Sustainability Committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sustainability Committee MEETING

 

18 June 2025

 

 

 

Order of Business

 

1.         Karakia Timatanga

2.         Apologies

3.         Notification of Additional Items

Pursuant to Sections 46A(7) and 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, to receive the Chairperson’s explanation that specified item(s), which do not appear on the Agenda of this meeting and/or the meeting to be held with the public excluded, will be discussed.

Any additions in accordance with Section 46A(7) must be approved by resolution with an explanation as to why they cannot be delayed until a future meeting.

Any additions in accordance with Section 46A(7A) may be received or referred to a subsequent meeting for further discussion.  No resolution, decision or recommendation can be made in respect of a minor item.

4.         Declarations of Interest (if any)

Members are reminded of their duty to give a general notice of any interest of items to be considered on this agenda and the need to declare these interests.

 

5.         Public Comment

To receive comments from members of the public on matters specified on this Agenda or, if time permits, on other Committee matters.

6.         Presentation - Manawatū River Catchments Collective                             Page 7

7.         Confirmation of Minutes                                                                                  Page 9

That the minutes of the Sustainability Committee meeting of 16 April 2025 Part I Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.

8.         Wastewater Treatment Plant - Nature Calls; Quarterly Update               Page 15

Memorandum, presented by Mike Monaghan, Manager Three Waters and Anna Lewis, Project Manager.

9.         Draft Stormwater Strategy                                                                              Page 21

Memorandum, presented by Hilary Webb, Planner and Jono Ferguson-Pye, Manager City Planning.

10.       Update on opportunities for native species re-introductions in the Turitea Reserve (2025)                                                                                                               Page 63

Memorandum, presented by David Watson, Senior Climate Change and Sustainability Advisor.

11.       Options of new indicators to include in the 2026 Sustainability Review Page 67

Report, presented by Olivia Wix, Communications Manager and David Watson, Senior Climate Change and Sustainability Advisor.

12.       Committee Work Schedule                                                                           Page 75

13.       Karakia Whakamutunga     

 

14.       Exclusion of Public

 

To be moved: That the public be excluded from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting listed in the table below. The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under Section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:   General subject of each matter to be considered Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter Ground(s) under Section 48(1) for passing this resolution           This resolution is made in reliance on Section 48(1)(a) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 and the particular interest or interests protected by Section 6 or Section 7 of that Act which would be prejudiced by the holding of the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting in public as stated in the above table. Also that the persons listed below be permitted to remain after the public has been excluded for the reasons stated. [Add Third Parties], because of their knowledge and ability to assist the meeting in speaking to their report/s [or other matters as specified] and answering questions, noting that such person/s will be present at the meeting only for the items that relate to their respective report/s [or matters as specified].

 

 

Presentation

TO:                                Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           18 June 2025

TITLE:                             Presentation - Manawatū River Catchments Collective

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Sustainability Committee

1.   That the Sustainability Committee receive the presentation for information.

 

Fiona Burke, Catchment Coordinator and Christine Finnigan, Nguturoa Linton Catchment Leader will provide an overview of the Manawatu River Catchments Collective and the Nguturoa Linton Catchment Group.

 

Attachments

Nil 

 

 

Palmerston North City Council

 

Minutes of the Sustainability Committee Meeting Part I Public, held in the Council Chamber, First Floor, Civic Administration Building, 32 The Square, Palmerston North on 16 April 2025, commencing at 9.03am

Members Present:	Councillor Brent Barrett (in the Chair), The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Kaydee Zabelin, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson and Karen Naylor.
Members Present Online:	Councillors Roly Fitzgerald and Debi Marshall-Lobb.
Non Members:	Councillors Mark Arnott, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan, Orphée Mickalad.

 

Councillor Rachel Bowen left the meeting at 9.52am during consideration of clause 7.  She was not present for clauses 7 to 11 inclusive.

Councillor Vaughan Dennison entered the meeting at 11.53am during consideration of clause 9.  He was not present for clauses 6 to 8 inclusive.

Councillor Lew Findlay left the meeting at 12.10pm after consideration of clause 9.  He was not present for clauses 10 and 11.

	Karakia Timatanga
	Councillor Brent Barrett opened the meeting with karakia.

 

6-25	Local Water Done Well - Hearing of Submissions
	Moved Brent Barrett, seconded Kaydee Zabelin. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1.   That the Committee receive the submissions and hear submissions from presenters who indicated their wish to be heard in support of their submission. 2.   That the Committee note the Procedure for Hearing of Submissions, as described in the procedure sheet.
	Clause 6-25 above was carried 14 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Kaydee Zabelin, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Debi Marshall-Lobb, Karen Naylor, Mark Arnott, Rachel Bowen, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan and Orphée Mickalad.
	The Committee considered submissions on Local Water Done Well with supporting oral statements including additional tabled material. The following persons appeared before the Committee and made oral statements in support of their submission and replied to questions from Elected Members. Chris Teo-Sherrell (186) Chris spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments: •    Strong concerns with the CCO model due to the potential difficulty in controlling a CCO, noting it is not directly accountable to the public.  Potential difficulties are likely to be greater when there is more than one council involved. •    Why not have independent CCOs making joint purchases each year? •    The prospect of saving money in the short term seems to too strongly affect the thinking of councils and central government; the proposal to form joint water CCOs is a good example of this. •    Palmerston North City Council has not charged enough for water services over the years, knowing that one day major upgrades to infrastructure would be required.  We have to be willing to pay what it costs to do water well locally. •    Submission 180 demonstrates real knowledge of the system.  Its point about the problems likely to arise from the disconnection between water and roading infrastructure that occurs when either is taken out of Council’s direct control is one Council should pay attention to. Christine Staples (196) Christine spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments: •    With the Local Government Water Services Bill currently before Select Committee having not passed the final reading and uncertainty because options have yet to be negotiated and finalised, what are we actually consulting on? •    Lack of clarity on how a transfer of legal ownership of existing ratepayer funded water services assets would be made.  Who actually owns the assets that ratepayers have paid for, for years? •    The community like to know where water comes from, it is important to them.  There needs to be local input into the service.  Options presented seem to decrease the public’s say. •    Concerned about the increased costs that would be borne by councils and households.  New separate entity would involve substantial set up costs and compliance with new and unattainable regulations under current conditions.  Would create more administrative debt.  Iwi involvement would likely add to that as demands for further restrictions, agreements and consultants would be required which would add to ratepayer burden. •    Water provision has to be a priority over other spending. Ian Staples (281) Ian spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments: •    Not enough information in the public arena to make an informed decision.  The Bill is still in the Committee stages of Parliament. •    Would like to see rates capped at 2-3% annual increase and Council would need to cut its non-essential spending to do so.  •    The proposal should not cost this much.  LGNZ should be at the water bill committee lobbying for reduction in standards so an affordable situation can be obtained. •    All councils should lobby Parliament that the new legislation needs to be written to get the job done in a sustainable way over a longer period of time. Malcolm Frith (283) Malcolm spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments: •    Real concern about affordability of water for the general public.  He noted Papaioea Park bore water and public toilets and was concerned about future free access. •    We all need water.  If we lose control of our water, it will cost us to the advantage of those who do not live here. •    Our water has been paid for by the ratepayers of this city to be our asset, over many generations.  We have good water here, the city has invested a lot of money in making sure that we do, we have a sewerage system which works well.  •    $480M price tag to discharge clean water into our river is over the top.  Could power a plant which would generate electricity which could then evaporate the water. •    He does not think it is the intention of the government to price us all out of existence; it is to make councils accountable to their residents as to how they spend residents’ money. John Bent (188) John spoke to his submission, providing additional material (appended to these Minutes) and made no additional comments. Janet Darragh (195) Janet spoke to her submission and made the following additional comments: •    Water is a basic human need and people who struggle should not be penalised or lose services.  She hopes the water bill payment system will include flexibility and compassion for those who struggle and may get behind with their payments. •    Given Option 3 is not viable, Option 1 is preferred as it is more affordable and more local, with a smaller number of representatives involved. Brett Hill (252) Brett spoke to his submission and made the following additional comments: •    As many people are already struggling financially, they will be paying very close attention to what Elected Members prioritise spending on in the upcoming budget.  Many people want Council spending only on absolute basics and anything else will have to wait.

