IT'S IN OUR HANDS Kai roto i ō tātou rikarika - Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like: Environment Canterbury's 10-year plan Te Pae ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
IT’S IN OUR HANDS Kai roto i ō tātou rikarika #toitūWaitaha #ourCanterbury Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like: Environment Canterbury’s 10-year plan Te Pae Tawhiti 2021-31
Contents
Ngā wāhanga o roto
Long-Term Plan 2021-31
In this consultation document for the draft Te Pae Tawhiti 2021-31
Long-Term Plan 2021-31 we want to step you
Tēnā koutou katoa and it is not an insignificant amount of money. Council
through council’s vision, the extent of what acknowledges that the price to pay is not just financial,
Waitaha/Canterbury is a magnificent and that there is also a need for increased action from
we are trying to tackle, what we believe could region in which to live, work and play, Environment Canterbury and from the people of the
be a way to do this, and what it would require and I’m sure I’m one of many who region. That needs to be balanced against the price we
from ratepayers to help deliver that vision. counts themselves very fortunate will pay as a community if we do not take that action.
to live here. But as magnificent as
We invite your feedback. The total contribution from rates could be up to 24.5%
our region is, there are undoubtedly
things we need to fix. more than for the current year, if we were to do everything
Introduction......................................... 2 we propose in Option 1 in this document. We have also
The Council.......................................... 3 We all share a collective responsibility for the future outlined a second option that comes with a proposed
The Power of Partnerships...................... 4 of our region, and the task ahead of us is not a small increase in total rates income of 18%. These percentages
one. The environment has become the issue of our age, represent average increases of $136.06 and $110.55
Our Strategic Direction.......................... 6 and the human impact on our planet has never been respectively per ratable property.*
Challenges and Opportunities................. 8 more at the forefront of local and global thinking. The
Proposed Options for Feedback.............10 Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) In this document you will hear our views - now we
acknowledged that concern by signing, in May 2019, need to hear yours.
Portfolios............................................ 16
the Climate Emergency declaration. Others followed,
Key Policies.........................................24 Do you want to see the changes at the scale and
highlighting an increasing call for urgent action.
Rates and Borrowing............................26 timeframe we propose in the draft plan? And ultimately
Environment Canterbury is required – by our community are you able and willing to pay what is being asked for?
Option 1 Financials...............................28
and by central government – to not just stop any decline
Option 2 Financials...............................32 These are big decisions, and Council is looking for your
in our environment, but to actively improve it for future
feedback. It is important that we hear your views. I urge
Rates Explained...................................36 generations. We know what needs to be done to deliver you to be informed, consider what is important, and to
Auditor’s Report..................................37 what we are required to do by legislation, but now we tell us what you think. To find out how to have your say,
How to Make a Submission....................38 are looking at how we must go beyond that if we are to please refer to the back of this document or speak to
see the gains we want to see in this beautiful part of the one of your elected councillors.
world before it is too late.
Ngā mihi
This consultation document outlines what is in our draft
Long-Term Plan 2021-31. The ten-year plan outlines all
the activity that we propose to undertake over the next
decade. It also outlines how we propose to pay for the Jenny Hughey
activity – through grants, user-pays and rates income – Chair
*not all ratepayers would pay the same increase, as each property’s rates depends upon the mix of rating types and Capital Value.
Please have a look at page 13 for sample properties, and see our online rates calculator tool to see what it will mean for you.
2
Our vision and purpose Ngāi Tahu
Tumu Taiao The region’s future
Mō tātou moemoeā me aronga is in our hands
Kai ō tātou rikarika te
Taking action together to shape a Yvette
Couch-Lewis
Iaean
Cranwell
takiwā mō āpōpō
thriving and resilient Canterbury,
Collectively we have the ability to change
now and for future generations the world through our decisions and actions.
Toitū te marae o Tāne, toitū te
marae o Tangaroa, toitū te iwi. Environment Canterbury works with Ngāi Tahu
Papatipu Rūnanga, other councils in the region,
Before starting work on the draft stakeholders, central government and the wider
community to manage the use and quality of our
Long-Term Plan 2021-31, Council natural resources, including freshwater, coastal
developed our strategic direction, waters, air and biodiversity. Together we aim
working systematically through to enhance our quality of life, while improving
environmental sustainability, balancing the
all that needs to be done – cultural, social, economic and environmental
identifying enduring priorities Innes
wellbeings of the region.
we need to continue, and
Harewood
Papanui
Coastal
Burwood
We also have responsibilities for the protection
transformational opportunities Waimairi
Fendalton from floods, of people, homes and assets;
Hornby Riccarton Central
delivering the public transport network; civil
to accelerate environmental change Spreydon
Linwood
defence; urban development; the Harbourmaster’s
Hallswell
and community wellbeing.
Heathcote
Cashmere
functions, and more, as outlined in this document
and on ecan.govt.nz/your-council.
This work has been the foundation of
Our region covers an area of more than 45,000 km²
this draft Long-Term Plan for 2021 to 2031. – from Kekerengu Point, north of the Clarence River,
south to the Waitaki River and west to the Southern
Alps. Canterbury is home to about 646,000 people,
and has 78,000 km of rivers and streams, 4,700
lakes and tarns, and around 800 km of coastline.
The Council monitors 24,000 resource consents
associated with the use of Canterbury’s natural
resources, ensuring agreed environmental limits
are met and improved over time through transition
to better practices than those of the past.
Consultation Document | Deciding our Long-Term Plan 2021-31 3
The power of partnerships
Te mana o ngā hononga
We can’t – and don’t - do all the work we need to do The Tuia Relationship Agreement underpins our youth across Waitaha with their regional council.
by ourselves. Environment Canterbury works closely partnership with the ten Papatipu Rūnanga of the region, They run regular Youth Meet Ups and meetings with the
with Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga, the ten territorial working with them as they fulfil their role as mana whenua Council’s elected member and staff. They provide input
authorities (local Councils) and other entities across the and exercise kaitiakitanga. Our shared vision recognises into organisational plans such as this Long-Term Plan,
region and outside it, as well as with our communities, the relationship between Ngāi Tahu and their ancestral and into regional resource management plans, and
and the outcomes are far better for it. Working together land, and the fact it is inextricably affected by the work campaigns such as our climate change work. They have
means we are able to share knowledge, compare data, we do at Environment Canterbury. This partnership was representation on some of the water zone committees
get a range of views, collaborate on design and delivery, strengthened in 2020, with the appointment of two Tumu and link up Environment Canterbury with other youth
and share resources. Taiao (mana whenua experts) to Council. organisations through relationships and events.
