Agenda of Rangitāiki River Forum - Friday, 4 September 2020

Rangitāiki River Forum

Membership

Chairperson	Maramena Vercoe (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)
Deputy Chairperson	Te Waiti Rangiwai (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)
Tangata Whenua Member
One appointed representative each:
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa	Karito Paul (Alternate)
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare	Jose Miki (Alternate)
Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust	Clifford Te Riini Paora Hunia (Alternate)
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa	Miro Araroa Tuwhakairiora O'Brien (Alternate)
Hineuru Iwi Trust	Ivy Kahukiwa Smith
Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua	Ngapera Rangiaho
Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa	Whakaeke Ritete Ngatoru Wall (Alternate)
Council Members
One appointed members each:
Whakatāne District Council	Cr Alison Silcock Cr Wilson James (Alternate)
Taupō District Council	Cr Kylie Leonard Cr Anna Park (Alternate)
Up to five appointed members:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council	Cr Bill Clark Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti Cr Stacey Rose Cr Kevin Winters
Quorum	Three iwi members and three Council members and must include a Ngāti Whare member and a Ngāti Manawa member.
Meeting frequency	Quarterly

Other iwi and local authorities through consensus of the Forum, may join the Forum.

Purpose

The purpose of the Forum as set out in Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012 and the Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012 is the the protection and enhancement of the environmental, cultural, and spiritual health and wellbeing of the Rangitāiki River and its resources, for the benefit of present and future generations.

Rangitāiki River Forum’s scope covers the geographical area of the Rangitāiki River Catchment including the Rangitāiki River’ Whirinaki River, Wheao River and Horomanga River as shown on deed plan OTS-095-024.

This is a permanent joint committee under the Local Government Act 2002 and co-governance partnership between local authorities and iwi that share an interest in the Rangitāiki River and must not be discharged unless all of the appointing organisations agree to the discharge.

Role

· Prepare and approve the Rangitāiki River Document for eventual recognition by the Regional Policy Statement, Regional Plans and District Plans. See Figure 1 Rangitāiki River Document Recognition Process for RPS.

· Promote the integrated and coordinated management of the Rangitāiki River.

· Engage with and provide advice to:

§ Local Authorities on statutory and non-statutory processes that affect the Rangitāiki River, including under the Resource Management Act 1991.

§ Crown agencies that exercise functions in relation to the Rangitāiki River.

· Monitor the extent to which the purpose of the Rangitāiki River Forum is being achieved including the implementation and effectiveness of the Rangitāiki River Document.

· Gather information, disseminate information and hold meetings

· Take any other action that is related to achieving the purpose of the Forum.

Ngāti Whare Deed of Settlement

5.49 The Crown and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare acknowledge and agree that:

5.49.1 the parties are yet to finalise discussions in relation to a framework for the effective participation of Ngāti Whare in the management of the Rangitāiki River;

5.49.2 following the signing of this Deed the parties will continue to discuss a framework that provides for the effective participation of Ngāti Whare in the management of the Rangitāiki River (“Rangitāiki River management framework”), with the objective of improving the health and wellbeing and sustainable use of the river;

5.49.3 the discussions in relation to the Rangitāiki River management framework will:

a. be undertaken in good faith, honour and integrity and will reflect the wider commitments set out in the Deed of Settlement;

b. be undertaken in accordance with an agreed programme for further engagement and completed by the date of the introduction of the Settlement Legislation;

c. where appropriate, reflect a catchment wide and integrated approach to management of the Rangitāiki River and its resources;

d. reflect the need to recognise and provide for the interests of other iwi, local authorities, and other entities with interests or statutory roles in relation to the Rangitāiki River;

e. develop a programme for engagement with other iwi, local authorities, and other entities with interests or statutory roles in relation to the Rangitāiki River; and

f. allow for the Rangitāiki River management framework to be incorporated in the Settlement Legislation as necessary either at the time of introduction to Parliament or by way of a Supplementary Order Paper.

5.49.4 the discussions will be based on:

a. Ngāti Whare’s principles, to be agreed with the Crown, regarding the Rangitāiki River;

b. as appropriate, the principles of other iwi with interests in relation to the Rangitāiki River as agreed with the Crown;

c. the need to protect the integrity of existing statutory frameworks; and

d. the need to ensure consistency and fairness between settlements.

