Minutes of Ordinary Meeting of Council

Ordinary Meeting of Council - 15 April 2025 - Open Minutes

Agenda Items

1. Draft City Wide Reserve Management Plan Submission Analysis

Type of Report:	Legal and Operational
Legal Reference:	Reserves Act 1977
Document ID:	1844489
Reporting Officer/s & Unit:	Amelia Longley, Parks Policy Planner Russell Engelke, Acting Open Spaces Team Leader

1.1 Purpose of Report

This report provides an analysis of submissions received on the Draft City Wide Reserve Management Plan (CWRMP), and outlines recommendations to Council on proposed amendments to the draft plan.

PRESENTATION OF ORAL SUBMISSIONS

The following submitters spoke to their submissions in relation to the Draft City Wide Reserve Management Plan review.

Jennifer Ellingham #12 and Janet Campbell #18 spoke to their submissions and also displayed a PowerPoint presentation (Doc Id 1846652). Both were members of the Hawke’s Bay Horse Trails Advocacy Group and requested that recreational horse riding be included in all Reserve Management Plans, providing a safe place for horse riders of all skill levels to ride. Consideration be given to trails that combine horse riding/cyclists and walkers.

The submitters requested the addition of an objective for recreational horse riding in open spaces and reserves throughout the city, as has been undertaken for Dog Exercise activities. This request was based on the limited availability of safe areas for horse riding and roads becoming increasingly unsafe. Noting areas that maybe suitable included from the Aquarium back to Awatoto, Westshore Foreshore, Taradale Hills and ideally the trail needed to be a few kilometres long.

It was noted that as opposed to making a change to the general Objectives and Policies of the City Wide Reserve Management Plan, identification of specific reserves compatible with specific activities is best addressed through the Individual and Group Management Plan review process.

The submitters advised they would be happy to be included in discussions during review of the Group and Individual Management Plans and to assist in identifying areas for shared access.

Lynne Anderson #19 on behalf of Dotterels Society displayed a PowerPoint presentation (Doc Id 1845717) requesting:

· The word “beaches” be included in headings for further clarification.

· Classification of Foreshore Reserves and whether it was appropriate to classify as Scientific Reserves.

· More control for fires on Napier beaches be imposed.

· Additional barriers be installed at beaches to prevent vehicle access.

Debbie Monahan, Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay #21 spoke to her submission providing feedback that it is great to see biodiversity and ecology being actively considered as part of Napier’s reserve planning. Ms Monahan highlighted:

· Objectives translate into meaningful action and that it is essential that the reserve plans developed reflect this intent through planning and planting.

· The Gap (Foreshore Group) should have an Individual Reserve Management plan (rather than be part of a Group Management Plan) to reflect the conservation-first approach required for the management of this reserve and references the Significant Indigenous Vegetation and Habitat status of the site in the Proposed District Plan.

· Requested an addition to 5.3.5 of the Plan (general biodiversity and ecology objectives) to include a statement of clear guidelines in relation to the species and plantings as part of those objectives be considered.

Councillor Mawson left the meeting at 10.03am

Crystal Lau, Cancer Society #22 displayed a PowerPoint presentation (Doc Id 1845919) in support of her submission noting the following:

· Acknowledged the non-statutory documents included in the Plan, especially the Joint Alcohol Strategy Matrix and the Shade Policy.

· The Shade Policy is due for review and an opportunity to ensure shade gets the attention it deserves.

· Prioritise shade structures for playgrounds in low socio economic areas.

· Incorporate native tree planting for shade with a mix of deciduous and evergreen shade options.

· Not all communities have the same access to share and there is a need to close the gap.

Councillor Mawson rejoined the meeting at 10.05am

· Invest in sun safety signage at high use playgrounds eg Taradale Park, Maraenui Park and Marine Parade Park as reminders for use of sun screen and which reinforces the slip slop slap message.

· Signage could also include the UV index and simple sun safety tips.

· Consider including the Smokefree and Vapefree Policy in the Plan to help ensure Napier’s public spaces, as they grow and change stay focussed on being smokefree and vapefree.

It was noted that Council has a work programme to increase the number of shade structures across playgrounds, which currently is approximately one per year.