Our Tuia relationship Environment Canterbury Youth Rōpū Mayoral Forum
In 2012, Ngāi Tahu and Environment Canterbury signed Our Youth Rōpū is a body of young people aged 14-24 The Canterbury Mayoral Forum is the primary
an agreement known as Tuia. Tuia means working who are passionate about the environment, civics and mechanism for local government communication,
together shoulder to shoulder. The agreement marked empowering young people across Waitaha. Made up of co-ordination and collaboration for the Canterbury
a new era of collaboration between the organisations 16 members, two from each voting constituency and two region and its communities. Its members are the
and a new approach to the management of natural mana whenua representatives, the Youth Rōpū has been mayors of the ten territorial authorities in Canterbury
resources in the region, one which acknowledges and formed to facilitate a two-way relationship between and the Chair of Environment Canterbury. The Mayoral
brings together the tikanga responsibilities of Ngāi young people and decision makers in the region. Forum focuses on issues that affect the whole of the
Tahu and the statutory responsibilities of Environment Canterbury region, such as freshwater management
Canterbury, creating better outcomes for everyone. This group works to two clear priorities: to ensure the (via the Canterbury Water Management Strategy), and
voices of young people are heard by decision makers climate change-related work.
and staff at Environment Canterbury, and to engage
4
The Forum works carefully to complement not compete Working with others
with the work of the member Councils, recognising
and respecting the statutory obligations of the As well as these key partnerships, we work with
different entities. landowners and homeowners, industry and individuals
to undertake the considerable amount of work that is
needed to make change in our region.
Greater Christchurch Partnership
We work on the ground with community groups, and
Environment Canterbury is part of the Greater collaboratively with a range of government and non-
Christchurch Partnership – covering Christchurch government entities to advance key initiatives, such
City and the Selwyn and Waimakariri districts. The as the Mackenzie Basin alignment project and ongoing
partnership plays a key role in developing a clear, shared work to restore our iconic braided rivers.
view of our future, and a plan for how we get there.
Lastly – we need you, as Cantabrians, to participate
The partnership is vital, given 82% of Canterbury’s in our work, at the very least by telling us what you
population lives in the Greater Christchurch area. think of the options put forward in this consultation
Environment Canterbury’s Greater Christchurch document and the financial tools that support it.
partners are the Christchurch City Council, the Selwyn
and Waimakariri District Councils, Te Rūnanga o
Ngāi Tahu, the Canterbury District Health Board,
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and the
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
(Greater Christchurch Group).
Consultation Document | Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like 2021-31
5
Our Strategic Direction
Ā mātou aronga rautaki
Turning vision and purpose we reasonably ask of different parts of the community? knowing that often the best solutions come from those
And of course, it comes down to money. While being asked to invest the most in the outcomes. All
into outcomes the council is able to use income from a variety of this requires funding as well as a shift in thinking and
The Long-Term Plan for 2021 to 2031 outlines the actions sources, the pot is finite. Rates make up around half of the ability to evolve in response to opportunities and
that will be undertaken over the coming years to achieve Environment Canterbury’s income. We have to ensure challenges as they present themselves.
the outcomes we, the community, and central government we are focusing on the right things at the right time –
want to achieve. In order to land a final plan, we are knowing that it all needs attention to ensure the best
consulting on the draft seeking community feedback. return for our ratepayers. Consultation
When the elected members of Environment Canterbury When forming our strategic direction, we looked at what The detail in the draft Long-Term Plan 2021-31 – the
put together our strategic direction – see opposite – we must continue to do: our enduring priorities. There actions and funding required to deliver the strategic
and the draft Long-Term Plan, we did so with a range are increased actions required within these ongoing direction – is where we need your input. Consultation
of views being represented around the table. These programmes of work now, for example responding to is open from Monday 8 March until Sunday 11
differences in opinion and perspective were not about central government’s call for fast implementation of April. In this document we refer to ‘supplementary
the outcomes – there is agreement that we all want the new freshwater standards. We also considered information’ and our rates tool. These are both
good quality freshwater, we know we must respond the ‘transformational opportunities’. What we could located online and contain in depth information about
to climate change, we know the region’s biodiversity accelerate, and where the opportunities to really bring the financials and the measures and targets proposed.
needs urgent action, and we all want to see the about change lie. Both the transformational and the The Supplementary Information also includes all our
investment made in flood protection works and Civil increased enduring work requires more money. supporting policies that outline how Environment
Defence, for example. The differences come in the Canterbury will undertake our work. We recommend
actions required to get there. Council also considered how we will work: our operating that you have a look at the Supplementary Information
principles. These include working with Ngāi Tahu, our as a reference document.
There were many questions asked before there were community, and partners to ensure we are working to
any answers. When everything needs some action, best effect for the region. We looked at investigating We need the community with us if we are to deliver
where should the emphasis be put? How much alternative sources of funding, using technology and data on our stated purpose, and to realise our vision. We
is enough in one area of activity, so we can focus to optimise efficiencies and decision-making. We looked need your views on the draft Long-Term Plan 2021-31.
resources and energy into another? How much can at increasing investment into community engagement,
6
SFO R M AT I O N A L O P P O R
R A N TUN
RT ITIE
OU Build community
S
engagement
and action
Facilitate Champion safe,
diversification multi-modal
of land use
DU RING PRIOR transport choices
R EN ITIE
OU S
Accelerate Fostering Sustainable
regeneration relationships to and healthy Lead climate
Decisive underpin regional living and Helping change
of the natural action for communities resilience
leadership for our working
environment healthy fresh be well prepared
communities environments
water, land and for changes in the
coastal ecosystems natural environment
Our vision Taking action together to shape a thriving and
resilient Canterbury, now and for future generations.
and purpose Toitū te marae o Tāne, toitū te marae o Tangaroa, toitū te iwi.
