Agenda of Te Anau Community Board

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Te Anau Community Board

OPEN MINUTES

Minutes of a meeting of Te Anau Community Board held in the Community Room, Fiordland Medical Centre, Luxmore Drive, Te Anau on Wednesday, 2 December 2015 at 2pm.

present

Chairperson	Ann Carran
Deputy Chairperson	Rachel Cockburn
Members	Sarah Greaney
	Kara Matheson
	Tony O'Loughlin
Councillor	Ebel Kremer

IN ATTENDANCE

Area Officer, Te Anau	Jenny Labruyere
Area Engineer	Nick Lewis
Accountant	Shelley Dela Lana

PUBLIC GALLERY

M Buchanan, A Stevenson

1 Apologies

Moved Member O'Loughlin, seconded Member Greaney and resolved:

That the Te Anau Community Board accept the apology for non-attendance lodged by Member Deaker.

2 Leave of absence

At the close of the agenda no requests for leave of absence had been received.

3 Conflict of Interest

There were no conflicts of interest declared.

4 Public Forum

Moved Deputy Chairperson Cockburn, seconded Member O'Loughlin

and resolved that the Te Anau Community Board go into public forum to allow members of the public to speak.

M Buchanan- Kepler Lions - BBQ Lions Park

Mrs Buchanan tabled a Paper providing quotations for materials and ground works that the Kepler Lions are proposing for the installation of a community BBQ in Lions Park. The Board noted the quotations tabled totalled $21,054.85 inclusive of GST.

Members enquired whether other interested parties were available to provide support for this project; it is understood there maybe support from the Te Anau Lions Club.

The Chair commented that she would like to see consistency between this project and the recent development of the BBQ at the Boat Harbour. The Chair added that this issue will be discussed as a formal agenda item later in the meeting and Kepler Lions will be advised of the Board decision in due course.

Moved Member Greaney, seconded Member Matheson

and resolved that the Te Anau Community Board moves out of public forum.

5 Extraordinary/Urgent Items

There were no Extraordinary/Urgent items.

6 Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution

Moved Member O'Loughlin, seconded Deputy Chairperson Cockburn

Meeting minutes of Te Anau Community Board, held on 14 October 2015 be confirmed.

Reports

7.1

Action Sheet

Record No: R/15/11/21343

Public Wharf

Area Engineer reported that the Faith Group has had discussions with the building control officer; the group is now to seek engineering advice to progress the project.

Recycle Bins

The Board noted the comments of the Area Engineer that the contractor is keeping on top of rubbish collections.

The Chair repeated her request that appropriate rubbish bins be installed in strategic areas throughout the township and this matter be put in place as soon as possible.

Fiordland College Student Exchange Arrangement

The Area Officer advised the International Relations Committee met on 26 November 2015 and verbal advice has been received that the Sister City Committee is prepared to pay $75 annual subscription to the International Relations Committee for the first year on behalf of the college. Furthermore the Committee will be writing to the college of this decision.

Public Convenience – Hollyford Boulevard Toilets

The Area Engineer confirmed that the Board is no longer making financial contributions to the toilets at this site, and that this contribution ceased in March 2012.

Fiordland Museum Society

The Area Officer reported that a letter has been forwarded to the Society advising that the Community Development Planner (Venture Southland) will be assisting the Society with funding proposals.

Te Anau Community Events Charitable Trust

The Area Officer confirmed that a letter has been sent to the Trust in response to issues relating to the proposed signage at the entrance to the township.

Sewage Budgets

The Water & Waste Manager reported that the budgets of $789,000 (renewals) and $474,000 (construction) for the Oxidation Ponds relate to the on-going inlet screen upgrade and pond desludging projects.

Resolution

Moved Member Matheson, seconded Member O'Loughlin

That the Te Anau Community Board:

a) Receives the report titled “Action Sheet” dated 25 November 2015.

b) Determines that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002.

c) Determines that it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and in accordance with Section 79 of the Act determines that it does not require further information, further assessment of options or further analysis of costs and benefits or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision on this matter.

7.2

Works and Finance Report to Te Anau Community Board for the period ended 31 October 2015

Record No: R/15/11/20662

The Works and Finance report for the period ended 31 October 2015, prepared by N Lewis (Area Engineer), was tabled.

Issues noted by the Board included;

Concern has been expressed by library staff at the extra usage of the library toilet by bus passengers queuing at the entrance way of the library. Issues of this nature will be drawn to the Library Manager.

