Agenda of Council - 17 August 2016

Council

17 August 2016

Pursuant to Section 145 Local Government Act 2002 the Southland District Council makes this Bylaw:

SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL SIGNS AND OBJECTS ON ROADS AND

FOOTPATHS BYLAW 2016

CONTENTS

1 TITLE.. 1

2 PURPOSE.. 1

3 COMMENCEMENT AND APPLICATION.. 1

4 REPEAL. 2

5 INTERPRETATION.. 3

6 GENERAL CONTROL OF SIGNS.. 4

7 SIGNS AND FLAGS ON FOOTPATHS.. 4

8 GENERAL CONTROL OF OBJECTS ON FOOTPATHS.. 5

9 STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR PERMITS.. 6

10 FEES AND CHARGES.. 7

11 DELEGATIONS.. 7

12 PERMITS.. 8

13 OFFENCES AND PENALTIES.. 8

PART 1

PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS

1 TITLE

1.1 The title of this Bylaw is “THE SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL SIGNS AND OBJECTS ON ROADS AND FOOTPATHS BYLAW 2016”.

2 PURPOSE

2.1 This Bylaw is made for the purposes of:

a) Protecting the public from nuisance.

b) Protecting, promoting, and maintaining public health and safety.

c) Regulating, controlling, or prohibiting the placement of signs or objects on roads and footpaths.

3 COMMENCEMENT AND APPLICATION

3.1 This Bylaw will come into force on {date to be determined}.

3.2 This Bylaw applies to all Roads under the control of the Southland District Council. This includes footpaths and berms.

3.3 This Bylaw does not regulate the placement of signs or objects in parks, reserves or open spaces owned or controlled by Southland District Council.

3.4 Signs and objects on private land are regulated under the Southland District Plan, and not this Bylaw.

4 REPEAL

4.1 The Southland District Council Control of Advertising Signs Bylaw 2008 is repealed at midnight {date to be determined}.

5 INTERPRETATION

5.1 In this Bylaw:

Advertising	means using words or any pictorial or other representation to notify the availability of or to promote the sale of an object, a product, a service or business.
Authorised Officer	means a person appointed or authorised by the Council to act on its behalf in relation to this Bylaw.
Council	means the Southland District Council.
District Plan	means the operative Southland District Plan.
Display	means place, erect, construct or fix.
Flag Sign	means a flag with advertising.
Footpath	means that portion of any road laid out or constructed for the use of pedestrians and includes the edging and kerbing and includes any footbridge.
Footpath Sign	means a sign containing advertising displayed on a footpath but does not include a flag sign.
Pedestrian	A person travelling on foot, in a wheelchair or a mobility scooter or using a buggy, pushchair or perambulator.
Permit	means any approval or consent required or given by the Council under this Bylaw.
Road	means the whole of any land which is within a district, and which— (a) immediately before the commencement of this Part was a road or street or public highway; or (b) immediately before the inclusion of any area in the district was a public highway within that area; or (c) is laid out by the Council as a road or street after the commencement of this Part; or (d) is vested in the Council for the purpose of a road as shown on a deposited survey plan; or (e) is vested in the Council as a road or street pursuant to any other enactment;— and includes— (f) except where elsewhere provided in this Part, any access way or service lane which before the commencement of this Part was under the control of any council or is laid out or constructed by or vested in any council as an access way or service lane or is declared by the Minister of Works and Development as an access way or service lane after the commencement of this Part or is declared by the Minister of Lands as an access way or service lane on or after 1 April 1988: (g) every square or place intended for use of the public generally, and every bridge, culvert, drain, ford, gate, building, or other thing belonging thereto or lying upon the line or within the limits thereof;— but, except as provided in the Public Works Act 1981 or in any regulations under that Act, does not include a motorway within the meaning of that Act or the Government Roading Powers Act 1989
Sign	means words or any pictorial or other representation or notice on any material or object. This does not include any illuminated sign, which will be assessed under the provisions of the District Plan.
Temporary Sign	means a sign that is portable and not fixed to land or buildings.

5.2 Any term not defined in this bylaw but which is defined in the Local Government Act 2002 shall have the meaning given to it by the Act.

PART 2

CONTROL OF SIGNS

6 GENERAL CONTROL OF SIGNS

6.1 No person may display a sign on a Road or Footpath without a Permit from the Council, unless:

a) The display of the Sign is authorised by this Bylaw; or

b) It is a Temporary Sign associated with a cultural, social, sporting or educational activity and is removed after the activity ceases.

6.2 No person may display a Sign in a location or manner that impedes the safe and efficient flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic on a Footpath or Road.

7 SIGNS AND FLAGS ON FOOTPATHS

7.1 To be authorised under this Bylaw a Sign must comply with all of the following:

a) A Footpath Sign is only authorised if it complies with the following specifications:

Minimum height	0.5 metres
Maximum height	1.0 metres
Maximum width	0.6 metres
Maximum base spread	0.6 metres

b) A Flag Sign on a Footpath is only authorised if it complies with the following specifications:

Maximum height	3.0 metres
Maximum width	0.9 metres
Maximum base spread	0.6 metres
Minimum clearance height to the footpath	2.1 metres

c) A Footpath Sign or Flag Sign on a Footpath must:

(i) Advertise a business or relate to the business activity; and

(ii) The Sign is located adjacent to the business to which it relates; and

(iii) The Sign is removed when the business is not open to the public; and

(iv) There is not more than one Footpath Sign or Flag Sign for the business; and

(v) There is a minimum width of Footpath free of objects adjacent to the Footpath Sign or Flag Sign of 1.5 metres; and

(vi) The Footpath Sign or Flag Sign is placed immediately adjacent to the Footpath kerb; and

(vii) The Footpath Sign or Flag Sign does not protrude onto the vehicle carriageway of a road.

(viii) The Footpath Sign does not alone or with other Footpath Signs unreasonably impede safe and efficient pedestrian flow.

d) A Flag Sign fixed to a building must:

(i) Relate to a business in that building; and

(ii) The maximum height of the Flag Sign does not exceed 3 metres above the ground; and

(iii) The Flag Sign does not protrude onto the vehicle carriageway of a road; and

(iv) The Flag Sign does not protrude into any Footpath more than 0.6 metres.

PART 3

OBJECTS ON FOOTPATHS

8 GENERAL CONTROL OF OBJECTS ON FOOTPATHS

8.1 Other than Signs permitted by this Bylaw no person may place any other objects on a Footpath or Road without a permit from the Council.

8.2 If the Council issues a permit to a person to leave objects on a Footpath or a Road then the permit holder must comply with all conditions on the Permit.

PART 4

STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR PERMITS

9 STANDARD CONDITIONS FOR PERMITS

9.1 All Permits

9.1.1 Permits are issued under the Southland District Council Signs and Objects on Roads and Footpaths Bylaw 2016.

9.1.2 The permit holder must present the permit if requested by any officer of the Southland District Council.

9.1.3 The permit may be reviewed by the Council at any time and may be revoked on 48 hours written notice or earlier if necessary to prevent harm to any person or damage to any private or public property.

9.1.4 The permit is only valid if all applicable fees have been paid and funds have cleared.

9.1.5 Signs or objects must be placed on the footpath outside the premises to which they relate.

9.1.6 Signs or objects must not be placed outside adjoining premises without written permission from the adjoining premises.

9.1.7 Generally, signs or objects should be placed on the footpath only when the premises to which they relate are open to the public.

9.1.8 Pedestrians using the footpath must not be impeded by the signs or objects placed on the footpath.

9.1.9 Signs or objects placed on the footpath must be placed to ensure a minimum 1.2 metres continuous, straight-line width of the footpath remains clear for pedestrian access.

9.2 Displaying a sign in a public place

9.2.1 The sign must correspond with the specifications and description in the permit application, including but not limited to the construction and dimensions of the sign.

9.2.2 Any sign, including any structure attached to the sign, must be maintained in good repair. If it is damaged for any reason it must be removed, repaired or replaced within 24 hours of sustaining damage, if there is a safety issue otherwise within 72 hours.

9.2.3 The sign must be removed by the date stated in the permit. If no date is stated, then the permit is deemed to terminate within 21 days of the date the permit was issued.

9.2.4 The permit holder is responsible for any damage to the public place or any other property of the Southland District Council caused by the sign, the permit holder, the permit holder’s contractors or the permit holder’s employees.

9.3 Placing objects on or use of the footpath

9.3.1 Objects other than tables and chairs may not occupy more than one quarter of the footpath width or 0.6 metres, whichever is the lesser.

9.3.2 Objects including but not limited to umbrellas, canopies or shades must be secured in such a way that they will not fall or be blown over.

9.3.3 The lower edge of the canopy of any umbrella or shade must be at least 2.1 metres above the footpath.

9.3.4 Access to fire exits, fire hydrants, shop doorways, parking meters, rubbish receptacles, street furniture and bicycle stands must be kept clear at all times.

9.3.5 All braziers or heating devices must be securely fixed so as to not fall over.

9.3.6 A brazier or heating device must not present a danger to any pedestrian or building.

9.3.7 The permit holder must keep the footpath area where objects are placed clean from litter at all times.

PART 5

ADMINISTRATION

10 FEES AND CHARGES

10.1 The Council may set fees and charges for any Permit granted under the Bylaw. Fees will be set each year in the Council's Annual Plan.

11 DELEGATIONS

11.1 The Chief Executive may appoint Authorised Officers of Southland District Council.

11.2 The Chief Executive and Authorised Officers may exercise any power, function or duty under this Bylaw or carry out any act in order to achieve its effective administration including:

a) Process, grant or refuse permits;

b) Specify the conditions that apply to a permit;

c) Specify forms and procedures for the effective administration of the Bylaw;

d) Make any decision or determination required in this Bylaw in order to administer it;

e) Make any decisions regarding suspension, withdrawal or removal of a Permit;

f) Remove, store or dispose of Signs or objects in breach of this Bylaw;

g) Determine the costs of the removal, storage or disposal of Signs or objects in breach of this Bylaw; and

12 PERMITS

12.1 Where an activity under this Bylaw requires a permit from the Council, the person seeking a permit must:

a) Complete the required application form;

b) Pay the applicable fee; and

c) Comply with the conditions of that Permit.

12.2 The Council may grant a Permit for any activity that would otherwise contravene this Bylaw.

12.3 A Permit is personal to the applicant and is not transferable.

12.4 An Authorised Officer may revoke or suspend any Permit issued under this Bylaw at any time, or suspend for such periods of time, on such terms and conditions as the Authorised Officer may consider appropriate in the event the Permit issued is breached, or to protect Council property, public health and safety or to minimise nuisance.

PART 6

ENFORCEMENT

13 OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

13.1 Every Person or Permit holder who:

a) Fails to comply with any provision of this Bylaw; or

b) Breaches the conditions of any permit granted pursuant to this Bylaw

commits an offence under Section 239 of the LGA 2002 and is liable to a fine as specified in Section 242 of the LGA 2002.

13.2 The Council may issue infringement notices, in such forms and for such amounts as are authorised in any regulations made under Section 259 of the LGA 2002.

13.3 In accordance with Section 163 of the Act, Council may remove or alter any sign or other work or thing that is or has been constructed in breach of this Bylaw.

13.4 Council may recover the cost of removing or altering the Sign or other work or thing that is in breach of this Bylaw from the person who committed the breach. Payment of this cost does not relieve the person of liability for the breach of this Bylaw.

13.5 In accordance with Sections 164 and 165 of the Act, Council may seize and impound property if it is used in breach of this Bylaw.

13.6 In accordance with Sections 167 and 168 of the Act, Council may return or dispose of property seized and impounded. The person in breach of this Bylaw is responsible for any costs associated with disposal of seized property.

