Item 10: Future public
recreation use of Ngāti Koata whenua
|
|
Community and Recreation Committee
15 September 2022
|
REPORT R26814
Future
public recreation use of Ngāti Koata whenua
1. Purpose
of Report
1.1 To
confirm Council’s long-term strategic position in relation to
recreational use of Ngāti Koata whenua.
1.2 To
seek approval to continue dialogue with Ngāti Koata with a view to
entering into a mutually advantageous long-term agreement to maintain and
enhance recreational access on Ngāti Koata owned whenua.
2. Summary
2.1 A
significant network of recreation trails exists on Ngāti Koata whenua,
which provides important recreational opportunities. Council has reached a
temporary agreement with Ngāti Koata to enable interim public recreation
access since December 2020. Ngāti Koata supports recreation occurring on
its whenua providing a long-term agreement is reached in relation to public
access.
2.2 This
report seeks to confirm Council’s long-term strategic position in
relation to the recreational use of Ngāti Koata whenua and seeks approval
to continue dialogue with Ngāti Koata with a view to entering into a
long-term agreement.
3. Recommendation
|
That
the Community and Recreation Committee
1. Receives
the report Future public recreation use of Ngāti Koata whenua
(R26814) and its attachments
(1789850319-409 and 1789850319-456).
|
Recommendation to Council
|
That the
Council
1. Confirms its commitment to
maintaining and enhancing recreational access to high-value recreation areas
that are currently owned by Ngāti Koata, and to entering into a mutually
advantageous long-term agreement, with resourcing subject to funding being
approved through the 2023/24 Annual Plan and the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.
2. Notes that entering into a mutually
advantageous long-term agreement with Ngāti Koata will be a priority
matter for consideration through the 2023/24 Annual Plan and the 2024-34 Long
Term Plan.
3. Directs officers to continue
dialogue with Ngāti Koata with a view to developing a proposal to
maintain and enhance recreational access to high-value recreation areas that
are currently owned by Ngāti Koata.
|
4. Background
4.1 A
significant network of mountain biking and other recreation trails exists on
Ngāti Koata whenua which provides important recreational opportunities for
Nelson residents and visitors. Prior to Ngāti Koata ownership the land was
Crown-owned, and this network was largely developed by volunteers during this
time. Subsequent development has also occurred and there is also the potential
for future development of additional recreational opportunities on this whenua.
4.2 Ngāti
Koata submitted to the 2019/20 Annual Plan seeking funding to develop a
recreation management plan, which was approved. A draft plan was developed over
the ensuing year, which highlighted a range of issues faced by Ngāti
Koata. It centred around the difficulties of having to manage and subsidise
public recreation on its land.
4.3 In
June 2020 a letter was received from Ngāti Koata formally seeking an
interim access agreement be reached, and that longer term options be explored.
4.4 At
its 17 September 2020 meeting, the Sports and Recreation Committee signalled
its interest in securing short-term and long-term solutions to allow this to
access to continue (SPO/2020/045). The Committee resolved the following (note
that this item was presented and discussed in Public Excluded, but the
decisions were subsequently made publicly available):
Resolved SPO/2020/045
That the Sports and Recreation Committee
1. Receives
the report Recreational Use of land owned by Koata Limited (R18081) and its
attachments (A2410631, A2407219 and A2407218); and
2. Directs
officers to report back to the Sports and Recreation Committee with
recommendations on short term and long term options; and
3. Agrees
that the decision only and Attachment 1 (A2410631) be made publicly available;
and
4. Agrees
that Report (R18081) and Attachments 2 (A2407218) and 3 (A2407219) remain
confidential at this time.
4.5 A
confidential briefing was then held with the Sports and Recreation Committee on
22 October 2020 to discuss options for an interim solution to the issues raised
by Ngāti Koata.
4.6 In
November 2020 Council resolved to provide funding for a grant to Ngāti
Koata as an interim arrangement to enable continued public recreation access to
the Ngāti Koata whenua component of Codgers Trails and Fringed Hill areas
(Land units B and C in Attachment 1). The grant was made subsequent to analysis
that showed the scale of use and economic value to Nelson City of the trails
which have been developed, including those on Ngāti Koata’s
privately-owned whenua.
4.7 The
annual payment is $80,000, which was reviewed by a valuer and is considered
broadly to be $40,000 for public recreation access onto the whenua, and $40,000
for management support (recreation brings with it a reasonable demand for
resource to deal with events, shuttling and coaching concessions, requests for
new trails or maintenance, health and safety etc).
4.8 A
funding agreement for the interim grant was signed by Ngāti Koata and
Council in December 2020 and included a requirement that Ngāti Koata did
not oppose the Maitai Recreation Hub development (the Hub is surrounded by
Ngāti Koata land and so arguably provides encouragement for people to use
it for recreation).
4.9 The
Nelson Mountain Bike Club (NMTBC) negotiated a separate arrangement with
Ngāti Koata to maintain access for its members in the Sharlands area (Land
Unit A in Attachment 1). The Sharlands area does have appeal for wider use
(walking, trail running, intermediate mountain biking) but is particularly
valuable for more skilled mountain bikers and including for events and was
therefore of interest to the NMTBC to secure access.
4.10 Investigations
into a longer-term solution have continued and officers have maintained
dialogue with Ngāti Koata, which supports recreation occurring on its
whenua providing a long-term agreement is reached in relation to public access.
The interim access agreement was rolled over for the 2021/22 year.
4.11 At
a Community and Recreation Committee briefing (14 July 2022), Ngāti Koata
and Officers provided guidance that a strategic position was required that
stated Council was committed strategically in the long-term in relation to the
recreational use of Ngāti Koata whenua, including the provision of
resourcing (subject to future Annual Plan Long Term Plan processes).
4.12 As
a result of progress to date, including the positive response from elected
members at a 14 July 2022 Community and Recreation Committee briefing,
Ngāti Koata have agreed to extend the interim access agreement to 30
September 2022, with further extensions contingent on future progress.