The Area Engineer reported the Te Anau Cycle Incorporated have made a suggestion of another track alongside the Fiordland Trails Trust track on Golf Course Rd. The Board considers this should not be a priority and made the suggestion that Te Anau Cycle Incorporated liaise with Fiordland Trails Trust on this matter.

The Area Engineer tabled correspondence from the Fiordland College Astronomy Team advising members of the Team propose to install a semi- permanent scaled model of the Solar System along the lakefront walkway from Real Journey’s to the Upukerora River mouth. Details of the Solar system proposal were outlined to the Board. While the Board support the proposal in principle members expressed concern at the presentation of the project and requested before the system is installed the Astronomy Team is to provide the Board with a concept plan. The Area Engineer to follow this through .

Skatepark

The issue of vehicles entering onto the skate ramp and reserve area surrounding the skatepark was raised.

Following the discussion on this issue and to overcome the problem the Board agreed for staff to arrange the installation of suitable bollards; such cost to be charged against the Parks and Reserves general account.

Resolution

Moved Member O'Loughlin, seconded Member Greaney

That the Te Anau Community Board:

a) Receives the report titled “Works and Finance Report to Te Anau Community Board for the period ended 31 October 2015” dated 19 November 2015.

7.3

Fiordland Community Swimming Pool - Annual Report

Record No: R/15/11/21071

The Annual Report and Annual Financial Report for the year ended 31 May 2015 of the Fiordland Community Swimming Pool, was tabled.

The Society advised that an amount of $31,275.00 was received from the pool rate for 2014/15.

The Society thanked the Board for setting the Pool rate at $17.19 per property for the 2015/16 season, and request the same for 2016/2017 as the cost of running the pool continues to increase.

Resolution

Moved Deputy Chairperson Cockburn, seconded Chairperson Carran

That the Te Anau Community Board:

a) Receives the report titled “Fiordland Community Swimming Pool - Annual Report” dated 19 November 2015.

b) Consider the request put forward by the Fiordland Swimming Pool Society for this Board to set the pool rate for 2016/17 at $17.19 per property, at the Board’s 2016/17 Estimates meeting.

7.4	Rent Review - Fiordland Community Centre Record No: R/15/10/19117
	The report by V Dillon (Property Officer) advising the rental payable for the lease of land, buildings and improvements by the Fiordland Community Events Centre Trust, was tabled. The Property Officer added the lease of the land and building from Council which the Trust lease is classified as Local Purpose Reserve. The Board noted that the Trust pays all services levied on the property which includes; One water meter ($170.00) 18 sewerage ($7,106.49) and Three wheelie bins ($421.50) The Board was advised the current rental is set at $1.00, including GST.
	Resolution Moved Deputy Chairperson Cockburn, seconded Member Matheson That the Te Anau Community Board: a) Receives the report titled “Rent review - Fiordland Community centre” dated 10 November 2015. b) Determines that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002. c) Determines that it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and in accordance with Section 79 of the Act determines that it does not require further information, further assessment of options or further analysis of costs and benefits or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision on this matter. d) Determines that the annual rental payable by the Fiordland Community Events Centre Trust for its lease of Council premises at 22 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau being Lot 1, DP 351732 for the three year term commencing 1 January 2016 be $1.00, GST inclusive.
7.5	Venture Southland report regarding the Te Anau Kepler Lions' request for assistance with the installation of a community BBQ in Lions Park Record No: R/15/11/21210
	Purpose Report by D Zadravec (Community Planner, Venture Southland) analysing funding options available for the installation of a community BBQ in Lions Park, was tabled. Ms Zadravec drew the Board’s attention to the letter from Te Anau Kepler Lions which requested the Te Anau Community Board for assistance with the installation of a coin operated BBQ and shelter in Lions Park. 3 The Board was advised Te Anau Kepler Lions have committed some savings and plan to undertake further fundraising from public funders to help fund this project. Ms Zadravec commented there appears to be a community wish to install another BBQ at the Lions Park which may have more benefit for the local community due to the vicinity of the playground. She added the Te Anau Kepler Lions are committed to helping this project but following the negative response from the Meridian Community Fund are not confident they can achieve it on their own hence the approach to the Community Board for financial assistance. The Board was advised the total project cost as per quotes obtained by the group is approximately $24,000 including GST ( the group is not GST registered.) This figure may be reduced slightly if the group can secure some donations in kind. This excludes the cost of supplying water to the site which the Board has previously discussed and allocated funding for both the existing and proposed BBQ areas. Furthermore the cost of the BBQ is $11,439.00 excluding GST; it is hoped the Board would contribute this amount. Ms Zadravec stated the Te Anau Kepler Lions would contribute $10,046.20 including GST to cover the engineering cost to design the frame and construct the shelter, earthworks and electrical works. The group has $5,000 of savings from their previous fundraising tagged for this project. In relation to options available Ms Zadravec outlined the following; 1.0 The first option would be for the cost of the project ($11,439.00 excl GST)is shared by the group and the Board for the BBQ, plus water connection. The split is approximately even once the GST implications on each party are considered. The group would make an application of approximately $5,000 to a gaming society for the site works (other than water) and the shelter. 2.0 In the second option the Board does not contribute beyond the cost of a water connection to the BBQ area; the responsibility to fund the project rests with the group which has to fundraise approximately $10,000. In discussing the proposal the Board was supportive of contributing $11,439.00 excluding GST for the installation of BBQ and shelter and fund the water connection to the site in Lions Park and the on-going opportunities and maintenance. The Board also agreed to the installation of a water connection to the other BBQ facility at the Boat Harbour, such cost to be charged against the reserves contribution account.

