I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the Catchment Operations Committee will be held on:
Date: Tuesday, 10 April 2018 Time: To follow the Environment Committee meeting Venue: Tararua Room Horizons Regional Council 11-15 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North
CATCHMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
AGENDA
MEMBERSHIP
Chair Cr DB Cotton Deputy Chair Cr LR Burnell QSM Councillors Cr JJ Barrow Cr EB Gordon JP(ex officio) Cr RJ Keedwell Cr PJ Kelly JP Cr GM McKellar Cr NJ Patrick Cr PW Rieger QSO JP Cr BE Rollinson Cr CI Sheldon Cr WK Te Awe Awe
Michael McCartney
Chief Executive
Contact Telephone: 0508 800 800 Email: [email protected] Postal Address: Private Bag 11025, Palmerston North 4442
Full Agendas are available on Horizons Regional Council website www.horizons.govt.nz
Note: The reports contained within this agenda are for consideration and should not be construed as Council policy unless and until adopted. Items in the agenda may be subject to amendment or withdrawal at the meeting.
for further information regarding this agenda, please contact: Julie Kennedy, 06 9522 800
CONTACTS 24 hr Freephone : [email protected] www.horizons.govt.nz 0508 800 800
SERVICE Kairanga Marton Taumarunui Woodville CENTRES Cnr Rongotea & Hammond Street 34 Maata Street Cnr Vogel (SH2) & Tay Kairanga-Bunnythorpe Rds, Sts Palmerston North
REGIONAL Palmerston North Whanganui HOUSES 11-15 Victoria Avenue 181 Guyton Street
DEPOTS Levin Taihape 11 Bruce Road Torere Road Ohotu
POSTAL Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442 ADDRESS FAX 06 9522 929
Catchment Operations Committee 10 April 2018
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Welcome / Karakia 5
2 Apologies and Leave of Absence 5
3 Public Forums / Deputations / Petitions 5
4 Supplementary Items 5
5 Members’ Conflict of Interest 5
6 Confirmation of Minutes Catchment Operations Committee meeting, 13 February 2018 7
7 River and Drainage Engineering Report (PRD 01 02) Report No: 18-56 11
8 Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) Report No: 18-57 37
9 Regional Land & Coast Report No: 18-58 47
10 Members’ Questions
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AGENDA
1 Welcome/Karakia
2 Apologies and Leave of Absence At the close of the Agenda no apologies had been received.
3 Public Forums: Are designed to enable members of the public to bring matters, not on that meeting’s agenda, to the attention of the local authority. Deputations: Are designed to enable a person, group or organisation to speak to an item on the agenda of a particular meeting. Requests for Public Forums / Deputations must be made to the meeting secretary by 12 noon on the working day before the meeting. The person applying for a Public Forum or a Deputation must provide a clear explanation for the request which is subsequently approved by the Chairperson. Petitions: Can be presented to the local authority or any of its committees, so long as the subject matter falls within the terms of reference of the council or committee meeting being presented to. Written notice to the Chief Executive is required at least 5 working days before the date of the meeting. Petitions must contain at least 20 signatures and consist of fewer than 150 words (not including signatories). Further information is available by phoning 0508 800 800.
4 Supplementary Items To consider, and if thought fit, to pass a resolution to permit the Committee/Council to consider any further items relating to items following below which do not appear on the Order Paper of this meeting and/or the meeting to be held with the public excluded. Such resolution is required to be made pursuant to Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 (as amended), and the Chairperson must advise: (i) The reason why the item was not on the Order Paper, and (ii) The reason why the discussion of this item cannot be delayed until a subsequent meeting.
5 Members’ Conflict of Interest Members are reminded of their obligation to declare any conflicts of interest they might have in respect of the items on this Agenda.
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Minutes of the eighth meeting of the tenth triennium of the Catchment Operations Committee held from 9.05am to 10.07am and from 2.05pm on Tuesday 13 February 2018, in the Tararua Room, Horizons Regional Council, 11-15 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North.
PRESENT Crs DB Cotton (Chair), JJ Barrow, LR Burnell QSM, EB Gordon JP (ex officio), RJ Keedwell, PJ Kelly JP, GM McKellar, NJ Patrick (via audio visual), PW Rieger QSO JP, CI Sheldon, and WK Te Awe Awe. IN ATTENDANCE Chief Executive Mr M McCartney Committee Secretary Mrs JA Kennedy ALSO PRESENT At various times during the meeting: Mr R Strong (Group Manager Operations), Dr J Roygard (Group Manager Natural Resources and Partnerships), Mr P Joseph (Area Engineer Central), Mr G Cooper (Environment Manager Land), Mr M Guy (Land Management Co-ordinator Whanganui), Ms C Morrison (Media & Communications Manager), Mrs C Hesselin (Senior Communications Advisor), and a member of the press.
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked Cr McKellar (Chair, Environment Committee) for adjourning the meeting to accommodate the Catchment Operations Committee meeting.
APOLOGIES
COP 18-57 Moved Rollinson/McKellar that the Committee receives an apology from Cr Rollinson. CARRIED
PUBLIC FORUMS / DEPUTATIONS / PETITIONS There were no requests for public speaking rights.
SUPPLEMENTARY ITEMS The Chair noted the Supplementary Item “Lower Manawatu Scheme Reserves” which had been distributed separately to Members.
MEMBERS’ CONFLICTS OF INTEREST There were no conflicts of interest declared.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES COP 18-58 Moved Keedwell/Gordon That the Committee: confirms the minutes of the Catchment Operations Committee meeting held on 12 December 2017 as a correct record, and notes that the recommendations were adopted by the Council on 19 December 2017. CARRIED
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RIVER AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING REPORT (PRD 01 02) Report No 18-02 This item reported on progress with river and drainage activities for the period 1 December 2017 to 31 January 2018. Mr Strong (Group Manager River Management) introduced the item. He updated Members on property transactions underway in the Reid Line floodway corridor and commented on the schedule for the upcoming catchment community meetings. Mr Strong spoke to a series of slides illustrating river management activities. He responded to Members’ questions about progress on a project to stop further river erosion at the Ashhurst Domain, and questions relating to the Rural Upgrade Project works on the Oroua River. There was discussion and comments about contracts for the design and build of the Lake Horowhenua boat ramp and the construction of the accompanying access road. Mr Strong said the closing date for the contracts had been extended. In response to Members’ questions about the safety of staff working around Lake Horowhenua, the Chief Executive explained the discussions underway with appropriate agencies to ensure appropriate support and systems were in place. Mr Strong explained the proposed rating for the formation of a new district-wide Tararua River Management Scheme, compensation entitlements for landowners with detention dams, and explained the practice of herbicide spraying around drains and waterways. Dr Roygard (Group Manager Natural Resources and Partnerships) commented on the benefits of stock grazing and progress with biological control agents for Old Man’s Beard. COP 18-59 Moved Burnell/Kelly That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No. 18-02. CARRIED
LOWER MANAWATU SCHEME RESERVES Report No 18-18 This Item sought the Committee’s approval to drawdown $200,000 from the reserves to fund additional operating costs incurred by the Lower Manawatu Scheme (LMS). Mr Strong (Group Manager River Management) introduced the item. He spoke to slides illustrating the ratio of the LMS Opex to asset value when compared to other schemes. He explained the cost pressures associated with the LMS budget which had resulted in the maintenance and repair works programme to fall significantly behind the programmed maintenance schedules. Although the drawing of $200,000 would lower the projected emergency reserves balance for the LMS, Mr Strong explained the risks associated with further deferring the vegetation management programme. With potential challenges to be faced by climate change, Members’ highlighted the need to have adequate scheme reserves in place, and expressed some concern at the balance of the LMS reserves. A workshop was suggested to discuss scheme reserves funding and repayment of scheme debt. COP 18-60 Moved Gordon/Burnell That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No. 18-18. b. approves the drawdown of $160,000 from the Lower Manawatu Scheme Reserves; c. approves the drawdown of $40,000 from General Reserves. CARRIED
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The meeting adjourned at 10.07am. The meeting reconvened at 2.05pm.
SUSTAINABLE LAND USE INITIATIVE (SLUI) Report No 18-03 This report updated Members about progress on Council’s Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) for the period 1 November to 31 December 2017. Mr Cooper (Manager-Land) highlighted the progress on whole farm plan production, implementation, and increase in the number of active plans. Dr Roygard (Group Manager Natural Resources & Partnerships) and Mr Cooper responded to Members’ questions around the management and policies relating to manuka crops, forestry issues, and potential future funding levels from the Ministry of Primary Industries. COP 18-61 Moved Keedwell/McKellar That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No. 18-03. CARRIED
REGIONAL COAST & LAND Report No 18-04 This report updated Members on the progress with Council’s Regional Land and Coastal and Whanganui Catchment Strategy activities from 1 November to 31 December 2017. Mr Cooper (Manager-Land) took the item as read. He provided an update on targets for pole production from a mix of nurseries, and noted that generally pole survival was good, with the exception of those areas suffering from drought. Mr Cooper responded to Members’ questions about pole production from the Woodville nursery, Environmental Grant funding, and soil health. COP 18-62 Moved Te Awe Awe/Gordon That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No. 18-04 . CARRIED
MEMBERS’ QUESTIONS In response to questions and comments about the findings of a report commissioned by the Waikato Regional Council which found that large numbers of native eels were being killed while swimming through Council-run pumping stations, Dr Roygard (Group Manager Natural Resources & Partnerships), indicated that a report on the impacts to fish species in the Horizons Regional Council’s pumping systems, including possible solutions, would be prepared.
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The meeting closed at 2.45pm.
Confirmed
______CHAIR GROUP MANAGER RIVER MANAGEMENT
______GROUP MANAGER NATURAL RESOURCES AND PARTNERSHIP
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7 Item Report No. 18-56 Decision Required
RIVER AND DRAINAGE ENGINEERING REPORT (PRD 01 02)
1. PURPOSE
1.1. The purpose of this item is to report on progress with river and drainage activities for the period 1 February 2018 to 31 March 2018.
2. RECOMMENDATION
That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No. 18-56.
3. FINANCIAL IMPACT
3.1. Funding provision for all activities reported on in this item is either included in the River and Drainage General or River and Drainage Schemes Activity sections of the 2015-25 Long-term Plan (LTP); is covered by an approved carry-forward of unexpended budget in 2016-17; or additional approval will be specifically sought by way of recommendation in the item.
4. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
4.1. Various matters contained in this item either have been, or will be, communicated with scheme ratepayers through their respective Scheme Liaison Committee and / or Catchment Community Meetings. As necessary, other issues will be the subject of media releases or where necessary / warranted specific community engagement (e.g. public meeting).
5. SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS RISK IMPACT
5.1. There are no significant risks inherent in the adoption of recommendations contained in this report.
6. DISCUSSION
6.1. A key focus over the period has been on all things Long-term Plan, including finalising for consultation Horizons’ updated 30 year Infrastructure Strategy and commencing both the catchment community meetings and wider public consultation on the more substantive changes proposed in the LTP. 6.2. Meetings completed by the end of the period will include: 8 specifically related to the district-wide river management proposal; 2 public meetings around Whanganui Scheme changes, with a briefing provided to Whanganui District Mayor and Councillors on 13 February and staff/ Crs Cotton and Patrick attending the River Traders Market on 24 March;
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11 catchment community meetings; Meetings covering proposed LTP initiatives for Foxton, Reid Line near Feilding and Item 7 Item Ohakune. 6.3. Meeting attendance has been somewhat varied, with the Foxton meeting attracting 60 – 70 people and the Weber Tararua River Management meeting (albeit with a re-scheduling due to weather) drawing two landowners. 6.4. The February River and Drainage Engineering Report noted developments relating to potential financial assistance from central government for repairs to the river training infrastructure located along the lower reach of the Whanganui River. Central government has appointed a local advisor to this project and the Accelerate25 initiatives relating to the Port, a key development in securing that assistance. Recognising the strong inter- dependency between the river training infrastructure and the port, the Chief Executive has asked that I be co-opted to the Whanganui Port Revitalisation Plan governance group. The group is scheduled to meet on 6 April. 6.5. Related to that, another technical workshop on lower Whanganui River control infrastructure took place in March. Although amendments to the scope of the Lower Whanganui Scheme have yet to be confirmed through the Long-term Plan process, timelines indicated by central government around consideration of financial assistance require a business case and associated technical work to occur in advance of that decision. The workshop included Horizons and Whanganui District Council staff as well as staff employed by engineering consultant Tonkin and Taylor, a representative from a Whanganui civil construction contractor (reflecting the importance of buildability) and the Chair of Nga Tangata Tiaki. 6.6. That workshop confirmed the work priorities as: North Mole and north bank revetment that links the mole to the port facilities; Maintenance of the South Spit groynes; Interface wall at base of South Mole; Tanae Bank trial groyne. 6.7. Work continues with Manawatū River bank protection works at both Ashhurst Domain and the Esplanade. Both were under construction at the time of the early March flood event but damage was not significant. Both should be close to completion, if not complete, by the time Committee meets. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) are considering the construction of a fourth groyne to directly protect the State Highway 3 bridge immediately downstream of the Domain. 6.8. Funding for the Ashhurst Domain work is a tripartite arrangement consisting of a 30% Horizons contribution capped at $300k. The remainder is to be split evenly between the Palmerston North City Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency, with both capped at $500,000. 6.9. On 21 February Group Manager Corporate and Governance Craig Grant hosted representatives from MWLASS insurer AON New Zealand and their London-based underwriters. That visit included a short briefing that I provided on Lower Manawatū Scheme flood protection (viewed from the Fitzroy Bend Reserve) and a quick look at the Moutoa floodgates.