5. Discussion
Recreation value of Ngāti Koata whenua
5.1 Information
on the value of recreation on Ngāti Koata whenua has been presented to
elected members on several occasions and is summarised below.
5.2 The
trail network within Ngāti Koata whenua is a well-established and
significant regional recreation asset. Tracks cross over into Ngāti Koata
whenua from Council and Department of Conservation land, and a small section of
the Coppermine Trail (a nationally significant Great Ride) passes over
Ngāti Koata whenua.
5.3 The
Ngāti Koata component of the Codgers Trails/Fringed Hill area is just over
500 hectares and shares boundaries with Atmore Reserve, Tantragee Reserve,
Maitai Esplanade Reserve, Brook Conservation Reserve and the Maitai Water
Reserve (and is also in close proximity to the Waahi Taakaro Golf Course). It
is a rural environment within close proximity of the city centre and offers
views across the city and Tasman Bay. As such, it receives high demand for
recreational use including mountain biking, walking and running.
5.4 The
Sharlands area is around 700 hectares and is known for advanced mountain
biking. The NMTBC advise that the Sharlands area provides central New Zealand
with an important downhill race venue which meets the Cycling New
Zealand/Mountain Bike New Zealand technical regulations for national level
events. If this venue became unavailable, Nelson is likely to lose out on these
events to other area with these venues (e.g. Rotorua and Christchurch). The
area also has a range of other opportunities including walking, running, easier
grade biking and access to a QEII Covenant vegetation area. The adjacent Maitai
Face area is around 200 hectares and predominantly used for mountain biking.
5.5 The
NMTBC supports the continuing access to tracks on Ngāti Koata whenua and
have noted the importance provided by the diversity of trails on the whenua
(Maitai Codgers, Sharlands, the Maitai Face and Fringed Hill). A recent survey
of club members (July 2022) has found that the most frequently ridden area is
the Codgers area (including the Koata whenua component).
5.6 The
NMTBC is the largest club in the country with just under 3,000 members. A
recent survey undertaken by the Club showed 30% of members had moved to Nelson
in the last five years, and of those 75% considered the trail network as a
primary reason for relocating. Anecdotal evidence is that around 80% of the
network is either on, or accessed through, Ngāti Koata land.
5.7 A
2018 report by BERL on the economic benefits to Nelson of mountain biking
highlighted the value of the activity to the region. It suggested the trails
generated $8.5 million of new and retained spending annually which would
generate $4.5 million in GDP and provide employment for 79 full time
equivalents (FTEs). Once multiplier effects were taken into account, the
activity was thought to generate a total of $14.5 million in expenditure, $7.5
million in GDP and total additional employment of 106 FTEs. These figures were
much higher when the Tasman region was included.
5.8 On
17 August 2022 Nelson Regional Development Agency (NRDA) provided a letter of
support to Council, noting that mountain biking provided a key offering for the
community and attracted people to both live and visit the region (Attachment
2). They commented that 2018 BERL report should now be considered as a
conservative estimate of the economic value of the mountain biking to the
Nelson Tasman Region. This is based on increased patronage of the Great Rides,
even in the absence of international visitors. The NRDA confirmed their
continued work with stakeholder groups to maximise the profile, opportunities
and leverage from events and trails for the region. Options
5.9 The
Council can either adopt the strategic statement, either with or without
changes, or it could decline to adopt it. Option 1 is recommended by officers.
|
Option 1: Agree to the
strategic statement to maintain and enhance recreational access to high-value
recreation areas that are currently owned by Ngāti Koata, and to
entering into a mutually advantageous long-term agreement, with resourcing subject to funding being approved
through the 2023/24 Annual Plan and the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.
|
|
Advantages
|
· Demonstrates
Council’s commitment and support to progressing an agreement with
Ngāti Koata to retain long-term recreational access to Ngāti Koata
whenua
· Enables
a range of options to be considered to secure long-term recreational access
· Supports
future initiatives to be included for consultation through the Annual Plan
and Long Term Plan processes
|
|
Risks and Disadvantages
|
· Potential
for future costs associated with long-term agreement options
· Potential
opposition from members of the community who don’t use the areas
|
|
Option
2: Don’t agree to the strategic statement to maintain and enhance
recreational access to high-value recreation areas that are currently owned
by Ngāti Koata, and to entering into a mutually advantageous long-term
agreement.
|
|
Advantages
|
· No
immediate cost to Council
|
|
Risks and Disadvantages
|
· High
risk that public access to Koata whenua ceases, resulting in reduced
recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors
· Reputational
risk for the region as a recreation destination
· Opportunity
to host large events might be reduced
· Risk
of overcrowding of the Council track network
· Increased
pressure on Council to find alternatives for lost recreational opportunities
(and associated costs/workload/environmental impacts)
|
6. Conclusion
6.1 A
significant network of recreation trails exists on Ngāti Koata whenua
which provides important recreational opportunities. Ngāti Koata is
supportive of recreation occurring on its whenua providing a long-term
agreement is reached in relation to public access.
6.2 This
report seeks to confirm Council’s long-term strategic position in
relation to the recreational use of Ngāti Koata whenua.
7. Next
Steps
7.1 If
council endorses the strategic statement officers will:
7.1.1 Continue
to work with Ngāti Koata to develop options for long term access
agreements.
7.1.2 Undertake
option analysis, including cost projections.
7.1.3 Present
these options analysis and cost projections to elected members for a decision
to enter formal negotiations on approved option(s) and delegating officers to
enter into an agreement (subject to Council endorsement).