Angie Denby (Secretary) and Sue McDonald Chair, Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society #24 highlighted the following points:

· Concern that the Ahuriri Estuary/Te Whanganui a Orotu is not mentioned as a reserve in the document. A request was made that they be consulted on any development of areas that immediately border the Estuary noting that they had specific concerns about the installation of the limestone path on Humber Street.

· Humber Street Reserve warrants a high priority for the preparation of a Reserve Management Plan.

· Include the Estuary as an opportunity to enhance biodiversity of both flora and fauna.

· Concern that the role of the Ahuriri Estuary as an extensive and valuable wetland is not identified in climate change/sustainability.

· Questioned whether the proposed widening of SH2 over the Westshore Wildlife Reserve fully complied with the Reserves Act.

· Support the Freedom Camping provision however, would welcome the removal of temporary camps and dens around the Estuary.

· Continue maintenance and consistency of information signs in relation to birds that feed in the Estuary.

· The Society had previously offered to contribute some funding towards signage at the Estuary.

Presentation of Officer’s Report

The Acting Team Leader Open Spaces, Mr Engelke introduced Ms Stewart, Consultant Planner who has been involved with part of the analysis of submissions. The author of the report Amelia Longley, who had been a major part in the submission analysis was now on maternity leave.

Ms Stewart took the report as read highlighting that a number of submissions were out-of-scope and have been re-directed where appropriate to other Council processes or would be addressed when the individual management plans were considered.

Ms Stewart then addressed each recommendation:

Remedy 1: Part A: Headings

The meeting agreed that it was a terminology issue creating confusion and considered the benefits of including the word beaches outweighed excluding the word in the Plan. Include the word “beaches” as appropriate throughout the document and in conjunction with the words coastal and foreshore. Include an Appendix which clearly identifies which of the beaches are managed by Napier City Council and subject to the provisions of the Reserves Management Plan.

Remedy 2: Part A: 1.4 Reserve Classifications

The City Wide RMP does apply to reserve areas connected to and adjacent to the Ahuriri Estuary including Westshore Wildlife Reserve and Humber Street Reserve. Officers acknowledge the significance of Te Whanganui a Orotu and the interconnectedness with our reserve network.

Add a reference of significance in Remedy 2: Part A: 1.4 Reserve Classifications of Te Whanganui a Orotu and relationship with wider reserve network in Part A Section 5.0 Key Management Issues – 5.1 Biodiversity and Ecology

The meeting supported the officer’s recommendation.

Remedy 3: Part A – 3.5.2 Other Non-Statutory Documents

Accept the submission of Cancer Society, Hawke’s Bay (Submitter 22) and that an addition to section 3.5.2 Other Non-Statutory Documents: Internal Policies is included to reference the Joint Smokefree and Vapefree Policy.

The meeting supported this recommendation. The issues raised in relation to the Shade Policy will be addressed during that review.

Remedy 4: Part A- 4.0 Napier’s Open Space Network

i) Allow the submission of Save the Dotterels, Hawke’s Bay (Submitter 19) insofar as an amendment to the paragraph referencing the city’s Foreshore Reserves, to include addition of reference to the habitat these reserves provide to indigenous flora and fauna and the requirement for the preservation of these species and their habitat.

ii) Disallow the submission of Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society (Submitter 24) as there are opportunities through subsequent Individual and Group Management Plan reviews to provide feedback on specific initiatives for management within different types of reserves. This enables those interested to get specific and be actively involved.

It was noted that currently there was no review underway of the Individual and Group Management Plans work programme, which is funding dependant and a large piece of work. Officers have been working on Maraenui Park and Taradale Park, for sometime now to get the plans finalised.

Submitters raised a couple of issues in regard to priority and separating out specific reserves eg The Gap and Humber Street. Elected members requested an update on the current work programme for the review of individual and group management plans be provided to elected members.

The meeting supported the officer’s recommendation with the inclusion of an additional point:

An update on the current work programme for the review of Individual and Group Management Plans could be provided to elected members.

Remedy 5: Part A – 5.3 Climate Change/Sustainability and Resilience

Allow the submission of the Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society (Submitter 24), in part, insofar as the recommendation in Remedy 2 will include reference to the significance of Te Whanganui a Orotu. No amendments to 5.3 Climate Change/Sustainability are recommended.

