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RĀRANGI TAKE AGENDA
Te Komiti Whāiti Āhuarangi me te Taiao | Climate and Environment Subcommittee Meeting |
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I hereby give notice that a Meeting of the Te Komiti Whāiti Āhuarangi me te Taiao | Climate and Environment Subcommittee will be held on: |
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Te Rā | Date: |
Tuesday, 27 February 2024 |
Te Wā | Time: |
9.30am |
Te Wāhi | Location: |
Council Chamber Ground Floor, 175 Rimu Road Paraparaumu |
James Jefferson Group Manager Regulatory Services |
Climate and Environment Subcommittee Meeting Agenda |
27 February 2024 |
Kāpiti Coast District Council
Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Te Komiti Whāiti Āhuarangi me te Taiao | Climate and Environment Subcommittee will be held in the Council Chamber, Ground Floor, 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu, on Tuesday 27 February 2024, 9.30am.
Te Komiti Whāiti Āhuarangi me te Taiao | Climate and Environment Subcommittee Members
Cr Jocelyn Prvanov |
Chair |
Cr Sophie Handford |
Deputy |
Mayor Janet Holborow |
Member |
Cr Glen Cooper |
Member |
Cr Liz Koh |
Member |
Cr Shelly Warwick |
Member |
Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai (André Baker or Janine Huxford) |
Member |
Mr Huriwai Paki |
Member |
Ms Kim Tahiwi |
Member |
Mr Christian Judge |
Member |
Mr Michael Moore |
Member |
Mr Glen Olsen |
Member |
Mr Tim Sutton |
Member |
Mr Simon Black |
Member |
Climate and Environment Subcommittee Meeting Agenda |
27 February 2024 |
Te Raupapa Take | Order Of Business
2 Karakia a te Kaunihera | Council Blessing
6 Ngā Take a Ngā Mema | Members’ Business
7.1 Update on Pest Control in the District
8.1 Environment Strategy - Direction of Travel
8.2 Climate Action Grants progress update and recommendations
9 Te Whakaū i ngā Āmiki | Confirmation of Minutes
1 Nau Mai | Welcome
2 Karakia a te Kaunihera | Council Blessing
I a mātou e whiriwhiri ana i ngā take kei mua i ō mātou aroaro
E pono ana mātou ka kaha tonu ki te whakapau mahara huapai mō ngā hapori e mahi nei mātou.
Me kaha hoki mātou katoa kia whaihua, kia tōtika tā mātou mahi,
Ā, mā te māia, te tiro whakamua me te hihiri
Ka taea te arahi i roto i te kotahitanga me te aroha.
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As we deliberate on the issues before us,
We trust that we will reflect
positively on the
Let us all seek to be effective and just,
So that with courage, vision and energy,
We provide positive leadership in a spirit of harmony and compassion. |
4 Te Tauākī o Te Whaitake ki ngā Mea o te Rārangi Take | Declarations of Interest Relating to Items on the Agenda
Notification from Elected Members of:
4.1 – any interests that may create a conflict with their role as an elected member relating to the items of business for this meeting, and
4.2 – any interests in items in which they have a direct or indirect pecuniary interest as provided for in the Local Authorities (Members’ Interests) Act 1968
5 He Wā Kōrero ki te Marea mō ngā Mea e Hāngai ana ki te Rārangi Take | Public Speaking Time for Items Relating to the Agenda
6 Ngā Take a Ngā Mema | Members’ Business
(a) Leave of Absence
(b) Matters of an Urgent Nature (advice to be provided to the Chair prior to the commencement of the meeting)
27 February 2024 |
7.1 Update on Pest Control in the District
Kaituhi | Author: Andy McKay, Team Leader, Environment & Ecological Services
Kaiwhakamana | Authoriser: Sonja Williams, Acting Group Manager Place and Space
Te pūtake | Purpose
1 The purpose of this report is to provide a high-level overview regarding animal pest control on the Kāpiti Coast.
Taunakitanga | RECOMMENDATIONS
A. That the Climate and Environment Subcommittee note the contents of this report.
Tūāpapa | Background
2 Animal pest control across the District requires an integrated approach.
3 While Council is required by the Regional Pest Management Plan and the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity to carry out animal pest control on Council controlled properties, we recognise this needs to be a joint response by agencies and the community.