Author: Carol
Stewart, Parks and Facilities Activity Planner
Attachments
Attachment 1: 1789850319-409 Land
Units of Ngati Koata land subject to investigation ⇩
Attachment 2: 1789850319-456
Letter from Nelson Regional Development Agency - Supporting considerations
regarding moutain biking access and assets ⇩
|
Important considerations for decision making
|
|
1. Fit with Purpose of Local Government
This recommendation meets the purpose of Local
Government by working to enable public access to a significant recreation
resource on this land. It promotes the social and economic wellbeing of our
community in the present and for the future, by addressing access to a
significant recreation resource.
|
|
2. Consistency with Community Outcomes and Council
Policy
The recommendation is in alignment with the
following Community Outcome:
“Our communities have access to a range of
social, educational and recreational facilities and activities”.
|
|
3. Risk
The risk
associated with this strategic commitment and investigating options to secure
long term recreational access is consider low. If Council subsequently
decides to progress with securing access, any risks associated with future
options would be identified and assessed through the investigations process
and reported back to Council.
|
|
4. Financial impact
The next stage of investigations will involve staff
time, and existing budgets for professional advice (legal, valuer and other
experts, as necessary).
|
|
5. Degree of significance and level of engagement
Making this commitment of support is considered to
be of low significance, however, if the proposal progresses there will be a
high level of interest from users of the tracks. This matter will require
consultation as part of the 2023/24 Annual Plan and the Long Term Plan
2024-34.
|
|
6. Climate Impact
This decision will have no impact on the ability of
Council to proactively respond to the impacts of climate change now or in the
future.
|
|
7. Inclusion of Māori in the decision making
process
No engagement with Māori has been undertaken in
preparing this report other than engagement with Ngāti Koata.
|
|
8. Delegations
The Community and Recreation Committee has the
following delegations to consider
Areas of Responsibility:
· Parks
and Reserves
· Recreation
and Leisure Facilities and Services
Delegations:
· The
committee has all of the responsibilities, powers, functions and duties of
Council in relation to governance matters within its areas of responsibility,
except where they have been retained by Council
Powers to Recommend (if applicable):
· The
purchase or disposal of land or property relating to the areas of
responsibility, other than in accordance with the Long Term Plan or Annual
Plan
· Decisions
regarding significant assets.
|
Item 11: Community and
Recreation Quarterly Report to 30 June 2022
|
|
Community and Recreation Committee
15 September 2022
|
REPORT R27035
Community
and Recreation Quarterly Report to 30 June 2022
1. Purpose
of Report
1.1 To inform the Committee of the financial and non-financial results
for the fourth quarter of 2021/22 for the activities under the Community and
Recreation Committee’s delegated authority.
2. Recommendation
|
That
the Community and Recreation Committee
1. Receives
the report Community and Recreation Quarterly Report to 30 June 2022 (R27035) and its attachments (200344844-221
and A2880764).
|
3. Background
3.1 Quarterly
reports on performance are provided to each Committee on the performance and
delivery of projects and activities within its area of responsibility.
3.2 The
financial reporting in this report focuses on the year-to-date performance to
30 June 2022, against approved capital and operating budgets.
3.3 Approved
budgets are the 2021/22 annual budget plus any carry forwards, plus or minus
any other additions or changes approved by Council or the appropriate
Committee.
3.4 At
the time of budgeting, capital projects are classed as one of the following:
Growth: the main driver of the project
is population growth.
Renewal: the main driver of the project is to replace existing assets
nearing the end of their economic life.
Level of
Service: the main driver of the project is to
increase the level of service provided to the community.
3.5 Where
a capital project contains a mix of capital type, it is coded to the dominant
purpose of the capital project.
3.6 Detailed
project sheets are included in Attachment 1 for large or particular interest
projects within the Community and Recreation Committee delegations. These
project sheets have been selected if their budget is at least $250,000 for
2021/22, if they are multi-year projects with a budget over $1 million, or if
they have been assessed to be of particular interest to the Committee.
3.7 Project
status is analysed based on three factors: quality, time and budget. From
consideration of these three factors the project is assessed as being on track
(green), some issues/risks (orange), or major issues/risks (red). Projects that
are within 5% of their budget are on track regarding the budget factor.
|
Terms Used
|
|
Ahead/behind
– this indicates that the variance is due to timing (ahead = budget
spent earlier than planned; behind = budget to be spent later than planned),
or that it is not yet known whether the variance will continue for the full
year. This is conveyed through the commentary.
|
|
Greater than/less
than – this indicates that a budget has been overspent (greater
than) or underspent (less than), and that it is likely there is an actual cost
saving or overrun. This is conveyed through the commentary.
|
4. Financial results
4.1 As at 30 June 2022, Capital
Expenditure is $1.62m under budget. Major Capital Variances are as follows:
4.1.1 Nelson
Library is $152,000 under budget, which is largely due to Structural
Improvements of $200,000 being delayed to 2022/23. This has been
offset by the Elma Turner Library Extension running over budget by $41,000, and
Seismic Assessment review expenditure unbudgeted of $22,000.
4.1.2 Toilets
(Free) is $148,000 under budget, with less capital projects staff time being
utilised than expected.
4.1.3 Neighbourhood
parks is under budget by $946,000. This is due to $804,000 of budgeted land
purchases not going ahead; and the Reserve Development Programme being $141,000
under budget, however this will be carried forward into 2022/23.
4.1.4 Modellers Pond Solution is $475,000 under
budget due to a delay in the work programme caused by wet weather and leave
within the contractor’s team.
4.2 Landscapes
Reserves expenditure is greater than budget by $205,000.
Heavy Rain events are $183,000 over budget due to slips from rain events at
Grampians, Botanical Hill and Sir Stanley Whitehead. Maitai MTB Hub is $20,000
over budget which is paid for by grant income.
4.3 Saxton
Field income is less than budget by $104,000.
Tasman District Council’s Champion Drive
contribution is $116,000 under budget due to
the Champion Drive connection project coming in under budget.
4.4 Founders
Park expenditure is less then budget by $114,000.
The Development Fund expenditure is $45,000 under budget. These
funds from the book fair will be used for a major playground redevelopment,
planned for February 2023. Electricity is under budget by $16,000 due to the
COVID-19 lockdown. Several other expenditure items are under budget, due to lower
costs associated with holding fewer functions and events.
4.5 Nelson
Library income is
greater than budget by $152,000. Grants from the Department of
Internal Affairs are $177,000 over budget, with a funding extension to cover
three secondee roles.
