REPORT

UPDATE FOR THE PERIOD ENDING

18 February 2020

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

CONTENTS

1 INTRO FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

2 CENTRAL GOVERNMENT UPDATE

S Technological Change and the Future of Work Records for Dairy and Meat Exports Many New Zealand Homes Not Fit for Summer or Winter Drinking Water Regulatory Reform and Water Services Reform High Court Dismisses Challenge to Accommodation Targeted Rate Petition of Neil McDermott: Disputes Tribunal to Consider Disputes Over Trees in Urban Environment Inquiry Into the 2019 Local Elections Comprehensive Review of the Resource Management Act Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 The Climate Change Commission Has Been Established

3 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND POLICY

UPDATES

Sea Level Rise and the Law: Who Is Liable?

4 CIVIL DEFENCE & EMERGENCY

MANAGEMENT (CDEM)

Civil Defense and Emergency Management Community Response Plans National Disaster Resilience Strategy Introduction of D4H Real Time Incident Management Software Waitaki District CDEM Training Other CDEM ACtivities Community Response Groups National Earthquake Shakeout and Tsunami Hikoi The New Zealand Red Cross Hazard App

6 GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Personnel Management Risk Management Health and Safety

7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

5 RELATIONSHIPS

Te Rūnanga o Moeraki Dawn Aerospace and NZTE Google, Deloitte and the University of Auckland

8 EXTERNAL MEETINGS ATTENDED

NTA Dairy Training Construction Labour Force and Waitaki Industry Retail Film Communications

Hello, Kia ora koutou, Mālō e lelei, ofa lava, Kia orana, Ni sa bula vinaka, Fakatalofa atu, Malo Ni, Fakaalofa sahi atu, Mabuhay, Hola, Nǐ hǎo. The Chief Executive Officer’s regular reporting to Council provides an opportunity for elected members and the community to be aware of significant policy and strategic initiatives at international, national, regional and local levels. This is my first CE’s Report for 2020 - a year in which I and my staff will be focused on assisting with the implementation of the values, purpose and strategic direction of Council as articulated by Elected Members following their strategic workshop in December 2019. Elected Members reaffirmed a vision for Waitaki as ‘The Best Place to Live, Work and Play’, with the top five strategic priorities for community outcomes in this term being: sustainable economic growth and environment, enhanced cultural and social wellbeing, new funding mechanisms, an an engaged community, and efficiencies for community gains. Staff are excited about this new triennium and looking forward to contributing to the Waitaki being The Best Place to Live, Work and Play. Ngā mihi Fergus Power Chief Executive Officer

1 INTRODUCTION FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

The New Zealand Productivity Commission has released its latest draft report on the future of work and the workforce. Entitled ‘Technology Adoption by Firms’, it can be found here (https://www.productivity.govt.nz/assets/Documents/61d93edef6/DR5-Technology-adoption-by-firms.pdf). The Government has asked the Commission to examine how New Zealand can maximise the opportunities and manage the risks of disruptive technological change and its impact on the future of work and the workforce. The Commission has released five draft reports: Technology adoption by firms, Educating New Zealand's future workforce, Training New Zealand's workforce, Employment, labour markets and income, and New Zealand, technology and productivity. The Commission is seeking feedback, comments and other evidence on these reports by 17 February 2020.

2 CENTRAL GOVERNMENT UPDATES

RECORDS FOR DAIRY AND MEAT EXPORTS Stats NZ has released figures showing that the first four months of the 2019/2020 dairy export season have set records, with lamb and beef export prices reaching record levels at the end of 2019. International statistics manger Darren Allan says this season’s dairy exports have exceeded $6.6 billion, which is the highest value of dairy exported for the four months from August to December. The value of dairy exports rose 17% from August to December 2019 compared with the same period in 2018, with quantity increasing 6.7%. For December 2019 alone dairy exports of milk powder, butter, and cheese reached $2.0 billion, up $228 million from December 2018. This is the highest value on record for any month, and milk powder was the main contributor to this rise with its value increasing $149 million to $1.2 billion from the same month in 2018. China overtook the United States as the biggest market for New Zealand beef exports in 2019 with $1.7 billion in beef exports to China, and $956 million in beef exports to America, in the year ended December 2019. This is a marked change from 2018, with beef exports to China rising $880 million from 2018 and beef exports to the US falling $245 million from 2018 numbers. Stats NZ’s international statistics manager Darren Allan says that in 2019 nearly half the total value and quantity of beef exports were sent to China, with around a quarter to the US. It remains to be seen what impact Coronavirus 2019-nCoV will now have on farm exports.