Council

17 August 2016

Pursuant to Section 145 of the Local Government Act 2002, and Section 16 of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 the Southland District Council makes the following Bylaw:

SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL CEMETERY BYLAW 2016

CONTENTS

1 SHORT TITLE, COMMENCEMENT AND APPLICATION.. 1

2 REVOCATION.. 1

3 DEFINITIONS.. 2

4 BURIALS AND PLOTS.. 2

5 HOURS FOR BURIALS.. 2

6 FEES.. 2

7 HEADSTONES AND MEMORIALS.. 3

8 SHRUBS AND TREES.. 4

9 WREATHS.. 4

10 FLOWERS AND TRIBUTES.. 4

11 VEHICLES.. 4

12 SOLICITING OF ORDERS.. 5

13 MISCONDUCT. 5

14 DISINTERMENT. 5

15 OFFENCES.. 5

1 SHORT TITLE, COMMENCEMENT AND APPLICATION

1.1 This Bylaw shall be referred to as the "Southland District Council Cemetery Bylaw 2016” and shall come into force on {date to be determined}.

1.2 Nothing in this Bylaw shall derogate from any Act or Regulation for the time being in force concerning cemeteries and burials.

2 REVOCATION

2.1 The Southland District Council Cemetery Bylaw 2006 is revoked.

3 DEFINITIONS

3.1 For the purposes of this Bylaw:

“Beam Lawn Cemetery” means a cemetery or part of a cemetery in which the surface is laid down as a grass lawn with headstones plaques and tablets erected on the beam provided by Council at the head of the burial plots.

“Burial Plot” means a plot in a cemetery used for the burial of the dead.

“Burial Warrant” means a certificate issued by Council after application on the prescribed form and payment of any fees authorising the burial of the person named in it and prescribing the terms and conditions of burial.

“Cemetery” means any cemetery vested in or under the control of Council.

“Closed Cemetery” means a cemetery which has been closed by a closing order.

"Council" means the Southland District Council.

“Disinterment” means the removal of any body (or remains of any body) buried in any cemetery.

“Exclusive Right of Burial” means the purchase of a plot(s) for exclusive burial at a later date, in accordance with Section 10 of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964.

“Existing plot” means a plot previously used for a burial.

“Manager” means the person appointed by Council to manage its cemeteries.

“Sexton” means any person approved by Council to manage the day to day activities of any cemetery and includes his or her assistants.

4 BURIALS AND PLOTS

4.1 No burial shall be made in any cemetery without a burial warrant.

4.2 Burials plots may be sold on such terms as Council decides. An exclusive right of burial may be granted under Section 10 of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964.

4.3 Upon application being made and the prescribed fees paid to Council, an urn containing the ashes of a deceased person may be buried in any part of the Cemetery that Council generally or in any particular case authorises.

4.4 The minimum depth of soil cover over any coffin in a Burial Plot shall be one metre.

4.5 No person other than the Sexton, or a person under the Sexton’s direction, shall dig any grave, or open the ground for burial, in any part of any Cemetery.

5 HOURS FOR BURIALS

5.1 Burials shall only be held on the days and between the hours identified in the Southland District Council Cemetery Policy.

6 FEES

6.1 All fees and charges under this Bylaw shall be set from time to time by resolution of Council and will be included in the Southland District Council Schedule of Fees and Charges.

7 HEADSTONES AND MEMORIALS

7.1 All headstones and related works shall be constructed in accordance with New Zealand Standard 4242:1995 - Headstones and Cemetery Monuments or any subsequent New Zealand Standard. All foundations for kerbs, tombstones, headstones and monuments shall be constructed of permanent materials and be laid to the satisfaction of Council using the services of a qualified tradesperson approved by Council.

7.2 All headstones and memorials shall be kept in good repair by the holder of the Burial Plot or their personal representative. Subject to the provisions of the Burial and Cremation (Removal of Monuments and Tablets) Regulations 1967, all headstones or memorials which fall into a state of decay or disrepair, may at any time be removed by Council.

7.3 All vases or containers for flowers and other tributes shall be housed in insets into the base on which the memorial is placed, and shall be approved by Council. No glass vases or containers shall be permitted in the Cemetery.

7.4 In any Beam Lawn Cemetery no person shall:

a) erect any kerb, railing, fence, building, or other structure, on or around any Burial Plot or part of;

b) install or place any memorial plaque, memorial tablet, or other item on any Burial Plot without the prior permission of Council, and subject to compliance with the following conditions:

i) any memorial tablet, plaque or headstone shall consist of a permanent material as may be approved by Council; and

ii) such tablet, plaque or headstone shall be of an approved size and set in an approved position.

7.5 A temporary single grave marker may be placed at the head of the grave prior to a permanent memorial being installed.

7.6 Purchasers of Burial Plots in any Cemetery, other than a lawn cemetery, may surround the plots of ground allotted with kerbing in permanent materials. The highest part of such kerbing shall be not more than 300 mm above the ground level. Tombstones, headstones, or other monuments may be erected.

7.7 No person, without permission of Council, may remove any kerb, headstone, monument, or tablet from any Cemetery or any grave.

7.8 No person without authority will remove or take from any cemetery, or from any grave in any Cemetery, any vase, wreath, plant, flower or any other item.

7.9 No person erecting or repairing any headstone, monument, fence or other work in, or around any grave, in any Cemetery shall make use of any footpath or other part of such Cemetery for placing or depositing any tools or material in connection with the work for a longer time than is reasonably necessary for the purpose of completing such work. Any person who, after receiving notice in writing by Council requesting the removal thereof within a time specified in such notice, neglects or refuses to comply with the notice issued breaches this Bylaw.

7.10 No person shall make use of any footpath or roadway in the Cemetery for the purpose of mixing cement or mortar otherwise than upon a proper mixing board or in an approved manner.

7.11 Any person, business, or group wishing to provide or undertake services in the Cemetery, other than provided in this document, shall require the prior approval of Council.

7.12 A person who produces Power of Attorney documents relating to the Exclusive Right Holder(s) will have the same interment and monument works decision rights as the holder(s) would.

8 SHRUBS AND TREES

8.1 No tree or shrub shall be planted or removed in any cemetery by any person without the consent of Council being first obtained.

9 WREATHS

9.1 During a period of seven days, or such other period as Council decides following a burial, any wreath may be placed on a plot, but shall be removed at the expiration of that period.

10 FLOWERS AND TRIBUTES

10.1 Any floral tribute placed on a Plot shall be placed in a vase.

10.2 The vase, or any other tribute, shall be installed adjoining any tablet or plaque on the side nearest the head of the Plot.

10.3 Council may at any time remove damaged vases, or vases of a type not approved by Council, and he/she may also remove at any time dead flowers and dead foliage.

10.4 Council may at any time remove damaged tributes or tributes deemed unacceptable by Council.

11 VEHICLES

11.1 No person shall take a vehicle into any Cemetery except between the hours of sunrise and sunset, unless authorised by Council.

11.2 No person shall permit any vehicle under his/her control to remain in any Cemetery after sunset without the permission of Council.

11.3 No person shall operate any vehicle in a Cemetery except on the roads open for vehicular traffic, and in the direction indicated by traffic signs.

11.4 No person shall operate any vehicle in a Cemetery at a greater speed than 20 km/hr, or the speed that is signposted.

11.5 Every person operating any vehicle in a Cemetery shall stop or move the vehicle as directed by the Sexton or a Funeral Director.

12 SOLICITING OF ORDERS

12.1 No person shall advertise or solicit any order or custom for any work to be done in or in connection with any Cemetery,

12.2 No person shall, without the consent of the Funeral Director, or special permit in writing for the occasion from Council, take any photograph or moving image of a funeral.

13 MISCONDUCT

13.1 No person shall unreasonably prevent, interrupt, or delay a funeral service.

13.2 No person shall cause nuisance or inconvenience to any other visitor to a Cemetery.

14 DISINTERMENT

14.1 The disinterment of a body, or remains of a body, must be conducted in accordance with Section 51 of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964.

14.2 The disinterment must be conducted in the presence of:

a) a Council officer(s); and

b) a Funeral Director; and

c) a Health Protection Officer designated under the Health Act 1956, as part of disinterment approval conditions;

14.3 Any other person may be present at a disinterment with prior approval of Council.

14.4 If a grave is rendered unused due to disinterment, and where there is no valid Exclusive Right of Burial still in existence, that plot will revert back to Council. Council will not use that plot other than in line with any valid Exclusive Right of Burial still in existence.

15 OFFENCES

15.1 Every person commits an offence against this Bylaw who by any act contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of this Bylaw.

This Bylaw has been made and confirmed by a resolution passed at a meeting of the Southland District Council held on the __________.

THE COMMON SEAL of the }

SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL }

was hereunto affixed in the presence of }

MAYOR

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Council

17 August 2016

CEMETERY MANAGEMENT POLICY

1 PURPOSE

The Southland District Council Cemetery Management Policy aims to ensure:

• The effective and consistent management of Council controlled cemeteries throughout the Southland District;

• That there is certainty for all in relation to monuments at Council controlled cemeteries; and

• That remembrance can occur in the best possible surroundings.

2 DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Term	Meaning
Beam Lawn Cemetery	Means a cemetery or part of a cemetery in which the surface is laid down as a grass lawn with headstones plaques and tablets erected on the beam provided by Council at the head of the burial plots.
Burial Plot	Means a plot in a cemetery used for the burial of the dead.
Burial Warrant	Means a certificate issued by Council after application on the prescribed form and payment of any fees authorising the burial of the person named in it and prescribing the terms and conditions of burial.
Cemetery	Means any cemetery vested in or under the control of Council.
Closed Cemetery	Means a cemetery which has been closed by a closing order.
Council / SDC	Means the Southland District Council.
Disinterment	Means the removal of any body (or remains of any body) buried in any cemetery.
Exclusive Right of Burial	Means the allocation of a plot(s) for exclusive burial at a later date, in accordance with Section 10 of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964.
Existing Plot	Means a plot previously used for a burial.
Funeral Director	Means a person whose business is, or includes, disposing of bodies.
Manager	Means the person appointed by Council to manage its cemeteries.
Service Person	Means a person who has been on operational service in Her Majesty’s Forces pursuant to Section 15 (a)(i) of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964.
Sexton	Means any person approved by Council to manage the day to day activities of any cemetery and includes his or her assistants.

3 SCOPE

This policy applies to all cemeteries managed or controlled by Southland District Council.

This policy affects all members of the public; including Council employees, residents, visitors and contractors, who have an interest in or are undertaking work within Council managed or controlled cemeteries in the Southland District.

4 POLICY DETAILS

The Southland District Council Cemetery Management Policy outlines the overall principles that underpin how Council manages its cemeteries.

4.1 Interments

4.1.1 Burial Warrants

All requests for interments must be made to Council through an application for a burial warrant. The Funeral Director or person having the management or control of the burial shall make application to Council for a burial warrant.

No burial warrant shall be issued until the interment fee has been paid. In the case of a burial under the management or control of a Funeral Director, Council may, at its discretion, waive the requirement and charge the cost of the same to the Funeral Director concerned.

No burial will take place until the Sexton has received the burial warrant. Notification of an intended burial shall be given to the Sexton at least 16 working hours prior to the time arranged for the funeral or such lesser time as agreed with Council. Agreement will be subject to the payment of any additional costs incurred.

When a burial warrant is issued Council may, upon specific application made to it, authorise the digging and filling of the grave by relatives and associates of the deceased under the direction of the Sexton.

4.1.2 Authorisation

If the burial involves interment in a plot already used or allocated, any request for a burial warrant must detail the right to use the plot. Where there is doubt regarding the allocation of a plot, Council may require confirmation that the burial is authorised.

4.1.3 Hours of Burial

As a general rule, burials shall be held between the hours of 9.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday in the months of October to April, and 9.00 am to 3.30 pm in the months of May to September and 9.00 am to 1.00 pm on Saturday, or such other days or hours as Council may determine. Burials will not take place on public holidays or days that they are observed.

Council will consider requests for interment which for religious, cultural or any other reasons may be outside the scope of Council’s Policy, Bylaw or contract arrangements.