4.6 Stoke
Library expenditure is
less than budget by $112,000. Staff costs are $90,000 under budget,
offset across the other libraries. Electricity is under budget by $16,000, due
to the COVID-19 lockdown.
4.7 Community
Properties expenditure is less than budget by
$169,000. Condition Assessments
are under budget by $13,000. Energy audits are $37,000 under budget with work
being completed internally instead. Depreciation is $11,000 under budget due to
timing of capitalisation of projects. The balance is due to allocation of staff
costs.
4.8 Community
Housing income is more than budget by $323,000. This due to a gain of $323,000 from Housing
Capped Fund Valuation adjustment.
4.9 Community
Tools and Enablers expenditure is less than budget
by $100,000. COVID-19 emergency
community grants are under budget by $55,000 which is demand driven. The
balance is due to allocation of staff costs.
5. Community Partnerships and Communities of Greatest
Need
Social Isolation
5.1 Officers
have observed acute welfare problems caused by the effects of the resurgence of
COVID-19 during this time period. In response, the Community Partnerships team
was successful in applying for funding from the Ministry of Social Development
to extend a collaborative Neighbourhood Support project with Tasman District
Council and the Department of Internal Affairs.
5.2 The
Neighbourhood Project enabled ongoing support for an extensive network of
Street Champions, who were able to offer street level assistance for our
vulnerable populations. The interventions took many forms, including providing
food and medicine, facilitating access to services and support, wellbeing
check-ins and delivery of Rapid Antigen Tests.
Housing Vulnerability
5.3 Housing
stress continues to rise locally, with 294 families on the housing register
(MSD data) for the period ended 31 March 2022, compared with 264 families at
the same time last year.
5.4 Estimates
of the housing need not captured by the housing register also continue to climb
for Nelson/Richmond, with an estimated further 485 families in need of housing
over the six-month period ended 31 December 2021, compared with 425 for the
six-month period to 30 June 2021, as reported by the six-monthly Nelson Tasman
Housing Trust housing need survey.
5.5 To
help address this, Council is working with a coalition of agencies to support
Housing First to develop its programme, and has recently supported a
Non-Government Organisation led network, to increase collaboration and shared problem
solving.
(Source: Ministry of Social Development Housing Data)
Work
and Learning
5.6 Unemployment
numbers in Nelson continues a downward trend from a 2020 peak, with concern now
shifting to labour shortages.
5.7 There
is also now what is being referred to as an ‘attendance crisis’ in
schools nationally and locally. In response to a growing cohort of young people
not in employment, education or training (NEET), Council is supporting
initiatives to identify young people at risk and assist them in planning next
steps. This pilot programme, in partnership with Marlborough and Tasman
District Councils and the Ministry of Education, now has seven schools in the
programme, ensuring that recent school leavers have a pathway plan and support
to follow it through. Nelson schools involved currently are Nayland College and
Nelson College for Girls.
Poverty
5.8 Community
Investment Fund grant recipients continue to support whanau impacted by
poverty. These groups report an increased demand for their services, with
whanau, who may have previously been coping, now experiencing hardship.
Beneficiaries and Unwaged Workers Trust (BUWT) reports:
We
provided advocacy support to 350 people in the Nelson Tasman region, Covid has
increased demand for our service as there was widespread confusion among
W&I [Work and Income] clients as W&I changed rules and processes
throughout the pandemic. ….
By utilising Kai rescue and the community food bank we ensured those who
contacted us had food security even if this was being denied by W&I. We
supported many people during the challenging times of Covid, supporting those
who lost their jobs or had decreased income.
Increasingly we are seeing people in housing hardship, and are aware that many
people on low incomes are not accessing all of the supports available in
particular Accommodation Supplement, we are making efforts to reach and support
this population….
We are seeing an increased fragility in the people we see this means they need
more support and increased interactions because of this fragility. We are also
increasingly being seen as the agency of last resort, which is resulting in
increasing demand outside of our usual services this is especially pronounced
in regards to homelessness and housing insecurity.
5.9 The
All Saints church also receives a strategic grant to provide their Loaves and
Fishes meals. It has reported on the impact of COVID-19 on both it’s
volunteer staff and the people who dine at the meals provided:
COVID-19
has had a significant impact e.g. we delayed restarting the meals this year
mainly to protect our volunteer team members from getting the virus while being
Good Samaritans. We're now providing a Monday early evening meal so that more
people such as families with school-aged children and low income workers can be
included as well as continuing to provide lunchtime meals.
Image: Loaves and Fishes meals, prepared by All Saints
Church.
Wellbeing
5.10 The
Stoke Youth Park has been generally well received and utilised by young people,
although there are some emerging social issues being observed at the park. An
interagency meeting has been organised to respond to these issues and Council
is resourcing some short-term youth workers via Whanake Youth, and site
improvements to lighting, CCTV and signage.
5.11 Youth
Nelson students and staff were kept busy with their programme, focusing on
engagement, and reinforcing their kaupapa of participation and respect for
those students returning to Youth Nelson from last year. Youth Nelson passes on
its thanks as always to Nelson City Council for its ongoing commitment and
support for Youth Nelson.
5.12 The
Youth Council has experienced a busy first half of the year, having worked with
RockQuest organisers and Young and Funny on what were both fantastic shows. The
Youth Council also submitted to the Ministry of Education on healthy drinks in
secondary schools; is currently working with the Nelson Arts Council on Pride
Decals; and with the Nelson Arts Festival on an October youth event.
Welcoming
Communities
5.13 The
inaugural Welcoming Communities Coordinator was appointed in May 2022.
5.14 Initial
projects to date have included engagement with former refugee and migrant
communities, completing a stocktaking exercise of current service provision,
exploration of additional external funding and continued and ongoing support of
the Nelson Tasman Settlement Forum, as a member of the steering group.
5.15 Supported
by a Neighbourhood Project Grant, Pakistan Day celebrations took place on 5
June 2022. As a Red Cross Settlement Area, Nelson will be receiving refugees of
Pakistani origin over the coming years, so building a relationship with this
burgeoning community is vital.