The meeting supported the officer’s recommendation.

Remedy 14: Part B – 2.0 Recreation and Access Activities

Agree not to include in Remedy 14: Part B – 2.0 Recreation and Access Activities any Objectives or Policies relating to the specific provision for recreational horse riding or mountain biking, noting that this activity can be considered through the review of Individual and Group Management Plans.

During the discussion with the submitters they agreed that the Individual and Group Management Plans was a good place to deal with this issue. It was noted that legally horse riding was permitted on the road, however as the submitters advised this was problematic from a safety perspective, they are not permitted through Council’s Parks and Reserves Bylaw unless it is agreed that it is an appropriate location.

The meeting supported the officer’s recommendation.

Remedy 15: Part B – 2.3 Accessibility

Agree to amend policy 2.3.1 of Remedy 15: Part B – 2.3 Accessibility to reflect that not all development will be able to enable accessibility.

The meeting supported the officer’s recommendation.

Remedy 22: Part B – 3.5 Signage and Lighting

Ms Stewart advised that Council has undertaken changes to Te Reo Māori names that are recognised through the New Zealand Geographic Board signs. Council has a Signage Policy and it does address dual naming as signs are upgraded from a Reserves perspective.

Discuss with the Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society’s offer to fund signage and investigate consistency of dog signs.

The above points to be included as Actions in Remedy 22.

Council resolution

Mayor Wise / Councillor Crown

That Council:

a) Receive and consider all submissions made on the Draft City Wide Reserve Management Plan.

b) Direct Officers to implement required amendments to the Draft City Wide Reserve Management Plan following consideration of submissions, ahead of adoption of the plan.

c) Remedy 1: Part A: Headings

Allow, Save the Dotterels, Hawke’s Bay (Submission 19) insofar that the Remedy 1: Part A: Headings Officers include in the redraft of the Draft City Wide Reserve Management Plan the incorporation of beaches where it exists alongside coastal and foreshore reserves and that an Appendix is drafted which clearly identifies boundaries and responsibilities for management of areas which fall within the definitions of coastal, foreshore and beaches.

d) Remedy 2: Part A: 1.4 Reserve Classifications

· Te Whanganui-a-Orotu|Ahuriri Estuary is a wāhi taonga in Mana Ahuriri’s Takiwā and an area of significant ecological value. Te Komiti Muriwai o Te Whanga, the permanent estuary co-governance committee for the estuary, have prepared Te Muriwai o Te Whanga, an overall coordinating plan for the Ahuriri and catchment areas.

While the wider Te-Whanganui-a-Orotu is not vested as a Council reserve, a number of Council reserves are adjacent to or connected to the estuary through waterways and it is important that this interconnectedness and the health of the estuary is considered in the management of these reserves.

e) Remedy 3: Part A – 3.5.2 Other Non-Statutory Documents

Accept the submission of Cancer Society, Hawke’s Bay (Submitter 22) and that an addition to section 3.5.2 Other Non-Statutory Documents: Internal Policies is included to reference the Joint Smokefree and Vapefree Policy as follows:

· Smokefree and Vapefree Policy (2022)

This policy recognises and supports smokefree and vapefree areas designated through Government legislation which include Council managed urban parks, sportsgrounds, playgrounds and reserves.

f) Remedy 4: Part A- 4.0 Napier’s Open Space Network

i. Allow the submission of Save the Dotterels, Hawke’s Bay (Submitter 19) insofar as an amendment to the paragraph referencing the city’s Foreshore Reserves, to include addition of reference to the habitat these reserves provide to indigenous flora and fauna and the requirement for the preservation of these species and their habitat as follows:

· These reserves also have a key role to play in protecting the city from storm events and inundation from the sea and provide habitat for a number of species of indigenous flora and fauna.

ii. Disallow the submission of Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society (Submitter 24) as there are opportunities through subsequent Individual and Group Management Plan reviews to provide feedback on specific initiatives for management within different types of reserves.

iii. Provide elected members an update on the work programme for the review of individual and group management plans.

g) Remedy 5: Part A – 5.3 Climate Change/Sustainability and Resilience

Allow the submission of the Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society (Submitter 24), in part, insofar as the recommendation in Remedy 2 will include reference to the significance of Te Whanganui a Orotu. No amendments to 5.3 Climate Change/Sustainability are recommended.