4.2 Exclusive Rights of Burial

4.2.1 General

An Exclusive Right of Burial may be either pre-allocated, or bought at the time of burial.

If a person wishes to have a plot pre allocated, they gain the Exclusive Right of Burial for that plot. This means that the individuals named in the allocation obtain the right to be buried in that plot; this does not mean they own the piece of land on which the plot sits.

The Exclusive Right of Burial is held by the individuals for a maximum of 20 years. After this time, if no burial has taken place in that plot, the Exclusive Right of Burial will revert back to Council with no entitlement for refund of any fees paid. Council may re-allocate the plot to the individuals in the first instance if the individuals wish to retain that plot. It is the responsibility of the holder of an Exclusive Right of Burial to ensure that the Exclusive Right of Burial is re-allocated. However, Council will endeavour to contact the holder of an Exclusive Right of Burial when the Exclusive Right of Burial is due to lapse. It is the responsibility of the holder to ensure that Council has the correct contact details. Re-allocation of an Exclusive Right of Burial shall incur a fee.

No memorials, plaques or headstones can be erected until such time as a burial has taken place in the grave and all fees have been paid, other than with the approval of Council.

4.2.2 Transfer of an Exclusive Right of Burial to Another Party

The person who is allocated the Exclusive Right of Burial of a plot may, with the consent of Council, transfer that right to another person, or entity, including a charitable organisation for example. This will incur the same fee as issue for an Exclusive Right of Burial. The original certificate must be presented to Council with the transfer section completed and signed by the person allocated Exclusive Rights.

4.2.3 Surrender of an Exclusive Right of Burial to Council

The holder or joint holders of an Exclusive Right granted by Council may surrender the Exclusive Right to Council.

Council will only accept the surrender of an Exclusive Right if:

a) Evidence of allocation of the Exclusive Right is supplied to Council.

b) The plot described in the Exclusive Right to be surrendered has not been used for burial of human remains, including the remains from a cremation or if it has previously been used, an exhumation has occurred and the plot is no longer required.

4.2.4 Transfer to Surviving Holder where Exclusive Right is held jointly

If jointly held, upon the death of one of the joint holders of an Exclusive Right, the remaining joint holder is, or joint holders are, entitled to the full allocation of the Exclusive Right.

4.2.5 Exclusive Right Bequeathed

The holder of a burial permit may bequeath the Exclusive Right as if it were the holder’s personal estate.

Upon application made by a person to whom a burial permit has devolved as a result of a bequest, Council will amend the register so as to indicate that the person has become the holder of the Exclusive Right. A new certificate will be issued and the original certificate will be retained at Council and recorded as cancelled.

Evidence in writing of a bequeath is required to be provided to Council in order to make any changes

4.3 Burial of Her Majesty’s Service Personnel

Southland District Council may:

a) Set aside areas specifically for the burial of deceased service personnel.

b) Allow the subsequent interment of the husband, wife, civil union partner or
de-facto partner of the deceased service personnel in the same plot.

c) On application consider the interment of the husband, wife, civil union partner or de-facto partner prior to the death of the service personnel.

4.4 Burials not managed by a Funeral Director

The following conditions apply for burials in cemeteries where a Funeral Director is not responsible for the organisation and management of the burial.

When an application is made for a burial warrant, the application shall provide:

a) The full name of deceased.

b) Evidence of death certified by a Registered Medical Practitioner.

c) The name of cemetery in which burial to take place.

d) The date and time for burial.

e) Any special services required for burial.

Payment of the burial fee is required at the time of the application for a burial warrant.

An adult person shall be nominated to oversee the burial. That person shall be responsible for liaison with Council staff and the Sexton at the cemetery and for directing the burial process.

By arrangement with the Sexton, digging and filling of graves by relatives and associates of the deceased may be permitted. Activities associated with this activity will be restricted to the immediate environs of the grave site.

4.5 Disinterment

A disinterment requires a licence from the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health is reluctant to issue a licence to disinter a body between one month and one year after interment because of the decomposition process.

Applications for a disinterment licence must be made through the Southern District Health Board and provided to Council when requesting a disinterment. Where an application for a disinterment of any deceased is received by Council, the applicant shall be liable for all costs associated with the disinterment.

Disinterring ashes does not need a disinterment licence but does need to be requested and managed through Council.

Human remains interred for more than 100 years are also subject to the jurisdiction of Heritage New Zealand.

No family members are to be present at the disinterment unless specifically authorised by Council.

4.6 Cemetery Standards

Council aims for all cemeteries within the District to be of a high quality and reflect the community’s standards. Council also has duties under statute with regard to public health and these are recognised within the standards.

Council will manage cemeteries in line with the requirements of the Bylaw. To help achieve this Council will:

a) Develop and maintain an asset management plan for its cemetery activity.

b) Maintain its obligation for safe and reasonable access to burial sites.

c) Maintain the surrounds to be attractive and representative of its nature.

d) Ensure allocated plots are maintained to acceptable standards.

4.7 Cemetery Maintenance

Council shall maintain lawn areas, trees and vegetation, roadways and paths adjacent to and within the monumental sections. All shrubs, plants, etc in the cemetery and gardens are planted and cared for by Council. Council may remove any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation from the cemetery.

The public are not permitted to plant flowers, shrubs, or trees in any area within the cemetery boundary without Council’s written consent. Council may remove any shrubs, trees, or other vegetation that have been planted on a burial site or within the Cemetery without Council’s written consent.

Council is not responsible for the erection, upkeep, maintenance, repair, restoration, or cleaning of any monument or structure at a burial site. Council will endeavour to contact any known family member if damage is caused to a grave or monument.

Council may act to remove any structure in a cemetery that has become dilapidated, unsightly, is crumbling, or deemed to be unsafe in a risk assessment carried out by Council. Council’s actions will be limited to making unsafe structures safe to ensure public and employee safety.

Where subsidence is evident, Council may fill and compact the ground.

Council is responsible for:

Individuals are responsible for:

· Maintaining adequate access to gravesites.

· Maintaining any communal spaces (such as lawns).

· Constructing and maintaining structures used by more than one burial plot (such as concrete beams or niche walls).

· Payment of fees for services and for the use of structures used by more than one burial plot (such as concrete beams or niche walls).

· Maintaining any private structures erected within the burial plot (vaults, headstones or fences).

Council will ensure that appropriate maintenance arrangements are in place to allow public access to all grave sites in closed cemeteries under the control of Council.

4.8 Funding, Fees and Charges

Cemetery fees are detailed in Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.

Council will review the interment fee on an annual basis using the following formula:

a) Adult interment fee determined by contractor, cost of burial plus staff time.

b) Interment one year old and up to five years old - 50% of adult interment fee.

c) Interment stillborn and up to one year old - 25% of adult rate.

d) Cremated ashes within an ashes beam - one hour of staff time.

e) Cremated ashes into existing plot - no charge.

f) Allocation of Exclusive Right of Burial - two hours of staff time.

g) Cremated ashes into new standard plot - including allocation of Exclusive Right of Burial - two hours of staff time.

Specific site preparation by the Sexton not covered by Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges shall be at the cost of the applicant.

4.9 Burial Charges: Poor Persons

Where application is made to Council for the burial free of charge of any deceased poor person, the applicant will also furnish to Council an order signed by a Justice of the Peace in accordance with the Burial and Cremation Act 1964.

Burial will take place in a plot as determined by Council and no fence or headstone will be erected unless all fees have been paid and the plot allocated.

Any person may, within two years from the date of such burial or such extended time as Council shall approve, pay for allocation of the plot by paying all outstanding charges at current contract rates.

4.10 Non-Council Controlled Cemeteries

To meet Council’s statutory obligations to provide cemeteries within the District, Council will, if approached, by the administrators of non-Council controlled cemeteries, consider accepting the particular cemetery as a Council controlled one.

Any cemetery administration accepted by Council will only be on the basis that Council becomes the sole administrator.

4.11 Cemetery Records

In accordance with the Burial and Cremation Act 1964, Council maintains records of burials within cemeteries. All records are available to the public.

Burials are registered to meet the requirements of the Births, Deaths and Marriages Act 1995. A record of reservations or pre-death requirements is maintained for those with Exclusive Rights of Burial. Each burial is recorded from the date of issuing the Burial Warrant and the register is reviewed regularly for accuracy.

4.12 Public Use of Cemeteries

Public use of the cemetery is covered by the Southland District Council Cemetery Bylaw 2016. Activities detrimental to the value or detracting from the passive and contemplative nature of the cemetery will not be permitted.

Southland District Council accepts no responsibility for the effects of vandalism and intentional (wilful) damage to assets under Council ownership.

5 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Party/Parties	Roles and Responsibilities
«Party»	«Roles»
«Party»	«Roles»
«Party»	«Roles»

6 ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS

The following documentation is to be read in conjunction with this policy:

• Southland District Council Cemetery Bylaw 2016;

• New Zealand Standard 4242: 1995 Headstones and cemetery monuments;

• Burial and Cremation Act 1964.

• . Burial and Cremation (Removal of Monuments and Tablets) Regulations 1967.

7 REVISION RECORD

Date	Version	Revision Description
«Type Date»	«Version»	«Revision»
«Type Date»	«Version»	«Revision»
«Type Date»	«Version»	«Revision»

Council

17 August 2016

POLICY: GAMBLING VENUE POLICY

GROUP RESPONSIBLE: Regulatory Services

DATE APPROVED: 15 May 2013

DATE AMENDED:

FILE NO: 140/20/1/3, 140/20/1/4

1. INTRODUCTION

The Gambling Act 2003 (the Act) came into force on 18 September 2003.
Under Section 101 of the Act, the Council is required to adopt a policy to regulate the number and location of non-casino electronic gaming machines (Class 4), more commonly known as pokie machines.

At 31 March 2013 the Southland District had 23 Class 4 gaming venues and 133 electronic gaming machines.

The Council has the ability to limit the number and location of venues and the number of electronic gaming machines and must have regard to the social impact of gambling in developing its policy. As required under the Act, this policy only applies to gambling venues licensed after 17 October 2001, or to venues licensed prior to this if they wish to increase the number of electronic gaming machines.

2. DEFINITIONS

Class 4 Gambling - means any activity that involves the use of a gaming machine outside a casino, and may be conducted only by a corporate society and only to raise money for authorised purposes.

Class 4 Gambling Venue - means a place used to conduct Class 4 gambling i.e. premises with Class 4 gaming machines licensed under the Gambling Act 2003.
This includes any TAB venue with gaming machines

Corporate Society – means a society that is:

(a) Incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act 1968 or

(b) Incorporated as a board under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957 or

(i) does not have the capacity or power to make a profit; and

(ii) is incorporated and conducted solely for authorised purposes; or,

Corporate Societies may therefore include Clubs (RSA, sports clubs etc.), Trusts and Racing Clubs.

Southland District - means all the area covered by the Southland Territorial Local Authority.

New Venue - any venue that has not held a Class 4 venue licence for six months or more or that has never held a Class 4 venue consent.

The Council - means Southland District Council.

3. OBJECTIVES

(a) To assist in limiting the harm of problem gambling in the community.

(b) To encourage responsible gambling practices and attitudes in Class 4 Venues.

(b) To reduce the number of electronic gaming machines in the community over time.

(d) To facilitate community involvement in decisions about gambling by ensuring that all communities in the Southland district are given the opportunity to consult with Council in a manner that is culturally appropriate.

4. Restrictions on venue and machine consents

(a) The Council will not grant consent for the establishment of any additional Class 4 venues or additional gaming machines, including Class 4 machines in TAB venues, under this policy.

(b) A gambling venue consent is for one venue (one premises) and is not transferable to another venue, unless consent is obtained from the Council as provided for in Clause 5 below. The consent is given to a venue at a given address, not to a person or business.

(c) Once a venue ceases to operate, the machine numbers will not be allocated to any new or existing venue except as specified in Clause 5 below.

