Agenda of Policy Review Committee

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Policy Review Committee

OPEN MINUTES

Minutes of a meeting of Policy Review Committee held in the Council Chambers, 15 Forth Street, Invercargill on Wednesday, 18 November 2015 at 10.30am.

present

Chairperson	Rodney Dobson
	Mayor Gary Tong
Councillors	Lyall Bailey
	Stuart Baird
	Brian Dillon
	John Douglas
	Paul Duffy
	Bruce Ford
	George Harpur
	Julie Keast
	Ebel Kremer
	Gavin Macpherson
	Neil Paterson

IN ATTENDANCE

Group Manager Services and Assets Ian Marshall, Group Manager Environment and Community Bruce Halligan, Group Manager Community and Policy Rex Capil, Communications and Governance Manager Louise Pagan and Committee Advisor Fiona Dunlop.

1 Apologies

There were no apologies.

2 Leave of absence

There were no requests for leave of absence.

3 Conflict of Interest

There were no conflicts of interest declared.

4 Public Forum

There was no public forum.

5 Extraordinary/Urgent Items

There were no Extraordinary/Urgent items.

6 Confirmation of Minutes

Resolution

Moved Cr Ford, seconded Cr Dillon and resolved:

That the Policy Review Committee confirms the minutes of the meeting held on 7 October 2015.

Reports

7.1	Venture Southland Community Development Update Record No: R/15/10/19416
	Diana Zadravec Community Development Planner, Tina Harvey Community Development Team Leader, Venture Southland and Alastair Adam Business Services Manager were in attendance for this item. The officers from Venture Southland updated the Committee on community development activities. They spoke to a power point presentation provides information about regional projects and local initiatives and also highlights some key projects the Business Team is currently undertaking. Ms Zadravec updated the Committee on significant project and local initiatives in the Waiau and Fiordland areas. Significant projects included: Te Anau – Manapouri Cycleway and the Fiordland Trails Trust. Local Initiatives included the Blackmount Community Facilities, Tuatapere Community Pool redevelopment and promotion of sausages in Tuatapere. The Committee noted that the Blackmount Community facilities had been transferred into community ownership of Southland District Council on 30 September 2015 As a result of the transfer the Community retained debt-free ownership of the school building (now community centre), pool, hall, tennis courts and playground. This was funded by Ward reserves, Community Trust of Southland, Lottery and community funds. It was also noted by the meeting that the Tuatapere Community Pool Redevelopment is progressing. There were two parallel processes being land subdivision and building work. This led to an increase in cost and made the project more complex and harder to manage. The pool is anticipated to open prior to Christmas The Committee noted that Tuatapere “won” the Monumental Monuments competition by FM Fletch, Vaughan and Megan morning radio show. A sausage-shaped monument was delivered from Auckland to Tuatapere in a branded van and the morning show was broadcast from Tuatapere on 18 September 2015.. As a result of the morning show broadcast there was national social media exposure for Tuatapere and the town is experiencing sausage revival. The following are other projects in the Waiau Area · Distribution of the pool rate collected for the three pools in the Tuatapere Community Board area: · Support with funding applications for equipment for the Tuatapere Playcentre · Support with a funding application for a First Aid course for Tuatapere Plunket · Support with funding applications for equipment and funding for coaching for Waiau Pony Club · Advice regarding funding and promotion of the “Tackle the Takis” event · Assistance with promotion for the Tuatapere Summer Day (January 2016) · Orawia War Memorial – a condition assessment report has been undertaken by Ian Bowman for the Orawia War Memorial. The report identifies work to be undertaken and how it is to be undertaken. · Working alongside the Manapouri Hall Committee (a Subcommittee of the Manapouri Community Development Area Subcommittee) for an exterior upgrade. Work to be undertaken is recladding, painting, spouting, double-glazed windows and an insulation top-up. · The Te Anau Youth Worker Trust was set up by three churches in Te Anau; employed the youth worker for the past 10 years. The Trust was going to wind up as a result of the churches reconsidering their involvement and as the community values the youth worker position; a new trust was going to be set up. Work has been done with the current trustees, churches and interested new trustees to continue the Te Anau Youth Worker Trust with changes to the Trust deed. Other projects in the Fiordland Area include: · Installation of a coin-operated BBQ in Lions Park by the Te Anau Kepler Lions · Te Anau Community and Te Anau Cycling Inc: Te Anau skate park redevelopment and pump track · Event signage for the Te Anau Community Events Trust · Operational funding and facility extension of the Fiordland Vintage Machinery Club · Milford Sound Village Green: assistance pending the decision of the Milford Community Trust about the scope of this project · Pool Water Treatment Course which has been organised annually for 8 years following the need which was identified following the audits of Western Southland swimming pools undertaken in 2007/08. 81 people from 34 different community and school pools have attended. The course is subsidised by grants from Community Initiatives Fund and Community Trust of Southland. Mr Adam updated the Committee on various aspects of business that Venture Southland assist with. The update included the Regional Business Partner Programme, Training, Research and development support, Business mentors, Lean Manufacturing and Dairy Lean
	(During the presentation from Venture Southland Officers, Councillor Douglas joined the meeting at 10.36am.)
	Resolution Moved Cr Keast, seconded Cr Duffy and resolved: That the Policy Review Committee: a) Receives the report titled “Venture Southland Community Development Update” dated 2 November 2015.

The meeting concluded at 11.20am. CONFIRMED AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF THE Policy Review Committee HELD ON WEDNESDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2015.

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

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

Policy Review Committee

09 March 2016

To: Venture Southland Joint Committee

Date: 16 November 2015

Subject: Projects and Activities Report September/October 2015

Author: Hunter Andrews, Communications Manager

Approved: Paul Casson, Chief Executive

SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS

Aeromagnetic Survey of Southland

The cost of the extension is now fully funded. At its Council meeting on the 30^th of September 2015, Environment Southland allocated up to $250,000 towards the aeromagnetic survey of the region. In August 2015, Southland District Council confirmed its contribution of up to $108,731, which will be funded over two financial years. Gore District Council and Invercargill City Council have also confirmed their contributions of up to $44,247 and $190,022 respectively.

Southland Digital Strategy 2015

The Southland Digital Strategy 2015 has been completed and signed off by each Council.

As part of the MBIE submission process for the Southland Regional ‘Registration of Interest’ for funding to improve Urban Fibre, Rural Broadband coverage and the elimination of Mobile Black spots, Southland was required to demonstrate that its Councils are digitally enabled. Venture Southland was requested to co-ordinate these processes.

Regional Research Institutes

Following the September Regional Research Institute workshop, Venture Southland coordinated a regional stakeholder meeting on 14 October 2015 to determine a pathway for a regional proposal. A total of 15 stakeholders attended this meeting. The options discussed by stakeholders include, but are not limited to: dairy-based activities, sheep milk farming/sheep milk product engineering, soils and hydrology, earth observation, carbon neutral and organic farming, automation and robotics, metals research and aquaculture.

Southland Dairy Lean

Southland Dairy Lean programme has been formally recognised and endorsed by DairyNZ. It will be progressively rolled out throughout New Zealand and will be rebranded as the Dairy Tune Programme.

Blackmount Facilities

The land and the community facilities on the site of the former Blackmount School have formally been transferred into community ownership on 30 September 2015. This project is a great example of collaboration within the community and between the different stakeholders including community groups, Council, Ministry of Education and Venture Southland.

Otautau Health Shuttle Funding Secured

Venture Southland staff have been working alongside the Otautau St Johns to prepare and submit funding applications for the purchase of a new health shuttle (which services most of Western Southland transporting residents to medical visits). Recently $14,000 was secured from the Ohai Railway Fund and work continues on future applications.

Conference Incentive Funding Successfully Attracting Conferences

The Conference Incentive Fund was established alongside the Invercargill Licensing Trust and has successfully assisted to attract 8 conferences to the region. It is intended to continue investment in this fund because of its success which gives Southland a competitive advantage in attracting these type of events.

World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships Confirmed for February 2017

Venture Southland has played a key role to secure this event for the region including the preparation of (and assistance with) funding applications. To date the Community Trust of Southland have confirmed financial assistance of $40,000 and staff continue to work with MBIE on accessing funding from the Major Events Development Fund which is a comprehensive funding process.

Media Results Continue to Soar

There continues to be significant interest in Southland as demonstrated by the significant and growing number of media journalists hosted by Venture Southland staff which results in Southland being featured in a number of national and international magazines, newspapers, international websites and television shows. Of note in the last two months was the article in Air New Zealand’s Kia Ora magazine on The Catlins and features on television on TV3’s Gone Fishing (Stewart Island) and Country Calendar (Riverton).

Tourism New Zealand & Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Video

Product Development, Industry Engagement and Business Advice

Venture Southland staff have recently met with (and advised a variety of) tourism sector operators including Croydon Aircraft Company/Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre with the Gore District Council, Waihopai Wharekai Redevelopment Project alongside the Murihiku Marae and various products in Fiordland (Descent Diving and Clip-n-Climb).

RECOMMENDATION

THAT THE JOINT COMMITTEE RECEIVE THE REPORT

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

This recommendation is consistent with the Venture Southland Business Plan 2015/16, which has been adopted following public consultation.

REPORT

Community Development

Regional Initiatives and Significant Projects

The team plays a key facilitation role in a number of complex and significant projects and this requires interfacing with a number of stakeholders including the local community. There are also a number of regional initiatives continually worked on or driven by the team which ensure that the local community is considered in a regional context. Examples include Curio Bay Natural Heritage Centre, Switzers Waikaia Museum redevelopment.

Funding

The Southland District Council funding rounds have closed recently and the community development planners have been busy working alongside community groups to submit applications. There were a large number of applications for this funding round (74), possibly the highest subscribed round we have had. As well as facilitating this round of funding, the team also facilitated a funding process to distribute $27,637 to 23 community groups on behalf of the Southland District Council and Men of the Trees Southland Inc organisation.

Research and Strategies

There are a number of research projects and strategies currently underway. Those that are in draft format and which are currently being consulted on with stakeholders include:

These strategies are the following:

· Declining Communities Research

· Southland Heritage Sector Research

· Southland Cruise Strategy

· Catlins Tourism Strategy

· Wyndham SDC Service Provision Project.