 

7-25	Wastewater Treatment Plant - Nature Calls; Quarterly Update and Submission to Taumata Arowai on Draft Standards Memorandum, presented by Mike Monaghan, Manager 3 Waters and Anna Lewis, Project Manager – Wastewater Discharge Consent Programme. Officers advised the budget update to the end of March is $640,865. Councillor Rachel Bowen left the meeting at 9.52am.
	Moved Brent Barrett, seconded Kaydee Zabelin. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1.   That the Committee receive the report titled ‘Wastewater Treatment Plant – Nature Calls; Quarterly Update and Submission to Taumata Arowai on Draft Standards’ presented to the Sustainability Committee on 16 April 2025. 2.   That the Committee note the matters to be included in the submission on the Draft National Wastewater Standards.
	Clause 7-25 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Kaydee Zabelin, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Debi Marshall-Lobb, Karen Naylor, Mark Arnott, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan and Orphée Mickalad.

The meeting adjourned at 10.22am.
The meeting resumed at 10.42am.

 

 

8-25	Local Water Done Well - Summary of Submissions Memorandum, presented by Olivia Wix, Manager Communications, Mike Monaghan, Manager 3 Waters and Julie Keane, Transition Manager. Officers tabled updated graphs for the report, which are appended to these Minutes.
	Moved Brent Barrett, seconded Kaydee Zabelin. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1.   That the Committee receive the memorandum titled ‘Local Water Done Well – Summary of Submissions,’ presented to the Sustainability Committee on 16 April 2025. 2.   That the Committee note that deliberations will be referred to Council.
	Clause 8-25 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Kaydee Zabelin, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Debi Marshall-Lobb, Karen Naylor, Mark Arnott, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan and Orphée Mickalad.

 

9-25	Annual Sector Lead Report: Environment Network Manawatū Memorandum, presented by Amy Viles, Community Development Advisor, Madz BatachEl, ENM Coordinator and Jean Hera, Acting ENM Chairperson. Councillor Vaughan Dennison entered the meeting at 11.53am.
	Moved Brent Barrett, seconded Kaydee Zabelin. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1.   That the Committee receive the memorandum titled ‘Annual Sector Lead Report: Environment Network Manawatū’ presented to the Sustainability Committee on 16 April 2025.
	Clause 9-25 above was carried 14 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Kaydee Zabelin, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Debi Marshall-Lobb, Karen Naylor, Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Lew Findlay, Billy Meehan and Orphée Mickalad.

Councillor Lew Findlay left the meeting at 12.10pm.

 

10-25	Committee Work Schedule
	Moved Brent Barrett, seconded Kaydee Zabelin. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1.   That the Sustainability Committee receive its Work Schedule dated April 2025.
	Clause 10-25 above was carried 13 votes to 0, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Kaydee Zabelin, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Debi Marshall-Lobb, Karen Naylor, Mark Arnott, Vaughan Dennison, Billy Meehan and Orphée Mickalad.

 

11-25	Confirmation of Minutes
	Moved Brent Barrett, seconded Kaydee Zabelin. The COMMITTEE RESOLVED 1.   That the minutes of the Sustainability Committee meeting of 19 February 2025 Part I Public be confirmed as a true and correct record.
	Clause 11-25 above was carried 11 votes to 0, with 2 abstentions, the voting being as follows: For: The Mayor (Grant Smith) and Councillors Brent Barrett, Kaydee Zabelin, Roly Fitzgerald, Patrick Handcock, Leonie Hapeta, Lorna Johnson, Debi Marshall-Lobb, Karen Naylor, Vaughan Dennison and Orphée Mickalad. Abstained: Councillors Mark Arnott and Billy Meehan.

 

	Karakia Whakamutunga
	Councillor Brent Barrett closed the meeting with karakia.

 

The meeting finished at 12.17pm.

 

Confirmed 18 June 2025

 

 

 

Chair

 

 

 

Memorandum

TO:                                Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           18 June 2025

TITLE:                             Wastewater Treatment Plant - Nature Calls; Quarterly Update

Presented By:            Mike Monaghan, Manager Three Waters and Anna Lewis, Project Manager

APPROVED BY:            Chris Dyhrberg, General Manager Infrastructure

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Sustainability Committee

1.   That the Committee receive the report titled ‘Wastewater Treatment Plant – Nature Calls; Quarterly Update’ presented to the Sustainability Committee on 18 June 2025.