4 There is opportunity for Council to support further initiatives in this space.
5 Protection and enhancement of natural values are consistently identified in community consultation as an important issue.
He take | issues
6 The attached presentation provides a high-level overview of challenges and future opportunities for animal pest control.
Ngā kōwhiringa | Options
7 No options are provided as this is an update only.
ngā Mahi panuku | next steps
8 Council officers are exploring how to increase animal pest control measures across the District together with our partner agencies, private landowners and the wider community.
Ngā āpitihanga | Attachments
1. Update
On Pest Control In The District ⇩
27 February 2024 |
8.1 Environment Strategy - Direction of Travel
Kaituhi | Author: Gina Anderson-Lister, Strategy Manager
Kaiwhakamana | Authoriser: Kris Pervan, Group Manager Strategy & Growth
Te pūtake | Purpose
1 This paper, updates the 7 November 2023 paper which the Committee left ‘lying on the table’ until early 2024, seeks feedback and endorsement of the substantive content for drafting the Direction of Travel document (DOT) for the Environment Strategy.
He whakarāpopoto | EXecutive summary
2 No executive summary is required.
Te tuku haepapa | Delegation
3 The Climate and Environment Subcommittee has delegated authority to consider this under section C.2. of the 2022-2025 Triennium Governance Structure and Delegations.
Taunakitanga | RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Climate and Environment Subcommittee:
A. Note the content of the presentation attached, and summary of feedback from a Council briefing on this content on 24 October 2023.
B. Provide feedback on any additional considerations for inclusion in the DOT document that will go to the Strategy, Operations, and Finance Committee on 14 March 2024 for approval for public consultation planned in late March 2024 particularly on:
B.1 Council’s role in the environment ecosystem, and any gaps in the ‘known challenges and levers for change’ framework.
B.2 Gaps in the proposed Target areas, pathways, and activities to accommodate the important environmental issues.
B.3 Any important environmental issues that we’ve missed or gaps in proposed focus.
C. Note that Council officers attended Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti on 31 October 2023 to ensure collaboration with our iwi partners, in their role as Kaitiaki of the environment, on the proposed draft Climate Change and Resilience Strategy and the draft Environment Strategy.
D. Note council officers are engaging with key stakeholders such as Council advisory groups to inform the Direction of Travel document, with wider consultation to occur as part of the engagement process in early 2024.
Tūāpapa | Background
4 On 9 March 2023, the Council adopted the doughnut economic model to inform its approach to assessing the needs of the people in our district. This has informed the Councillors’ Priorities for 2023/24 and for the development of the 2024-25 Long-term Plan.
5 The environment, and the interaction of human needs with ecological limits, is a key feature of his model. The identified community needs that has been incorporated into the Strategic Priorities include ‘Looking after our rivers, streams, and oceans; and ensuring supporting infrastructure is resilient and in top condition’, ‘Making the most of our land so that we meet the needs of current and future residents in a sustainable way’ and ‘A healthy, enhanced natural environment for us to live as a part of, so that we are resilient to climate change, as our population grows’. The 2023/24 action notes that Council will develop an environment strategy.
6 Development of the Environment Strategy is now underway. As part of the development of this strategy, a ‘Direction of Travel’ document (DOT) will outline the key aspects to support community and stakeholder engagement on the overall direction and focus areas proposed. This is due to be approved by the Strategy, Operations and Finance Committee (SO&F) on 14 March 2024. Of note:
6.1 On 13 July 2023, the Strategy, Operations and Finance Committee (SO&F) endorsed changes to the Policy Work Programme to include the development of two new strategies: the Climate Change and Resilience Strategy, and the Environment Strategy.
6.2 On 18 July 2023, an Interactive Council Briefing session was held to discuss the scope, principles, and priorities for the Environment strategy.