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7 Item 6.10. In early March I met with the Te Rongoroa Marae committee and representatives from both Nga Tangata Tiaki (NTT), and Ngati Maniopoto to discuss Ongarue River erosion threatening the marae buildings. A number of factors combine to give this particular matter some importance, with managing the expectations that the marae committee have around what Horizons might be able to provide in the way of funding a significant challenge. Further discussion with NTT on this matter is due to take place shortly. 6.11. A number of Koputaroa ratepayers are becoming increasingly frustrated around the delays associated with the Horowhenua District Council (HDC) obtaining resource consents for the Fairfield Road stormwater discharge to a tributary of the Koputaroa Stream. Built ahead of obtaining resource consent for the additional discharge, HDC applied for resource consent last December. A comprehensive request for further information is still in the process of being responded to by consultants working for HDC. 6.12. The region has managed for the most part to dodge the relatively large number of low pressure weather systems (most of which have been ex-tropical cyclones of Polynesian origin) that have tracked south close to or over New Zealand over the last few months. The exception to that was an event in early March, impacting the eastern and northern parts of the Region. Operationally in Whanganui the Kowhai Park stopbank Water-Inflated Property Protector (WIPP) barrier was deployed, plugging the road gap that exists in that stopbank. A Moutoa gate opening was not necessary and the event didn’t generate any particularly notable operational issues. 6.13. Consistent with the narrative contained in a number of earlier (current financial year) River and Drainage Engineering reports table to Committee, Emergency Reserves drawdowns have been approved for a number of southern areas schemes to ‘top up’ operating budgets depleted by the wet 2017. Most lie within the financial delegation assigned to the Group Manager River Management with one (Moutoa Scheme) requiring the Chief Executive’s approval. The Moutoa drawdown relates to the pump maintenance required early in the current financial year, a function of the relatively high workloads that the wet 2017 demanded. 6.14. With regard to staffing I’m pleased to announce that James Feary will be joining the Horizons team in April, replacing retiring Area Engineer (Eastern) Lew Marsh.
7. INVESTIGATIONS AND DESIGN
INVESTIGATIONS
7.1. The past couple of months has been a busy time for the Investigations and Design team. Work has continued at a pace to produce a range of designs and advice to support the wider River Management Group as well as providing advice to the regulatory and district advice teams. 7.2. With the summer construction season now well underway design advice has been provided as necessary to support the smooth running of the Rural Upgrade Project. 7.3. As well as works currently being undertaken design work has also gone into the final design of the Kara Creek and Mangapukatea stopbanking. Design support has also been provided on the ongoing works on the Mangaore Stream and Linton Main Drain. Additionally information has been provided for a OIA request around the design of the proposed Oroua Stopbanking upstream of Awahuri. 7.4. In addition to this year’s work, the team have also had one eye on the construction programme for next summer. With this in mind work has begun on developing designs for the significant upgrade work at Himatangi Block Road on the right bank of the Manawatū River. A risk workshop took place in March, aimed at ensuring we’re best-placed to complete the Rural Upgrade Project next financial year.
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FLOOD DETENTION DAM MANAGEMENT
7.5. Through this reporting period Investigations and Design Staff have continued to project manage the Dam Safety work being undertaken by Stantec. To date this work has
Item 7 Item delivered a full set of Comprehensive Dam Safety Reviews covering the Dams that are subject to this study. Additionally a draft version of each OMS Manual has been received and these are currently being reviewed internally by River Management Staff, before they are finalised. 7.6. The next stage of this work will focus on the development of Renewal and Replacement strategies for the components of the dams that have a finite life.
KAWHATAU RIVER GRAVEL RESOURCE STUDY
7.7. A detailed study of the gravel resource in the Kawhatau River has been largely completed during this reporting period, and is currently undergoing an internal peer review process. This work has involved the detailed analysis of the records of cross-sectional surveys as well as the records of gravel extraction from the river. A report covering this work is currently in draft format and the final report will be presented to the next Catchment Operations Committee meeting.
RANGITIKEI RIVER GRAVEL RESOURCE STUDY
7.8. The strategy review of Rangitikei River Scheme management currently underway includes an analysis of river cross-sections, from both traditional surveys and the LiDAR data that has recently been acquired. This study will assess the rates of change of the gravel resource in the river. With gravel from the river being under demand from the extraction industry, this information will help to inform the consenting process to ensure that the gravel resource in the river is being managed in a sustainable and effective fashion.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
7.9. During this period significant effort has been put into work supporting the development of Asset Management Plans for the Schemes managed by the River Management Group. This work has also involved the updating of Scheme Emergency Reserve targets.
REGULATORY ADVICE 7.10. During this reporting period advice was provided on a number of substantive matters. This regulatory work included specialist advice on flood risk and the production of technical reports for consent applications, rezoning and subdivisions.
LOWER MANAWATŪ SCHEME RURAL FLOOD PROTECTION UPGRADE PROJECT
7.11. Work on the Rural Upgrade Project this period has been focussed on both monitoring currently underway contract works and on progressing other contracts to enable work to commence as soon as possible. Alongside the usual negotiation of Land Entry Agreements, formation of tender documents, and running of the tender process, this preliminary work has also included significant work with Iwi, both as affected parties and as landowners. Several particular projects being undertaken this year have also involved much more complex landowner negotiations as some work requires the construction of new stopbanks rather than upgrading existing structures. 7.12. The following table schedules all current Rural Upgrade Project (RUP) works and provides commentary on specific project status.
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7 Item Project Title Description Status Manawatū River Right Bank Concrete Floodwall, Ervine Construct 38 m of concrete ABC Contractors Ltd were engaged to Property, Rangiotu. floodwall on the Manawatū undertake this project. Excavation and River right bank at Ervine’s site preparation work commenced last property, Rangiotu. year but construction was suspended due to wet ground conditions. Concrete blocks were imported to shore up the site over winter. Works are due to recommence at the start of February. Manawatū River Right Bank stopbank Upgrade, Upgrade 5,700 m of existing Site survey has been completed and Himatangi Block Rd. stop bank on the Manawatū the general scope of work established. River right bank upstream of Due to resource constraints and the the Moutoa Floodgates. large scale of this project, the works are currently scheduled for construction in 2018/19. A walkover has been completed of the 6km stretch to ascertain constraints and possible drainage improvements. Manawatū River Left & Right Bank stopbank Notch, ML5 & Upgrade four short low A private survey company and MR11. sections of Manawatū River approved (Plant Hire Register) left and right bank stopbank contractor will be engaged to complete crest in the vicinity of Foxton- these works when ground conditions Shannon Rd. and resourcing permits. Oroua River Left & Right Bank stopbank Upgrade, Upgrade 3,300 m of existing A Contract was awarded to M&M Downstream of Awahuri stopbank and construct 1,300 Earthmovers and work commenced on Bridge. m of new stopbank on the left 18 January 2017. Work on the left and right banks of the Oroua bank was completed in March 2017, River immediately downstream however right bank construction on LIC of the SH3 bridge at Awahuri. owned land was suspended due to poor weather and ground conditions. Work was completed in March 2018. Oroua River Left Bank stopbank Upgrade, Upstream Construct new stopbanks on Resistance to the proposed works has of Awahuri Bridge. the left bank of the Oroua been experienced which prevented River from the SH3 bridge at these works from commencing during Awahuri. the previous construction season. Alternative land acquisition processes have commenced under the Public Works Act. Oroua River Left stopbank Upgrade, Bailey Property to Construct new stopbanks on Tenders were called for this contract, Te Arakura Rd. the left bank of the Oroua with one tender received, however River from Bailey Property issues have arisen around land Boundary to Te Arakura Rd. ownership on large Maori Trust Blocks and the contract was not able to be awarded as a result. Staff are engaging with Ngati Kauwhata and The Property Group to resolve these issues.
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Oroua River Left stopbank Upgrade, Te Arakura Rd to Construct new stopbank from Tenders closed for this contract on 21 Feilding. Te Arakura Rd to join existing Nov 2017 with no tenders received. stopbank at Feilding Golf Club. Investigations have been undertaken
Item 7 Item and an alternative design has been considered which enables the use of on-site borrow. This job was split and upstream sections re-tendered for completion this works season. One of these sections was re-tendered in March 2018 with no conforming tenders received. The work is now scheduled for 2018-2019. Oroua River Right Bank stopbank Upgrade, Upstream Construct new stopbanks on Work was not being able to commence of Awahuri Bridge to Makino the right bank of the Oroua in 2016/17 construction season due to confluence. River from the SH3 bridge at land ownership complications, Awahuri up to the Makino however these have now been Stream confluence. This resolved. A tender was awarded to project will extend over a river Pratt Quarries Limited who began distance of approximately construction in March 2018. 500m. Oroua River Right Bank Construct new stopbanks, and The tender for this work closed on stopbank Upgrade, Makino th Stream Confluence to upgrade existing, on the right Monday the 4 of December with no Kawakawa Rd. bank of the Oroua River from tenders received. Due to the land Boness Rd to the northern end ownership issues experienced on the of the Manawatū District Left Bank at Te Arakura Rd, staff were Council (MDC) Waste Water able to negotiate with the tenderer to Treatment Plant. This project transfer their rates to this contract. A will extend over a river contract was awarded to Higgins distance of approximately Contractors and work began in 2,000m. February. A 400m extension to the work has been requested to ensure work continues through to April. Oroua River Right Bank stopbank Upgrade, Upgrade and construct new Due to local silts being very sandy, Kawakawa Rd to Aorangi. stopbank on the right bank of borrow material is proposed to be the Oroua River. transported from an MDC borrow site. The contract was tendered and received no-conforming tenders. The job will be re-tendered for works to begin in 2018-2019. Oroua River Right Bank, Passey/Ranson Property, Upgrade a 75m long low Work to remedy a localized 174 Lockwood Rd, stopbank section of previously upgraded overtopping risk immediately beside Repair stopbank adjoining the the Passey/Ranson house was Passey/Ranson house at 174 undertaken by an approved supplier Lockwood Rd. from the Plant Hire Register, and is now complete. Oroua River Left & Right Bank stopbank Upgrade Investigate, design and Due to resourcing constraints, this Upstream of SH 54. construct appropriate flood work is now programmed for the protection to the left and right 2018/19 construction season. This is banks of the Oroua River likely to be let as a design and build upstream of the SH 54 bridge contract due to the complexity of the at Feilding. protection pathway. Oroua River Left Bank, Kopane Spillway Adjustment. Investigate, design and Survey and design work were upgrade the Kopane Spillway completed in early February, and to achieve and/or maintain its resultant work regrading the landside required design standard. batter of the spillway was completed in March.
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7 Item Oroua River Left and Right Banks - Adjust Summer Investigate, design and Further investigation and design work Banks. upgrade the Oroua River is required to determine the Summer Banks to achieve effectiveness of these banks and this and/or maintain their design work is now programmed to occur in function. 2018/19. Makino Stream Right Bank stopbank Extension, Makino Investigate, design and Investigation work has commenced on Floodgates. construct an upstream this project, but is in its very early extension of the existing right stages. bank stopbank to prevent Work is programmed for 2018/19. outflanking. Linton Main Drain Left and Right Bank stopbank Upgrade existing stopbanks on A tender for this project was awarded Upgrade, Tane Rd. the left and right banks of the to Pratt Quarries Ltd. Construction Linton Main Drain downstream work on the Left bank commenced in of Tane Road. Works will January 2017 and after very slow extend over a river distance of progress was suspended for Winter in 1,000 m. The right bank April. Work on the right bank was not involves significant road able to commence during the 2016/17 reconstruction along the crest season. Work resumed in late of the upgraded stopbank. November 2017 and the Left bank is now complete. Work on the right bank progressed well during January and early February, however poor weather has again slowed progress throughout March. Work is expected to be completed in April. Tokomaru River Left and Right Bank stopbank Upgrade existing stopbanks on The tender for this project was Upgrade, Okuku Rd. the left and right banks of the awarded to D&V Bargh Ltd. Tokomaru River from Okuku Construction commenced in February Pump station to a point 2017 and after very slow progress immediately downstream of work downstream of Okuku Road was Opiki Road. Works will extend completed in April 2017. over a river distance of 4,000 The remainder of the works were m. suspended for winter. Works resumed under the management of John Ray Ltd (JRL) in January due to performance issues with D&V Bargh. The contract has now been formally transferred to JRL through the Deed of Novation process. Works are expected to be completed this month. Tokomaru River stopbank Upgrade, Below Opiki Rd Upgrade existing stopbanks on Tenders closed on 18 December with (Rutted Section). the left and right banks of the 3 contractors tendering. A contract was Tokomaru River downstream awarded to John Ray Ltd on 23 of Opiki Road. Works involve January. Work has commenced and is importing approximately expected to be completed in April. 8,000m3 of fill material over four sections (2,000m) of stopbank. Tokomaru River stopbank Right bank Upgrade, Opiki Upgrade existing stopbanks on Tenders closed for this work in late Rd to Boundary Pump the right bank of the Tokomaru February with one tender received. A station. River upstream of Opiki Road. recommendation to award this work is Works extend over a river before the AR&I Committee on 27 distance of 4,000m March. It is expected work will be delayed until 2018/19. Tokomaru River stopbank Left bank Upgrade, Opiki Rd Upgrade existing stopbanks on Survey and drawing for this work is to DOC Reserve. the Left bank of the Tokomaru complete and staff are currently in River upstream of Opiki Road. negotiations with landowners regarding Works extend over a river access to local fill material. Once distance of 4,000m. confirmed this contract will be able to be put out to tender for construction in 2018/19.