h) Remedy 14: Part B – 2.0 Recreation and Access Activities

Agree not to include in Remedy 14: Part B – 2.0 Recreation and Access Activities any Objectives or Policies relating to the specific provision for recreational horse riding or mountain biking, noting that this activity can be considered through the review of Individual and Group Management Plans.

i) Remedy 15: Part B – 2.3 Accessibility

Agree to amend policy 2.3.1 of Remedy 15: Part B – 2.3 Accessibility to reflect that not all development will be able to enable accessibility as follows:

· That development and maintenance of reserves and open spaces shall be in accordance with Councils Disability Strategy, while considering the nature of the specific reserve.

j) Agree that no amendments are required to the following provisions of:

· Remedy 5: Part A – 5.3 Climate Change/Sustainability and Resilience

· Remedy 6: Part A – 6.5 Natural Values

· Remedy 7: Part B – 1.1 Classification and Gazetting

· Remedy 8: Part B - 1.3 Acquisition and Divestment Guidance Section 1.3.

· Remedy 9: Part B – 1.4 Reserve Development

· Remedy 10: Part B – 1.5 Reserve Naming.

· Remedy 11: Part B – 1.6 Encroachments

· Remedy 12: Part B – 1.8 Community Partnerships

· Remedy 13: Part B – 2.0 Recreation and Access Definition

· Remedy 16: Part B – 2.4 Motor Vehicles and Access Parking.

· Remedy 17: Part B – 2.5 Freedom Camping

· Remedy 18: Part B – 2.6 Temporary Activities

· Remedy 19: Part B – 2.9 Dog Exercise Activities

· Remedy 20: Part B – 3.1 Buildings including Clubrooms, Changing rooms, Toilet Blocks etc, 3.2 Public Toilets and Changing Facilities and 3.4 Fencing.

· Remedy 21: Part B – 3.3 Structures – Pergolas, Park Furniture and Water Features

· Remedy 22: Part B – 3.5 Signage and Lighting

ACTION: i) Officers to engage with the Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society in regard to their offer to contribute funding towards the maintenance of signage.

ii) Officers to investigate the different signs regarding dogs to ensure consistency in the Humber Street and Estuary area.

· Remedy 23: Part B – 4.0 Mana Whenua Values Objectives

· Remedy 24: Part B – 4.1 Mana Whenua Partnerships

· Remedy 25: Part B – 5.1 Environment and Sustainability

· Remedy 26: Part B – 5.2 Trees and Gardens.

· Remedy 27: Part B – 5.3 Biodiversity and Ecology.

· Remedy 28: Part B – 5.4 Pest Management (Animal and Plant)

· Remedy 29: Appendix 1 – Prioritised List of Individual and Group Reserve Management Plans.

k) Note that the final content of the City Wide Reserve Management Plan is subject to minor editorial amendments.

Carried

Attachments

1 Jennifer Ellingham and Janet Campbell (Doc Id 1846652)

2 Lynne Anderson (Doc Id 1845717)

3 Crystal Lau, Cancer Society (Doc Id 1845919)

Minor matters

There were no minor matters to discuss.

The meeting closed with a karakia at 10.52am

Approved and adopted as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

Chairperson .............................................................................................................................

Date of approval ......................................................................................................................

Meeting Date:	Tuesday 15 April 2025
Time:	9.30am – 10.52am
Venue	Large Exhibition Hall War Memorial Centre Marine Parade Napier
	Livestreamed via Council’s Facebook page

Present	Chair: Mayor Wise Members: Councillors Chrystal, Crown, Greig, Mawson, McGrath, Price, Simpson and Taylor
In Attendance	Acting Team Leader Open Spaces (Russell Engelke) Consultant, Sage Planning (Debra Stewart) Parks Asset Planner (Mike Alebardi)
Also in Attendance	Submitters speaking: Jennifer Ellingham and Janet Campbell (HB Horse Trails), Lynne Anderson (Dotterels Society), Debbie Monahan (Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay), Crystal Lau (Cancer Society) and Angie Denby and Sue McDonald (Ahuriri Estuary Protection Society)
Administration	Governance Advisors (Carolyn Hunt and Jemma McDade)