6. Heritage Updates
6.1 Tuku
22 (Heritage Festival) was extended from a single month to a three-month event,
to provide flexibility due to the COVID-19 Omicron outbreak. A record number of
80 individual events were delivered, with a further 185 days of displays and
exhibitions.
6.2 There
has been an increase in diversity events, with 31% based on non-European
culture from a 2017 base line of 1%. Two iwi organised events occurred during
Tuku 22, with Ngati Kuia offering a Places of Significance bus tour and a
Pakohe Trails guided walk, and Ngati Apa Ki Te Ra To providing a Whakapapa
Whenua Bus Tour.
6.3 A
particularly spectacular celebration of Indonesian culture, food, dance, music
and batik was held on 11 June 2022 by the Indonesian community.
Image: IndoNelsons batik making event.
See the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcNxQYvqipQ
6.4 The
Antarctic Heritage Trust’s Virtual Reality experience at Founders
Heritage Park gave hundreds of people a chance to put headsets on and walk
around the virtual world of Sir Edmund Hillary’s hut in the Antarctic.
6.5 A
series of short films based on some of the key Tuku 22 events has been created
and shared with the community at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl8q9oLWbz7nIEGIrC-VJfg/videos
Image: A virtual experience of Sir Edmund
Hillary’s hut in the Antarctic.
Broadgreen Historic House
6.6 The
Secret Lives Short Story Competition invited authors to create stories about
two dresses in the Broadgreen Textile Collection. 144 entries were received
from across New Zealand, judged by renowned authors Anne Kennedy and Rachael
King. The winning stories can be read at https://secretlivesshortstorycomp.nz/finalists.
6.7 Claire
Regnault, Senior Te Papa Curator and winner of the Ockham Book Award for
illustrated non-fiction for her book Dressed gave a talk at Broadgreen
Historic House. The Rites of Passage talk explored the clothing associated with
marriage, childbirth and mourning, and utilised maternity dresses from the
display.
6.8 April
visitor numbers for Broadgreen House were lower than previous years, although
there was an increase in visitation during May and June, in line with previous
years.
6.9 Cob
repairs have been completed at Broadgreen House.
Founders Heritage Park
6.10 Visitor
numbers were 20,000 for the quarter, which included 8,000 attraction visitors,
2,200 attending functions and 9,800 attending the Book Fair. This was 14% lower
than the same quarter last year. Whilst attraction visitors were very similar,
the number attending functions and the Book Fair was reduced.
6.11 The
Founders Annual Book Fair was another very successful event, raising $150,000.
7. Arts Updates
Nelson
Reuse and Recycling Centre Mural
7.1 Council’s
largest mural was completed at the Nelson Reuse and Recycling Centre. A
time-lapse video of the mural being painted reached 58,800 people on Facebook,
with 22,100 3-second video views. This was nine times more engagement for the
post than any other Council Facebook post during this period. The mural
continues to attract high levels of favourable community support. The
time-lapse video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbhsDi3_SKA
Above: Mural Blessing Attendees
Above: Mural Artists Sean Duffel and Thijs De Koning.
Arts Activation/Arts
Partnership Projects
7.2 In
partnership with Cultural Conversations and Multicultural Nelson Tasman, two
week-long shows of a multicultural light art projection were displayed on the
I-site building.
Above: Multicultural Light Art Show. See the full film
here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzbkWT05R9s
7.3 Makeshift
Spaces co-ordinated a three-week light art show projected onto the i-SITE
building as part of the celebrations of the 35th Anniversary of Rockquest. A
video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3c5SjNe-8M
Above: Rockquest Light art Projections.
7.4 A
rangatahi mural training course with Te Korowai Trust was delivered to
students, who worked with three professional artists to create their own
artwork in Karaka Street in Stoke.
Above: A Garin College student works on his artwork.
7.5 A
series of light art displays were delivered at Rutherford Park during Matariki.
This art display, called Te Kohitahitanga, was in the form of a waharoa or
gateway, with animated projection by Toi Māori artist Charles Werahiko. A
video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnG6IIpf-2k
Above Te Kohitahitanga by Charles Wekahiko.
7.6 Art
light projections were also delivered with Victory Community Centre and Nayland
College at six neighbourhood parks. The Nga Whetu O Matariki projections
involved whetu or weaving images, projected onto the park trees, with an
estimated 1500 local residents attending. A video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6sP_tZqIdM
Above: Nga Whetu O Matariki Community Parks light art
show.
8. Events Updates
8.1 Having
been postponed twice, the Eelco Boswijk Civic Awards were successfully
delivered in partnership with the Nelson Mail and the Nelson Civic Trust to an
audience of 80 attendees.
Image: Winners at the Eelco Boswijk Civic Awards (Anne
Rush, Brian McIntyre, Sophie Weenink Smith, Bell Bushell, Jackie Galland and
Abigail Packer)
The Young and Funny, a theatre
sports youth event, and The Originals, a youth talent showcase, were delivered
in May and June 2022 by a new event organiser. Both were well received by the
audience and participants, who welcomed the opportunity to return to live
events.
Images: Young & Funny at Putangitangi
Greenmeadows.
Image: The Originals at Nelson Musical Theatre, June
2022.
8.2 The
final youth event for 2022/23, Rock the City has been postponed to November
2022, due to unfavourable weather conditions and many musicians being unwell.
Rock the City is a series of outdoor small musical gigs in the city centre.
8.3 Council
has installed new bilingual signage and flags at the Trafalgar Centre. This
initiative supports Iwi aspirations for an increasing inclusion of te reo
Māori in signage and everyday use.
Image: A new bilingual sign at the Trafalgar Centre
8.4 Council
venues were promoted at a trade stand and officers attended MEETINGS 2022 at Te
Pai, to showcase Council facilities for business events. MEETINGS 2022 was a
sell-out, with 211 exhibitors from 18 New Zealand regions and 500 buyers,
including 110 from Australia attending the event. The team had 15 qualified
buyer appointments per day over two days, with most buyers already planning
bookings for 2024 onwards.