The Regional Cycling Strategy and the review of the Community Organisation Needs Assessment are also now progressing to the next stage will be completed according to the schedule – June 2016.

Local Initiatives

The Community Development Team work alongside over 200 community groups and initiatives throughout the year, providing a range of services. The following are a brief update of just some of these projects:

1. Otautau Health Shuttle

Venture Southland staff have been working alongside the Otautau St Johns to prepare and submit funding applications for the purchase of a new health shuttle. $14,000 was recently secured from the Ohai Railway Fund. Currently preparing a funding proposal to the Ohai Nightcaps Drs House and Surgery Fund. The health shuttle services most of Western Southland (Otautau, Ohai, Nightcaps, Riverton, Tuatapere) transporting residents to and from medical appointments, mostly at Kew Hospital but also at other medical centres around the district and to Dunedin.

2. Fiordland Trails Trust

The Fiordland Trails Trust (FTT) has been reaching milestone after milestone with the planning and funding for the 15.4km long Stage 1 of the Te Anau- Manapouri Cycleway, along the left bank of the Waiau River from the Department of Conservation Te Anau Visitor Centre to Rainbow Reach. The total cost of this project is $520,000 and the FTT raised $430,000 so far ($100,000 came from Ward and township reserves, the rest from public and community fundraising). The latest fundraising success of the FTT was an increase of funding from the Meridian Community Fund to a total of $97,000, the highest ever grant made by this fund for one project. The FTT has been undertaking a final push to raise the shortfall from donations within the community including the ‘Give-a-little’ online donations facility. Subject to all funding being secured by December, work on the middle section from the Control Gates to Queens Reach (leg 2) is to start in January 2016. The completion of all three legs of Stage 1 is scheduled for early 2017. Venture Southland was involved in the early planning stages of this project.

3. Blackmount Facilities

The land and the community facilities on the site of the former Blackmount School have formally been transferred into community ownership on 30 September 2015. The legal owner at present is SDC although the aim is to transfer ownership to a community organisation eventually. The Blackmount community retained debt-free ownership of the school building (now a community centre), Blackmount Community Pool, the old hall, tennis courts and the adventure playground, at a total cost of $90,000 funded by Ward reserves, Community Trust of Southland, Lottery and community funds. This project is a great example of collaboration within the community and between the different stakeholders including community groups, Council, Ministry of Education and Venture Southland.

To secure the ongoing viability, the old hall and the Blackmount Chapel (owned by another community organisation) are currently for tender; profit will be invested for the future maintenance and development of the facilities. A new community centre rate has been established and the community is also planning a fundraising walking event Tackle the Takis event in February 2016.

4. Tuatapere Pool Redevelopment

The $350,000 redevelopment of the Tuatapere Community Pool is now well progressed despite several setbacks, cost increases and delays. These came about to a large extent because two parallel processes were involved; the building work by the Pool Society and the subdivision of the land from the school site by the Ministry of Education, both of which required separate consents from the Council. The opening of the pool is scheduled for 19 or 20 December 2015.

5. Tuatapere Sausage

Tuatapere is experiencing a true sausage revival with two business now producing sausages to own recipes following the closure of the Tuatapere Traditional Butcher in December last year. These endeavours received an unexpected boost when Tuatapere won the Monumental Monuments competition by FM Fletch, Vaughan and Megan morning radio show. A sausage-shaped monument was delivered from Auckland to Tuatapere in a branded van and presented to the community, and the morning show was broadcast live from Tuatapere on 18 Sep 2015. This resulted in a strong social media exposure for Tuatapere nationally.

6. Disability Access Map

Venture Southland staff are working alongside SDC staff to research and develop a disability access map. The aim of the project is to produce a tear off map which plots disabled access food premises, toilets and activities such as walking tracks.

7. Switzers Museum Waikaia

The Waikaia Museum redevelopment is a 13 year project that reached a significant milestone on Monday, 2 November 2015 with the demolition of the old museum.

A bulldozer took just half an hour to demo over 100 years of history in the Waikaia township. However all is not lost as the museum committee salvaged all they could to be used in the new building which will be modern and user friendly.

The big bottle remains untouched and will feature prominently in the new building development.

Venture Southland has worked alongside the Switzers Museum for a number of years with regard to this significant museum development, ranging from project planning to facilitation and fundraising support. The new building has required over $1million of granted money and fundraising by the local community.

Conference and Events Team

Conference Incentive Fund

In September 2014, Venture Southland and the Invercargill Licensing Trust entered into a partnership to attract conferences to Invercargill. The fund has now been operating for 12 months and to date we have through this fund we have attracted eight conferences to the City wholly or in part due to the fund.

These are confirmed conferences through to November 2016, with delegate numbers ranging from 100 to 450. Whilst the main venue is the Ascot Park Hotel two of these conferences have been or will be held at ILT Stadium Southland. A total of $17,798 has been paid by the two organisations with another $20 - $25,000 committed through to November 2016.

The conference market is such that we are working with organisers for conferences through to 2017 and 2018.

We believe that this initiative has been successful and now that we are through the first 12 months have decided to push the fund wider. Initially we would work with individual organisers and leads promoting the fund as we approached them or vice versa. We believe that the time is right to do a major marketing push of the fund and are currently investigating doing an email campaign through the Convention and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) database of which we are members.

This would give us access to over 200 conference organisers.

It is an exciting time for Invercargill and the greater region with Transport World due to open giving organisers another high quality venue option but also offers options for tours and dinners etc.

As detailed at the time the initial report was presented, the fund is not limited to organisers only using the Ascot Park Hotel. It was decided that both organisations hold their funds and we pay half each on confirmation of a conference. If, as happens, the venue is the ILT Stadium and accommodation is at ILT venues we can still utilise the fund. As we administer the funds between the two organisations there is flexibility for organisers and we believe this is strength of the fund also.

Events

The whole events team are busy with planning the events coming up into the New Year. Everything is in place for the SDC Holiday Programme starting on 5 January 2016 in Te Anau and ending on the 21st January 2016 in Wyndham and Tokanui. We are looking forward to having a large number of children from throughout the District attend; online bookings are already strong.

Planning is also well underway for next year’s ILT Kidzone including some performers already confirmed and some new ideas for activities – watch this space!

Work is progressing on the Southland Festival of the Arts programme for next year and we are looking forward to presenting a festival with some fabulous shows. In addition auditions have been held for Shakespeare in the Park and we are again looking forward to having a great production. Summer Sounds will again be held in February along with Buskers – there is lots to do in the region!!

The bid for the Creative New Zealand Regional Arts Pilot funding has been lodged at the time of writing this update and the decision will be released in December with work expected to start in January 2016. It is a great opportunity to develop and grow the arts in Southland with $400,000 being funded by Creative New Zealand over a two year period, and work will span across all the arts sectors.

Funding applications were lodged for the bid to host the World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships here in February 2017 with the Community Trust of Southland confirming funding in the amount of $40,000. Applications are lodged with the Invercargill Licensing Trust and the ICC Event Fund. If the event is not held here in Southland we understand that it will not be held in New Zealand. The event would be held at IOLT Stadium Southland over a 3 day period with events being held either side of the main championships. Indications are that they are very keen to hold the event here and for us as a region it will be an exciting opportunity to showcase the region to competitors and visitors from 30 countries.

Southland Tourism Team

Media Results

Southland stories from famils (familiarisation) facilitated by Venture Southland have featured in number of national and international magazines, newspapers, international websites and television shows.

· Newzealand.com destination article listings (the Catlins, Bluff, Stewart Island)

· 100% Pure Southland instagram post (Stewart Island – 2 million followers)

· Country Calendar – Guyton’s Food Forest and Riverton Harvest Festival – August 2015

· ZM Radio (Morning Show) – Tuatapere Sausage Monument – September 2015

· Daily Mail (Karen Bowerman) – Sub Antartic Islands and Stewart Island – September 2015

· Japanese Television Result – Sekai no Kaido wo Iku (Japanese Travel Show) included Invercargill & Bluff – Aired in June 2015, results reported from Tourism New Zealand September 2015

· Japanese Television Result – Sekai Fushigi Hakken (Japanese Quiz Show) Bluff Oysters and Stirling Point, Bluff – Aired 30 May 2015, results reported from Tourism New Zealand September 2015

· NZ Herald (Colin Hogg) - Southland: Gore Blimey – October 2015

· NZ Mountain Biker – MLT Moonshine Trail – Oct/Nov 2015

· KiaOra Magazine (James Borrowdale) – The Catlins – October 2015

· Woman’s Day (Sebastian Van Der Zwan) – Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track – October 2015

· Radio Live (Graeme Hill interviews Gerard Hindmarsh) – Gore/Hokonui Moonshine Museum and History – October 2015

· Social Media Influencer (Will Patino Blog and Instagram) - Moving From The Mountains To The Sea – New Zealand’s South East, The Catlins – October 2015

· TV 3 (Gone Fishin’) – Footage included Stewart Island, Big Glory Bay salmon and cultivated oysters. As well as a segment Barnes Oysters and chat with Graeme Wright – October 2015

· TV 3 (Gone Fishin’) – The show included Riverton with Robbie Wallace, his paua business and accommodation plus the Riverton surf school. It also featured the collection and exporting of eels with Mossburn Enterprises in Kennington – October 2015

· KiaOra Magazine – Burt Munro Challenge Event Information and website listing – November 2015

Media Familiarisation

Venture Southland hosted a number of famils with media different platforms including social media, print and digital. Please see list below that includes the areas that were explored along with the journalists name and publications they are associated with.