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Tokomaru River stopbank Upgrade to North Island Upgrade existing stopbanks on Survey and drawing of this work has Main Trunk (NIMT) Railway the both banks of the been completed and a stopbank Line. Tokomaru River from stability report commissioned. Work is Boundary Pump station to programmed for construction in NIMT. Works extend over a 2018/19. Item 7 Item river distance of 2,300m. Mangaore Stream Left and Right Bank stopbank Upgrade existing stopbanks on A tender for this project was awarded Upgrade, Shannon. the left and right banks of the to Graeme Bagrie Ltd. Construction Mangaore Stream downstream commenced in February 2017 but poor of Otauru Road, Shannon. ground conditions slowed progress Works will extend over a river and work was suspended for Winter. distance of 2,700 m. Work resumed late November 2017 and progressed well through January. Unfortunately poor weather has slowed progress in February and March and works are now due for completion in early April. Kara Creek Paddocks, Left & Right Bank stopbank Upgrade existing stopbanks on Due to resourcing constraints, this Upgrade. both banks of Kara Creek work is now programmed for the Upstream of SH56. 2018/19 construction season. Mangapuketea Stream Left & Right Bank stopbank Upgrade existing stopbanks on Due to resourcing constraints, this Upgrade. both banks of the work is now programmed for the Mangapuketea Stream 2018/19 construction season. Upstream of the Kara Creek confluence. A tender for this project was awarded Protect Individual Property – Provide flood protection to the to John Ray Ltd. Wet weather stopped Taonui Farms, Main Drain Taonui Farms dairy shed to a work in April 2017 and resumed in Rd. height of RL 10.19 m MSL. November 2017. Works were practically completed in December 2017, however due to concerns about the quality of the compaction of fill payment has been withheld from some sections of the work. Consultation is in progress with the Protect Individual Property – Provide flood protection landowner to agree a suitable flood Meehan’s, 9 Tiakitahuna Rd. around the Meehan house at 9 protection solution for this property. A Tiakitahuna Rd, Rangiotu. proposed design has been accepted by the landowner, however existing storm water issues have resulted in the request for a drainage consultant to be engaged to work in parallel with the house bund. Works are now programmed for completion in 2018/19. Affalon Building Consultants have Protect Individual Property – Raise the Strahan house at been engaged to manage the house Strahan’s, 1450 Rangiotu 1450 Rangiotu Rd, Rangiotu. raise which is to be undertaken at the Rd. property. Protect Individual Property – McNeil’s, 939 Lockwood Rd. Provide flood protection to the Consultation with the landowner has McNeil house at 939 occurred. Survey and design work are Lockwood Rd, Rangiotu. in progress to construct an earth bund around this house whilst minimizing disturbance to the surrounding lawns and amenities. Contractor availability means it is unlikely this work will be commenced in 2017-2018.
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Catchment Operations Committee 10 April 2018
7 Item
Foxton Storm Surge Repair. Stabilize erosion areas of the A rock supply contract was tendered in concrete floodwall where December 2016 however prices were coastal erosion has been significantly higher than expected. undermining the wall. Pressure Grouting has been undertaken to fill the voids beneath the wall. The project was amended and re- tendered and a tender for rock supply has now been let to Mills Albert, while the revised placement contract received zero tenders when advertised. Protect Individual Property, J.Mason, Lockwood Rd. Lift the Mason house at 943 A tender for this project was awarded Lockwood Rd by 500mm to a to BB Construction Ltd. Work height of RL 10.19 m MSL. commenced on 25 May 2017 and has now achieved practical completion. City Reach Project: Benmore Ave stopbank Upgrade a section of the This project is programmed for Upgrade – Whiskey Creek Flygers Line Spillway stopbank 2017/18. A contract is to be let via a adjoining Benmore Ave, select tender and negotiation process. Palmerston North. Contractor availability remains an ongoing risk for this work to be completed in 2017-2018. City Reach Project: Benmore Ave stopbank Upgrade concrete wall Survey and Investigations are in Upgrade – Concrete Wall adjoining residential properties progress for this work, which is at Benmore Ave, Palmerston currently programmed for 2018/19. North. Manawatū River Right Bank stopbank upgrade at Te Upgrade stopbanks through This work is on hold while the effects Matai Road, Tait-Jamieson property North of flooding in Stoney Creek on this of Palmerston North. property are investigated.
8. CENTRAL AREA
GENERAL
8.1. The reporting period included relatively consistent spells of light rain with more concentrated events around ex-Tropical Cyclones Gita and Cyclone Hola. 8.2. The total rainfall for this period (1 February 2018, to the 21 March 2018) was: 115.5mm at Milson Line on the Mangaone; 86mm at Cheltenham, Makino; 163.5mm at Scott’s Road, Kahuterawa; and 133.5mm at Rangiwahia, Oroua. Rainfall was fairly consistent through February and March. 8.3. The Manawatū River at Teachers’ College peaked on 9 March at 1032 cumecs (4.5m). This triggered the 4.2m warning and staff were on standby at the Moutoa Gates. The Oroua River at Almadale Slackline peaked on 8 March at 65 cumecs (2.04m). The Mangaone Stream, at Milson Line peaked on 9 March at 0.284 cumecs (0.39m). The Makino Stream at Boness Road peaked on 7 March at 2.9 cumecs (1.63m). The Tokomaru at Riverland Farm peaked on 26 February at 38 cumecs (2.37m).
LOWER MANAWATŪ SCHEME
8.4. Works undertaken on the various rivers within the Scheme during this period include the following:
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MANAWATŪ RIVER
8.5. Works continued on the ‘Rural Area’ programme for river edge vegetation maintenance. This involves the layering and /or mulching of the existing willows, using a ‘long-reach’ Item 7 Item excavator. This river edge vegetation provides the first (and cheapest) form of erosion protection. Works were completed in the Rangiotu area. 8.6. A rock supply contract has been awarded to reinstate the revetment that protects the Hartley Street, Foxton Beach flood/ sea wall. 2000 tonnes of rock riprap is being stockpiled on Wylie Road outside of Foxton Beach Township. A contract has been put out to tender for the placement of the rock, and depending on the level of interest received, work is expected to start in April. 8.7. Works have recommenced on the concrete floodwall near Rangiotu, part of the Rural Upgrade Project. Limited river berm width, together with landowner infrastructure on the landside, prevented a conventional earth stopbank upgrade being undertaken. Construction was suspended last construction season due to unsuitable ground and weather conditions. The subgrade for the wall failed compaction tests last year, and excavation and replacement of fill was suspended due to the winter weather conditions. The subgrade for the wall has now been replaced with suitably compacted rock material to provide a solid foundation, and the wall is due to be poured this month. 8.8. The Esplanade rock lining extension started at the beginning of February and will be completed by the end of this reporting period. The original rock lining design was extended to accommodate a storm water outlet. Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) agreed to extend the pipe to the face of the rock to prevent scour damage in future. Cyclone Gita has delayed the works, with the temporary works, which included the bund and gravel platform together with some exposed bank, completely eroding during the elevated river levels. All temporary works have been reinstated and the revetment has been extended to protect the eroded bank. The cost of this work is being shared equally between PNCC and Horizons. Horizons has designed the rock to allow future river access opportunities to be realised in the river, but this will be dependent on the formation of beaches when the river has a chance to settle after the works. 8.9. A drone flight covering the area between the Esplanade rock lining and the new pedestrian bridge site on Dittmer Drive was undertaken in February. This was completed to record the condition of the banks at the beginning of the bridge project to ensure any erosion as a result of the works can be more accurately assessed if need be. 8.10. Staff continue to work with PNCC in regard to the new pedestrian bridge over the Manawatū River, the bridge over the Turitea and Kahuterawa Streams and the paths connecting these structures. The contract to construct the path on the left bank has been awarded. Silt will be taken from the inside of the bend to construct the ramps to the Tiritiea bridge crossing. 8.11. The construction contract for Ashhurst Domain has been awarded, and commenced, for three large rock groynes. This site also suffered damage during Gita with bunding and groyne core material being lost. Contractors were expedient in reinstating the worksite and continuing with rock placement. Part of the works will be to reinstate the path and river access. 8.12. Engineers have continued maintenance tasks along the Manawatū River, floodway; and around the Moutoa Sluice Gates and Tower. 8.13. Enquiries have been made regarding the heritage status of Tane Hemp Company Limited Suspension Bridge and Flaxmill Remains, otherwise known as the Opiki Swing Bridge, and the request for semi-urgent maintenance to be undertaken on the support cables. The Scheme owns the land that the structure is sited on, and therefore met with a member of Historic Places Manawatū -Horowhenua where the history of the structure and what could
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7 Item happen regarding its future were discussed. The Scheme has a mandate to provide erosion and flood control to the area, and as such, what is or may be required in regards to preserving listed buildings falls outside this scope. Staff advised that a submission to the LTP requesting funds to undertake a report detailing the work required to maintain and preserve the structure, and investigate avenues to fund repairs may be a way forward. 8.14. Silt removal has continued from in front of the Moutoa Gates. This is an area of berm that rapidly silts up in a flood, and reduces flood carrying capacity of the Moutoa spillway. Anecdotal evidence shows that the quantity of silt removed in recent years is significant, reaching the blue pug underlying the silt in places. Berm levels will be confirmed when works are completed, but if confirmed this will be the first time for decades that the berm has been lowered to its design level. 8.15. Fletcher Construction Limited are continuing with works to construct the Whirokino Trestle Bridge across the floodway. Casting of the columns and crossbeams are nearing completion, and will soon be ready for the Super T’s to be installed. Super T’s are large concrete pre-cast beams that span the columns and will carry the deck. The contractor has requested that the Super T’s be stored in the floodway, with their consultant confirming only minor adverse effects to flood flows (20mm raising in flood levels in a 100 year event). Horizons has agreed to their temporary storage in the spillway provided they add 100mm to nearby stopbanks. 8.16. Scheme managers had a meeting with Department of Conservation (DoC) to discuss works programmes, native fish monitoring programmes, and opportunities to work collaboratively to enhance habitats. 8.17. Workshops for the new AMS were held with the software provider to better understand our business. The new system will seamlessly link our asset maps with the database and allow data collected in the field to be analysed in the office to drive our work programmes.
OROUA RIVER
8.18. Oroua silt removal for this season is close to completion, with the last stages of reinstatement to be finished in the coming weeks. This project aims to counter berm siltation in the Oroua River, removing silt from critical reaches in order to maintain flood protection standards. The material extracted has been used to create a 7:1 batter on a nearby section of stopbank, allowing year-round grazing. 8.19. A length of stopbank, made redundant with the construction of an upgraded / new stopbank on a better alignment, was levelled and the area returned to farm paddocks. This was a gain by the landowner, as it provided efficiencies to her farm, and the realigned stopbank provided significant gains to flood carrying capacity to the channel.
MANGAONE STREAM
8.20. The Mangaone Stream City Reach is frequently inspected by Scheme engineers and, overall, is in a good condition with regards to flood protection. Advice has been provided to several neighbouring properties with respect to resource consent requirements for improvements to their properties. Maintenance tasks such as mowing, weed spraying and debris removal are continuing. 8.21. PNCC channel stabilisation works along their drain near Milson, between Apollo Parade and the confluence with the Mangaone Stream, are close to completion. The design confines the channel in low water conditions to enhance in-stream values. There is some erosion occurring on the right bank of the Mangaone Stream opposite the drain confluence which is being monitored.
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8.22. Two large fallen Macrocarpa trees were removed from the channel as they were causing large scours and were also major damming hazards. 30m of concrete riprap was placed in one of the scours that had been created by the fallen tree.
Item 7 Item TURITEA STREAM
8.23. Several windblown trees were removed from the Turitea Stream. Existing vegetation was layered and / or mulched as part of the maintenance programme. 8.24. Vegetation will be cleared from the stream to allow the construction of the Tiritea Bridge by PNCC. Piling is expected to start next month and work at the confluence with the Manawatū River will be visible from the Ahimate Reserve. The works will include an eel viewing platform and native tree planting.
MAKINO STREAM
8.25. Severe winds at the beginning of March blew several trees over, blocking the Makino Stream. These were removed. 8.26. One gate at the Makino Diversion Structure has found to have a significant mechanical fault and will need major repairs. While repairs are underway, this gate will be shut, and flows will be controlled through the second gate, which shows no signs of the fault. A contingency plan has been put into place which includes steel shutters and concrete blocks stored on site. In the unlikely event that the second gate malfunctions, these can be quickly installed in the structure to control flood flows through Feilding. The structure will be fully operational by the end of April.
