Notice is hereby given that a Meeting of
the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee will be held on:
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Date:
Time:
Meeting Room:
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Wednesday, 1
June 2016
9.45am
Stewart Island Pavilion, Ayr St, Stewart Island
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Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy
Allocations Committee Agenda
OPEN
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MEMBERSHIP
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Chairperson
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Neil Paterson
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Councillor
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Members
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Greg Everest
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Community Board rep.
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Bruce Ford
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Councillor
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Bill Moffat
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South East Air
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Kevin O'Sullivan
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ISS-McKay
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Jason Steele
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Real Journeys
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IN ATTENDANCE
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Community Engineer
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Brendan Gray
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Community Development Team Leader
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Nicola Wills
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Committee Advisor
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Kirsten Hicks
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Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee
01 June 2016
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
Procedural
1 Apologies 3
2 Leave of
absence 3
3 Conflict of
Interest 3
4 Public Forum 3
5 Extraordinary/Urgent
Items 3
6 Confirmation
of Minutes 3
Reports
7.1 Venture
Southland Report on Successful Grants Allocated from the Stewart Island Rakiura
Visitor Levy in 2014 and 2015 13
7.2 Venture
Southland Report on Visitor Numbers to Stewart Island and Southland 17
7.3 Summary
of 2016 Applications Received and Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
Recommendations 21
7.4 Financial
Report (to be circulated separately)
At the close of
the agenda no apologies had been received.
2 Leave
of absence
At the close of
the agenda no requests for leave of absence had been received.
3 Conflict
of Interest
Committee
Members are reminded of the need to be vigilant to stand aside from
decision-making when a conflict arises between their role as a member and any
private or other external interest they might have.
4 Public Forum
Notification to
speak is required by 5pm at least two days before the meeting. Further
information is available on www.southlanddc.govt.nz
or phoning 0800 732 732.
5 Extraordinary/Urgent
Items
To consider, and if
thought fit, to pass a resolution to permit the committee
to consider any further items which do not appear on
the Agenda of this meeting and/or the meeting to be held with the public
excluded.
Such resolution is
required to be made pursuant to Section 46A(7) of the Local Government Official
Information and Meetings Act 1987, and the Chairperson must advise:
(i) the
reason why the item was not on the Agenda, and
(ii) the reason why the
discussion of this item cannot be delayed until a subsequent meeting.
Section 46A(7A) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings
Act 1987 (as amended) states:
“Where an item
is not on the agenda for a meeting,-
(a) that item
may be discussed at that meeting if-
(i) that item is a
minor matter relating to the general business of the local authority; and
(ii) the presiding member
explains at the beginning of the meeting, at a time when it is open to the
public, that the item will be discussed at the meeting; but
(b) no resolution,
decision or recommendation may be made in respect of that item except to refer
that item to a subsequent meeting of the local authority for further
discussion.”
6 Confirmation
of Minutes
6.1 Meeting
minutes of Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee, 26 May
2015.
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Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy
Allocations Committee
OPEN MINUTES
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Minutes of
a meeting of Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee held in
the Stewart Island Pavilion, Ayr St, Stewart Island on Tuesday, 26 May 2015 at
9.45am.
MEMBERSHIP
Chairperson Cr Neil Paterson
Members Greg Everest
Cr Bruce Ford
Bill
Moffatt
Kevin O’Sullivan
Jason
Steele
IN ATTENDANCE
Group Manager Policy and Community Rex
Capil, Community Development Planner Juanita Thornton, Area Officer Kirsten
Hicks
1 Apologies
There were no apologies
lodged
2 Leave
of absence
There were no
leave of absences requested
3 Conflict
of Interest
The following members declared a conflict of interest with the below
mentioned applications;
Rakiura Heritage Centre Trust – Cr Ford, Member Everest
Stewart
Island/Rakiura Community Board – Cr Ford, Member Everest
Stewart
Island Jetties Subcommittee – Cr Ford, Member O’Sullivan, Member
Steele
4 Public
Forum
There were no persons seeking speaking rights in Public Forum
5 Extraordinary/Urgent
Items
Resolution
Moved Member Moffatt, seconded Member Everest
that the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee consider the
following item as a matter of urgent business in order that a decision can be
made
before the next ordinary meeting, subject to Section 46A of the Local
Govt
Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.