· IMP Famil Social Media Influencer (Will Patino) - The Catlins – October 2015

· NZ Today (Robyn Dallimore and Bruce Mountain) – Stewart Island and Invercargill – October 2015

· AirNZ Grab a Seat Social Media Influencers (@theadventureiscalling – Derek & Emma) – Western Southland, Invercargill and The Catlins – October 2015

· Celebrity Chef (Richard Till) - Invercargill and Stewart Island – September 2015

Trade Shows, Famils & Promotion

The utilisation of trade channels such as inbound operators (IBOs) and national tourism organisations (Tourism NZ) is a recognised format for driving sales to commissionable products (businesses that charge and offer commission to distribution channels) and building brand recognition in an affordable manner. Trade activities for the period include:

· TNZ Megameet, Auckland

· Kia Ora South, Taiwan

· TNZ Kiwi Link & Frontline Training China (Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou & Shangai) – IMA partner representation (Enterprise Dunedin)

· Australian All Star Famil Training, Auckland

· Inbound Agent Sales Calls, Auckland

· TNZ All Star Famil, Stewart Island

Tourism New Zealand & Around the Mountains Video

Venture Southland tourism team has recently facilitated Tourism New Zealand’s latest video shoot for the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail. The shoot, which phase one was undertaken over Labour weekend, included the story of a couple experiencing the highlights of the trail. This shoot was funded by Tourism New Zealand, and Venture Southland was eager to leverage this opportunity and committed significant indirect resource to this (approximately 60 hours of team resource and the use of the tourism operator network). Venture Southland digital specialist Dan Burt coordinated the project, liaised with participants (including Tourism New Zealand, Small Town Media, Southland District Council, Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Ltd, and tourism operators); developed the storyboard; undertook talent, consent and resource acquisition; and supplied shoot support. The 150 second video will be used by Tourism New Zealand, The New Zealand Cycle Trail, Around the Mountains Cycle Trail and Venture Southland in digital and consumer promotions to share the experience both domestically and internationally, and is expected to available summer 2016 season after phase 2 and post-production are completed. This promotional tool reinforces the Southland wide pillar of recreational pursuits like cycling and walking

Consumer Campaigns, Digital/Social Media and Consumer Shows

Southland tourism team undertakes and participates in a number of consumer focused campaigns. These appeal directly to consumers to create awareness, shape perceptions, influence decision making and act as call to actions through major information sources. Below is a list of consumer activities undertaken by Venture Southland for the past two months:

· TNZ South Island Road Trips 2015

· Facebook; nzsouthland; (reach of 1.1 million for two months)

· Instagram southland.nz #mysouthland

· Herald NZ South Island Road Trips 2015

· BMC extension promotion with SIPA and Invercargill i-SITE

Invercargill i-SITE & Visitor Information Services

The information services team are preparing for the upcoming season, and have noted an increase in activity for the month of October. Several projects are being undertaken to contribute to the overall business plan and include; reviews of retail merchandising, commissionable sales, industry engagement, advertising revenue and staff projects.

Tourism Liaison Committee

In September the Tourism liaison committee met for the fifth time. This meeting was held at Distinction Hotel Te Anau. Agenda items included discussion on the need for operator digital listings (particularly nz.com and Southland.com) and the need for a review of road signage for key destinations (such as the Catlins). A prime agenda item was the issues that were facing the variety of committee member’s sectors.

The main issues across were:

· Staffing – getting the right, motivated and trained staff

· Funding – securing funding for non-profit organisations

· Seasonality – dealing with the highs and lows of the season

· Lack of Trade Product – such as the Catlins, Invercargill and Gore

Southern Scenic Route Steering Committee

The SSR Committee met in October to discuss the reprint of the SSR brochure. We are looking to refresh content and imagery for a print run in early 2016 once current stock has been used. The committee also discussed potential marketing opportunities by attending consumer shows.

Product Development, Industry Engagement and Business Advice

The tourism team met with and advised a variety of tourism sector operators:

· Southland Museum and Art Gallery (Invercargill) – product development

· Waihopai Wharekai Redevelopment Project (Murihiku Marae) (Invercargill) – product development

· Croydon Aircraft Company/Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre/Gore District Council (Gore)

· Mataura Community Board – marketing collateral

· Te Hikoi (Riverton) – product development

· Eyre Farm Estate (Five Rivers) - product development

· Clip-n-Climb (Fiordland) – product development

· Descent Diving (Fiordland) – product development

· SIPA (Stewart Island) - promotions

· Bill Richardson’s Transport World (Invercargill) – digital marketing

· Reservation B&B (Gore) – digital marketing

· Lands End (Bluff) – digital marketing

· Glenroy Park Homestay (Invercargill) – digital marketing

Other Projects

The tourism team is also working on projects that include:

· Stewart Island Capacity Study (with SIPA)

· Traffic Visitor Flows (investigating analytical tools for visitor activity – GEOZONE, Traffic Counter, QRIOUS)

· Visitor, Cycling and Cruise Strategies

· Website content review

· 2016 Southland Visitor Guide and Compendium

Destination Fiordland

Effectively Engage with Travel Trade

· Sarah attended Training Day for TNZ Australia Megafamil – 400 agents (8 September in Auckland)

· Attended TEC Conference in Dunedin (17-18 August)

· Itinerary for the Australia Allstars Mega Famil (9-11 September, TNZ) – we had two groups of 10 here from 375 retail agents across 23 x 4 day itineraries. Hosted them for each meal and activity.

· Sales training for one day in Auckland – 5 IBOs – Go Holidays/Helloworld, PDNZ, Vyom Journeys, ImagiNZ and Global Net NZ

· Attended RTONZ/TNZ Megameet in Auckland

· Itinerary set for the Tourism Export Council (TEC) Board Meeting in October

· Hosted Thai Famil – 16 September, five pax (Te Anau Glowworm Caves)

· Fiordland will be represented in Latin America, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Singapore and the USA in the next two months

· Philippa attended TNZ North American Trade Mission (12-16 October)

· Hosted TEC Board for their Board Meeting 14 October and provided famil opportunity for them on the 15^th October – excellent feedback

Effectively engage with Media

· Looking to secure itinerary for Sean Scott – photographer and media influencer from Australia

· Working with the NZTE and the Melbourne Age on a science itinerary

· Working on a parenting magazine itinerary for family holidays in Te Anau (December)

Domestic Marketing

· Coverage for the Lonely Planet 17^th out of 500 on the Ultimate Bucket List

· Coverage for the TNZ New Zealand All Stars Megafamil

· Helped with Southland Times article re Te Anau’s shoulder season (in Saturday 12 Sept edition)

· Te Anau featured in the Herald Online

Develop a robust online presence

· Instagram followers gone from 326 to 345 since last report – DF is actively engaged with this and the Allstars famil was excellent in that they shared many pictures and engaged with us

· Facebook likes = 4775 up from 4677 3 weeks ago. We reached 20,365 with one post regarding the Lonely Planet ranking!

Develop & Communicate the DF brand

· Excellent coverage following the Lonely Planet accolade (see above)

· Visitor Guide 2016 – finalised and at printers. First copies off the press 29^th October

· Friday radio slot continues

· Exhibited entries to the photo competition at the Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas. Actual competition was cancelled due to low number of entries. A people’s choice was awarded.

· Article in Advocate in October also a feature on Gareth Davies the DF Board Chair

Business and Strategic Projects

Wood Energy South

The Wood Energy South project team has been engaging with various industrial users in region interested in converting to woodfuels. These include dairy and meat processors, industrial manufacturing, timber processors, schools, tertiary institutions and the Department of Justice.

Electric Vehicle

Venture Southland has had its electric car for a year now and it has recently received a lot of positive media attention with a video on stuff.co.nz and mentions on social media. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV has become affectionately known as Sparky and can average 100km of travel between charges. Its running costs equate to $362 of electricity every 10,000km travelled compared to $1,758 for an equivalent petrol engine vehicle. Sparky will also be showcased at the Environment Centre’s Eco Fest at the Workingmen’s Club on Sunday the 8^th of November. The video and article can be accessed here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/73328771/meet-sparky--the-first-of-many-electric-cars-in-invercargill.html

Awarua Satellite Ground Station

Venture Southland engineers have made significant progress preparing for a new satellite ground station in Central Southland for another satellite operator, to be commissioned in the second week of December 2015. Venture Southland will lease 144m² of land for this purpose, with the lease period in step with the arrangements with the satellite operator.

Venture Southland is preparing a proposal to share the cost of installing fibre-optic cable to Awarua Satellite Ground Station among all users.

All infrastructure development work is funded by the commercial partners.

Stewart Island Renewable Energy Investigation

The hydro and wind monitoring stations are operational and are providing good data. Work on repairing the solar panels and frame was halted and sunlight proxy data is being used to assess the solar potential.

A report was received from ELMG consultants which investigated the feasibility of establishing a power cable across Foveaux Straight. The recommended HVDC cable and inverter option would cost in the order of $US20M.

Aeromagnetic Survey of Southland

MBIE has advised that the survey tender has attracted significant interest and the proposals received are robust and technically sound. Service delivery contracts are currently being developed with MBIE for Southern Southland (Part G on the attached map) and also for the Te Anau basin addition, including the timelines for delivery of the survey to ensure information is available to Councils to meet planning deadlines.

Further surveying (eg. electromagnetic survey) and data analysis is necessary to gain more detail on water structures (exact location, size) and fault data. Venture Southland will contribute $100,000 towards the interpretation of the data. The Councils may choose to further invest in data analysis for areas of interest specific to them.

The draft Funding Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding have been completed and will be signed off by the stakeholders at a meeting scheduled for 13 November 2015.

Southland Digital Strategy 2015

The Southland Digital Strategy 2015 has been completed and signed off by each Council.

An updated Digital Strategy was required to be submitted as a support document for the bid. The Digital Strategy is a required element which will be used by MBIE in their decision making process on site investment.

A draft Southland Digital Strategy 2015 has been prepared by Venture Southland and a working group made up of Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and Gore District Council. The Strategy incorporates an update of the 2008 Digital Strategy and has been submitted to MBIE as a required element of the Registration of Interest process for Ultrafast Broadband (UFB2), Rural Broadband (RBI2) and Mobile Blackspot Funding (MBSF) on 18 September 2015.

The key elements which MBIE were looking for in the Digital Strategies were evidence of Local Government commitment to leverage infrastructure investment made under UFB2, RBI2 and MBSF and a commitment to promote uptake of broadband services amongst residents and businesses. They asked for projects to be included and noted that budgeted projects would be viewed more favourably as a sign that Councils were committed to achieving change in the digital area.

Following the MBIE submission, the Strategy has been endorsed by the Councils. The strategy has now been finalised and it will be reported at the Venture Southland Joint Committee meeting on 16 November 2015.

Southland ROI

MBIE has longlisted the Southland communities to be considered for urban fibre deployment and tenders are being sought from commercial providers. Decisions and contracts awarded are expected to be made in 2016.