KAHUTERAWA STREAM
8.27. Each year over this period (February / March) a programme of maintenance works is undertaken. This year works were embarked upon on the lower reaches of the Scheme i.e. from the confluence with the Manawatū River upstream to the State Highway at Linton. 8.28. Works consist of the layering of existing willows, the removal of any flood debris in the channel, and the relocating of any gravel beaches causing erosion problems and / or poor river alignment.
LOWER KIWITEA STREAM SCHEME
8.29. Persistent wet weather during the winter months and through to November 2017, resulting in many ‘freshes’ and /or floods in the Kiwitea Stream. 8.30. As a result of these floods, a large number of sites had erosion issues. This reporting period, the last of these flood damage repairs were completed, work funded by a draw on Emergency Reserves. 8.31. Several beaches, which had excessive gravel build-ups from these floods, and which were then causing erosion problems, were removed by either gravel extraction and /or gravel relocation.
ASHHURST STREAM SCHEME
8.32. The entire length of the Ashhurst Stream within the Scheme area was sprayed for unwanted weed growth, ready for the winters flow.
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7 Item 9. NORTHERN AREA
GENERAL
9.1. More stable weather conditions have allowed staff to progress with planned river management works this period. 9.2. For many schemes the work programme is now complete with only a small budget base left to handle any reactive works that may develop due to adverse weather events.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
9.3. It has been a quiet period for community meetings over the past two months with no events attended.
RANGITIKEI RIVER CONTROL SCHEME
9.4. One of a series of warm weather fronts passing over the region brought heavy rain on 8 March. River levels recorded at the Mangaweka hydrometric site rose to 4.2 metres just triggering the level three flood warning. No problems have been observed or reported following this event.
RANGITIKEI MAINTENANCE WORKS
9.5. This reporting period has been busy for the river maintenance staff. The improved weather has allowed for the catch-up in vegetation management work that was delayed earlier in the summer.
9.6. Work removing trees along the left bank downstream of the Bulls Bridge is complete. This allows GBC Winstone to excavate the silt build-up along the berm area for land-mined gravel pit back fill. Removal of the silt is required to widen the channel through this reach easing pressure on the right bank where land is being lost through bank erosion.
9.7. Work is currently underway opening up the high flow deviation at the end of the Simpson haul road before winter. This deviation has proved very effective in helping prevent further land loss around the O’Donnell bend. Antidotal evidence suggests that 40% of the river flow is directed down the deviation during high flow events, greatly relieving pressure downstream.
9.8. Aerial spraying of beaches within the river fairway area is now nearly complete with only one more day of fine weather required to complete work. This is an important activity undertaken each year to control river fairway vegetation. Keeping gravel mobile in this zone encourages the river to keep its meanders within a preferred management area lessening the frequency of bank erosion.
RANGITIKEI CAPEX WORKS
PAREWANUI STOP BANK UPGRADE FOR 2017-18
9.9. The Parewanui stop bank upgrade work is located on the Walmac Farm near Scotts Ferry from river distance 4.5km to 5.5km. The proposed contract will see approximately 750m of stop bank to be upgraded and a number of scour holes to be filled. The land entry agreement has been signed by the property owner. Contract tender documents were out for the period from mid-October to mid-November. Contract tenders closed on 16 November 2017 with only one tender being received. The contract was awarded to M&M Earthmovers Ltd up for a sum of $340,000. Contract works commenced on the 23rd of
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January and are projected to finish by the 20th April. As of the week ending 16th March, the large scour hole have been filled. All dry density and compaction test results have past specification standards.
Item 7 Item GRAVEL EXTRACTION SITES – GBC WINSTONE
9.10. Discussions continue between Horizons and GBC Winstone around gravel extraction cuts at O’Donnell’s corner (16.3km) and Wilson’s corner (27.5km). The aim of these cuts is to direct water through them alleviating pressure on the outside of the bend and existing assets. GBC Winstone will be responsible for obtaining resource consent at both locations and will remain within the parameters outlined by Horizons.
RANGITIKEI RIVER GLOBAL GRAVEL EXTRACTION CONSENT
9.11. Consultants Good Earth Matters have been engaged to prepare and lodge a ‘global’ resource consent application to enable gravel extraction, for river management purposes, from the Rangitikei River over a series of reaches extending from the Makahikato Stream to the mouth of the river. The letter to existing consent holders was sent in February, allowing one month for feedback to be submitted.
RANGITIKEI RIVER ENHANCEMENT
9.12. Fencing of the new native plantings adjacent to the Bulls Bridge is likely to take place in April and will be a collaborative effort both within Horizons and with the Bulls community.
RANGITIKEI RIVER REVIEW
9.13. Consultant river engineer Gary Williams has been reviewing the management approach to the Rangitikei River. He has concluded that the river has changed in character immensely since the 2004 flood to the point that we are now effectively managing a different waterway. Prior to 2004 the river was characterised by a braided channel and sweeping bends. The immensity of the 2004 flood forced the river into a single channel with increased energy that is now producing a sharp meandering pattern with tight bends that create focused river bank erosion. Gary is now compiling his findings into a report that will be presented to Council.
GRAVEL EXTRACTION
9.14. No gravel extraction has taken place from Council’s consents in the reporting period.
POHANGINA-OROUA RIVER CONTROL SCHEME
9.15. Maintenance work on the scheme has progressed well during the March through April period. The completion of the aerial spraying programme to clear gravel beaches of vegetation will largely see the end of the years’ planned work. There remains budget for additional river bank erosion work which is undertaken on a 60/40 cost share arrangement with landowners. The nature of this business agreement means the level of work completed in the year is driven by landowner demand.
AERIAL SPRAY
9.16. The annual aerial spray programme for the Pohangina- Oroua Scheme is now underway and should be completed in the first week of April. The coverage area this year for the Pohangina River is from the northern end of Totara Reserve to the confluence with the Makawakawa Stream, and on the Oroua the area extends from the Coulters Line Road Bridge to the Apiti Road Bridge. As with previous years advertisements were placed in
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7 Item local papers in December and again in January. It is planned to have all aerial spraying work completed by the end of February.
POHANGINA RIVER
9.17. There is good news regarding progress to remove gravel from the right bank beach opposite the Ward property. A contractor has signalled interest in extracting up to 10,000 cubic metres of gravel in four to five weeks’ time under the Schemes’ gravel extraction consent conditions. The build-up of gravel is forcing the river flow into the right bank causing erosion problems. The Ward’s have invested in numerous river protection initiatives over the years that have failed to adequately protect the river bank. The removal of the gravel beach is considered the best option to help solve the problem in the short term.
9.18. A small flood event was recorded at the Mais Reach hydrometric site on 8 March. River levels rose to 2.6 metres just reaching the first flood warning level.
GRAVEL EXTRACTION
9.19. On the Pohangina River gravel extracted over the period amounted to 540 m3.
OROUA RIVER
9.20. Work has been quiet on the Oroua over the last few months. There has been an ongoing financial dispute with Mr Tony Brown regarding the tree bank protection work completed last December yet to be resolved by the finance department.
9.21. The aerial spray began on the 5th March, getting about half of the planned stretch sprayed. They will return to finish the Oroua and Pohongina on the next fine weekday.
GRAVEL EXTRACTION
9.22. A total of 3,100 m3 extracted during the period.
TOTARA RESERVE
9.23. No work undertaken during this period.
UPPER WHANGANUI RIVER MANAGEMENT SCHEME
9.24. The AGM for this scheme was held on 21 March at the Central Park Inn in Taumarunui.
9.25. This year will see the last major clearance of poplar and willow on the frontage alongside Rimu Street at Manunui.
9.26. Thunderstorms a fortnight ago have created some minor erosion issues at the confluence of the Ongarue and the Mangakahikitoa which are threatening out buildings at 69 Golf Road.
TARINGAMOTU RIVER MANAGEMENT SCHEME
9.27. The proposed final AGM for this this scheme was held on 21 March at the Ngakonui Hall.
9.28. The final works programme will be used to clear willows from a channel that suffered severe erosion in the April floods and for burning 2016-17 slash heaps.
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MATARAWA FLOOD CONTROL SCHEME
9.29. General maintenance and inspections of dams only undertaken this period.
Item 7 Item 9.30. Recent inspections have identified a build-up of silt at dam 3.2. Staff are looking at options to clear this deposit before winter to retain the water storage potential of the detention dam.
MATARAWA URBAN
9.31. Another four or five jobs have been completed. The works programme this year is designed to remove bamboo from the riparian urban environment and tackle most of the larger willow congestion sites.
TUTAENUI FLOOD CONTROL SCHEME
9.32. General maintenance work only carried in this scheme during the period
9.33. The annual urban channel inspection found the waterway to be in very good condition. There was very little evidence of new river bank erosion through the reaches visited. A small build-up of gravel below the Calico Line Bridge was redistributed relieving pressure off the adjoining properties boundaries.
MAKIRIKIRI FLOOD CONTROL SCHEME
9.34. No work undertaken this period
9.35. A contractor is arranged to undertake scheme maintenance work immediately after Easter. This work will involve flap gate maintenance, willow spraying and a general tidy up of the berms and stopbanks to ensure the scheme is in a good state as we move into the wetter autumn and winter months.
MAKIRIKIRI FLOOD EGRESS GATE
9.36. It has been identified that the flood egress structure constructed in January 2017 requires modification. The gates are not sitting flush against the concrete walls. A solution to this problem has now been agreed between the contractor, landowner and Horizons that will require the fitting of a rubber seal to the gates. At the request of the landowner work will commence once the adjacent maize crop is harvested and easy access is available to the site.
POREWA FLOOD CONTROL SCHEME
9.37. General maintenance work only carried in this scheme during the period.
9.38. Staff have noticed a build-up of tree blockages in the channel through Queens Park in Hunterville. These will be cleared before winter.
WHANGAEHU MANGAWHERO RIVER MANAGEMENT SCHEME
9.39. The willow spraying programme was successfully completed from Kauangaroa upstream to the scheme limits on both the Whangaehu and Mangawhero Rivers.
TURAKINA RIVER MANAGEMENT SCHEME
9.40. As an alternative to aerial spraying, we have for the first time this year used ground based machinery to spray for willow re-growth. Using this method has reduced the collateral
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7 Item grass kill that is unavoidable with an aerial operation. By maintaining grass cover we should minimise river bank erosion in areas were further channel widening is considered undesirable.
LOWER WHANGANUI VEGETATION MANAGEMENT AND FLOOD PROTECTION PROGRAMME
9.41. Two lengths of the right bank on Somme Parade have had extensive vegetation removed. Willows downstream of the Dublin Street Bridge have been coppiced to prevent them tipping into the channel and growth on the rockwall opposite Camellia Avenue has been mulched and sprayed to preserve the integrity of the rock.
9.42. Work by Whanganui District Council to finalise repairs to the Karoro Road sewer is still progressing slowly. There is no further progress to report.
SOUTH SPIT GROYNE EXTENSION
9.43. Many of the erosion control structures in the lower reach of the Whanganui River are in need of repair or enhancement. This particular rock groyne was constructed in 2013 and is in need of fortification due to its deteriorating condition. It is to be extended along the bank approximately 12 metres to prevent further bank erosion and potential outflanking of the asset. Approximately 125 tonnes of rock will be required to complete the project. That work will commence shortly.
SWIM SPOT ENHANCEMENT
9.44. Our most popular swim spot as voted in 2016-2017 competition has been vandalised. Seating platforms at Mosquito Point have been cut off at their foundations and removed. Although not unexpected knowing the historic problems experienced at this site it is still disappointing to have a minority in the community destroy a resource enjoyed by many. We are now discussing replacement options with Whanganui District Council staff.
PAKIHI SCHEME
9.45. Work for the year is now complete on this scheme.
FOREST ROAD DRAINAGE SCHEME
9.46. No work undertaken this period.
HAUNUI DRAINAGE SCHEME
9.47. No work to date but some access repairs are programmed to take place shortly.
OTHER WORKS
NORTHERN ANNUAL SCHEME REPORT
9.48. Each year an Annual Report is prepared outlining the activities, and financial standing of the fourteen schemes in the Northern Area for the previous financial year. Work on the 2016/2017 report is now underway.
ENGINEERING ADVICE
9.49. During the last two months there have been continued requests for advice on a variety of issues including rural flooding in non-scheme areas, involving clearing blocked culverts,
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clearing stream channels of vegetation and fallen trees, diversion queries and flood damage work.
ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT WORK
Item 7 Item 9.50. As a result of flood events over previous years there has been an increased level of requests for flood damage repair works. This year there have been eleven requests for Environmental Grants with seven approved, two pending approval and two still under investigation.
OTHER PROJECTS
MOAWHANGO RIVER
9.51. A willow maintenance spray between the village and Mahe’s Drop has been completed and the drill and poisoning exercise that was started last year between Mahe’s Drop and Pungatawa Road is now complete. Both operations were carried out using a canoe because of the difficulties in accessing the river.