MANY NEW ZEALAND HOMES NOT FIT FOR WINTER OR SUMMER Data from the 2018 General Social Survey has shown that one third of New Zealand homes are too cold in winter, and over a third are too warm in summer. StatsNZ took temperature measurements in approximately 6,700 homes, which showed that in winter the average temperature recorded inside homes was 19oC, and the average in summer was 23.9oC, with indoor temperatures recorded ranging from near freezing in a small number of homes to over 30oC in others. Wellbeing and housing statistics manager Dr Claire Bretherton says that the data of most concern is that in around a third of the homes the recorded temperature in winter was under 18 degrees which is below the WHO’s minimum healthy indoor temperature. Another notable development in healthy home management is news that when developing the latest version of the Index of Socioeconomic Deprivation University of Otago researchers have included damp and mouldy housing as an indicator of socioeconomic deprivation. Professor of Public Health Peter Crampton says the deprivation scores apply to areas rather than individual people and use a range of variables to measure deprivation in developing the index such as employment, qualification, income, home ownership, and internet access. The recent addition of ‘living condition’ into the latest version takes into account housing that is always damp and has the presence of mould greater than A4 size, and Crampton says this addition takes into account the importance of good housing and its impact of health. This addition replaces thee previously used ‘access to a car’ variable which Crampton says is no longer a strong deprivation characteristic. More information is available here (https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/news/releases/otago731819.html.

Reform in the three waters sector has been progressing for some time. However, since the Havelock North incident in 2016 it has become an area of high priority for Central Government. Following the Havelock North incident, the Government commenced a formal inquiry, which recommended a Three Waters Review be undertaken. The review considered options for improving regulatory and service delivery arrangements for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services (Three Waters) to better support New Zealand’s prosperity, health, safety and environment. Most three waters assets and services, but not all, are owned and delivered by local authorities. Taumata Arowai - the Water Services Bill was introduced to Parliament on December 11, and had its first reading on December 17. It is now sitting with Select Committee and public submissions are being sought. The Bill establishes the regulator as a new Crown agent and outlines its objectives, functions, operating principles and governance arrangements. A separate Bill will give effect to the decision to implement system-wide reforms to drinking water regulation, alongside targeted reforms to improve the regulation and performance of wastewater and stormwater networks. Taumata Arowai – the Water Services Regulator Bill is expected to be enacted in mid-2020, followed by service delivery changes in 2021/22. The Minister for Local Government took a paper to Cabinet on January 28 2020, canvassing options for greater collaboration in water services delivery. The paper is yet to be released, but it is understood to reiterate the Minister’s desire for greater Council collaboration in Three Waters service delivery. Accordingly, DIA is preparing further advice for councils on the stages of regional investigations the Crown wants to see, and therefore support through shared funding. In introducing the Bill upon its First Reading, Hon Willie Jackson (on behalf of the Minister of Local Government) stated:

"The Taumata Arowai—the Water Services Regulator Bill is the foundational legislative architecture of a broader package of reform and collaboration with local government and the wider water sector. The next complementary initiative is a water services bill, which the Minister proposes to introduce to the House early in 2020. This will provide the detailed regulatory framework for Taumata Arowai's remit and power up the new regime. For the purpose of context the Minister wants to mention and foreshadow another crucial work stream: delivery and funding of drinking water, waste water, and stormwater services, also known as the three waters. We've heard and understand from three waters research that some communities are facing challenges relating to upgrading or replacing infrastructure or simply meeting existing regulatory standards. Further work in collaboration with local government will look at options for addressing this. Some of the communities that are likely to face the greatest challenges are in rural areas. We are determined that rural New Zealanders should not be second-class citizens when it comes to the quality and safety of their drinking water. A rural drinking-water advisory group will be set up to explore solutions to challenges specific to smaller rural communities”.