The following Southland communities are included:

· Winton (62/115)

· Te Anau (67/115)

· Bluff (73/115)

· Riverton West (82/115)

· Otatara (UFB1 Fringe area)

NB: Gore and Mataura are UFB1 sites have been confirmed but they have yet to be built.

No longlist has been published for RBI2 sites, however on 6 October the Minister for Communication announced ambitious new targets for RBI, lifting minimum performance standards from 5Mbps to 50Mbps which is good news for rural customers. However there are no implementation and roll out plans which have been published. No announcement has been made on MBSF sites.

In addition, Venture Southland has prepared and submitted a response to the Telecommunications Act 2001 Review submission on 27 October 2015.This will also be presented to the Venture Southland Joint Committee at its meeting on 16 November 2015.

Policy Review Committee

09 March 2016

To: Venture Southland Joint Committee

Date: 15 December 2015

Subject: Projects and Activities Report November-December-January 2015/16

Author: Hunter Andrews

Approved: Paul Casson, Chief Executive

SUMMARY

Representatives from Venture Southland’s Business, Community, Events and Tourism teams have attended Southern Field Days this year to promote the organisation and discuss regional initiatives and programmes. The agricultural focus of the event meant that projects and programmes such as Wood Energy South, Methane Recovery and Dairy Lean Management were of particular interest due to their potential to increase on-farm savings, efficiency and profitability.

Southern Field Days is one of the region’s biggest events and was expected to attract more than 40,000 people over the three days.

Significant Collaboration with Tourism New Zealand

In the last quarter, Venture Southland and Destination Fiordland have partnered with Tourism New Zealand on a number of high profile campaigns which have resulted in continued significant international exposure for the region.

· Tourism New Zealand South Island Road Trips 2015 – targeting Australia Self Drive

· Tourism New Zealand Brand Photo shoot – Wildlife – Stewart Island and the Catlins

· Tourism New Zealand Special Interest (Cycling) Shoot – Around the Mountains Cycle Trail

· Sekai Fushigi Hakken (Japan) – May broadcast (Value for the 18 episodes total $2,729,286), 18 episodes including 3 for the Fiordland region and 3 for Southland region – Te Anau, Fiordland, Doubtful Sound (TNZ)

Social Media Figures continue to climb

· Southlandnz Facebook Reach for Nov 2015 through to January 2016 totalled 936,157

· Southland.nz Instagram Followers from end of Nov 2015 to Jan 2016 increased from 3587 to 6802 followers

Southland Visitor Guide – 2016 release

After consultation with variety of regional tourism operators, visitors and review of other tourism brochures, the Southland Visitor Guide was redesigned. The new design include a broader array of Southland destinations (including Central Southland) and highlights key pillars for promotion and must do’s for visitation.

Funding for Curio Bay secured and work begins

A successful application to Lottery Environment and Heritage has secured $500,898 toward the project and the Community Trust of Southland have also recently reaffirmed their grant commitment of $800,000. Alongside other already secured contributions, this means that the majority of funding for the $5million project is confirmed and the three key stakeholders (The South Catlins Charitable Trust, SDC and DOC) are now working towards tendering works and putting together a timeline for construction. Venture Southland staff continue to work on the preparation of funding applications to secure the remainder of the funding required as well to provide assistance with overall project coordination and support for all three parties.

Awarua Satellite Ground Station

Venture Southland project managed the installation of Spire-Global’s new satellite ground station at Lochiel which was commissioned on the 11 of December 2015. Some overseas logistics problems threatened to stall the project, but local contractors were able to fill the breach and the site was commissioned on schedule. A highlight of the commissioning was the Spire-Global engineer presenting a talk to the Lochiel Primary School pupils.

Aeromagnetic Survey of Southland

In November 2015, New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals (NZPAM) began the aeromagnetic survey in Nelson and Marlborough and in January, the survey began in Southland and Otago. The aim of the survey is to get better insights into geological hazards (including fault lines); understand regional water resources; and gather information on climate, soil and geology. The data gathered will be available free to industry and investors.

Regional Business Partner Programme

Venture Southland has been successful in being awarded the Regional Business Partner Programme. This programme was retendered in mid-2015, with Venture Southland being notified of the appointment in late 2015. The new contract began in January 2016 with the migration of the Business Mentors programme into the formal Regional Business Partner Programme.

Southland Dairy Lean

Southland Dairy Lean programme has been formally recognised and endorsed by DairyNZ. It will be progressively rolled out throughout New Zealand and will be rebranded as the ‘Farm Tune’ Programme.

Southland delivery of Farm Tune began in mid-January 2016, with 12 farms as part of the programme. Feedback on the initial sessions has been very positive. The formal training programme will continue until the end of April, with follow-up and on-farm session continuing throughout the year.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT THE REPORT BE RECEIVED BY THE JOINT COMMITTEE

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

This recommendation is consistent with the Venture Southland Business Plan 2015/16, which has been adopted following public consultation.

REPORT

Business & Strategic Projects

Wood Energy South

There are currently nine wood fuel boiler systems in commercial, education and local government operations around Southland. At the close of 2015, there are three schools fully commissioned (Takitimu, Waihopai and West Gore); two in the boiler-design process (Ruru and Tisbury) and Makarewa is now in for building consent. Takitimu School is going forward as the National Standard for wood boiler conversions with a case study and supporting video planned for January to be used to promote wood fuel boiler systems in schools.

The National Specifier and Consultants practice paper has been completed and the Bioenergy Association of New Zealand is in the process of endorsing the paper and adding it to their suite of technical guides. Following this endorsement, the paper will then be proposed as an IPENZ practise paper. The practice paper has been embraced by plant owners and consultants and has been actively used for feasibility study work.

Methane Recovery

Following some construction delays, the methane recovery systems should be online by the end of February. An integrated plan and typical design for a methane recovery system has been completed with consultants from Parsons Brickernhoff and Venture Southland is now developing a monitoring plan and funding proposal with NIWA, EECA and DairyNZ to support the concept of making this a reliable and streamlined process.

This work will review the installation, design, methodology and technology integration to provide a framework for the development of a repeatable process for similar farms, process industries or even human effluent treatment systems.

Awarua Satellite Ground Station

Venture Southland has negotiated an arrangement with existing satellite operators that will allow for fibre-optic connectivity to the Awarua Satellite Ground Station. We are waiting for one last operator to sign up to the arrangement.

Stewart Island Renewable Energy Investigation

Venture Southland has prepared an up to date report for the project to facilitate future planning work for the development of renewable energy option on the Island.

Aeromagnetic Survey of Southland

Australian contractor Thomson Aviation are flying survey aircraft over these areas to measure magnetic fields and natural radiation. The surveying will continue over the 2016-2017 summer, and it is expected to end in March next year. To date fixed wing aircraft has surveyed 4,536 km, which is 6% of the total survey area of Southland Region. Surveying the Manapouri/Te Anau area began on 15 February and is expected to be finalised by 20 February. The data will become available in April 2016.

The area that has been surveyed to date is shown in red below.

Business Training - Regional Business Partners & Business Mentors

Regional Business Partner Programme

The successful bid allows Venture Southland to continue the partnership with NZTE and Callaghan Innovation to ensure local businesses are able to access support services including R&D and innovation support, management training, business mentor and business referral and support services.

To date, Venture Southland has seen a significant increase in uptake of services in 2016. While the start of the year is traditionally a busy period, as companies plan their activities for the year, 2016 has been particularly busy.

Venture Southland will continue to work with NZTE to ensure the available funding matches demand as closely as possible.

Business Mentors New Zealand

The Business Mentors programme, which Venture Southland previously contracted separately from the Regional Partner Programme, has now been migrated to the formally part of this programme. While that does not mean any substantial change from a local delivery perspective, it brings national coordination to all the business support services.

Like the NZTE voucher programme, the Business Mentors programme has had a higher than average uptake in early 2016.

Southland Dairy Lean

Southland Dairy Lean programme has been formally recognised and endorsed by DairyNZ. It will be progressively rolled out throughout New Zealand and will be rebranded as the ‘Farm Tune’ Programme.

The success of Farm Tune has been highlighted in at Dairy NZ magazine, Inside Dairy, showcasing the Lean journey and success stories of Southland farmer, Paul Marshall.

Lean Manufacturing

2016 Lean Cluster

The businesses who will be participating in the 2016 Lean cluster are currently being finalised. The success of the previous programmes has ensured that there has been significant interest. Business assessments are currently being undertaken to ensure the companies are open and prepared for the change cycle generated through the Lean journey.

Following the completion of the 2015 programme participants, Venture Southland have assisted PowerNet to access Callaghan Innovation Lean support funding to widen the delivery and training across their organisation.

Due to wider demand Venture Southland has created a number of ‘refresher’ and small introductory Lean workshops to provide induction into Lean for new employees and ensure Lean principles are accessible to a range of businesses. As well as improved productivity, one of the outcomes of the Lean programme is the establishment of a platform for the implementation and ongoing delivery of comprehensive health and safety programmes.

Regional Labour Market Strategy 2015-2031

Workforce skill attraction and recruitment continues to be the number one strategic priority for businesses in Southland. The Labour Market Assessment undertaken by Venture Southland has informed the key outputs enshrined in the Regional Development Strategy.

‘Welcome to Southland” newcomers information guides are currently being redeveloped. Venture Southland is working with employers, migrants and support agencies to ensure that the proposed guidelines meet the requirements. These documents are also being translated into Chinese, and a range of additional languages is being assessed. An integral part of the updated resources are guides to employers to ensure they start a successful settlement programme with both their staff member and wider family.

Southland Youth Futures – ‘Invest in Youth’

The second stage of the Invest in Youth media campaign will begin in February-March this year. The campaign consists of case studies of young people in primary sector jobs in Southland talking about what they enjoy, how they got into the job, and the training and opportunities the job has given them. The case studies will be available on www.southlandyouthfutures.nz, and the background to the Invest in Youth strategy, and research will be published in the Southland Times. There will also be a Face book montage promoting the pathways to young people.

A group of businesses working with Venture Southland have developed standards for taking on young people. The Employers Excellence Network – as they are known - have agreed to provide structured training and development plans for young people they take on, and will support them with mentoring to help grow their own workforce. They are committed to employing young people using youth friendly workplace practices, and connecting with local schools. They also encourage other businesses to adopt a youth friendly approach to meet the challenges of an aging population and skilled shortages.