	Resolution Moved Cr Kremer, seconded Member Greaney That the Te Anau Community Board: a) Receives the report titled “Venture Southland report regarding the Te Anau Kepler Lions' request for assistance with the installation of a community BBQ in Lions Park” dated 25 November 2015. b) Determines that this matter or decision be recognised not significant in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002. c) Determines that it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and in accordance with Section 79 of the Act determines that it does not require further information, further assessment of options or further analysis of costs and benefits or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision on this matter. d) Resolves to contribute $11,439.00 excluding GST for the proposed installation of a BBQ and shelter for community use in Lions Park, in addition to the previously committed funds towards the installation of water connection to the site, such expenditure to be a charge against the reserves contribution account. e) Resolves to commit funds for the ongoing operation and maintenance of this amenity. f) Resolves to write a letter of support for the Te Anau Kepler Lions to assist the group’s fundraising efforts.

7.6

Te Anau Airport Manapouri Manager's Report

Record No: R/15/11/21032

The Airport Manager’s (Evan Pearce), report outlining operational issues, aircraft movements, operator changes and management matters, was tabled.

Items arising included;

Expected grow in passenger numbers and potentially new clients i.e. “Young at Heart” group.
On-going issues with the poor quality disbursement pump system and field irrigation piping of the sewer system.
Increase in budgeted expenditure from $2,100 annual budget, to an expenditure of over $9,000 for unanticipated mobility impaired works required for building consents. Work is now completed.
Additional increase in insurance costs with an overall increase by $2,000.

Resolution

Moved Cr Kremer, seconded Member O'Loughlin

That the Te Anau Community Board:

a) Receives the report titled “Te Anau Airport Manapouri Manager's Report” dated 18 November 2015.

b) Determines that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002.

7.7

Annual Plan 2016/2017 - Draft Estimates Report

Record No: R/15/10/19281

Tabled before the Board was a report which provided an overview of the forecasted services for the Te Anau Community Board in 2016/2017. It includes any variations from what was forecasted in year two of the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2015-2025.

Staff advised that;

1.0 Council has streamlined its 2016/2017 Annual Plan process and as a result the Board is only required to review your estimates for significant changes. In addition, consideration should be given to funding any significant changes from reserves where appropriate.

2.0 The draft estimates will be incorporated into the Council’s draft Annual Plan which will be released for consultation in February 2016. Once the plan is finalised (and subject to any changes resulting from submissions), the estimates shown for 2016/2017 will be used to set rates for the year beginning 1 July 2016.

Issues of note that were drawn to the attention of the Board included projects which outlined key variances from what was originally include in Year two of the Long Term Plan and what is planned now. These key variances are;

Project Description	Annual Plan 2016/2017	LTP 2016/2017	Variance	Funding	Comments
Water to BBQ and possible second site	$10,000	-	$10,000	Reserves	New project requested by Board.
Town entrance signs	$20,000	-	$20,000	Rates & Reserves	New project requested by Board.
Formation and in ground reticulation	-	$8,362	($8,362)	Reserves	This project has been removed as not required currently but maybe at a later point.
MacKinnon Loop lateral replacements	$113,200	-	$113,200	District Funding	This section has had 11 repairs recently as the laterals were installed in 1967.
Hydrants, meters and valves	-	$393,996	($393,996)	District Funding	Work will not proceed at this stage and any interim replacements will be maintenance.
Scheme Management Plan	-	$7,564	($7,564)	District Funding	Removed due to being included in the Te Anau Wastewater Scheme Project.