Ngāti Manawa Deed of Settlement

5.40 The Crown and Ngāti Manawa acknowledge and agree that:

5.40.1 the parties are yet to finalise the redress for the effective participation of Ngāti Manawa in the management of the Rangitāiki River;

5.40.2 following the signing of this deed the parties will continue to discuss a framework that provides for the effective participation of Ngāti Manawa in the management of the Rangitāiki River (the “Rangitāiki River management framework”), with the objective of improving the health and best use of the river;

5.40.3 the discussions will be based on:

a. Ngāti Manawa’s principles regarding the Rangitāiki River as set out in clause 5.41;

b. the need to protect the integrity of existing statutory frameworks; and

c. the need to ensure consistency and fairness between settlements;

5.40.4 the discussions will:

a. be undertaken in good faith, honour and integrity and will reflect the commitments set out in the deed of settlement;

b. be undertaken in accordance with an agreed programme for further engagement and completed by the date of the introduction of the settlement legislation;

c. reflect the need to recognise and provide for the interests of other iwi, local authorities, and other entities with interests or statutory roles in relation to the Rangitāiki River;

d. develop a programme for engagement with other iwi, local authorities, and other entities with interests or statutory roles in relation to the Rangitāiki River; and

e. allow for the Rangitāiki River management framework to be incorporated in the settlement legislation as necessary either at the time of introduction to Parliament or by way of a Supplementary Order Paper.

Decision Making

The Forum must make its decisions by a vote at a meeting and must seek to achieve consensus, be consistent with and reflect the purpose of the Forum and acknowledge the interests of iwi in particular parts of the Rangitāiki and its catchments.

Power to Act

The Forum has the discretion to determine in any particular circumstance whether to exercise any function identified and to what extent any function identified is exercised.

Power to Recommend

To the partner organisations on any matters within the Forum’s delegated role as it deems appropriate.

Rangitāiki River Forum members report directly to their respective organisations.

Rangitāiki River Forum 4 September 2020

Recommendations in reports are not to be construed as Council policy until adopted by Council.

Rārangi Take
Agenda

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Prayer

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

3. Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

4. Ngā Take Tōmuri
Items not on the Agenda

5. Raupapa o Ngā Take
Order of Business

6. Whakapuakanga o Ngā Take Whai Taha-Rua
Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

7. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Ngā Meneti a Ngā Komiti
Minutes to be Confirmed

7.1 Rangitaiki River Forum Minutes - 5 June 2020 1

8. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

8.1 Forum Members Verbal Updates

This item is an opportunity for Forum members to provide a verbal update on relevant activities and matters of interest.

8.2 Rangitaiki River Forum Covid-19 Contingency Plan

Presented by: Te Waiti Rangiwai, Forum Deputy Chair

An item for initial discussion and consideration.

9. Whakaaturanga
Presentations

9.1 Proposed Walkway around Lake Aniwaniwa

Presented by: Cr Alison Silcock

9.2 Renewal of Non-Scheme Waterway Management Consent

Presented by: Hemi Barsdell, Rivers and Drainage Asset Management Specialist

9.3 Creating fish nursery and rearing habitat on river margins

Presented by: Mieke Kapa, Land Management Officer (Eastern), Peter Ellery (Contractor) and Andrew Pawson, Area Engineer (Rivers and Drainage)

Presentation to tautoko a paper written by Peter Ellery and Mieke Kapa that describes the methods to create fish habitat on river and stream edges. In addition Andrew Pawson will describe methods used by Rivers and Drainage to create habitat while protecting river margins.

Attachment 1 - Creating fish nursery and rearing habitat on stopbank margins, July 2020 1

9.4 Rangitāiki River Wetlands project update

Presented by: Michelle Archer and Morag McKenzie (Place Group), Ismael Mitai and Clifford Merriman (Waikakariki Ltd)

Presenters will provide an update on the Rangitāiki River Wetlands restoration project in Murupara.

10. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

10.1 Forum Membership Appointment 1

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

10.2 Implementation for the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 1

Attachment 1 - Te Hononga Regional Maori Engagement Plan FINAL 1

Attachment 2 - Iwi and Hapu Interests and Values in Fresh Water Document 1

10.3 Rangitaiki Integrated Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2020/2021 1

Attachment 1 - Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2020/2021 1

11. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Update

11.1 Glass Eel Study on the Rangitāiki River - 2020 Preliminary Sampling Results

Presented by: Dr Eimear Egan, Freshwater Fish Ecologist & Siobhan Nuri, PhD Masters student, NIWA

12. Ngā Take Tōmuri Hei Whakaaroaro
Consideration of Items not on the Agenda

13. Karakia Kati
Closing Prayer



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	4 September 2020
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Micah Butt, Senior Maori Resource Management Advisor
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To outline upcoming shifts in response to implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020.