OUR VALUES
OUR OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Manaakitanga
people first We will make good decisions by We will efficiently deliver through We will support this by investing in
Whanaungatanga • Listening to the people to serve communities our portfolios of work • An enduring partnership with Ngāi Tahu
collaboration • Displaying confident and caring democratic leadership • Water and Land • Community participation locally and regionally
Kaitiakitanga • Working collaboratively with partners • Biodiversity and Biosecurity • High-performing people for success
stewardship • Being guided by our values • Climate Change and Community Resilience • Knowledge: science, data and mātauranga Māori
Pononga • Taking into account cultural, social, economic and • Air Quality, Transport, and Urban Development • Securing a diversity of funding sources
environmental wellbeing
integrity • Regional and Strategic Leadership • Opportunities through technology and innovation
• Being evidence-based and future-focused
Māiatanga • Enabling innovation *2021 portfolios
can do • Ensuring change is both managed and manageable
Consultation Document | Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like 2021-31
7
Challenges and Opportunities
Ngā wero me ngā kōwhiringa
These are unprecedented times. When the Council particularly in freshwater, has become a model for To this end, Council has built a draft plan of activity
started the development of the strategic direction in others to follow and it has put Canterbury in a good and an associated budget to present to you for
2019, there was no sign of COVID-19 in New Zealand; position to meet the new challenges head on. The feedback. To develop this draft plan Council members
there was an indication that the government would be question is, as a community, should we and can we brought a wide range of views to the table. All
releasing new, stricter legislation around freshwater step up the pace? aspects of current and future work were discussed to
and related activity but the detail was unknown; and we determine what should and could be done, when the
were one of the only councils to have declared a Climate There is a pressing need to see further improvements work could reasonably be carried out, how the work
Emergency. We now face these and other issues in the in water quality, manage significant pests, restore could be paid for, and whether it would be affordable.
immediate term, and the draft Long-Term Plan for degraded habitats, respond to climate change, and
2021-31 reflects these. deliver a sustainable public transport network. We
are also presented with the opportunity to continue to Preferred option for consultation
The last ten-year plan was developed in very different create jobs in the community and accelerate a number The Council agreed to present to the community a
times, steadily progressing change for a healthier of pest control and river projects by attracting external package of work totalling $246.54 million (2021/22
environment at the pace Council felt the community funding through central government’s COVID recovery year) and seek feedback. This is referred to as Option 1.
could sustain, developing unique and Canterbury- fund and Jobs for Nature programme.
focused ways of working. Initiatives such as auditable The proposed package includes all the statutorily
Farm Environment Plans for farms to manage To address these specific challenges, take advantage of required work as well as provision to accelerate key
their environmental impact, and using water zone the opportunity to move some significant projects faster, initiatives for Canterbury. What is included in
committees to bring the wide range of community and continue to deliver on major commitments already Option 1 is outlined in this document and in more
voices to the table when developing rules for made, such as public transport service enhancements, detail in the Supplementary Information pack on
freshwater management, took time and considerable we need a Long-Term Plan that requires a greater haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/LTP. See pages 10 and 11
community investment to establish. Much of that work, investment from the community. This investment would in this document.
be both financial and in terms of the action needed.
8
Alternative option for consultation
Council has also developed an alternative option for consideration
by the community. Option 2 is a total package of work costing
$240.19 million. This option will deliver what we are statutorily
required to do – which is still a significant amount of work – but
without the provision to accelerate the same number of projects,
with some of those identified in Option 1 delayed/scaled back or
not proposed to be funded in Option 2. Information on Option 1 and
Option 2 can be found on pages 10 to 15. More detailed financial
information for both options is located on pages 28-35, on our rates
tool rates.ecan.govt.nz and in the Supplementary Information at
haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/LTP.
Do you think we have prioritised the
right issues and opportunities?
What do you feel are the significant
challenges and opportunities we face?
Consultation Document | Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like 2021-31
9
We now need your input
Ka hiahia mātou ō whakauru
In order to give informed feedback, the community • ctive regeneration of the natural environment and
A of the implementation of the Regional Public Transport
1
needs to know all that needs doing and how much tree planting programme (Me Uru Rākau) Plan – such as increasing the frequency on selected
it would cost. • Building community engagement (including youth routes, moving to low and zero-emission vehicles,
engagement) and alignment with other agencies delivering the national ticketing system in Canterbury
– require ongoing funding to deliver an attractive, well-
Option 1 • Data collecting, sharing information and knowledge
utilised public transport offering.
for optimal decision-making.
Council’s
preferred option
Kōwhiringa 1
There is proposed provision for activity across all Investing in COVID-19 recovery projects attracts
for consultation Option 1 addresses what
aspects of our work as well as significant investment in significant government funding for key biosecurity pest
we must do and how we
The full package of a number of key, increasingly pressing issues – such as control, environmental restoration and river works
need to do it to bring
activity to bring
implementing the Government’s ‘Essential Freshwater’ – enabling us to undertake more work in a shorter
about change. about change (our enduring
package, which prescribes new limits for farming activities timeframe through this co-funding arrangement that
priorities) and what we could
and for water quality, and the associated planning and also supports job creation in the region.
do in response to what we
believe is the community’s implementation work that must now be introduced to
There is also additional work to do to evolve our
call for faster, more urgent action build on the work already undertaken in our communities.
Compliance, Monitoring and Enforcement function
(the transformational opportunities). This is Council’s In particular, the resource management concept of to ensure our region’s resources are being utilised
preferred option for consultation so that the Te Mana o te Wai – the mana of the water – must according to plan limits. This includes working with,
community can see all that could be done and be worked through, relying on the strength of our and providing advice to, landowners to understand
what it would cost ratepayers. relationships within the region as well as the collective how to give practical effect to our rules.
