117 Submission from Awakeri School community

Good afternoon,

Please find attached my written submission to the Whakatane District Council Annual Plan 2020/21 on behalf of the Awakeri School community, teachers, staff and parents in regards to the urgent need to seal the Awakeri Events Centre and Awakeri Sports field carpark.

I would like to thank you for considering this submission, following my consultation our local community.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Nga mihi

Kiri Carter Deputy Chairperson ‐ Awakeri School B.O.T.

118 AWAKERI SCHOOL State Highway 30, RD2, Whakatane Ph: 07 3049506 Mob: 0272464118 Email [email protected] or [email protected] Website http://awakeri.school.freeservers.com

Principal – Craig McDonald Board Chair Office Manager – Joanna Wanoa [email protected]

Submission to the Whakatane District Council Annual Plan 2020/21 on behalf of the Awakeri School Community

12th June 2020

On behalf of the Awakeri School Community and Board of Trustees I would like to make a submission to the WDC Annual Plan 2021 in consideration for the Awakeri Events Centre and Awakeri Sports field carpark to be sealed (this would include drainage and sealing) to be included in the plan.

The State Highway traffic is becoming extremely busy and it has become more and more important to ensure we have good off-road parking for the users of the Awakeri Sports grounds and the school community. It would be safer and helpful if there was a sealed car park with marked car parks and a clear way for safe travel in and out of the carpark to avoid congestion and provide a safe passage for all users.

The car park is used by the school community daily for drop off and pickup. In order to get approval for the building of the Awakeri Events Centre, some of the school ministry carparks were allocated/shared with the Events Centre carpark as part of the approval and consent of the Events Centre facility.

The school has already contributed significant funds towards the design of the carpark, these funds coming from local fundraised money. The school has maintained the school entrance of the carpark, however it is a community facility, and the carpark also supports visitors and users of the sports fields, tennis courts and public toilets.

Awakeri school pay the Events Centre a termly fee and they continued to pay this during the lockdown knowing the predicament of the finances of the Awakeri Events Centre. The Centre’s relationship with the school has greatly improved with the Events Centre opening up the school to use the facility more when it is not in use by business, sports groups and other users.

The school has a turf and tennis court which the school allows for the whole community to use. The turf was established with locally fundraised money and grant funds. The school maintains this facility.

The safety of an unsealed and unmarked carpark if one of the biggest concerns. This is not only for the school community but is also evident on the weekend at sports events and when there are major functions at the centre. The uneven, potholed, muddy and often flooded carpark is quite dangerous to all users. On these grounds the car park should be sealed.

I would also like to include some comments in support of this submission from our current Awakeri School Community, teachers, parents and our ratepayers:

Craig McDonald (Principal of Awakeri School) – as the principal of Awakeri School, I firmly believe that this Council needs to prioritise the paving of the Awakeri Events Centre carpark. It has been 24 years since the Events Centre was first built, and it has proven to be an incredible asset to both the Awakeri, and the wider Whakatane community. Not only is it used for sporting and cultural events in the community, it is also used for shows and performances which are enjoyed by many. As a school we regularly use the Events Centre. We believe the paving of the carpark could really help the Events Centre fulfil its true potential, by

119 AWAKERI SCHOOL State Highway 30, RD2, Whakatane Ph: 07 3049506 Mob: 0272464118 Email [email protected] or [email protected] Website http://awakeri.school.freeservers.com

Principal – Craig McDonald Board Chair Office Manager – Joanna Wanoa [email protected]

making it safe and accessible by all. At present it is a hazard, particularly in bad weather. The unpaved carpark fills up with many large puddles which staff, students and the community have to navigate and wade through in order to access the Centre itself. Those with mobility issues in particular find it incredibly difficult to access. By paving the Events Centre carpark, the Council can be confident of its return on its initial investment and provision of land for this much used community asset. The paving of the carpark is long overdue, and it is our sincere hope that the current Council will step up and do what should have been done at the time the Events Centre was built. We have confidence that the Council will rise to the responsibility, for the good of the children, their families, and the wider Awakeri and Whakatane communities.

Lindsay John (BOT Chairperson) - The car park has become unsightly, and of great embarrassment to the Awakeri Community Ratepayers. At certain times of the year this council owned car park has become a pothole ridden mud bath or an environmentally detrimental dust bowl depending on the season. The car park is regularly used by sports clubs and community members to access the school’s astro turf located on council land for playing tennis or hockey teams requiring practice. Likewise the council owned fields are accessed off this car park, and are used throughout the year for soccer and cricket. Furthermore, the car park is used extensively throughout by the Awakeri community engaged with either the Awakeri School, Awakeri Play Centre, Awakeri Event Centre, Awakeri SKiDs programme and very shortly the Awakeri Scout Group. At times those with physical disabilities within our Community (i.e. people requiring wheelchairs or walkers) have difficulty accessing the facilities off this car park due to the current condition of an unsealed car park. The school hires the use of the adjacent Awakeri Event Centre on a permanent basis, resulting in close to 370+ students and staff negotiating through quite often a muddy council car park to gain access. This has resulted in increased cleaning costs to the school within the hall and likewise detrimental effects within our classrooms. Jo Wanoa - I absolutely support the sealing of the car park outside the Awakeri Event Centre. The sealing of this is car park is long overdue and has needed to have gravel fill put in there multiple times due to mud and pot holes. The fact that it gets so muddy and with rut holes it makes this area unsightly and dangerous to the public. The Event Centre would benefit greatly from it being sealed, not only in the fact that it would look more appealing for potential clients to hire but it would certainly help with the cleaning cost as mud would not be dragged into the hall and lounge.

Lara Akers-Douglas (BOT member)- I thoroughly support this application to include Awakeri Events Centre car park in the Annual Plan. The Event Centre is a crucial local resource, used by a plethora of local groups, organisations as well as individuals. It serves as an important centre, bringing us together, and enhancing the sense of community. Sadly, the Event Centre is thoroughly let down by the state of the car park, which is marred by potholes, uneven surface, and puddles and flooding in the winter. Repairing the car park will overhaul the entire area, proving not just a physical lift, but a psychological boost to the whole community.

D. Sweeney (BOT member) - "I write to support any application that helps facilitate the sealing of the carpark at Awakeri Event Centre. This is a Council asset used by residents and visitors to our region alike – I had my wedding reception there with whanau/friends travelling from across NZ and internationally. In winter/spring months it is challenging to negotiate the carpark without getting your feet drenched in a puddle or pothole, and its current state is embarrassing for Council and to the detriment of the venue. In

120 AWAKERI SCHOOL State Highway 30, RD2, Whakatane Ph: 07 3049506 Mob: 0272464118 Email [email protected] or [email protected] Website http://awakeri.school.freeservers.com

Principal – Craig McDonald Board Chair Office Manager – Joanna Wanoa [email protected]

addition to this, the carpark is used across the school year by Awakeri School meaning a higher rate of deterioration than might normally be expected of similar community assets. I strongly implore the WDC to seal the carpark for the betterment of the Rangitaiki plains community."

D. Rowe (BOT member) – I would like the council to seal the Event Centre carpark because it is a high use area that the whole community uses.

Anon – Please fix the car park. The car park needs to be sealed and a better flowing entry/exit to stop congestion.

Christine Best – The Events Centre carpark is in desperate need of being sealed as the potholes are frustrating to drive through and some of them keep getting deeper. Another important reason is when it rains the whole carpark turns into a muddy bog and there is no option but to walk through the mud and puddles. This is especially frustrating if you are attending an event as your shoes and pants get wet and muddy.

K & T Edwards – Tamati and I would like to support this application to get the Awakeri Events Centre carpark sealed. During the winter months it can get very muddy especially the entrance to the venue and then in summer it gets extremely dusty and is not great for the eyes and lungs when gusts of wind blow through.

Nelson Kelly - I would like to show my support for the Council to seal the car park by the Events Centre (to be considered in their Annual Plan).

Jim Spalding - The Events Centre carpark is regularly packed with vehicles beyond capacity! Despite the regular surface maintenance, the heavy use of the current unsealed carpark surface results in it constantly being full of large potholes. During wet weather water ponds in the depressions and due to the amount of traffic using the carpark for school drop offs, school sporting and other events it is often impossible to find a place to park so passengers can get in and out of the vehicle without stepping into water and mud. It is also an issue for the school children traversing back and forth from school grounds to the events centre for school assemblies and other activities in wet weather!

Sam Morris (teacher)- I am a teacher at Awakeri School and would love to see the Council seal the Awakeri Events Centre carpark. I teach in the Piwakawaka syndicate (junior school) and our students struggle to walk across the carpark every time we head to the Events Centre for assemblies and other school events. It is bumpy and hard on their feet, even in shoes. It is especially difficult during the winter when it is wet and muddy. It would save a great deal of time cleaning and sweeping of the Events Centre for our school each time we use the centre if the carpark were sealed.

Ahna & James Brownlee - James and I are both in support of the events centre car park being sealed by the Council.

Nic Laurent (teacher) - As a teacher at Awakeri and part of a community that uses the Event Centre I feel that it is very important to get the car park sealed as soon as possible. The dust, stones and mud must be having a negative impact on keeping the building maintained, both inside and out. I think once it is sealed

121 AWAKERI SCHOOL State Highway 30, RD2, Whakatane Ph: 07 3049506 Mob: 0272464118 Email [email protected] or [email protected] Website http://awakeri.school.freeservers.com

Principal – Craig McDonald Board Chair Office Manager – Joanna Wanoa [email protected]

people are more likely to hire it for various events, therefore generating more income. I think it also is a safety issue for children, particularly in winter or on wet days, where cars have limited parking due to mud and puddles.