(d) Council will not provide a consent under Sections 95(1)(f) or 96(1)(e) of the Gambling Act 2003 to any application by corporate societies with Class 4 licences seeking Ministerial discretion to increase the number of gaming machines permitted at a venue except as provided in Clause 5 below.

5. Transfer or changes to existing venues and machine consents

(a) If the owner of the principal business of the venue changes, the Council consent remains allocated to the venue. The new owner is not required to obtain a Council consent but a new licence may be required from the Department of Internal Affairs.

(b) Council will consent to the transfer of a licence from an existing venue to a new venue where the venue will be operated by the same corporate society provided that the maximum number of gaming machines which can be transferred to the new venue will be nine, and subject to a social impact study.

(c) Two or more licensed Class 4 Clubs in the Southland District may apply to the Council to merge and increase the number of machines that can be operated at a venue, subject to a social impact study. Council consent will only permit the maximum number of gaming machines to be the sum of the number of gaming machines specified in all of the corporate societies’ (the clubs that are merging) Class 4 venue licences at the time of application.

(d) Any substitute venues may only be established if:

(i) the vacated site will not be able to be used as a Class 4 venue; and

(ii) Council considers that the location of the new venue is suitable taking into account the matters referred to in Section 101(4) of the Gambling Act.

(e) Council may arrange its own peer review of any social impact study provided, at the applicant’s cost.

6. Visual and Sound

New substitute venues that are granted territorial authority consent are subject to the following additional conditions:

(a) Only one sign may make reference to the existence of Class 4 gambling, and may be visible from the street or other public space, this sign shall not mimic or replicate the operation of gaming machines.

(b) No other sign shall promote or identify the existence on site, of gaming machines.

(c) Advertising signs and activities within the building associated with the operation of gaming machines shall not be visible from beyond the property boundary.

(d) The operation of gaming machines shall not be audible from beyond the venue property boundary:

7. Encouraging Responsible Gambling Practices

• Two of the stated purposes of the Gambling Act 2003 are to “prevent and minimise the harm caused by gambling, including problem gambling’’ and to “facilitate responsible gambling”.

• Enforcement and monitoring of gambling venues is the responsibility of the Department of Internal Affairs.

• Regulations made under the Gambling Act 2003 set out:

- What constitutes an unsuitable venue.

- Requirements and restrictions regarding gambling machines.

- Requirements of venues to provide information about problem gambling.

- Requirements of venues to provide problem gambling awareness training to staff.

• A Council consent for a venue is not revocable once issued and cannot lapse or expire unless there is a period of six months or more where a Class 4 licence is not held for the venue.

Further, Council has no retrospective powers with regards to any consented venues and cannot impose conditions subsequently on any venue which has an existing licence.

• The Council is supportive in general of initiatives and actions that would help to ensure there is a balanced gambling environment in the city where potential harm is managed effectively, and where those who wish to gamble can do so safely. In this regard, Council encourages responsible gambling practices as outlined in Appendix 1.

• Where Council has concerns about the operation of existing gambling venues these will be reported to DIA. Council inspectors do not have enforcement powers over venues in terms of their gambling activities.

• The provision of information by the venues about problem gambling is required under the regulations and is a key way of promoting responsible gambling. Where Council has concerns about a venue in this regard, it will be reported to DIA.

8. APPLICATIONS FOR CONSENT

(a) All applications will incur a fee which will be prescribed by the Council pursuant to Section 150 of the Local Government Act 2002.

(b) Council will publicly notify applications for Class 4 Gambling Venues and allow for public submissions to be lodged.

• Name and contact details of the applicant.

• Names of venue management staff.

• Street address of premises being relocated and new proposed address.

• Fees.

• Details of design and layout shall be provided to demonstrate how the venue will comply with Clause 6.

• Any other information that may reasonably be required to allow proper consideration of the application including how the applicant will encourage responsible gambling practices.

(d) The decision will be made at Officer level pursuant to delegated authority and based on the criteria detailed in this Policy, except where any matter of opposition is raised in a public submission, in which case the application will be heard and determined by Council.

9. COMMENCEMENT OF POLICY

This Policy has been adopted by Council following the special consultative procedure prescribed by the Local Government Act 2002.

This Policy is effective from 18 May 2013.

10. REVIEW OF POLICY

The Council will review its Gambling Venues Policy within three years from the date on which this policy comes into effect.

Council

17 August 2016

To: Venture Southland Joint Committee

Date: 20 May 2016

Subject: Projects and Activities Update April – May 2016

Author: Hunter Andrews, Communications Manager

Approved: Paul Casson, Chief Executive

SUMMARY

Venture Southland projects and activities update for April – May 2016.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT THE VENTURE SOUTHLAND PROJECTS AND ACITIVITES REPORT FOR APRIL – MAY 2016 BE RECEIVED.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENT

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

SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS CONTAINED WITHIN THE REPORT:

Air NZ Grabaseat promotion with Bluff Oyster and Food Festival – A320 direct to Invercargill with 169 passengers from Auckland attending the festival. In flight give away of a prize package for winner to return to Southland and generated direct economic impact of over $26,000.

Working with China

Venture Southland has been working SOUTH (Southisland Marketing Alliance) and CIAL Christchurch International Airport Ltd) in regards to developing the Generous Southern Coast to correlate with the increase in seats into Christchurch Airport. In May members of the Venture Southland team and Southland operators attended the MBIE Chinese FIT (free independent or self-drive) travellers workshop. In this workshop the consultants discussed how quickly the Chinese market is diversifying into special interest travel, and how conversant they are with digital media.

Southland Festival of the Arts

The eighth annual Southland Festival of the Arts took place from 26 April to 21 May, 2016 in a variety of locations throughout Southland, providing the region with a comprehensive series of high quality arts events that showcased the best in arts, culture and creativity in the region. Total participation at paid and free is estimated to be approximately 4000 persons over the month.

Fiordland voted number 1 destination to visit in New Zealand by Experience Oz & NZ (Australian Travel Wholesaler) poll.

Philippa Murrell and Sarah McDonald attended TRENZ – 52 appointments with excellent quality buyers.

Pre TRENZ famil, 3 nights in Te Anau – 15 participants, very positive, extremely generous contribution from operators, feedback survey sent out.

Google Analytics for www.fiordland.org.nz – for 1 Nov 15 to 31 Jan 16 – users up 36%, sessions up 38%, page-views up 18.6%, 78% increase in visits from Android, 58% from IOS. 91% increase in usage from Mobile device. Figures are a comparison with the same period in the previous year.

Regional Business Partner Programme

Venture Southland has seen a significant increase in uptake of business support services through the Regional Business Partner Programme, so far, 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. A significant factor in the growth has been the increased levels of training associated with Health and Safety. This has been particularly evident across the dairy sector. Business efficiency programmes continue to be popular.

2016 Southland Business Survey

Venture Southland has completed the third consecutive Southland Business Survey. The 2016 Business Survey was conducted in March 2016. The survey was undertaken online using Survey Monkey and was promoted extensively through media and direct promotional channels.

The survey touched on the current business environment, where Southland companies are doing business, where they are exporting, challenges, use of new technology and employment trends among other topics.

Health and Safety Workshops

The Health and Safety Reform Bill has passed and the new law (the Health and Safety at Work Act) came into force on 4 April 2016.

The Act is part of “Working Safer: a Blueprint for Health and Safety at Work” and reforms New Zealand’s health and safety system following the recommendations of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety.

This new Act not only governs the way businesses must now manage their Health and Safety obligations but has also impacted the way not-for-profit organisations, volunteer groups and community organisations must meet their obligations under the new Act.

Venture Southland have identified a need to have information available specifically for the not-for-profit organisations, volunteer groups and community organisations to cater for the impact the new Health and Safety Act will have on the running of their organisations and events in the future.

The Community Development team have partnered with the Community Law Centre to host a series of workshops to be run thoughout the region, specifically catering for what the Health and Safety Act will mean for voluntary organisations.

Invercargill, Gore, Lumsden and Wyndham have been held with excellent attendance numbers and positive feedback. Winton, Otautau and Te Anau workshops are scheduled and currently all areas have excellent registration numbers.

SOUTHLAND TOURISM & EVENTS TEAM

Media Results and Familiarisations

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

· Stuff NZ result – Air NZ and Bluff Oyster and Food Festival

· We Chat result – China – Bluff Oyster and Food Festival

· We Chat result – China – Rakiura Track, Stewart Island

· New Zealand Geographic result– Southern Coast

· Asuka Media Famil (Taiwan) – the Catlins, Invercargill, Stewart Island, Western Southland and Fiordland

· NZ Herald result – Great NZ Winter, Invercarigll, Bluff, Gore, Southland

· Kia Ora result – Bluff Oyster and Food Festival

· SkyKiwi Media result – China – Bluff Oyster and Food Festival

· NZ Herald result – Guard Pacific Star, Invercargill, Stewart Island, Gorem

· Wilderness Magazine result – Stewart Island, Rakiura Track

· Ewan Sargent (The Press) Famil – Invercargill, Bluff, Bluff Oyster and Food Festival

· Richard Liu (D&L Travel China Famil – Invercargill, Bluff, Bluff Oyster and Food Festival

· The Café (TV3) – Invercargill, the Catlins, Stewart Island

· Hokonui Fashion Awards media pitching

· Our NZ Escape (TV1) – Stewart Island, Invercargill, Fiordland

· Instagram – Southland NZ following has increased by 54% in quarter to 12,900 followers

· Facebook – Southland NZ has 33,145 total followers and achieved a reach over 511,511 from 1 April to 26 May.

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:

· TRENZ – Biggest Tourism Trade Event in NZ. Held annually, VS had 2 appointment streams in 2016, Traditional and Emerging Markets. Around 100 appointments and follow up emails almost complete. VS able to bring a Mandarin speaking staff member for the first time. Excellent reaction to Southland product, travel sellers very receptive.

· General Travel and ID Tours - German Cruise Ship Famils – Planning inland excursions featuring Invercargill, the Catlins, Western Southland and Gore. 2 Ships scheduled to come into Bluff Feb and March 2017

· FunShare famil (China x 2) – Bluff Oysters and Food Festival, Invercargill, The Catlins

· Worldway famil (China)– Invercargill, Stewart Island

· Enjoy Holidays famil (China) – Invercargill, Stewart Island

· ATS/AOT famil (worldwide) – The Catlins, Invercargill, Stewart Island, Gore, Western Southland

· Pan Pacific famil – The Catlins, Invercargill, Stewart Island

· Southern World famil – Invercargill, The Catlins

· MEETINGS 2016 – Conference development

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 three months:

· On your Doorstep campaign delivery. Targeting local residents of Southland, promoting the activities of Southland in the low season. 58 deals from various local operators were included in the campaign.

· Air NZ Grabaseat promotion with Bluff Oyster and Food Festival – A320 direct to Invercargill with 169 passengers from Auckland attending the festival. In flight give away of a prize package for winner to return to Southland and generated direct economic impact of over $26,000

· AVIS Big Break promotion with Z Energy and Nestle Kit Kat – designed to inspire people to get out and explore more of New Zealand. The ‘Southern Discovery’ itinerary within the promotion was the most popular choice of driving route with 2094 (22%) votes nationwide.

· Generous Southern Coast promotion collateral development with SOUTH partners (Enterprise Dunedin, Destination Clutha, Tourism Waitaki and Destination Fiordland)

· The Café – TV3 – hosted Debbie Summers and crew for three days, to be broadcast over next eight months with snippets from The Catlins, Invercargill, and Stewart Island. Eager to return to include the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.

