Agenda of Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Membership

Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson)	Sir Toby Curtis
Deputy Chairperson (appointed by Group)	Mayor Steve Chadwick (Rotorua Lakes Council)
Members
Two representative from each of the partner Councils one of whom must be the Chair/Mayor:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council	Chairman Doug Leeder Cr Kevin Winters Cr Te Taru White (Alternate)
Rotorua Lakes Council	Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson To be confirmed (Alternate)
Governance representatives from Te Arawa Lakes Trust	Roana Bennett Nuki Nicholson Rangitihi Pene (Alternate)
Observer from the Ministry for the Environment	Martin Workman (Director Water)
Quorum	One appointed member from each of the partner organisations
Meeting frequency	Quarterly

Purpose

To contribute to the promotion of the sustainable management of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and their catchments, for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, while recognising and providing for the traditional relationship of Te Arawa with their ancestral lakes.

Role

· Provide leadership to the organisations and the community in relation to implementation of the Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua District originally adopted in 2000 and refreshed version adopted by the Strategy Group in 2013.

· Identify significant existing and emerging issues affecting the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and respond appropriately.

· Approve, monitor, evaluate, and review agreements, policies and strategies and all other proposals to achieve integrated outcomes for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes.

· Identify, monitor, and evaluate necessary actions by the partner organisations and other relevant organisations.

· Receive reports on activities being undertaken by the partner organisations and other relevant organisations.

· Participate in the preparation of statutory plans in relation to significant issues. Such plans include but are not limited to Iwi and hapū management plans, district and regional plans, reserve management plans and annual plans.

· Participate in applications for activities in relation to significant issues not addressed by existing policies of the partner organisations. Such activities include but are not limited to resource consents, designations, heritage orders, water conservation orders, restricting access to the lakes (during special events or in particular circumstances), and transferring and/or delegating of statutory authority.

Strategy Group Procedures

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group is a permanent joint committee established under the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act 2006 (Te Arawa Lakes Deed of Settlement - Cultural Redress: Lakes Management and Relationships, clauses 9.1 to 9.3 - December 2004) and is not disestablished as a consequence of a Local Government election.

The Group’s Terms of Reference are derived from the Rotorua Lakes Strategy Agreement included in Part 1 of the Relationship Schedule to the Deed of Settlement, December 2004.

Meanings:

“Organisations” means the Te Arawa Lakes Trust, the Rotorua Lakes Council, and the
Bay of Plenty Regional Council; sometimes referred to as “Partner Organisations”.

“Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes” means Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu, Rotomā, Ōkataina, Tikitapu, Ōkāreka, Tarawera, Rotomahana, Rerewhakaaitu, Ōkaro.

“Group” means the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group, formed as a Joint Committee under Clause 30 of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002; sometimes referred to as the “Strategy Group”.

Membership

· The non-voting Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson) is appointed by the members for a three year term in alignment with the Local Government triennium and is to be reviewed and confirmed at the first meeting of the Group following the Local Government elections.

· The Poū Tākiwaiora is not deemed to be a member of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group for the purposes of a quorum.

· The Poū Tākiwaiora shall assume the role and responsibilities as defined in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Poū Tākiwaiora Guidelines.

· The Deputy Chairperson shall be appointed from the membership at the first meeting of the Group following the Local Government elections.

Quorum*

The special quorum for a meeting of the Group will be four members of the Group.

In the event that the ordinary quorum is not satisfied at three consecutive meetings of the Group in circumstances, where in the case of each such meeting:

· It was notified in accordance with the Standing Orders;

· Order papers were sent to each member of the Group in accordance with the Standing Orders; and

· The meeting had not been cancelled for any reason, then the members in attendance may declare the third meeting inquorate according to the Standing Orders and the special quorum will then be substituted.

At any subsequent meeting, the ordinary quorum will be restored.

No matters that were not on the order paper for the meeting at which the special quorum was established can be considered by a special quorum meeting.

Power to Act

To make all decisions necessary to fulfil the role of the Strategy Group subject to the limitations imposed.

Each Council participating in a joint initiative will fund its own proportion of that joint initiative as determined by the Joint Committee.