DRINKING WATER REGULATORY REFORM & WATER SERVICES REFORM

In an important decision for local authorities, the High Court in a decision released publicly on Friday has dismissed the judicial review challenge by a number of commercial accommodation providers to Auckland Council’s accommodation targeted rate. This case is the most significant challenge of a council’s rating decision since the mid-1990s challenge by commercial ratepayers to Wellington City Council’s commercial differential (the Woolworths case). The decision will be of particular interest to those local authorities grappling with how to meet the funding requirements needed to support increasing visitor numbers to their region given the limited range of available funding options.

HIGH COURT DISMISSES CHALLENGE TO ACCOMMODATION TARGETED RATE

The highly publicised introduction of the accommodation provider targeted rate for the 2017/18 rating year rated some commercial accommodation providers (including hotels and motels) to raise $13.45M to fund visitor attraction and major events expenditure. This had previously been funded from general rates. The rate was extended in the 2018/19 rating year to include some informal accommodation providers. A group of accommodation providers challenged the rate on the basis that it was unreasonable, and that the Council failed to comply with the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) in its analysis underlying the rate, and in some aspects of its consultation. In upholding the rate, the High Court endorsed the approach taken in Woolworths, recognising the high threshold required for challenges to local authority decisions. In particular, the High Court recognised Woolworths as a “seminal decision in New Zealand administrative law” and reiterated the relevance of its comments about the need for judicial reluctance in intervening in rating decisions given the political nature of such decision-making. As the Court put it, “[j]udges must hesitate before interfering with the discretion of councils to set and impose rates. Put simply, it is not the task of Judges to engage in what is effectively political decision-making except in the most obvious of cases.” In essence, the Court found that a reasonable council could have reached the decision reached by Auckland Council in introducing the accommodation provider targeted rate. The Court rejected the applicants’ claims that the Council failed to properly assess the economic impact of the rate on them, their contribution to tourism promotion, the benefit they received from visitor attraction and major events spending, the fairness of the rate on them relative to other accommodation providers, and whether there was a fairer charging regime. The Court accepted that the Council undertook a comprehensive section 101(3) LGA analysis before deciding to set the rate. Further, the Council’s consultation process worked as it should, and had led to refinements to the rate before it was adopted.

The decision reflects an understanding by the courts of the practicalities and realities of local government decision-making when making difficult and controversial decisions. It should provide some comfort to other local authorities embarking on similar difficult decision-making processes. Key points:

• The Council’s accommodation provider targeted rate for the 2017/18 rating year rated some commercial accommodation providers (including hotels and motels) to fund visitor attraction and major events expenditure

• Accommodation providers challenged the rate on the basis that it was unreasonable, and that the Council failed to comply with the Local Government Act 2002 in its analysis and in some aspects of its consultation

• The High Court found that a reasonable council could have reached the same decision and rejected the applicants’ claims.

This petition requests that the House pass legislation enabling the Disputes Tribunal to consider disputes over trees, which are a common cause of tension between neighbours. This process would be more practical and cost effective than the current process where disputes are dealt with under the Property Law Act 2007 and the District Court. Signatures close 30th April 2020. The petition can be accessed here: (https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/petitions/document/PET_93723/petition-of-neil-mcdermott-disputes-tribunal-to-consider).

PETITION OF NEIL McDERMOTT: DISPUTES TRIBUNAL TO CONSIDER DISPUTES OVER TREES IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT

INQUIRY INTO THE 2019 LOCAL ELECTIONS

The inquiry focusses on the issues of general law and administrative procedures for the conduct of the 2019 local elections, including low voter turnout, liquor licensing trusts, the role of council staff, and irregularities or problems that could have compromised the fairness of elections. Recommendations are sought for giving responsibility of local elections to the Electoral Commission, a standard voting system for all local elections, and feedback on the committee’s recommendations on foreign interference. The terms of reference for the inquiry are: 1) Examine the law and administrative procedures for the conduct of the 2019 local elections,

with particular reference to:

a) low voter turnout at local elections b) liquor licensing trusts c) the role of council staff during election periods around decisions to release or not

release information or any public statements that may be construed to affect the election outcome

d) the issue of disclosure in respect of candidates or elected members with serious criminal convictions

e) any irregularities or problems that could have compromised the fairness of elections.

2) The inquiry will not be investigating allegations of any specific illegal behaviour by any person but is focussed on the issues of general law and administrative procedures.