MISCELLANEOUS
DETENTION DAM LICENSE AGREEMENT FEES
9.52. In October 2017 letters were sent out to all properties with detention dams requesting invoices to pay property owners the annual licence agreement fee. To date 84% of property owners have responded and annual fees have been paid out. The licence agreement fee paid by Horizons acknowledges that the Council has rights under statute to enter the Owner’s Land at reasonable times with vehicles and other machinery or equipment in order to examine, clean, repair or otherwise maintain the existing dam and if necessary to reconstruct the dam and the works on the Owner’s Land.
10. EASTERN AREA
GENERAL
10.1. Summer weather conditions have continued these last two months throughout the district with very hot temperatures and dry ground conditions, although the southern scheme catchments did experience four to five rain events that resulted in several freshes being recorded in the Makakahi, Mangatainoka and Mangahao Rivers. The highest flows in these rivers were recorded on 26 February and 8 March and were all well under the mean annual event size. 10.2. In comparison, the northern schemes with catchments originating in the Ruahine Ranges only had one rainfall event which occurred on the 8 March. This was a fairly significant event, being just a little smaller than the April 2017 flood event that caused significant flood damage, especially in the South Eastern Ruahine (SER) Scheme. The 8 March flood event recorded a 3 year return period in the Upper Manawatū River at the Weber and Hopelands hydrological recorder sites as well as several of the SER streams. But the Tamaki River recorded a 10 year return period, compared to the nearly 15 year return period flood event in April 2017. To date there has only been minor damage recorded. 10.3. This heavy rainfall event caused significant flooding and high-river flows in several other eastern area catchments including the Wainui, Akitio, Kumeroa, Owahanga and upper Tiraumea. The Ngaturi hydrological site on the Tiraumea recorded a 4 year return period flood event. These flood conditions have impacted somewhat on progress particularly for
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7 Item the Upper Manawatū – Lower Mangahao Scheme. Otherwise progress of work in other scheme areas is proceeding as usual. 10.4. Apart from continued flood damage repair works for the South Eastern Ruahine and the Upper Manawatū Schemes, the other schemes have made good progress on their maintenance works programmes. 10.5. Kiwi Rail have now completed the underpinning of the Ngawapurua Rail Bridge about 7km south of Woodville. During this time Horizons staff have had a good working relationship with Kiwi Rail staff regarding river design work and resource consent condition issues. Although all work is completed there is still significant bank erosion occurring to the right bank of the Tiraumea River diversion. Horizons consents team are working with Kiwi Rail to resolve this issue in accordance with the resource consent conditions. 10.6. Currently staff are in the midst of the Long Term Plan (LTP) consultation meetings including the Annual Catchment Community meetings to be held during March and April 2018. To date, there have been six consultation meetings around the Tararua District regarding the proposed Tararua River Management Scheme (TRM). There are still a further six Annual Catchment Community meetings to be held in late March and early April. Presentations have been completed for three meetings with the other three presentation preparations well in hand. 10.7. Following the Health and safety (H&S) audits on several contractors, staff have met with one contractor and discussed issues regarding “room for improvement” which was well received. In addition the draft Scheme Asset Management Plans (AMP) for the Eastern area schemes are being reviewed as required every three years. These AMPs are to be completed by 30 April 2018. 10.8. The Area Engineer has commenced the 2016-17 Annual Report for all Eastern Area Schemes with about 65% of the report completed to date. 10.9. Requests for miscellaneous issues and engineering advice has continued over the last two months, with some of the issues raised being around flooding and flood damage in non- scheme areas; proposed building sites in rural areas near streams; drainage issues; several gravel extraction requests from individuals and contractors; planting and bank erosion advice; working with the District Council staff regarding repairs to council bridges and meeting One Plan conditions; and plant pest issues.
AKITIO SCHEME
10.10. Weather conditions during these last two months have generally been hot and dry with 373mm rainfall recorded at the Akitio Toi Flat site for February and March, but 97mm of that rainfall fell on the 7-8 March when the area experienced a torrential downpour. An indication of the extent of this weather event is recorded in the Waihi River (a Tributary of the Akitio river) at the Route 52 Bridge Hydrological site where the Waihi River recorded its highest flow on record peaking at a stage height of 6.255 m or a flow of 523 m3/sec. Taking this rainfall event out of the bi-monthly total leaves a rainfall of 76mm which is lower than the previous two months. 10.11. The positive result is that there was very little flooding in the Akitio River and it suffered no damage. This is evidence to the success of the work that has been carried out over the past 12 years of channel clearing work. Like the Eastern Manawatū, the river has functioned well in conveying flood water and debris through the system. Staff have some concern that the willow regrowth spraying programmed may not be as effective as a result of the flood waters causing loss of willow tree leaves. This will be assessed prior to the aerial spraying programme which is about to be undertaken.
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10.12. During this period the works programme has commenced with the clearing of dead willow and poplar trees. As indicated above this will be followed by maintenance spot spraying of any willow regrowth. The Annual community Scheme meeting is being held on 26 March.
Item 7 Item EASTERN MANAWATŪ SCHEME
10.13. Like the Akitio area, while the weather conditions have been hot and dry over the majority of the last two months, the Eastern Scheme catchment also experienced a significant flood event on 8 March. This event was recorded at the Weber Road bridge Hydrological site with a stage height of 8.4m and a flow of 506 cumecs which equates to about a 3 year return period flood event. The Eastern Manawatū channel has functioned very well during this flood event with the channel now being much clearer. The dead willow debris is soft and weak and consequently breaks down easily when under pressure. Debris has not accumulated at any problem sites, and in fact debris build-up is becoming a diminishing concern. 10.14. During this period a small amount of work has been undertaken which includes clearing and removal of oversized poplar and willow trees along with 200 metres of willow layering work at the Hughes property. As indicated for the Akitio Scheme the aerial spraying programme is about to commence for especially willow re-growth. The Annual community Scheme meeting is being held on 26 March.
IHURAUA SCHEME
10.15. Inspections show that the Ihuraua Scheme catchment coped well with the early March weather event. The spraying programme has been completed for this scheme. Further inspections will dictate whether or not further works are to be completed this season. The Annual community Scheme meeting is being held on 26 March.
MANGATAINOKA SCHEME
10.16. While the summer weather conditions have continued, the southern scheme catchments have experienced several rain events that have seen some elevated, but not significant, river levels in both the Makakahi and Mangatainoka Rivers. 10.17. The last two months has, unfortunately, seen slower progress on river works for the Mangatainoka Scheme than the two preceding months. This is due to a number of factors such as elevated river flows, machinery breakdowns as well as a near miss incident with one contractor. However, the programme is back in full swing as all contractors have resumed work. 10.18. With the beach at the Bridge Road site having been re-charged with gravel resulting from several recent floods, Prenter’s have now returned to extract further gravel. Before recommencing extraction work the contractor has had to reinstate the access tracks to the beach. 10.19. A significant new erosion protection asset has been constructed in reach five of the scheme, consisting of two large rock groynes. Bulldozer work has also been undertaken on the beach opposite to ease pressure on the affected bank. Small sections of layering work have been undertaken in the lower reaches along with some tied tree groynes. A small section of bank erosion was repaired on the Makakahi River. 10.20. After a small delay contractors are ready, once more, to commence work on channel clearing in the Mangaramarama. This will include bank shaping as well as mulching. This work will significantly increase the channel capacity and alleviate floodwaters more efficiently. Over the next couple of months staff will be discussing with affected parties the issues surrounding a proposed resource consent for a couple of diversions to alleviate flooding in the lower Mangaramarama Stream area.
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7 Item 10.21. Preparation is well underway for the scheme’s annual community meeting which is to be held on the 10th of April.
SOUTH EASTERN RUAHINE SCHEME
10.22. While the weather conditions in the South Eastern Ruahine (SER) Scheme area have been hot and relatively dry, there was one weather event on 8 March that caused significant flooding particularly in the Tamaki River which recorded a 10 year return period flood event. The upper Tamaki catchment area recorded 362mm of rainfall within a three day period. This resulted in the fourth highest peak flow on record. All the SER streams from the Otomaraho stream southwards experienced very little damage, while there has been some flood damage on the Tamaki River. Staff have already completed some channel clearing work to mitigate further damage. In the meantime with the majority of the works programme practically completed, there just remains about 60% of the drain maintenance programme and a couple of other small stream bank erosion sites to repair. The following work was completed over these last two months; Channel clearing work on the Mangapapa and Oruakeretaki Streams along with gravel extraction and cutting of Old Man’s beard on the latter stream. There has been repair works at three sites on the Tamaki River and some bank protection work on the Northern Streams at the Gibbs and Sinclair properties. 10.23. Staff have been preparing the presentation for the Annual Community Scheme meeting at Dannevirke on 9 April.
TAWATAIA - MANGAONE SCHEME
10.24. The programmed scheme works are now underway. Contractors have started clearing log jams and mulching areas that have the potential to create future blockages on both the Tawataia and Mangaone Streams. The remainder of schemes drains will be cleaned or sprayed in the next month. 10.25. With the Comprehensive Dam Safety Review (CDSR) of the detention dam in the Tawataia-Mangaone Scheme now completed by Stantec New Zealand Ltd, they have now delivered a draft copy of the Operation, Maintenance and Surveillance Manual which sets out the operational requirements of the dam, a range of activities for ensuring the ongoing maintenance work for dam safety and routine dam surveillance involving inspections and monitoring activities. 10.26. One of the recommendations of the CDSR identified a dam safety deficiency related to the flood capacity and the design and current condition of the culvert. Consequently it is proposed to schedule a thorough inspection of the culvert next month to assess it’s condition. There are other recommendations that will be completed following confirmation of the Potential Impact Classification (PIC), and as information is developed relating to the Potential Failure Modes (i.e. flood capacity and condition of the culvert).
UPPER MANAWATŪ – LOWER MANGAHAO SCHEME
10.27. River flows over the last two months for the Upper Manawatū and Lower Mangahao Rivers have generally been low, although the Upper Manawatū River did record a 3 year return period flood event on 8 March with very little damage resulting. The Lower Mangahao River had several small freshes but inspections show little evidence of any new flood damage. Otherwise weather conditions have generally been hot and reasonably dry. Work during these last two months has focused on mainly flood damage repair works in reach one of the Manawatū River. This work has included removing rail irons from mid- stream where bank protection has been outflanked; channel clearing work and repairing and extending rock and tree groynes at the Dunn, Cleghorn and Burmeister properties. Works were delayed somewhat while awaiting the river flood flows to lower.
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10.28. Following the March flood event it has been noted that gravel movement has occurred, with beaches at Castles and Beatson recharging, along with the beach at Blatchford’s above the Tiraumea confluence. This particular gravel beach build up is a result of the backing up of the Manawatū due to high flow in the Tiraumea River. Further bank erosion
Item 7 Item has occurred at Edwards and Dunn in reach one, but the impact on the works budget will be minimal. 10.29. Currently presentation preparations are well in hand for the Annual Scheme Community to be held in Woodville on 10 April.
ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT WORKS AND ENGINEERING ADVICE
10.30. Over the last two months several requests have been made but no further applications for Environmental Grant work have been pursued. One of the applicants which had a work site approved has since chosen to cancel his work.
11. SOUTHERN AREA
GENERAL 11.1. Unsettled weather patterns over the last two months have keep staff busy ensuring that the scheme pump stations and other scheme assets continue to be fully functional. 11.2. The warm humid weather patterns have continued to provide perfect growing conditions for weeds within the drainage network. Our spray contractors have continued to make good progress however the strong winds and wet weather conditions are starting to limit the number of days that they can get out spraying. 11.3. Demand continues to be high from landowners to ensure that their drainage networks are well maintained as we head into autumn and winter. 11.4. Proposed safety upgrades to the state highways within the southern area has seen staff responding to a number of enquires made by various consultancy firms regarding possible impact on scheme assets and local knowledge regarding drainage networks. 11.5. Staff met with residents of the Waikawa Beach Community regarding concerns about damage to beach access resulting from ex-tropical cyclone Gita. While Horizons has no responsibility for this access track we did agree to make an approach to Horowhenua District Council (HDC) on behalf of the Community to see if safety barriers and signage could be installed at the site to warning the public of the potential hazard. HDC have since installed these barriers and signs. 11.6. Staff have attended several meetings with representatives of Adapt as the implementation of the Councils new asset management information system commences. 11.7. Staff attend the latest the HDC Utility Group meeting to discuss upcoming projects that could have impacts on the various utility companies and both councils. 11.8. Staff continue to work to finalise the latest scheme budgets as well as the latest version of the Asset Management Plans as part of the Councils Long Term Plan (LTP) process. 11.9. Staff have been busy during this period preparing the presentations for the up and coming Catchment Community Meetings. To date meeting for both the Ohau Manakau River Scheme and Hokio Drainage Scheme have been held with small but engaged attendees. 11.10. Staff attended the public meeting for the Foxton East Drainage Scheme to present the LTP proposal to undertake significant upgrades within the scheme to improve drainage with the scheme. With over 70 people in attendance the meeting was very informative and heated at times with issues from funding to urban storm water issues being raised by the community.