§
Administration costs of the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Fund
6 Confirmation
of Minutes
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Resolution
Moved Member
Moffat, seconded Member Everest
That the
minutes of Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee meeting
held on 28 May 2014 be confirmed.
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Reports
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7.1
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Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Policy Document
Record No: R/15/5/8592
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The
Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Policy Document was tabled.
Members’ attention was drawn to Allocation Criteria, as outlined in
this document.
Members
noted that the policy is due for review in July this year. As part of this
review, they request that section 10.1 – Committee Membership, be
amended to all three Approved Operators rather than the present two
representatives. As well as providing wider consideration of applications,
this would also be beneficial when declarations of Conflicts of Interest
remove members from the voting process.
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Resolution
Moved Member O'Sullivan, seconded
Member Everest
That the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee:
a) Receives
the report titled “Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Policy
Document” dated 19 May 2015.
b) Determines
that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant
in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002.
c) Determines
that it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local
Government Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and
in accordance with Section 79 of the Act determines that it does not require
further information, further assessment of options or further analysis of
costs and benefits or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision
on this matter.
d) Requests
that when the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Policy Document is
reviewed, that membership of the Committee be increased to include
representatives of all three Approved Operators, rather than the existing
two.
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7.2
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Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Financial Report
Record No: R/15/5/8790
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Report
prepared by Ms Arlyn Reyes (Accountant), was tabled.
Attention
of the Committee was drawn to the following points:-
o The amount for distribution in this round of the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy is $117,000.00
o Stewart Island Promotion Association will be returning $500 of the
$2,400.00 grant allocated to the Association in the 2014 allocation.
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Resolution
Moved Member Everest, seconded
Member Steele
That the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee:
a) Receives
the report titled “Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Financial
Report” dated 19 May 2015.
b) Determines
that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant
in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002.
c) Determines
that it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local
Government Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and
in accordance with Section 79 of the Act determines that it does not require
further information, further assessment of options or further analysis of
costs and benefits or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision
on this matter.
d)
Requests that in future reports the budget reflects the dates of the
allocation round.
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7.3
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Venture Southland Report - Update on 2014 Successful Grant
Recipients Projects
Record No: R/15/5/8398
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Report
by Ms J Thornton (Community Development Planner), was tabled.
Members
noted the following updates on 2014 successful applicants:-
o Stewart Island Jetties Subcommittee – Port William Wharf
$50,000 was granted for the purpose of constructing a
replacement wharf at Port William. This work was only recently completed.
Final costs are yet to be received but to date, the cost of this project has
far outstripped the grant amount therefore no funds from this project will be
returned to the Committee.
o Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board – upgrade of
Horseshoe Bay walking track.
$25,000 was granted for the purpose of upgrading the
existing walking track at Horseshoe Bay. This work is currently being priced
by a contractor.
o Lions Club of Stewart Island – new picnic tables
$3,000 was granted towards the cost of purchasing and
installing four picnic tables. These tables have been installed on concrete
pads at Halfmoon Bay, Lonneckers and Butterfields Beach. Recognition plates
have been attached to the tables, informing users of funding from the Levy.
o Stewart Island Promotion Association – extended Wifi
$2400 was granted to the Stewart Island Promotion
Association towards the cost of extending free wifi coverage further along
Ayr Street. This project has now been completed.
o Stewart Island Rakiura Community Environmental Trust (SIRCET)
– Halfmoon Bay Restoration Project
$5,285 was granted to SIRCET towards costs associated
with the volunteer co-ordination for the ongoing Halfmoon Bay Restoration
Project.
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Resolution
Moved Member Steele, seconded Member
O'Sullivan
That the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee:
a) Receives
the report titled “Venture Southland Report - Update on 2014 Successful
Grant Recipients Projects” dated 19 May 2015.
b) Determines
that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant
in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002.
c) Determines
that it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local
Government Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and
in accordance with Section 79 of the Act determines that it does not require
further information, further assessment of options or further analysis of
costs and benefits or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision
on this matter.
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7.4
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Venture Southland Report on Visitor Numbers
Record No: R/15/5/8581
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Report
on Visitor Numbers, prepared by Ms J Thornton (Community Development
Planner), was tabled.