 

1.         ISSUE

1.1       ​The Nature Calls Project Team completed the concept design and development of the resource consent application to Horizons Regional Council (Horizons) in late 2022.  This was the culmination of four years of work developing the Best Practicable Option (BPO), which comprises highly treated wastewater being discharged to the Manawatū River or to land. 

1.2       ​Quarterly updates for the project were requested by Council.  This report provides an update on the project for the period from December 2024 to April 2025. 

2.         wastewater standards

2.1       The draft Council response to the national wastewater standards was presented to the Sustainability Committee on 16 April 2025 for Elected Member feedback.

2.2       The Committee provided valuable feedback on a few items, including strengthening the message on the value we place on our relationship with treaty partners. This feedback was incorporated into the response document.

2.3       The Council response was submitted to Taumata Arowai in April 2025.

2.4       Council Officers met with Taumata Arowai staff on 23 May 2025 to discuss the implication of the draft standards on the Nature Calls project in person, as a follow up to the content in the response document.

 

3.         best practicable option (bpo) update

3.1       The project team revisited the long list of BPO options after the release of the draft standards. These were assessed against the project objectives, cost and draft standards and presented to Elected Members at the 7 May Council meeting.

3.2       At the same meeting the report titled ‘Consideration of options to take forward for Nature Calls’ was presented to Council. The decisions made are detailed below, including which options Council will not commit further technical resource to.

3.3       Council resolved to not progress further technical development on five options as they were either exceeding the cost threshold; were misaligned with treaty party values and/or non-compliant with the draft wastewater standards.  It was decided:

·    ​That Council direct the Chief Executive to discard Option I as not a practicable option for Nature Calls because of cost.

·    ​That Council direct the Chief Executive to discard Option H as not a practicable option for Nature Calls because of cost and compliance.

·    ​That Council direct the Chief Executive to discard Option G as not a practicable option for Nature Calls because of cost and compliance.

·    ​That Council direct the Chief Executive to discard Option F as not a practicable option for Nature Calls because of cost and likelihood of Treaty Partner objections.

·    ​That Council direct the Chief Executive to discard Option D as not a practicable option for Nature Calls because of cost. 

3.4       The remaining options are:

·    ​Option A – Discharge to River at Opiki 

·    ​Option B1 – Discharge to River at Totara Road 

·    ​Option B2 – Discharge to River at Totara Road + Adaptive Management 

·    ​Option E – Discharge to River at Totara/Opiki and Discharge to Land (soil moisture dependent, >75% ADWF 

3.5       ​The project team have established the scope for the next stage of technical work, up to the estimated release date for the wastewater standards. The work is on a ‘low regrets’ basis and balances progressing some work while being mindful of the current uncertainties of the standards development. This work is now underway.

4.         horizons regional council

4.1       The next quarterly update with Horizons will be held in person to update them on the recent Council decisions and our estimated timeframe to reach a BPO. This meeting will be held on 17 June 2025.

5.         Iwi EngAGEMENT

5.1       In March 2025 Rangitāne leadership and Palmerston North City Council Officers visited the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to discuss the in-construction treatment plant and the approach to working with treaty partners while integrating cultural concerns. Cambridge WWTP has a river discharge via land passage.

5.2       The updated programme discussed with Elected Members will allow for more robust engagement with iwi on options both prior to shortlisting, and selection. 

5.3       Regular meetings continue with representatives from Rangitāne, Te Tūmatakahuki and Ngāti Whakatere.

5.4       Council senior leadership and Iwi leadership from Rangitāne, Ngāti Whakatere, and Te Tūmatakahuki have a meeting in June 2025 to discuss the Nature Calls project.

6.         BIOSOLIDS STRATEGY

6.1       Design activities are underway for the Awapuni southern slopes development. A programme has been included in the 2025/26 Annual Plan to facilitate this work.

7.         ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

7.1       Procurement of construction expert advisor for the TAG (Technical Advisory Group) is underway.

8.         RISK

8.1       The following top risks have been identified and are being actively managed by the project team.

​​Risk	​​Risk Level	​​Mitigations	​​Residual Risk
​​Long-Term Plan budget    The project may fail to secure funding or be unable to proceed due to exceeding the Long-Term Plan FY24-34 budget allocation.	​¢ VERY HIGH	·    ​Introduce fatal flaw screening on estimated option cost.    ·    ​Adjustment of weighting of BPO selection considered with input from EMs.    ·    ​Determine P90 costs for options before shortlisting.	​​¢ HIGH
​​Ratepayer affordability    The project may face public opposition, delays, or inability to proceed due to ratepayers being unable to afford the proposed scheme.  This could lead to reputational damage for the Council.	​¢ VERY HIGH	·    ​​Council has set Long-Term Plan budget cap, with instructions to reduce further if possible.    ·    ​Council decision not to progress work on several more expensive options.  ·    ​Options will go out to public engagement before final BPO selection.	​​​¢ HIGH
​​Iwi relationships    The project risks damaging relationships with Iwi and breaching obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, potentially leading to reputational harm and project disruptions.	​​​¢ HIGH	·    ​​Iwi represented on Project Oversight Committee.   ·    ​Iwi involvement and consultation in operational project activities to be determined by Council and Iwi agreement.	​​​¢ HIGH
​​National Wastewater Standards    Additional cost and time incurred due to standards release. Standards could affect how the project can be consented and require high levels of rework to options.	​​​¢ HIGH	·    ​​Continuing with low regrets works only.     ·    ​Determine on standards release if delays will be required to reach required level of information for decisions.	​​¢ MEDIUM
​​Programme Delays    Additional costs (overhead and project management) may be incurred due to schedule slippages.  Some slippages are outside the control of the project team.    ​​	​​​​¢ HIGH	·    ​​Planning possible programme scenarios.    ·    ​Conversations with governance about available slots this year.    ·    ​Booked in relevant Council Meetings.	​​​¢ MEDIUM

 

9.         BUDGET

9.1       At the end of April 2025, a total of $794,935 has been spent YTD from the revised $1.55M Nature Calls budget for 2024/25.

10.       Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide?		Yes
Are the decisions significant?		No
If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?		No
Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?		No
Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?		No
Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these objectives?		Yes
Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?		Yes
The recommendations contribute to:   Whāinga 4: He tāone toitū, he tāone manawaroa Goal 4: A sustainable and resilient city
The recommendations contribute to this plan:    13. Mahere wai 13. Water Plan The objective is: Lodge resource consent application for future discharge of Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being	Lodging for resource consent allows Council to continue to provide its wastewater services and allows for future proofing the city.