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7 Item OHAU-MANAKAU SCHEME
11.11. A period of unsettled weather has seen a number of small floods in the Scheme the largest of these occurring on the 26th February as ex-tropical cyclone Gita passed by the region. The maximum flow in the Ohau was 1.6m (95m³/s), Waikawa 1.3m (39m³/s), and the Manakau 2.5m (36m³/s). 11.12. This period has seen gravel extracted from the Waikawa as part of an on-going improvement program. The work is designed to lower the bed of the channel by removing gravel and increase the capacity of the stream channel. The intention of this work is to reduce the frequency that the stream leaves the channel, flooding surrounding farm land. The consent is for 5,000 m³ per annum over a 4 years period, with this period being the final year of that program. 11.13. Gravel was removed from the confluence of the Manakau and the Waikawa. The build-up of gravel at this site frequently causes drainage issues further up the Manakau stream in particular around the Takapau Road area. 11.14. A large tree branch that had started to droop and catch debris coming down the drain has been removed from Kuku Main drain. 11.15. As a result of weed floating down the drains and getting caught on the culverts causing the water in the drain to back up and overflow into paddocks a local contractor was engaged to remove the weed from several culverts in the kuku drainage area.
MANAWATŪ DRAINAGE SCHEME
11.16. This has been a busy period with drain maintenance and spraying with over 24km of drains being maintain this period. 11.17. We have undertaken some large tree removal jobs to tidy up of some of the larger scheme drains that have over time become overgrown with the aim of making them easier to maintain in the future and ensure they function to their full capacity. 11.18. The first drain was the middle section of Whiskey Creek from the Flygers Line - Rangitīkei intersection up to the Morris boundary, a 1km long section. Trees were removed from both sides of the drain and the drain banks battered back to repair any slumping. The land owners will work with the fresh water team to get the drain fenced to prevent any further damage by stock. 11.19. Along a 600m section of the Buicks drain, pine trees have been removed due to them becoming too large and overgrown, which meant we were unable to get a machine in to clean the drain or a spray truck to remove a blockage in the drain. Once the trees were removed we were able to machine clean the drain. A culvert was also removed from the drain as the farmer no longer required it as an access point. 11.20. In a 200m section of the Taonui stream a large blockage had formed due to a macrocarpa tree falling into the stream. A 12 ton excavator with a thumb was used to remove the tree, while we were there removing the blockage we also removed the majority of trees within that 200m length to ensure no more blockages occur in the future. 11.21. Along a 200m section of the Kairanga - Bunnythorpe Road drain outside the school the drain had begun to slump making it a risk to the road edge. Interlocking concrete blocks were placed along the toe of the drain to stabilise the toe and the top of drain bank was battered and shaped. 11.22. A 150m timber retaining wall was constructed in a section of the lower Aorangi drain on Lockwood Road, due to the slumping of the drain bank which had washed out land in the adjacent property. Railway irons were driven in and timber retaining lengths slotted behind, then backfilled and shaped the sides of the drain.
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11.23. Staff have been working with New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and the local landowners to pipe a 90m section of Cheethams Drain from the outlet into Bennet’s No.1 Drain to just past the last house. This work is being undertaken to reduce the frequency with which these houses are flooded.
Item 7 Item MAKERUA DRAINAGE SCHEME
11.24. Along a section of intersecting channel in Claridges property, drain cleanings which had been placed along the edge of the drain from mechanical cleaning have been bulldozed to even out the mounds of cleanings, so the spray truck has better access for spraying. The first spray of the scheme drains has been completed. A new map will be compiled towards the end of March and given to the spray contractor to get underway with a second spray for the season.
11.25. A floodgated culvert at the end of bishop’s drain leading into the intersecting channel has been repaired due to rusty hinges.
KOPUTAROA DRAINAGE SCHEME
11.26. Scheme maintenance has been relatively quiet this period with only some minor machine cleaning of drains and the repair of the track leading into the floodgates on Kilsby property being undertaken this period.
. MOUTOA - WHIROKINO DRAINAGE SCHEME
11.27. This period saw several large drains leading into the main pump stations machine cleaned. Much of this work was done in preparation for cyclone Gita which had earlier been predicted to dump a significant amount rainfall in the area. Failure to clean these drains at this point would have resulted in a significant amount of weed being washed downstream to the pump stations which would have had a significant effect on the pumps operating efficiently. TE KAWAU DRAINAGE SCHEME
11.28. Raupo Road pump station has been measured and a quote given to have the weed grills replaced due to them rusting out at the bottom. These will be fitted in the next couple of weeks. 11.29. The steel flap on the flood gated outlet from Raupo Road pump station into the Te Kawau main drain has been replaced. 11.30. The schemes drains are on their second spray this season due to the rapid regrowth of weed largely due to the hot weather conditions this period. 11.31. A total of 5km of drains have been machine cleaned. 11.32. A 600mm culvert along the Tompkins Drain has been replaced with a new 1200mm culvert. This culvert needed to be upgraded to a larger size due to the 600mm to being unable to take the capacity of water coming down the drain.
HOKIO DRAINAGE SCHEME
11.33. The upgrade of a culvert at the end of Joblins Rd was conducted this period. The culvert was undersized and frequently caused flooding to the adjacent land whenever there is a decent amount of rain. The culverts upstream and downstream have been upgraded and this is the last choke point in this drain. 11.34. Debris was cleared on the upstream side of the railway on Kohitere drain.
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7 Item . FOXTON DRAINAGE SCHEME
11.35. The third spray of the scheme drains including Kings Canal was completed earlier this period however a recent inspection of the drains has again showed significant regrowth and plans are underway for the local contractor to spray the drain again.
12. EVIRONMENTAL GRANT WORK
Estimated Value of Name River or Stream Type of work Work status work cost$ grant ($) Mangatoro App but work J McNaught Willow congestion $10,000 $3,000 River cancelled
L Thorby Makairo Stream Bank Protection App approved $4,000 $1,200
App approved & Q Hooper- Mangatoro Bank Protection Work to $7,550 $2,265 Smith River commence Mangahao Approved & S Marsden Bank Protection $9,350 $2,805 River work completed Upper Work partially G Bennett Mangahao Bank Protection $13,500 $4,050 completed tributary Mangaraupiu Work Postponed D Dougherty Bank Protection TBA Stream to 2018-19 Removal of willow Clinton Aokautere Completed $4,100 $1,230 congestion
A Mckay Kiwitea R&R Groynes Scheduled $18,820 $5,650
M Hoggard Kiwitea Bank Protection Scheduled $14,714 $4,414
Kiwitea V Larsen Bank Protection Scheduled $7,543 $2,263 Tributary Groynes, rock, willow Pending N Randall Tutaenui $26,747 $8,024 work approval
E Brook Kiwitea R&R Groynes Scheduled $6,111 $1,833
J Carr Tutaenui Rock Lining Scheduled $20,000 $6,000
Porewa C McConachy Rock Lining Completed $7,924 $2,377 Tributary R&R Groynes, Tied Awaiting land- J Manning Kiwitea $19,702 $5,911 Tree Work decision Bank Protection Pending T Abraham Waituna $9,932 $2,980 Willow Planting Approval Grade Control Under B Smith Waimahoe - - Structure investigation
Ashhurst Rock Construct Rock Manawatu Approved $1,000,000 $50,000 Groynes Groynes
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W Blakely & B Groynes, tree work, Pending Porewa $44,092 $13,228 Crawford gravel work Approval
Total $1,224,085 $117,230
Item 7 Item
13. SIGNIFICANCE
13.1. This is not a significant decision according to the Council’s Policy on Significance and Engagement.
Ramon Strong GROUP MANAGER RIVER MANAGEMENT
ANNEXES There are no attachments to this report.
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8 Item Report No. 18-57 Information Only - No Decision Required
SUSTAINABLE LAND USE INITIATIVE (SLUI)
1. PURPOSE 1.1. This report is to update Members about progress on Council’s Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) for the period 1 January to 28 February 2018.
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.1. The report provides an overview of progress on SLUI, primarily for this financial year. 2.2. Since the SLUI programme began in 2006 more than 31,650 ha of work has been completed. 2.3. At the end of February 2018 more than 25,300 ha of farm plans have been allocated, exceeding our 20,000 ha target. The programme is over-allocated and a waiting list has been implemented. Plan production will be increased this year. 2.4. At the end of February 2018 there were 3,326 ha of works allocated, with a target of 2,900 ha. Further work is still being sought and can be completed within approved budgets (including a call up of approved use of reserves if necessary).
3. RECOMMENDATION That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No. 18-57.
4. FINANCIAL IMPACT 4.1. There are no direct financial impacts associated with this report. However, it does update Members on a number of financial matters associated with SLUI.
5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 5.1. Consultation was carried out through the 2012-22 Long-Term Plan (LTP) submission process and the recent Annual Plan process. 5.1. MPI has a key role in funding and overseeing this activity. 5.2. The SLUI Advisory Group is updated approximately every six months about progress with this programme and receives copies of these agenda items. The group last met on 3 October 2017. 5.3. Progress on the SLUI programme is communicated through a range of channels including discussions with landowners, at targeted workshops and via media. Recently the land management activity was the key focus of Horizons’ Across the Region publication sent to households throughout the Region..
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6. SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS RISK IMPACT 6.1. There are no significant risks inherent in the adoption of recommendations contained in this report.
Item 8 Item 7. BACKGROUND 7.1. SLUI has been in operation in the Region since 2006. The initiative, targeting hill country erosion, is funded from Central Government’s Hill Country Erosion Fund (HCEF) plus Horizons’ rates and farmer contributions. 7.2. The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is contracted to contribute $1.15 m of its $2.2 m in total available funds through the national HCEF this year. 7.3. SLUI is delivered by Horizons in partnership with the HCEF and MPI through a contracted works programme which sets targets for plans and works completed. 7.4. This report is delivered in year three of a four-year contract with MPI, which runs until June 2019.
8. REPORT ON PROGRESS Contract and Annual Plan Targets (2017-18) 8.1. The claim process is just beginning to ramp up. Planting projects will be claimed over summer while most fencing projects are still on track for autumn completion. 8.2. The contract targets for 2017-18 are: 26,500 poles planted; 850 ha of non-retirement work; 1,150 ha of forestry established; 350 ha retired; 450 ha riparian retirement; 100 ha managed retirement; 20,000 ha of farm plans mapped; 14,000 ha of land in priority area under farm plans; 1 sediment monitoring report; and 1 SLUI 10-year review. 8.3. Progress against these targets is reported later in this document. Whole Farm Plan (WFP) Production 8.4. WFPs are a tool for both bringing new land into the programme and for allocating grants to the various land types (priority land). An important part of maintaining the momentum of SLUI is the ability to bring new farms, new land and new work into the programme. This table shows the plans completed in SLUI’s Life to Date (LTD) and progress in bringing new plans on board.
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8 Item
Table 1: WFP Production (Life to Date) No. Plans Hectares
669 500,942 WFPs completed in SLUI until 30 June 2017 1 2,006 Less plans completed but not yet delivered to farmers (from 2016-17). See below 9 2,474 Plus plans completed in 2017-18 and delivered to farmers 677 501,410 Equals landowners / hectares able to be engaged in SLUI WFP implementation 9 3,600 Plans / ha mapped in 2017-18 but yet to be delivered to farmers 26 19,186 Remaining plans / ha on the books for 2017-18 0 0 Included in the above numbers but not yet allocated to a contractor 45 21,420 Paper work with landowners for plan and hectares of land not committed to a plan at this stage
One plan from 2016-17 is yet to be delivered. The owner has been contacted but lives offsite and is currently overseas. Work is underway on this property. Of the 25,373 ha on the books for this year, 6,074 ha of plans have been received, 4,286 have been mapped with two farms totalling 1,367 ha mapped by the end of February and 12 more farms well advanced. This progress is on a par with, or slightly ahead of previous years and we believe we are well on track to complete up to 25,373 ha of new WFPs this financial year.
We have information out with farmers covering 21,420 ha. Five plans of the 21,420 ha are ready for first priority in the 2018-19 financial year. Those still with paperwork out have been prioritised by: having existing plans, Top, High, Oroua Catchment and likelihood of doing works.
Staff have a priority list (a subset of the 21,420 ha) which will be managed according to the above priorities. If a plan is sought for a new farm it is unlikely to be mapped until October/November 2018 (next financial year) unless the farm is of highest priority..
Our mapping contractors are currently allocated with plans until the end of the financial year.
We propose to complete as many plans as is feasible from a budget and capacity perspective based on the above priorities; at this stage that comprises 44 plans.
Whole Farm Plan Implementation (2017-18 Year) 8.5. The implementation rate of WFPs provides a measure of uptake of work this year. The number of landowner contacts made, the amount of work completed to date and the projections for work this year are shown in Table 2. Some of these numbers have not been regularly collected in the past and new systems for collecting this information are being implemented.
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Table 2: WFP Implementation (Current Year – actual YTD 2017-18) No. Plans Hectares
Plans completed by 30 June 2017 have been delivered and the landowner has had time
Item 8 Item 668 498,936 to consider and start a works programme this year. (see Table 1 - 669 less 1 plan) 571 n/a Landowners contacted in 2017-18 (can be more than one contact per landowner) 183 2,099 Work completed and claimed through the grant process (197 claims) 400 3,326 Indicative commitment to works 2017-18 15 n/a Plan reviews and five-year programmes completed this year
The record of contacts to date this year is based on items recorded on staff iPads and includes phone numbers plus written and personal contacts with the bulk of the 571 contacts related to pole delivery, claims and advice.