6.3 On 19 September, the Climate and Environment Sub-Committee (CES) provided feedback and endorsed in principle the proposed scope, principles, and priorities for the Environment Strategy, informed by the 18 July Council Interactive briefing session.
6.4 CES also recommended that Council officers attend Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti in October to ensure collaboration with our iwi partners, in their role as kaitiaki of the environment, on the proposed scope, principles, and priorities for the respective strategies.
6.5 On 24 October 2023, an Interactive Council Briefing session was held to seek feedback on the approach and focus areas of the draft environment strategy ‘direction of travel’ that is the subject of this report.
6.6 On 7 November 2023, the CES resolved to leave discussion on this paper until early 2024.
He kōrerorero | Discussion
7 A presentation, attached to this paper, confirms the final components of substantive focus for the DOT:
7.1 Council’s role in the environment ecosystem, and a proposed framework based on ‘known challenges and levers for change’ (refer to Slide 5 of the presentation for details on the framework).
7.2 Proposed Target areas, pathways, and activities to accommodate the important environmental issues.
7.3 Timetable and next steps.
8 Council’s role in the environment ecosystem is outlined on Slide 4 of the presentation. Of note:
8.1 Our natural environment is under significant and growing pressure, at local, national, and global scales. Considering this, the need to preserve our natural resources and reverse ecological decline is an important and pressing challenge, necessary to protect the wellbeing of future generations.
8.2 The main pressures facing our environment include habitat loss, invasive species, the increase in impervious surfaces and runoff, excessive nutrients in our waterways and environmental contamination from a range of sources.
8.3 These pressures arise in association with patterns of development, land use and resource consumption, driven by economic and population growth, exacerbated by inequality and climate change, and reinforced by prevailing mindsets.
8.4 As a Territorial Authority, Council’s direct statutory responsibilities for environmental management include five core areas, as signalled in Slide 4 of the presentation. In comparison to Greater Wellington Regional Council, and the array of Central Government agencies, local councils have a more modest regulatory role. Additionally, much of the environmental-focused restoration and mitigation activity undertaken is in collaboration with community-based environmental organisations, mana whenua, businesses, and other stakeholders. These activities can at times be disconnected due to different organisational capacities, focus, priorities, and a lack of centralised local coordination.
8.5 Reflecting this, the DOT identifies opportunities for Council to play a stronger role in fostering partnerships, facilitating collaboration, advocating for environmental outcomes, and encouraging the integration of disparate but aligned environmental programs. Slides 6 -8 of the briefing outlines six potential target areas for effort.
9 In combination and when aligned, these target areas have the potential to improve environmental outcomes including those relating to biodiversity, water quality, soil health & stability, food and water security, and human health and wellbeing.
10 We are seeking your feedback on these areas, levers for change and activities to support this; further detail is set out in Appendix 1. Councillor feedback on initial scoping from an interactive briefing with Councillors on 24 October is also detailed.
He take | Issues
11 Council officers seek feedback on:
11.1 Council’s role in the environment ecosystem (refer to Slide 4 of the presentation), and any gaps that may need to be addressed.
11.2 The proposed framework based on ‘known challenges and levers for change’ (refer to Slide 5 of the presentation), and any gaps or missing elements.
11.3 Proposed target areas, pathways, and activities to accommodate the important environmental issues (refer to Slides 6-8 of the presentation), and any gaps that may need to be addressed.
Mana whenua
12 We recognise mana whenua’s role as kaitiaki and acknowledge that mana whenua partnership on the Environmental strategy will be critical.
13 To date, Council officers have engaged mana whenua representatives at Council, the CES, and SO&F forums on the Environment strategy. In September 2023, SO&F agreed to seek further guidance from Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti in October 2023, on the opportunity to jointly develop the strategy with mana whenua.
14 On 31 October 2023 Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti provided advice on iwi involvement in the Strategy’s development. Council officers will continue to work with iwi to engage on the strategy and its implementation as they are able.
Panonitanga Āhuarangi me te Taiao | Climate change and Environment
15 The DOT directly considers and gives effect to how the Kāpiti District positively responds to climate change and improving the quality of our environment.