Other Variances

Business Unit

Account

Annual Plan

2016/2017

LTP 2016/2017

Variance

Comments

Library

Toilet Supplies

$300

$98

$202

Increase use expected with the change to being available for public use.

In discussing the variances listed above the Board agreed to delete the following;

Water to BBQ $10,000 – this project is now to be bought forward, and part of the 2015/2016 financial year with costs to be charged against the reserve contribution account.
Formation and ground reticulation – this project has been removed currently but maybe required at a later point.

Scheme Management Plan - this project has been removed currently but maybe required at a later point.

In addition to the discussion on the estimates the Board requested the following issues be pursued acknowledging that there is no funding set aside for these projects and they are discussions points only at this point;

Creation of a working party which is to include representation from the Community Board, Destination Fiordland, Te Anau Cycle Incorporated and staff for the development and branding of linkage cycleway within the area.

Creation of action plan for streetlighting within the township in view of the funding available in 2015/16 and 2016/17.

Development of new projects that are to be pursued;

i. Support for retirement options

ii. Streetlighting/pathway to link Alpine Terrace area to township

iii. Water park track development

Resolution

Moved Cr Kremer, seconded Member Greaney

That the Te Anau Community Board:

a) Receives the report titled “Annual Plan 2016/2017 - Draft Estimates Report” dated 25 November 2015.

b) Determines that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002.

d) Approves variations in the Te Anau Community Board estimates from year two of the Long Term Plan as follows;

· Town Entrance Signs – New project 2016/17 ($20,000)

· Hydrants Meters and Values - work not proceeding

· McKinnon Loop laterals replacements – new project 2016/2017 ($113,000)

· Library – new project 2016/2017 ($300).

e) Estimates for the year commencing 1 July 2016 be adopted for inclusion in the Council’s Draft Annual Plan; subject to following amendment;

· Water to BBQ $10,000 – this project is now to be bought forward and part of the 2015/2016 financial year with costs to be charged against the reserve contribution account.

· Formation and ground reticulation – this project has been removed currently but maybe required at a later point.

· Scheme Management Plan - this project has been removed currently but maybe required at a later point.

f) Requests the Council to levy of the following rates and charges (including GST) for the year commencing 1 July 2016 based on the approved estimates in (e) above.

Rate Description Rate (GST Incl)

Te Anau CB Rate $737,003

Fiordland Pool Rate $36,622

Sandy Brown Road Utility Loan $20,048

g) Identifies the key highlights for 2016/2017 as follows;

· Footpath Renewal

· Kerb & Channel Renewals

· Streetlighting

· Town Entrance Signs

· New Pontoon

· MacKinnon Loop Lateral Replacements

7.8	Te Anau Manapouri Airport Annual Plan 2016/2017 - Draft Estimates Report Record No: R/15/11/19608
	Tabled before the Board was a report which provided an overview of the forecasted services for the Te Anau Manapouri Airport in 2016/2017. It includes any variations from what was forecasted in year two of the Long Term Plan (LTP) 2015-2025. Staff advised that; 1.0 Council has streamlined its 2016/2017 Annual Plan process and as a result the Board is only required to review your estimates for significant changes. In addition, consideration should be given to funding any significant changes from reserves where appropriate. 2.0 The draft estimates will be incorporated into the Council’s Draft Annual Plan which will be released for consultation in February 2016. Once the plan is finalised (and subject to any changes resulting from submissions), the estimates shown for 2016/2017 will be used to set rates for the year beginning 1 July 2016. Issues of note that were drawn to the attention of the Board were as follows; There are no key variances from what was originally included in year two of the Long Term Plan and what is planned now. The runway reseal project is being funded by rates ($60,080), reserves ($30,094) and the balance of $204,013 via an internal loan. As a result rates are proposed to be held at the same fixed rate per rating unit as last year ($128) – this project to proceed only if required.