Members
were informed that it is estimated that 21,046 visitors came to Stewart
Island in the period 1 October 2013 to 31 March 2014. It is estimated that
visitor numbers increased to 31,005 in the period 1 April 2014 to 31 March
2015.
The
figures presented above were reached by dividing the total collection figure
for each period by $5.00 (being the Levy fee), and therefore is an estimation
only.
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Resolution
Moved Member Everest, seconded
Member Moffat
That the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee:
a) Receives
the report titled “Venture Southland Report on Visitor Numbers”
dated 19 May 2015.
b) Determines
that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant
in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002.
c) Determines
that it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local
Government Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and
in accordance with Section 79 of the Act determines that it does not require
further information, further assessment of options or further analysis of
costs and benefits or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision
on this matter.
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7.5
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Summary of Applications for the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor
Levy
Record No: R/15/5/8867
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Report
Summary of Applications for the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy, prepared
by Ms Kirsten Hicks (Area Officer), was tabled.
The
following applications were discussed in detail, including the comments from
the Technical Advisory Group.
§ Stewart Island Rakiura Community and Environment Trust (SIRCET)
SIRCET
sought assistance to support the management and administration of the
community nursery, environment centre and school group education projects.
The
applicant has requested $6,847 out of a total project cost of $11,947.
Members
were informed that part of SIRCET’s application was for wages ($9,847
of total project cost). It is noted wages are not an eligible for funding
from the Levy.
Decision:
The
Committee agreed to support SIRCET’s application excluding funding
wages, therefore approved a grant of $2,000.
§ Rakiura Heritage Centre Trust
The Rakiura Heritage Centre Trust sought assistance in raising the
local share of funding, in order to be eligible to make application to other
funding agencies.
Members were informed that plans for the new Heritage Centre have
been drawn up. This will replace the existing Rakiura Museum which no longer
meets community needs. The new facility is expected to become a major visitor
attraction.
The Trust has requested $50,000 out of a total project cost of
$2,878,000.
Members
Ford and Everest declared an interest in this application.
Decision:
The
Committee agreed to support this application from the Rakiura Heritage Centre
Trust. A grant of $50,000 was approved on the proviso that the balance of
funding required to enable this project to proceed be secured by June 2018.
Should
this fail to happen, the $50,000 commitment would expire and the funding
would then be available for distribution to other applicants.
§ Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board
a)
Installation of a gas BBQ at Moturau Moana
The Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board requested assistance
towards installing
a gas BBQ system at Moturau Moana Gardens.
The Board has requested $7,161 out of a total project cost of
$10,161.
Members
Ford and Everest declared an interest in this application.
Decision:
The
Committee decided that this project was of low priority, and subsequently
declined the application.
b)
Upgrade of the Horseshoe Bay Walking Track
The
Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board requested funding towards costs
associated with the upgrade of the Horseshoe Bay walking track.
Members
were informed that in 2014 funding was granted for the section of track which
falls between Bragg Bay and Horseshoe Point. This work is currently underway.
This
application continues this upgrade from Dead Man’s Beach towards
Horseshoe Point Road.
The
Board has requested $25,000 out of a total project cost of $75,000 (+ SDC
maintenance funding)
Members
Ford and Everest declared an interest in this application.
Decision:
The
Committee considered this project to be high priority, and approved a grant
of $25,000. The Committee also expressed the view that they wished this
matter to progress as soon as possible.
c)
Rubbish Bin Upgrade
The
Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board sought to upgrade the rubbish bins in
the main village area at Halfmoon Bay.
Members
were informed that there are currently not enough bins to meet visitor needs
and existing bins are not of an attractive nature.
The
Board requested $15,000 of a total project cost of $15,000.
Members
Ford and Everest declared an interest in this application.
Decision:
The
Committee considered this project to be of low priority, and subsequently
declined this application.
d)
Footpath upgrade on Main Road from Rakiura
Charters to the Stewart Island
Gift Shop
The Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board sought assistance to
upgrade the Main Road footpath from Rakiura Charters to the Stewart Island
Gift Shop.
Members were informed that the current footpath is substandard,
with broken and uneven concrete.