 

Attachments

Nil 

 

 

Memorandum

TO:                                Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           18 June 2025

TITLE:                             Draft Stormwater Strategy

Presented By:            Hilary Webb, Planner and Jono Ferguson-Pye, Manager City Planning

APPROVED BY:            David Murphy, General Manager Strategic Planning

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Sustainability Committee

1.   That the Committee approve the Draft Stormwater Strategy for public consultation.

2.   That the Committee adopt either Option 1 or 2 as the preferred timeframe for public consultation and deliberations on the Draft Stormwater Strategy.

Summary of options analysis

 

​Problem or Opportunity	The Water Plan and Future Development Strategy adopted as part of the 2024 Long Term Plan included an action to develop a Stormwater Strategy. A draft Stormwater Strategy has been co-developed with Rangitāne o Manawatū following engagement with stakeholders and a Council workshop. The Committee now need to consider the Draft Stormwater Strategy and the preferred timeframe for public consultation and deliberations.
​OPTION 1:	​Pre-election public consultation and deliberations on the Draft Stormwater Strategy
​Community Views	​Will be sought through the public consultation process. Further direct engagement with key stakeholders can occur alongside formal public consultation.
​Benefits	Creates certainty by ensuring timely finalisation of the strategy in the current term of Council. Avoids creation of a disjointed public consultation, hearings, deliberations and decision-making process.  Ensures alignment with cycle of growth policy and planning, starting with Future Development Strategy Review in September 2025.
​Risks	Could be perceived as limiting the public’s ability to reasonably present their views on the strategy and for these to be robustly considered by Elected Members.
​Financial	​Within existing Long-Term Plan budgets.
​OPTION 2:	​Pre-election public consultation and post-election deliberations on the Draft Stormwater Strategy
​Community Views	​Will be sought through suggested public consultation process. Further direct engagement with key stakeholders can occur alongside formal public consultation.
​Benefits	Enables more time for direct engagement with stakeholders alongside public consultation and more time for Officers and Elected Members to consider submissions.
​Risks	Additional time and uncertainty resulting from a potentially lengthy and disjointed public consultation, hearings, deliberations and decision-making process. Delay to interrelated and dependant policy planning work.
​Financial	​Within existing Long-Term Plan budgets.
​OPTION 3:	Do not adopt the Draft Stormwater Strategy
​Community Views	​Not required.
​Benefits	Avoids the additional time/cost associated with further public consultation.
​Risks	​Exposes the Council to a high level of relationship and reputational risk.  Fails to provide high-level, integrated direction on how stormwater is managed in the city.  Council has previously resolved to prepare a Stormwater Strategy as part of the 2024 Long-Term Plan process.
​Financial	​None.
OPTION 4:	Do not adopt the Draft Stormwater Strategy at this time and direct that further engagement occurs with key stakeholders, Rangitāne o Manawatū and Elected Members
Community views	Additional community views sought via further engagement prior to considering the Draft Stormwater Strategy.
Benefits	Provides more time for key stakeholders, Rangitāne o Manawatū and Elected Members to shape the Draft Stormwater Strategy prior to public consultation.
Risks	The further engagement is likely to reinforce the feedback already received, i.e. we have already obtained the views of key stakeholders, Rangitāne o Manawatū and Elected Members.
Financial	Additional time and costs prior to public consultation.

​ 

 

Rationale for the recommendations 

 

1.         ​Overview  

 

1.1       As previously signalled the Council is currently co-developing with Rangitāne o Manawatū a city-wide Stormwater Strategy.

 

1.2       A copy of the Draft Stormwater Strategy (the strategy) is included as Attachment 1.

 

1.3       ​The intended purpose of the strategy is to provide high-level, integrated direction on how the city and its residents can live and grow with stormwater in future. Additionally, it will usefully serve to inform and support future Council decision-making relating to the Future Development Strategy, Long-Term Plan, District Plan, Bylaws, and Asset Management Plans. 

 

1.4       ​The strategy identifies the stormwater challenges confronting the city and sets out a series of strategic outcomes sought in response to these challenges. It also outlines a number of supporting implementation principles and priorities to guide how these will be achieved.  

 

1.5       A workshop was held on 16 April 2025 to update Elected Members on progress and provide input on the strategy.

 

2.         ​Background  

 

2.1       As outlined at the April workshop, the strategy has been developed in partnership with Rangitāne o Manawatū, with supporting input from a range of external parties and sector interests including Horizons Regional Council, central government agencies (KiwiRail, Waka Kotahi, Ministry of Education, Kainga Ora), the Greater Bunnythorpe Committee, OraKonnect, representatives of the development community and representatives of the environment and sustainability community (Green Corridors, Forest & Bird, Environment Network Manawatu and Massey University).

 

2.2       Although the general nature and proposed direction of travel of the strategy was well received by Elected Members at the workshop, mixed views were expressed regarding the potential pace of further consultation with the public on the proposal. To this end, two public consultation options have been provided (Option 1 and Option 2) and an option to undertake further engagement with key stakeholders, Rangitāne o Manawatū and Elected Members (Option 4).

 

3.         ​summary of strategic approach

 

3.1       The strategy identifies the following stormwater challenges:

-     Stormwater flood risk

-     Inequity of risk

-     Changes to natural flows

-     Loss of freshwater biodiversity

-     Degradation of the mauri of water

-     Climate change

-     Limited understanding

-     Need for better collaboration and alignment

-     Limited resources

-     Obtaining access for maintenance

-     Legislative change

-     Stormwater constrains the way we plan for growth

 

3.2       The strategy identifies ten stormwater management areas:

-     Taonui

-     Kākātangiata

-     Kawau

-     Hokowhitu

-     Whakarongo

-     Te Matai

-     Otangaki

-     Tararua

-     Turitea

-     Te Kairanga

 

3.3       While all the city-level challenges are largely present in all ten Stormwater Management Areas, some of these challenges are more complex in some areas relative to others. As a result, it is likely that management will need to be tailored by area, with some areas such as Kawau, Taonui, Hokowhitu, Otangaki, and Whakarongo requiring bespoke implementation plans because of the demand for development by growing in, growing up, and growing out.

