Palmerston North City Council

Minutes of the Community Committee Meeting Part I Public, held in the Council Chamber, First Floor, Civic Administration Building, 32 The Square, Palmerston North on 22 November 2023, commencing at 9.00am

Members Present:	Councillor Lorna Johnson (in the Chair), The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.
Non Members:	Councillor Vaughan Dennison, Leonie Hapeta.

Councillor Roly Fitzgerald entered the meeting at 9.30am during consideration of clause 38.  He left the meeting at 2.27 after consideration of clause 44.  He was not present for clauses 37, 45 to 48 inclusive.

Councillor William Wood left the meeting at 10.10am during consideration of clause 39.  He entered the meeting again at 11.15am during consideration of clause 41.1.  He was not present for clauses 39 and 41.1.

Councillor Lew Findlay left the meeting at 12.26pm during consideration of clause 43.  He was not present for clauses 43 to 48 inclusive.

Councillor Vaughan Dennison was not present when the meeting resumed at 1.45pm.  He was not present for clauses 44 to 48 inclusive. 

Councillor Leonie Hapeta left the meeting at 2.57pm during consideration of clause 45.  She was not present for clauses 45 to 48 inclusive.

Councillor Rachel Bowen left the meeting at 3.09pm after consideration of clause 45.  She entered the meeting again at 3.36pm during consideration of clause 47.  She was not present for clause 46. 

Councillor Billy Meehan left the meeting at 3.40pm during consideration of clause 47.  He was not present for clauses 47 and 48.

37-23	Public Comment Jean Hera made public comment regarding Item 15 Natural Burial Update (clause 47).  She wants natural burial in the city and expressed disappointment about the report.  In her opinion Whanganui was too far away and not conducive to an ecological option; it is also not certified. Instead she suggests having a local site that would benefit the city ecologically.  She will work with Athena Women’s Collective to take this matter further.    Tim Kendrew, Manager, Te Pu Harakeke made public comment regarding Items 11 and 12, Review of Sector Leads Trial and Community Funding Settings for the 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan (clauses 43 and 44).  He endorsed the recommendation and sector leads trial of Item 11; moving the funding was something they had requested in the past and he was happy it was implemented in the recommendation.  Regarding Item 12, he thinks the proposed changes will create uncertainty and stress within the sector, and will require a lot of work.  Furthermore, this will restrict the smaller groups from applying and could mean groups will fall through the gaps; increasing the cap means extra money will be used by larger groups and may hinder funding access to the smaller groups. Cameron Jenkins, Coordinator, Manawatū Tenants Union made public comment regarding Item 13 Update on Response to Homelessness (clause 45).  He endorsed Option 3 to pilot a full suite of system-change intervention to respond to housing insecurity.  He stated the cost margin between Options 2 and 3 were not that large, and that sorting out homelessness would sort out wider city issues.  There needs to be a holistic approach and the full suite over a longer period of time is the best option. He stated this approach has been working well for Christchurch over the last 5 years.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Patrick Handcock. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1. That the Community Committee receive Public Comment.
	Clause 37-23 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood, Kaydee Zabelin, Vaughan Dennison and Leonie Hapeta.

38-23	Presentation: Disability Reference Group, Annual Presentation Presentation, by Hugh O’Connell and Natalie Mclean, Co-chairs, Disability Reference Group. Hugh and Natalie presented an overview of the group’s activities over the last year and requested Palmerston North City Council sign the Accessibility Charter.  Further information was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members and will be attached to these minutes. An additional motion was sought as a result of the group’s request. Councillor Roly Fitzgerald entered the meeting at 9.35am
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Patrick Handcock. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1. That the Community Committee receive the presentation for information. 2. That the Chief Executive report back to the Community Committee on actions and resources that would be required for Council to sign up to the Accessibility Charter.
	Clause 38-23 above was carried 14 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood, Kaydee Zabelin, Vaughan Dennison, Roly Fitzgerald and Leonie Hapeta.

39-23	Presentation: Amanaki STEM Academy Presentation, by Viliami Teumoheng and Tanya Koro, founders and Taupo Tani, Board member. Viliami, Tanya and Taupo presented an overview of the Academy’s history and achievements since it began. Further information was tabled at the meeting for circulation to Elected Members and will be attached to these minutes.   Councillor William Wood left the meeting at 10.10am.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Patrick Handcock. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1. That the Community Committee receive the presentation for information.
	Clause 39-23 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, Kaydee Zabelin, Vaughan Dennison, Roly Fitzgerald and Leonie Hapeta.

40-23	Confirmation of Minutes
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Patrick Handcock. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1. That the minutes of the Community Committee meeting of 27 September 2023 Part I Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.
	Clause 40-23 above was carried 11 votes to 0, with 2 abstentions, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, Kaydee Zabelin, Roly Fitzgerald and Leonie Hapeta. Abstained: Councillors Billy Meehan and Vaughan Dennison.

The meeting adjourned at 10.23am.

The meeting resumed at 10.43am.