3) Consult stakeholders and the wider public about the recommendations in the Justice Committee’s report on the 2016 local elections, with particular reference to: a) the recommendation that the Government consider giving responsibility for running all aspects of local elections to the Electoral Commission b) the recommendation that the Government consider encouraging or requiring the same voting system to be used in all local elections c) feedback on the committee’s recommendations on foreign interference.

4) Examine the law and administrative procedures for the conduct of elections for energy trusts held since 2016. Information relating to this inquiry and be found here: (https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/52SCJU_SCF_INQ_93630/inquiry-into-the-2019-local-elections-and-liquor-licensing#RelatedAnchor).

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ACT

In July 2019, Government announced a comprehensive review of the RMA to cut complexity and costs and better enable urban development, while also improving protection of the environment. The review is being led by a working group chaired by retired Appeal Court Judge Tony Randerson. An Issues and Options paper was released in November 2019.

There are 14 issues identified: Issue 1: Legislative architecture. Issue 2: Purpose and principles of the Resource Management Act 1991. Issue 3: Recognising Te Tiriti o Waitangi /the Treaty of Waitangi and te ao Māori. Issue 4: Strategic integration across the resource management system – including options for making spatial planning integral to the planning system. Issue 5: Addressing climate change and natural hazards. Issue 6: National direction. Issue 7: Policy and planning framework. Issue 8: Consents/approvals. Issue 9: Economic instruments. Issue 10: Allocation. Issue 11: System monitoring and oversight. Issue 12: Compliance, monitoring and enforcement. Issue 13: Institutional roles and responsibilities. Issue 14: Reducing complexity across the system The panel will produce a proposal for reform, including drafts of key legislative provisions, by mid-2020. Further consultation will then occur.

Hon Tony Randerson QC

Chair, Resource Management Review Panel

CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE (ZERO CARBON) AMENDMENT ACT 2019

The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 received the Royal Assent on 13 November 2019. The Act provides a framework by which New Zealand can develop and implement clear and stable climate change policies that:

contribute to the global effort under the Paris Agreement to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels

allow New Zealand to prepare for, and adapt to, the effects of climate change.

The changes do four key things. They:

set a new domestic greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for New Zealand to:

reduce net emissions of all greenhouse gases (except biogenic methane) to zero by 2050

reduce emissions of biogenic methane to 24–47 per cent below 2017 levels by 2050, including to 10 per cent below 2017 levels by 2030

establish a system of emissions budgets to act as steppingstones towards the long-term target

require the Government to develop and implement policies for climate change adaptation and mitigation

establish a new, independent Climate Change Commission to provide expert advice and monitoring to help keep successive governments on track to meeting long-term goals. See the Climate Change Commission website.

The original proposal was for a separate piece of legislation called the Zero Carbon Bill to be passed into law. In May 2019, the Government decided to introduce it as an amendment to the Climate Change Response Act 2002. The objective was to ensure that all key climate legislation is within one Act.

THE CLIMATE CHANGE COMMISSION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED

On 17 December 2019 the Minister for Climate Change, Hon James Shaw, announced the Climate Change Commissioners. These are:

Dr Rod Carr (Chairperson) Ms Lisa Tumahai (Deputy Chairperson) Professor Nicola Shadbolt Ms Catherine Leining Dr Harry Clark Professor James Renwick; and Dr Judy Lawrence

Lisa Tumahai is a leader within Ngāi Tahu. You can access the web site for the Climate Change Commission and learn about the background and qualifications of the Commissioners here (https://www.climatecommission.govt.nz/).