Ahumoni me ngā rawa | Financial and resourcing
16 There are no financial and resourcing implications from this paper. However, initiatives to support driving change are provided for through funding in the Long-term Plan for strategy implementation.
Tūraru ā-Ture me te Whakahaere | Legal and Organisational Risk
17 There are no legal or organisational risks to raise in relation to this paper.
Ngā pānga ki ngā kaupapa here | Policy impact
18 Once adopted, the Environment Strategy will be part of a suite of five operating strategies for Council. These represent pathways and the direction of key activity to address thematic issues that will help us achieve our collective future aspirations. This means that they will be used to inform other work across Council, including in the policy space.
TE whakawhiti kōrero me te tūhono | Communications & engagement
Te mahere tūhono | Engagement planning
19 As part of Vision Kāpiti engagement, we will be seeking people’s views on what they are concerned about regarding the environment, and what can be done to improve environmental outcomes. This engagement continues until June 2024, and will deliver a view of the aspirations of our community that will deliver a changed Kāpiti by 2060.
20 Council officers have begun engaging with Council advisory groups about the Environment Strategy development, including how it will be informed by the feedback received through Vision Kāpiti.
21 The intention is to engage with a greater range of stakeholders and the community in March 2024 on the direction of the Environment Strategy using the DOT document. This will inform the shape of the Strategy, which will be adopted by the end of June 2024.
Whakatairanga | Publicity
22 Publicity will be across the range of channels currently being used as part of the Vision Kāpiti work programme.
Ngā āpitihanga | Attachments
1. Environment
Strategy DOT overview ⇩
27 February 2024 |
8.2 Climate Action Grants progress update and recommendations
Kaituhi | Author: Rob Dunn, Sustainability Advisor Communities
Kaiwhakamana | Authoriser: Sean Mallon, Group Manager Infrastructure Services
Te pūtake | Purpose
1 This paper provides the Climate and Environment Subcommittee with:
1.1 Recommendations to help maximise funding impact for the 2024/2025 funding round of the Climate Action Grants
1.2 A progress report on funding recipients for the 2023/2024 Climate Action Grant funding round
He whakarāpopoto | EXecutive summary
2 The Climate Action Grants were introduced in 2023 to support community led climate action. They help give effect to Principle 9 of the Climate Emergency Action Framework: “We look for and take opportunities to lead, facilitate and empower community projects and initiatives that will build sustainability, resilience, and green innovation.”
3 Funding for the Climate Action Grants was available through central governments’ Better Off Funding, with $100,000 available for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years for a combined total of $200,000.
4 The Climate Action Grant Allocation Policy was approved by the Strategy, Operations and Finance Committee (SOF) in May 2023, with funding made available with the following objectives:
For projects that will benefit the Kāpiti Coast in one or more of the following areas:
· enabling Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction
· helping to create a culture of climate change action
· improving resilience within local communities
· supporting an equitable transition to low carbon living
· supporting mana whenua vision and priorities in relation to these objectives”
5 In August 2023, SOF approved funding for 11 out of 16 applications. A summary of all 16 applications, along with an update on the progress of the 11 successful projects, is provided in the background section below.
6 In order to maximise funding impact for the 2024/ 2025 funding round, some straightforward changes to the Climate Action Grant Allocation Policy and application criteria are proposed in the recommendations section below. Further rationale for these changes is provided in the discussion section.