The big issues we would be tackling through Option 1 are: willingness of our communities to step up again when
In Option 1 we have proposed sufficient funding for
it comes to protecting the health of the waterways.
our regional Civil Defence activities as we face an
• P rotecting and improving our freshwater, including
It is up to communities and councils nationwide increasingly uncertain future in the face of climate
implementing central government’s new ‘Essential
to consider and recognise Te Mana o te Wai. In change, and progressing the previously deferred and
Freshwater’ package
Canterbury, this will involve considerable planning increasingly urgent Coastal Plan review.
• Reducing emissions via a well-utilised, low-
and implementation work in partnership with Ngāi
emission public transport network As the level of activity increases, so too does
Tahu. Braided river revival and regeneration of our
• COVID-19 economic recovery work, including the supporting and enabling activity, including
iconic braided river ecosystems are key elements
pest control enhancing our organisational collection and storage
of this work in Canterbury.
• Flood protection and infrastructure of mātauranga Māori and community data. Through
• Enabling compliance with the rules we have The evolution of our public transport network making that data more readily available for decision-
worked hard with the community to develop continues to gather momentum and the significant making and community information, we aim to increase
projects that have already been committed to as part the community’s access to the council, and our access
• Climate change and community resilience
10to the knowledge and input of the community, We propose to pay for it through a combination of Around half of the $46 million increase would need
through enhanced engagement. funding sources: to come from rates, representing an increase in total
rates revenue of 24.5% from the current (2020/21)
In Option 1 we have made provision for a contestable • $ 43.6 million in Year 1 in Waka Kotahi NZ Transport year. See below.
fund to support work by community groups for local Agency grants for Public Transport
environmental projects. We have also made provision • $25.3 million in Year 1 in central government Proposed Sources of Increased Funding: Option 1
to increase our capacity to deliver the Enviroschools support for the wilding pines and river engineering/ Grants User-Pays
programme to the 40+ schools on our waiting list, as flood control works in the Jobs for Nature and 46%
and Other
well as enhance the wider environmental education COVID-19 recovery projects 5%
programmes. • $40 million in user-pays charges and other revenue
for such things as consent applications, swing
The bottom line is that Option 1 would require
moorings, bus fares and other activity.
around $246.54 million of activity in the first year
of the Long-Term Plan. This is $46 million more than This would leave a total of $143 million to be paid for $57.27 million*
the current 2020/21 expenditure. by the ratepayers of the region. In this way, Canterbury more in income General Rates
than 2020/21 36%
regional ratepayers can facilitate $246.54 million of
It is not possible for – and nor do we expect –
work* for their rating contribution.
ratepayers to pay for all the work that is included
*Total income would be
in Option 1. The detail of how we propose the rates revenue is paid $251.87 million with
is outlined in our draft Revenue and Finance Policy Targeted $5.33 million being used
Rates to replenish reserves, and
(see page 25). 13% $246.54 million being
used for programme
delivery – see page 28.
Option 1 proposes an increase in rates of 24.5% calculator that enables you to see what your rates would
compared to the current year. This is the percentage look like for both options.
The average total rates a property would pay in
the total amount of money we receive from rates would
increase by. It isn’t the percentage that each ratepayer’s The table below shows the percentage increase proposed Year 1 would be $591.10, compared to $455.04
bill would go up by, as that depends on location and in Option 1 for subsequent years of the Long-Term Plan. in the current year (2020/21). The average rates
value of the property (which impacts the amount of increase across the region would be $136.06.
targeted and general rates paid). Sample properties To see what the impact of Option 1 would be
are shown on page 13, and we have an online rates on your own rates, go to our rates calculator
tool ratescalculator.ecan.govt.nz. Sample
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10
properties are shown on page 13.
24.5% 9% 3.7% 1.5% 2.2% 2.9% 2.2% 4.4% 3% 3.2%
Consultation Document | Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like 2021-31
112
Option 2 Proposed Sources of Increased Funding: Option 2 Option 2 would deliver the full extent of our statutory
requirements and activity already committed to,
Kōwhiringa 2 Grants User-Pays
and Other but not all that we believe could be done to bring
50%
Statutory and Option 2 is a balance of 9% about meaningful environmental change in a shorter
must do actions increased demand for timeframe.
Addresses legislative
action, enabling COVID-19
requirements recovery projects to take
and existing
commitments.
place (which require funding Your views are sought on both
to attract the considerable $49.63 million* Option 1 and Option 2 and the
General Rates
central government recovery more income than
2020/21 activity, expected outcomes and
funding), while focusing on working 31%
within our statutory obligations. There are
funding streams proposed for each.
*Note the income required is
some new areas of expenditure that must be included
– public transport service improvements already
$244.23 million, to fund It is important that we hear what you would
$240.19 million of activity
committed to, central government’s new Essential
Targeted
Rates and put $4.04 million into
like to keep in the plan, what you think
Freshwater and biodiversity packages requiring 10% reserves. See pages 32-35 for could/should be removed, and anything
Option 2 financials.
planning and policy work, as well as our contribution that you think we have missed.
to COVID-19 recovery projects.
Option 2 will progress key pieces of work over the time
In total, Option 2 represents $240.19 million of activity of the Long-Term Plan and it still requires a significant
in Year 1 of the draft Long-Term Plan. This represents investment from the community and other agencies – Your feedback is also invited on
an increase of $40 million, with around half coming both in terms of money and in terms of activity required.
from rates. See Proposed Sources of Increased
the affordability of the proposed
Funding: Option 2 opposite. This increase in total rates The total $244.23 million in revenue required for Year 1 increase in total rates revenue
revenue is 18% more than the current (2020/21) year. of Option 2 is proposed to be funded as follows: (under Option 1 or Option 2) against the
• $ 41.9 million in Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
total activity the rates income
The average total rates a property would pay in Year 1
would be $565.59, compared to $455.04 in the current grants for Public Transport would support. Noting that the increase
year (2020/21). The average rates increase across the • $25.3 million in central government support for the will be different for different ratepayers
region would be $110.55. To see what the impact of wilding pines and river engineering/flood control (see sample properties opposite and in
Option 2 would be on your own rates, go to our rates works in the Jobs for Nature and COVID-19 the Supplementary Information online
calculator tool ratescalculator.ecan.govt.nz. Sample recovery projects at haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/LTP).
properties are shown opposite. • $41.7 million in user-pays charges and other revenue
for such things as consent applications, swing
moorings, bus fares and other activity.