3 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND POLICY UPDATES

A full suite of research papers has just been released looking at the broad question of liability for damage caused by sea level rise. The reports are the work of legal researcher Catherine Lorns (Victoria University of Wellington), whose Deep South Challenge project “Sea level rise, housing and insurance: Liability and compensation” arose from a 2017 “Deep South Dialogue” between researchers, the insurance sector and local and central government. The detailed reports can be accessed here (https://www.deepsouthchallenge.co.nz/projects/sea-level-rise-housing-and-insurance-liability-and-compensation), and include: Adaptation to Sea Level Rise: Local Government Liability (https://www.deepsouthchallenge.co.nz/sites/default/files/2020-01/Adaptation%20to%20SLR%20Local%20Government%20Liability%20Iorns%20Final%202019.pdf) Sea Level Rise and Local Government: Policy Gaps and Opportunities (https://www.deepsouthchallenge.co.nz/sites/default/files/2020-01/SLR%20and%20local%20government%20Policy%20gaps%20%26%20opportunities%20Iorns%20Final%202019.pdf_ Case Studies on Insurance and Compensation (https://www.deepsouthchallenge.co.nz/sites/default/files/2020-01/Case%20Studies%20on%20Insurance%20and%20Compensation%20Iorns%20Final%202019_0.pdf) EQC Liability for Damage From Sea Level Rise; and (https://www.deepsouthchallenge.co.nz/sites/default/files/2020-01/The%20extent%20of%20EQC%20liability%20for%20damage%20from%20sea-level%20rise%20Iorns%20Final%202019.pdf) Treaty of Waitangi & Adaptation to Climate Change (https://www.deepsouthchallenge.co.nz/sites/default/files/2019-08/Treaty%20%26%20Adaptation%20Final%20Report%20August%202019.pdf) The author finds that any effective policy for addressing existing use rights is likely to require new legal measures to be established, and that with respect to new development, the problem is not so much about finding new policy solutions, as it is about getting – likely assisting – local government to implement restrictions. It is difficult to do this where responsibility for plan-making is fragmented between regional and territorial authorities, and where there are practical obstacles to adopting measures that impose costs on current ratepayers in favour of future ratepayers. In contrast, the problem with respect to existing development is more complicated and will likely require new legal tools.

SEA LEVEL RISE AND THE LAW: WHO IS LIABLE?

SEA LEVEL RISE AND THE LAW: WHO IS LIABLE?

The author noted a desire for more commitment and involvement from central government. While local authorities are very well engaged and generally have a clear idea of issues arising from sea-level rise and climate change, 73 percent of participants said their organisations do not receive enough direction from central government on how to respond to the effects of climate change. Other key findings were:

Sea-level rise and its impacts have the potential to create a significant additional engagement burden for councils.

Territorial authorities in particular are not currently resourced or equipped to undertake this engagement.

As all survey participants had coastal land within their boundaries, it is anticipated that all will face increased infrastructure costs due to sea-level rise.

Many considered that funding should be provided at a national level, such as through a national climate change adaptation fund, to meet these costs.

Territorial authorities are not all readily able to access the level of specialist resourcing (eg scientific knowledge and expertise) required to manage the effects of sea-level rise. There are significant differences in approach to climate adaptation decision-making for Māori land.

There are significant differences between local authorities as to the most effective and equitable way of allocating costs relating to the effects of sea-level rise. Inconsistency in these areas could lead to lack of clarity for communities, and restrict councils’ ability to plan effectively. Clearer direction on appropriate cost apportionment would help to resolve this issue.

The option of managed retreat requires a more coordinated approach, ideally supported by legislation, to enable this to be utilised by local authorities where appropriate.

While local government responsiveness to the effects of sea-level rise is improving, there is still considerable variability between organisations, particularly in assessment of risk exposure, level of expertise and maturity of thinking within organisations, and practical responses.

Fear of legal challenges of appropriate adaptation measures has prevented some councils from acting.

Some amendments to the RMA are suggested, both via the council survey and from the Iorns and Watts report on local government liability.

If the key issues of community engagement, funding, specialist resourcing, climate adaptation decision-making for Māori land, cost apportionment and managed retreat are addressed at a national level, local authorities would be much better placed to manage the effects of sea-level rise at a local level.

Another report on New Zealand’s Earthquake Commission insurance scheme noted that reconsideration of EQC policies on relocation, replacement, and reinstatement, in particular, could support longer-term planning by other agencies including local government.

OTAGO DRAFT GROUP PLAN ADOPTION

4 CIVIL DEFENCE & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (CDEM)

The Otago Civil Defence Emergency Group (CDEMG) has prepared plans that provide the context and direction for civil defence emergency management in Otago. Our Group Plan 2018-2028 was adopted by our governing Joint Committee in June 2019 and was approved by the Minister of Civil Defence, Hon Peeni Henare, in July 2019. You can download the Group Plan here. The Group Welfare Plan provides direction and clarity for the coordination of welfare planning in Otago, and is available here.