The Employers Excellence Network will be working in schools in term one and two this year promoting primary industries and support services job opportunities in the region via a paddock to plate programme targeting year 10 – 13 students. The employers’ talks will be followed by site visits in May, and for interested students work experience opportunities in the school holidays.

Regional Research Institutes

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is leading an initiative announced as part of Budget 2015 which will investigate the feasibility of establishing Regional Research Institutes around New Zealand.

The proposed new research institutes would support innovation in regional areas outside of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch by maximising the unique business, technology, and economic growth opportunities in the regions. The Government has allocated $25 million to help these new privately led Institutes get started. The funding is for a period of three years and one and three new institutes may be launched.

The Regional Research Institutes will focus on scientific research relevant to a particular region as well as enabling export of research products and services outside the region. The model of the proposed Research Institutes is different to, but it incorporates the best aspects of Universities, Crown Research Institutes and private industry organisations. Institutes will be expected to work in collaboration with existing research institutes and organisations in New Zealand and overseas.

A range of ownership structures are acceptable, however there is a general acceptance that the available funds will not be applied to brick and mortar projects. The following criteria applies to building a strong business case:

· Eligible regions for hosting an institute are only those outside the main population centres of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

· New institutes must be established and maintained as private or private not-for-profit organisations with their own independent governance arrangements

· New institutes must bring relevant research in support of industry-led efforts to increase R&D intensity

· New institutes should congregate and develop their own ‘in-house’ expertise, but are also expected to facilitate and integrate researchers from other NZ institutions, or from overseas, into their mix of activity

· New institutes are expected to bring new research activity into the regions and which should be additional in the New Zealand context, i.e., not replicating or transferring existing programmes

· Proposals for establishing a new institute(s) must make a clear business case that demonstrates on-going financial sustainability beyond initial government support.

Venture Southland co-hosted a Regional Research Institute workshop for the Southland region with MBIE on 8 September 2015 at Venture Southland. A total of 25 stakeholders were involved in the workshop from sectors such as dairy, education and manufacturing. The workshop highlighted the structures and intent of the Region Research Institutes and provided information to allow further local discussion about the opportunities.

Venture Southland coordinated a Regional Research Institute submission.

The proposal has been submitted to MBIE on the 17^th of February 2016 and attracted tremendous support at a local, national and international level. MBIE will be considering the bids and it is expected that shortlisted proposals will be required to formally present to an MBIE panel in mid-March 2016.

Southland Regional Development Strategy

The Venture Southland Business Team has been preparing extensive information for the first rounds of the Southland Regional Development Strategy for 2016.

These include:

· New industry updates

· Summary of Southland mineral deposits

· Labour market projects

o Southland Regional Labour Market Strategy

o Southland Youth Futures

o Welcome to Southland documents

These projects are being discussed at scheduled meetings of the SoRDS group meetings in February. Additional advice has also been provided on urban planning, volunteerism, community development and retail activities.

Further updates on SoRDS support activities will be provided on an ongoing basis.

Film Opportunities in Southland

Venture Southland has been actively working with Film Otago Southland to attract new film and video productions to Southland. There are curently four significant productions in the advanced planning phases for the region and Venture Southland and Film Otago Southland are supporting these initiatives. More details will follow once the production planning is finalised.

SOUTHLAND TOURISM TEAM

Media Results

- Herald on Sundays (Helen Van Berkel) – Welcome Rock Trails/Northern Southland– November 2015

- Herald on Sundays (Helen Van Berkel) – Bluff & Western Southland/Humpridge Jet – November 2015

- NZ Today (Robyn Dallimore) Stewart Island – December 2015

- NZ Today (Robyn Dallimore) Invercargill – December 2015

- NZ Today (Sarah Bradley) Invercargill – December 2015

- NZ Today (Paul Rush) Invercargill – December 2015

- NZ Today (Allan Dick) The Catlins – December 2015

- NZ Today (Richard Till) Southland Recipes – December 2015

- EAST Going Down Under Magazine (Jan Timmers) Invercargill – December 2015

- RV Travel and Lifestyle (Robyn Dallimore) Stewart Island – Jan/Feb 2016

- NZ Herald Website (Paul Rush) Gore: Heart and Soul of Southland – January 2016

- Herald on Sundays (Paul Rush) Gore – January 2016

- Kia Ora Magazine – Southland Events

Media Familiarisation

Venture Southland hosted a number of famils with different media outlets including social media, print, digital and tv prorgammes. Please see list below that includes the areas that were explored along with the journalists name and publications they are associated with.

- Otago Daily Times (Andrew Tait) Stewart Island – November 2015

- Air NZ Social Team (@airnewzeland 1.1million followers & @ airnewzealand Fairy 100k followers) Invercargill - November 2015

- Outdoors with Geoff (Geoff Thomas) Northern Southland – Fishing Competition, Guided Fishing and Hunting – November 2015

- Otago Daily Times (David Loughrey) Northern & Western Southland – November 2015

- Chinese IMP Famil (Shawn DOU & Jonathan ZHENG TV series & social media content) Burt Munro Challenge, The Catlins and Western Southland – November 2015

- Coast NZ (Filming programme for TV One, BBC2 and the History Channel Oz) Burt Munro Challenge – November 2015

- NZ Bike Rider (Kevin Kingham) Burt Munro Challenge – November 2015

- Life and Leisure Magazine (Lisa Scott and Guy Fredrick) – Heli/Jet package Fiordland & Western Southland and Welcome Rock Trails – November 2015

- Woman’s Day (Sarah-Kate Lynch (NZ Herald) Miranda Spary – Gore, Wyndham, Invercargill and Riverton – January 2016

Trade Shows, Famils & Promotion

- Asuka Trade Famil – the Catlins, Invercargill, Stewart Island, Western Southland and Fiordland

- Review of Trade, Conference and Incentives Manual

- Addition of Trade Itineriries to newzealand.com trade site

- The Generous Southern Coast trade promotion development with IMA partners

Consumer Campaigns, Digital/Social Media and Consumer Shows

- TNZ South Island Road Trips 2015 – targeting Australia Self Drive

- TNZ Brand Photoshoot – Wildlife – Stewart Island and the Catlins

- TNZ Special Interest (Cycling) Shoot – Around the Mountains Cycle Trail

- The Generous South Coast Promotion – with SOUTH and IMA – targeted China

- Secrets of South – targeting AKL, WELL and CHC

- Simply Nigella promotion – Event promotion

- Air NZ Airpoints promotion

- Southlandnz Facebook Reach for Nov 2015 through to January 2016 totalled 936,157

- Southland.nz Instagram Followers from end of Nov 2015 to Jan 2016 increased from 3587 to 6802 followers

Invercargill i-SITE & Visitor Information Services

The information services team have experienced a buoyant quarter, with an 8% rise in revenue from bookings and retail, while averaging an additional 4 non-financial transactions per hour (e.g. destination advice, events information and giving directions).

Southland Visitor Guide – 2016 release

Product Development, Industry Engagement, Business Advice and Projects

The tourism team met with and advised a variety of tourism sector operators and undertaking projects in relation to:

- Bluff Central

- SIPA (Stewart Island)

- Bill Richardson’s Transport World (Invercargill)

- Gibson Group (product development and feasibility)

- Around the Mountains Cycle Trail

- Boutique Day Tours

- Tussock Country

- Visitor, Cycling and Cruise Strategies

DESTINATION FIORDLAND

Effectively Engage with Travel Trade

- Working on Taiwan famil in Southland and Fiordland – (SOUTH)

- Thai Famil – Southern Discoveries, Luxmore Hotel, Real Journeys, Fiordland Cinema – November 2015 (TNZ) – trade and media famil

- Appointment schedule submitted for TRENZ – Sarah and Philippa attending. Local operators attending are Fiordland Outdoors Company, Trips & Tramps, Distinction Hotels, Luxmore Jet and Fiordland Lodge. We have registered our interest in the pre TRENZ famils for 2016.

- Receiving interest in Pre Trenz famils already – preliminary contact made with IBOs.

- Summer Trade Newsletter was sent out to 2270 trade contacts with a 22% open rate

- Attending RTO Workshop in Sydney in March – post event sales calls and frontline training have been arranged with approx. 6 agents and Tourism New Zealand Australia

Effectively engage with Media

- NZ Parenting magazine itinerary for family holidays in Te Anau (December) (direct)

- Life and Leisure (NZ) – November 2015, Fiordland activities (Venture Southland)

- Thai Broadcast – November 2015, Milford & Te Anau, South Island Driving (TNZ). Travel TV Show & Travel Magazine

- Travel Cross (China) – November 2015, Milford, SSR, Humpridge Track & W Jet (TNZ), TV Broadcast

- Social Media – Of Two Lands – January 2016 - instagram and Facebook

- Social Media – Mighway and Wandering On - January 2016 – Instagram, website and Facebook

- TV production crew filming Best Of New Zealand TV show – January (direct)

Domestic Marketing

- Feature in Tots to Teens Magazine

- Vice Regal visit on the 19^th November and subsequent coverage

Develop a robust online presence

- Discussing phase 2 of the website with Swordfox to implement in the next couple of months

- Instagram followers increased from 442 to 561 since last report – DF is actively engaged with this.

- Facebook likes = 5050 up from 4901.

- Hosting social media bloggers etc.

Develop & Communicate the DF brand

- Visitor Guide 2016 printed and distributed

- Friday radio slot continues

- Article in the Advocate continues through 2015

- Maintaining activity on Instagram and Facebook

Effectively engage with, promote and support DF members

- Christmas Networking function – approx. 30 attendees

- Visitor Guide published

- Dining Guide published

- Working with Trade workshop in November – 22 attendees

- Fast Facts continues in Campaign Monitor – good stats for this. 40% of recipients opened the last edition

Develop & Maintain Key Relationships

- Southern Lakes attended USA Sales Mission. Philippa attended with Louise from Queenstown

- Southern Lakes not attending Kiwi Link Japan this year – probably next year

- Attending strategic meeting with Southern Lakes IMA on 2^nd December 2015.

