This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'Contract(s) between Agite Consulting Ltd and Wellington City Council'.
Outlook
RE: PO approval for Matai Moana
From Liam Hodgetts <[email address]>
Date Wed 04/12/2024 1:53 PM
To
Phil Becker <[email address]>; Katrina Gaston <[email address]>
Cc
Moana Mackey <[email address]>; Nikki Wake <[email address]>
Ok so that is helpful. So effectively they have a current resolution that confirms where we are heading. Great.
You can proceed.
 
One thing to consider however is that very few if any were around back then so what is the plan to take
Council through this. I would not like to get this launched on them at the Marae.
 
Is a briefing paper or briefing prior something we should consider?  
 
Ngā mihi
 
Liam Hodgetts
Tātai Heke Maherehere | Chief Planning Officer | Wellington City Council
Planning and Environment
 
From: Phil Becker <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 12:18 PM
To: Katrina Gaston <[email address]>; Liam Hodgetts <[email address]>
Cc: Moana Mackey <[email address]>; Nikki Wake <[email address]>
Subject: RE: PO approval for Matai Moana
 
Hi Liam
 
out of scope

out of scope
Agite’s work is instrumental in setting up that assurance communication, including the strategic case for the
proposed future of the land and accompanying strategic communications plan.
 
Ngā mihi
Phil
 
 
From: Katrina Gaston <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 9:08 AM
To: Liam Hodgetts <[email address]>
Cc: Phil Becker <[email address]>; Moana Mackey <[email address]>; Nikki Wake
<[email address]>
Subject: Re: PO approval for Matai Moana
 
Hi Liam,
 
The 74ha site is zoned Natural Open Space under the district plan. If Councillors approve the proposal to
jointly manage the site as a reserve, the land will be transferred to DoC and vest as a split of historic or
recreation reserve under the Reserve Act, so the existing zoning is suitable. See the site boundary on the map
below (red is site boundary):
 




 
 
I’ve also attached a PowerPoint with more context and information on the draft proposal for your reference.
 
Could you confirm that you approve Raphael Hilborn’s (Agite) proposal to support this mahi?
 
 
Ngā mihi nui,
 
Katrina (Trina) Gaston

Delivery Development Manager | City Development | Wellington City Council
P She/Her  s7(2)(a)
 E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz 
 
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that confidentiality and not disclose, copy or
make use of its contents. If received in error you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender
immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.
 



 
 
 
 
From: Liam Hodgetts <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 8:45:42 AM
To: Katrina Gaston <[email address]>
Cc: Phil Becker <[email address]>; Moana Mackey <[email address]>
Subject: Re: PO approval for Matai Moana
 
Thanks this is very exciting. What’s Council position for the future zoning of the land? 
 
Liam Hodgetts
Tātai Heke Maherehere | Chief Planning Officer | Planning & Environment Group | Wellington City Council
| M  +64 27 836 1476 | E  [email address]  | WWellington.govt.nz |  Facebook|  Twitter
 
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that confidentiality and not disclose, copy or make use of its
contents.  If received in error you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender immediately. Your assistance is
appreciated.
 
From: Katrina Gaston <[email address]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 7:30:50 AM
To: Liam Hodgetts <[email address]>
Cc: Phil Becker <[email address]>; Moana Mackey <[email address]>
Subject: PO approval for Matai Moana
 
Kia ora Liam,
 
This memo seeks your approval to procure Agite Consulting to support the development of the strategic case
and communications and engagement plan that, in turn, supports the development of a proposal to establish
Matai Moana as a reserve.
 
Matai Moana is being positioned as a reserve of immense cultural, historical, and recreational importance to
Taranaki Whānui, the Wel ington community, and the nation. The area has long served as a gateway into the
harbour, encompassing numerous sites of significance, including pā and wāhi tapu, early European farming
settlements, and military landmarks. These features col ectively establish the site as a place of both regional
and national importance.
 
Taranaki Whānui has proposed that the land be transferred from LINZ to the Department of Conservation and
vested as a reserve under the Reserves Act. Joint management of the reserve by Taranaki Whānui and
Wel ington City Council is envisioned and supported by DOC. An independent tripartite entity representing the
partnership wil  be established to facilitate representation and decision-making across the stakeholders.
 
Several workstreams are underway to deliver this initiative. The parties have agreed to each contribute
financial y and in kind to deliver their respective work packages.
 
A strategic communications and engagement plan that reflects the cultural significance and sensitivities of the
initiative has been agreed by the parties as being instrumental in establishing a strong partnership coupled
with transparent decision-making. Production of this plan by an independent provider ensures a non-partisan
approach to its development and, in turn, establishes a strong foundation for the independent entity. 
 
 
Raphael Hilborn from Agite Consulting is identified as highly experienced and uniquely positioned for this
work, with experience in projects requiring joint representation (Tamaki Regeneration Company - developing



its core narrative), and has the confidence of the parties. Raphael’s involvement would establish a strong
strategic position for Matai Moana, and support creating an independent identity and narrative for the site
that will support the proposal for Councillors determination.
 
Notwithstanding that WCC lacks the in-house skillset to develop the type of narrative required, engaging Agite
Consulting will also alleviate internal capacity constraints, enabling WCC to maintain progress without
requiring the appointment of a project manager. Agite’s expertise, capacity, and independence will ensure
high-quality outcomes within the project timeline.
 
A letter of offer to the amount of $30,000 has been received from Agite Consulting. The funding for their
proposal is proposed to be drawn from either the City Development operational budget, as the Matai Moana
operational budget should be reserved for future onsite management and maintenance following the
Councillor's approval. The shared cost/resource approach sees the Crown and other partners covering other
project expenses, such as surveying, ensuring a fair distribution of costs. This approach allows WCC to
optimise its funding allocations and preserve the operational budget for site management for its critical
purposes.
 
Agite Consulting has the:
Capacity to deliver within the required timeframe, noting the external pressures to progress this
opportunity;
Capability to develop a compelling strategic case and communications aligning with all parties'
interests;
Independence to facilitate transparent processes and decision-making; and
Relevant experience in complex, multi-stakeholder projects like Matai Moana.
 
For your reference, please see the attached proposal detailing the scope of work and associated costs. I trust
this proposal aligns with our objectives to develop the Matai Moana opportunity, and I look forward to your
approval.
 
Please let me know if you require further details.
 
Ngā mihi nui,
 
Katrina (Trina) Gaston

Delivery Development Manager | City Development | Wellington City Council
P She/Her |s7(2)(a)
 E [email address] | W Wellington.govt.nz 
 
The information contained in this email is privileged and confidential and intended for the addressee only.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are asked to respect that confidentiality and not disclose, copy or
make use of its contents. If received in error you are asked to destroy this email and contact the sender
immediately. Your assistance is appreciated.