Image: The venues trade stand at MEETINGS 2022.
9. Libraries Updates
9.1 Both
Library knitting groups have been hard at work this quarter with the Elma
Turner Library knitters creating beanies to support people impacted by the war
in Ukraine. The Nellie Knitters also made beanies, which were put on display at
the Meteor Theatre in Hamilton. The beanies were then sold, with proceeds going
towards Brain Tumour Support New Zealand.
Image: ETL Knitters with beanies for Ukraine.
9.2 The
Skinny Jump internet service announced an increase in its data cap (from 35GB
per month to 225GB per month) allowing more access to this vital low-cost
service for many people in our community. Skinny Jump is provided by
telecommunications company, Skinny.
9.3 A
variety of events were held this quarter, including author talks by Christine
Sanders and Karen Stade, live music sessions during New Zealand Music Month,
community korero talks and computer workshops.
9.4 The
April school holiday programme was tied into Tuku 22 and included events, such
as a ‘heritage escape’ room, kumihimo braiding and a retro video
games afternoon. Due to COVID-19, take-home holiday packs were also provided,
with over 200 distributed to patrons.
9.5 Star
Wars Day (May 4th or May Fourth, a play on words regarding the
slogan ‘May the force [fourth] be with you’), was celebrated by
library staff and eager fans on 4 May 2022. This involved a visit from the
Nelson branch of the 501st Legion, which is a volunteer organisation
that brings together Star Wars fans and carries out charitable work in their
communities. The group talked to one of our after-school groups and one
participant called it, “the best day ever.”
Image: May 4th celebration at Elma
Turner Library.
9.6 In
June, the library was visited by two fabulous drag queens from Taranaki: Erika
and CoCo Flash as part of their national tour. The Rainbow Storytime, an event
celebrating diversity and self-acceptance (and bubbles and glitter), was
attended by over 100 children and adults. The Living Library event, which is a
conversation around LGBTQIA+ topics, provided a valuable opportunity for people
to connect and learn together in a safe and accepting space. Special thanks are
due to Auckland Point School and Q-Youth, for their support in making these two
events a success.
Image: CoCo Flash reading as part of Rainbow Storytime
9.7 Following
an initial review on the ceiling tiles at Elma Turner Library, a decision was
made to close the library to the public from the 9 June 2022. The initial
review found that many ceiling tiles were heavier than expected (weighing
between 8kg and 11kg). The closure was a precaution while further
investigations could be undertaken, and more information gathered about the
risk.
9.8 In
response to the sudden closure, library staff adapted most services, so that
they could still be provided in some form or another. This included extended
hours at branch libraries, a kiosk point in the Customer Service Centre, a
click and collect service, free holds and relocating the majority of programmes
and events.
9.9 COVID-19
continues to impact library services with staff sickness and some challenges
with customer complacency around the mask mandate requirements.
10. Parks and Facilities Updates
Koata
whenua recreation access
10.1 An
interim access agreement for the Codgers/Fringed Hill area of Koata Whenua was
signed by Council and Koata Ltd in late 2020, which enabled interim community
recreation access, while a longer-term agreement could be explored.
10.2 Council
and Koata Ltd agreed to roll over this agreement for the 2021/22 year, which
was budgeted in the Long-Term Plan. Budget is also included for this to extend
into 2022/23.
10.3 Officers
continued to work with staff from Koata Ltd on a vision for this whenua and for
how long-term community recreation access may be achieved.
Maitai Recreation Hub
10.4 This
project received funding support from Ministry of Business Innovation and
Employment (MBIE). Members of the Nelson Mountain Bike Club, the Waahi Taakaro
Golf Club, and Council officers worked together to create the hub at the Waahi
Taakaro Golf Course.
10.5 Construction
work started on the Hub in mid-November 2021 and the majority of the work was
completed by May 2022, when the Hub was officially opened.
10.6 These
works included a new carpark, the relocation of the 10th tee on the golf
course, the construction of the new driving nets, new decking on the golf
course building, a new pump track, bike wash down area, shared pathway around
the golf course, new water tank and filtration system, installation of barrier
fencing and signage and landscaping. The project will be completed during
winter 2022 with the installation of an accessible toilet (which had been
delayed due to COVID-19 related supply issues).
10.7 A
verbal update on this project will be provided to this Committee, regarding the
very significant impacts of the recent weather event on this area and project.
Image: New pump track in use, May 2022.
Image: New track through the golf course, May 2022
Maitai Walkway
10.8 The
Maitai Walkway, between Sunday Hole and the Waahi Takaaro Golf Course, requires
widening and upgrading to accommodate increasing active transport, arising from
the development of the Maitai Recreation Hub and use of surrounding mountain
bike tracks.
Image: Section of upgraded track along Maitai Walkway,
May 2022.
10.9 Work
was completed in June 2022 to upgrade and widen the section between the Golf
Course and Sunday Hole (compacted stone).
10.10 Work
has been proceeding with the design section around Sunday Hole, which is more
challenging, due to its location immediately adjacent to the Maitai River and a
rocky face. The design will align with the existing concrete path, to limit the
visual adverse impact and allow access to the river. The structure widens the
path and access through Sunday Hole by cantilevering out from the existing path
and thus minimises work to the exposed rock. The deck grating and sub structure
have been designed to withstand flooding events, and the handrail has been
designed to be easily replaced due to the potential damage from debris being
carried by flood water (the handrail design has a keeper cable to for each
staunchion to stop it being swept downstream in the event of failure from
damage). Works are likely to commence later in the year, once resource consents
have been obtained.
10.11 Council
received a grant from MBIE’s Tourism and Infrastructure Fund in June,
which will contribute to the cost of improving the Sunday Hole section of
pathway.
Image: Concept showing proposed cantilevered section
around Sunday Hole.
Grampians New Trails (Brook)
10.12 The
first stage of this project is complete, with a connection from Sowman Street
now cleared. The next phase involves investigating the best route to connect to
the existing benched trail network, and a range of options are being explored.