· Our NZ Escape – TV1 – joint venture with Destination Fiordland to be broadcast on international inflight with AirNZ for next 2 years – featuring Stewart Island, Invercargill, Bluff and Fiordland

· Working with the Southern Scenic Route Steering Committee, Venture Southland coordinated the brochure revision

· World Shearing

· AA Campaign including driving routes, cycling, golf, and accommodation

Invercargill i-SITE & Visitor Information Services

The i-SITE team have had a period with some mixed results. Transaction/enquiry activity for March levelled off to 69 per day and dropped to 51 per day for April, as is usual for this time of year. The i-SITE was approached by DOC for assistance with managing the ticket sales for their Kakapo Chick viewing during the month of May. This has been a very successful partnership with over 1700 people visiting the i-SITE to purchase tickets. The i-SITE has recently begun selling entry tickets for Bill Richardson’s Transport World, and we are also excited about the news of their purchase of the Sturgess Motorcycle collection from Nelson and look forward to it becoming a new attraction for Invercargill.

ILT Kidzone ticket sales have begun for 2016, with i-SITE managing both the counter sales and also the despatch of online ticket sales. Sales in the first week have been a little slower than last year. The i-SITE has a new staff member, Elly Chang, who we are sharing with the wider Venture Southland (particularly events and tourism). Elly originally from Beijing, and studied at Otago University has a variety of skills which will be very useful when dealing with the growing number of Chinese visitors. Two members of the i-SITE team are continuing their professional development with retail management training.

Working with China

To further this capability a recent appointment to the tourism and events team is Elly Chang who is fluent in mandarin who has already undertaken the following activities:

· Set up Weibo account for Southland

· Hosted Chinese Travel Trade

· Hosted Chinese Media

· Translated Southland materials

· Translated materials for operators (recoveries)

· Attended TRENZ to meet with Chinese buyers

· Contract negotiations between IBOs and local operators

Elly has facilitated these opportunities that previously would not have been possible

Tourism Liaison Committee – Southland Tourism Brainstorm

The Southland tourism sector is aware of opportunities and challenges that it, and the wider community face based on recent growth of the sector (locally and nationally). Working under the umbrella of the Tourism Liaison Committee (TLC), Venture Southland hosted the Southland Tourism Brainstorm on the 25th May. The purpose of this session was to garner suggestions from the tourism sector on what initiatives could be undertaken to achieve the best outcome for the region.

This included 56 participants from all over the Southland region (such as Gore, the Catlins, Western Southland, Fiordland, Invercargill and Stewart Island), and represented variety of organisations and sector groups (such as tour operators, accommodation, hospitality, promotions associations and local council).

Within the brainstorm, participants were streamed into different subject areas to share whatever ideas they believe would benefit the tourism and community in Southland. Using the framework developed by the Tourism Industry Association (TIA) and then adapted by the Southland Regional Development Strategy (SoRDS) working group the subject areas of focus were:

1. Productivity for Profit; Search for new solutions for seasonality and peak season, to attract visitors and to find ways to improve our capability

2. Visitor Experience; Drive value through outstanding visitor experience

3. Connectivity; Grow sustainable air, land and sea connectivity

4. Insight; Prioritise insight to drive and track progress

5. Target for value; Target visitors with highly valued attributes that deliver the greatest overall benefit.

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:

· Catlins Tourism Strategy – completed 02 June 2016 – sent to Catlins Coast Inc – AGM meeting

· GDC Cycling Strategy Report for feasibility funding

· Visitor Strategy Brief (RFP) – draft to be submitted

· Tourism Product Development and Promotion Workshop Series (4) – 01- Investment, 02- Tourism Product Development, 03- Digital, 04- Trade Ready

· Southland Cycling Strategy 2016 draft arrived 01 June to be sent to stakeholders 07 June - (review)

· Milford Sound Traffic Flow Monitoring – news stats (currently follow up) monthly monitoring and follow up with MDA for latest numbers, new projections (CONFIDENTIAL)

· NZFSS (New Zealand Fresh Water Conference) Committee - Invercargill Event 05 Dec 2016 - website http://nzfssconference.co.nz/

· Te Hikoi Canton Village further development (Successfully received support letter from Consulate – General of the People’s Republic of China in Christchurch); next step to receive funding for NZ Conservators Report - re-development phase I. completed Steering Group established

· Borland Lodge - Borland Lodge Adventure and Education Trust. Website reviewed and report submitted. – done

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

· Waihopai Wharekai Redevelopment Project (Murihiku Marae) (Invercargill) – product development – ongoing we had a meeting

· GDC ‘Experience Mandeville’ – re-development (new product) – assistance and support – key contact David Luoni, preparation for Request for Proposals - Mandeville Marketing Strategy and Planning, Creative New Product Development, Plan Implementation and Management (draft ready)

· Te Anau – *New product (Cycling opportunity) – product launch on 01 October 2016 – confirmed. New operator introduced to Destination Fiordland team.

· New Product Development – Southland Experience –underway – soft launch mid-September 2016 - .– Tourism Growth Partnership Fund potential

· Geology Tours – Guided field trips which explore the earth science/history of the south coast. – start 01 October

· Eyre Farm Estate (Five Rivers) - product development – follow up with Greg and Debbie

· Descent Diving (Fiordland) – product development expansion –. (Business Plan – ready for review – waiting for TGp – Tourism Growth Partnership Fund – 5th round to opne

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

· GeoZone – creating a maps and graphs - for year 2015 for FIT (Free Independent Travellers) for Southland / Fiordland RTO, comparison flow from Queenstown –preparing maps with Nick

· Tourism Training Workshop Programme (to commence) including: Investing in Tourism (22 July), Tourism Product Development (24th August), Digital Marketing for Tourism (1st Sept) and Working with Trade (29th Sept)

ILT Kidzone Festival

Planning is underway for the 2016 ILT Kidzone Festival which is being held at James Hargest College Senior Campus from Wednesday 13 July to Monday 18 July. A new website is currently being developed and all our promotional material is with the designer. Tickets have been on sale since Monday 16 May from the festival website (www.iltkidzone.co.nz); the Invercargill i-SITE, Southland District Council Area Offices and the Gore Visitor Centre. Sales are again strong, which has also been reflected in response to social media promotion.

Southland Festival of the Arts

Venture Southland’s management of the festival involved scheduling and programming the festival, managing specific events, (see below); liaising with partner organisations for their inclusion in the festival; facilitating the production of 10,000 brochures which were distributed all over Southland and beyond; and overseeing a comprehensive marketing campaign with all media, in both editorial and advertorial articles as well as paid advertisements in print media, radio and website listings and social media. The programme and attendance was as follows:

· The Modern Maori Quartet, cabaret-style, four-piece singing ensemble (304 pax)

· Duck, Death and The Tulip, family show featuring puppetry (380 pax)

· MAMIL, Middle Aged Man In Lycra, comedy/theatre (389 pax)

· Pass the Gat, three singer/songwriters (221 pax)

· A Doris Day Special, musical play starring Ali Harper (135 pax)

· The Bookbinder, theatre show; Invercargill (217 pax); Winton (76 pax); Riverton (42 pax); Tokanui (34 pax); Lumsden (22 pax)

· Legendary Divas, cabaret show starring Ali Harper (139 pax)

· Michele A’Court, Things I Forgot To Tell My Daughter, comedy, Stewart Island (98 pax); Te Anau (110), Invercargill (140)

· Footnote Dance, NZ contemporary dance company, (103 pax)

· International Story Tellers (Southland Council of the NZ Literacy Association)

· (over three events); plus children at schools around Southland (400 pax)

· Chamber Music NZ, ENSO String Quartet (400 pax)

· Fool to Cry, world premiere of Invercargill writer, Steven Page, presented by Invercargill Repertory Society (120 pax)

· The Cabaret Club, new local professional performance ensemble (600 pax)

· Two NT Live Film screenings at Southland Museum and Art Gallery (45 pax)

· White Night (300 pax)

Matariki Festival 2016

The annual celebration of Maori New Year will take place in mid June. Venture Southland will work with the Southland Museum and Art Gallery to deliver a suite of events including a programme of Maori filmmakers' short films from the Wairoa Maori Film Festival, weaving workshops and kapa haka performances.

Regional Arts Pilot

The Murihiku Arts Incubator group is continuing its work to prepare to deliver the Creative NZ regional arts pilot. Venture Southland provides support and advice where necessary.

Lifting Up The Arts--mentoring workshop for youth

Venture Southland is working with the Murihiku Maori and Pasifika Cultural Trust to deliver a two-day, live-in workshop for young people focussed on a potential career in the Arts. Five tutors, from the professional arts industries will work with twenty young people, with provision for ten Southland District area students, nominated by their schools. The workshops will cover scriptwriting, acting and music and is supported with funding from the SDC Creative Communities Scheme.

Travel Trade & Market Development

- Fiordland represented by Southern Lakes in the UK by Geoff Marks LWT – report attached

- Fiordland voted number 1 destination to visit in New Zealand by Experience Oz & NZ (Australian Travel Wholesaler) poll

- Hosted Alana Pietrzak, Trade Development Executive, TNZ, Los Angeles for 2 nights in Fiordland

- Philippa and Sarah attended TRENZ – 52 appointments with excellent quality buyers

- Pre TRENZ famil, 3 nights in Te Anau – 15 participants, very positive, extremely generous contribution from operators, feedback survey sent out

- TNZ Indonesian Pre TRENZ famil – 1 night in Te Anau, Caves, Doubtful Sound

- Autumn Trade Update sent out to 2166 trade contacts with a 26% open rate (4% more than Summer)

- Philippa attended the RTONZ Inbound Operator Trade event in Auckland in April – report attached

- Hosted travel agent Debby Rosengarten from Askja Reizen in The Netherlands in Fiordland for 2 nights plus activities. She also attended our Destination Fiordland networking function

- Sarah attended Chinese FIT Travellers Workshop in Queenstown

Media

- Hosted Brazilian media for 2 nights

- Tabi Salad – Japanese Travel Magazine returned to do their film shoot in Milford Sound & Te Anau

- Coverage regarding #1 destination in New Zealand

Online

- Phase 2 of www.fiordland.org.nz in progress

- Instagram followers increased from 600 to 702 since last report

- Facebook likes increased from 5129 to 5367 since last report. No 1 post reached 4053 people.

- Google Analytics for www.fiordland.org.nz – for 1 Nov 15 to 31 Jan 16 – users up 36%, sessions up 38%, page-views up 18.6%, 78% increase in visits from Android, 58% from IOS. 91% increase in usage from Mobile device. Figures are a comparison with the same period in the previous year.

Communication

- Friday radio slot continues

- Meeting held with new reporter at the Advocate South

- Presentation in Wellington office of TNZ – product and regional update

- Held networking function in April

- Article in the Advocate continues through 2016

- Maintaining activity on Instagram and Facebook

Membership

- Meeting held with new owners of Dunluce

- Meeting held with new owners of Fat Duck

- Meeting held with new operator in Te Anau (confidential)

- Facilitated Health & Safety workshop with Preston Russell Law (thanks Gareth)

- Date set for Fiordland Tourism Expo – 14^th October 2016

- Fast Facts continues in Campaign Monitor – averaging around 45% open rate (industry average = 32%). Average an 18% click through rate (industry average = 5%)

Key Relationships

SOUTHERN LAKES IMA

- Southern Lakes TRENZ party well attended in Rotorua

- SL attended European Product Workshop in April in London (LWT attended and report is attached)

- SL will attend Kiwi Link India & Singapore in July (DQ attending)

- SL will attend Best of US series in September: Boston, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Denver (DF attending)

- SL will attend Kiwi Link Latin America in September – attendance TBC

- SL will attend Kiwi Link SE Asia (LWT attending)

SOUTHERN SCENIC ROUTE – SSR brochure is currently being reprinted. Sarah attending meetings

SOUTH

Meeting attended in Christchurch reviewing the South Island Road Trip Campaign. TNZ provided great insights following the campaign. DF will be involved in the 2^nd part of this campaign based on these insights. Report available for viewing at the DF office. We also received an update on CIAL activity going forward.

TCB –

Working with TCB, FTT, SDC, VS on marketing for the cycle trails in the region.

SDC

Various meetings attended.

Venture Southland

- Working with Tourism Southland on a Southland/Fiordland episode of NZ TV travel show.

- Worked with Tourism Southland on ASUKA trade/media visit (June 3-5^th).