This would leave a total of $135 million to be paid for
by the ratepayers of the region for Option 2. See the
breakdown of rates use by programme of work on page 17.
12Sample properties: impact on rates
What you would see on your July 2021-June 2022 rates bill for Environment Canterbury depends on the location and value of the property being rated. For the examples below,
you will see the flat fees (UAGC and Civil Defence) are the same for everyone. The general and targeted rates vary. An explanation of rate types is on page 36.
My house in Christchurch is worth $580,000 My rural property in Ashburton District is worth $4.96m My house in Temuka is worth $285,000
Option 1 Option 1 Option 1
Public transport Public transport Public transport
$178.00 $0.85 $11.98
Pest Management
$296.30
Air Quality
$6.99
TOTAL RATES General TOTAL RATES General TOTAL RATES General
PAYABLE PAYABLE PAYABLE
$519.95 $268.01 $4678.37 $2283.93 $287.52 $137.11
UAGC UAGC UAGC
$43.51 $43.51 $43.51
Up Up Up
Civil Defence $80.40 Civil Defence $735.85 Civil Defence $67.62
Catchment $14.68 from Catchment $14.68 from Catchment $14.68 from
2020/21 2020/21 2020/21
$8.76 $2039.10 $80.24
Option 2 Option 2 Option 2
Public transport
Catchment
$0.85
$8.82 Public transport
Pest Management $11.96
Air Quality $281.07
$6.73
TOTAL RATES TOTAL RATES General TOTAL RATES
PAYABLE General PAYABLE $2168.81 PAYABLE General
$492.21 $4548.83 $277.91
$254.50 $130.20
UAGC
UAGC UAGC
$40.49
$40.49 $40.49
Civil Defence
Civil Defence Up Up Civil Defence Up
$53.66 $14.80 $606.31 $58.01
Public $14.80 Catchment $14.80
transport from Catchment from from
2020/21 2020/21 $80.46 2020/21
$166.87 $2042.81
KEY: General rates – Targeted rates – Civil defence uniform charge – UAGC –
Consultation Document | Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like 2021-31
13The difference between the options
Ngā rerekētanga o ngā kōwhiri
The main difference between the two options is In Option 2 there is less investment in the data Your feedback is sought on Option 1 and Option 2. In
that Option 1 responds to increasing Government programmes, which are proposed in Option 1 to continue addition there are two particular projects that we are
and community expectation of action, including to build on what data we collect and share for optimal interested in your feedback on:
environmental initiatives we need to progress but are decision-making.
not yet required by legislation. Option 2 accounts only MyWay by Metro is the on-demand public transport
for initiatives we are required by legislation to undertake In Option 2 there is a reduced level of support for system being trialed in Timaru. In Option 1 there is
now and some we are already committed to, such as landowners to assist with compliance and to support provision to keep the system beyond the trial.
public transport improvements. implementation of the regulatory framework. In Option 2, there is no provision to keep it.
The portfolio information and table on pages 16 and 17 In Option 2 there is less provision for environmental S hould investment continue to be made in this
shows the proposed rates contribution for each of our education and Enviroschools support. There is no provision on-demand public transport option for Timaru
portfolios and their associated programmes of work. for a contestable fund to support community projects. after the trial period has completed? Note it
Both Option 1 and 2 are shown in the table, to illustrate will require a total of $1.18 million in Year 1 of the Long-
In both options we have allowed for the notification Term Plan with continued investment in future years (see
where the differences are between the two options. of the Regional Policy Statement, Regional Coastal table opposite), and would be funded through a targeted
In Option 2 there are not the same opportunities to Plan and the Freshwater planning to occur together in rate for the Timaru community and from Waka Kotahi NZ
transform public transport through actions such 2024. By notifying these plans together we can save
as MyWay on-demand buses in Timaru. The new the community a significant amount of money. Provision
bus contract roll out, real-time information system for community and partner engagement to develop
implementation, Total Mobility services and the these plans is in both options and this work needs to
progression of the national ticketing system are all commence in year one of the Long-Term Plan.
included in both Option 1 and Option 2. Both options include an average inflation increase
There will not be the same uplift in braided river revival of 2.5%.
and tree planting programmes for regeneration of the
natural environment through Me uru Rākau with Option 2.
Timaru MyWay
14Transport Agency grants. It would add about central government, the Councils and local land-owners Hekeao Hinds Managed Aquifer Recharge
$14 inc GST per $100k of property value for has paid for the project. In order for this to continue, Year Provision Additional Total
Timaru District ratepayers in Year 1. Environment Canterbury would need to introduce a already in
(Option 1 and 2)
funding to
continue
cost
targeted rate for the local Ashburton community. This enhancements
MyWay by Metro is not included in the figures for Option 1 or Option 2 1 – 2021/22 $1.39 million - $1.39 million
Year Grants Targeted Total at this stage.
rates additional 2 – 2022/23 $0.5 million $0.97 million $1.48 million
cost
The project’s business case has identified there are 3 – 2023/24 $0.43 million $1.94 million $2.37 million
1 – 2021/22 $0.60 million $0.58 million $1.18 million significant costs to the district should the project not
2 – 2022/23 $0.62 million $0.60 million $1.22 million be continued. Should investment be made to develop such
3 – 2023/24 $0.64 million $0.61 million $1.25 million Do you want to see provision made to continue systems to manage freshwater quality in
the MAR project after 2022? In Option 1 other parts of the region in the future? This
and Option 2 there is provision in Year 1 of would not materially impact rates proposed for the first
ould you like to see this type of on-
W few years of the Long-Term Plan as investigation and
demand public transport as part of the wider $1.39 million ($1.09 million from targeted rates, and
$300,000 from grants) to run the project. This is feasibility work would need to be carried out first. We
Canterbury public transport service in the are seeking community interest in principle at this time.