41-23	Notice of Motion -Youth Wellbeing Plan Councillor Pat Handcock presented his Notice of Motion. Anton Carter, Group Manager – Community Services presented the Officers advice.
	Moved Patrick Handcock, seconded Lorna Johnson. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1. That the Committee receive the Officers advice.
	Clause 41.1-23 above was carried 12 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, Kaydee Zabelin, Vaughan Dennison, Roly Fitzgerald and Leonie Hapeta. Note: Councillor Lew Findlay did not vote. Councillor William Wood entered the meeting at 11.15am.
	Moved Patrick Handcock, seconded Grant Smith. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 2. That the establishment of a specific Youth Well-being Plan be referred to the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan. 3. That Officers facilitate a youth wellbeing forum in early 2024 and complete a sector wide scan of youth focused programmes and or initiatives within the city, and identify any strategic or service gaps that can be used to inform the development of the Youth Well-being Plan.  4. That Officers provide a report to the Community Committee before the Long Term Plan deliberations, on the finding of the sector wide scan, with associated recommendations and resource implications.
	Clauses 41.2-23 to 41.4-23 above were carried 14 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood, Kaydee Zabelin, Vaughan Dennison, Roly Fitzgerald and Leonie Hapeta.

42-23	Community Reference Groups - Terms of Reference Review Report presented by Martin Brady, Community Development Advisor and Salome Faaiuaso, Community Development Advisor.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Patrick Handcock. The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 1. That Council agree the revised Terms of Reference for Community Reference Groups.
	Clause 42-2342.1-23 above was carried 8 votes to 6, the voting being as follows: For: Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Kaydee Zabelin, Vaughan Dennison and Roly Fitzgerald. Against: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Leonie Hapeta.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Patrick Handcock. 2. That Council note that the provision of a recognition payment for members’ contributions of time and knowledge is subject to budget being agreed in the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.
	Clause 42.2-23 above was carried 8 votes to 5, with 1 abstention, the voting being as follows: For: Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Karen Naylor, Kaydee Zabelin, Vaughan Dennison and Roly Fitzgerald. Against: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, William Wood and Leonie Hapeta. Abstained: Councillor Lew Findlay.

43-23	Review of Sector Leads Trial Report presented by Amy Viles, Community Development Advisor and Ahmed Obaid, Community Development Advisor. Councillor Lew Findlay left the meeting at 12.26pm.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Patrick Handcock. The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 1. That Council approve the continuation of the Sector Leads Partnership model in principle, as per the Support and Funding Policy 2022, and note that appropriate budget will be established for Sector Lead partners within the draft 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan.
	Clause 43-23 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood, Kaydee Zabelin, Vaughan Dennison, Roly Fitzgerald and Leonie Hapeta.

                        The meeting adjourned at 12.47pm.

                        The meeting resumed at 1.45pm.

Councillor Vaughan Dennison was not present when the meeting resumed.

44-23	Community funding settings for the 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan Report presented by Stephanie Velvin, Community Development Manager. Elected Members opted to change the recommendation to Option 1 as they were satisfied the current process is still fit for purpose.
	Moved Grant Smith, seconded Lorna Johnson. The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 1. That Council agree Option 1, maintain current scope and structure for Strategic Priority Grants, to inform the preparation of the 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan.
	Clause 44-23 above was carried 11 votes to 0, with 1 abstention, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood, Kaydee Zabelin and Roly Fitzgerald. Abstained: Councillor Leonie Hapeta. Note: Councillor Leonie Hapeta declared an interest in this item.

Councillor Roly Fitzgerald left the meeting at 2.27pm.

45-23	Update on Response to Homelessness Report presented by Stephanie Velvin, Community Development Manager. Elected Members opted for Option 2 as the most appropriate plus the inclusion of the flexi-fund.  Inclusion of the flexi-fund will overall save funds by preventing housing loss in the first place as set out in paragraph 3.22 of the report.    Councillor Leonie Hapeta left the meeting at 2.57pm.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded William Wood. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1. That the Committee refer to the 2024-2034 draft Long-Term Plan: Option 2 - Pilot highest priority systems-change interventions to respond to housing insecurity plus a $30,000 for a flexi-fund for urgent intervention.
	Clause 45-23 above was carried 7 votes to 3, the voting being as follows: For: Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Billy Meehan, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin. Against: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Orphée Mickalad and Karen Naylor.

Councillor Rachel Bowen left the meeting at 3.09pm.

46-23	Additional Social Housing Budget Update (Programme 1459) Memorandum presented by Bryce Hosking, Group Manager - Property and Resource Recovery.
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Patrick Handcock. The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 1. That Council agree the use of Programme 1459 (Social Housing – Additional Social Housing Units) to fund Council’s financial contribution to the Summerhays Street redevelopment project.
	Clause 46-23 above was carried 9 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

47-23	Natural Burial Update Memorandum presented by Kathy Dever-Tod, Group Manager - Parks and Logistics. An alternative motion was moved to explore the range of local up-to-date options for the sake of completeness, before making any firm lasting decisions.  Councillor Rachel Bowen entered the meeting again at 3.36pm. Councillor Billy Meehan left the meeting at 3.40pm.
	Moved Brent Barrett, seconded Patrick Handcock. The COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS 1. That Council note the report, and seek expressions of interest from the community for a partnership-based approach to providing a natural burial site in Palmerston North.
	Clause 47-23 above was carried 5 votes to 4, the voting being as follows: For: Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen and Kaydee Zabelin. Against: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor and William Wood.

48-23	Committee Work Schedule - November 2023
	Moved Lorna Johnson, seconded Patrick Handcock. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1. That the Community Committee receive its Work Schedule dated November 2023.
	Clause 48-23 above was carried 9 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Lorna Johnson, Patrick Handcock, Brent Barrett, Rachel Bowen, Orphée Mickalad, Karen Naylor, William Wood and Kaydee Zabelin.

Karakia Whakamutunga

Councillor Lorna Johnson closed the meeting with karakia.

The meeting finished at 3.48pm

Confirmed 20 March 2024

Chair