- We will be offering a joint Fiordland/Southland famil to IBO Trade Event attendees as we did last year to take place in October/November.

- Taking part in the Venture Southland Lean Management Programme.

- Attended the tourism brainstorm session as part of the Southland Regional Development Strategy.

TE ANAU COMMUNITY EVENTS CHARITABLE TRUST (Te Anau Events) update

Work in progress

· Funding applications. Have applied to Meridian’s Community Fund for a set of portable toilets, a new sign at the entrance of Te Anau and another 6 hand held radios. Working on an application to Southern Trust for more safety and traffic management equipment as well as fish for the Take A Kid Fishing competition.

· Te Anau Enduro (Saturday 12 March 2016) – a resounding success with 96 entrants. A perfect number for the first year (enough to test the circuits and to make a profit, but not inundated). The date for 2017 is Saturday 11 March.

· Te Anau Tartan Festival (Easter weekend 25 & 26 March 2016) – another successful event. Numbers were slightly down but this was expected as Warbirds over Wanaka was on the same weekend. The Pipeworkz Concert was a huge success and played to a sold out audience.

· Milford Mountain Classic – we were able to donate $6,000 to the Fiordland College P.T.A. and $4,000 to the Te Anau Community Event Charitable Trust from the 2016 event. The 2017 date has been set for Saturday 21 January and the committee is currently working on 2017 sponsorship.

· Fiordland Big 3 (Queens Birthday weekend, 2-5 June 2016) – given the issues surrounding last year’s event as well as declining entrant numbers, the previous committee discussed taking a year off. The Rugby Club expressed interest in taking over organisation this year and has been doing so. However, the event co-ordinators have a couple of concerns so have stepped back in to assist. Currently there are only 8 teams entered.

· Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic (Labour Weekend) – the committee is currently working on sponsorship and funding

· Illumination evening (Saturday 9 July) – attending meetings, applying for funding and assisting where necessary

· Battle of the Lakes (Saturday 13 August) – attending meetings, assisting with advertising, obtaining auction prizes etc

BUSINESS TEAM

Southland Youth Futures – ‘Invest in Youth’

Students from six secondary schools spent time outside the classroom visiting primary industries businesses last month learning about job opportunities in Southland. Part of the Southland Youth Futures ‘Invest in Youth’ programme businesses including Agricentre South Ltd, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Southland Demonstration Farm, Fonterra, and Niagara opened their doors to 27 students and five career staff.

Students got to view skilled employees in their workplace and experience a primary industries work environment, and employers got to showcase their business through stories, hands-on workplace tasks, the science, systems, technology, processes, and Health and Safety practises. These visits provided young people with a realistic idea of what a job might entail and getting the information now while still at school allows them to participate in work experience opportunities before making study and work related decisions. The site visits and employer talks aims to streamline pathways for young people into Southland’s productive industries and improve educational outcomes for young people in the regions.

The site visits on May 19 followed employer talks at SGHS, Aparima College, Aurora College, SBHS, JHC, CSC and Verdon College early in term two. Nearly 900 Year 10 – 13 students were involved in the initiative.

After a review of the site visit pilot later this month all 14 Business Partners (including more than 35 farms) will decide on the site visit format going forward so that interested young people continue to be connected to Southland’s productive industries.

Agricentre Heavy Diesel Technician Sam Short shows Central Southland College Student Mitchell Van Brecht (right) and Aurora College Daniel McIntosh-Alison the tools of his trade during a workplace visit.

Regional Business Partner Programme

Venture Southland will continue to work with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) to ensure the available funding matches demand as closely as possible. The funding year concludes at the end of June and all the allocated $180,000 will be issued to qualifying businesses for business skills development. Venture Southland is also working with NZTE to secure additional funds to support business skills.

Building on previous new product development workshops, Venture Southland, in partnership with Callaghan Innovation are to running a number of Design Thinking and Innovation Ready workshops in the region across the year, to help prepare businesses for innovation and to make those who are already innovating more aware of the range of programmes and services on offer. This four part innovation series is designed to assist companies to understand the innovation pathway with the intent of driving increased volumes of R & D. The four workshops will include:

· New Product Development (NPD) - getting the basics right (& what not to do - mistakes)

· The latest thinking in NPD - Lean NPD

· A tool to gain better customer insights - D-thinking

· Building smarter innovations (10 types of innovations)

Two workshops aimed at the Tourism sector are also scheduled for July and August; the first focused on Investment strategies in Tourism and the second on the Tourism product development process. Again, these build on workshops undertaken last aimed at the sector and will be co-promoted with two Tourism marketing workshops being presented by the Tourism team.

Business Mentors New Zealand

The Business Mentors programme, which is now contracted as part of the Regional Partner Programme, has had steady interest in the both mentors and mentoring requests over the first part of 2016. There has been particular growth in agriculture sector mentors and demand for agriculture focused mentoring services.

Following the successful business mentors accreditation seminar, for new and existing members on the 28^th April. A further accreditation seminar will be held in June to meet increased demand and interest in the programme. This provides an opportunity for those new to mentoring to understand the programme and process as well as learn new skills. We have seen significant growth in demand for agriculture specific mentors and have recruited 10 new agri-mentors to fill this need.

Southland Dairy Lean – Farm Tune

Following the conclusion of the 2016 Southland Dairy Lean Programme “Farm Tune”, Venture Southland is currently working with DairyNZ to review the delivery model to ensure that the the programme is able to scale to meet increasing demand. Following the continued success of the Southland Lean initiative, DairyNZ are committed to establishing Lean as a core business activity. Venture Southland is continuing to work with DairyNZ to ensure the programme is scalable at the required standard to ensure positive outcomes. To date 35 Southland farms have been through the programmes. A development framework and associated budgets have been prepared to upscale the Dairy Lean programme. This will be reported to the July Joint Committee meeting.

Lean Manufacturing - 2016 Lean Cluster

The 6 participating companies in the 2016 Lean Manufacturing Programme are half way through their training. These companies come from a range of industries across the region.

Pipers Produce, Retro Organics, Lewis Windows and Doors, Vet South, Phoenix Services and NES began the programme in early March and will continue with the training for the next 6 months. This programme is now funded by Callaghan Innovation, which makes this the first and only cluster programme in New Zealand to be funded by Callaghan Innovation.

Stand-alone refresher and SME programmes Lean Accelerator, Lean 5S, SME Lean are schedule for the end of June.

The 4^th annual Southland Lean Forum was held in early June with over 65 representatives of Lean companies attending. This forum provided opportunities for previous companies to share and learn from each other’s Lean journey and the challenges associated with sustained implementation. Presentations were made by Quality Foods Southland and Beatties Auto Repairs outline their successes and challenges.

These additional programmes have been developed to ensure businesses are able to continue to learn and sustain their continuous improvement journey.

Small Business Roadshow

Venture Southland is assisting MBIE to hold a small business roadshow to highlight the available services provided. This session is being held on the 4^th July, 3.30-5.30 at the Kelvin Hotel. This national series is being organised by MBIE and the Minister of Small Business Minister Craig Foss. The session includes a general overview of available services and support and will involve case studies of local businesses who have utilised the services. The series incorporates the Regional Business Partner programme and wider government services, including IRD, WorksafeNZ, NZTE, Callaghan Innovation and ACC. It also provides a vehicle for local businesses to provide feedback on services and programmes currently available.

2016 Southland Business Survey

The survey opened on 01 March and concluded on 1 April. A total of 421 businesses completed the survey. This level of response allows for the analysis to be completed at a 95% confidence level +/- 4%. The business survey finding are available online here: http://www.venturesouthland.co.nz/portals/0/documents/Southland%20Business%20Survey%202016%20Full%20Report.pdf

KEY FINDINGS

Business Confidence

Business confidence remains positive, although it has been considerably impacted by the economic headwinds, including the dairy downturn. 59% of businesses are positive about the Southland economy and business environment (down 16% from last year) and 78% are positive about their own business (down 9%).

Business performance in sales remains strong with 81% of businesses reporting increased or steady sales, down 5% on 2015.

However, there is considerable variation between sectors.

The Agricultural sector is experiencing considerable challenges relating to lower commodity prices. Confidence in the sector has declined from 64% positivity in 2015 to 34% in 2016.^{^[1]} The proportion experiencing increased sales has also declined. However, 70% of agricultural operators remain positive about their own businesses.

In contrast, the Tourism and Accommodation sectors have been having a great season and confidence is riding high, at 84% and 77% positive responses, respectively. 68% of Tourism operators and 66% of Accommodation providers had increased sales over the last year. 94% of Tourism operators and 81% of Accommodation operators are positive about the future of their businesses.

Digital Communications

Digital technology is becoming an increasingly important part of business in Southland.

72% of businesses have a website and 64% use social media to promote their business.

After staff training, online marketing is the most common area of planned investment for the year ahead: 45% of businesses are planning investment in online marketing and 27% in online sales. For the 42% of businesses implementing new ways of working, investment in digital technology is by far the most common area of investment (at 66%). Websites are the second most common source of business information and support, used by 53% of businesses.

However, businesses are concerned about the quality of broadband and mobile services, and the impact of these services on their business. Businesses were asked what would improve ease of doing business in Southland. Quality of broadband and mobile infrastructure and services was the number one concern, mentioned in 25% of responses.

A third of businesses (36%) say that they expect the quality of communications services to impact on their business within the next three years. This feedback is consistent with the feedback which was received from the Internet and Mobile Survey conducted in 2015, where there was widespread concern, particularly from rural businesses, about the challenges presented by poor communications infrastructure.

Health and Safety

The Health and Safety at Work Act came into force just as the business survey closed. The survey showed that businesses are taking a proactive approach to the new regulations.

79% of businesses are aware of the changes and a further 17% have heard about the new regulations but are not aware of the details. Only 4% have heard nothing about the changes. This is a very high level of awareness for a regulatory change such as this.

The most common response from business owners and managers has been to research their obligations under the act (61%), followed by undertaking training (45%), introducing new processes (43%) and rewriting policies (42%).

Use of the Survey Findings

Venture Southland uses the findings of the survey to identify areas of focus for the Regional Business Partner programme for the year ahead and to inform strategic projects. The business survey gives us direct feedback from businesses about areas which are of concern to them in their planning for the immediate future.

As part of the Regional Business Partner Programme, the 2015 business survey results were used to inform the development of digital enablement and retail sector workshops.

The survey results are also used to provide information on topics of strategic interest, including:

· Digital Strategy - informed the 2015 Southland ROI to MBIE as part of the review of Ultrafast broadband, rural broadband and mobile blackspot funding

· Labour Market Strategy – provides an annual forecast of labour demand, including businesses forecast needs for specific job roles. Gives information on adjustments made for key target groups: older people, women, young people and migrants

· Southland Youth Futures Programme

· Tourism Strategy – key trends in the tourism sector, including confidence, sales, employment etc

Information is also shared with the survey participants and businesses at large as well as the Southland Regional Development Strategy groups.

Aeromagnetic Survey of Southland

In January 2016 the Aeromagnetic and Radiometric 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. The surveying of the Southern Southland Area commissioned by ICC, SDC, GDC and ES, as well as the Te Anau Basin area have now been completed and MBIE will be finalising the Otago area next summer, as shown in the map below.

The Te Anau Basin data has been completed three weeks ahead of schedule and passed on to SDC and Landcorp. Venture Southland has facilitated further interpretation for SDC and Landcorp for the Te Anau Basin data and has hosted meetings with qualified experts to advance this process.

Venture Southland will also prepare a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the wider interpretation work of the Southern Southland area. The interpretation will commence once MBIE has finalised the survey for the remaining Southland area and the Otago region, as shown in light blue in the map above.

Venture Southland will contribute $100,000 towards the interpretation, and the information gained will be available to all Councils. The Council may then choose to invest further in additional aerial mapping and data analysis for areas of specific interest to them.