10.13 Investigations
into a connection from Hinau Street will commence in the first quarter of
2022/23.
10.14 Officers
have been working with residents immediately adjacent to entrances and propose
to undertake a letter drop for the remainder of households on those streets,
once the project has developed further, to provide more information on future
routes.
Montgomery Toilet Upgrade
10.15 As
previously reported, Council was successful in an application to the Tourism
Infrastructure Fund for the upgrade of the Montgomery Square Toilets.
10.16 Preliminary
designs are being prepared and further detail will be provided at a future
meeting of the delegated Committee. The intent is to improve the facilities
internally by increasing the number of toilets, showers and laundry facilities,
and to enhance the exterior of the building.
Sports Lights
10.17 Through
the Long Term Plan 2021-31, Council included funding for improvements to
sportsground training lights. Budget is included in 2022/23 for design, and in
2024/25 and 2027/28 for construction. A consultant was engaged to provide
advice about sportsground lighting to assist with prioritising the lighting in
need of upgrade. The report was received by officers in the final quarter of
2021/22 and has informed the proposed work programme.
10.18 Based on this report, officers will investigate
lighting at Neale Park and Tahuna throughout 2022/23, to determine consent
requirements, technology considerations, lighting plan/configuration and to
understand the costs of what is required, as well as meeting with sporting
codes to discuss.
Beach
Café and Toilets Facelift
10.19 The
toilets and changing rooms near the Beach Café have had wall tiles added
to the vanity areas and a new anti-slip floor surface added to the toilet and
vanity areas.
Image: Tahunanui Beach toilets new tiling and
flooring.
Rutherford
Park - Old Lumpy Skatepark
10.20 The
Old Lumpy skatepark (between the Trafalgar Centre and the Maitai River) has had
an eight-metre-wide concrete quarter pipe added to the southern end of the flat
area, after Skate Nelson Bays held a consultation evening with the
scooting and skating community.
10.21 Since
adding the flat asphalt surface in 2019, this facility is the only area of lit
flat space close to the city where skaters can practice at night, and it has
become very popular.
Images: Skate Nelson
Bays’ consultation evening; construction of new quarter pipe. Old Lumpy,
Rutherford Park
Mauī John Mitchell
memorial seat and tree planting
10.22 Former
Māori historian and adviser to the Nelson City Council, Mauī John
Mitchell (Ngāti Tama, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Toa, Taranaki
Tūturu) passed away in September of last year at the age of 80. He was
remembered at a memorial service in Rutherford Park, held by his whānau
and supported by Council on Sunday 5 June 2022.
The service included the
unveiling of a bespoke, carved memorial seat and the planting of a totara tree,
grown from a cutting by Mr Mitchell’s nephew. These items were donated to
the community by Mr Mitchell’s whānau.
Images: The plaque inset of the donated memorial seat,
and the Mitchell whānau in Rutherford Park, June 2022
Corder Park Pump Track
10.23 Repairs
to the asphalt pump track have been undertaken following vandalism resulting in
the top surface peeling off. At the same time the asphalt was extended further
down the grass to better futureproof the surface from vandalism, and also
reduce ongoing maintenance with mowing and edging.
National Cross Country
10.24 The
National Cross Country took place in June with approximately 700 participants
running a muddy and rain-soaked track around Saxton Field. Organisers
gave feedback on the great course and a great day amongst so much COVID-19
disruption.
Winter
Sportsground Use
10.25 Current
winter sport numbers are:
10.25.1 Approximately
500 rugby players and 1,300 football players have used the sports fields each
week for games throughout winter. Most nights the various fields are used for
training.
10.25.2 Every
Saturday through winter the Netball courts at Saxton Fields have approximately
1,700 participants.
10.25.3 There
are currently 198 members of Waahi Taakaro Golf Club and around 4,634 rounds of
golf have been played since 1 April 2022.
10.25.4 Croquet
has 80 members playing at Rutherford Park.
Tahuna Reserve Management
Plan Review
10.26 Investigations
into a review of this Reserve Management Plan have commenced and public
notification of Council’s intent to prepare the plan is expected to occur
later in the calendar year.
10.27 The
main public consultation process is expected around mid-2023.
Freedom Camping Bylaw Review
10.28 A
decision on a review of the Freedom Camping Bylaw is required before December
2022. A report is being prepared and is expected to be received directly by
Council in September 2022. This is because the Freedom Camping Bylaw covers multiple
activity areas.
Out and About - On Tracks
Strategy Review (On Tracks Strategy 2022)
10.29 The
On Tracks Strategy provides policy direction and an implementation plan,
including an agreed way forward for new off-road walking and cycling trails.
10.30 The
final draft of the Strategy was presented to the June 2022 Community and
Recreation Committee meeting and adopted by Council at its meeting of 12 July
2022. The Strategy proposes a Track Advisory Group, which will be established
to support and provide advice on its implementation.
10.31 One
outcome of the On Tracks Strategy 2022 is that the Grampians Reserve will
become pedestrian only (other than the summit road). Signage will be updated,
and communications arranged in future.
Moller Fountain restoration
10.32 With
the financial support of Nelson Civic Trust, the historic Moller Fountain on
Haven Road has been fully upgraded, including a new pump station, replacement
of all piping and a full repaint.
10.33 New
LED lights were also installed on the fountain. These can be set to different
colour schemes and special lighting effects and will be utilised for seasonal
celebrations and special events.
Image: Moller Fountain fully restored, May 2022
Front country ungulate cull
10.34 Pest
ungulate (deer, goat and pig) populations were controlled throughout Atmore,
Tantragee, Eureka Park, Marsden Valley, and Brook Conservation Reserves
throughout May 2022.
10.35 The
operation had the objective of delivering biodiversity benefits, and is
proposed to be undertaken annually.
10.36 Council
also partnered with Ngāti Koata and Tasman Pine Forest Ltd in this
operation, with the target area extending onto neighbouring Ngāti Koata
whenua on Codgers and Fringed Hill. This allowed the cull to be more effective
by removing animals from a larger area, for costs to be shared.