Implementation for the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

On 5 August 2020 the Government gazetted the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) and added further amendments to the policy.

This paper provides:

· An overview on the key changes to the NPSFM that are relevant to the Rangitāiki River Forum (RRF); and

· Indicates the forward work programme resulting from the changes to the NPSFM; and

· Seeks Guidance from RRF about their involvement and role in this work.

One key requirement is to fully implement the new NPSFM 2020 for the whole region by December 2024.

With the scale of the work ahead and the dynamic regional iwi landscape, Toi Moana has designed an approach to involve tangata whenua that recognises the obligations placed on Toi Moana to implement the NPSFM and the contribution of tangata whenua through enhanced involvement. This approach is set out in Te Hononga: Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Māori Relationships and Engagement Plan for the implementation of the NPSFM 2020.

Te Hononga presents several possible collaborative options of working alongside tangata whenua. How Toi Moana engages and works with tangata whenua is critical to the successful implementation of the NPSFM.

This paper seeks guidance from the RRF on how they wish to participate in the mahi involved in implementing the NPSFM and also in the review of the Regional Natural Resources Plan (water and land sections) and implementation of the new NPSFM 2020.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Implementation for the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

2 Provides guidance on preferences for involvement in the engagement approaches outlined in Te Hononga.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

In September 2019 the Government initiated consultation on the Action for Healthy Waterways package designed to:

· Stop further degradation of New Zealand’s freshwater resources and improve water quality within five years.

· Reverse past damage and bring New Zealand’s freshwater resources, waterways and ecosystems to a healthy state within a generation.

The RRF considered the freshwater proposals in September 2019 and made a submission to the Government on the Action for Healthy Waterways package.

On 28 May 2020 the Government made decisions on the Action for Healthy Waterways package, which will result in:

· RMA Amendments

· An amended National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020

· A new National Environmental Standard for Freshwater

· New RMA s.360 regulations

· Amendments to the Resource Management (Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes) Regulations 2010.

This paper focusses on key changes for implementing the amended NPSFM 2020 relevant to role and function of the RRF.

One major change will be a requirement to fully implement the NPSFM 2020 no later than 31 December 2024.

Key policy provisions in the new NPSFM 2020 with respect to kaupapa Māori include:

· Introduction of a hierarchy of obligations with respect to the application of Te Mana o Te Wai. The hierarchy sets the first priority as the health and well-being of waterbodies and freshwater ecosystems; second, the essential needs of the people; and third, the ability of people and communities to provide for their social, economic, and cultural well-being, now and in the future.

· Regional councils must include an objective in their regional policy statement that gives effect to Te Mana o Te Wai.

· A Vision statement with respect to Te Mana o Te Wai which reflects the local context.

· Introduction of a new compulsory value, Mahinga Kai that will require a collaborative or partnership approach with Maori to identify values and associated attributes to monitor those values.

· Strengthened direction relating to the involvement of iwi and hapū.

Further information including a summary of government’s decisions, an information sheet for iwi / Māori, the cabinet papers and summary of submissions are available on the MfE website.

2. Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki – Pathways of the Rangitāiki

The Forum has set out the vision, objectives, and desired outcomes for the Rangitāiki River in Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki Pathways of the Rangitāiki, which is now recognised and provided for in the Regional Policy Statement (in October 2018). On 6 September 2019, the Forum has adopted the vision ‘Te Mana o Te Wai’ and the mission ‘Te Reo o te wai – Te Mana’. The vision (Wawata) and objectives of the River Document, Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki were inclusive and complimentary to the concepts. In alignment with the Forum’s view, Te Mana o Te Wai is further explained and strengthened in the NPSFM 2020.

Albeit further work will be required to implement the NPSFM 2020 for the Rangitāiki Catchment, there is already a firm direction set by the river document.

3. Te Hononga

Te Hononga: The Regional Māori Engagement Plan for Implementing the NPSFM (2020) (Attachment 1) is Toi Moana’s Māori Engagement Plan for the NPSFM 2020 Implementation Programme. It has been informed by engagement on the current plan changes, Long Term Plan (LTP) submissions, Komiti Māori hui, surveys and the requirements of the draft NPSFM provisions. Te Hononga provides direction on what must be considered to involve tangata whenua.