The estimated number of plans carrying out works and hectares of work to be completed is liable to change. Staff are contacting farmers to confirm that work programmes will be completed.
Whole Farm Plan Activity (LTD July 2006 – June 2017) 8.6. While contract targets focus on the number of plans completed, the activity of individual plans is another measure of SLUI activity. The number of plans active in any one year can and does change, and this table also tracks the number of plans that have had no activity at all in terms of implementation of grant works. This measure is complicated by the increasing number of plans as new plans come into the programme during the year.
Table 3: WFP Activity (as at 30 June 2017) No. Plans Hectares Landowners able to be engaged in SLUI WFP implementation (see Table 1) 677 501,410 ie. have a SLUI plan (669 – 1 + 9) Active plans completed; 2,858 individual claims or 5.13 claims per plan (ranging from 557 32,426 1-39 claims per plan) Non-active plans, 63 of which have been non-active for more than 5 years, 38 between 125 n/a 2-5 years, and 24 plans non-active but less than 2 years old (note *1) Non-active plans with farmers contacted this year; 11 have committed to work 15 n/a programmes.
Note *1 – active plans: (557) + non-active plans: (125) = 682 plans. There are 677 delivered to farmers and 5 completed but yet to be delivered.
The number of active plans has increased from 552 to 557 since the last report, and increased by 75 compared to November 2016 when there were 482 active plans.
Staff are tasked with contacting farmers with long-term non-active plans at least once every two years. The number of plans that have been non-active for more than five years is dropping slowly, down from 65 to 63 this period.
Plans non-active and less than two years old are therefore considered likely to start works within the next season. While this is not reflected in Table 3, staff indicate more than 90% of these landowners have verbally committed and are expected to start work provided materials (e.g. poles) are available, their financial situation doesn’t change significantly and weather allows implementation.
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8 Item Life to Date Achievements (by work type)
Graph 1: SLUI works completed by work type over the life of the programme against annual contract targets (red line). Note: the 2018 year is incomplete at this time.
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8.7. Graph 1 shows the annual works completed in the programme split out by work type. The amount of work completed was relatively stable from 2010-16. However, 2013 was an exceptional year. This was due to uptake of Afforestation Grant Scheme and
Item 8 Item retirement projects in association with Ngā Whenua Rāhui. There was 3,224 ha of afforestation in that year.
The 2016-17 year has been the second largest work year, largely due to a big increase in the retirement category. This is driven by Managed Retirement, where we have agreed with MPI on a funding formula for this work type.
Afforestation (red) has made up approximately 41% (13,541 ha) of the work completed and retirement/riparian retirement (green) 40% (13,173 ha). These two work types account for the bulk of the hectares of work completed over the life of the programme.
On-farm conservation (purple) is predominantly space planting and gully planting with poles. It makes up 19% (6,174 ha) of the work by area, but also includes structures and earthworks. In total, the programme has planted more than 164,000 poplars, with 25,000-30,000 planted in 2017-18. The final numbers will be confirmed through claims. An audit in 2014-15 noted overall pole survival at that stage of 81%, which is in line with expectations.
Year to Date Achievements 8.8. Table 4 shows the split of works completed and claimed from 1 July 2017 to 28 February 2018.
Table 4: Works YTD (completed and claimed, by grant amount and land priority) 2017-18 Priority Land Type
Total Not High Top Work Type Claims Farms Grant $ Erodible Ha Erodible Priority Priority
Afforestation 17 13 $228,664.62 1,199.1 117.5 588.6 439.3 53.7 Retirement 15 13 $121,236.87 262.5 2.7 15.1 20.8 223.8 Riparian Retirement 41 35 $274,763.60 165.5 33.5 44.5 10.2 77.4 Wetland Retirement 5 5 $9,742.01 1.6 0.7 0.9 0.0 0.0 Space Planting 112 110 $142,506.75 463.2 15.8 236.9 161.0 49.5 Gully Planting 3 3 $4,499.00 6.4 0.0 6.4 0.0 0.0 Structures/Earthworks 1 1 $1,252.89 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 Other 3 3 $6,388.00 0.5 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.3 Total 197 183 $789,053.74 2,098.9 170.2 892.5 631.4 404.7
2,099 ha of works have been completed and claimed this year, which is 72% of the 2,900 ha target. We remain on track to exceed the total works target. The number of claims completed this year (197) is 17 more than this time last year and the value of grants paid out is approximately $183,000 more than this time last year. The average grant rate is 37%, meaning landowners have committed more than $2 million to work programmes so far this year. The bulk of the work claimed by value is now riparian retirement (fencing) but by area it is afforestation.
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8 Item Afforestation accounts for 48% (493 / 1,036 ha) of the High and Top priority land treated. High and Top priority land accounts for 49% (1,036 / 2,099ha) of the work claimed to date this financial year. Current Year Forecast / Commitments (targets vs actual by work type) 8.9. Table 5 shows the forecast figures against target for 2017-18. The work programme is fluid and changes throughout the year. Some is due to postponements or cancellations and some due to new plans coming on stream and bringing in new work programmes. The new centralised recording of this information is now up and running. This has been updated from last period, however table 4 still shows more afforestation has been completed than was forecast (1,119 ha against 587 ha).
Table 5: Current year grant forecast (includes the work already completed and reported in table 4) Work Type Farms Claims Contract Forecast Dif Dif Target Forecast Dif. $ # # Target Ha Ha % $ $ x1000 Ha x1000 x 1000 Afforestation 1,150 587 -563 51 695 360 -335 Retirement 350 555 +205 158 219 582 +363 Riparian Retirement *1 450 849 +399 243 756 1,331 +575 Managed Retirement 100 306 +206 306 30 81 +51 Space Planting and 750 968 +218 129 322 354 +32 Gully Planting Structures/Earthworks 100 60 -40 60 30 30 0 Other 4 +4 - 83 32 -51 Total 400 446 2,900 3,329 +429 115 2,135 2,770 +635 *1 – includes wetland
The target for works in 2017-18 is 2,900 ha and at this stage 3,329 ha (115%) has been committed. There are a small number of jobs without an area allocated to them so the final figure is likely to be higher if all jobs proceed to completion.
9. ACTIVITY SUMMARY Season 9.1. The two months to the end of February continued to provide patchy rainfall so most hill country land has adequate soil moisture. The exceptions remain the coastal areas and hill country from west of Whanganui through to the Turakina Catchment. Inland conditions have been good. Although not strictly in this reporting period, heavy rains in early March have caused some damage in Ruapehu and Tararua. 9.2. Pole survival rates have largely followed rainfall levels and low survival rates have been recorded in the dry, sunny areas where poles comprised poplar as well as willow. Willows have had better survival in dry areas.
Staff activity 9.3. Staff have completed 122 claims for works during this period, mostly for pole planting. With approximately 250 more claims to come to charge, staff will be busy contacting landowners during the next few months.
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Item 8 Item
Photo 1: Managed Retirement on Whanganui River Road. a year on from landowner sign-up. Showing a good amount of new manuka. (Courtney Haywood)
9.4. There has been talk of farmers struggling to get fencing materials, and posts are said to be in short supply. Staff have been asked to contact farmers with outstanding claims to check and confirm whether works will be completed. 9.5. The iPad collector data notes more than 570 farmer contacts have been made since 1 July. Most are related to pole planting but the number of grant, project inspections and advice visits is increasing. 9.6. Work programmes have allocated been funding to $2.773 million this year and reserves will be utilised if all works are completed. Last year more than $2.0 m of funding was allocated with about $1.7 m completed. 9.7. Twelve large grant applications have been approved for this financial year, including fencing, afforestation and manuka planting, with a total grant outlay of $572,000. Four further applications are awaiting approval and may need to be held over until next financial year. Council approval for use of reserves has enabled further work this year and may be will be fully utilised by this new work.
Contract 9.8. The February milestone report and invoice has been submitted to MPI. 9.9. A report due in March is expected to include an update of the sediment modelling report from Landcare Research, and an invoice to MPI is due with this report.
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8 Item 9.10. Three Horizons staff attended a workshop run by MPI for all six HCEF participants. This was an opportunity to discuss common issues including length of contract, future funding, data recording, and lessons learnt. 9.11. Progress against contract targets is shown in Table 6.
Table 6: Progress against MPI contract targets (Year to Date) Target Current Comment
Not recorded yet Expect to be on target; awaiting 26,500 Poles planted (expect to be in claims excess of 30,000) 850 ha Non-retirement work 470 Expect to meet target 1,150 ha Forestry established 1,199 Exceeded target 350 ha Retired 262 Expect to exceed target 450 ha Riparian retirement 167 Expect to exceed target 100 ha Managed retirement 0 Expect to meet target 20,000 ha Farm plans mapped 6,074 Expect to exceed target 14,000 ha Land in priority area under farm plans Not recorded yet Expect to exceed target 1 Sediment monitoring report Draft received Expect to meet target 1 SLUI 10-year review Underway Expect to meet target
Operational Plan Work Streams 9.12. This section discusses completion of internal targets and progress on issues outlined in Sections 4.3 and 5 of the SLUI Operational Plan. As part of the SLUI review, Landcare Research has been contracted to update the SedNet NZ report. They will also model potential improvements to N, P and E.coli levels through the SLUI programme. Landcare Research has been provided with Horizons data to analyse and the draft report on SedNet has been received for comment by Horizons staff. The SLUI review is slipping behind schedule, largely due to work being undertaken around the National Environmental Standard (NES) for Plantation Forestry and a Regional Afforestation proposal. Case-study farms are mostly on track with visits completed but reports are yet to be received.
Staff are tasked with completing 100 plan reviews this year and only 15 have been recorded into the database so far. More reviews have been completed but have not been recorded as yet.
The review of grant rates, grant allocation and internal processes has largely been completed but is on hold currently. The issue of future SLUI funding and an application for a regional afforestation scheme will affect this review.
Forestry issues 9.13. The insurance claim for wind damage in the Silk forest was accepted and payment has been received. We have yet to decide how to proceed with this work. 9.14. Variations and updates to the Forestry Right agreements have been completed for Silk, Thompson and Steele.
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9.15. The JV forest work includes Seddon (first thin to waste underway), Deroles (second prune currently being pre-assessed). 9.16. Discussions were held with Woodnet regarding the Joint Venture valuations and they are keen to include assessment of erosion/sediment reduction in future audit reports. This has
Item 8 Item been made possible through the farm-scale SedNet data supplied by Landcare Research.
10. NEXT THREE MONTHS (Mar - May) Continue claims for work programmes, recording all contacts via iPads and survey application. This is traditionally a very busy period for staff, when the bulk of our claims are received. Continue five-year reviews and other landowner contacts, including non-active plans. March milestone report to MPI. Continue work on the SLUI review as in the 2017-18 contract. Deliver the one outstanding plan from 2016-17. Maintain WFP priority process. Continue case-study farms as part of SLUI Review. Continue to work on potential business case for enhanced SLUI funding via “one billion trees”. This work may be linked to SLUI programmes. Present to visitors from Argentina (March). Programme next SLUI Advisory Group meeting for late May-June. Manage contractors for silviculture work within joint-venture forests.
11. SIGNIFICANCE 11.1. This is not a significant decision according to the Council’s Policy on Significance and Engagement.
Grant Cooper MANAGER - LAND Jon Roygard GROUP MANAGER NATURAL RESOURCES & PARTNERSHIPS
ANNEXES There are no attachments for this report.
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9 Item Report No. 18-58 Information Only - No Decision Required
REGIONAL LAND & COAST
1. PURPOSE 1.1. This report is to update Members on the progress with Council’s Regional Land and Coastal and Whanganui Catchment Strategy activities from 1 January to 28 February 2018.
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.1. The report updates both the Regional Land and Coastal and Whanganui Catchment Strategy (WCS) work streams as outlined in the Annual Plan and Operational Plan for 2017-18. 2.2. The Regional Land and Coastal and WCS programmes have seven Annual Plan targets, as shown in table 1, and further Operational Plan targets as shown in table 2. 2.3. The WCS programme is supported through funding from the Whanganui River Enhancement Trust (WRET).
3. RECOMMENDATION That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No. 18-58.
4. FINANCIAL IMPACT 4.1. There is no financial impact associated with recommendations in this report.
5. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 5.1. This is a public item and therefore Council may deem this report sufficient to inform the public.
6. SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS RISK IMPACT 6.1. There are no significant risks inherent in the adoption of recommendations contained in this report.
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7. OUTPUTS FOR ANNUAL PLAN 2017-18
Item 9 Item Table 1: Annual Plan targets and progress Year to Date (YTD) PROCESS FOR THE REPORTING Predicted YTD TARGET % MEASURE PERIOD Result 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Regional Land and Coastal Provide support for industry started ongoing ongoing ongoing 4 4 100 Achieved partnership Fund Ballance Farm entries judging finalists awards 1 Will meet Environment Awards
Operate nursery to deliver poles Provisionally 31,000 107 achieved Source additional poles 33,034* Land improvement through On track to 0 0.6 6 25.4 32 100 32 Environmental Grant (ha) meet
Whanganui Catchment Strategy
Carry out agreed WRET On track to started ongoing ongoing ongoing 1 programme meet Land improvement through On track to 0 20 2 14 36 75 48 Environmental Grant (ha) meet
*provisional – based on pole sales from nurseries, and confirmed through pole claims from Environmental Grant projects.