Sheree Newport – I would like to give my support in the consideration of sealing the Awakeri Events Centre carpark. I believe this car park is a hazard for children and adults entering and exiting for morning and afternoon school pick-ups. There are a number of potholes and loose rock which is a potential trip and fall hazard. The area would also benefit from having allocated parking spaces with arrows to direct the flow of the traffic. Sealing the area would allow for this to happen and prevent a possible accident happening in the future.

Sara Elliott (teacher) - I would really like to see the Awakeri Events Centre carpark sealed as it would make a huge difference when we move the school children across to the hall area for events such as assemblies. Currently the surface is pot-holed and uneven so that when it rains there are large puddles that are impossible to dodge. Also, the rough surface is difficult for children to walk on. A smooth sealed surface would also prevent mud and stones from harming the floor inside. An even bigger issue is safety when parents are dropping off and picking up children. If the carpark were sealed, we could mark parking places and perhaps have an arrow to show cars coming in which direction they should move when entering the area. At present cars are moving in all directions and there is a huge risk of a collision occurring, plus children moving to parked cars are putting themselves in danger.

Peter Sheather (Committee member and teacher) - As a teacher from Awakeri School who is often on carpark duty, having a sealed carpark would be much safer for everyone. Some days when there is an event on at the Events Centre which coincides with the end of school, it is very busy and hectic. Having a sealed carpark with lines and designated parking spaces would make this much safer for children and visitors.

Naomi Courtney-Tennent (teacher) - I just wanted to give my support of the sealing of the Events Centre Carpark in Awakeri. I am so proud to work at Awakeri School and love the area. It is a shame the car park is a bit of an eye sore. I think the sealing would improve the safety of the carpark for the Awakeri and extended community as well as greatly improve the aesthetics of the Awakeri School, the sports field and the Events Centre.

Louise Howard (Deputy Principal, Awakeri School) - The Awakeri Event Centre carpark needs to be sealed and have marked parking spaces. The carpark can be chaotic at certain times of the day with cars parking wherever they can and leaving through gaps between cars or whatever way appears clearer. I have witnessed many near misses between cars and children crossing the carpark nearly being hit. We always supervise the carpark after school hours as the children are collected from school to maximise safety. If the carpark were sealed and clearly marked as per the plan our Awakeri School children would be safer, the congestion and flow of traffic would improve and everyone entering the carpark would have clear direction to follow. The carpark is also used for sports teams using the council sport field for practices and matches. It can be very busy on a Saturday morning and the same risks as above are present. In winter, the carpark becomes a muddy mess and needs attention. The Awakeri Events Centre is a great venue for the wider community, businesses, and social events. Having a sealed, tidy carpark would add to the appeal of the venue and in turn create more business for the struggling Events Centre. I hope that you consider

122 AWAKERI SCHOOL State Highway 30, RD2, Whakatane Ph: 07 3049506 Mob: 0272464118 Email [email protected] or [email protected] Website http://awakeri.school.freeservers.com

Principal – Craig McDonald Board Chair Office Manager – Joanna Wanoa [email protected]

improving the carpark by including the sealing of it in your Annual Plan.

Jimmy & Tracey Heal - We are in support of the Carpark upgrade required at Awakeri school and Event Centre. The current state of the carpark is unacceptable, and it needs to be sealed with defined carpark allocations. Please put forward our comments in support of your submission to the Council.

Kim Reid – I would like to support your submission to the Council proposing that the Awakeri Event Centre carpark be sealed. I have five children that attend Awakeri Primary School, play badminton in the Event Centre and play football on the Awakeri Fields so I am a regular user of the car park. I currently often need to piggyback my 11-year-old daughter with a disability across the car park as she does not like the mud and is unable to leap across the puddles when exiting my vehicle. My children play badminton in Terms 2 and 3 (winter) and often end up traipsing mud from the car park into the Event Centre. A sealed car park would be fantastic.

Blair Robinson – The carpark needs to be sealed, it is an absolute nightmare in the winter with pools of water and mud and then in summer it is really dusty. We also find it dangerous for the children coming out of school as cars are coming from all directions and it makes it unsafe. There are no carpark markings as to which way cars should go and no car park lines, so on a daily basis the carpark is chaotic.

Michaela Watkins – My frustration is when it rains there are puddles, mud, dirt and potholes – this is a health and safety issue for everyone using the car park (kids often run out of school barefoot). The ground is currently harsh on their feet, so they pay attention to the ground and not the moving traffic around them.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your favourable response in getting the Events Centre car park sealed as a matter of urgency.

Ngā mihi

Kiri Carter Deputy Chairperson On behalf of Awakeri School & the B.O.T.

M 021 730275 E [email protected]

123 Submission from Gina Seay

Regarding the plan to 'revitalise' the town centre I'd like to know where all the car parking will go when you rip up the existing car park behind the Strand. I'm a bit dubious about Council getting involved in major building works because previous Councils have a pretty poor track record. We have the courtesy crossings placed too close to intersections, the Aquatic centre that had sharp tiles in the children's pool as well as other construction issues, the much criticised children's tidal pool at the Heads, the library with a disabled toilet door opening outwards so those in wheelchairs or with walking frames have to pull the heavy door towards them as they reverse, the useless eaves on the library that don't shelter the seating from the rain and the architecturally unrelated to anything else on the Strand awning at The Gap which doesn't keep the rain off either.

It seems to me that Councillors and council staff get distracted by the shiny brochure and miss the devil in the detail so ratepayers often end up with projects that fall short in practicality but looked fab in the artist's impression. This is my concern with the proposed boat harbour and the redevelopment of the Strand carpark.

Yes, it's a shame the CBD isn't river facing, but for decades that area was a wasteland where people dumped spoil and Council allowed large retail projects to be developed. Now we are accustomed to convenient parking there and you will have to provide the same quantity of parking nearby if you want support for this project. Where will that be? As for more retail property or even accomodation on that site you need to consider whether we really need more cafes, takeaways or cheap emporiums and be selective over who you choose as tenants. And please don't allow accomodation to be built there ‐ that sort of thing is better suited to the old Beacon site or nearby.

In the end you'll do what you want because every Council needs a legacy project to look back on but please make sure you understand the detail of what you are doing and hire consultants and construction companies who have proven track records in the relevant fields, don't be won over by a slick sales pitch and a glossy artist's impression.

Gina Seay

124 Submission from Ses Webster

I wish to have recorded my objection to the removal of car parks behind the strand for the following reasons.

1. Workers within Whakatane CBD have nowhere else to park on a gratis basis. 2. The retail sector would be critically affected if these parks were removed. 3. Shoppers can spend longer times shopping as there are no parking wardens. 4. There is no alternative gratis parking. Whilst the above reasons cater for workers and the retail sector I also include the option for travellers to Whakatane who see our river and walkway as a pleasant place to walk to enjoy the sights so park their cars conveniently there.

I agree that our river is a jewel in our crown as a town and careful planning and public consultation must occur before anything is decided upon. We do not want to repeat the mistakes of our former town fathers who sold the land to a grocer and a warehouse mogul – to me a crime of the shutter visioned, money hungry elders of the past.

Please open this discussion up further before making the same mistakes as our forebears.

I am available to speak to this submission if requested.

Ses Webster

I write this submission in support of the draft budget of $3.4 million spend on earthquake strengthening of the Whakatane Civic Centre and note that your Long Term Plan for redevelopment to conclude in 2026. In the many years of voluntary community work I have given, including convening conferences, spring shows, fashion parades and Christmas events in the Bay of Plenty I have never come across a centre so lacking in catering facilities as the Whakatane Civic Centre. I have always known Whakatane is a great town and I promote it at every opportunity. I also know several corporations would hold conferences here but I’m not confident to confirm Whakatane as a Conference Centre. If we are to be taken seriously as a town for future national conferences we need to have one facility we can rely upon without buying in outside help‐ this not only makes conferences more expensive but for the convenor it’s a logistical nightmare.

I believe it is essential to include in the Annual Plan 2019/20 a commercial kitchen upgrade in the Whakatane Civic Centre, the space itself needs to be gutted and then designed to incorporate adequate refrigeration, ovens, hobs, microwaves, warming units, lighting, and rubbish disposal. Linen, Crockery, Cutlery and cooking utensils can be hired locally.

I am happy to speak to this submission if required.

Ses Webster

125 SUBMISSION

TELEPHONE 0800 327 646 I WEBSITE WWW.FEDFARM.ORG.NZ ______

To: Annual Plan Submissions Whakatane District Council Private Bag 1002 WHAKATANE 3158 By email: [email protected]

Submission on: Annual Plan 2020-21 Consultation Document

Date: 15 June 2020

Contact: NIGEL BILLINGS SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR

Federated Farmers of New Zealand

M 027 803 0849 E [email protected]

126 SUBMISSION TO WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL ANNUAL PLAN 2020-21 CONSULTATION DOCUMENT

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Federated Farmers of New Zealand welcomes the opportunity to submit to Whakatane District Council on its Annual Plan 2020-21 Consultation Document.

1.2 Federated Farmers has been a long-standing submitter to Council annual plans and long-term plans. Our position over the years has been for the Council to: • Keep its spending and rates increases in check; and • Maintain a rating system that results in a rates allocation that reflects the use of and benefit derived from council activities.

1.3 Federated Farmers acknowledges that the last six months have been tough for Whakatane District and that much has changed since its Long-Term Plan was adopted in 2018. Federated Farmers supports efforts by councils, including Whakatane, to respond to the dramatically changed environment to support ratepayers and to do what they are able (within their limitations) to improve the business environment to help grow the local economy and jobs.