Power to Recommend

To the partner organisations on any matters within the Strategy Group’s delegated functions as it deems appropriate.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group report directly to their respective organisations.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes

5 August 2020

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Wednesday 5 August 2020, 9:30am

Venue: Council Chambers, Rotorua Lakes Council, 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua

Heamana

Acting Chairperson: Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson – Rotorua Lakes Council

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Mayor Steve Chadwick – Rotorua Lakes Council (in attendance from 11:57am onwards)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT): Raina Meha, Roana Bennett

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC): Chairman Doug Leeder, Cr Kevin Winters

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: BOPRC: Chris Ingle – General Manager Integrated Catchments; Helen Creagh – Rotorua Catchments Manager; Anaru Vercoe – Strategic Engagement Manager; Jo Watts – Senior Planner (Water Policy); Andy Bruere – Lakes Operations Manager; Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor

Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC): Geoff Williams – Chief Executive; Stavros Michael – General Manager Infrastructure

TALT: Elva Conroy – Consultant Conroy & Donald Consultants Limited; Lani Kereopa – Community Researcher

Ministry for the Environment (MfE): Wes Patrick - Manager Freshwater Investments (via Zoom Link)

Other: Andy Dick - Chief Executive Officer Toitu Te Waonui Limited

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Poū Tākiwaiora Sir Toby Curtis and Deputy Chair Mayor Steve Chadwick (lateness)

1. Election of Acting Chairperson for the meeting

Since apologies were received from both the Poū Tākiwaiora and the Deputy Chair, in terms of Standing Orders 14.1, General Manager Integrated Catchments Chris Ingle facilitated proceedings until the Acting Chairperson had been elected.

Chris Ingle called for nominations for the appointment of an acting chair for the duration of the meeting. Reina Meha nominated Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson as Acting Chairperson; Chairman Leeder seconded the motion. As only one nomination was received, no voting was required.

Motion

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Elects Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson as Acting Chairperson for the 5 August 2020 meeting.

Meha/Leeder

CARRIED

Acting Chair Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson assumed the chair.

2. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Anaru Vercoe, BOPRC Strategic Engagement Manager.

3. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Accepts the apologies from Poū Tākiwaiora Sir Toby Curtis and Deputy Chair Mayor Steve Chadwick for lateness tendered at the meeting.

[Winters/Meha]

[CARRIED]

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

None declared.

5. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Ngā Meneti a Ngā Komiti
Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 13 March 2020

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Approves the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 13 March 2020 as a true and correct record.

[Winters/Donaldson]

[CARRIED]

Matter arising:

Item 8.5, Resolution 6: “Requests a refresh, involving Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group partners, of the strategic approach to managing water quality within the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes, including climate change considerations”.

Key Point:

· Noted that a report on the Lake Water Quality Reporting Update, addressing a refresh of the approach to reporting water quality within the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes, is included in the agenda under item 8.3, paragraph 4. The same item is on the BOPRC’s Strategy and Policy Committee agenda on 11 August 2020.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

· In addition to the updated way that lake water quality results would be reported on in future dashboards/reports, there was an expectation that staff assess the gains envisaged/actions required to ensure continuous improvement of lake water quality restoration.

6. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

6.1

Retrospective Ratification of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2020/21 Annual Work Plan

Presented by BOPRC Rotorua Catchments Manager Helen Creagh.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· The additional comments raised by TALT in correspondence listed as Attachment 8.2 of the Agenda to be further clarified with TALT Environment Manager.

· Correction of the typographical error on page 39 of the agenda by removing the three zero’s across line one of the table.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, “Retrospective Ratification of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2020/21 Annual Work Plan”;

2 Retrospectively ratifies the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2020/21 Annual Work Plan as submitted to the Ministry for the Environment in May 2020 in order to meet the 1 June 2020 deadline (Attachment 1);

3 Receives the comments provided by Te Arawa Lakes Trustees as part of the email confirming approval of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2020/2021 Annual Work Plan (Attachment 2), and notes that further clarification would be sought.