Te tuku haepapa | Delegation
7 The Climate and Environment Subcommittee (CES) has the delegation to consider this policy update.
Taunakitanga | RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Climate and Environment Subcommittee:
A. Approves that the Climate Action Grant objectives remain unchanged for the 2024/2025 funding round, with the following notes/ changes to application criteria:
A.1 If funds are oversubscribed, preference will be given to quality applications which aim to reduce transport related emissions
A.2 Projects aiming to install solar or improve building insulation/ energy efficiency be excluded from funding eligibility; applicants can be referred to other funding sources
A.3 If funds are over-subscribed, preference will be given to “shovel ready” projects, rather than feasibility studies
A.4 Approves that the maximum funding available to support projects be capped at $20k. This would simplify the current application process, which has a 2-stage process for applications of more than $30k
B. Receive updates on the 2023/2024 funding round contained within this report
Tūāpapa | Background
7 The Climate Action Grants Allocation Policy was developed in early 2023. Because this was a new grant, and to ensure all funds available were allocated, the grant objectives and criteria were deliberately kept broad. The policy went to the Climate and Environment Subcommittee for review on 14 March 2023, however due to a busy meeting schedule was not discussed. The policy was discussed at Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti on 28 March, and then approved by SOF on 6 April. CES reviewed applications and funding recommendations on 8 August, and on 24 August SOF received CES’ funding recommendations and made funding allocation decisions.
8 Information on the current Climate Action Grant objectives, application criteria, eligibility and application process can be found online here
9 The current Climate Action Grant Allocation Policy is attached in appendix 1.
10 The assessor scoring form developed to help guide funding allocation decision making is attached in appendix 2.
11 The 2023/2024 funding round was significantly oversubscribed, with applications totalling $240,000 from a funding pool of $100,000. Successful applicants represented a range of diverse sectors including nature restoration, circular economy and waste reduction, active transport, education, building/ construction, and horticulture/ agriculture. A summary of funding allocation for the 2023/2024 funding round is provided in the table below:
APPLICANTS RECOMMENDED FOR FULL FUNDING |
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No |
Applicant |
Requested |
Allocated |
1 |
Organic Wealth |
$3,773.15 |
$3,773.15 |
2 |
Morepork Reserve Care Group |
$850 |
$850 |
3 |
Kakariki Earth Ltd |
$8,555 |
$8,555 |
4 |
Kāpiti Cycle Action |
$16,475 |
$16,475 |
APPLICANTS RECOMMENDED FOR PARTIAL FUNDING |
|||
No |
Applicant |
Requested |
Allocated |
5 |
The Shed Project Kapiti |
$28,728 |
$15,700 |
6 |
MenzShed Kāpiti |
$17,771 |
$12,430 |
7 |
Kāpiti Coast Biodiversity Project |
$28,000 |
$14,000 |
8 |
Raumati Technology Centre |
$15,000 |
$10,500 |
9 |
Paekākāriki Orchard and Gardens |
$24,845 |
$9,698.85 |
10 |
Natural Build Otaki |
$7,300 |
$4,818 |
11 |
Waikanae Estuary Care Group |
$5,869 |
$3,200 |
APPLICANTS RECOMMENDED TO BE DECLINED |
|||
No |
Applicant |
Requested |
Recommended |
12 |
Te Ra Waldorf School (replacing heaters with heat pumps) |
$7,186 |
$0 |
13 |
Kenakena School (installing solar panels) |
$30,000 |
$0 |
14 |
Energise Otaki (land acquisition and regeneration project) |
$6,000 |
$0 |
15 |
Te Toko Miriona Mira – Budge House |
$10,000 |
$0 |
16 |
Kāpiti Island Nature Tours (operational decarbonisation feasibility study) |
$30,000 |
$0 |
TOTAL |
$240,352.15 |
$ 100,000 |
12 No future funding for the Climate Action Grants beyond the 2024/2025 funding round has been approved through the 2024 LTP.