3.4       The strategy also includes a set of aspirational outcomes (section 3.2) and principles (section 3.3), and culminates with the following four priorities for action (section 4.1):

1.    Investigations, increasing our knowledge through:

 

o  Updating the stormwater model to better inform decision-making.

o  Using the updated stormwater model to review the extent of increased density against overland flow paths in existing neighbourhoods.

o  Collecting, storing, and sharing monitoring data to support future stormwater models.

o  A detailed assessment of Council’s consenting obligations for the stormwater network.

o  A stormwater risk assessment using upgraded models to inform future growth.

o  A gap analysis to understand levels of service in the Stormwater Asset Management Plan.

2.    Building stormwater capability through:

 

o  Choosing a stormwater champion within Council to drive and co-ordinate work across Council functions.

o  Building a team to implement the Strategy.

o  Careful consideration of resourcing for stormwater management as part of the next Long-Term Plan process and establishment of the Local Water Done Well entity.

o  Ensuring that Rangitāne o Manawatū are represented in stormwater governance, management, and operations.

o  Monitoring and reviewing the Strategy to be current and relevant

3.    Improving stormwater outcomes by:

 

o  Developing stormwater plans for priority Stormwater Management Areas, i.e., Kawau and Taonui in the next three years, Hokowhitu, Otangaki and Whakarongo within 10 years.

o  Utilise blue and green infrastructure for nature-based solutions where this is possible.

o  Restore ecosystems where possible and practicable through restoration and rehabilitation.

o  Prioritising avoidance over stormwater flood mitigation for new development.

o  Carrying out flood risk assessments at rezoning stage for new developments.

o  Ensuring that levels of service for flood protection structures are in place prior to new development.

o  Securing a global consent for the stormwater network.

o  Resourcing enforcement to ensure compliance with rules and regulations that are designed to improve stormwater outcomes.

o  Making changes to the District Plan on stormwater as recommended by investigations such as flood risk assessments.

4.    Working together with partner agencies through:

 

o  A working group of Rangitāne o Manawatū, Council, and Horizons Regional Council.

o  Working with Horizons Regional Council, Manawatū District Council. and landowners in upper catchments to identify funding sources for riparian retirement and other measures to mitigate stormwater flows into the city.

o  Practical working service agreements with private owners for stormwater assets on private land.

o  Community education and communication about stormwater,

o  Working with Rangitāne o Manawatū to name un-named streams, tributaries, and stormwater reserves.

o  Working with Rangitāne o Manawatū to grow capacity to be involved in stormwater management.

o  Help community groups and volunteers to share riparian revegetation and freshwater ecosystem knowledge.

4.         description and analysis of options 

 

4.1       In response to this request four high level options have been identified: 

 

·    Option 1:  Pre-election public consultation and deliberations on the Draft Stormwater Strategy.

 

·    Option 2:  Pre-election public consultation and post-election deliberations on the Draft Stormwater Strategy.

 

·    Option 3:  Do not adopt the Draft Stormwater Strategy.

 

·    Option 4:  Do not adopt the Draft Stormwater Strategy at this time and direct that further engagement occurs with key stakeholders and Elected Members.

 

4.2       Each of these options are described in more detail and assessed below: 

 

​Option	​Description	​Benefits/Risks
​Option 1	​This option involves implementation of a public consultation process followed by deliberations and adoption of the draft strategy prior to the local government elections in October 2025.	-     Enables finalisation of the strategy in the current term of Council. -     Provides a timely outcome regarding high level direction on stormwater management in the city. -     Reduces the potential risk of the strategy being relitigated part way through the consultation and adoption process if there are significant changes in the composition of the incoming Council.  -     Could be perceived as limiting the public’s ability to reasonably present their views on the proposal and the time available to Council to robustly consider these views in arriving at a decision on the strategy.  -     Alignment with growth policy and planning cycles.
​Option 2	​This option is a variation on Option 1 and involves public consultation on the draft strategy in the lead up to the local government elections, with deliberations and adoption of the strategy deferred until after the elections (i.e. late 2025/early 2026).	-     Enables more time for direct engagement with stakeholders alongside public consultation and more time for Officers and Elected Members to consider submissions. -     Creates uncertainty and a potentially disjointed and lengthy public consultation and deliberations and adoption process, with the potential risk of the strategy being relitigated if there are significant changes in the composition of the incoming Council.
​Option 3	​This option involves no further need for public consultation due to Council deciding not to proceed with the draft strategy and placing continued reliance on existing Council plans, policies and strategies to manage stormwater (e.g. District Plan, Asset Management Plans).	-     Avoids the additional time/cost associated with further public consultation. -     Exposes the Council to a high level of relationship and reputational risk, particularly in relation to Rangitāne o Manawatū. -     ​Fails to provide high-level, integrated direction on how stormwater is managed in the city, with consequences arising which unintentionally impact on property owners and Council operations.
Option 4	Do not adopt the Draft Stormwater Strategy at this time and direct that further engagement occurs with key stakeholders, Rangitāne o Manawatū and Elected Members.	-     Additional community views sought via further engagement prior to considering the Draft Stormwater Strategy. -     Provides more time for key stakeholders, Rangitāne o Manawatū and Elected Members to shape the Draft Stormwater Strategy prior to public consultation. -     The further engagement is likely to reinforce the feedback already received, i.e. we already know the views of key stakeholders and Rangitāne o Manawatū. -     Additional time and costs prior to public consultation.

​ 

 

5.       Next actions 

 

5.1     Following adoption of a preferred option by the Committee a tailored consultation plan will be developed by Council Officers. 

 

 

6.       Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide?		Yes
Are the decisions significant?		No
If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?		No
Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?		No
Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?		No
Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these objectives?		No
Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?		No
The recommendations contribute to:   Whāinga 1: He tāone auaha, he tāone tiputipu Goal 1: An innovative and growing city Whāinga 3: He hapori tūhonohono, he hapori haumaru Goal 3: A connected and safe community Whāinga 4: He tāone toitū, he tāone manawaroa Goal 4: A sustainable and resilient cityGiving effect to Te Patuinga me Rangitāne o Manwatū Partnership with Rangitāne o Manwatū
The recommendations contribute to this plan:    13. Mahere wai 14. Governance and Active Citizenship Plan For Mahere Wai Water Plan, the objective is: We want our city to be safe from flooding during storm events. For Mahere Mana Urungi, Kirirarautanga Hihiri Governance & Active Citizenshop Plan, the objective is: We want to actively engage with the community to enable well-informed, transparent, and joined-up decisions. We want to work in partnership with Rangitāne o Manawatū. Mahere Wai Water Plan includes a one-off action to develop a Stormwater Strategy.
Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being	Stormwater affects all four aspects of well-being, now and in the future. Stormwater also interacts with almost all of Council functions. The recommendation of this memo contributes to fulfilling the following objectives: Mahere Wai Water Plan has the new or one-off action for Years 1 & 2 to develop a Stormwater Strategy, to keep our city safe from flooding during storm events. Mahere Mana Urungi, Kirirarautanga Hihiri – the direction by Council for further public consultation will enable well-informed, transparent, and joined-up decisions informed by active engagement with our communities.  The Stormwater Strategy is being co-developed in partnership with Rangitāne o Manawatū.