[Leeder/Meha]

[CARRIED]

6.2

Implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020

Presentation: Implementing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and Te Hononga - the Maori Engagement Plan: Objective ID A3604527

Presented by BOPRC Strategic Engagement Manager Anaru Vercoe and Senior Planner (Water Policy) Jo Watts.

Key Points:

· Key shifts for freshwater policy work – changes anticipated by the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM 2020).

· Te Hononga and the Kaupapa Māori work streams - specifically designed to address parts of the NPSFM relating to Māori values and based on the ‘He Korowai Mātauranga’ framework to initiate a partnership approach with Māori to implement the NPSFM.

· Establishing good relationships would be critical to NPSFM implementation

· Proposed actions/tasks.

Key Points - Members:

· Suggested that consideration be given to adding a further engagement option (Slide 9 of the Presentation), namely “Whenua Māori Entities” (Land Trusts) as they did not fit into any of the options currently listed.

· Noted that current budget estimates were indicative only, with a more accurate budget to be established following discussions with tangata whenua and once changes to the NPSFM were known.

· Expected funding from Central Government to support the kaupapa; MfE to open funding rounds of the Freshwater Improvement Fund (FIF) as part of the Jobs for Nature programme to support initiatives that would provide employment opportunities to restore wetlands, rivers and streams.

· Engagement/collaboration alongside Māori, as one of the many work streams taking place, was critical; accordingly ongoing hui with regional iwi chairs/representatives would continue.

· Pointed out that regional iwi chairs should not be seen as the only representatives of mana whenua; Whenua Māori entities were also big players in the Māori economy/Bay of Plenty Region; they did not attend regional iwi chair hui and should not be excluded.

· Suggested that Vision Te Taiao, which had recently been launched, be included in the korero.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020;

2 Notes the role the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group will have in the Regional Natural Resources Plan review, and in the implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, pertaining to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Water Management Area;

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

[Meha/Winters]

[CARRIED]

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

6.3

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme and Rotorua Catchment Status Report

Presentation: Strategy Group Status Update - 5 August 2020: Objective ID A3604533

Presented by BOPRC Rotorua Catchments Manager Helen Creagh, supported by Andy Dick, Chief Executive Officer Toitu Te Waonui Limited and BOPRC Lakes Operations Manager Andy Bruere.

Key Points:

· Dashboard overview of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme and Rotorua Catchment for the period March to July 2020.

· Status updates for Lake Rotorua.

· Other Lake Rotorua Catchment Projects:

o Weed harvesting at Rotorua lakefront - 80 tonne of storm blown weed

o Recent collaboration between BOPRC and Te Komiro to restore fishing holes under Lake Road bridge.

o Work underway to remove trees in Paradise Valley that are at risk of falling into stream.

o Plan Change 10 Consent Orders issued, compliance monitoring commencing. Hearing scheduled for September to deal with final issue isolated around allocation to Treaty Settlement land.

· dNITRO Demonstration by Andy Dick:

o The upgrade of dNITRO had been invaluable with engaging landowners and prospective landowners in the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme.

o Designed to provide landowners within the Lake Rotorua catchment with an indication of the financial implications of changing land use from grazed pasture to pine forest or Manuka.

o Excellent engagement of landowners and prospective landowners in land use change in the catchment – particularly through the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme.

o Tool freely accessible online at this link http://www.dnitro.co.nz/ .

· Status Update – Lakes Rotoiti, Ōkāreka, Rotoehu and Tarawera.

· Highlighted changes to water quality reporting for upcoming Annual Report, responding to concerns that often the Trophic Level Index (TLI) reporting did not match up to the experience of the lake user or the observed clarity of the lake water.

o Amended Lake Health Report: Dashboard style.

· Water Quality Technical Advisory Group Statement on Climate Change issued.

Key Points - Members:

· Noted that following the $23 million allocated to BOPRC for flood protection infrastructure projects, one of the significant projects to benefit would be the implementation of the Ngongotahā Stream Independent Review.

· Suggested that consideration be given to adding a Mātauranga Māori column to the Lake Health Report Dashboard to be populated by input received from local knowledge - mana whenua providing cultural indicators, adding an indigenous lens (such as koura numbers).