13 Successful applicants are delivering great outcomes within their project scopes. A summary of progress for each project is provided below:
APPLICANT |
|||
No |
Applicant |
What funding has enabled and benefits to Kāpiti |
Progress notes |
1 |
Organic Wealth |
Expansion of organic waste collection and composting services across Kāpiti; reduction in organic waste going to landfill and associated methane emissions |
Project complete; funds spent on equipment to enable expansion of organic waste collection in Kāpiti. Organic Wealth also supporting waste minimisation at range of public and private events, with growing interest from retirement villages in the Kāpiti area. |
2 |
Morepork Reserve Care Group |
Establishment of trap lines at native bush reserve areas in Waikanae. Support for newly formed community group (Manu Park Restoration Group) working to restore this area. Nature restoration, associated biodiversity, human wellbeing, carbon sequestration, reduction in flood hazard benefits. |
Project complete; funds spent on equipment to establish trap lines in areas of mature native forest adjacent to Waikanae North development area. This group is now engaged with ongoing restoration work. |
3 |
Kakariki Earth Ltd |
Testing and development of biochar products which could be used as insulation for new house builds. Analysis of biomass availability across the district which could be used to support commercial scale biochar production. Biochar sequesters carbon, improves soil carbon, fertility and water retention, and has potential for a range of other applications. |
Project ongoing. Range of biochar building products developed and tested with encouraging results. Ongoing development and testing planned, product approaching stage where further product testing/ process engineering/ business development required. Desktop analysis of district wide availability of biomass to supply commercial scale biochar production complete. Both aspects of project have synergies with Natural Build and Paekākāriki Orchard and Gardens projects; applicants have been connected and are exploring options for collaboration. |
4 |
Kāpiti Cycle Action |
Development of “Raumati Bike Bus” pilot with the potential to support kids to cycle to school safely; reducing carbon emissions, road congestion, improving wellbeing |
Project ongoing. Significant milestones achieved include development of a project plan, collaboration with school communities, “Pedal Ready” training for students and supervisors. Challenges include less interest/ engagement from parents than anticipated. Development of Hazard Management Plan is ongoing. KCA currently planning to launch the Raumati Bike Bus in March 2024. Key learnings will help inform future similar projects. |
5 |
The Shed Project Kapiti |
Expansion of organic food waste collection services in Paraparaumu with reduction in organic waste going to landfill and associated methane emissions. Employment opportunities for community members living with impairments/ disabilities. |
Project ongoing. Some good milestones achieved with expansion of composting facilities and collection services. Project has been slowed by staffing shortages. Next steps include training/ supporting employees with disabilities to use the E-bike and trailer as part of this collection service. |
6 |
MenzShed Kāpiti |
Replacement of ageing air compressor. MenzShed Kāpiti repair, refurbish and build new items for wide range of organisations across Kāpiti. Through doing so they divert a significant amount of waste from landfill, reduce overall consumption, help to promote circular economy principles, and encourage community connection and cohesion |
Project complete. Air compressor has been installed. |
7 |
Kāpiti Coast Biodiversity Project |
Assistance re-establishing lowland podocarp forest across suitable areas in Kāpiti. 2000 kahikatea and totara seedlings to be planted over next 2-3 years. Benefits to local ecology, human wellbeing, carbon sequestration, flood mitigation. |
Project ongoing. Key milestones to date include collection of podocarp seedlings, contract signed with Te Rito nurseries to continue to grow seedlings over the next 2 years, planting work for 2024, 2025, 2026 planned. |
8 |
Raumati Technology Centre |
Expansion of food forest, gardening, education opportunities for 1000 year 7/8 students who visit RTC annually. |
Project ongoing. Key milestones to date include new greenhouse built and food forest area expanded. Next steps include improving irrigation systems, continuing to expand food forest, and restoration work of adjacent land/ stream. Kids well engaged with this work. |
9 |
Paekākāriki Orchard and Gardens |
Establishment of portable biochar kiln, community workshops and education. Biochar sequesters carbon, improves soil carbon, fertility and water retention, and has potential for a range of other applications. |
Project ongoing. Key milestones to date include biochar kiln purchased, 2 community workshops planned, advertised and delivered with great engagement and response. More workshops are planned for the first few months of 2024. Project has synergies with Natural Build and Kakariki Earth projects; applicants have been connected and are exploring options for collaboration |
10 |
Natural Build Otaki |
Promoting awareness and education of natural building methods. Opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and broader environmental impacts associated with the building sector. |
Project ongoing. Workshops will run over Easter 2024. Workshop venue confirmed, workshop plan developed, advertising started. Project has synergies with Kakariki Earth and Paekākāriki Orchard and Gardens projects; applicants have been connected and are exploring options for collaboration |
11 |
Waikanae Estuary Care Group |
Range of restoration work in the Waikanae Estuary area; education opportunities through collaboration with local schools. |
Project complete. Shadehouse tables have been replaced with durable aluminium ones. |
He kōrerorero | Discussion
14 As outlined in the background section, successful applicants from the 2023 funding round are currently achieving some excellent results, with multiple benefits across carbon reduction, carbon sequestration, nature restoration/ biodiversity, soil restoration, waste reduction/ circular economy principles, education, community connection and more.