The Board requested $25,000 out of a total project cost of
$25,000.
Members
Ford and Everest declared an interest in this application.
Decision:
The
Committee considered this to be a Health and Safety issue and agreed to
approve a grant of $20,000.
Southland
District Council – Stewart Island Jetties Subcommittee
Assistance
was requested for costs associated with the investigation, design and
consenting for the upgrade of Ulva Island Wharf, including the purchase of
timber.
Members
were informed that the design component is required to fully expand the
project plan thus enabling the Jetties Subcommittee to apply for other
grants. It is estimated that approximately 15,000 tourists visit Ulva Island
annually. The state of the current wharf makes it difficult to berth boats
and land passengers. The proposed upgrade would improve safety, accessibility
and the visitor experience.
The
Subcommittee requested $65,800 out of a total project cost of $65,800.
Members
Ford, Steele and O’Sullivan declared an interest in this application.
Decision:
The
Committee considered this application to be high priority, due to the
popularity of Ulva Island with visitors. A grant of $20,000 was approved.
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Resolution
Moved Member O'Sullivan, seconded
Councillor Paterson
That the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee:
a) Receives
the report titled “Summary of Applications for the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy” dated 19 May 2015.
b) Determines
that this matter or decision be recognised as not significant
in terms of Section 76 of the Local Government Act 2002.
c) Determines
that it has complied with the decision-making provisions of the Local
Government Act 2002 to the extent necessary in relation to this decision; and
in accordance with Section 79 of the Act determines that it does not require
further information, further assessment of options or further analysis of
costs and benefits or advantages and disadvantages prior to making a decision
on this matter.
d) Approves
of the following applications as outlined in these minutes;
o
Stewart Island Rakiura Community and Environment Trust
(SIRCET)
- $2000
(management & admin)
o
Rakiura Heritage Centre Trust - $50,000 (subject to
conditions) (towards new Heritage Centre)
o
Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board
- $25,000
(upgrade of Horseshoe Bay walking track)
- $20,000
(upgrade of Main Road footpath)
o
Stewart Island Jetties Subcommittee - $20,000 (upgrade of
Ulva Island wharf)
e)
Declines the following applications as outlined in the minutes;
o
Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board (installation of gas
BBQ system)
o
Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board (refuse bin upgrade)
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8.0
Consideration of Urgent Business
8.1
Administration costs of the Stewart Island Rakiura Visitor Levy
Members
discussed the funding of initial set up administration costs which have been
financed
from the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Fund.
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Moved
Member Moffat, seconded Member Steele
That
the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Committee request Council consider an
alternative source of funding for the initial set up costs incurred by the
Visitor Levy,
based on the understanding that the Levy would not be used for administration
expenses.
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Meeting closed at 10.45am CONFIRMED
AS A TRUE AND CORRECT RECORD AT A MEETING OF THE Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor lEVY
ALLOCATIONS
COMMITTEE HELD ON 26 May 2015
DATE:...................................................................
CHAIRPERSON:...................................................
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Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee
1 June 2016
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Venture
Southland Report on Successful Grants Allocated from the Stewart Island Rakiura
Visitor Levy in 2014 and 2015
Record No: R/16/5/6848
Author: Nicola
Wills, Community Development Team Leader
Approved by: Rex Capil, Group
Manager Community and Futures
☐
Decision ☐ Recommendation ☒ Information
1 Purpose
2 It
is the purpose of this report to provide the Stewart Island Rakiura Visitor
Levy Allocations Subcommittee with an update on projects which were successful
in being allocated a grant in 2015. It also outlines the previous year’s
(2014) successful grant recipients for the information of the subcommittee.
3 2015 Projects Funded from
the Stewart Island Rakiura Visitor Levy (SIVLF)
1. Stewart
Island Rakiura Community and Environment Trust (SIRCET)
The Stewart Island Rakiura Community and Environment Trust received
a grant of $2,000.00 towards management
and administration of the community nursery, environment centre and school
group education projects (NB Wages are not eligible for funding from the
SIVLF).
These funds were successfully applied to:
· SIRCET truck running expenses, which is used to
take staff, volunteers and material to and from the community nursery
· Nursery and trapping supplies
· Stationary, printing costs, IT and office
consumables.