	Resolution Moved Cr Kremer, seconded Deputy Chairperson Cockburn That the Te Anau Community Board: a) Receives the report titled “Te Anau Manapouri Airport Annual Plan 2016/2017 - Draft Estimates Report” dated 25 November 2015. b) Determines that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002. c) Determines that it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and in accordance with Section 79 of the Act determines that it does not require further information, further assessment of options or further analysis of costs and benefits or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision on this matter. d) Approves the Te Anau Manapouri Airport estimates from year two of the Long Term Plan. e) Recommends the estimates for the year commencing 1 July 2016 be adopted for inclusion in the Council’s Draft Annual Plan, subject to the runway reseal project to proceed only if required. f) Requests the Council to levy of the following rates and charges (including GST) for the year commencing 1 July 2016 based on the approved estimates in (e) above. Rate Description Rate (GST Incl) Te Anau Manapouri Airport Rate $342,014 g) Identifies the key highlight for 2016/17 for the airport as follows; · Resealing project if required.

UPDATES

8.1

Local Liaison Reports

Record No: R/15/10/17662

Parks & Reserves

· Tree damage around the town due to weather conditions

· Damaged Gyro Wheel at Lions Park has been repaired

Resource Consent

· Approval of the O’Loughlin consent has been granted.

Tourism

· Recent Destination Fiordland Board meeting

· Venture Southland Project & Activities Report

· Destination Fiordland membership drive

Community Events Centre

· Lack of support from the Trust in regard to proposed Climbing Wall on the exterior of the building.

· Good numbers of bookings

· New Sound Proof Curtains and Public Announcement System

· Sponsorship signage due for renewal

· LED lighting replacement

· Storage of equipment safety issues

· Cleaning issues

Fiordland Trails Trust

· Funding targets reached.

Retirement Options

· Looking into the set-up of a Trust system

· Information received from West Otago Trust to assist in consideration of options.

Milford Community Trust

· Discussions as to Community Events facility at Milford

· Appointment of Term Leader – Emergency Services for the 2015/16 season confirmed.

8.2

Chairperson's Report

Record No: R/15/10/17664

Member Carran reported on matters with which she has been involved since the Board’s last meeting; these included.

Suggestion relating to the installation of Memorial to lost persons, potentially along the lakefront
Tourism number increases

8.3

Councillor's Report

Record No: R/15/10/17666

Councillor Kremer reported on matters from the District Council table. These included;

Recent Governor General visit
Te Anau Wastewater Discharge Project Committee meeting to be held 16 December to consider Peer Review Options
Organisational Review
Freedom Camping hearing- Council endorsed Te Anau Community Board’s recommendation
Round the Mountain Cycle Trail hearing
Health and Safety presentation to joint Councils recently held
Attendance at Northern Southland Chairs/Area Engineers meeting – request for Te Anau Community Board to participate in future meetings
Annual Plan and Council meetings and workshops coming up

9.0 Public Excluded

9.1 Exclusion of the Public: Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987

Resolution

Moved Member Greaney, seconded Member O'Loughlin

That the public be excluded from the following part(s) of the proceedings of this meeting.

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

10.0 Te Anau Airport Manapouri- Strategic Direction and MGJV relationship update report.

General subject of each matter to be considered

Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter

Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution

Te Anau Airport Manapouri- Strategic Direction and MGJV relationship update report.

s7(2)(b)(ii) - The withholding of the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely unreasonably to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information.

s7(2)(h) - The withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, commercial activities.

That the public conduct of the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists.

That the Area Officer and Area Engineer be permitted to remain at this meeting, after the public has been excluded, because of their knowledge of the items Te Anau Airport Manapouri – Strategic Direction and MGJV relationship Update Report.

This knowledge, which will be of assistance in relation to the matters to be discussed, is relevant to those matters because of their knowledge on the issues discussed and meeting procedure.

4.05pm The public were excluded.

11.0 Return of Open Meeting

The Board returned to Open Meeting at this point.

5.00pm CONFIRMED AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF THE Te Anau Community Board HELD ON 2 DECEMBER 2015.

DATE:...................................................................

CHAIRPERSON:...................................................

	Business Unit	Balance June 2015	Years Remaining
Sandy Brown Road (1006)	26879	$54,040	4

Te Anau Community Board

27 January 2016

Project List

The table below shows all of the projects that were planned for Te Anau in 2015/2016. Items in bold and italics are carried over from previous financial years.