The majority of tangata whenua groups expect kanohi ki te kanohi or face to face meetings with Toi Moana staff in the initial stages to understand the requirements of the NPSFM 2020. Early discussions with tangata whenua will guide Toi Moana on how engagement should be undertaken based on the options presented in Te Hononga.

The practicalities of implementation are, however, constrained by the Government imposed timeframe and size of the work program.

Te Hononga sets out potential approaches to work with tangata whenua, and for tangata whenua to express their preference for how they would like to be involved. Each option can be combined with others, or, as a singular approach to engagement and include:

• Kaitiaki Reference Groups (specialist practitioners)

These include practitioners and iwi technical groups or individuals who can provide advice on the application of mātauranga Māori and offer solutions on how it may be applied in the planning and policy framework.

• Taiao Hubs

Similar to the Kaitiaki Reference Groups described above, in this case Toi Moana staff would work with tangata whenua at either a regional or sub-regional level.

• Collectives

There are iwi who have close whakapapa associations and share similar issues that may choose to collaborate as a collective.

• Sub-Regional Hui

Sub-regional hui provide opportunity to raise the awareness of the RNRP review and NPSFM work on a larger scale. Not as effective as some of the other options, but can include a broader range of interests.

• Consultants

Consultants, working on behalf of iwi, or for Toi Moana, can be an effective and efficient way of undertaking a large amount of work. They can take pressure off iwi representatives and Toi Moana staff resources that may be needed for other work.

• Co-governance and Komiti Māori

Komiti Māori has large regional networks and long held associations with tangata whenua. Tasked with providing direction on the engagement approach, this committee provides an additional strategic lens at the local and regional levels.

The Rangitāiki River Forum (RRF), Te Maru o Kaituna (TMoK) and Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (RTALSG) are statutory entities established via Treaty settlement legislation. Toi Moana will seek guidance from co-governance entities on what their preferences for involvement are.

4. NPSFM 2020 Implementation

4.1 Key Shifts

Toi Moana will consider the latest amendments in detail and the work that will be required at its November 2020 Strategy and Policy Committee meeting. Key aspects of the policy are summarised in Table 1.

Table 1 - Key matters to be considered for the NPSFM Implementation and RNRP review work programme.

Proposal
Plan changes One RPS change and one RNRP plan change notified no later than 31 December 2024.
Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP) review Include review of the RNRP (land and water sections).
Apply consistent technical and planning methods and approaches across the region, to support Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) based setting of values, objectives, limits and, where necessary, methods.
Data/information and modelling Apply the information, data and models we already have. Rely on simple models and expert advice where necessary.
Komiti Māori and Co-governance advice on matters relevant to their authority Komiti Māori receive reports relating to involvement of iwi/hapū and Kaupapa Māori planning topics. Co-governance bodies receive reports on involvement of iwi /hapū, Kaupapa Māori planning topics, and Water Management Area (WMA) work in their jurisdictional area and relevant to their purpose & functions and statutory documents.
Reporting to Committees and Co-governance Report on key policy decision matters only, given the breadth of work to be delivered.
Community Engagement Intensive public and key stakeholder engagement on draft issues, options and plan changes (2023). Communication and information sharing by e-newsletters and web-pages. Territorial Local Authorities Forum provides and avenue for early advice and review. Regional Water Advisory Panel as avenue for industry and non-government organisations to provide early advice and review.

Proposal

Plan changes

One RPS change and one RNRP plan change notified no later than 31 December 2024.

Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP) review

Include review of the RNRP (land and water sections).

Apply consistent technical and planning methods and approaches across the region, to support Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) based setting of values, objectives, limits and, where necessary, methods.

Data/information and modelling

Apply the information, data and models we already have. Rely on simple models and expert advice where necessary.

Komiti Māori and Co-governance advice on matters relevant to their authority

Komiti Māori receive reports relating to involvement of iwi/hapū and Kaupapa Māori planning topics.

Co-governance bodies receive reports on involvement of iwi /hapū, Kaupapa Māori planning topics, and Water Management Area (WMA) work in their jurisdictional area and relevant to their purpose & functions and statutory documents.

Reporting to Committees and Co-governance

Report on key policy decision matters only, given the breadth of work to be delivered.

Community Engagement

Intensive public and key stakeholder engagement on draft issues, options and plan changes (2023).

Communication and information sharing by e-newsletters and web-pages.

Territorial Local Authorities Forum provides and avenue for early advice and review.

Regional Water Advisory Panel as avenue for industry and non-government organisations to provide early advice and review.