COMMUNITY RESPONSE PLANS

Ongoing development of the Community Response Guides has seen the completion and launch of the Otematata, and Waihemo guides. Final draft versions for Moeraki, Omarama and Hampden are awaiting further consultation with each respective community. The Ōamaru Guide will be the next project, in conjunction with appropriate supporting public education. Kakanui Response Plan

(http://www.otagocdem.govt.nz/media/1170/kakanui-community-response-plan.pdf)

Kurow Response Plan (http://www.otagocdem.govt.nz/media/1171/kurow-community-response-plan.pdf) Waitaki Bridge Response Plan (http://www.otagocdem.govt.nz/media/1172/waitaki-community-response-plan.pdf)

NATIONAL DISASTER RESILIENCE STRATEGY

The National Disaster Resilience Strategy outlines the vision and long-term goals for civil defence emergency management in New Zealand The National Disaster Resilience Strategy outlines the vision and long-term goals for civil defence emergency management (CDEM) in New Zealand, and the objectives to be pursued to meet those goals. It sets out what we expect in respect of a resilient New Zealand, and what we want to achieve over the next 10 years. This Strategy is for all New Zealanders, and all those who live, work or visit here. It is intended to provide a common agenda for resilience that individual organisations, agencies, and groups can align with for collective impact. The Strategy came into effect on 10 April 2019 and replaces the previous National Civil Defence Emergency Management Strategy. It will last for 10 years, although it can be reviewed before then if necessary. The strategy can be access here: (https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/publications/National-Disaster-Resilience-Strategy/National-Disaster-Resilience-Strategy-10-April-2019.pdf)

CDEM ACTIVITY On 8 December 2019, Waitaki CDEM held a successful training day for our community volunteers in Hampden. This included volunteers from Waihemo, Moeraki, Hampden and Ōamaru and included one from Waikouaiti. The training covered off the opening of a Civil Defence Centre / evacuation centre. Also, as an incident control point working in with the other emergency services such as Police, FENZ, and St John. The Moeraki Community Response Guide leaflet has now also been completed, with the Hampden one nearly ready to distribute to the community. The training day coincided with the flooding in South Canterbury and the Spark outage. The Spark outage exposed some communication problems between the lifeline utilities which have been discussed in debriefs at Group and Group Lifelines level. A training session has been scheduled for the Incident Management team on 27 February 2020. The training will provide the function managers of the EOC a clear understanding of the roles, responsibilities and priorities of work when running an Emergency Coordination Centre. With the recent rain events, Waitaki has had no problems such as those experienced by Clutha or Southland districts. The Waitaki River is currently running quite high but not really expected to cause any issues. ECAN is updating Otago CDEM as required. The proposed next year of work is set out below:

Build capacity and capability in the EOC teams to ensure 48 hours operation with minimal external support.

Embed D4H in all EOC activities through system development and training. Continue to build on relationships with local community response groups and further

develop their response capabilities. Identify opportunities to further develop community resilience through infrastructure. Upskill the Incident Management Team (I.T) and alternatives through gaining a higher

understanding of local hazards, information management tools and response roles and procedures through a specific training programme.

Strengthen IMT relationships with partner agencies through more frequent meetings and operational discussions

Test the EOC capability through scenario-based exercises. Develop intra-group relationships with other districts in the region – initially at the I.T

level. Develop an annual local public education programme consistent with the Regional/

National programmes.

THE NEW ZEALAND RED CROSS HAZARD APP The New Zealand Red Cross Hazard App is a free life-saving app for smartphones and tablets. The app helps identify, prepare and respond to hazards in New Zealand. The app is pre-loaded with information about hazards including floods, earthquakes, tsunami, fire, weather, epidemics and biosecurity risks. The Hazard App enables receipt of official emergency warnings and alerts according to your location or the locations of friends and family. The app can be downloaded free from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store: Hazard App.

5 RELATIONSHIPS

TE RŪNANGA O MOERAKI

A meeting was held on 25 January 2020 with Te Rūnanga o Moeraki/ Nola Tipa (Kaiwhakahaere o Te Rūnanga o Moeraki) to discuss strengthening the relationship between the rūnanga and Council.

DAWN AEROSPACE AND NEW ZEALAND TRADE & ENTERPRISE

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 10 January 2020 between Dawn Aerospace New Zealand Ltd (DANZL) and the Waitaki District Council relating to the intention of DANZL to establish aerospace operations at the Ōamaru Airport. The space sector was worth $1.69 Billion to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2018/19, and it is estimated that there are now 140 companies in New Zealand engaged in the space industry. The Waitaki is well placed to offer an attractive environment for the aerospace industry to flourish, bringing highly skilled and remunerated jobs to the district.