This represents an excellent return on investment; the work and outcomes that funding has enabled exceed the money awarded.
15 There are simple changes that can be made to the policy and application criteria that will help target key emissions areas, maximise funding impact, and simplify application and fund administration processes for the 2024/2025 funding round.
16 Transport is the most significant source of production-based carbon emissions in the Kāpiti region (see figure 1 below).
Figure 1. Kapiti’s production-based carbon emissions
17 There is an opportunity to prioritise Climate Action Grant applications with a focus on transport related emissions reduction. The type of transport related projects that the Climate Action Grants might support include initiatives such as improving bike availability and servicing, ride-sharing, shuttle services, education, and more. A focus on transport for the 2024/2025 Climate Action Grant funding round should not preclude applications from other areas, rather prioritise transport related projects over other applications of a similar quality.
18 In the 2023/2024 funding round, a mix of full and partial funding was awarded and this approach enabled successful outcomes. It is proposed that this approach continues in the 2024/2025 funding round.
19 It is recommended that proposals to install solar panels, or improve energy efficiency/ insulation in buildings be ineligible for climate action grants funding. While these types of projects offer useful energy savings, they offer less value for money and possibly less equitable project benefits than other types of proposal. In addition there are other funding sources available which these applicants may be eligible for.
20 It is recommended that funding be capped at $20,000 per application. This would help steer applicants towards realistic funding applications in an over-subscribed fund; and simplify the application process. In the 2023/2024 funding round, there was a 2-stage process for applicants applying for over $30,000; applicants who were successful with their initial proposal were invited to submit a full business case. (Because the fund was over-subscribed, no applications for over $30,000 were received, there is now an opportunity to simplify this process for the 2024/2025 funding round).
21 It is recommended that feasibility studies are not eligible for the 2024/2025 funding round. In an oversubscribed fund, “shovel ready” projects offer better value for money, and the potential for more immediate action across grant objectives.
22 Future direction.
Ongoing funding for the Climate Action Grants has not been approved through the 2024 LTP. If other funding sources can be found, then there is scope to further develop the Climate Action Grant Allocation Policy, objectives and criteria in order to encourage more specific types of climate action in areas which Council would like to prioritise.
This could include different categories, for example Community, Business, and Mana Whenua. The objectives and criteria for each category could be targeted to encourage certain types of application. For example, a Business category might prioritise decarbonisation activities or active transport facilities (such as WCCs’ Active Transport Workplace fund). A Mana Whenua category might encourage applications drawing on matauranga maori and reflecting mana whenua priorities for climate action. The Community category might prioritise projects which help enable specific targets, for example emissions reduction in the transport sector, or community resilience activities. These focus areas could shift from time to time as priorities for climate action and response evolve.
Because ongoing funding for the Climate Action Grants has not been approved, this paper will not elaborate further on these possibilities.
23 For broader context across other current grants Council offers which may have relevance to supporting future climate action, the file “Existing KCDC grants with relevance to future climate action initiatives” is attached in appendix 3.
He take | Issues
24 There are no issues to comment on.
Ngā kōwhiringa | Options
25 The are no alternative options being presented other than those recommended within this report.
Mana whenua
26 The Climate Action Grants aim to support mana whenua vision and for the Kāpiti Coast District, as outlined in the Councils’ Long-term Plan 2021-2041. These priorities are:
· Kaitiakitanga – sustaining the environment and people
· Ūkaipōtānga – identity
· Whanaungatanga – connectedness
· Pūkengatanga – preserving, creating, teaching and knowledge
· Manaakitanga – supporting each other
27 These priorities are reflected in the objectives of the Climate Action Grant Allocation Policy and application information.