4.2 Kaupapa Māori Mahi

Implementation of the NPSFM 2020 will require a set of deliverables to ensure tangata whenua values and the associated tributes are integrated through analysis and policy development. In regard to the key kaupapa Māori provisions in the NPSFM 2020, the following table provides an indicative outline of the kaupapa Māori work programme.

Table 2 - Indicative Kaupapa Māori Components

Topic	Description
Set Water Quality Limits and Manage According to National Objectives Framework (NOF) attributes	Gain an understanding of how a contaminant level, or other related freshwater quality characteristic impacts cultural values.
Set Water Quantity Limits	Find ways of linking water levels in rivers and streams to cultural values, i.e., express how cultural values are affected by modified river flows.
Develop More Appropriate Frameworks for freshwater management	Discussions need to consider the following points: · Te Mana o Te Wai - work on how Te Mana o Te Wai shapes policy as it will affect all aspects of freshwater management. Communities will have a critical role in shaping a regional perspective on Te Mana o Te Wai. · The Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP) will be reviewed including the Kaitiakitanga section and content relevant to water and land. All parts of the plan need to be considered together.
Holistically Monitor	Toi Moana’s monitoring programme is informed by conventional science. The NPSFM requires us to incorporate mātauranga Māori into the monitoring program. Tangata whenua will play a central role on how mātauranga will be integrated into the planning and policy framework.
Involve in Freshwater Management	The NPSFM 2020 reflects the governments recognition of the relationship tangata whenua have with freshwater bodies and the requirement to enhance their involvement in the design and engagement process.

Responding to the timeframes

The NPSFM will still require Freshwater Management Units (FMUs) to be identified based on identification of values and objective setting. Community engagement will continue to be undertaken at a localised Water Management Area (WMA) scale. Successful implementation of the NPSFM will require understanding of local values and aspirations of tangata whenua, and of the wider community. However, achievement of the bottom lines set out in the NPSFM must also be incorporated.

Implications for Current Freshwater Plan Change 12 and Proposed Plan Change 9 to the RNRP.

A region wide approach is now being considered to implement the NPSFM 2020 in the timeframe set. A key shift is there will likely be one RPS change and one RNRP plan change notified no later than 31 December 2024 rather than changes for each of the Water Management Areas. This means that Proposed Plan Change 12 (PC 12) will not likely proceed in its current form and will be integrated into changes to be notified in 2024. The visions in the river documents are embedded in the RPS and will guide and inform the setting of visions now required under the NPSFM.

The Region-wide Water Quantity Proposed Plan Change 9 (PC 9) was designed as an interim measure that would ‘hold the line’ on water quantity management until the confirmation National Policy Statement of Freshwater Management 2020 which was formally released on 5 August 2020. Toi Moana formally resolved to withdraw PC 9 on 18 February 2020.

The NPSFM 2020 will supersede any provisions established via PC 9 in particular the role of Te Mana o Te Wai. Toi Moana had always intended to address those issues as part of the next stage of its freshwater planning once the national policy direction is clear.

To this end Toi Moana has developed Te Hononga, as described above in section 2 and this is based on best practice identified by tangata whenua reflecting on PC 9 engagement to ensure that tangata whenua have a meaningful role in the setting of regional freshwater policy.

5. Information and Reporting to RRF

Co-governance bodies in the Bay of Plenty region including RRF each have legislated scope and functions which interface with the RNRP review and NPSFM Implementation work programme. Some entities have river documents, which in time will all be recognised and provided for in the RPS. The status of these documents are such that Toi Moana has an obligation to ensure that the objectives and desired outcomes are recognised and provided for in any plan changes relevant to the particular awa.

Toi Moana seeks to ensure that critical information and the opportunities afforded in this kaupapa align with responsibilities outlined in the relevant Treaty Settlement legislation and terms of reference underpinning the co-governance entities. For RRF these include:

· To promote the integrated and coordinated management of the Rangitāiki River.

· To engage with and provide advice to Local Authorities on statutory and non-statutory processes and also to Crown Agencies that exercise functions in relation to the Rangitāiki River.

· To monitor the extent to which the Forum is achieving its purpose including the implementation and the effectiveness of the Rangitāiki River Document.

· To gather information, to disseminate information and to hold meetings.

Given the potential complexities ahead it is important that the way we work is agile and adaptable, and that communication is open and clear to ensure efficient use of time and resources for both RRF and Toi Moana.