future, should the MyWay trial be successful? This included in the financial information for both options
would not materially impact rates proposed for the first in this document. There is also some allocation in
few years of the Long-Term Plan as investigation and Years 2 and 3, as shown in the table below. However,
feasibility work would need to be carried out first. We to continue to make enhancements to the project after
are seeking community interest in principle at this time. Year 1, additional funding would be needed – also
through the targeted rate to the local Hinds Plains
The Hekeao Hinds Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) community between the Ashburton and Rangitata
is an environmental infrastructure project, proposed Rivers – as shown in the table.
by the Ashburton Zone Committee and supported
by the Ashburton District Council and Environment To give an indication of the rates required, the
Canterbury, to improve water quantity, quality and additional $0.97 million from rates in Year 2 equates to
ecosystem health on the Hinds plains, alongside an extra $76.36 inc GST per $100k of property value for
improved land-use practices required to meet Upper, and $14.99 inc GST per $100k of property value Hekeao Hinds MAR
environmental outcomes. To date, a mix of funding from for Lower A, and $49.95 for Lower B. For more information on Managed Aquifer Recharge visit ecan.govt.nz
Consultation Document | Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like 2021-31
15Portfolios
Ngā Pūkete Option 1
For ease of working and for Regional and Total expenditure
reporting purposes, we group Strategic Leadership
our activities into portfolios and $45.08M/18% $246.54M
related programmes.
Our financial reporting is done Includes partnerships,
against the activities within community engagement and
the portfolios. You can view data collection for optimal
decision-making, running
proposed expenditure by of Council, environmental
portfolio for each of the education, sourcing diverse
Options on pages 28-35 funding streams, planning,
consents and compliance.
and for Option 1 in more
detail on our rates tool,
rates.ecan.govt.nz.
Figures shown here
are for Option 1.
Further information is on Water and Land Biodiversity and Biosecurity
the following pages.
$36.39M/15% $37.36M/15%
For detailed information on
Includes the rules and plans for Includes braided river revival,
each portfolio please view the freshwater management, zone wetlands, a regionwide tree planting
Supplementary Information at committees and partnerships, programme (Me uru Rākau), regional
haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/LTP environmental monitoring, and parks, and meeting biosecurity
rural and urban non-statutory requirements including increased
water initiatives. wallaby and wilding conifer control.
16This table shows Option 1 Option 2 Difference
Total Rates Proposed by Portfolio for Year 1
the proposed total ($M) ($M) ($M)
rates contribution Air Quality, Transport and Urban Development
by portfolio (by Clean Air 2.1 2.0 $0.1 less
comparison, the Integrating Urban Land Use, and Regional Transport 0.9 0.9 -
Transforming Public Transport 32.7 30.0 $2.7 less
figures shown to the 35.7 32.9 $2.8 less
left for the portfolios Biodiversity and Biosecurity
Air Quality, are for total Braided River Revival 3.8 2.9 $0.9 less
Transport and Leading and Partnering for Biodiversity Outcomes 1.6 1.6 -
expenditure made
Urban Development Me Uru Rākau (planting for regeneration programme) 1.0 0.1 $0.9 less
up of income from
$93.48M/38% rates, grants and
Priority Habitats Wetland Protection
Regional Pest Management
4.8
7.1
4.5
6.8
$0.3 less
$0.3 less
Includes clean air initiatives, urban
user-pays revenue). 18.3 15.9 $2.4 less
Climate Change and Community Resilience
and regional land use and transport, Climate Change Resilience 1.0 1.0 -
and our public transport services.
Leading Community Resilience 5.4 5.4 -
Leading Flood and River Resilience 12.2 12.2 -
Managing Contaminated Land, Hazardous Substances and Waste 1.7 1.6 $0.1 less
Managing the Coastal Environment 3.7 3.5 $0.2 less
24.0 23.7 $0.3 less
Regional and Strategic Leadership
Data for Decision Making 3.1 2.6 $0.5 less
Engagement and Influence 8.6 8.2 $0.4 less
Governance and Advisory Services 4.6 4.7 $0.1 more
Investing for the Future 2.4 1.9 $0.5 less
Leading Regional Planning, Consenting and Compliance 9.0 9.0 -
Tuia Partnership 1.6 1.6 -
Climate Change and 29.3 28 $1.3 less
Community Resilience Water and Land
$34.23M/14% Freshwater Regulatory Framework 6.2 6.3 $0.1 more
Freshwater Resilience 7.7 7.4 $0.3 less
Includes flood control works, Healthy Waterway Actions 5.9 5.9 -
Civil Defence, the Harbourmaster’s Monitoring and Understanding our Environment 11.6 11.6 -
functions, natural hazards and Stewardship of Land and Water 0.4 0.3 $0.1 less
hazardous substances, the coastal Working Together for Healthy Land and Water 4.0 3.5 $0.5 less
environment, contaminated land 35.8 35 $0.8 less
and waste, and our response to 143.1 135.5 $7.6 less
climate change.
17Understanding our work
Te māramatanga i ā mātou mahi
We group our activities into portfolios and related work government influence and regional relationships, Investing for the future
programmes. Our financial reporting is done against collaboration and hearing the community voice through Recognising the burden on ratepayers, Council is
the activities within the portfolios. provision of information and collection of feedback. working to identify and establish new and sustained
The proposed groupings for the Long-Term Plan 2021-31 income sources to deliver community aspirations and
Tuia partnership
are a little different to the 2020/21 portfolios, and they address environmental legacy issues.
Our relationship with Ngāi Tahu is key to ensuring we
are summarised below with the proposed programmes reach the right outcomes for our region. We call this Data for decision making
of work for Option 1 noted. relationship ‘Tuia’ – standing shoulder to shoulder with The value of data for supporting informed communities
Further information on the Option 1 programmes mana whenua. The programme of work recognises the and better decision making is a priority for the Council.
is provided in the Supplementary Information on rights of Ngāi Tahu and enables them to fulfil their role This programme of work will build on the foundation
haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/LTP as mana whenua and exercise kaitiakitanga alongside of improving access to data, science and mātauranga
the Council’s statutory role. Māori for the benefit of the community, from individual
Cantabrians to policy and law makers.
Regional and Strategic Leadership Engagement and influence
Te Hautūtanga ā-Rohe, Broadening collaborative community engagement to Governance and advisory services
ā-Rautaki hoki enrich participation in regional decision-making and Delivering efficient and effective governance and
working to help guide and influence central government advisory services to support all Council business.