28 As part of Council’s commitment to and partnership with mana whenua, applications which incorporate the use of te reo Māori language and/ or te ao Māori concepts are encouraged.
29 The Climate Action Grant Allocation policy was reviewed by Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti on 28 March 2023.
Panonitanga Āhuarangi me te Taiao | Climate change and Environment
30 The Climate Action Grants enable community led climate action, which is aligned with the central vision and principles of the Climate Emergency Action Framework.
31 The Climate Action Grants currently align reasonably well with the priority action areas identified within the Climate and Resilience Strategy draft Direction of Travel document.
Ahumoni me ngā rawa | Financial and resourcing
32 Funding for the Climate Action Grants comes from central government’s Better Off Funding programme, which supports local government investment in the wellbeing of communities.
33 There was $100,000 available in the 2023/2024 funding round, and $100,000 available in the 2024/2025 funding round. There was no rates impact for these two years.
34 Funding beyond the 2024/2025 funding round through operational rates funded budgets has not been approved as part of the 2024 LTP.
Tūraru ā-Ture me te Whakahaere | Legal and Organisational Risk
35 As it currently stands, this policy does not present any legal considerations or risk in addition to those presented by the other funds and grants which the Council currently allocates and administers.
36 If future funds are prioritised towards transport, the nature of these projects may present greater levels of risk than the range of projects funded in the 2023/2024 funding round.
To mitigate this, future funding agreements may need to clarify the limits of Council involvement and responsibility in projects, and ensure that successful applicants have appropriate Health and Safety policies/ plans/ procedures in place.
Ngā pānga ki ngā kaupapa here | Policy impact
37 There is some overlap between the Climate Action Grants Allocation Policy and Council’s Waste Levy Grants and Heritage Grants. As for the 2023/2024 funding round, Council officers will ensure consistency with recommendations for funding allocation decisions across these grants.
TE whakawhiti kōrero me te tūhono | Communications & engagement
Te mahere tūhono | Engagement planning
38 For the 2023/2024 funding round, the Community and Engagement team were involved in discussions around the most appropriate way to identify and engage with key stakeholders in the community, and assisted with the development of a communications and engagement plan.
39 This process will continue for the 2024 funding round.
40 In response to community feedback from the 2023 funding round regarding grant accessibility, particularly for mana whenua, for the 2024 funding round drop-in sessions at libraries are planned, where members of the public can ask Council officers questions about the Climate Action Grants and receive advice on their applications. These sessions will be planned with guidance from the iwi partnerships team.
Whakatairanga | Publicity
41 Advertising for the 2024 funding round presents an opportunity to showcase successful applicants from the 2023 funding round. Working with successful applicants and the Community and Engagement team, the 2024 funding round will include a brief summary of successful 2023 applicants, including information on what the funding has enabled, and how this is benefiting the Kāpiti district.
42 For the 2023/2024 funding round, applications opened on May 22nd, 2023 and closed 7 weeks later on July 9th. For the 2024/2025 funding round, it is proposed that applications open in early May 2024 and close 5-6 weeks later in mid June.
43 For the 2024 funding round, Elected Members will be provided with background FAQs to help them respond to queries from the community, as they were for the 2023 funding round.
Ngā āpitihanga | Attachments
1. Climate
Action Grants Allocation Policy ⇩
2. Climate
Action Grants Assessor Scoring Form ⇩
3. Existing
KCDC grants with relevance to future climate action initiatives ⇩
27 February 2024 |
9 Te Whakaū i ngā Āmiki | Confirmation of Minutes
Author: Evan Dubisky, Democracy Services Advisor
Authoriser: James Jefferson, Group Manager Regulatory Services
Taunakitanga | Recommendations That the minutes of the Climate and Environment Subcommittee meeting of 7 November 2023 be accepted as a true and correct record.
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Ngā āpitihanga | Attachments
1. Unconfirmed
Minutes of 7 November 2023 Climate & Environment Subcommittee ⇩