 

Attachments

1.

Draft Stormwater Strategy ⇩

  

 

 

Memorandum

TO:                                Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           18 June 2025

TITLE:                             Update on opportunities for native species re-introductions in the Turitea Reserve (2025)

Presented By:            David Watson, Senior Climate Change and Sustainability Advisor

APPROVED BY:            David Murphy, General Manager Strategic Planning

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Sustainability Committee

1.   That the Committee receive the memorandum titled ‘Update on opportunities for native species re-introductions in the Turitea Reserve (2025)’ presented to the Sustainability Committee on 18 June 2025.

1.         ISSUE

1.1       This memorandum follows a previous memo, which was presented to the 22 May 2024 Sustainability Committee. The memo recommended conducting a follow-up translocation of toutouwai (North Island robins) to supplement the existing population from the 2021 release and seeking expert advice about the suitability of the Turitea Reserve for kiwi and weka.  The Committee received this information and endorsed investigations into the feasibility of future translocations. We have since completed a successful supplementary toutouwai translocation and have consulted wildlife specialists on future possible kiwi and weka translocations.

Toutouwai translocation

1.2       Following last year’s resolution, Council have worked with Rangitāne towards a translocation of toutouwai. In April 2025, 30 toutouwai were gifted by Ngaa Rauru and Bushy Park Trust and were successfully released in the Turitea Reserve. This raised the number of birds in the reserve to 64, increasing the genetic diversity of the population and strengthening resilience against environmental threats, such as an unusually cold winter.

Turitea Reserve pest control

1.3       Increased Council investment and contractor efforts in predator control through the current Long-Term Plan have resulted in consistently low predator numbers in Turitea. December 2024 monitoring results showed zero rats in the 400-ha ‘core zone’, where the majority of toutouwai have established territories. These pest control results gave confidence both to Ngaa Rauru, the kaitiaki who were gifting us the toutouwai, and Rangitāne to allow us to pursue the translocation. Maintaining current pest control levels should provide security for the future of the Turitea toutouwai population.

Kiwi and weka translocation

1.4       The May 2024 Sustainability Committee endorsed investigating the future reintroduction of kiwi and weka into Turitea. Expert advice was sought through the Kiwi Recovery Group, and a site visit has determined the habitat quality in Turitea to be suitable for kiwi. Mustelid monitoring is currently underway, which will help determine whether current predator control methods are adequate for kiwi survival or if more targeted measures are required.

1.5       A member of the Weka Recovery Group has advised that, due to the competitive and omnivorous nature of weka, the introduction of kiwi and any other ground-nesting bird species to the area should be completed prior to a weka reintroduction. Council’s priority should therefore be to focus initial efforts towards a kiwi translocation.

2.         BACKGROUND

2.1       Council-run predator control efforts in Turitea began in 2003 and have expanded significantly since then. Today, the project spans 40 square kilometres across the Turitea Reserve and Hardings Park, with thousands of traps and bait stations in place. The programme has resulted in a large increase in key native bird species, including a 10- to 15-fold increase in the populations of tūī and kererū.

Toutouwai translocation

2.2       Building on the success of the predator control programme, Council partnered with Rangitāne, Massey University, and expert volunteers to reintroduce the locally extinct toutouwai to the Turitea Reserve in 2021. Unfortunately, a nation-wide surge in rat numbers later that year significantly impacted the breeding season of the birds, leaving the population small and potentially vulnerable to environmental shocks, disease, or other threats.

2.3       To mitigate the increased rat numbers, Council conducted a targeted rat control programme within the core breeding area where the toutouwai had established their population. Rat monitoring was substantially increased, and 13,000 rat bait strips have been annually deployed within the core area over the last 4 years. As a result, rat numbers have remained remarkably low over the last several years, with our December pest monitoring yielding results of zero rats or mice in the core toutouwai zone – a nationally leading statistic for an unfenced mainland site.

2.4       Increased pest control has yielded noticeable improvements in toutouwai survival. A highly successful 2024/2025 breeding season left us with a growing population of 34 robins (12 adults and 22 juveniles), demonstrating that the Reserve provides favourable conditions for long-term habitation. These numbers provided the confidence for a supplementary translocation in autumn this year to boost numbers and increase genetic diversity.

2.5       In the week of 14 April 2025, the Climate Change and Sustainability Team worked with Ngaa Rauru and conservation biologists to capture and band 30 toutouwai from Bushy Park Tarapuruhi. The birds were blessed by Ngaa Rauru before their departure, and on 16 April they were welcomed by Rangitāne and successfully released into the Turitea Reserve. The arrival of these 30 birds has increased the total number within the reserve to 64. Monitoring of the population will be ongoing. However, early monitoring has shown the recent arrivals have quickly acclimated to their new environment.

2.6       The permit allows for a further 10 toutouwai to be translocated from a more remote site. Investigations are underway for the practicality and desirability of this operation.

Turitea Reserve pest control

2.7       Our pest control contractors in the reserve currently maintain ~3,500 bait stations and ~1,500 predator traps. Following the first year of the initial translocation, pest control measures were increased to include the installation of modern self-resetting ‘AT220’ traps, alongside the deployment of the rat bait strips each year.

2.8       Rat monitoring has been substantially improved since the 2021 translocation, and pest monitoring now includes a network of 20 automatic trail cameras that are regularly set up on a rotating grid to ensure both a wide coverage and an early warning system for any sudden increase in predator numbers.

Kiwi and weka translocation

2.9       Professor Isabel Castro (Kiwi Recovery Group) advises that the Rowi is the most suitable kiwi for Turitea, due to their historic presence in Turitea.

2.10     Rhys Burns (Weka Recovery Group) explained that weka are very competitive and territorial in nature, and their omnivorous diet can pose a risk to ground nesting birds and skinks. He therefore advised not to pursue a weka translocation until we have considered all other species we would want to translocate in the near future.