- Sarah attending SSR meetings

Develop & Nurture Relationship with Venture Southland

- Taiwan Trade Famil

- Regular discussions re opportunities to work together with Warrick Low – Tourism Manager Southland

Use local events to promote the region

- Milford Mountain Classic Bike Race completed on the 23^rd January. 140 entrants

- Next major event is Te Anau Enduro – 12^th March

Other DF Activity

- Update Product Manual

- Update Cheat Sheets – working with Julie Russell to get these updated in February

- Phone a Supporter

Recent Media Results

- The Daily Telegraph (UK) – September (Value $19715) Where to see Penguins included Auckland and Fiordland. (TNZ)

- Sekai Fushigi Hakken (Japan) – May broadcast (Value for the 18 episodes total $2,729,286), 18 episodes including 3 for the Fiordland region and 3 for Southland region – Te Anau, Fiordland, Doubtful Sound (TNZ)

- Dive NZ – August 2015 Diving in Fiordland (direct)

- On Board Magazine - Summer 2015 (direct)

- The Life Magazine – 2016 edition (direct)

- Will Patino’s blog – Milford Sound (TNZ)

- RV Magazine (NZ) – article about Lake Marian Walk and Milford Road

- Of Two Lands, Mighway Blogs – Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland (direct)

- Great Walks Magazine – Fiordland National Park tracks (direct)

- Travel Talk Magazine – Te Anau, Fiordland, Fiordland Lodge, overnight Doubtful Sound – direct result of hosting this media rep on the All Stars Mega Famil in September.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Regional Initiatives And Significant Projects

Curio Bay Natural Heritage Centre

Around the Mountains Cycle Trail

Venture Southland staff are working alongside SDC to plan for the implementation of interpretation panels along the completed stage one of the trail.

Venture Southland prepared and submitted a funding application to the Maintaining the Quality of Great Rides Fund. Just over $96,000 was secured to be used on stage one of the trail.

Recent changes to SDC’s Freedom Camping Bylaw have seen Lumsden become a popular destination for freedom campers. The town is busy with activity also considering cyclists using the cycle trail.

Research And Strategies

Southland Heritage Sector Research

The aim of the research was to undertake investigation into the heritage sector in Southland that not only provides insights into the current situation, but also identifies key issues, challenges and opportunities associated with future development, support and funding.

The final draft of the research is currently being formatted. A summary of the research was presented to the Southland Regional Heritage Committee in December and work has already begun to investigate one of the key outcomes associated with addressing the region’s storage needs.

Southern NZ Cruise Destination Strategy

The review has been completed, and a draft document produced. The document has been distributed to the key stakeholders and the contractor is working with them individually to seek feedback. Following which, another workshop will be held to develop a collaborative approach moving forward.

Southland Cycling Strategy

A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been developed and feedback from Southland District, Invercargill City and Gore District Councils is currently being sought. Once feedback is sought the RFP will be released. Venture Southland has also been working closely with Sport Southland with the development of this strategy. Upon completion the strategy will provide direction for planning and investment decisions and will identify feasible projects for inclusion in future works programmes aimed at improving cycling infrastructure and opportunities in the region.

Local Initiatives

The Community Development team work alongside a large number of community groups and initiatives throughout the year, providing a range of services. The following are a brief update of just some of these projects:

Otautau Health Shuttle

Venture Southland staff have been working alongside the Otautau St Johns to prepare and submit funding applications for the purchase of a new health shuttle. All of the funding has now been secured for this project and the Otautau St Johns are now in a position whereby they can purchase the new health shuttle.

Winton Memorial Hall Upgrade

Venture Southland staff are working alongside the Winton Community Board to access funding for the major redevelopment of the Winton Memorial Hall. Funding applications are currently being prepared and will be submitted in the next few months.

Pool Heating Assessments

Pool heating assessments are currently underway for the following pools:

- Riverton

- Otautau

- Tuatapere

- Manapouri

- Fiordland

- Hauroko

These reports will identify for each pool various options in regards to making their pool more energy and cost efficient.

The Riversdale pool heating assessment has been completed and the school has recently installed a solar heating system.

Mossburn Information Kiosk

Venture Southland is working alongside the Mossburn CDA subcommittee with the upgrade of the information kiosk in Mossburn. The kiosk will also incorporate information about the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail and the wider township. The kiosk is being designed in conjunction with Meridian and a number of local organisations such as the Historical Society, Lions and the CDA subcommittee.

Manapouri Hall Upgrade

Venture Southland has been working alongside the Manapouri CDA to identify potential funding options for the next stage of the hall redevelopment. Applications have been submitted and awaiting outcomes.

Thornbury Vintage Machinery Club

Venture Southland staff are working alongside the Club with the development of their new display – History of Farming in Southland. Assistance has been provided with funding applications and more recently with project management assistance for the production of a DVD as part of their new exhibition.

CONFERENCE & EVENTS

This is the busiest time of the year for the events team with a number of events in the summer, New Year and early part of 2016.

SDC Holiday Programme

The SDC Holiday Programme started on 5 January 2016 in Te Anau and ended on the 21st January 2016 in Wyndham and Tokanui. We are had a large number of children from throughout the District attend; online bookings were strong, this has been a great initiative and keeping track over the December period definitely showed an increase in registrations.

ILT Kidzone

Planning continues for ILT Kidzone including some performers already confirmed and some new ideas for activities.

Southland Festival of the Arts

The final planning stages for this programme is well in hand with some fabulous shows confirmed.

Shakespeare in the Park

In addition rehearsals are well underway for Shakespeare in the Park, it is shaping up to be a great show.

Summer Sounds and the Waitangi Day Concerts

These have, again, been a success with good attendance over the summer. Again we had an exciting line up for Buskers Festival at the end of January – it was great to see this activity around the town again.

World Shearing Championships

There has been a lot of planning around the World Shearing Championships being held at ILT Stadium in February 2017. Whilst community funding is all confirmed there is still a lot of work to be done around sponsorship opportunities and the committee is working hard on this. A governance structure has been confirmed and part of this is an events sub-committee to look at potential events around the main championships. An independent Event Manager has been appointed to run the event and so Venture Southland is acting in a support role around events. In future months we will be involved in working towards all the post event evaluation which will be a large part of the event.

Policy Review Committee

9 March 2016

sdclogo

2016 Southland District Council Holiday Programme Report

Record No: R/16/1/1257

Author: Sally Hayes, ILT Kidzone Festival Director

Approved by: Rex Capil, Group Manager, Community and Futures

☐ Decision ☐ Recommendation ☒ Information

Summary

1 This report provides an evaluation of the 2016 Southland District Council Holiday Programme and identifies areas to consider for the 2017 programme.

2 Overall, our programme attendance numbers have far exceeded those in any other year that the SDC Holiday Programme has been delivered. Based on feedback from the 2016 Southland District Council Holiday Programme, the programme continues to be very popular with families in the district with 50% of them having never attended the SDC Holiday Programme before. This statistic reinforces the success of the programme whilst ensuring that it continues to be well utilised by the Southland community.

3 Going forward the programme will aim to maintain and in some areas grow attendance numbers. Feedback, both positive and constructive will continue to be sought for this programme with the aim to continue delivering a programme that is best suited to the communities that use it.

Programme Timetable and Enrolment Figures

WEEK ONE			2014	2015	2016
Tuesday 5 January	Te Anau	Te Anau Events Centre	52	58	70
Wednesday 6 January	Te Anau	Te Anau Events Centre	64	60	77
Thursday 7 January	Te Anau	Te Anau Events Centre	69	62	75
Friday 8 January	Lumsden	Northern Southland College	8	16	26
Friday 8 January	Stewart Island	Stewart Island Community Centre	12	4	7
WEEK TWO
Monday 11 January	Riverton	Aparima College	23	22	32
Tuesday 12 January	Riverton	Aparima College	71	28	35
Wednesday 13 January	Winton	Central Southland College	52	40	69
Thursday 14 January	Winton	Central Southland College	50	40	63
Friday 15 January	Winton	Central Southland College	33	32	66

WEEK THREE			2014	2015	2016
Monday 18 January	Otautau	Otautau School	23	28	34
Monday 18 January	Waikaia	Waikaia School	21	11	22
Tuesday 19 January	Otautau	Otautau School	22	29	36
Tuesday 19 January	Garston	Garston School	21	19	25
Wednesday 20 January	Wyndham	Menzies College	16	21	16
Thursday 21 January	Wyndham	Menzies College	16	23	18
Thursday 21 January	Tokanui	Tokanui School	20	31	27
TOTAL			573	524	698

4 Overall, the programme attendance numbers have far exceeded those in any other year that the SDC Holiday Programme has been delivered. One of the major contributing factors that resulted in the significant increase in our attendance numbers was due to being able to register online, especially over the Christmas and New Year period when the SDC Area Offices were closed.

Website and Online Registrations

5 Following the delivery of the 2015 SDC Holiday Programme, feedback clearly identified a need to offer online registrations for future programmes. For the 2016 SDC Holiday Programme, we set up a basic website (www.sdcholidayprogramme.co.nz) and offered online registrations using an event management and online registration software system called RegOnline. The online registration system is easy to build and offers fantastic event data to track, manage and measure registration progress.

6 Feedback from those who used the online registration system to register for the SDC Holiday Programme has been overwhelmingly positive. 70% of our respondents have rated the online registration system as either excellent or very good to use.

Media Coverage

7 The SDC Holiday Programme was extremely fortunate to once again create plenty of media interest.

8 The programme was covered extensively in The Southland Times, as well as being featured in the Fiordland Advocate, The Newslink and The Southland Express.

9 Please refer to the links below to see a snapshot of some of the media coverage received during the delivery of the SDC Holiday Programme.

10 The Southland Times – January 6, 2016

11 http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/75660737/Southland-District-Council-holiday-programme-a-blast

12 The Southland Times – January 11, 2016

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/75791641/southland-school-holiday-programme-more-popular-than-ever

13 The Southland Times – January 19, 2016

14 http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/75998079/otautau-children-flock-to-southland-district-council-holiday-programme

15 We are fortunate to have a great relationship with the media around this programme as due to the timing of the programme, media interest services as a timely reminder to families that the programme is being delivered.

Marketing

16 Budget was allocated towards advertising in The Southland Times What When Where feature, The Southland Express Southern Holiday Guide, the Fiordland Advocate Summer in the South magazine and the Stewart Island News.