1. OPERATIONAL PLAN OUTPUTS 2017-18 1.1. In addition to the Annual Plan targets, a number of supporting work streams have been agreed to in the Operational Plans. These targets are more flexible and can change depending on workload, priorities and demand from the public.
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9 Item
Table 2: Operational Plan outputs and progress YTD
TARGET QUANTITY PROGRESS RESULT
Regional Land and Coastal
Produce Environmental Property Plans As required 2 mapped Manage Environmental Grant projects ($80,000) 50 51 (allocated) Manage consents for vegetation clearance in the coastal n/a nil zone Run Soil Health Workshops 2 nil Produce Soil Health Plans As required 2 mapped Implement State of Environment (SoE) monitoring programme for soil health and report results of previous 1 ongoing year’s programme Commit funding to the Poplar and Willow Research Trust 1 funded met (P&WRT) Provide technical support to the P&WRT 1 ongoing Provide sites suitable for trial and bulking new varieties as 4 completed met supplied by P&WRT Whanganui Catchment Strategy
Produce WCS property plans As required 1 mapped Manage Environmental Grant projects ($50,000 + $53,000) 50 56 (allocated) Provide copies of Catchment Operations reports to WRET 4 nil Provide progress reports to WRET 2 1 Continue demonstration farm – hold field day 1 Planned March Visit every WCS farm plan holder during the year (see note 38 30 1) All poles Sell all poles produced from Council nursery Complete met sold Increase pole production from Taumarunui-Ruapehu area Increase Complete met Region-Wide Outputs
Complete vegetation clearance consents within timeframe n/a 7 Complete cultivation consents within timeframe n/a 0 Complete land disturbance consents within timeframe n/a 21 Manage Plantation Forestry Erosion and Sediment Control n/a 32 Plans Note *1 – aim to make contact with every plan holder; N.B. this may not include a farm visit.
2. ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT FUNDING 2.1. Environmental Grant funding is in place to support landowners to undertake works that will reduce erosion and protect the environment. This funding is targeted slightly differently between Regional Land and Coast and the WCS work streams. Under the WCS, support from WRET enables a greater variety of work to be funded and at higher grant rates. 2.2. More than 160 farmer contacts, including phone calls and site visits, have been recorded to date this year. With pole delivery complete, the bulk of new enquiries relate to possible work programmes, eligibility for grant assistance, enquiries about farm plans (SLUI and others), and consenting issues (see later).
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Table 3: Environmental Grant expenditure progress YTD Actual Grant Allocated Target Spend Grant Spend
Item 9 Item Whanganui Catchment Strategy $52,968 $124,143 $103,000 Regional and Coast $18,892 $80,755 $80,000 Total $71,860 $204,898 $183,000
51 Regional Environmental Grant projects have been allocated (101% of funds). 51 WCS Environmental Grant projects have been allocated (120% of funds).
ACTIVITY
General:
2.3. January and February continued the trend for patchy rainfall although most areas received sufficient moisture to enable poles and other trees to survive. The exception was the coastal belt from west of Whanganui through to Levin. 2.4. Thunderstorms in January caused localised flooding with Hopelands recording 140 ml in a single event. Just outside this recording period, the storms in early March caused significant rainfall in Tararua (one farmer recorded 220 ml on 8 March) and Ruapehu (rainfalls, flooding and erosion with 150 -250 ml recorded). Staff have been in contact with Ruapehu Federated Farmers about this event. 2.5. Patchy rain has led to patchy pole survival, as low as 30% in the Whanganui area, but most reported 60-90%. Willows and poplar have the best survival and kawa poplar the worst (this would be expected with this clone and advice is to plant on lower slopes where more moisture is present). 2.6. Farmers have concerns around facial eczema in warmer, drier areas.
Soil Health:
2.7. Up to three students have been employed on part-time programmes this summer with one remaining at the end of February to help with GIS work. 2.8. The spring soil health monitoring has been completed with nine site visits and samples sent to labs. The lab was inundated with sampling from around the country and we are still awaiting results. 2.9. The State of Environment Monitoring involves comparisons of 2005 and 2016 aerial photography. The assessments have been completed and have been sent to a consultant to calculate the results. 2.10. Staff and students have been continuing development of the iPad data capture, to improve reporting capability and turn data into information.
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9 Item
Industry Partnerships (see tables 1 and 2 for contribution to Annual Plan and Operational Plan targets):
Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA) 2.11. The awards evening was held on the 15 March. The regional winners this year were Andrew Hardie and Helen Long, dairy farmers at Te Maunga, Dannevirke. 2.12. The Horizons award for integration of trees on farm was won by Morikau Station Inc., a sheep and beef and finishing operation on the Whanganui River Road.
Photo 1: Council Chair presents Horizons award to Hamish and Katrina Thompson, managers of Morikau Station (photo NZFEAT)
2.13. The winners field day will be held on the farm on 12 April.
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Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) 2.14. Staff provided maps and attended the Land and Environment Planning workshop at
Item 9 Item Kirikau. Only four farmers attended. 2.15. BLNZ have restructured and much of their efforts at this stage are helping farmers understand plan changes in Hawkes Bay and Waikato.
Photo 2: Form pruning Shinsei poplar at Rongomai, Tararua. Note good form obtained compared to unpruned poles in background. (Grant McLaren)
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9 Item Poplar and Willow Research Trust (P&WRT) 2.16. Staff have continued working on the trial sites for new maxi nigra clones which have been grown in the Woodville nursery. All sites have been visited and results recorded, with a report to be completed before the end of April. 2.17. The P&WRT trial site at Taihape has had a setback with cattle breaking through the fence and damaging some of the poles. 2.18. Ian McIvor from P&WRT has accompanied staff on site visits throughout the Region, looking at pole varieties, growth and survival. This work is part of a wider programme of stocktaking and reviewing the poplar and willow programme in our Region. A report is expected to be prepared by Ian covering aspects such as variety selection, measurements and monitoring, trial sites etc. 2.19. Staff have inspected the Giant Willow Aphid trial in Tararua District.
Forestry and Farm Forestry 2.20. Four staff attended the Farm Forestry AGM at Woodville. Myles Guy spoke on topics including the ETS, carbon, the NES for Plantation Forestry and the results of the SCION modelling carried out for our Region. John Jamieson hosted the group at the Woodville pole nursery. 2.21. Staff have initiated work on a business case for a funding application to the Provincial Growth Fund for additional forestry funding. Interest in forestry is picking up and at present this demand is able to be met with existing funding available (including approved use of SLUI reserves). However, if interest continues, further prioritisation may be needed as the level of reserves is limited.
Other 2.22. Staff attended a Women in Farming meeting, and were asked to present on environmental issues on-farm. 2.23. Attended an Accelerate 25 Primary Sector Reference Group meeting and presented a draft proposal for new funding of afforestation within our Region. 2.24. Attended Land Managers and Land Monitoring Special Interest Group meetings in Wellington. 2.25. Attended initial meeting to set up a Technical Advisory Group for SedNet organised by Landcare Research. 2.26. Staff presented a paper at the fertiliser and Lime Research workshop on understanding farm planning.
Nurseries:
2.27. Work continues on capital upgrades at the Woodville nursery with a site now cleared for the new pole storage and transport yard. Final design of the three-bay storage shed and office complex is nearing completion and quotes will be obtained for the build. 2.28. Woodville: All stools have been pruned back to two leaders, the mowing and spraying programme has continued. Growth has been good following heavy rains in December. 2.29. Bulls: Mowing and spraying has continued and contractors have completed pruning. Some rust has been noted on toa poles and giant willow aphid is present in small numbers on the shelterbelts. 2.30. Northern: Nurseries are being set up for harvest and expect to produce around 3,000 poles from five sites, including a first cut from the WRET-funded nursery at Ongarue which should yield 900 poles.
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2.31. Weber: Nothing to report. 2.32. Advice has been given to three farmer-run nurseries re ongoing management. 2.33. Overall, we are setting up for the winter harvest with 28,000 dynex sleeves ordered,
Item 9 Item storage areas being tidied up and harvest contractors engaged.
Whanganui Catchment Strategy (WCS) and Whanganui River Enhancement Trust (WRET): 2.34. Planning is underway for a presentation of land use options to farmers in the Ohura Catchment. This work is based on a land use assessment carried out by Woodnet and funded by WRET on the demonstration farm. WRET has offered to fund further individual assessments for farmers in the area. 2.35. A Taumarunui Sustainable Land Management group meeting was attended and our Science & Innovation Manager Abby Mathews presented to the farmers. 2.36. Staff met with Te Awanuiarua Trust, an agricultural and forestry training organisation, to discuss skills required in our industry.
Rainfall event 2.37. In early March a significant rainfall event occurred through the Ruapehu and Tararua areas. Damage on farm through soil erosion was largely confined to an area in the Ruapehu in the Kirikau and Retaruke areas. Media coverage of the event focused on trapped tourists at Blue Duck Lodge in the lower Retaruke Valley. 2.38. Our one recording site in the relevant area in the Tararua (Akitio at Toi Flat) recoded 273 mm over a three day period, but no major erosion damage has been noted. 2.39. Reconnaissance work carried out by GNS Science in 2015 and 2017 following storm events has lead them to suggest that 48 hour rainfalls in excess of 150mm are a potential threshold for significant land sliding in susceptible landforms (those in soft marine sediments and weak regolith). 2.40. Provisional figures provided by Catchment Information recording of the event produced the following rainfalls over the 48 hour period; Whangamomona – 158 mm (max 17mm/hr) Ruatiti – 126 mm (max 21.5 mm/hr) National Park – 67 mm Kirikau – 167 mm (max 30 mm/hr) Lower Retaruke – 172 mm (max 30 mm/hr) 2.41. Within these figures it should be noted that the 172 mm falling in Lower Retaruke fell within 26 hours, with 144 mm within 12 hours. Kirikau recorded the highest rainfall intensity with 60 mm falling in 3 hours. 2.42. From these rainfall figures it is apparent that the GNS land sliding potential would be triggered at a number of locations, this has been backed up by staff observations and contact with local farmers and Rural Support Trust. The following photographs show some of the damage, landslides (mostly soil slip, gully erosion and debris flow) were evident and severe in areas with highest rainfall intensity. 2.43. Horizons is in contact with Lyn Neeson in her roles as Rural Support Trust and Federated Farmers, unfortunately this event did not trigger Ministry for Primary Industry adverse event fund. It is currently proposed to hold 2-3 workshops in the worst affected areas in May or June. This could follow a similar format to the two workshops held in June last year following a smaller event.
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9 Item 2.44. The focus of these workshops is likely to be on how Horizons can support erosion control works in the area. Conversations have been had with the Ministry for Primary Industries with a view to discussing forestry options as part of these workshops.
Photo 1: Stream damage debris avalanche – Photo Lyn Neeson
Training: 2.45. Four staff attended an erosion control structures and forestry issues workshop for less experienced staff run by the New Zealand Association of Resource Management. This was in Wairoa and Gisborne.
One Plan Implementation: 2.46. Thirteen staff members have between them spent more than 500 hours working on One Plan implementation this year. This has involved granting 28 consents (see table 4) and 32 Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs) have been reviewed. 2.47. The statistics on the number of consents issued do not tell the full story of the work being carried out in this area. Work during the reporting period included: Nine new ESCP and 13 other visits regarding consent or compliance; Thirteen new land use consents plus further inspections where consent was not required; One complaint about slash over a boundary and in a stream, which was resolved; One issue regarding track maintenance which was passed on to compliance; One vegetation clearance where no consent was required. 2.48. The project team looking at the implications of the Plantation Forestry National Environmental Standards (NES) met twice during this period. Industry meetings with the Ministry for Primary Industry (MPI) will take place in Feilding and Taumarunui in late March.
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2.49. Total consents issued to date are recorded by type and location:
Table 4: Land Use Consents Issued YTD Location Consent Type Total Item 9 Item Regional and Coast WCS Area Area Vegetation clearance 6 1 7 Cultivation >20 degrees 0 Land disturbance <20 degrees 1 10 11 Land disturbance >20 degrees 3 7 10 Total 10 18 28
Next Three Months (March - May):
Continue nursery upgrade, obtain consents and start new building;
Grant claims, especially pole planting;
BFEA 2017-18 awards field day in Dannevirke on 12 April;
Possible ACRE group field day in May;
Accelerate 25 Primary Sector Reference Group meeting and further follow up regarding forestry;
Continue Plantation Forestry NES project, liaise internally and externally to ensure parties are aware of new responsibilities;
Complete State of Environment report bare ground assessment;
Begin autumn soil health monitoring if soil conditions allow;
Complete new property plan and soil health plan mapping;
Complete report on pole survival and establishment.
3. SIGNIFICANCE 3.1. This is not a significant decision according to the Council’s Policy on Significance and Engagement.
Grant Cooper MANAGER - LAND Jon Roygard GROUP MANAGER NATURAL RESOURCES & PARTNERSHIPS
ANNEXES There are no attachments for this report.
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