Activity	Project	Type	Year	Budget	Status	Officer’s Comments
Parks and Reserves	Skate Park upgrade	LOS	15/16	$80,000	Design	Project group in design and concepting stage, funding etc
Parks and Reserves	Water Park - New Track	DEM	15/16	$30,000	Investigation	Scope and layout of tracks being investigated
Parks and Reserves	Lions Park - New slide	REN	15/16	$30,000	Investigation	Discussions with Playground suppliers as to possible additions
Roading and Transport	Street Lighting	REN	15/16	$20,500	Not started	Planning to be done
Roading and Transport	Footpath Renewals	REN	15/16	$10,000	Not started	Scoping of township footpaths with maintenance contractors ongoing
Roading and Transport	K&C renewals	REN	15/16	$10,250	Not started	Scoping of township K&C with maintenance contractors ongoing as above
Sewerage	Lateral replacements	REN	15/16	$124,761	Not started	Lateral replacements being investigated.
Sewerage	Oxidation Pond	REN	15/16	$789,121	Construction	This work proceeds to improve the quality of discharge effluent by screening and aeration. Increased height of perimeter walls is also addressed at this item.
Sewerage	Glade Pump Station Upgrade	REN	15/16	$35,000	Complete	Work completed
Water Supply	Contact Tanks	REN	15/16	$66,430	Tender
*Library Services*	*Upgrade Lighting to LED*	*LOS*	*14/15*	*$30,710*	*Construction*	*Installation underway.*
*Library Services*	*Reconfigure and refurbish building*	*LOS*	*14/15*	*$32,500*	*Construction*	*Under construction*
*Roading and Transport*	*Street Lighting*	*REN*	*13/14*	*$34,056*	*Not Started*	*To be planned with above project*
*Parks and Reserves*	*Lions Park Playground Improvements*	*DEM*	*14/15*	*$21,054*	*Not Started*	*Double up with above project*
*Library Services*	*Furniture and Fittings*		*14/15*	*$6,142*	*Construction*	*Awaiting completion*
*Sewerage*	*Interim upgrade of existing Oxy Pond*	*LOS*	*13/14*	*$474,033*	*Construction*	*Started - Construction*

Te Anau Community Board

27 January 2016

MEMORANDUM TO TE ANAU COMMUNITY BOARD

Meeting Date: 16 APRIL 2008

Subject: LAKE FRONT EUCALYPTS

File No.: 320/15/2/24

Memorandum by G Jones dated 5 March 2008.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT THE MEMORANDUM ON THE LAKE FRONT EUCALYPTS BE RECEIVED AS INFORMATION.

Signature
	Author		Executive Staff

MEMORANDUM

220/10/3/7

19 February 2008

F I L E N O T E

TE ANAU WATERFRONT EUCALYPTS

Summary : Area Engineer Graham Jones has asked for a general assessment of the large eucalypts along the Te Anau waterfront, and asked that some thought given to the longer term management of these trees. Inspections in February 2008 have shown them to be a mixed bag, but many of the original older trees probably requiring the attention of an arborist to tidy up some potentially dangerous dead branches. The longer term management is something that probably needs the involvement of the Te Anau Community Board.

Background : The eucalypts on the Te Anau lakefront are almost iconic in their association with the township, as they appear in the earliest photographs of the young settlement - eg this one below, taken about 1900, by which time the trees were well established.

Early-TeAnau

It seems that they were planted about 1890 by TM Broderick, a pioneer settler who owned the first house in the township. This makes them nearly 120 years old. The trees have appeared in almost all publicity photos of the township since then.

The trees today

The trees along the waterfront - i.e. between Lakefront Drive and the lake edge - can be considered conveniently as 3 groups :

Group 1 : south of Mokoroa Street

Group 2 : Between Mokoroa Street and the Real Journeys buildings

Group 3 : Opposite Lion Park and extending towards the boat harbour.

Group 1 - South of Mokoroa Street

The trees, about 5 in number, are mostly on the lake side of the walkway (see Fig. 1). The generally younger trees (eucalypts and kowhai) are in good health and present no problems, with one exception (a tree opposite Garden Park Motel where a few dead branches overhang the walkway; it is not shown in Fig. 1).

TeAnau-Gp1-2

Fig. 1 : the Group 1 trees, south of Mokoroa Street.