· Highlighted the importance of making a clear distinction between “Lake Health” warnings from an ecological perspective and “health warnings” to ensure the public understood the difference.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme and Rotorua Catchment Status Report including a working demonstration of the dNITRO tool.

[Leeder/Winters]

[CARRIED]

6.4

Rotorua Lakes Council Update

Presented by RLC Chief Executive Geoff Williams and General Manager Infrastructure Stavros Michael.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group :

1 Receives the report, “Update from the Rotorua Lakes Council”

[Donaldson/Meha]

[CARRIED]

6.5

Rotoiti Rotoma Sewerage Reticulation Scheme (Status of Project); Funding Deed Contribution Adjustment

Presented by RLC Chief Executive Geoff Williams and General Manager Infrastructure Stavros Michael.

Key Points:

· Informed members of the status of the Rotoiti/Rotomā waste water reticulation and treatment scheme/project.

· Advised that adjustments to the Deed Funding contribution for this scheme/project in line with the eventual actual costs and precedent policy were recommended.

· Updated on key contributors to the expected variance (between initial estimate and the final scheme cost).

· Despite challenges, it was expected that final costs would remain within the 30% uncertainty envelope as initially identified in 2015/16.

Key Point - Members:

· Contribution by MfE/Deed Funding totalled $11.6 million, with an uncertainty element of 30% as agreed in 2016, to be re-confirmed with MfE, verifying their position in 2020.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Rotoiti Rotoma Sewerage Reticulation Scheme (Status of Project); Funding Deed Contribution Adjustment;

[Donaldson/Winters]

[CARRIED]

2 Notes the current status of the project and the remaining tasks for project completion;

[Donaldson/Winters]

[CARRIED]

3 Instructs all officers to re-confirm the Deed Funding contribution to the final actual cost of the project in line with precedent policy and provides an update report to the next meeting of the Strategy Group.

[Donaldson/Leeder]

[CARRIED]

11:40am - Chairman Leeder withdrew from the meeting.

11:41am - The meeting adjourned.

11:48am - The meeting reconvened.

6.6

Presentation - Te Arawa Lakes Trust - Tarawera Collective Impact Update

Presentation: Tarawera CIF Project Update 5 August 2020: Objective ID A3604537

Presented by Elva Conroy, Conroy & Donald Consultants Limited and TALT Trustee Reina Meha.

Key Points:

· Provided an overview of the scoping work underway for the Tarawera Collective Impact Framework.

· Tarawera Lakes System – Issues and opportunities:

o The lakes were changing at a pace faster than solutions were made;

o The problem was complex and multi-faceted;

o The lakes were connected, the communities were not;

o Community groups wanted to take action, but required support, including resourcing;

o Connecting and harnessing the collective action and passion of local communities;

o Enhancing social and cultural outcomes.

· Role of Conroy & Donald Consultants Limited was to scope what a collective impact model might look like for the Tarawera Lakes System.

· Process and feedback received so far:

o Mixed level of understanding and experience regarding collective impact

o Some in the community have never seen the Lakes Strategy;

o Significant interest in everyone working together for the health of the lakes. But mixed views regarding way of working (formal vs informal) and representation.

· Some ideas based on feedback received:

o Be ground up not top down – connect people/groups;

o Focus on a few projects and do them really well;

o Find projects to connect Māori Land Trusts, hapū and Iwi e.g. on Lakes Rotomahana, Rotokakahi and Okataina;

o Build social infrastructure – source and grow plants, pest control, maintain plantings;

o Have a shared plan with tasks/goals for each group/organisation.

· Project would require dedicated resourcing: Community connector/Project co-ordination/Communication.

· Next steps: Ideas/options and testing followed by scoping report to be compiled in September 2020.

11:57am - Deputy Chairperson Mayor Chadwick entered the meeting.

Key Points - Members:

· Highlighted the importance of involving youth.

· Acknowledged the challenge to keep the public engaged when it came to strategies. However, continued engagement/communication with the public to raise awareness of strategies remained vital – needed to connect and socialise issues with communities.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, “Presentation Te Arawa Lakes Trust - Tarawera Collective Impact Update”.