1.4 Local government has limited options for raising additional money during this time, especially with non-rates income hit by closures of facilities and hits to investment income, while ratepayers are understandably concerned about increases in rates when they are struggling themselves. We therefore support the Council applying to central government for funding to advance projects such as those mentioned on pages 8-9 of the consultation document.

1.5 However, we also strongly submit the Council needs to ensure all its spending is on core activities and for them to be undertaken efficiently and effectively. On 23 March Federated Farmers National President Katie Milne wrote to all councils urging for such action and for nice-to-haves to be reconsidered to keep rates increases down. A copy of this letter is attached.

1.6 Federated Farmers notes that the average rates increase is proposed to be 3.5 percent (page 14 of the consultation document). While we acknowledge the acute pressures being placed on the Council, and its efforts to reduce it from a possible 8.1 percent increase, we still consider 3.5 percent to be too large. We note many councils, including rural and provincial councils, have managed to substantially cut their previously envisaged increases, in some cases to zero. For example, Matamata-Piako District Council originally proposed a 6.4 percent average rates increase, but after consultation this has been reduced to zero.

1.7 Recommendation: Federated Farmers recommends the Council further reduce its average rates increase from the proposed 3.5 percent

1.8 Federated Farmers is also concerned about the Council’s wish to smooth the impact of the latest three-yearly property revaluation, especially the proposed reduction of the Uniform Annual General Charge (UAGC) from 28 percent of total general rating to 26 percent. According to the Rate Modelling Example on pages 16 and 17 of the consultation document, smoothing will mean farm properties will pay rather more than they would have without smoothing (the rural pastoral example will pay $226 more).

1.9 This is concerning because farm properties already pay substantial general rates to fund the council, multiples more than an average residential ratepayer, despite having significantly less access to many Council services (for example the rural pastoral

127 example will pay $8,147 after smoothing compared to Whakatane urban average of $3,553). The UAGC is an attempt to recognise this disparity and we support it continuing at its current level of 28 percent.

1.10 We acknowledge the wish of the Council to keep rates increases down for its residential ratepayers, many of whom are struggling in the wake of the impacts from the Whakaari/White Island eruption and COVID-19. We also acknowledge that even with the smoothing farm rates will be lower in the coming year (by $519 for the rural pastoral example). However, it should not be forgotten that a severe drought has been having a significant adverse impact on Bay of Plenty farmers’ incomes and on their wellbeing and the effects of the drought will be long-lasting, and without any income support from central government to help them get through.

1.11 Recommendation: Federated Farmers recommends the Council retain the Uniform Annual General Charge at 28 percent of total general rating.

1.12 Federated Farmers does complement the Council on the transparency provided by the Rate Modelling Example.

2. ABOUT FEDERATED FARMERS

2.1 Federated Farmers of New Zealand is a voluntary, member-based organisation that represents farming and other rural businesses and has a long and proud history of representing the needs and interests of New Zealand farmers.

2.2 The Federation aims to add value to its members’ farming businesses. Our key strategic outcomes include the need for New Zealand to provide an economic and social environment within which:

• Our members may operate their business in a fair and flexible commercial environment;

• Our members' families and their staff have access to services essential to the needs of the rural community; and

• Our members adopt responsible management and environmental practices.

ENDS

128

23 March 2020

WELLINGTON

Wellington Chambers To Mayors, Chairs, Councillors and Chief Executives Level 6, 154 Featherstone St All Regional, City and District Councils PO Box 715, Wellington 6140 T +64 4 473 7269

CALL TO CONTAIN RATES RISES AND RECONSIDER CONSULTATION PROCESSES

On behalf of Federated Farmers of New Zealand I am asking all Councils to keep their ratepayers in mind when considering their draft annual plans for 2020/21 and to consider whether some consultation processes in the pipeline need to be extended and/or delayed while their ratepayers, citizens and staff guard themselves against the threat of Covid-19.

Draft annual plans currently being put out by regional, city, and district councils show some alarmingly large rates increases, some in excess of 10% and a number well over 5%. Ratepayers are facing a very difficult and uncertain time and the last thing they need to worry about right now are runaway rates increases.

Federated Farmers is deeply concerned about the serious impact of Covid-19 on our communities and on our economy. We have applauded the decisive action of central government both in terms of public health and its economic rescue package.

Despite the Government’s rescue package, the economy will suffer a sharp shock and will likely enter a deep and long recession. At a time of economic downturn and uncertainty it is particularly important that councils focus on their core functions and operate as efficiently and effectively as possible to keep the rates burden down for the wellbeing of their communities. ‘Nice to haves’ need to be shelved.

As well as focusing on core business councils could also consider following the Government’s lead and take on more debt, especially for capital investment. Most councils have little debt and have plenty of scope to borrow while remaining prudent while those that are close to their debt limits could be forgiven for breaching them at this extraordinary time.

We also note that many councils aren’t planning to consult this year on their annual plans and will simply be adopting annual plans based on the numbers from their 2018-28 Long Term Plans. The environment has changed dramatically since they’d have made their decision not to consult and these councils should now urgently review their planned rates increases too.

Another serious concern we have is the ability of councils to meaningfully consult and engage with their communities on other policy and regulatory matters, including district and regional plans. We ask that Councils look to adjust their work programmes and timeframes. Assuming business as usual for these processes is unwise with the restrictions on gatherings and the simple fact that most people (both inside and outside councils) are trying to focus first and foremost on their wellbeing and will be avoiding gatherings as much as possible.

129

Finally, Federated Farmers will be approaching central government asking that they consider using taxpayer resources to help councils meet the costs with three waters infrastructure investment needed to comply with the Government’s tougher regulation of drinking water. We will also be asking that drinking water quality be regulated at point of supply to humans rather than at source. The Three Waters Reforms look like being incredibly expensive for councils and will be a major driver behind large rates increases.

Federated Farmers’ provinces will be making their own submissions on councils’ specific draft annual plan consultations and I acknowledge their submissions.

Yours sincerely

Katie Milne National President and Local Government Spokesperson

130 Submission from Gordon J Dickson

The Mayor and all Councillors ANNUAL PLAN SUBMISSION 15 June 2020

Whakatane District Council

Commerce St,

Whakatane.

Dear Judith, et al,

1 I submit to the Annual Plan that the Whakatane District Council should include the sum of $250,000 to enable all the local residents and in particular the nearby residents to be adequately and well pre informed about any and all development activities on the Reserves vested in the Whakatane District Council by “autonomous” bodies For example The Ohope Lions Club International Incorporated

2 I further submit that the Whakatane District Council should include in its Annual Plan to include the sum of $200,00 to implement a service whereby the out of town owners of properties in the District are to receive both their rates demands and their water demands by email as well as the existing delivery method. The aim of this is to ensure the out of town ratepayers do not incur unnecessary penalties.

3 Next I submit that the Whakatane District Council include the sum of $1,000 to ensure the discussion voting & outcome of your deliberations is communicated to me to Post Office Box 3015, Ohope Beach and also my email which is [email protected]

4 Lastly, I submit that any disputes the Council find themselves involved in are referred to Mediation initially and if necessary, Arbitration. To facilitate this, I request the Council include the sum of $250,000 to investigate and ensure the Mediation and Arbitration clause are included in all future Council contracts.

Kindly acknowledge this submission

Gordon J Dickson AAMINZ, MNZIQS, Co‐Chair NCOMONZ.

131 Submission from Sue Shaw

My submission its regarding the riverfront regeneration program. As a Bussiness owner of two retail businesses in Whakatane for the last 12 years ,my concern over the possible loss of the public car park behind the strand is a major concern. Retailers have had a very hard last 6 months with the whakaari event and also covid 19. I don't think the true impact has even hit our town yet and more job losses are yet to come. If we lose the car parking then you can be sure that the strand will once go back to lots of empty shops and loss of jobs.

You haven't provided the public with any possible alternatives for parking that is still with in close walking distance especially for our older generation and also for workers that use this car park and can access it safely in the dark ( unlike the skate park car park ).

Stop and speak to shoppers on the strand and you will see that many are from out of town (especially Tauranga /mount maunganui) and who come to shop here regularly because of such great parking and fabulous locally owned shops.They tell us that retail at the Mount and Tauranga have greatly been affected by the "green spaces" that have replaced the car parking and the slow decline of many small Bussiness because of this .I am sure chamber of commerce of both of these places could testify to that.

It is great that council want to make Whakatane any even better place to live and work and shop but please be realistic with the flow on effect of your actions.

Why not look at the idea of linking the CBD to the river by the way of a walking over bridge, that could start from Wharaurangi to the where the last line of car parking is next to Kakahoroa drive .It could be designed to look like the shape of a waka (so it relates to local iwi) and the story of Whakatane or the river could be told as you walk over it.At the highest point you would actually be able to view the river (which this whole project seems to be about joining to the river so even better to see it ). It could be wider than your normal foot bridge and with it just being made as a ramp style rather than have steps, then all ages and needs could access it .Yes a few car parks would need to be removed for this to happen but I am sure Bussiness owners would be a lot happier about that than the total removal of over the 300 that are presently there .You could beautify the areas between the car parks rather than just trees.Along the actual river bank you could put more family friendly ares with more seating areas for people to enjoy and even sections that have whakatane trivia or learning on local wildlife or marine activity along the walkway. More sculpture could be included by LOCAL artists .

Maybe councillors need to make the effort and go and visit the business that will be affected by this development and actually listen to the people.Just like you ,these people are busying are trying to keep their staff employed and their bussnisess growing . Im sure it would only take a few hours out of your day if you broke into two groups and started at either end and actually walked the strand and conversed with local owners.I recognise a couple of you have done this in the past but I do think it is important that you be seen to be interested in what people have to say other than just by email .