10.37 Over
the four-week period, 131 deer, 58 goats and 12 pigs were culled.
10.38 Ngāti
Koata arranged for the retrieval of carcasses for meat recovery. Through this
process, a total of 99 carcasses were recovered and distributed across the
community.
Community
planting season summary
10.39 Hundreds
of keen volunteers have helped to plant over 12,000 native plants across
several community planting events during May and June. These are outlined under
separate headings below.
Grampians reserve (adjacent
to Braemar Eco Village)
10.40 The
goal of this project is to create a bio-corridor linking the Grampians to
Nelson South. This corridor is an extension of the Nelson Halo, a safe area for
wildlife that surrounds the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary and
expands into our urban environments.
Image:
Grampians Reserve community planting day adjacent to Braemar Eco Village.
Braemar Eco Village have “Adopted this Spot” for ongoing aftercare.
Grampians Reserve
(north-eastern side)
10.41 Following
weed control works, 420 native trees were planted through a community planting
on the Saturday 28 May. Funding was provided through the Jobs for Nature
programme.
Image: Grampians Reserve planting
Poorman Valley Stream
10.42 Around
1,300 plants were planted on the rocky banks of Poorman Valley Stream,
including 100 donated by the Nelmac Kūmānu nursery.
10.43 This
work is a continuation of work carried out over the last two years to improve
the Poorman Valley Stream Esplanade. Council has been working with the
community to plant native trees, grasses, and shrubs on the banks of the stream
to provide natural habitat to support fish, birds and insects to contribute to
a thriving ecosystem.
10.44 More
than 100 families attended the planting day, an event that included
face-painting, pony rides, a real-life dragon, a talking Cockatoo, a BBQ and
hot drinks.
Paremata Flats
10.45 The
last stage of the 10-year Development Plan for Paremata Flats Reserve was
completed in June. This 10-year native tree and shrub planting project has
established a native bush area to allow a small remnant stand to spread and
become established within the reserve. This project has been driven by Forest
& Bird Society.
10.46 The
last stage, carried out by Parks and Facilities, saw the planting up of the
western paddock with 10,000 plants in June 2022. Approximately 50% of these
plants were funded by a Matariki Tu Rakau grant.
10.47 The
layout of this section includes picnic areas and walking tracks. Fences have
been removed as the grazing of stock has been removed from this section.
Image: Paremata Flats planting
Tahunanui Beach Dune
Restoration Project
10.48 The
Tahunanui community planting day was Saturday 18 June 2022. Thirty volunteers
planted 400 native plants in the dunes behind the Lions playground.
10.49 This
planting continues over twenty years of dune restoration work at
Tahunanui.
Image:
A keen volunteer planting the Tahunanui dunes
Hira Reserve
10.50 A
small handful of hardy souls braved the wet weather to get a total of 350
plants in the ground during the inaugural Matariki public holiday weekend. This
contribution continues the work began by Hira School in 2021 to revegetate
alongside the Wakapuaka River and surrounding areas.
Adopt a Spot Update
10.51 The
Adopt a Spot programme has grown significantly over the last three years thanks
to the incredible support of the community, and we now have almost 50 active
Adopt a Spot projects across our parks and reserves network.
10.52 The
number of active groups, and the environmental gains stemming from the
programme, is testament to the energy and care our wonderful volunteers
dedicated to preserving and restoring our natural places in Nelson.
10.53 Registrations
for new groups are currently on hold, while officers focus on supporting the
delivery of outcomes for existing projects. New volunteers are encouraged to
join active Adopt a Spot groups through our website.
10.54 Over
3,500 native trees and grasses funded by Council were planted this season
across 19 Adopt a Spot projects, with an additional 400 plants provided by
volunteers from their personal eco-sourced home nurseries.
10.55 The
Parks team works with each group or individual to ensure everything runs
smoothly for these events, including contractor engagement, site preparation
(weed control, spraying), ordering, delivery and collection of plants and plant
guards, tools and mulch supplies, promotion and communications, Health and
Safety considerations, and provisions to keep worker energy levels up.
10.56 There
is much anticipation and excitement around the planting events, as these are
the culmination of all the hard work that the volunteers put in prior, such as
tackling vine weeds and woody pest plants. Volunteers’ work is all
carried out by hand and can be very physical.
10.57 Several
Adopt a Spot groups now have dedicated Facebook pages, where they post photos
of weekly or monthly working bees, and inspire newcomers to join in.
Venue Hire Fund
10.58 The
Venue Hire Fund was established through the Annual Plan 2019/20 to assist
eligible community groups to pay venue hire fees at Nelson City Council venues.
The fund has a pool in the current financial year of $30,000. The fund is
administered by Nelson Regional Development Agency on behalf of Council.
10.59 Funding
has been approved in the 2021/22 financial year for the Cancer Society Ball,
for three Falls Prevention Information Sessions, Nelson Giants Home Games
2021/2022 FY, Soroptimist Fundraiser with Nurse Jenny, Barden Party Fundraiser
Quiz, Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea Party, Speed Cubing Championships, and Chatham
Cup.
10.60 $7,843
remained unallocated at the end of June 2022.
11. Workshops
11.1 A
confidential briefing on the proposed Sea Sports Building was held on 24 May
2022.
12. Review of Key Performance Indicators
12.1 Of
nine key performance indicators, six are achieved and three were not achieved
(Attachment 2).
12.2 Three
performance measures not achieved. Two relate to heritage visitation and
community events. Both have been impacted by COVID-19. One performance measure
was not on track due to a change in statistical modelling. Further explanation
is detailed in Attachment 2.
Author: Tanya
Robinson, Strategic Adviser Community Services
Attachments
Attachment 1: 200344844-221 -
Quarterly Report Community and Recreation - Quarter 4 Project Sheets ⇩
Attachment 2: A2880764
Quarterly Report Community and Recreation - Quarter 4 Performance Measures ⇩