GOOGLE, DELOITTE, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

Discussions are ongoing regarding how the Waitaki district can leverage advantage for our community as a result of the opportunities presented by the potential for the establishment of the Waitaki Whitestone UNESCO Global Geopark (and the associated concept of ‘geogastronomy’), and film tourism visitation potentially associated with Disney’s film ‘Mulan’ (due for release 27 March 2020). These partners have expressed interest in assisting Council in establishing the Waitaki as a world-leading exemplar of responsible, sustainable tourism, utilising leading-edge augmented and virtual reality product/s that will encourage visitors to spend more, and stay longer, in the district, thereby augmenting employment opportunities.

6 GENERAL MANAGEMENT

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

Since my last report, the following arrivals and departures have been announced (several administrator roles relate to departures reported in my last Chief Executive’s report): Comings: Andrew Hare, GIS Analyst Helen Pedersen, Aquatic Centre Customer Liaison Representative Jennifer Brook, Aquatic Centre Customer Liaison Representative Fiona Mills, Building Administrator Lee-Ann Mustard, Planning Administrator Caitlin Parsons, Planning Administrator Wendy Gillett, Environmental Services Administrator Kelly-Jo Criddle, Building Administrator Phillip Brandt, Business Analyst and Project Manager Joakimu Mandiwona, IT Team Leader Goings: Madeline Sinha, Compliance Analyst Fiona Hancock, Roading Administrator Tania Goldingham, Property Officer Ruby Foley, Executive Assistant

RISK MANAGEMENT

Credit: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS

A measured approach is being taken in relation to the potential for Coronavirus 2019-nCoV to impact Council’s operations. Health information is being provided to staff. Sanitiser stations are being established throughout the organisation. Staff with compromised immune systems are being assigned priority in respect of 'work from home’ directions should a significant outbreak occur. The New Zealand Ministry of Health provides health information in relation to this threat here: (https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov).

We are continuing to monitor developments associated with Coronavirus 2019-nCoV.

Category November 2019 December 2019 January 2020

Near Miss 0 0 1

Injury - Clients 10 19 6

Injury - Staff 0 3 1

Incidents Only 1 0 1

Environmental 0 0 0

Property 1 0 0

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Notes re November incidents: 1. The largest number of incidents was at the Aquatic Centre - nine of the twelve incidents for the month, four of which were minor cuts and two head bumps. Notes re December incidents: 1. The largest number of incidents was at the Aquatic Centre - nineteen of the twenty-two incidents for the month. Injuries were minor cuts, minor bumps and scrapes. 2. Staff injuries included an accidental dropping of a book onto another library staff member's foot and parking warden tripping on a sign base left outside a designated area. Notes re January incidents: 1. The injuries at the Aquatic Centre was quite low, five minor incidents. This was a low injury rate for a holiday period.

7 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

PROJECT STATUS KEY

: PROPOS

E INITIATE PLAN DELIVE

R CLOS

E ONGOING

The National Trade Academy has put its plans for· a dairy farm training school at Oamaru Airport on hold because of processing delays caused by international visa office closures. Typically, about 25% of student NTAs at the NTA dairy courses are international; without them NTA is focusing on its courses in Christchurch, rather than expanding its operations.

NTA DAIRY TRAINING

CONSTRUCTION LABOUR FORCE AND

CONSTRUCTION LABOUR FORCE AND WAITAKI INDUSTRY The Economic Development Manager (EDM) participated in an Issues and Options Workshop for the Construction Workforce project being run by Building & Construction Industry Training Organisation. Current demand forecast shows a deficit in the coming years of 3,070 people required to deliver the region’s planned large projects (of over $20M each project) as per the graph shown below:

The EDM met with Annabelle Berry of Oamaru Business Collective and Dougal McGowan, CEO, Otago Chamber of Commerce on 3 February to progress ideas around revitalising retail in Waitaki.