Please think about the community you represent and what their needs are .

Sue Shaw

Owner of Sea Breeze and also Tui

Whakatāne

132 Submission from Patuheuheu and Ngati Haka hapu, Waiohau Marae

As the Waiohau Representative on the Murupara Community Board, I would like to support the submission of Patuheuheu and Ngati Haka hapu, Waiohau Marae as written by Meri Te Ruwhiu towards the Annual Plan. Please accept her following submission

A key priority that has been present in previous submission from Waiohau is the tarseal requirements for the back road of the Waiohau Marae and Pukehou Rd to our main entrance to our Urupa. It is basically a health and safety necessity, dust created in dry spells is a bad hazard when the wind is blowing northward dust travels and falls over everything and everyone. There is our Marae buildings including our new wharekai and back entrance where we cook, our hangi pit and stones, our table tops we prepare food on and our waharoa where we welcome our Manuhiri.

We have residents who are elderly in the path of the dust as well as our Kohanga Reo and Kura. It affects the breathing of individuals occupying and utilising these areas. It is necessary to be regularly washing down surfaces, sides of buildings, roofs, vehicles alike. This road is used by farmers leasing land that is accessible via this road and their heavy machinery. Machinery are operated whenever and at times when we are performing official Tikanga Protocols on the Marae during tangihana. Heavy machinery is increased during summer, the same time as high disbursement of dust when road is used. We also have a milk tanker that collects milk on a daily basis from a farm at the end of the Pukehou Road.

During events along with the regular users there can be a high volume of users which generates a lot of dust flow over the buildings, land, trees, animals, people vehicles and learning institutes, the dust the dirt road creates is disruptive, interferes with proceedings at times, its unhealthy and impacts on people's day to day living and harmful to animals, people and machinery.

I link this concern into development because if the road was tar sealed we can expand our hireage availability of our new Wharekai out to corporate users and out of town organisations. When we declare the dust as a risk factor to potential hirees we lose more bookings because of the dust therefore the Marae economy is affected. I do not recall another Marae that has the same issue as Waiohau Marae or other public gathering places spanning from Kawerau, Matata, Thornton, Coastlands, Awatapu, Poroporo, CBD, Mokoroa, Ohope, West End, Ohiwa, Kurtarere, Opotiki, Coastal Roads, Ruatoki, Taneatua, Waimana. Note place names above have had injections of capital invested into them year after year either to beautify, ease of sports activities, tourist hosting and gathering all important to the Area but it is sad to learn of all these areas being presented as a modern forward thinking Communities, bike tracks, walks, harbour and moorings being established and yet there is this hazard I speak about that continues to remain a hazard and affecting our lives on a daily basis. This is not acceptable and needs to be discussed and addressed quickly to improve the qualify of life for rate payers and occupants of buildings within the dust affected areas!

Na mihi

Ngapera Rangiaho

Murupara Community Board Member

133 Submission from Garry Pellett

Feedback on the WDC Annual Plan

Firstly congratulations on a very well written and presented document.

However, as an operational plan, which is what it should be, it is lacking in substance. The Plan has many references to challenges and opportunities but expresses few of what they actually are.

Admittedly there are links to other documents that do fill in some gaps but it means that the reader ratepayer has to go looking for the information and to be effective really needs to read on a split screen. The ratepayer seems to be a very small contributing “partner” as against government, business and Iwi.

An operational plan needs to follow good delivery practice such as the SMART approach

 Specific  Measurable  Attainable  Relevant  Time based

There is general specificity, when one finds it, but the actual KPIs are missing. What is going to be delivered, by whom, at what cost and how will success be measured.

“Council staff are working hard to present elected members with a range of funding and financing options that will look to reduce the impacts on residents and ratepayers but also look to the opportunities that are available to kick start our economy and strengthen our community resilience. A report on this will be provided to the Council meeting on 30 April 2020. In addition, this information will assist elected members in determining the draft Annual Plan 2020/21 which will be available for consultation in May 2020.” I couldn’t find this report on the Council website under “reports”.

Reference is made in several place as the financial impact of Covid‐19 and the impact on business and people in general; and the impact on Council income for that matter.

However other than what is recorded in the LTP I could not find an updated annual comprehensive statement of finance which should be a primary document for feedback. A rates model is included.

The LTP states that over time the population of people over 65 will be 30%. Has this figure been updated? People on fixed income have less ability to continue to fund the escalator of rates increases. The proposed 3.5% increase may well be within the Council’s strategy but I suggest no one else’s. And any older people with surplus funds that are likely to be in cash deposits are hampered by the interest rates and dividend environment. This also has a flow on impact on local businesses due to diminished disposable income. Whakatane has reportedly the seventh highest residential rates in New Zealand and along with other TA’s have increased rates over time more than 5 times the annual rate of inflation.

If there is projected population growth there is no statement as to the demographics of that projection and by inference ability to pay.

134 Council’s support of businesses by way of ground rent relief has to be acknowledged. However that is but a small contribution in the overall scheme of things. The car park at the rear of The Strand being taken away looks like the outcome of a town planners meeting with each having their feet firmly planted in the air. Rural New Zealand just does not work that way. People drive to work and to shop. If there is a high degree of confidence in Council that car park removal will work, then rope of the area now as a trial.

Again, the financial analysis of the reimagining project is missing, its guesswork, just like removing car parking in Rotorua’s Tutanekai Street which had to be reinstated, albeit in a more limited form.

There is no mention of the further hurdle business will have to face with earthquake prone buildings legislation.

Ethnic groups for people in Whakatane District, 2006–18 Censuses

2006 (%) 2013 (%) 2018 (%)

European 58.4 66.3 63.2

Māori 42.2 43.5 46.8

Pacific peoples 2.2 2.5 3.0

Asian 1.6 2.4 3.4

Middle Eastern/Latin American/African 0.2 0.2 0.3

Other ethnicity 10.3 1.8 1.0

Usual residence one year ago for people in Whakatane District and New Zealand, 2018 Census

Category Whakatane District (%) New Zealand (%)

Same as usual residence 81.1 79.1

Elsewhere in New Zealand 15.5 16.7

Not born one year ago 1.8 1.5

Overseas 1.5 2.7

No fixed abode one year ago 0.1 0.1

The above tables are two years old but indicate a fairly stable constituency but not necessarily a better ability to pay.

There is reference to reforecasting of capital works budgets but no mention of the business cases. The business case for the children’s tidal pool must have been a ripper!

135 Property revaluation completed in 2019 and their impact is presented in a table. I note that valuation objections have not been addressed by the issuer and are unlikely to be until after rates are struck.

Essentially, Council should stop, look and listen – generalised statements about employment growth etc without the how and where don’t do it. Otherwise it is analogous with a government passing legislation at 4:30pm on a Friday.

Necessary infrastructure (undertaken on a SMART basis) and financials are the current important aspects, nice to haves can come later when they are more affordable. Build it and they will come is not viable in the current environment.

Us people ‐ We’re broke!

And please next round less cross references please.

Garry Pellett

136 Submission from Whakatane MTB Club

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission to the annual plan. Whakatane Mountain Bike Club has two submission points for the 2020/21 Annual Plan:

1. Support from WDC for progressing a mountain bike park close to Whakatane.

2. Support from WDC for progressing a Mountain Bike Skills Area in the Waiewe Street Reserve.

There is widespread community support for establishing a mountain bike park close to Whakatane township. In the 2018‐21 Long Term Plan, WDC endorsed the vision of establishing a mountain bike park in Whakatane. Since that time there has been an active search for suitable areas close to Whakatane township, some planning hurdles have been overcome and some promising areas have been identified. Whakatane Mountain Bike Club believes that a mountain bike park has potential to bring considerable benefit to the Whakatane district. Imagine an area, with fun tracks, extensive tree plantings and effective weed and pest control, restored and respected and enjoyed by all. An area that motivates residents to get outdoors and enjoy nature, and one that boosts our local economy by encouraging tourism. This will take time and consultation and muddy boots, but the outcome would be great for the community. We ask that Whakatane District Council reiterate their support for establishing a MTB park and partner with Whakatane Mountain Bike Club to make this a reality by committing funding over the next 12 months to assist with planning and consultation for establishing a park network.

The Mountain Bike Club recognises that it may take some time to establish a Park near Whakatane. Meanwhile there has been a lot of public support for progressing some facilities promptly. In response to this, the Mountain Bike Club has developed a proposal to build a Skills Area in Waiewe Reserve in conjunction with weed removal and native planting to complement existing restoration activities. This is NOT a mountain bike park; instead, it would be a Skills Area with only a few short trails and suitable for beginners, children and families. However, the trails would be of high quality and professionally built. We see this as a big 'win‐win' for both restoration and recreation and development of the drainage reserve for the benefit of ALL our community. Pest plants are removed, natives are planted, the community has a resource to help learn biking skills and youthful energy is directed in a positive way. While not a mountain bike park it would nevertheless be a great resource to engage youth and families in fun, recreation and conservation. Many members of the community have already committed funding for this project. We offer it as an opportunity, but it does require Council commitment and leadership if it is to go ahead. We ask that Whakatane District Council support this initiative and provide impartial leadership for balanced community consultation.