Wood Energy South

S.I.T has completed its feasibility study and found a 69% reduction in emissions when the boiler was run on woodchip. This result is based on insufficient boiler fuel supply, particulate emission would increase further with a complete conversion allowing more feed into the boiler. There are currently three feasibility projects still underway – Invercargill Prison, Tisbury School and Danone Carbon Zero Dairy Project.

Stephen Canny spoke on behalf of the Wood Energy South project and other Venture initiatives at the “Yes We Can” National Symposium which explored opportunities that are economically achievable to lower GHG (Green-House Gas) emissions. This presentation received extremely positive feedback.

Venture Southland will host an Industrial and Commercial Biomass Boiler Symposium with BANZ on July 21^st with speakers from state-sectors, Fonterra and industrial boiler users discussing their motivations for converting to biomass.

Methane Recovery

A study of the dairy methane recovery project will be undertaken to evaluate the electrical, thermal and biological performance of installation with a view towards wider use of this technology for efficient investment. An integrated plan and typical design for a methane recovery system has been completed 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. A winder interest in the project is evident by recent enquiries from other process industries and waste water plant operators. This project was also presented in Wellington at the “Yes We Can” symposium.

Silica

Venture Southland has completed a Silica Opportunity profile and this has been peer reviewed and passed on to a number of interested parties. This project is focused on process technology, market trends, infrastructure, electricity demands and the consent related matters, economic impacts and financial viability.

Detailed analysis of the Southland silica gravel samples has been conducted by SINTEF, Norway, confirmed the presence of high quality silica deposits which can be processed to manufacture electronics grade and solar grade silicon. A number of interested parties are currently evaluating the opportunity.

Space Industry – Ground Stations

Robin McNeill attended SpaceOps 2016 conference in May, where he presented a paper describing the developments at Awarua. It was judged to be one of the best papers at the conference and the revised paper will be incorporated into a book. At the conference, Robin was able to market Awarua Satellite Ground Station to a number of very interested space agencies. There are a number of promising leads that are being followed up. It also provided an important and necessary opportunity to renew acquaintances with existing colleagues in the space operations sector. Approximately 600 people attended the conference.

Venture Southland has continued to provide oversight to engineering matters at Awarua and Lochiel on behalf of satellite operators hosted there. A visit from a potential new operator from Europe scheduled for May-June 2016 has been deferred until later in the year when visas for the operator’s customers can be processed. Discussions are well underway with another operator that will hopefully see the establishment of two new antennas at Awarua by March next year.

An agreement with existing satellite operators to share the costs for installing fibre-optic connectivity to the Awarua Satellite Ground Station has been finalised and this work is currently underway.

Venture Southland continues to lead MBIE and MFAT to renew the NZ Government – European Space Agency Arrangement.

Transmission Pricing Methodology – Second issues paper and the review of distributed generation pricing principles

The Electricity Authority promotes competition in, reliable supply by, and the efficient operation of, the electricity industry for the long-term benefit of consumers. On 17 May, the Authority released the Transmission Pricing Methodology (TPM) issues and proposal second issues paper and the review of distributed generation pricing principles. These are the two areas the Authority believes the current pricing model could be more efficient.

In response to the Venture Southland lead-submission to the Transmission Pricing Methodology Options Working Paper in 2015, the Electricity Authority representatives Chairman Brent Layton, CE Carl Hansen and Principal Adviser Market Design, Alistair Dixon travelled to Invercargill on 25 May to discuss the two topics and their implications for Southland. The meeting was attended by representatives from Venture Southland, Invercargill City Council, Southland Chamber of Commerce, NZAS and PowerNet.

The TPM second issues paper proposes to alter the way transmission charges are shared among transmission customers so that charges are linked to the transmission services delivered and the costs involved. In 15 regions, electricity consumers' bills will decrease and in the remaining 14 regions, the average bill increase would be less than $50 per year.

The Authority is holding a further workshop in Invercargill on 16 June to discuss the TPM second issues paper and proposal, in advance of submissions closing on 26 July 2016. This workshop is excellent opportunity for all interested parties to ask questions and clarify points about the paper:

Workshop details:

Thursday 16 June, 12-2pm

Aparima Room, Ascot Park Hotel, Corner Tay Street and Racecourse Road, Invercargill

NZTE visit

On 2 June 2016, NZTE representatives met with Venture Southland and leading Southland businesses to look at potential investment opportunities in the region and evaluate current investment proposals into new industries in Southland.

Southland Perception Study

Venture Southland has conducted Southland perception studies since 2000 (2000, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010 and 3013) to obtain an insight into how people perceive Invercargill and Southland against a range of established quality of life indicators.

Preparation for this year’s perception study is well advanced and quotes for the work have been sought from suitable service providers. It is expected that the work will commence in late June – early July.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM

REGIONAL INITIATIVES AND SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS

Curio Bay Tumu Toka Vision

The South Catlins Charitable Trust, working alongside their partners SDC, DOC and local iwi, have reached an exciting time as a number of projects they have planned around the Curio Bay camp ground area come together.

Venture Southland is providing overall assistance with coordination of all components associated with achieving the vision and working closely with the Trust in particular. The project is at a critical stage after many years of preparation.

· A preferred supplier for the provision and installation of the SDC wastewater treatment plant has been identified and tenders have closed for the reticulation (pipework) portion of the project.

· The Trust, SDC and DOC have agreed on a car park plan and the number of car parks. Final design and tender documents are almost completed.

· Natural Heritage Visitor Centre plans are almost finalised with building to commence as soon as possible within the consented timeframe, avoiding penguin breeding season which is between September and March.

· Interpretation within the Natural Heritage Visitor Centre will tell the main stories of the Jurassic and petrified forest story, local iwi and endangered wildlife.

· The Trust’s Ablution and Kitchen building fit out is now well underway and should be onsite within the camp ground during June.

· Successful Governance Group meeting held in May with another planned in June.

With growth in tourism in the region, particularly in the Catlins and along the Southern Scenic Route, there is more and more need for improved visitor management, provision of adequate infrastructure and high quality unique visitor experiences – all which will be provided with this project thanks to a collaborative approach from key stakeholders.

Health and Safety Workshops

The Health and Safety Reform Bill has passed and the new law (the Health and Safety at Work Act) came into force on 4 April 2016.

Community Workers in Southland Report

Venture Southland has worked with all the individual groups that employ community workers in Southland over the years and during that time have identified common challenges for those groups, with respect of pressures in the role and difficulty in accessing funding.

Venture Southland has worked collaboratively with the major funders of these groups, Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Social Development and Community Trust of Southland.

A report has been prepared by Venture Southland with three key objectives -

1. Gain an understanding of the regional network of community workers, particularly in regards to funding

2. Identify the individual challenges of the community workers as they see them, including recent changes in local communities

3. Gain an understanding of the challenges and perspectives of the groups that employ the community workers.

This completed report will be presented to the governance of the Community Workers Trusts at a joint meeting with the major funders, which is set for mid-June.

RESEARCH AND STRATEGIES

Southland Cycling Strategy

Status: UNDERWAY - due to be completed by August 2016.

This is a joint strategy undertaken with Southland District Council, Invercargill City Council, Gore District Council and Environment Southland along with cycling groups, to provide direction for planning and investment decisions, identifying feasible projects for inclusion in future works programmes aimed at improving cycling infrastructure and opportunities in the region. The process is tracking according to schedule with the report due in August 2016.

Catlins Tourism Strategy Review

Status: COMPLETED – implementation underway

The development of this document was facilitated by Venture Southland at the request of the local community. Venture Southland is currently working alongside Catlins Coast Inc to identify priority projects and an implementation process.

Pool Heating Assessments

Status: UNDERWAY – due to be completed by July 2016.

Pool heating assessments have been completed for the following pools - Tuatapere, Riversdale, Otautau, and Manapouri.

Currently assessments are underway for Riverton, Tokanui, Fiordland and Hauroko

These reports will identify for each pool various options in regards to making their pool more energy and cost efficient. Monitoring of the pools that have installed new heating systems will continue through the next season as this information will be useful for other pools looking at similar technology.

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:

Isla Bank War Memorial

Venture Southland staff have been working with the Otautau Community Board, providing funding advice, to enable restoration work required for the Isla Bank/Calcium Cemetery War Memorial. Funding has been successfully secured from SDC Community Initiatives and Southland Regional Heritage Fund.

Taramea Bay Beautification

A survey was completed on behalf of the Riverton Community Board with respect of the future of the Taramea Bay Soundshell, which resulted in the demolition of the soundshell and subsequent beautification of the area. Venture Southland has assisted throughout this process and have provided recent funding advice to the Community Board to provide a BBQ at the area, which has been successful.

Rakiura Heritage Centre Trust

Venture Southland staff have continued to work alongside the Trust with various aspects of their project to build a new Heritage Centre on Stewart Island. Recent involvement has been facilitating the interpretation design within the Heritage Centre and providing governance advice to the Trust.

Orawia War Memorial

Venture Southland staff have worked with the Orawia RSA to facilitate the restoration work of the Orawia War Memorial, which included funding advice and co-ordination of the restoration. This was completed for the RSA before ANZAC day commemorations.

Athol Cemetery Kiosk

Venture Southland staff have worked alongside the Athol Cemetery Trust to assist them with their project to build a kiosk at the Athol Cemetery which will include an interpretation panel. Funding has been secured from SDC Community Initiative Fund and Northern Southland Development Fund to complete this kiosk.

Wyndham SDC Service Provision Review

Venture Southland staff are working alongside the Southland District Council as part of a project team to review the provision of council area office services. Community consultation has been undertaken through stakeholder meetings, surveying the community and a public forum which was held in May. Feedback provided during this consultation will guide decision regarding future service provision requirements.

Council

17 August 2016

sdclogo

Interim Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2016

Record No: R/16/8/12387

Author: Susan McNamara, Management Accountant

Approved by: Anne Robson, Chief Financial Officer

☐ Decision ☐ Recommendation ☒ Information

Background

1. This report outlines the interim financial results to 30 June 2016. At 30 June 2016, the financial year is complete.

2. The monthly and year to date actual result is being compared to a budget based on the forecasted year end result provided by budget managers at the end of February. Any variances between the actual result and the forecast will be different to the variances shown in the Annual Report as the Annual Report will compare the actual result to the Budget included in the Long Term Plan. The budget from the LTP is shown in these reports as the Full Year Budget.

Overview

3. The financial commentary centres on the attached summary sheet which draws the totals from each of the key groups together. Commentary provided focuses on the year to date (YTD) results.

4. More detailed variance explanations for each group can be found in the attached detailed commentary report.

5. As part of the monthly review, Finance staff review the phasing/timing of the budgets with the budget manager and revise where appropriate. Where specific phasing of the budgets has not occurred, one twelfth of budgeted cost is the default to establish the monthly budget.

6. The financial tables include the forecasting data discussed at the Council’s April meeting. In summary:

· The monthly and annual budget columns are the phased full year projection.

· The FY Budget is the LTP budget for the year.

· The FY Projection is the forecasted year end result.

7. Staff will continue to refine the format of this report, with additional features being added to enhance the financial information given. Any feedback or suggestions on further amendments that could be made to this report are welcome.

8. At this meeting, staff will also give the committee an update on the position of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2016.

9. Results at a glance, compared to forecast year to date. Budget year to date is the phased forecast budget.

INCOME YTD				OPERATING EXPENDITURE YTD
Actual	Forecast	Budget	Act to Bgt	Actual	Forecast	Budget		Act to Bgt
$66.7M	$67.5M	$71.5M	7%	$51.4M	$54.3M	$51.9M		1%
Variance	$0.8M	$4M	$4.8M	Variance	$2.9M	($2.4M)		$0.5M
NET SURPLUS YTD				CAPITAL EXPENDITURE YTD
Actual	Forecast	Budget	Act to Bgt	Actual	Forecast	Budget		Act to Bgt
$15.3M	$13.2M	$19.6M	22%	$11.6M	$14.2M		$23.2M	50%
Variance	($2.1M)	$6.4M	$4.8M	Variance	$2.6M		$9M	$11.6M

10. In this interim financial report we will cover off the reasons for the variances described in this report. At a glance these variances for 2016-17 are as follows

Long Term Budget -----------à Projection ----------------à Actual

(LTP & Annual Report) (for Mgmt purposes) (Annual Report)

This report will discuss the variance in two parts tying back to the commentary made over the year in the monthly financial reports as follows

1) The Long Term Plan budget compared to the Projection which is shown as the “Full Year Budget Variance” in the reports.