Ki te kāhore te whakakitenga action for the best outcome for Canterbury.
Ka ngaro te iwi
Without foresight and vision the Leading regional planning, consenting
people will be lost and compliance
This portfolio addresses key cross- Delivering regulatory services (planning, consents
cutting themes of importance for and compliance) that build confidence and trust in
all Council portfolios, such as strategic planning, Environment Canterbury, and enable the outcomes
guiding the organisation in our work with Ngāi Tahu, desired by the community and required under legislation.
18Water and Land collaborative arrangements with Papatipu Rūnanga, to prosecuting, to achieve Te Mana o te Wai and make
Te Wai me Te Whenua zone committees, community and key organisations ongoing improvements to our freshwater.
including through joint work programmes.
Ka hāhā te tuna ki te roto Stewardship of water and land
Ka hāhā te reo ki te kāinga Monitoring and understanding our environment Stewardship of our water and land is a collective
Ka hāhā te tangata ki te whenua Collecting and managing good quality trusted data that responsibility. Our role must include strategically
If the lake is full of eels can be accessed and used by the community and key investing in supporting stewardship initiatives, sharing
If the home resounds with language organisations ensures we have a shared understanding information and actions that work, building awareness
The land will be inhabited with people of the trends and actions needed to report on and meet and implementing opportunities to deliver on future
statutory requirements and environmental outcomes. stewardship of land and water, using the regulatory
At the centre of this portfolio is the Canterbury Water and non-regulatory functions.
Management Strategy (CWMS) and the associated Freshwater regulatory framework
collaborative framework to managing our freshwater Freshwater is managed not just locally but through Freshwater resilience
in the region. The new Essential Freshwater package national direction. Implementing this direction through Freshwater resilience is about supporting
from central government – and resulting planning the regulatory framework is done by the regional council intergenerational, multi-stakeholder, catchment-based
and implementation activity required – will influence and others. Creating the plan rules is not enough projects that restore freshwater environments enabling
the direction. Science-informed decision-making though and this programme also covers improving plan those environments to withstand natural impacts. This
will be key, as will ongoing projects that gain strong implementation through plan effectiveness reviews and requires collaboration, building community support and
partnership support and a shared funding approach, ongoing evaluation of environmental outcomes. ultimately enables implementation of Te Mana o Te Wai.
and empowering and engaging with communities.
Healthy waterways actions
Working together for healthy water and land
To reach our goal of healthy waterways we need to
The community has committed to working together take deliberate actions not just to implement our
to drive regional priorities and share resources to planning framework and the national direction, but
strengthen the Canterbury Water Management Strategy also through using a consistent and focused approach
delivery. This requires resources to support the across a range of actions from community education
Consultation Document | Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like 2021-31
19Biodiversity and Biosecurity Leading and partnering for biodiversity outcomes Braided river revival | Whakahaumanu
Te Rerenga Rauropi me Te Creating a shared regional approach to biodiversity is Ngā Awa ā Pākihi
Whakahaumaru Rauropi key to achieving the outcomes of restored and protected Canterbury’s braided rivers are iconic, running from the
indigenous biodiversity. This shared understanding mountains to the sea as critical ecological corridors.
Manaaki whenua and collective buy-in to the actions required by many Creating landscape-scale alignments with agencies and
Manaaki tangata agencies can be achieved by supporting effective communities to revive these rivers is key to their future
Haere whakamua partnerships, leading activity and sharing information. and the life and activities they sustain.
Care for the land
Care for people Regional pest management Me Uru Rākau
Go forward! By intervening early and working collaboratively with Me Uru Rākau is a regionwide protection, planting
all those involved in biosecurity, we can protect our and restoration programme to enhance regional
Enabling the natural environment to support our
biodiversity, economic production and mahinga kai biodiversity. Although reported through this portfolio,
cultural, physical and economic wellbeing requires us
from harmful organisms. Me Uru Rākau is a programme that impacts, and
to first support the natural environment. By sharing our
understanding of the pressures on the environment, is impacted by, activity in all other portfolios with
Priority habitats and wetland protection benefits for water quality, erosion control, mahinga kai,
and the action needed to relieve those pressures, we
The number of wetlands in the region has fallen community engagement and climate change responses.
can restore our biodiversity and support ecosystems
considerably and this programme aims to
to thrive and in turn support the life that depends
regenerate priority habitats and wetlands,
on them. Our biodiversity work is closely related to
protecting and enhancing these areas in
much of our other work, and in particular is impacted
collaboration with the community.
by biosecurity threats, and relies heavily on the
investment and action of the community.
20Climate Change and risk of soil erosion, sea-level rise and coastal erosion, risks in Canterbury can be achieved by ensuring we are
Community Resilience increased flooding in some areas, potential for faster aligned with partners such as Papatipu Rūnanga and
spread of pests and weeds. These have the potential territorial authorities, and carry a shared understanding
Te Whakamahanatanga o to increase our community risk of impact in flood and and responsibility for the regional response.
Te Ao me Te Aumangea bushfire-prone areas, and coastal communities, and
o te Hapori will impact how we use our water resources. Managing contaminated land,
hazardous substances and waste
Arohanui ki te tangata, Leading community resilience
tētahi ki tētahi Past and sometimes present land practices
Community resilience to natural and human-induced and industrial activity can mean we must deal with
Caring for the people hazards is key as prevention of those hazards is not legacy land issues and the risks associated with
with respect and good faith always possible. Through risk reduction, and the managing contaminated land, hazardous substances and
collecting, providing, and communicating of natural waste. This programme ensures such risks are managed
The Climate Change and Community Resilience hazards information, we can help build community to protect the environment and human wellbeing.