Regards

Rex Humpherson

President Whakatane MTB Club

137 Submission from Tony Goodman

Tena Koutou

I hereby make a submission for consideration in the finalising of the Whakatane District Plan

Whilst I agree that the plan is well thought out and addresses many of the peoples' wishes and desires, I think that the general thrust of the document misses our most important realities of the future. Particularly the works proposed for Whakatane itself don't seem to be underscored by the following published long term plans regarding Climate Change;

"Our District will face some big challenges and opportunities in the future – things like taking action on climate change, managing" and

"Last year Council agreed to put $50,000 in the budget towards our climate change project. We are getting close to finalising a draft Climate

Change Strategy and Action Plan and getting the community’s views on these documents will be important during the coming months. This year we are proposing to increase the budget to enable the ongoing delivery of Council’s climate change project to ensure we factor climate change into everything we do"

The Climate Change Strategy and Action Plans consideration in this proposed District Plan seems to be missing. Everything that I have read seems to assume that nothing much is going to happen. Everything, instead, seems to revolve around Covid‐19 and the loss of tourism and income from those affected in the town and port. Climate Change, the "gorilla in the cupboard" seems to have been ignored by pressures from the loss of some tourism.

Proposed plans seem to assume that nothing will change, maybe a sea level rise of a centimetre or so. The life‐span of a Council it is not like that of a human where 100 years is a long time. For a Council it is just a small amount of time.

So every decision regarding infrastructure renewal, re‐build or new should be considered in the light of what will happen in 5, 10, 20 and more years. Investment in assets such as the wharf or airport or any road or service that are located near sea level should be very carefully considered and measured against a range of future changes. As an example, the floods that decimated Edgecumbe are a small reminder of what we are looking at in the future. Living up in hills (Te Whaiti and Ruatahuna) I witnessed the millions of tonnes of earth that were swept off the hillsides into the rivers. Whilst dams such as the Matahina will hold this back for a while, eventually it will move down and it is inevitable that the bed of the Whakatane River will rise. Accompany this with even a small sea level

138 rise and a low pressure weather system storm surge meeting up and the Whakatane stopbanks will not hold back the water. So the township will be attacked from both ends, the sea and the flooded river.

My submission is that the Council should sell the port and airport whilst they are worth good money and pay down Council debt.

Then start looking around for a place to which the town could move, one to much higher ground. Start buying the land as a first move.

Don't build anything new or spend too much on its maintenance when the inevitable is that Whakatane will one day have to move.

One other thing. i see that Murupara has had a huge increase in CV and LV that can possibly be reflected in rates. I hope that this does not apply to Te Whaiti and particularly to Ruatahuna. We have had no information on this and it is only fair that our representatives on Council are briefed and that they communicate with the residents, none of which seems to have happened.

Tony Goodman

139

“Mo te hunga kua wehe, Mo te hunga ora, Mo te hunga kei mua” Email: [email protected] Website: www.ngatimanawa.org

P.O. Box 116 Phone: (07) 3665-736 Chairperson: Kani Edwards Murupara 3025 Fax: (07) 3665-193

15 June 2020

Whakatane District Council Private Bag 1002 Whakatane 3158.

By Email: [email protected]

Tena koe.

I am making this submission on behalf of Te Runanga o Ngati Manawa (TRONM). TRONM is the post settlement governance entity for the Ngati Manawa iwi. Our settlement was enacted in February 2012.

Our rohe extends from Raepohatu in the North, down the Ika Whenua ranges to the east to the Napier Taupo Highway. Our western boundary follows Broadlands and Reporoa to Waiotapu then across to Boundary Road through to Raepohatu. Ngati Manawa has held mana whenua in that area since the conquest and assimilation of the Marangaranga people at the time of our ancestor Tangiharuru in about the 1500’s.

Our submission

With the events of the eruption of Whakaari White Island and the Covid 19 pandemic, we concur that the focus on the economy, jobs and the future focus sentiments are key critical elements required for the building of resilience, development and hope. If there is anything that Covid 19 and the lockdown periods taught us, it is He aha te mea nui o te Ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people. It is people. It is people!

With this in mind, we propose that a key factor that may be a given though not articulated throughout the documents is the need to work in partnership with iwi. For the Whakatane District Council, we see that a relationship with Ngati Awa as well as Ngati Rangitihi and Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau is needed in particular, with other iwi groups involved albeit in a less prominent, though nevertheless important role.

140 We also submit the notion that the matters that contribute to and reaffirm the Whakatane region is reliant on the more mundane kind of services that are significant and that the council is responsible for. Services such as rubbish collection and removal, cleanliness and hygiene of streets, public toilets and drains. Anyone who travels knows that these are the very matters that can impact positively or not on a holiday or visit. We suggest that toilet facilities on the other side of the Thornton river mouth and at the Matahina dam require addressing. Partnerships with iwi or local organisations may resolve issues around abuse of the facilities. If locals know that locals are being contracted to look after facilities, then the whole community will eventually be supportive and vigilant in maintaining standards.

Response to main points (page 4 Annual Plan Consultation Document)

Response to Covid 19 . We agree with the 3 points made.

We suggest however that a briefing may be required to evaluate how the different organisations in the region worked together, what changes are needed and how they can be effected. For example: with the difficulty and challenges in accessing PPE gear, is this something that would be allocated to the DHB, Councils or CD? How is the Runanga for Lakes DHB funded to provide PPE gear and/or support to iwi organisations? We think they should be because our experience with the DHB provider was unhelpful and a waste of time.

Jobs and the Economy

We agree with the points made.

We suggest that a more concerted effort needs to be made to ensure that jobs are of a long term nature and builds on the linking of people, skills, needs and opportunities. We favour long term results. We suggest that this is an element where innovation in business needs to be explored so that the impact on business operations can be managed with alternative delivery options considered business by business.

Future Plan

We agree with the points made.

We suggest that an evaluation of the Covid 19 lockdown processes, the responses from many agencies and organisations, and learnings to help prepare for future events are articulated and thought through. Our next challenge is likely to be climate change related or perhaps further pandemics. What feedback is available to inform and prepare?

Balance financial pressure

We agree with the points made.

We suggest, although this may be best included in the Long Terrn Plan, a need for the review and updating of the Local Government Act. Our view is that there is much in the Act that is archaic

141 and no longer relevant to the society and values that exist today. Financial frameworks and social frameworks may be open to possible innovation.

Significance and engagement Policy

We affirm to council that the engagement conducted with Te Runanga o Ngati Manawa and our community in Murupara regarding the Murupara Water Supply issues that arose during lockdown and is still being monitored now is an engagement practice that we fully support. We commend any intention to do more of this.

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission.

Nga mihi

Maramena Vercoe EMBA, BIEM, BMEd., CEO Te Runanga o Ngati Mnaawa

142 Submission from Bonnie Savage & Abraham Aruguipa

Reimagining our District

1) Dedicated spaces for food production/medicinal plantings/vitamin ‘c’ trees, nut (macadamia/walnut) a. Tha above will provide steady ready supply to community b. Community members could be invited to monitor, maintain, assist in these spaces c. Likely to lead to knowledge sharing and practical use of spaces or different use of current (some) garden spaces. i.e. change non‐edible to edible/medicinal d. Salaries of gardeners spent more wisely than on annual roundabout bedding for example. e. Deliberate swing away (gradual) from fossil fuel dependent practice – i.e. lawn mowing. 2) Introduction of water catchment tanks (sizing within context) city centre. a. Business/residents will reduce water rates plus self manageing and responsible (in part) for our tāonga that is water b. These days shapes and sizes of tanks are available to fit context.

Again introduction (story‐telling?) around the mauri that water holds throughout nature and of course ourselves.

Sincerely

Bonnie Savage

Abraham Aruguipa

143 Submission from Shona Pedersen

We have identified the need to install shade sails at Holly’s Playground, Aniwhenua Reserve. The play equipment becomes too hot to use safely especially through the hot summer months. Total cost has been quoted at $21,345 plus gst. The tuna play equipment requires repainting ‐ this is due to general wear not graffiti or vandalism. The existing solar shower at the reserve has become inadequate to cater to the numbers of campers using the reserve. Hopefully this can be funded under the Tourism Infrastructure Fund. We would really appreciate WDC input and funding to complete these projects.

144 ANNUAL PLAN 2020/21 COV19U1tAtiOVI C10001001'

You can also complete a survey online at koreromai.whakatane.govt.nz/annual−plan−2020−2.1

CONTACT DETAILS NAME: Foheviatia aril) ORGANISATION (if applicable): 5 filtou rohe REIMAGINE OUR DISTRICT PHONE:

EMAIL:

WHERE DO YOU LIVE IN THE WHAKATANE DISTRICT? SUBMISSIONS CLOSE: 5PM MONDAY, 15 JUNE 2020 Li Awakeni

Li Coastlands POST OR Whakatane District Council DELIVER TO: Commerce Street Li Edgecumbe Private Bag 1002 o Galatea Whakatane

111 Manawahe Murupara Service Centre Li Matata Pine Drive, Murupara

Li Minginui EMAIL TO: submissionsPwhakatane.govt.nz Li Murupara

Li Ohope SUBMIT ONLINE: koreromai.whakatane.govt.nziannual−plan−2020−21

Li Rangitaiki PHONE ENQUIRIES: (07) 306 0500 Li Ruatahuna

PERSONAL DETAILS (optional) neatua CiM−ale 0 0 VaatokiICI Te Teko GENDER: Female Non−Binary

Li Waimana AGE BRACKET: Li Wainui 0 0 0 15 or under 16 − 25 26 − 39 Li Whakatane township ETHNICITY: Other? Li c‘ii(− 0 0 Pacific Island Peoples 0 Asian Please specify: 0 ropean Maori Other (please specify): l'ilmw Ze_e,te4Aile/..

WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL SERVICE CENTRE Civic Centre, Commerce Street, Whakatane MURUPARA Private Bag 1002, Whakatane 3158 Pine Drive, Murupara Phone: 07 366 5896 Email: infoPwhakatane.govt.nz Phone: 07 306 0500 Website: whakatane.govt.nz Whakatane District Council 145 WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL ANNUAL PLAN 2020/21 Fohvtiatia anb− tiltou roho Submission Form REIMAGINE OUR DISTRICT

DO YOU THINK WE'VE GOT THE BALANCE ABOUT RIGHT?

Through this Annual Plan we have tried to balance some key priorities on behalf of the community.

Council has We need to support local people Council should This isn't got the as and businesses through the be prioritising 0 0 important balance as immediate of this other focus impacts COVID−19. even more about right areas

Council has We need a strong emphasis iCouncil should This isn't got the as economic support and be prioritising 0 0 important on balance as job this other focus creation, even more about right areas

Council has Council should This isn't as We need to focus on our got the 0 be prioritising 0 0 important future challenges. balance as this other focus even more about right areas

Council has We need to relieve financial Council should T is isn't . got the as and reduce the 0 be prioritising 0 pressure balance important as this other focus rating impact. even more about right areas

•u,fr j 0 0 or (4 Please tell us why you provided , ek that answer. Especially if you d. kt, think we should be doing more or ot less of something. Keep in mind −−fro if do will need to I we more, we reprioritise, or increase costs.

I. F C41A To f−c4(( /4 V 0 /1 4 5 −r 14 r C Is there something that is "eAc missing from our priorities for Y6(c−cs the coming year? Remember− ho( (I I also let know viol− ('ell you can us your ti s' 4 viei priorities through "Future in WC (A ve_r, et Focus" which will help shape .F"71— eAv(re)F 'f713 ort.a, the Long Term Plan 2021−31. /2 rijka ero I ef 11 elf 4 (_.. 0thrte)• −c k I— al e., 00 er Wasj−eA4 il ... 146 147 148 Taneatua ,Waimana Community Board Submssions re: Annual Plan and the Future in Focus Document.

1 Uplifting our Economy:

A Council to investigate the purchase of land with Twit Hapu parnership in our towns to advance light industry by offering financial incentives :ie ; rate relief or payback scheme.

• Upgrade our Rural Halls.

2 Supporting Communitiy Development:

A Community Board is very supportive of promoting the establishment of a multi purpose hub for the youth and other residents by T.U.T. To create a Sports Gym /Citizens Adviced Bureau/ Budgeting/ Te Reo Language/ Driver Licencing and Fire Arms Licence complex.

• Youth to be employed in Forestry.

3 Building natural Hazard Resilience:

A Digital signs required advising if the State Highway / Waimana Gorge is closed is requested for the Mokonia Gorge area.

• Route Security : Waimana Gorge (NZTA) rate payers are paying rates and need route security

• Culvert at Reids Road has been obscured by a bridge structur and the build up of metal stockpiles around the flood plain and is preventing excess heavy rain to gradiatly from running into the river, this can be a hazard to the Taneatua township.

• The lifting of the road at the corner of S.H.2 (Red Devon Farm/Black's corner) to decrease flooding

4 Taking Action on Climate Change:

More cycle ways to encourage more people to leave their car at home

5 Proactively Managing Population Growth:

Low priority.

6 Supporting a vibrant and creative District:

A Funding for industry in the satellite towns to employ their local people P.G.F. Funds coming to our towns.

• Cycle lanes to Whakatane / Kawerau Walkways Taneata to Whakatane possibly over the stopbanks

• Walkway behind the Taneatua Township Jack Knowles Park along service lanes towards Olds

149 Road / Pekatahi Bridge 7 Managing Waste in more sustainable ways:

A Manufacturers of products should take reponsibility for disposal of packaging / recycling of their products

A uniform type of packaging material to be use which is biodigradable or recycleable

8 Upgrade Sewerage Systems:

Urgent planning action needed, Taneatua's Permit/ resource consent runs out 2026. Central Government should pay for consent/planning costs.

9 Increasing drinking water standards:

The Community Board appreciates the quality of water in the Taneatua ,Ruatoki and Waimana,and acknowledge the urgent upgrade for the Ohope /Whakatane town supply, possibly an alternative source is urgently required to sustain the present and proposed ecomonic and residential growth in the towns

10 Enhancing Transport efficiency /safety and alternative travel options

Investigate Public Transport services from the Rural towns into Whakatane at reasonabe times.using smaller vans rather than buses, adaptable to the elderly residents or infirm people needing help.

Additional Queries

1 With the news of a new devlopment of 42 homes to be built in Kopeopeo can the infrastructure cope with this size of development?? The developer should pay for any upgrading of the infrastructure if this is required

2 The Taneatua Community Board are still waiting for the rebuild of the Police Station. We would 1.ike to encourage our Policeman to be more visible around the Township.

3 Landfill to Karapehi finishes in 2024 has or can Council negotiate with Iwi for alternative landfill?

4 The Taneatua Community Board is eager to hear about the progress of funding for 3 Waters for the town district areas and the Matata Reticulation Sewerage

Diane Yalden; Chairperson Taneatua Commnity Board 0276 527 444 y al den.m.dr&xtra.co.nz 07 3129 335

150 WHAKATANE DISTRICT COUNCIL 15 JUN 2020

Feedback on Annual Plan Discussion Document 202

Sullivan Lake Care Group

The Sullivan Lake Steering Group recognises and appreciates the extraordinary times we are currently in and the need for different responses as to how the Whakatane District Council can effectively continue to meet its obligations and needs ofits citizens

Our response to the discussion document focuses on;

*Education *Personal responsibility *Standards ofcare.

Firstly we want the Whakatane District Council to acknowledge and honour the original purpose ofSullivan Lake as a recreational lake. In 1963 the developers, Sir William Sullivan and Mr Richard Martin with the Whakatane District Council agreed as stated in the 1977 Sullivan Lake Management Plan and restated in the 2015 Management Plan, "Sir William Sullivan and Richard Martin asked forand were given the assurance that the proposed lake would not be allowed to become stagnant and that a flowoffresh water would be available at all times." We are concerned when we hear Sullivan Lake called a "stormwater holding area" or "the duck pond." Sadly, we believe it reflects an attitude towards Sullivan Lake Reserve.

There are few park−like spaces in Whakatane south and Sullivan Lake is a desirable recreational space for families as we observed during the recent Covid−19 lockdown.

The Whakatane district is experiencing a growth in population which puts more stress on infrastructure, the environment and the need for green recreational areas. Sullivan Lake reserve is one such area. A developer has consent to build a housing complex in Kopeopeo with 42 3 bedroom apartments.

Council recently gave permission to a group ofremote controlled yacht enthusiasts to sail their boats on Sullivan Lake. A positive step in having the community use this asset but the water must be ofa quality that does not endanger health.

The regulations being proposed by central government on improving water quality and the Council's challenges on our three waters services are relevant to the improvement ofwater quality in Sullivan Lake.

The 10 high−level urban water principles and values developed by the Urban Working Group for improved water stewardship shows how every citizen can play their part in improving our water quality. As the Working Group states "We need a transformational change in the way that we interact with urban water."

At present as a stormwater catchment area the quality ofthe water is a health hazard both to people and birdlife. It is a health hazard in summer with cynabacteria levels

151 reaching dangerous levels indicated by the permanent health warning signs erected around the Lake. Our group would like to suggest that steps to improving quality ofthis one small urban water space be initiated by Council and at no significant cost. The bigger cost work still needs to be actioned i.e dredging the lake but as stated at the beginning of our response −not a priority for Council at present.

We feel the Council has an ongoing responsibility to take steps to improve the water quality in the Lake. Our group would like to suggest steps to improve the quality of the water with minimal cost to Council.

Our Care Group acknowledges the improvements Council has undertaken: * supporting the Care Group with planting programmes −in conjunction with EBOP Enhancement Fund− * water being pumped into the lake except during water shortages. * instalment ofa new weir

Education and Community Responsibility

1) encourage people to clear leaves from the gutters thus preventing them from entering the lake through the stormwater system. 2) correct disposal ofindustrial waste by local industries 3) residents ensuring safe disposal oftoxic materials eg car washing 3) litter−correct disposal ofrubbish 4) responsibility for dogs−on lead and picking up and correct disposal ofdog droppings. 5) Education Can Council find effective ways to communicate personal responsibility *social media *Newspapers *Working with schools eg Trident High School Year 10 Science Project *Neighbourhood Support Groups and other community groups and networks

Council Care and Responsibility

Huge amounts ofdebris and pollutants enter Sullivan Lake through the 10 stormwater pipes.(Our water clarity testing has shown in the dredged area ofthe lake how much clearer the water is in dry spells and then deteriorates after rain)

1) Find ways to decrease the amount ofsilt, rubbish and pollutants entering the lake eg silt curtains 2) regular street sweeping by Council to clear leaves especially before expected heavy rain 3) Standard ofwork by Council staff and contractors. Are Council staff meeting the expectations oftheir contracts and is work adequately monitored 4)More planting around the lake to prevent debris entering from the land and create a more natural ecologically friendly environment. This work has been done by the Care Croup in the last 5−6 years.

152 ,2 What is the most effective way ofengaging and making people aware ofhow our actions affect our water environment?

The Urban water Working Group report states, "In an urban context, it is important that communities establish a common understanding ofwhat it means to achieve Te Mana o Te Wai in their specific area and that all other planning and resource−use decisions (to) uphold this strategic vision"

In conclusion....