17 This year we also created a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SDCHolidayProgramme/) to increase our online presence.

18 Outlined below is a graph of how participants heard about the SDC Holiday Programme.

19 The question was also asked – how would you like to hear about the SDC Holiday Programme in the future. The feedback is outlined below and will strongly influence how we promote the 2017 Southland District Council Holiday Programme:

Staff

20 Four staff members were utilised to deliver the programme across the Southland district, including myself. Most locations had a trained first aider on site and one staff member is an Early Childhood teacher in training. Overall feedback in terms of the staff and the experiences of the children that attended the programme has been nothing but positive.

They were very professional. The kids were very settled and on task.

Survey Response – Survey Monkey

The children said that the staff were friendly, enthusiastic and encouraging!

Survey Response – Survey Monkey

Always shown to listen to children, controlled large groups well. Supervision and engagement of children was excellent.

Survey Response – Survey Monkey

Programme Content and Experience

21 Activities and arts and crafts that were included in this year’s programme are outlined below.

Activities:

Parachute	Newspaper wearable arts
Green machines	Jenga blocks
Uni tugs	Crazy forts
Lego	Chalk Art
Dominos	School games
Bingo	Team challenges

Arts and Crafts:

Hama beads	Masquerade mask
Loom bands	Pirate hats
Book critters	Pipecleaner ninjas

22 Some of the activities, including but not limited to the green machines, parachute, lego and jenga blocks were repeated from previous years. They are popular activities and the children always look forward to completing them.

23 The new activities were the craft activities. These were based on craft activities that were available at the 2015 ILT Kidzone Festival and worked really well. These activities used materials where there weren’t sufficient volumes to be able to use them at another ILT Kidzone Festival.

24 A survey was emailed to participants at the conclusion of the holiday programme in which they were able to leave a comment which best described their experience with the programme. Some of the comments are outlined below:

A great service to offer the families of Southland. Thank you.

Survey Response – Survey Monkey

Fantastic, friendly staff. My child has lots of fun and will definitely be back next year. Thank you.

Survey Response – Survey Monkey

Really great holiday programme, it is getting better each year.

Survey Response – Survey Monkey

It was awesome as per every other year – my children really enjoy it. Thanks.

Survey Response – Survey Monkey

A great programme – keep up the great work. Kids love it!

Survey Response – Survey Monkey

Areas to consider for 2017

25 More Staff

· Due to the growing popularity of the SDC Holiday Programme, for future programmes we may need to consider more staff on our team to assist with the delivery, where and when required to ensure we keep to our ratios whilst giving as many children as possible the opportunity to be involved. We were in an unfortunate situation where we had to turn away four children in Otautau on one day this year. Whilst in other venues, there were children who were pre-registered for the programme but didn’t turn up so we were able to take more registrations on the day.

26 Staff Uniform

· We currently wear ILT Kidzone branded t-shirts to deliver the SDC Holiday Programme. Instead, it would be great to have SDC Holiday Programme branded t-shirts as a way of promoting the programme as well as creating a brand that everyone recognises.

Conclusion

27 Based on feedback from the 2016 Southland District Council Holiday Programme, the programme continues to be very popular with families in the district with 50% of them having never attended the SDC Holiday Programme before. This statistic reinforces the success of the programme whilst ensuring that it continues to be well utilised by the Southland community.

28 Going forward the programme will aim to maintain and in some areas grow attendance numbers. Feedback, both positive and constructive will continue to be sought for this programme with the aim to continue delivering a programme that is best suited to the communities that use it.

Recommendation

That the Policy Review Committee:

a) Receives the report titled “2016 Southland District Council Holiday Programme Report” dated 26 February 2016.

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

Policy Review Committee

9 March 2016

sdclogo

Draft Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Policy

Record No: R/16/1/739

Author: Tamara Dytor, Policy Analyst

Approved by: Rex Capil, Group Manager, Community and Futures

☒ Decision ☐ Recommendation ☐ Information

Purpose

1 This report presents a draft of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) Policy which allows Southland District Council to determine its approach to the use of UAVs, such as drones above Council owned or controlled land or property.

Executive Summary

2 Under new rules introduced by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Council can grant or decline consent for the use of UAVs on or above property that it owns or controls. This report seeks guidance from the Policy Review Committee regarding the management and regulation of UAVs in Southland District.

Recommendation

That the Policy Review Committee:

a) Receives the report titled “Draft Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Policy” dated 26 February 2016.

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) Endorses this policy for consultation with Community Boards and Community Development Area Subcommittees on prohibited locations in local areas.

e) Recommends the draft policy for consideration by Council following feedback from Community Boards and Community Development Area Subcommittees.

Content

Background

3 New rules introduced by the CAA came into effect on 1 August 2015. The rules require people to obtain Council approval to operate UAVs on or above public land.

4 As a land owner, Council can now choose its approach to UAVs. It is timely to do this because Council is currently working on reviewing its district-wide Reserves Management Plan - General Policies and the use of UAVs is likely to predominantly occur in parks and reserves.

5 What is an UAV?

The term UAV covers all electric powered remote controlled model aircraft of the type commonly referred to as “drones” that are capable of vertical take-off and landing and small hand-launched gliders less than 1.5 m wing span. It does not cover the following:

· Fixed wing electric-powered model aircraft greater than 1 m wing span.

· All fixed - winged model aircraft that are internal combustion engine (petrol) powered.

· Gliders greater than 1.5 m wing span and bungee-launched gliders.

· Single rotor helicopters that are electric powered or internal combustion engine (petrol) powered.

· Jet powered models.

6 CAA Regulations

CAA rules apply to all UAV operators throughout New Zealand. Rules are enforceable by the CAA and a breach could result in a fine, a written warning, or prosecution.

CAA rules Part 101 require 12 key things from UAV operators. Operators must:

1. Not operate an UAV 25 kg or larger and always ensure that the UAV is safe to operate;

2. Take all practicable steps to minimise hazards to persons, property and other aircraft;

3. Fly only in daylight;

4. Give way to all crewed aircraft;

5. Be able to see the UAV with their own eyes;

6. Not fly higher than 120 metres (400 feet) (unless certain conditions are met);

7. Have knowledge of airspace restrictions;

8. Not fly closer than four kilometres from any aerodrome (unless certain conditions are met);

9. Obtain an air traffic control clearance issued by Airways (when flying in controlled airspace);

10. Not fly in special use airspace without the permission of the controlling authority of the area (eg, military operating areas, low flying zones, danger areas or restricted areas);

11. Have consent from anyone you want to fly above;

12. Have the consent of the property owner or person in charge of the area you want to fly above.

If property owners grant consent for UAVs to be used, all CAA rules continue to apply. Consent can be granted verbally or in writing and with or without conditions. CAA legislation allows any conditions imposed by the land owner or controller to be enforced. Operating UAVs in breach of CAA rules or conditions of consent could lead to a fine, a written warning, or prosecution by the CAA.

7 Approaches Used by Other Controlling Authorities

In addition to CAA rules, Councils can restrict the use of UAVs through other measures. Throughout the country, different approaches have been taken by controlling authorities in the capacity of property owner. Approaches include policies, guidelines and consideration of applications on a case-by-case basis. Some authorities have made a decision not to impose additional restrictions outside of CAA rules or to restrict the use of UAVs completely.

A summary of some approaches taken by various authorities is provided in the table below:

Authority	Position	Implementation approach	Comments
Queenstown Lakes District Council	Restricted/prohibited in all areas.	Development of a policy on UAVs is currently under consideration.
NZTA	Restricted/prohibited in all areas.	Approach stated on website. No formal policy or guidelines specifically relating to UAVs adopted at this stage.	Non-certified operations cannot fly directly above or along the road corridor, or cross over a section of the state highway, or on land potentially zoned for roading project, regardless of whether the highway is open or closed at the time of operation.
Waikato District Council	Case-by-case approval (temporary).	Referenced in General Policies Reserve Management Plan. Further information contained in the Criteria for assessing applications to operate model aircraft and UAV/Drones.	Temporary permission may be given to members of the public and commercial users on a case-by-case basis. However, there is no ongoing general consent unless required for reserve management purposes, search and rescue or as provided for in specific policies or plans. Applications must be made in writing. Council may charge a fee for the use of the reserve for commercial purposes.
Christchurch City Council	Case-by-case approval.	No formal policy, guidelines or bylaw specifically relating to UAVs adopted at this stage.	Online consent application available. Applicants asked to confirm that they comply with CAA Rule Part 101 and the time, date, and approximate flight area. Only one booking is confirmed for any given space.
DOC	Case-by-case approval.	Concession required.	Conservation Management Strategies may remove this requirement depending on the area.
Nelson City Council	Case-by-case approval.	No formal policy, guidelines or bylaw specifically relating to UAVs adopted at this stage.	Online consent application available. Applicants need to list the properties (eg parks, sports grounds, playgrounds, etc) and a description of the UAV they will use. Consent is granted for a fixed period.
Palmerston North City Council	Case-by-case approval.	No formal policy, guidelines or bylaw specifically relating to UAVs adopted at this stage.
Porirua City Council	Case-by-case approval.	No formal policy, guidelines or bylaw specifically relating to UAVs adopted.	The Council is not changing its current bylaws or policies and are using provisions relating to noise and nuisance to control some aspects of this activity.
Waimate District Council	Case-by-case approval.	Policy under development.
Rotorua Lakes Council	Generally permitted without explicit individual consent.	No formal policy, guidelines or bylaw specifically relating to UAVs adopted at this stage.	Web page guidance with reference CAA sites.
Tasman District Council	Generally permitted without explicit individual consent in most areas.	Interim policy.	Restricted areas include Council land managed as plantation forest; waterfront areas; cemeteries and specific parks and reserves.
Tauranga City Council	Generally permitted without explicit individual consent in most areas.	No formal policy, guidelines or bylaw specifically relating to UAVs adopted at this stage.	Web page guidance with reference CAA sites. Many parks are within 4 km of an aerodrome and restrictions apply. Some areas, including cemeteries are restricted.
Timaru District Council	Generally permitted without explicit individual consent in specified parks. Individual consents required for other Council controlled land.	Policy.
Wellington City Council	Generally permitted without explicit individual consent in most areas.	No formal policy, guidelines or bylaw specifically relating to UAVs adopted at this stage.	Web page guidance with reference CAA sites and Greater Wellington Regional Council Guidelines. Bylaws and plans do note that UAV use must be managed to ensure it does not adversely affect others.
Opotiki District Council	Generally permitted without explicit individual consent.	General approval passed by resolution of Council.	Maps of restricted and prohibited areas available on Opotiki District Council website.
Hamilton City Council	Generally permitted without explicit individual consent but requires a Corridor Access request for the use of UAVs over the Road Reserve.	No formal policy, guidelines or bylaw specifically relating to UAVs adopted at this stage.	Web page guidance with reference CAA sites. Large no fly zone as a result of airport proximity. Restricted or prohibited areas include: playgrounds, pedestrian malls, cemeteries, water treatment plants and reservoirs, and particular Council-owned buildings.
Greater Wellington Regional Council	Generally stating UAV permitted without explicit individual consent in most areas.	Guidelines.	UAVs cannot be operated at: all designated picnic areas, all designated camping areas, areas of parks which are seasonally closed for lambing and calving, all wetland and nesting or roosting bird habitat areas in parks, closer than 30 metres to any vehicles, boats or park buildings or structures. People must cease use of UAVs when asked by a Park Ranger or member of the public.
Auckland Council	UAV use permitted without explicit individual consent with conditions.	Policy (under development).	In the interim, flyers are permitted to use most Council parks.
Hutt City Council	UAV use permitted without explicit individual consent with conditions.	Policy.	Permits persons flying drones for recreational in Council owned and managed parks and reserves, subject to the conditions set out in the policy.
Waimakariri District Council	UAV use permitted without explicit individual consent with conditions.	Interim policy.	Marketed as a ‘drone-friendly’ area.