[Donaldson/Bennett]

[CARRIED]

Item for Staff Follow Up:

· Agenda order for future meetings to include TALT items as the first items on the agenda.

6.7

Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update

Presentation: Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update - 5 August 2020: Objective ID A3604540

Presented by Elva Conroy, Conroy & Donald Consultants Limited.

Key Points:

· Provided an update on work over the last six months as it related to the Lakes Strategy.

· Focus for 2020 and beyond: “All to be connected – our waters, our vision, us/an iconic lakes catchment/prosperous lakes catchment, thriving and future thinking.

· Wai Ora:

o Catfish Killas Programme – netting continued throughout lockdown. Volunteers and schools back on board.

o Biosecurity training - 12 Te Arawa whānau working around boat ramps over summer.

o Fisheries bylaws since March 2020 – awareness building & Poutiriao training.

o Jobs for Nature funding - $2.5 million (40 jobs).

o What was coming up:

§ Fisheries bylaws – continued training of Poutiriao

§ Catfish biocontrol research and engagement

§ Implementation of the Jobs for Nature project

· Wai Rua

o Planning and Policy support – Pukehangi Plan Change, RMA amendment.

o Planned workshops (hunga tiaki, Council) put on hold.

o NZ Planning Institute virtual seminar about Te Tūāpapa – mid July 2020.

o Scoping on Te Arawa Envirohub.

o Principles informing TALT and BOPRC engagement planning (e.g. freshwater).

o Koaro research project underway.

o What was coming up:

§ 20-21 Aug Te Arawa Freshwater hui

§ Aug/Sep/Oct He Huihuinga Rotomoana

§ Science Mātauranga

§ Sept/Nov - Iwi Engagement Forum

§ TBC - Council Te Tūāpapa workshops

§ EnviroHub pilot (6 month)

§ Mātauranga-based research for catfish biocontrol project

§ Aquatic weed monitoring using mātauranga and managing weeds using traditional practices.

· Wai Ata

o Establishment of the TALT/DOC Sentinel-a-nuku programme.

o National recognition for Te Arawa - NZ Planning Institute awards for Te Tūāpapa:

§ Best non-statutory Plan

§ Supreme Award.

o What was coming up

§ Signage for Bylaws.

§ Presence of hunga tiaki on Lakes over summer – biosecurity monitoring.

§ Upgrades of public infrastructure to include cultural elements.

12:15 pm – Roana Bennett withdrew from the meeting.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, “Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update”.

[Donaldson/Winters]

[CARRIED]

6.8

Presentation: Te Arawa Lakes Trust Climate Change Strategy

Presentation: Te Arawa Lakes Trust Climate Change Working Group: Objective ID A3604547

Presented by Lani Kereopa, Community Researcher for Te Urunga o Kea – a partnership project between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, SCION and Te Arawa Climate Change Working Group.

Key Points of presentation:

· Te Arawa Climate Change Working Group was set up in January 2018.

· It all began with a 10 m tree falling onto the kitchen and dining room of the Taupari Marae on the northern edge of Lake Rotorua - came about as the issue of climate change kept being raised.

· A number of incidents that followed were seen as warnings of what climate change would bring.

· As a result, whanua hapū iwi came together - the people of Te Arawa begun to prepare for climate change through Te Urunga o Kea.

· Te Urunga o Kea was made up of individuals from Te Arawa who were interested in climate change. They were a varied group who worked in different industries, had unique experiences, different concerns and interests.

· Wanted a strategy that identified and addressed short, medium and long-term needs, and responded to the challenges and opportunities of climate change, using mātauranga as the dataset along with other climate data.

· Strategy to address the immediate needs of Te Arawa whānau and protecting our places; the changes mokopuna might encounter and also looking ahead.

· Acted as facilitator and connector, to bring the right people together.

· Identified several concerns and opportunities: beginning with the land as much of the whenua in the region was used for primary production and was vulnerable to climate change in many ways. Land use diversification would be key to economic survival and environmental sustainability. Issues like sea level rise would threaten coastal communities, marae and significant sites like pā and urupā.