2.11     Both experts recommended ensuring low mustelid numbers before pursuing a translocation. A trial run of monitoring is currently being conducted, with trail cameras positioned according to the Kiwi Recovery Group’s monitoring protocol. The results of this monitoring will determine whether or not additional, targeted pest control measures are needed.

3.         NEXT STEPS

3.1       Continue monitoring the existing and new toutouwai population. Plan logistics for a possible second translocation.

3.2       Continue current pest control measures, including the delivery of a winter striker operation conducted whenever rat numbers increase to dangerous levels within the core toutouwai zone.

3.3       Alter pest control measures, depending on the results of mustelid monitoring, if necessary. Begin application process for kiwi translocation permit once low mustelid numbers confirmed.

4.         Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide?		Yes
Are the decisions significant?		No
If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?		No
Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?		No
Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?		No
Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these objectives?		Yes
Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?		No
The recommendations contribute to: Whāinga 4: He tāone toitū, he tāone manawaroa Goal 4: A sustainable and resilient city
The recommendations contribute to this plan:    11. Mahere mō te kanorau koiora me Te Awa o Manawatū 11. Biodiversity and the Manawatū River Plan The objective is:
Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being	Reintroductions of locally extinct species contribute to the restoration of the Turitea Reserve’s biodiversity.

 

Attachments

Nil 

 

 

REPORT

TO:                                Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           18 June 2025

TITLE:                             Options of new indicators to include in the 2026 Sustainability Review

PRESENTED BY:            Olivia Wix, Communications Manager and David Watson, Senior Climate Change and Sustainability Advisor

APPROVED BY:            Danelle Whakatihi, General Manager Customer & Community

David Murphy, General Manager Strategic Planning

 

RECOMMENDATION(S) TO Council

1.   That the Chief Executive continue using existing data, include additional data already collected, and draw on data from other organisations to support the 2026 Sustainability Review (Option 3). 

 

Summary of options analysis

OPTION 1:	Continue to use only the existing data that has been reported in previous Sustainability Reviews
Benefits	Consistent approach.
Risks	There is an opportunity to add more data which could further enhance the purpose of the report.
Financial	No impact.
OPTION 2:	Continue to use the existing data, as well as include new data from information Council already collects
Benefits	Assists in meeting the purpose of the Sustainability Review.
Risks	None.
Financial	No impact.
OPTION 3:	Continue using existing data, include additional data already collected by Council, and draw on data from other organisations to support the report
Benefits	Includes more data, which assists in meeting purpose of Sustainability Review.
Risks	The data tends to be more regional without localised breakdowns. There is no oversight or awareness of how the data is collected or managed. Council has no ability to control or influence the outcomes of the data reported.
Financial	No impact.
OPTION 4:	Create new datasets for information not currently collected by Council or organisational partners.
Benefits	Could fill gaps of knowledge.
Risks	These should form part of the Long-Term Plan process.
Financial	Depending on data desired, there could be costs in setting up and collecting the data.

 

 

Rationale for the recommendations

1.         Background and previous council decisions

1.1       The Environmental Sustainability Review is published every two years for our community, partners, and stakeholders. It shows how committed our organisation is to sustainability. The report combines stories and data to highlight the work we have undertaken over the past two years. It is organised into key areas like transport, housing, energy, water, rubbish and recycling. In recent years, we have also included stories about partnerships with Council and other organisations in the city doing great work in this area.

1.2       When receiving the latest Environmental Sustainability Review in 2024, Elected Members asked for options to include more organisational and community-wide indicators in the 2026 report.

2.         Analysis of options

Option 1:  Continue to use only the existing data that has been reported in previous Sustainability Reviews

2.1       One of the main challenges with the review since it began is that data is collected at different times. This makes it hard to compare information from year to year. For example, the city-wide waste audit only happens every six years. 

 

 

2.2       Currently, the Sustainability Review reports on the following measures: 

Carbon Emissions	·    Organisational Emissions Inventory (Water treatment and pumps, Depot and operations, pools, transport, waste management, workplace travel by staff, property, CET Arena operations, libraries, parks and reserves and streetlights)  ·    Annual emissions (tCO2e) compared to council goal for city and organisation
Transport	·    Km’s of roads, footpaths and bus stops  ·    Number of street trees  ·    Annual cycling counts  ·    E-scooter kms
Water	·    Km’s of pipes, reservoirs, bores, manholes, pump stations, drains for all three waters  ·    Water treatment, consumption and disposal
Resource Recovery	·    Number of public bins  ·    City wide waste audit (six yearly data) including amount of waste gone to landfill, and what could have been diverted  ·    Rubbish collected from kerb   ·    Recycling collected from kerb  ·    Glass collected from kerb  ·    Recycling at drop-off points  ·    E-waste  ·    Motor oil recycling  ·    Green waste drop-off  ·    Compost sold   ·    Number of rubbish bags collected  ·    Number of recycling bins emptied
Biodiversity	·    Robin bird counts

 

Option 2:  Continue to use the existing data, as well as include new data from information Council already collects

2.3       The information below includes data we already collect but have not included in past Sustainability Reviews, as well as new data that was not available before. In many cases, this data is reported in the aggregate, such as through the carbon reporting, but is not currently presented at the granular level. This data could be added to the 2026 Sustainability Review easily and at no extra cost. 

 

	Data	Where from:
Carbon Emissions	·   Fertiliser use  ·   Refrigerant use  ·   Wastewater emissions  ·   ·   Air travel  ·   Taxi use  ·   Workplace travel	·   Manual records  ·   Contractor records  ·   Calculated from wastewater data  ·   Agent data  ·   Invoices  ·   Internal survey
Energy	·   Power use / Generation  ·   Gas use  ·   Non-transport fuel use	·   Energy invoices    ·   Tanker meters
Transport	·   Active and Public transport to work/education on Census Day  ·   Fuel use	·   Census data already being used in city dashboards    ·   Fuel invoicing
Water	·   Power use / generation	·   Internal dashboards
Resource Recovery	·   Polystyrene recycled  ·   Tetrapak recycled  ·   Waste collected from Council facilities	·   New data from recycling partners  ·   Triennial waste audit
Biodiversity	·   Native bird count  ·   Predator catch numbers and tracking rates	·   City dashboards  ·   Contractor records and surveys
Other	·   Access to green spaces	·   City dashboards

 

Option 3:  Continue using existing data, include additional data already collected by Council, and draw on data from other organisations to support the report

2.4       There are several external data sources we could consider including in the 2026 Sustainability Review. However, we recommend using them with caution, as in many cases we do not have full visibility of how the data was collected or analysed, which makes it harder to judge its accuracy or how well it applies to our local context. 