We feel No5 ofthe Urban Water Principles (see below) sums up the aspiration ofthe Sullivan Lake Care Group for the care and health ofSullivan Lake and its reserve.

"Tangata−Our environments are places of human occupation Identify and consider the community for urban water and reflect them in decision making. Communities often have strong aspirations for urban water and values for their urban spaces, including values for environmental sustainability, sense ofplace, and general amenity and liveability. Urban planning and design processes should create opportunities for communities to express their values and for decision−makers to reflect these goals in their decisions."

Attachment Looking after water in towns and cities

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Ait−446 fyiAr.et, 6221/2,si 153 . 3 I'. Looking a ,.er water in towns and cities

The following urban water principles can help decision−making and promote the creation of water sensitive urban spaces. The principles have been developed and recommended by the independent Urban Water Working Group.

Link to the report

• Urban water principles: Recommendation of the Urban Water Working Group (//www.mfe.govt.nz/pubtications/fresh− water/urban−water−principles−recommendation−of−urban−water−working−group)

About the Urban Water Working Group and its vision

The Urban Water Working Group is a collaborative body comprising of around 45 practitioners and technical experts working in the field of urban water management. It was convened by the Ministry in late 2017 and while the Ministry served as the secretariat for the group, the group's findings and recommendations do not represent the official position of the Ministry for the Environment or Government policy.

In its first phase, the group developed 10 high−level urban water principles and values. The principles reflect the group's vision for improved urban water stewardship. They are intended to prompt action and promote alignment within government and industry.

These principles inform:

• urban water policy, planning and consenting decisions • urban development and infrastructure design choices • other activities that impact urban water outcomes.

Urban Water Principles — Nga Wai 1Vianga Our greatest obligation is to that which gives us life − Te Mana me Te Mauri o Te Wai In Aotearoa's cities and towns people have important relationships with water. Water provides for the basic needs of our community and supports the natural and built environments that many New Zealanders call home. However, as our urban areas grow and change we also need to be mindful of our impact on this taonga. There are legacy problems related to how urban infrastructure networks and built environments have been developed to date and we need to meet these challenges. We need a transformational change in the way that we interact with urban water.

By following this set of principles, we hold in the highest regard the life−giving properties of water − Te Mana o Te Wai of urban water ecosystems. Te Mana o Te Wai is a concept within the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, which is described as 'the integrated and holistic well−being of the water.' Upholding Te Mana o Te Wai acknowledges, protects and enhances the mauri of the water. This requires that we must also provide for Te Hauora o Te Taiao (the health of the environment), Te Hauora o Te Wai (the health of the water body) and Te Hauora o Te Tangata (the health of the people).

In an urban context, it is important that communities establish a common understanding of what it means to achieve Te Mana o Te Wai in their specific area and that all other planning and resource−use decisions uphold this strategic vision. The following principles can help guide this decision−making at all levels and promote the creation of water sensitive urban spaces by drawing on matauranga, the lessons of the past and international best practice, the needs of our present communities and a vision of a sustainable, resilient future.

Papataanuku − Our relationship with the land − papatuanuku − will pre−determine our relationship with water

1. Protect and enhance ecosystem health of all receiving environments. Use integrated planning to ensure that decisions made upstream protect downstream receiving environments, such as streams, lakes, wetlands and terrestrial ecosystems, groundwater, estuaries, and the ocean.

154 2. Co−design with nature an integrated and regenerative approach to urban development. Use nature−based or green infrastructure engineering solutions where possible to mimic or work with processes found in the natural environment. Retain, restore and enhance existing elements of the natural drainage system, and integrate these elements into the urban landscape.

3. Address pressures on waterbodies close to source. Urban water ecosystems are under increased pressure from a wide range of pollutants, modified flow characteristics and altered channel form. These pressures can be either acute (such as a spill or pollution incident) or chronic, created by the cumulative effects of these pressures over time. Mitigating these pressures at or close to their source prevents degradation downstream.

NO wai tuku kin i − Our waters are a gift of life provided to us by our tupuna 4. Recognise and respect mana motuhake − the whakapapa and relationship that mana whenua have with water ecosystems in their rohe. Mana motuhake means the authority (mana) gained through self−determination and control over one's own destiny. Mana whenua communities have this authority in their customary rohe' or territory and have special cultural relationships with ecosystems in these areas. It is important to proactively engage mana whenua in designing urban environments within their rohe so that they can have a meaningful role in shaping the outcome.

Tangata − Our environments are places of human occupation 5. Identify and consider the community values for urban water and reflect them in decision−making. Communities often have strong aspirations and values for their urban spaces, including values for environmental sustainability, sense of place, and general amenity and liveability. Urban planning and design processes should create opportunities for communities to express their values and for decision−makers to reflect these goals in their decisions.

6. Optimise environmental, social and cultural benefits when investing in buildings and infrastructure. When considering options for investment, prioritise options that provide multiple benefits. investment decisions should take lifecycle costs of buildings and infrastructure into account and generate an enduring well−being gain.

Te hapori me te wai − The community's love and care for water is enduring 7. Uphold and foster kaitiakitanga and custodianship of urban water ecosystems. Everyone has a responsibility to care for the health of our urban water bodies. Because of this, it is important that all community members can connect with these water bodies and are encouraged and empowered to take direct action to maintain and restore ecosystem health.

8. Collect and share information to promote common understanding of urban water issues, solutions and values. Meaningful and transparent data and information is necessary to improve both the design and use of our urban environments. Improving access to quality information can support integrated catchment planning and water sensitive design, while information for urban residents and businesses on current and emerging issues and solutions can foster positive behaviour change and the acceptance of new policy and technology.

Tiakina ma apopo − In building future resilience, our connectedness with the environment is our strength

9. Increase resilience to natural hazards and climate change. To improve the resilience of urban communities, we need to design water sensitive systems and landscapes which reflect the environmental characteristics of the area and are resilient to natural disasters and change.

10. Conserve and reuse water resources. Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater are each valuable resources and we should reduce their consumption and/or production and maximise their reuse. This includes increasing water−use efficiency by reducing potable water demand and maximising the use of greywater and stormwater.

Find out more The Urban Water Working Group has produced a report documenting some of its work for phase one. As part of a second phase the group is continuing to identify specific good practices which councils, service providers, industry and others can consider when managing effects on urban water bodies. Read the report (//www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/fresh− water/urban−water−principles−recommendation−of−urban−water−working−group)

See the following videos for examples of how some of the urban water principles have been implemented. 155 Feedback received at 'Imagination Stations' throughout the District

Ref Comment 1 Fix broken footpaths (i.e. Pohutukawa Ave) 2 Cleaner toilets especially at The Hub (disabilities) 3 Suggestions: trim costs, reduce waiting times, set priorities - needs/not wants 4 Why not posted out? 5 Infrastructure! Maintaining and improving water reticulation 6 Better cycling provision 7 Copy S.I.T. Invercargill free fees and accomodation 8 Food forest 9 Community planting 10 Foraging workshops 11 Stick to your knitting! 12 Find homeless a home 13 Please make post office more accessible to the seniors and those with a disability (with parking) 14 Finalise retirement village 15 Confirm Karaponga burial park 16 Forever keep feeding the birds P.S. Keep cool till after school 17 No rates increase please! (at all) 18 Nobody cares about this half of town 19 Toilets in Kope needed replacing or shifted 20 Leave it the same?! 21 Make WDC do meaningful community engagement 22 Security cameras 23 Chemicals in water supply 24 Like the flow. Good for elderly. Clean areas. Good work Council keep it up. Ricky T. 25 Don't spend money on Christmas parties and holidays! 26 Kope is missing a good café and park (green space) 27 Green spaces for Kopeopeo 28 Rangatahi voice! 29 More youth groups for our young children! 30 More things for the Rangatahi (youth) to do in the community 31 Security cameras at Kope (alleyway) 32 Keep protecting the whitebait :) well done 33 Drugs - I see point bags too often 34 Pedestrianize Kope 35 Safety on road crossings. Lower speed limit to 30kph 36 I would like to a crossing in Stewart Street 37 Accountability of Community Board

156 Feedback received through Social Media Campaign

Ref Name Date Post Responding to Type of Comment Post Content Post Engagement Kia ora WDC. I'm concerned people aren't aware of this opportunity. Most people I talk to don't know what the Council does, let alone that there is an Annual Plan out for submission and that they can have a say. Eastern Bay Life is not being published at the moment either. Are there any letterbox drops underway? Any engagement planned for Awatapu, Kopeopeo or any of our District's remote 1 Becs Mackay 09-06-2020 Mayoral video Comment communities? Keen to get the word out there!  Whakatāne District Council thanks for that. Unfortunately yesterday's CB engagement at Te Koputu wasn't advertised anywhere. Another question, how does WDC keep CB's accountable and ensure they are accessing the voice of the whole community they represent? I know they're voted in but we can all see this isn't working for getting an accurate picture of the diversity and representation of our communities around the decision making tables at any level. But WDC staff lean on the CB voice Response to Council constantly. So how are you making sure members are doing the mahi, collaborating or engaging 2 Becs Mackay 09-06-2020 Mayoral video reply appropriately, fairly and widely? 3 Jessica Steel 12-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Matata Reticulated sewerage.... an absolute MUST DO! 1 x Like 4 David Henson 11-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Stop rate increases at this time 12 x Likes 5 Rod Meharry 11-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Matata sewerage must be top of the list 5 x likes / 1 x care Kia ora Councillors, while I understand this annual plan is going to be different to any other, I have 3 concerns with it. 1. Given the Whakatane district is approx 45% Maori, I don't see anything substantial in this plan that addresses Maori issues or would benefit the Maori constituency. 2. The rate smoothing model that council has adopted has given a select few land and building owners negative rates while the rest of the district have had an increase, some substantial. 3. I would like to see the penalty payment on rates defaulting abolished. It is ridiculous and prays on most of those who can't afford rates anyway. It also gives a false account of credit and debt on you books. 6 Crete Wana 02-06-2020 Mayoral video Comment I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on how council came to these conclusions. 5 x likes / 1 x care 7 Paula Black 12-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment CONSULTATION... A start... Something All councils should commit to 4 x likes Karen 8 Melbourne 11-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Marina for the rich boys in Ohope no thanks 3 x likes Stop rate increases and using all the disasters as an excuse as to why they have to increase.None of this 9 Helen Hectallica 11-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment was the rate payers doing..take pay cuts..stop wasting rate payers money!!! 15 x likes