2. Rakiura
Heritage Centre Trust
The Rakiura Heritage Centre Trust received a grant of $50,000.00
towards a 'local share' of funding
for the proposed Heritage Centre. This funding was approved subject to
securing the balance of funding to enable the project to proceed by June
2018. If the required funding is not secured by June 2018 the $50,000.00
commitment expires and the funding is returned to the 'Levy fund' for
distribution.
3. Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board
– Horseshoe Bay Walking Track
The Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board received a grant of
$25,000.00 towards the upgrade of
the Horseshoe Bay Walking Track from Dead Man's Beach towards Horseshoe Point
Road.
The upgrade of this section of track has been
completed. The overall upgrade of the track has been split into three
stages and each stage has applied for financial support from the levy which has
allowed the completion of each stage. This is the second stage - the third and
final stage has submitted an application for 2016 levy support.
4. Stewart
Island/Rakiura Community Board - Footpath Upgrade
The Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board received a grant of $20,000.00 towards upgrading the
footpath on the Main Road from Rakiura Charters to the Stewart Island Gift
Shop.
The Community Board have yet to
uplift this grant due to applying to the 2016 SIRVL with an intention to extend
the upgrade of the footpath. The Community Board will await that decision
before uplifting this grant to start this section of footpath upgrade.
5. Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board - Stewart Island Jetties Subcommittee
The Stewart Island Jetties Subcommittee received
a grant of $20,000.00 towards costs associated with the investigation, design
and consenting considerations for the upgrade of the Ulva Island Wharf.
The investigation has been completed and the
Community Board are waiting on the final report and invoice, which are
imminent.
4 2014 Projects Funded from
the Stewart Island Rakiura Visitor Levy
1. Stewart
Island Jetty Sub-committee - Port William Jetty Rebuild
The Stewart Island Jetty
Sub-committee received a grant of $50,000 towards costs associated with the
removing of the existing un-useable structure and building a replacement at
Port William. This upgrade has now been completed.
2. Stewart
Island/Rakiura Community Board - Upgrade of Horseshoe Bay Walking Track
The Stewart Island/Rakiura Community
Board received a grant of $25,000 towards costs associated with upgrading Stage
1 (of three stages) of the Horseshoe Bay Walking Track. This stage has been
successfully completed.
3. Lions
Club of Stewart Island - New Picnic Tables
The Lions Club of Stewart Island
received a grant of $3,000 towards the purchase and installation of four picnic
tables, installed on concrete pads and located in key areas for visitors and
locals to use.
These tables have been purchased
and installed around Halfmoon Bay, Butterfields and Lonneckers Beaches.
4. Stewart
Island Promotion Association - Extended Wifi
Stewart Island Promotion
Association received a grant of $2,400 towards costs associated with extending
the free Wifi coverage further along Ayr Street.
The project has been completed and
coverage now extends further out from the Stewart Island Library and across the
road.
5. Stewart
Island Rakiura Community Environmental Charitable Trust (SIRCET)
The Stewart Island Rakiura
Community Environmental Charitable Trust received a grant of $5,285 towards
costs associated with the volunteer co-ordination of the on-going Halfmoon Bay
Restoration Project.
These funds were applied towards
management of the volunteers and nursery projects.
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Recommendation
That the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee:
a) Receives
the report titled “Venture Southland Report on Successful Grants
Allocated from the Stewart Island Rakiura Visitor Levy in 2014 and
2015” dated 25 May 2016.
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Attachments
There are no attachments for
this report.
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Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee
1 June 2016
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Venture Southland Report on Visitor Numbers to Stewart
Island and Southland
Record No: R/16/5/7145
Author: Nicola
Wills, Community Development Team Leader
Approved by: Rex Capil,
Group Manager Community and Futures
☐
Decision ☐ Recommendation ☒ Information
Visitor
Numbers to Stewart Island and Southland
1. The
purpose of this report is to provide an update on the estimated number of
visitors to Stewart Island since the introduction of the Stewart Island Rakiura
Visitor Levy. And to also provide information on visitors to Southland as
a region.
2. It
is not possible to draw any conclusions or trends for Stewart Island from the
figures supplied. It is merely to provide statistics as at today.