RETAIL

The EDMs’s focus has been around utilising under-utilised assets such as the Ara campus, the need to keep youth in the Waitaki, community legacy and the possibility of pre-fabrication of construction elements into large projects such as the Dunedin Hospital rebuild. This has led to an invitation to broker early discussions between local Waitaki construction companies and the Southern Partnership Group, which provides governance for the planning, business case and construction phases of the project to redevelop hospital services in Dunedin. Business case and construction phases of the project to redevelop hospital services in Dunedin.

COMMUNICATIONS

The Communications team have been working on the following activities and campaigns:

Campbell’s Bay and Moeraki toilets public awareness - informing public of costs and the decision-making process and work schedule.

‘Waitaki hive mind’ concept and logo internal promotion – branding concept for a new digital workspace for WDC staff.

Videos for community grants – to encourage new applicants and show the value of the programme.

Met with Safer Waitaki and others to define Communications input to a neighbourhood support programme in the district.

Event planning for Alps2Ocean trail opening, including the organisation of drone flying permits.

Meet the people series featuring various WDC departments, radio slot on Real Radio to bring a human face to the Council.

North and South magazine travel feature on Duntroon to increase the district's profile. Camping ambassador media – publicising a very popular WDC initiative and

improving the state of the environment. Communications is preparing an entry for the Society of Local Government Managers Awards (innovation category) for its “Because you Care” campaign to increase voter turnout in the 2019 Council elections. Anouk de Lange, a Dutch intern, starts with the team on 8 February for a three-month internship.

Dr Stefan Roesch, a film tourism practitioner, gave a presentation to WDC on 28 January, outlining the potential impact of the release of the film “Mulan” in March this year. WDC’s ED Manager and roading teams are developing a response to an increased number of travellers and vehicles using Birchwood Road to view the film location. The WDC response will consider: e developing a response to an increased number of travellers and vehicles using Birchwood Road to view the film location. The WDC response will consider: 1. Visitor safety - signage, road conditions. 2. Environmental impact – parking, facilities. 3. Impact on landowners and communities – dust, trespass, etc. 4. Economic impact and business development opportunity – looking to encourage local businesses leveraging off WDC expenditure around the site and looking for ways to get independent travelers staying overnight. A staged approach is recommended which focuses on warning signage while traffic counts are monitored to obtain an accurate assessment of the trend in visitation numbers. Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is currently consulting with Film Otago Southland (FOS) funders (including WDC) and industry about the future structure of FOS. The Film Otago Southland Trust (FOS) supports the film industry by running a regional film office. The majority of its funding comes from the Queenstown Lakes District Council to help diversify their district’s economy. There is an ongoing commitment to regional collaboration, however QLDC is looking at the cross-overs with its own and other economic development resources within Otago and Southland.

FILM

04 December 2019 Waianakarua Lions Meeting, Moeraki 05 December 2019 Saving the Treasures of Foulden Maar 06 December 2019 Mackenzie Chief Executive’s Forum 09 December 2019 Waihemo Community Board Meeting, Waihemo 13 December 2019 Meeting with Margaret Munro and Mel Jones, Tourism Waitaki 16 December 2019 Ahuriri Community Board Meeting, Otematata 17 December 2019 Shareholder meeting with Tourism Waitaki 18 December 2019 Lower Waitaki South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee Meeting 24 December 2019 Meeting with Garry Dodd 10 January 2020 Dawn Aerospace and WDC MoU signing 13 January 2020 Data Ventures (Statistics NZ) discussions 28 January 2020 Inclusionary Zoning, QLDC 28 January 2020 DoC - rural roads maintenance/ Mulan movie matters 29 January 2020 Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Project Team Meeting 30 January 2020 Meeting with Brian Hall 30 January 2020 Meeting with Ewen Graham, Otago CDEM 30 January 2020 Teleconference with Sarah Gardner, CEO Otago Regional Council 03 February 2020 Teleconference with Analeise Murahidy, University of Auckland 03 February 2020 Otago Chamber of Commerce BA5, Brydone Hotel 06 February 2020 Waitangi Day Celebrations, Ōtākou Marae, Dunedin 07 February 2020 Joint Otago/Southland Mayoral Forum and Te Rōpū Taiao, Dunedin 10-11 February 2020 SOLGM Leading Community Well-being Forum, Wellington 12 February 2020 Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Project Team Meeting 12 February 2020 Guest Speaker, Rotary

8 SIGNIFICANT EXTERNAL MEETINGS ATTENDED