2) The Actual results to date compared to the Projection shown as the “YTD Variance” in the reports.

At the meeting staff will update the committee on updates to the actual result since this report. This is primarily around the impact of revaluations, depreciation and the process of balancing up at year end.

Income

11. Overall for the YTD, income is 7% ($4.8M) under budget ($66.7M actual v $71.5M budget).

12. The forecasted income at the end of June was expected to be $4M lower than was budgeted in the LTP for these District activities. As noted in previous reports the reasons for projected income being $3.9m less than budget are

- $1.7M was due to less income expected from NZTA with the deferral of the sealing of the Scenic Route and the Mararoa Bridge. Additionally lower than budgeted bitumen prices were being paid.

- $2.9M reduction in grants and subsidies which relates to the Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.

- $0.4M from other revenue, which is predominately reduced income for building regulation and resource consent processing due to lower consents being received throughout the year.

- Increase in forestry income of $1.2M. This is to reflect gross returns, the budget currently reflects net returns.

13. The actual year end result to projection shows income to be $834k less than the projection for the following reasons

- An additional $1.74m reduction in NZTA revenue due to a lower work programme in roading than was originally budgeted as well as additional savings from lower bitumen prices, $1.74m.

- At this stage an increase in interest revenue of $251k however interest still needs to be allocated to reserves and development contributions. It is expected that once all allocations have been made interest will be on budget.

- Increase in gross forestry revenue of $780k compared to budget.

- Dog registrations revenue currently has income of approximately $80k that was received in June 2016 that needs to be moved to the balance sheet because it relates to 2016-2017.

- Reduction in consultant engineering costs of $150k resulting in less revenue required.

- Reduction in Work Scheme Income of $112k as a result of less work being completed overall due to having one less supervisor. This is partially offset by a reduction in staff costs and material purchases. At the end of June this activity has a net deficit of $19K, this will be funded from the reserve it has accumulated from previous years surpluses. The Department of Corrections have verbally advised Council that they will contribute $8,200 towards the 2016-17 year, no funds have been received for 2015-16.

14. Overall Forestry Revenue for the year before direct costs is $4m. All forestry operations planned at Dipton have been completed with net returns $332k higher than Council had budgeted in the Long Term Plan. This increase in return was due to the actual rate received per tonne ($61.27) being 21% higher than budgeted ($50.56). The number of tonnes milled was only 2% less than budgeted. All silviculture work planned was completed by the end of June.

Operating Expenditure

15. Overall for the YTD, operating expenditure is 1% ($0.5M) under budget ($51.4M actual v $51.9M budget).

16. The forecasted expenditure at the end of June was expected to be $2.4M higher than was budgeted in the LTP for these District activities due to

- Increased consultants costs and costs relating to the Appeal process for Around the Mountains Cycle Trail.

- District sewerage and water projects carried forward from previous years

- Additional forestry expenditure of $1.2M to reflect the invoices showing total revenue less expenses.

- Offset by reduced employee costs and the deferral of further significant work on the district plan in the current year.

17. The actual expenditure to 30 June compared to the projection was $2.9m less, with key variances noted below

- Within Other activities, Interest is currently $1.4m below budget however the allocation of interest to reserves and development contributions is still to occur. It is expected that it will be on budget when this is completed.

- Maintenance costs for roading is under budget $727k at year end. The explanation for this is given under the roading and transport commentary below.

- Due to anticipated reduced regulatory income, the regulatory business managers have consciously worked to minimise costs resulting in costs overall being $414k less at this stage.

Capital Expenditure

18. Overall for the YTD, capital expenditure is 50% ($11.6M) under budget ($11.6M actual v $23.2M budget).

19. The forecasted capital expenditure at the end of June was expected to be $9M lower than was budgeted in the LTP for these District activities due to

- The impact of the Around the Mountain Cycle trail hearing on the proposed completion of the project in this year ($3.6m).

- The decision to delay the review of the core data systems of council as well as the digitisation project ($1.44m). The balance of these projects has been included in the 16/17 Annual Plan.

- The deferral of the sealing of the Scenic Route and the Mararoa Bridge project ($3m).

- Deferring the Curio Bay sewerage scheme to 2016/17 ($815k). This has been included as part of the 2016/17 Annual Plan.

20. The actual expenditure to 30 June compared to the projection was $2.7m less, with key variances noted below

- A smaller roading programme than was planned for the year by $1.9m, further commentary is noted under Roading & Transport.

- $375k relates to a budgeted revaluation decrease. Although not shown in these accounts the actual forestry revaluation has resulted in an increase in value of $1.62m and the revaluation of carbon credits an increase of $963k.

- Included in public conveniences was a capital project to replace the Waikaia toilets, of $72,000 this was actually a grant made to the Switzers museum and shown through operating expenditure instead. Additionally a carry forward project of $90k for the toilets in Garston actually cost $53k, resulting in less expenditure of $37k. Toilets at Colac Bay, East end have yet to be completed $22k.

Roading and Transport

21. The seasonality of the capital works programme directly affects the level of income received from NZTA along with any changes to the programmed works. Overall roading costs were less than what was budgeted by $5.46m as detailed below. This has resulted in NZTA revenue also being less than budgeted. Next year Council receives 1% less funding of its costs from NZTA. Additionally from 2016/2017, Council will recover an element of its administration costs from submitting actual expenditure claims. For many years NZTA paid Council a 2.25% administration fee based on the total expenditure.

22. Operational expenditure is under budget at year end by $560k due mainly to planned data improvements not occuring due to lack of resources at MWH ($386k), plus other variations such as stock underpasses - minor improvements.

23. Capital expenditure is under budget at the end of the year by $4.9m. This variance is principally due to the Southern Scenic Route extension and the Mararoa Bridge projects being deferred to the 2016/2017 financial year ($2.97M). Additionally reseals are under budget $970k due to the reduced bitumen price, drainage renewals ($441k) which was moved from capital to maintenance, Minor Improvements ($430k), due to several bridge projects being started but not completed, various other capital expenditure, $118k.

24. Due to the deferral of projects and the reduction in the roading programme for the year, the roading business unit has a surplus of funds due to the collection of rates for the full roading programme. In the short term it is planned to reduce the roading loans in anticipation that next year as the programme undertakes the works that the loan will need to be redrawn upon.

25. Of the $5.46m underspend for the year, Council has had approval from NZTA to amend the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 budgets by $4.67m.

Balance Sheet

26. Council’s financial position as at 30 June 2016 is detailed below and is only for the activities of Council. The balance sheet as at 30 June 2015 represents the audited balance sheet for activities of Council and includes SIESA and Venture Southland.

27. At 30 June 2016, Council had $12M invested in three term deposits ranging from one to six month maturities.

The details at 30 June 2016 are:

Amount	Where Invested	Interest Rate	Term of Investment	Date of Expiry
$5,000,000	ANZ	3.08%	92 days	12 Sept 2016
$5,000,000	ASB	3.31%	183 days	30 Nov 2016
$2,000,000	Westpac	2.64%	35 days	15 July 2016

28. Funds on call are the result of Council rates received at the end of June and held to ensure there is enough cash available to meet commitments as they fall due.

Balance at 30 June	Where Invested	Interest Rate
$2,721,456	BNZ	0.85 %

29. External borrowings have still not been required, with internal funds being used to meet obligations for the year to date. The borrowings shown in current liabilities is the outstanding amount of assets funded by finance leases for computer equipment.

Recommendation

That the Council:

a) Receives the report titled “Interim Financial Report for the year ended 30 June 2016” dated 10 August 2016.

Attachments

a Summary Financial Report View

b Detailed Commentary View

[1] It should be noted that the sector specific findings are of a lower confidence rating than the findings for the business community as a whole due to the smaller sample size. Only very clear trends have been discussed and the possibility for sampling bias must be taken into account.

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

Chief Executive	Steve Ruru
Committee Advisor	Alyson Hamilton

Advantages	Disadvantages
· The Policy reflects the views of Southlanders, and will help to inform the decisions of the District Licensing Committee.	· Nil.

Advantages	Disadvantages
· Nil.	· Council has already resolved to have a LAP, and there is no reason not to make it operational.

Time	Submitter	Topics	Agenda Page
1.00pm	Jarrod True representing the New Zealand Racing Board	Draft Gambling Venue Policy and Draft TAB Venue Policy	26
1.10pm	Blair Hamilton	Ashton Flats Road Bylaw	28
1.20pm	Alan Leitch representing the Wyndham Angling Club	Ashton Flats Road Bylaw	30
1.30pm	SDC Officer Submission	Draft Signs and Objects on Roads and Footpaths Bylaw 2016	32

ENCOURAGING RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PRACTICES Best Practice	*Supporting Action*
Host Responsibility and Harm Minimisation Policy	The applicant has in place a Host Responsibility and Harm Minimisation Policy. The programme conforms to best practice as set out by national guidelines or standards should these become available.
Location of gaming machines	Electronic gaming machines sites should be located so that: • The facility is ancillary to a principal business and is not the primary purpose of the site. • The facility is separate from the area of the principal business so that the legal age limit of 18 can be observed and enforced.
Staff training programme or activities	The applicant demonstrates that staff and management are familiar with its Host Responsibility and Harm Minimisation Policy. The programme provides information on: • The potential effects of gambling on customers. • The identification of problem gambling traits. • The processes for approach, intervention and follow up for patrons with suspected problem gambling. • Identification practices for patrons appearing under 25 and actions to be followed. • Systems in place to support self barring. • Recognition of intoxicated patrons and steps to be followed to prevent intoxicated patrons from gambling. • Systems to be followed if children are left unattended in premises or nearby premises.
Policy on under age access to gambling machines	The licensee must ensure that appropriate signage is in place indicating age restrictions so that this is visible at every gambling machine and at the point(s) of entry into the gambling area. Policy on identification checks for patrons appearing under 25. Staff training on identification of patrons appearing under 25 and actions to be followed.
Provision of problem gambling information	The licensee must ensure that patrons have access to appropriate information on problem gambling and problem gambling help services. Gambling help line phone number information is placed on or near all gambling machines. Additional material on problem gambling and help services displayed in at least one other area within the premises, situated near to gambling machines.
Clocks are visible in premises	The licensee ensures that clocks are visible from gambling machines.
There is good visibility where gambling machines are located	Natural or artificial light illuminates the area where gambling machines are located at all times when machine are in operation.

Indicator	Target*	Actual	Variance	Compliance
External Funding: Non rateable income/Total income	> 39%	34%	-5%	x
Working Capital: Current Assets/Current Liabilities	>1.09	2.04	0.95	a
Debt Ratio:** Total Liabilities/Total Assets	<0.73%	0.83%	0.10%	x
Debt To Equity Ratio: Total Debt/Total Equity	<0.01%	0.00%	-0.01%	a

*Key*
	Largely on Track
	Monitoring
	Action Required

Financial Tracking vs Plans
YTD	Forecast	Annual Plan	NZTA Approved
*100%*	*97.64%*	*97.29%*	*95.04%*

Financial Tracking vs Plans
YTD	Forecast	Annual Plan	NZTA Approved
*100%*	*101%*	*90%*	*79%*

General subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Ground(s) under section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution
Settlement Agreement - 82 Balaclava Street, Wyndham	s7(2)(a) - The withholding of the information is necessary to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of a deceased person.	That the public conduct of the whole or the relevant part of the proceedings of the meeting would be likely to result in the disclosure of information for which good reason for withholding exists.