To this end Toi Moana seeks agreement from RRF on the way we work together through the RNRP review and NPSFM implementation process. Toi Moana staff recommend information and reporting outlined below:

· Informal regular updates are provided by way of an email newsletter;

· Key papers that will go to the Toi Moana Strategy and Policy Committee for decisions relevant to the Rangitāiki River and its tributaries, are brought to RRF first for advice and recommendations to the Strategy and Policy Committee. This will include policy papers relating specifically to the Rangitaiki co-governance framework area. For other topics, the Strategy and Policy Committee papers can simply be provided to RRF for their information as requested.

6. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

6.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

This paper signals key shifts required for Toi Moana’s NPSFM Implementation and RNRP review work programme. Now the NPSFM 2020 has been gazetted, Toi Moana staff will hone the work programme which will be considered before making decisions on changes to the programme at the Strategy and Policy meeting in November.

6.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and there is no need to consider climate change impacts at this stage. Climate change considerations will be factored into the RNRP review and NPSFM implementation work programme.

6.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

This paper provides advice and information on Toi Moana’s plan to engage with Māori on the RNRP review and NPSFM implementation programme. How Toi Moana engages and works with tangata whenua is critical to the successful implementation of the NPSFM and review of the RNRP. Please refer to Te Hononga (attached) and the above sections.

6.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

One of the key focusses of this paper is possible options for engagement with Māori which precedes engagement with wider community stakeholders. RPS and RNRP changes will require wider community engagement which will be developed as part of the programme.

6.5 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications.

7. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Gazetting of the NPSFM will now require Toi Moana staff to further consider key shifts in the RNRP review and NPSFM Implementation work programme. Staff will prepare a more detailed Māori engagement plan for the region/sub-regions as soon as possible, following discussions with iwi.

Toi Moana will report back to RRF for advice and recommendations before key decisions are made.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Te Hononga Regional Maori Engagement Plan FINAL ⇩

Attachment 2 - Iwi and Hapu Interests and Values in Fresh Water Document ⇩



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	4 September 2020
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Charles Harley, Team Leader Eastern Catchments
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	The purpose of this report is to inform the Rangitāiki River Forum of the Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2020/2021.

Rangitaiki Integrated Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2020/2021

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme coordinates and integrates work in the Rangitāiki River catchment. It covers all significant activities (both projects and ongoing work) carried out by Taupō District Council, Whakatāne District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council, pertaining to the Rangitāiki catchment.

The annual work plan describes the Programme projects and how they connect to the Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki – Pathways of the Rangitaiki, budgets and deliverables for the 2020/2021 financial year.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Rangitaiki Integrated Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2020/2021.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme was established in 2014/2015 to deliver on the community’s expectations for the health of the Rangitāiki River and to support the Rangitāiki River Strategy, Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki – Pathways of the Rangitāiki. The programme coordinates, prioritises and delivers on all the work of Whakatāne District Council, Taupō District Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council related to the river catchment.

2. 2020/2021 Annual Work Plan

The Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme Annual Work Plan 2020/2021 is attached. The work has been approved through the three council’s Long Term Plans.

The annual work plan describes projects, budgets and deliverables for the next financial year, including where the Councils will be working in relation to the actions of Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki.

Priorities for this year’s programme include:

· Whakatāne District Council – Wastewater Investigations

· Taupō District Council District Plan Review.

· Continue improving fish passage through culverts and fish surveys.

· Continue to implement the Rangitaiki Wetlands Restoration Project.

· Work with landowners to protect water quality particularly for the new Focus Catchment area of the upper Rangitāiki/Otangimoana.

· Implement the NPS and NES for Freshwater; which also deliver actions within Te Ara Whānui o Rangitaiki – Pathways to the Rangitāiki.

· Regional Council surveillance and control of dama wallabies and control of alligator weed and wilding conifer sites with the Rangitaiki Catchment.

· Review the Regional Council’s Floodway and Drainage Bylaw 2008, undertake Stages 6 and 7 of the Rangitāiki Floodway project.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

Regional Council’s engineering work helps cope with the effects of climate change, for example the Rangitaiki floodway builds climate change resilience. Climate change considerations will be factored in to the implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and Regional Natural Resources Plan.

3.2 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

As the Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme is integrated into the Rangitāiki River Strategy, Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki – Pathways of the Rangitāiki, Rangitāiki River Forum member organisations are involved in the programme allowing an adaptive and collaborative approach to managing the river catchment.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

The Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme Annual Report 2020/2021 will be presented to the Rangitāiki River Forum in September 2021. The report will outline the results of the work plan for 2020/2021.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2020/2021 ⇩