Group 2 - Between Mokoroa Street and the Real Journeys buildings

There are 7 large trees, more or less evenly spaced on the lake side of the road; the walkway passes under many of them (see Fig. 2 on page 3 following). There are about 9-11 smaller and younger trees clustered around the Southern Lakes Helicopters office/wharf. The larger and older (original?) trees are the problem individuals : senescent, dead tops, dead laterals, many overhanging the walkway. Trees #’s 5 and 6 (counting from the south) are the worst. These trees present most of the problems.

Fig. 6 below (from the Group 3 trees opposite Lion Park) illustrates the potential danger to walkway users from dead branches overhanging the pathway. The same potential exists under the Group 2 trees as displayed by the example in Fig. 3. The consequences of a large dead branch, say 15-20cm in diameter and 5-6 metres long, falling 10-15 metres onto a pedestrian on the walkway underneath could easily result in a fatality, and certainly severe injury.

There are a number of dead tree tops or ‘spikes’ showing in the older trees (see Fig. 3 for example), and whilst these also pose a threat, they are more likely to break and fall directly downwards or to be blown by the wind. The prevailing north-west wind would probably steer falling pieces away from the walkway, but there is no guarantee that this would be the case.

TeAnau-Gp2-1

Fig. 2 : The Group 2 trees between Mokoroa Street (foreground) and the

Real Journeys offices by the roundabout.

TeAnau-Gp2-4

Fig. 3 : Trees #5 and #6 in Group 2 - the bad ones.

Group 3 - Opposite Lion Park and extending towards the boat harbour

The main group of 10-11 older trees opposite Lion Park (Group 3a; see Fig. 4) is separated from Group 2 by a large gap created by the wharf and the waterfront development. The walkway meanders through these trees - they appear similar in age and condition to the older Group 2 trees - dead branches in the upper crowns, some directly overhanging the walkway. One specimen badly needs attention. Their form is slightly swept by the prevailing NW winds.

TeAnau-Gp3a1

Fig. 4 : The Group 3a trees opposite Lion Park.

TeAnau-Gp3b

Fig. 5 : Group 3b trees, north of Group 3a towards the boat harbour.

Further along, beyond the Lakeside Church, there are groups of trees straddling the walkway (including eucalypts, kowahai, Douglas-fir [by the bridge], miscellaneous pines, cypresses, beech and poplars), but they are younger trees; they are generally healthy, their form is good, and they do not present any problems at this stage (see Fig. 5 above).

TeAnau-Gp3a-5

Fig. 6 : Group 3a, opposite Lakeside Church. This illustrates the potential

danger to walkway users from dead branches overhanging the pathway.

What to do

Some of the older trees, especially those in Groups 2 and 3, need the attention of an arborist to trim back the dead branches overhanging the walkway. This is a pressing need if the Council is to maintain proactively its responsibilities under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1993. For the most part, the offending pieces are obvious from a visual inspection. There are about 5-6 trees which are the worst offenders - 1 in Group 1, 3 in Group 2, and 1 in Group 3 - however this should not be taken as the limit of action : there are undoubtedly others.

Peter Simpson from Otatara was the arborist who carried out most of the work tidying the Manapouri trees along the Pearl Harbour--Frasers Beach walkway, but I understand he has now retired. There are undoubtedly others about who could do this work; Graeme Humphries from Fiordland Nurseries may be able to provide guidance. In the longer term, replacement of these trees needs consideration : one way towards solving some of the problems is to fell/replace some of the worst trees rather than try to band-aid overhanging limbs.

Longer term : The older eucalypts are getting to the ‘past their use-by’ date, and a planned replacement is advisable, probably on a staged programme. The Te Anau Community Board should consider a management strategy for the longer term management of the ribbon of trees along Lakefront Drive.

There are several possible ways of approaching this - remove every second tree for example and plant a replacement specimen : this maintains something of the treeline. What species to use? - if the eucalypts are favoured, then continue with them; otherwise something else. Unfortunately there are few native species with the ability to command the presence of the existing eucalypts. The eucalypts have a lot going for them - they are fast growing, they have a long association with the township, they have a scent, and their flowers attract nectar-feeding birds in season.

It is not my intention to pursue long-term strategies in this note beyond the comments in the preceding paragraphs. It is a matter for a landscaper rather than a forester, and needs the agreement of the residents. I recommend that the Community Board takes steps to evaluate the future of this part of the town.


Roger Washbourn		Graham Jones
FOREST MANAGER		AREA ENGINEER

Reserves Contributions	$120,805
Roading Contributions	$210,103
Sewerage Contributions	$354,734
Water Contributions	$ 64,887