Stewart
Island Visitor Numbers
3. The
Stewart Island Rakiura Visitor Levy was officially launched on 1 October 2013.
The approximate visitors numbers to the Island are as follows;
· 1 October 2013 to
31 March 2014 – approx. 21,000 visitors
· 1 April 2014 to 31
March 2015 – approx. 30,000 visitors
· 1 April 2015 to 31
March 2016 – approx. 35,000 visitors
4. This
figure, provided by SDC, is derived by taking the total collection figure for
each period and dividing by $5.00 (being the levy fee), and therefore is an
estimation only. It does not take into account visitors that are exempt
from paying the levy, which are those travelling to the island on local or
child fares, as per clause 4.1 stated in the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor
Levy.
5. The
increase of visitor numbers to the Island can be contributed to the below
factors, namely:
· Growth in
awareness with Prince Harry’s visit and
· General growth in
New Zealand market -
o International tourism growth
of 10% for the year ended March 2016 (International Visitor Survey) resulting
in growth in Fiordland of 10.8% and in Southland of 8.7% (Commercial
Accommodation Monitor)
· Tourism New
Zealand focus on regional dispersal and seasonal growth (through inclusion in
marketing channels with key campaigns highlighting the regions including
Stewart Island, Fiordland and the Catlins)
Southland
Visitor Numbers
6. The
purpose of providing information on the Southland region’s visitor
numbers is to provide context to substantiate the growth experienced by Stewart
Island visitor numbers. While regional tourism growth has been
significant for the region we do not know how these trends translate
specifically to Stewart Island.
7. According
to information provided by Statistics New Zealand, Commercial Accommodation
Monitor: March 2016, for the year ended March 2016 the visitor numbers for
Southland as a region have increased, when compared against the previous year.
· Guest nights rose
10.7% to 437,345
· International
guest nights rose 20.9% to 133,010
· Domestic guest
nights rose 6.7% to 304,335
· The average length
of stay rose from 1.72 to 1.78 nights
· The overall
occupancy rate rose from 32.3% to 35.6%
· The occupancy
rate, excluding holiday parks, was 45.2% for the year ended January 2016
· Accommodation
capacity, excluding holiday parks, rose 1.3%
The reasons for growth can be contributed to some of the
below factors;
· Increased air
connectivity to major South Island ports (to Christchurch and Queenstown from
USA, Australia and China; as well as increased domestic capacity)
· SOUTH partnership
between CIAL and RTOs encouraging regional dispersal
· Pressure on
traditional destinations where carrying capacity of accommodation is being
exceeded, particularly in international holiday periods
· While visitation
durations continue to be constrained for many markets (Australia 11.3 days,
China 8.4 days, USA 13.9 days, opposed UK 27.3 days and Germany 49 days) the
South Island is becoming a viable single destination, a return visit
destination or short break destination (Tourism New Zealand)
· Emergence of
markets such as China (+27.8%), India (13.8%), Korea (+20.7%) and Argentina
(+140%)
· Resurgence of
traditional markets particularly Australia (+7.2%),
Germany (+11.5%) and the USA (+11.8%)
· Domestic tourism
has been comparable for Fiordland and Southland 10.43% over the last 2
years year (year end March15 – year end March16), while Southland
experienced 8.5% in domestic growth (year end March15 – year end March16)
· Impressive
Southland RTO accommodation numbers 45% increase in international guest nights
in the region for March 2016 compared to March 2015.
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Month
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Domestic Guest Nights
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International Guest
Nights
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Total Guest Nights
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Guest Nights by Origin of Guest for Southland
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Mar-15
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28,959
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15,787
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44,746
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Mar-16
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33,247
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22,887
|
56,135
|
|
Month
|
Number of
establishments at end of month
|
Daily capacity
(stay-units available)
|
Monthly capacity
(stay-unit nights available)
|
Occupancy rate
(%)
|
|
Mar-15
|
82
|
2,234
|
69,254
|
41.93
|
|
Mar-16
|
81
|
2,287
|
70,897
|
47.32
|
|
|
Recommendation
That the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee:
a) Receives
the report titled “Venture Southland Report on Visitor Numbers to
Stewart Island and Southland ” dated 16 May 2016.