157 Think of rates as a subscription to the town you’re living in, they cover the cost of: Governance Exhibition, Research, Storage and Archives, Community Support, Halls, Strategy and Policy, Commercial Property, Tradewaste, Cemeteries and Crematorium, Closed Landfills, Public Conveniences, Resource Management Consents, Visitor Information, Resource Management Policy, Emergency Management, Licensing, Aquatic Centres, Environmental Health, Parks, Reserves, Recreation and Sports fields, Regulation Monitoring, Libraries, Community Development, Waste Disposal (excluding the refuse removal rate), Building, A portion of Disaster Mitigation costs for Matatā, Animal Control. Then depending on where you live and how much you use, more target rates, Roading Rate, Community Board, Stormwater rates, Promotion and Economic, Refuse Removal Rate, Sewerage Rates, Water Rates Nothing is free, everything has a cost, so rates are a necessary evil of living in a maintained town. If you want low rates move to Mackenzie District – lowest in the country, probably not as nice as Whakatāne though. A lot of the cost comes from where we live low in elevation and generally wet, soft soils, roads 10 Jordan Mandery 11-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Reply to above deteriorate faster, most of the three waters infrastructure needs to be pumped i.e no gravity drainage. 6 x likes Jordan Mandery while I agree we need to pay rates, check out the rate smoothing model that has been 11 Creta Wana 12-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Reply to above used in this plan, almost everyone has a substantial increase but a select few have a negative rating 1 x likes

That seems silly, Just looked at the rates modeling options and all three options are decreasing across the board VS the 2019/2020 valuations, each option differs on the reductions depending on CV and LV but they are minuscule amounts, like ~$100 less per annum. Too many people complaining about rate increases.... To help economic recovery we should be spending more, not less. Think big Whakatane, to help local tourism a big MTB park would be good? look at Rotorua, biking must generate a lot of 1213 Jordan Mandery 12-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Reply to above business, we could be doing the same thing, we are in an ideal position to do such a thing. 2 x likes / 1 x haha Natalie Foster 14 John Elliot 13-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Reply to above Helen Hectallica  agree with you. Not the tax payers fault. 1 x like Public toilets at the end carpark at the Heads would be a great idea. Security cameras installed to Jennifer Ann prevent vandalism. 15 Radley 13-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Decent water supply for Whakatane & stop the bottling & sale of water from the aquifer. Make the children's pool at the heads safe, install some different steps that children - and adults with them - can manage easily.. The pool itself is needing changes so it's safe and clean for children, not a dirty pool of rubbish and debris. This has been brought to the attention of the last council and the current council by many people.. make it happen.. it's not that hard.. Was a new curb at the heads needed... plenty of other work that would increase safety and contribute in a positive way for the Eastern Bay communities WDC covers. Rates increases... leadership would ensure that rates wouldn't increase.. the needs of our communities need to be respected, especially in regards to covid-19 and it's affects on people. 16 Julie Nielsen 13-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment An opportunity to listen to people... and act for our commnities... 4 x likes Rates in Murupara averages $2350.00 per year & raising. Hard to stay on top of everything. We aren’t able to claim rates subsidy, penalties for having a actual job even on minimum income. & than there’s the water tampering & giving our town a days notice? WTF was that about? Lining your own bloody pockets 17 Katrina Hare 13-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment PUT PEOPLE BEFORE PROFIT 3 x likes

158 Very good what about a Retirement village well done Kawerau the way they have gone ahead Jocelyn disregarding the developers badly needed here before too many folk depart to less,appealing areas 18 Poananga 13-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment cheers Given the timeliness of this particular phase I would like to suggest to WDC that you take as many comments on board that you can get whether through your new online portal, through FB comments, or through face to face engagement. I prefer (as do many others) to speak to someone/people in person rather than to a screen, so I do hope that there will be an opportunity for the community to engage on this plan face-to-face through community consultations. I am hopeful that community face-to-face Purerehua engagement does not occur when its too late and then you feel you want to consult with the community 19 Carlson 11-06-2020 Mayoral video Comment on the poor decisions you have already made. 1x like

20 Crete Wana 11-06-2020 Mayoral video Reply to above Purerehua Carlson I'm not sure there is any community engagement apart from submissions to the plan Hence my suggestion for face-to-face community consultation meetings. If it is important to the WDC Purerehua and they really want engagement (Māori) on this particular matter, then they need to learn how to 21 Carlson 11-06-2020 Mayoral video Reply to above engage with Māori out in the communities. Purerehua Carlson and Crete Wana I think the Whakatāne Ohope Community Board will have a stall in 22 Becs Mackay 12-06-2020 Mayoral video Reply to above Kopeopeo somewhere on Monday 10am-12? 23 Crete Wana 12-06-2020 Mayoral video Reply to above Becs Mackay the community boards are not the councillors unfortunately Crete Wana too true. Do they have any power and influence at all? I'd hope so as Council staff defer a lot 24 Becs Mackay 14-06-2020 Mayoral video Reply to above of community development and voice to them from my experience. Crete Wana I've also been thinking about representation and voice. We can see the diversity of our communities is not reflected at (any?) table of local government. Which shows us the system is broken. And makes genuine community engagement, transparency, accountability and the amplification of alternative voices a must. Accessible opportunities to participate - and empowering experiences - are 25 Becs Mackay 14-06-2020 Mayoral video Reply to above essential. Becs Mackay community boards have influence on spending of a small budget and are supposedly the local community voice. Yes, representation is not diverse enough and those reasons are twofold 1 people not putting their hand up for representation and 26 Crete Wana 14-06-2020 Mayoral video Reply to above 2 people not voting, Maori and Pakeha 1x like What's to like about whakatane council don't look after us in the countryside we pay rates but get 27 Cliff Cairns 14-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment nothing for it we have been waiting 35 years for our road to be tarseaed and they don't give a dam 1 x like Look after our homeless 28 Ana Murphy 14-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Where are they sleeping tonight now their lockdown emergency housing ceased today 1 x like 29 Pearl Giles 14-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Open up the books! Ratepayers have a Right to see where the rates are going!!! Transparency folks! You guys are supposed to be so cleaver but you push this coronavirus as a fact if you had looked at the world health organizations web page you would of learned it was a practice run a test it says it on a short 30 John Melville 13-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment videos in their page bloody hell stop trusting your government 2 x likes First I would be interested in why dog rates have gone up when we get nothing for them and guess our rates will be next if council need extra money why don't they sell all the shops and the holiday park they 31 Dianne Patterson 12-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment brought without tell the ratepayers until it was all signed and sealed 6 x likes Thanks for sharing glossy annual plan which lacks detail on capital spend, salaries, contractor spend, rates outstanding not paid and legal fees. How can a rate payer put submission to council on what has 32 Doug Gerry 12-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment been supplied. Bet plan in such glossy format cost a dollar or two. 4 x likes Lillian 33 wharewera 13-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Listen to your people 1 x LOVE Please please, do what is needed to keep the out side pool open,so it can earn some income,and stop 34 Beverly Palmer 14-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment the over crowding in the inside pool ,

35 Pearl Giles 11-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Stop giving water consent to foreign companies , highway robbery 21 x likes / 2 x LOVE

159 36 Joanne Camburn 12-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment Parks for our special kids hurry up and listen 3 x likes / 1 x LOVE 37 Waipae Perse 13-06-2020 Paid Ad - Mayoral Video Comment New local SME business start up support Reduce speed limit over Ohope Hill. Cars are too fast over hill. As a frequent cyclist, cars travelling over the hill are too fast, the speed limit should be reduced to 50 or 60 kph. This would make the pathway 38 Phil Pickering 14-06-2020 Mayoral video Comment safer for pedestrians, runners, cyclists and so on. 1 x love The public use of the bus service between Ohope, Whakatane is poor, the timetable is not suited to youth, or weekends. There is no Sunday bus between Ohope and Whakatane, even in Summer when the 39 Phil Pickering 14-06-2020 Mayoral video Comment beach is busy 1 x love Annual Plan 2020/21 40 Becs Mackay 31-05-2020 open for consultation Comment Kia ora WDC. Can I ask is there a minimum age on the feedback and submission process? Whakatāne District Council what an awesome opportunity for youth voice, engagement and learning about democracy and civics! Has any work been done around making the process, content and themes more accessible to rangatahi across our District, and more youth-friendly? I've run the document past a couple of young people and their eyes rolled into the back of their heads!  It's important the Annual Plan 2020/21 Response to Council participation and engagement of young people is fully enabled, and that their experience is 41 Becs Mackay 31-05-2020 open for consultation reply on above empowering. Especially if we want them voting when they're eligible. Vanessa Annual Plan 2020/21 42 Landrebe 25-05-2020 open for consultation Comment Better not put our rates up over it

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