portfolio includes a range of activities with the common resilience through enhancing our collective capacity to
thread of the protection of people, assets (both natural adapt, respond and recover when emergencies occur. Leading flood and river resilience
and built), and the economy. Work programmes are As we face a future with the potential for increased
aimed at supporting the Canterbury region to minimise Managing the coastal environment extreme weather events, increasing community
and adapt to the negative impacts of climate change, By working with, and alongside, our partners we can resilience to flood risks posed to people and property
reduce and manage risks from flooding, natural manage the regeneration of Canterbury’s coastal can be achieved through building and maintaining high
hazards, contaminated land, hazardous substances, environment through effective and integrated coastal quality flood protection, land drainage and erosion
and waste, ensure commercial and recreational management. control infrastructure. See page 24 for information
boating safety, monitor coastal water quality, and on our 30-year Infrastructure Strategy. Our flood and
ensure communities are prepared for and resilient Climate change resilience river works are often associated with land and forestry
to natural hazard risk. Climate change has become a household concern and, management activity and this programme is proposed
Climate change is already affecting Canterbury as a region, we need to be able to adapt and respond to cover the integration of that activity.
and future impacts are likely to include, higher to it as well as continue to do what we can to mitigate
temperatures, less rainfall, more frequent and more the impact of our actions on the climate. Building
extreme droughts, strong winds, low humidity, increased community knowledge and resilience to climate change
Consultation Document | Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like 2021-31
21Air Quality, Transport, Clean air Transforming public transport
and Urban Development Air quality management has previously required a The public transport network is Environment
Te Pai o Te Hau Takiwā, portfolio of work, however in this draft Long-Term Plan Canterbury’s single largest area of expenditure.
Ngā Momo Waka, me Te we are proposing that the regulating and supporting It is supported by central government grants, targeted
of initiatives to ensure air quality improves and does rates in some locations and user-pays (fares) revenue,
Whanaketanga o Ngā Tāone not impact on the wellbeing of our communities, is and guided by the Regional Public Transport Plan.
Ko ngā pae tawhiti whāia kia tata included in a wider Air Quality, Transport and Urban Operating, managing, and delivering innovative and
Ko ngā pae tata whakamaua kia tina Development portfolio. continuous improvements to public transport
The potential for tomorrow depends services in Canterbury is key to establishing a
This is in part due to the successful action of the sustainable service.
on what we do today
community over recent years, converting to cleaner
The Air Quality, Transport and Urban Development forms of home heating and burning wood more
portfolio influences how the people of Canterbury efficiently, thereby reducing the particulate emissions
live, work and travel now and into the future through and improving the ambient air quality in our urban areas. More information on the work within each portfolio,
planning and delivering public transport activities in and the associated targets and measures, can be found
Greater Christchurch and Timaru, enabling vibrant Integrating urban land use in the Supplementary Information for this consultation
and connected communities, coordinating future and regional transport on haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/LTP and on our website
urban development within Greater Christchurch and The integration of our urban land use, regional ecan.govt.nz.
the wider Canterbury region, developing regional land transport and hazards planning is necessary to ensure
transport plans and supporting the regional transport sustainable development within our region. This
committee, and reducing air pollution where people live. work includes facilitating prioritised and integrated
investment in Canterbury’s regional transport network,
and regional/sub-regional planning.
22The following pages outline key policies and how
the Long-Term Plan is proposed to be funded.
Consultation Document | Deciding what the future of Canterbury looks like 2021-31
23What are your thoughts on the way
How could this be paid for? we have proposed rates are charged,
as outlined in the draft Revenue and
Me pēhea te whakautu? Financing Policy ie the proposed use of Uniform
Annual Charges, targeted rates, general rates,
and user-pays?
The draft Long-Term Plan 2021-31 outlines the activity Financial Strategy 30-year Infrastructure
proposed for each year and how it could be paid for.
Ratepayers will want to consider what the community Environment Canterbury’s draft Financial Strategy Strategy 2021-51
would need to pay in general rates, targeted rates, 2021-31 can be found in full in the Supplementary Council has a 30-year strategy to manage
user-pays and other fees and charges in the proposed Information located on haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/LTP infrastructure. Most of our infrastructure is for flood
plan. Council has a number of policies guiding how we The Financial Strategy outlines how we intend to protection and control, and the strategy identifies
determine how different activities should be funded, manage the money we receive from ratepayers and potential issues within the 30-year timeframe that may
and on page 36 we describe what the different rating other sources. The strategy sets guidelines and limits impact the infrastructure and outlines the mechanisms
types are. on our use of that money and outlines that our aim is for managing associated decisions. The value of the
to take an approach that maximises the return on the infrastructure can be measured in billions of dollars –
Pages 24 and 25 of this consultation document outline in not its replacement value (estimated at $673 million
particular four key documents, the Financial Strategy and investments we have and minimises risk. It also outlines
how we will manage any funds in reserves and the in 2020) but the value to the community of having this
the 30-year Infrastructure Strategy, and the Revenue and protective infrastructure in place.
Financing Policy and the Fees and Charges Policy. Your Council’s self-imposed desired limits on rates increases.
feedback is invited on these as part of this consultation. Both Option 1 and Option 2 in this consultation Environment Canterbury manages 59 river control and
document result in proposed rates increases beyond land drainage schemes that collectively cover over
As required under section 82A of the Local Government 1,000 km of rivers, many smaller streams and over
Act, the pages of this consultation document the current self-imposed limits. These limits are the
same each year and have been set at 5% for rate 760 km of rural open drains.
constitute the ‘statement of proposal’ for the Revenue
and Financing Policy and the Fees and Charges Policy. increases, and debt to be no more than 280% of total Our largest flood protection scheme, the Waimakariri–
Submitters on these policies are encouraged to rates revenue. Council acknowledges that the rates Eyre–Cust scheme, provides flood protection from
view the full draft documents in the Supplementary increase limits in the policy are no longer realistic in the Waimakariri River to the Greater Christchurch
Information on haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/LTP the current climate of central government legislation area. The scheme protects thousands of people, jobs,
and community expectation, and proposes an increase homes and other assets – around $118 billion worth -
in excess of the limits in full knowledge of that. with the potential cost of community damages from a
Do you support the rationale and the
catastrophic failure of the scheme estimated to be as
proposed changes in the draft Fees and
much as $12 billion.
Charges Policy. See the full draft policy
online at haveyoursay.ecan.govt.nz/LTP
24You can also read