2.5       Some of the data looks at things from a regional perspective or groups together multiple areas – such as different rivers or catchments – so it does not always give a clear picture of what is happening in our city. Many of the indicators reflect outcomes that Council has little or no control over, which means we can’t always take direct action to improve them. 

2.6       Because of these issues, the data is less relevant to the purpose of the Sustainability Review and to our intended audience (our wider community), who are primarily interested in what is happening locally and where Council can make a difference. 

2.7       That said, some of this data may still be useful for providing context or telling the wider story – particularly when highlighting the work of other organisations through the stories in the review. We suggest treating these indicators in this way, rather than using them as key indicators in the review. For example, Horizons State of the Environment Report could be a story within the 2026 Sustainability Review. The report is released every five years but the data set that includes our city also includes Feilding, Woodville, Pahiatua, Eketahuna and Foxton.

	Data	Where from:	Comments
Carbon Emissions	·   Regional climate inventory  ·   National climate inventory	·   Horizons Regional Council (HRC) ·   Ministry for the Environment (MfE)	·  Confusing for readers as scope and methodology vary considerably
Energy	·   Detailed generation and use statistics (fossil fuels, renewables, etc.)	·   Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)	·  Not held at PN City Council level
Transport	·   Bus statistics – patronage, energy use, etc.	·   HRC	·  May further confuse public that we’re responsible for buses
Water	·   Water Quality of Manawatu River    ·   Mangaone Water Quality Indicators	·   Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA), HRC  ·   HRC	·  Snapshot in time, likely to vary considerably from one report to next. Scope of these catchments considerably larger than Palmerston North City Council boundary
Resource Recovery	·   Landfill tonnage received, and forward investments	·   MBIE	·  Bonny Glen (i.e. regional) level only
Biodiversity	·   Regional biodiversity indicators, particularly for Te Apiti	·   HRC, Department of Conservation  (DOC)	·  Reserve only partly within rohe. Palmerston North City Council is not directly involved in operations
Other	·   Regional Climate Vulnerability Assessment  ·   State of Environment Report	·   HRC	·  Top 50 communities at risk from climate related hazards  ·  Palmerston North City Council is included in a wide regional data set

 

Option 4:  Create new datasets for information not currently collected by Council or organisational partners  

2.8       If Elected Members would like to see additional sustainability indicators included in the report, but we do not currently hold the necessary data, we could work on sourcing this. In this case, Officers would need direction as to what data Elected Members would like to include, and then they can explore what it would take to collect or source that information; however, this would involve additional time and cost (to be confirmed depending on data needed and ease of collecting). We recommend considering new indicators as part of the next Long-Term Plan process. That is the point at which we review and update existing measures, and since some supporting data is already available, it is the ideal time to formally introduce and resource any new indicators within our ongoing monitoring and reporting framework.

3.         Conclusion

3.1       Officers recommend Option 3. This would see us continue to use the data we have used in the past, as well as add new data we have access to.

3.2       Regional data is helpful, but has risks, as outlined above. Officers recommend using this data as part of wider storytelling in the report.

4.         Next actions

4.1       Work is already underway determining the stories that will be highlighted in the next edition. Indicators selected today will be added to the next review, along with existing data we report on. The publication will be brought to council in early 2026 for release.  

5.         Compliance and administration

Does the Committee have delegated authority to decide?		No
Are the decisions significant?		No
If they are significant do they affect land or a body of water?		No
Can this decision only be made through a 10 Year Plan?		No
Does this decision require consultation through the Special Consultative procedure?		No
Is there funding in the current Annual Plan for these objectives?		Yes
Are the recommendations inconsistent with any of Council’s policies or plans?		No
The recommendations contribute to:   Whāinga 4: He tāone toitū, he tāone manawaroa Goal 4: A sustainable and resilient city
The recommendations contribute to this plan:    10. Mahere āhuarangi hurihuri, toitūtanga 10. Climate Change and Sustainability Plan The objective is:  access to relevant information and education to support more sustainable choices.
Contribution to strategic direction and to social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being	The review highlights what we are doing and also includes examples of what our community are doing to help.

 

Attachments

Nil 

 

 

Committee Work Schedule

TO:                                Sustainability Committee

MEETING DATE:           18 June 2025

TITLE:                             Committee Work Schedule

 

RECOMMENDATION TO Sustainability Committee

1.   That the Sustainability Committee receive its Work Schedule dated June 2025.

Estimated Report Date	Subject	Officer Responsible	Current Position	Date of Instruction & Clause number
18 June 2025	Wastewater Treatment Plant -Nature Calls: Quarterly Report	General Manager Infrastructure		Council 29 May 2024 Clause 95.11 -25 (rec 2)
18 June 2025	Options to enable inclusion of organisational and community-wide sustainability indicators in the 2026 Sustainability Review	General Manager Strategic Planning/ General Manager Customer & Community		22 May 2024 Clause 15
18 June 2025	Draft city-wide stormwater strategy	General Manager Strategic Planning		16 October 2024 Clause 42-24 Council 29 May 2024 Clause 95.7 -24 2F(3)
As required	Manawatū-Whanganui Climate Joint Action Committee Update	General Manager Strategic Planning	Subject to agenda of Joint Committee or any changes at a national level	Climate change plan ongoing
	Resource Recovery Services Review	General Manager Infrastructure	Council 6 August	21 August 2024 Clause 28-24
	PNCC Organisational Emissions Inventory 2024/25 Annual Report	General Manager Strategic Planning	Council 8 October	Climate change plan ongoing action #1
	Waste management and minimisation plan 2024 - annual progress update for 2024/25 FY	General Manager Infrastructure	Council 8 October	9 Sept 2020 Clause 17-20
	Citywide Emissions Inventory 2024 Annual Report	General Manager Strategic Planning	Council 8 October	Climate change plan ongoing action #3
	Low Carbon Fund Allocations 2024/25	General Manager Strategic Planning	Council 8 October	21 August 2024 Clause 24-24
2026	Annual Sector Lead Report: Environment Network Manawatū	General Manager Customer & Community		Terms of Reference
18 June 2025 2026	Draft community-focused city-wide climate action plan	General Manager Strategic Planning	Community engagement underway	Climate change plan ongoing action #5 16 October 2024 Clause 34-24