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Attachments
There are no attachments for
this report.
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Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee
1 June 2016
|
|
Summary of 2016 Applications Received and Technical
Advisory Group (TAG) Recommendations
Record No: R/16/5/7670
Author: Bronwyn
Affleck, Administration Manager
Approved by: Paul
Casson, Chief Executive
☒
Decision ☐ Recommendation ☐ Information
Report providing a summary of
applications received and recommendations and comment by the TAG Group for
consideration by the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee.
1
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Recommendation
That the Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee:
a) Receives
the report titled “Summary of 2016 Applications Received and Technical
Advisory Group (TAG) Recommendations” dated 23 May 2016.
b) Approve
the allocation of funds/grants from the Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy
fund, including any amendments made during the review.
|
Attachments
a Report
to Stewart Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Fund Allocations Committee - Summary of
Applications and TAG Recommendations View
|
Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Allocations Committee
|
01 June 2016
|
Stewart
Island/Rakiura Visitor Levy Fund
Summary of Applicants and TAG Recommendations
1 Bruce
Ford
Project
– Wharf Webcams
Webcams
would enhance the accessibility of weather and views of Halfmoon Bay Harbour,
arrivals and departures, security, health and safety and confirm payment
reconciliation of non-ferry operators.
Total
Project Cost $5,000
Amount
Requested $5,000 Recommendation Decline
TAG Comment: Low priority
2 Rakiura
Heritage Centre Trust
Project
– New Rakiura Heritage Centre
Plans
have been drawn up for a new heritage centre for Stewart Island to replace the
existing Rakiura Museum which no longer meets the requirements of the community
and the increasing visitor numbers. In order to progress the development
of the building, the local share of funding is urgently required, to be
eligible to apply to government and lotteries grants funds.
The
size and scale of this project necessitate multi-year funding applications.
Increasing
tourist numbers make the need for the new heritage centre more urgent.
This is the largest tourist associated project that is likely to occur on
Stewart Island and every year that passes adds more th the cost, The need
is urgent and it is a community responsibility to make it happen as soon as
possible,
The
Rakiura Heritage Centre will become a major visitor facility for people to
learn about Stewart Island’s history. It will be a focal point for
the township and will provide a much needed additional activity for visitors.
Total
Project Cost $2,936,000
Amount
Requested $100,000 Recommendation Decline
($50k
awarded 2015 Subject to securing the balance of funding to enable the project
to proceed by June 2018. If the balance of funding has not been secured
by June 2018 the $50,000 commitment would expire and the funding would be
available for distribution towards other applications.)
Conflict
of Interest declared – Jon Spraggon
TAG Comment: Concerns expressed regarding approving
further funding due to a lack of defined long term maintenance and development
plan for Centre once constructed.
3 Southland
District Council – Stewart Island Jetties Subcommittee
(a) Project
– Ulva Island Jetty Rebuild
Request assistance towards the
partial purchase of timber to be weathered before construction commences.
In 2015 a grant of $20,000 was received to undertake an Engineers report to
determine the scope of this work. This report is currently being
finalised and will allow a comprehensive business case, project plan and
timeline to be completed by the Jetties subcommittee, allowing them to explore
other funding avenues. In the meantime, timber needs to be purchased and
suitably weathered before use in construction. This application is to
cover the partial cost of purchasing the timber.
The size of this project will
necessitate multi-year funding applications.
Total
Project Cost $80,000
Amount
Requested $80,000 Recommendation $80,000
TAG
Comment: Approve
(b) Project
– Maintenance to Millars Beach Jetty
Request assistance towards
undertaking a thorough investigation of the Millars Beach jetty and to complete
identified priority maintenance to ensure the jetty remains in safe and usable
condition.
This jetty is used to access the
popular Norwegian Whalers Base walk. The Stewart Island Visitor Strategy
suggests putting in fit-for-purpose infrastructure for the visitor industry.
Total
Project Cost $10,000
Amount
Requested $10,000 Recommendation $5,000
Conflict
of Interest declared –Brendan Gray
TAG
Comment: Approve
TAG
discussion included the amount of use this jetty has and therefore the visitor
benefit. TAG acknowledged H&S issues in current state.