8 Current Regulation in Southland

Southland District Council has not formally adopted a position on the use of UAVs. At this stage neighbouring territorial authorities in Southland have not issued policies or guidelines on UAVs.

9 Council’s Transport Team and Venture Southland operate drones. Venture Southland has an Operations of a UAV for Aerial Photography and Video Procedure and an UAV Operations Risk Management Plan.

Issues

10 The extent of UAV use in the Southland District is currently unknown. No complaints to Council regarding the use of UAVs were identified during the development of this report. However, across New Zealand the number of incidents reported to the CAA has grown significantly in recent years. The tables below detail the number of incidents across New Zealand by year and by incident type.

Total occurrences annually

Year	Total occurrences
2008	1
2009	0
2010	1
2011	4
2012	11
2013	10
2014	33
2015	120
Total	184

Number of occurrences by occurrence type

Occurrence type*	Total occurrences
Aviation-related concern	116
Airspace incident	61
Incident	5
Accident	2
Grand Total	184

*Occurrence definitions

Aviation-related concern: these are ‘concerns’ relating to aviation safety or securing, and include complaints and allegations about suspected rule breaches, etc.

Airspace incident: incidents that involve deviations from airspace rules and procedures (minimum distances for aircraft separation, for example).

Incident: a general occurrence category that covers situations where there is a risk of harm occurring but this does not eventuate.

11 There have been four occurrences involving UAVs in the Southland region, one of which was in the Southland District. Three of these were aviation-related concerns, one was an airspace incident. The details of each are in the table below:

Date	Description	Location
30-Oct-13	Concern UAV flying on farms and potentially causing a hazard to other aircraft in the area.	Otama Hill Road, Gore
13-Jun-14	Concern about UAV flying near an airliner and a low flying area. Referred to the Regulatory Investigations Unit.	Invercargill
14-Apr-15	Concern that a UAV was flown in close proximity to the airport.	Invercargill
11-Nov-15	Unauthorised UAV operations 100 metres from the airport. The operators were two foreign nationals.	Milford Sound

12 To date, 10 enforcement actions have been undertaken by the CAA’s Regulatory Investigations Unit in relation to UAV operations. Five of these have been written warnings, and five have been infringement notices with fines ranging from $500 to $3,500.

13 At this stage staff have not identified any complaints to Council regarding the use of UAVs in the Southland District. To balance the fact that there is not a current significant issue with UAVs and the likelihood of risks in the future, a moderate and proportionate response to manage this issue would be appropriate. Council also needs to be mindful of existing UAV users such as the Fiordland Cloudbusters Model Aircraft Club, who have operated UAVs to date without any issues.

14 Some issues to be considered when regulating the use of UAVs in the
Southland District include:

· Safety for UAV users, the public and other aircraft;

· Nuisance and the ability of all people to enjoy the public spaces;

· Privacy; and

· The rights of existing UAV users such as model aircraft clubs.

15 An example of some criteria that Council may wish to apply is provided in the attached draft policy. The draft policy contains a section within which Council could name specific areas where UAV use is prohibited in consultation with Community Boards and Community Development Area Subcommittees.

Enforcement

16 It is important to consider how Council’s chosen approach will be enforced. Regardless of the option chosen, Council can report any issues with UAV use to the CAA. The CAA has the power to regulate UAV use through mechanisms ranging from warnings to prosecution, depending on the nature of incidents.

17 CAA staff have indicated that if reported issues are of a serious nature involving the endangerment of people or property or reckless use of UAVs, an investigation with a view towards prosecution would be likely to occur. For less serious breaches, warnings or infringements are more likely to be considered.

18 In the event of a breach of the policy, Council staff would report any incident to the CAA. The incident would be recorded so that the CAA can gather a realistic picture of issues relating to drones and of any operators who breach the rules on multiple occasions. In the opinion of staff in the CAA investigations team, a Council bylaw would be an unnecessary duplication of existing powers under the CAA Regulatory Enforcement Policy.

Factors to Consider

Legal and Statutory Requirements

19 Council is empowered to adopt a position by CAA rules. The CAA has power to enforce its rules (including permission and conditions of land owners) using mechanisms ranging from warnings and infringements to prosecutions.

20 Since there is currently insufficient evidence of a serious issue relating to UAV use in the Southland District a bylaw is not a proportionate response. Also, enforcement powers of a bylaw largely duplicate enforcement that could be undertaken through CAA legislation. While Council could state its position through guidelines, staff recommend a policy approach to ensure clarity.

Community Views

21 Community consultation has not been undertaken in relation to this issue since a generally permissive approach is recommended. If the Policy Review Committee endorses the draft policy, it will be the subject of consultation with Community Boards and Community Development Area Subcommittees. Consultation would focus on identifying any local areas that Community Boards and Community Development Area Subcommittees may wish to suggest for prohibition of UAV use. This feedback would be considered however, Council would retain the final decision regarding any locally prohibited areas.

Costs and Funding

22 There are no costs involved in adopting a policy on the use of UAVs in Southland District. The recommended option of general permission within a set of criteria involves minimal administrative burden and associated cost.

Policy Implications

23 If a Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Policy is adopted, it will be referred to in Council’s District Parks and Reserves Management Plan.

Analysis

Options Considered

24 Council has a number of options for addressing the use of UAVs in the District ranging from permissive to restrictive approaches. Essentially, Council could adopt one of four broad positions:

· Prohibit all UAV use across the District;

· Allow the use of UAVs on a case-by-case basis with no general criteria;

· Permit UAV use throughout the District without explicit individual consent (with conditions and restrictions);

· Permit UAV use throughout the District without explicit individual consent (without conditions and restrictions).

Analysis of Options

Issue 1: Council's position on the use of UAVs in Southland District

Option 1 - Prohibit the use of UAVs over Council land throughout the District

Advantages

Disadvantages

· This option mitigates risks to privacy and addresses potential nuisance issues.

· It would be simple to administer and would not require extra resources.

· No problem with UAV use has been demonstrated at this stage. Unnecessarily restrictive to UAV users.

· This approach may raise the perception of unfairness if Council uses the Transport and Venture Southland UAV over Council owned and controlled property.

· This option would have implications for UAV users currently permitted to operate over Council controlled and owned property (eg Fiordland Cloudbusters Model Aircraft Club).

Option 2 - Allow UAV use on a case-by-case basis with no general criteria

Advantages

Disadvantages

· This option would provide flexibility and discretion to respond to local community concerns.

· This option will not create consistency and may result in the perception that Council is not being impartial.

· Providing consent on a case-by-case basis without general criteria results in more work for Council staff.

· The public could be less clear on what criteria are and this may result in non-compliance.

· This would create an administrative burden for UAV users currently permitted to operate over Council controlled and owned property.

Option 3 - Permit UAV use with general conditions and restrictions

Advantages

Disadvantages

· This approach would be manageable and could provide some restrictions in specific areas (eg cemeteries and playgrounds) and circumstances (eg no use permitted during sporting activities).

· This approach considers the rights of both UAV users and other users of public spaces.

· There are no significant disadvantages to this approach.

Option 4 - Permit UAV use without general conditions and restrictions

Advantages

Disadvantages

· This approach would have minimal administrative burden to Council.

· There would be no implications for existing UAV users.

· Council would not take a leadership role in responding to local community views and concerns.

· Council would not take any steps to manage the expectations of other users of public spaces.

· This approach is inconsistent with the position of most other local authorities.

Assessment of Significance

25 This issue has not been assessed as significant because at this stage it is not affecting a large number of people or stakeholders or a specific community. Council’s ability to make decisions in relation to UAV use are established by CAA rules and the proposed approach is generally permissive.

Recommended Option

26 It is recommended that the Policy Review Committee supports a generally permissive approach to UAV use with some conditions and restrictions.

27 It is further recommended that the Policy Review Committee endorses the draft
Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Policy for consultation with Community Boards and Community Development Area Subcommittees.

Next Steps

28 If the Policy Review Committee endorses the draft Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Policy, staff will engage with Community Boards and Community Development Area Subcommittees to identify any areas which should be considered to be prohibited or restricted.

29 As UAVs become increasingly affordable and accessible, this issue is likely to emerge more rapidly than other issues affecting Council’s open spaces and the number of UAV related incidents is likely to increase. It is recommended that any policy implemented by Council is reviewed after a two year period, as well as in response to any changes to CAA rules.

Attachments

a Draft Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Policy View

Chief Executive	Steve Ruru
Committee Advisor	Fiona Dunlop

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