4 Stewart
Island Community Centre Trust
Project
– Signage
Request
assistance towards costs associated with signage for the Community
Centre. The Community Centre was constructed 1998-2000 and it has never
had any signage.
Signage
will highlight to visitors, residents and ratepayers what it is, activities
available and where it is – the later will be especially helpful for
visitors who are going to an event being held at the Community Centre.
Total
Project Cost $2,300
Amount
Requested $1,375 Recommendation $1,375
Conflict
of Interest declared –Brendan Gray
TAG
Comment: Approve
5 Stewart
Island Promotion Assn Inc
Project
– Street Map
Request
assistance towards printing an updated tear-off street map to be available to
tourists/visitors prior to or on arrival so they can guide themselves around
the occupied portion of the Island.
The
map will show businesses, places of interest and walking tracks.
Stewart
Island Promotions will prepare/update information prior to printing.
Total
Project Cost $2,000
Amount
Requested $2,000 Recommendation $2,000
Conflict
of Interest declared – Jon Spraggon
TAG
Comment: Approve
6 Stewart
Island Rakiura Community Board
(a) Project
– Main Road Footpath Upgrade
Request assistance towards costs
associated with upgrading the footpath on the Main Road – extending the
upgrade to start at the Cinema and continuing through to Morris Street, as per
SDC’s LTP.
The Community Board received a
grant of $20,000 in 2015 towards the upgrade of the footpath from Rakiura
Charters to the Stewart Island Gift Shop.
The Main Street upgrade can be
split into these 2 stages, however it is more cost effective and efficient to
complete the larger quantum of work by upgrading the full stretch of footpath
from the Cinema to Morris Street.
Total
Project Cost $43,608
Amount
Requested $23,608 Recommendation
$20,000
Conflict
of Interest declared – Jon Spraggon and Brendan Gray
TAG Comment: Approve reduced
amount to take into consideration excluding the driveway realignment costs
associated with putting in this footpath.
(b) Project
– New Footpath to connect Fuchsia Walk with Golden Bay & Trail Park
The establishment of this new
footpath will ensure safety and improve visitor experience for tourists to
Stewart Island by providing access to the frequently used Trail Park and Fuchsia
Walk from Golden Bay Road.
Currently visitors are required
to walk on the road, which is narrow and unsafe, inhibiting a desirable visitor
experience. Due to the cost of this project (est $105,000) as outlined in
the SDC LTP, this will be a multi-year application to fund the completion of
this footpath. Work will not commence on this footpath until the total
project cost is achieved.
Total
Project Cost $105,000
Amount
Requested $35,000 Recommendation
Defer
Conflict
of Interest declared – Jon Spraggon and Brendan Gray
TAG
Comment: Cruise ship passenger access through Golden Bay. Request defined scope of project, outlining work to
be investigated and undertaken - Defer application to 2017 funding round.
(c) Project
– Horseshoe Point Walking Track Upgrade
In 2014 and 2015 funding was
secured from the Stewart Island Rakiura Visitor Levy fund to upgrade the Bragg
Bay to Horseshoe Point walking track. This project has been broken into
three stages. Stages one and two included the upgrade from Bragg Bay to
Dead Man Beach and this was completed in 2015.
The Community Board is now
seeking funding towards the third and final stage of this project –Dead
Man Beach to Horseshoe Point.
Total
Project Cost $40,000
Amount
Requested $40,000 Recommendation
$40,000
Conflict
of Interest declared – Jon Spraggon and Brendan Gray
TAG
Comment: Approve – Final contribution to this track.
7 Stewart
Island / Rakiura Community Environmental Trust
Project
– Halfmoon Bay Habitat Restoration
Request
assistance towards operational costs associated with the on-going Halfmoon Bay
Habitat Restoration project and specifically vehicle costs, bait, traps and
field equipment.
This
project directly benefits visitors by:
- Increasing
the native bird land plant life.
- Mitigating
against the impact of visitors on the natural environment around Halfmoon Bay
and Ackers Point
- Providing
the opportunity to volunteer with the organisation.
Total
Project Cost $42,300
Amount
Requested $4,800 Recommendation $4,800
TAG
Comment: Approve
SIRCET
doing a great job and worthy of continued support.