· Identified 8 areas to be sure we were adaptive.

· Food and water security highlighted as the most important matter for iwi in climate change – food dependent on the state of the waterways.

· Purpose was to ensure that research priorities stayed connected to community needs; wanted to avoid loss of human life/needed sustainability.

· Launched planned for October 2020.

· Shared kōrero from Uncle Robert Bom Gillies, who fought in World War II, demonstrating how the environment had changed over the last few decades.

Key Points - Members:

· Climate Change required a paradigm shift Needed to create awareness as there remained a school of thought amongst some politicians that climate change did not exist.

· Required a collective journey by all.

· Conversations on the opportunities would bring everybody together and should be seized by sharing our stories, especially with children.

· Excited about the energy/passion bringing science and communities together – needed to make connections, realise commonalities and spark collaborations that would benefit all our people.

Dr Rod Carr, Chair of the Climate Change Commission would be attending the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s meeting on 6 August 2020. His presentation would be available on Council’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tCzfctBQtI

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, “Presentation: Te Arawa Lakes Trust Climate Change Strategy”.

[Chadwick/Winters]

[CARRIED]

6.9	Presentation: Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update on Biosecurity and Weed Work The item was deferred to a future meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group.

6.10

Update from the Ministry for the Environment

Presented by Wes Patrick, Manager, Freshwater Investments, Ministry for the Environment via Zoom Link

Key Points:

· The new National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management (NPS-FM), and National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-FW) have been gazetted today, bringing a new national direction on freshwater management.

· Jobs for Nature Programme: as part of the first phase the $162 million dollar package would see 22 water clean-up projects put forward by local councils receiving $62 million. Projects were selected because they would deliver clear and immediate job creation, significant environmental outcomes, regional spread, and because of iwi and community group engagement.

· Further announcements on future funding streams becoming available to follow in due course.

Key Point - Members:

· Since all councils/entities intended to commence a process of consultation with Bay of Plenty communities regarding climate change plans/strategies, collaboration should be considered. Co-ordinated funding of these activities should also be considered to ensure an effective approach and a better response/outcome.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, “Update from the Ministry for the Environment”.

[Donaldson/Winters]

[CARRIED]

7. Next meeting of the Strategy Group

Members noted that the next meeting of the Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group had been scheduled for Friday, 11 September 2020. Due to the close proximity to the 5 August 2020 meeting, members supported that the 11 September 2020 meeting be rescheduled to a suitable date in October 2020.

Key Point - Members:

· Suggested that a respect clause be added to meeting procedures: requested that the mahi of all parties be respected by members being present for the full duration of the meeting; should it not be possible, alternates to be in attendance.

8. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Reina Meha.

12:57pm - The meeting closed.

Confirmed

Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson

Acting Chairperson, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	27 October 2020
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Heidi Fraser, Programme Coordinator Integrated Catchments and Helen Creagh, Rotorua Catchments Manager
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To provide the 2019/20 Annual Report to the Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group and to seek their approval for submission to the Minister for the Environment.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2019/20 Annual Report

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to seek approval of the 2019/20 Annual Report, which is to be provided to the Minister for the Environment in accordance with the Deed of Funding for the Programme.

The Annual Report outlines progress and measures performance against the 2019/20 Annual Work Plan. Both Deed and non-Deed funded lakes are included.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2019/20 Annual Report.

2 Approves the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2019/20 Annual Report for submission to the Minister for the Environment.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme was established following Te Arawa’s Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the Crown in 2006. As part of that settlement the Crown committed to restoring the lakes of Te Arawa. That commitment included a Funding Deed which provided $72 million of Crown funds to a restoration programme on four priority lakes: Rotorua, Rotoiti, Ōkāreka and Rotoehu. The Programme is a partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Rotorua Lakes Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group partnership was established to contribute to the promotion of the sustainable management of the Rotorua lakes and their catchments, for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, while recognising and providing for the traditional relationship of Te Arawa and their ancestral lakes.

2. 2019/20 Overview

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2019/20 Annual Report is provided in Appendix 1 and measures performance against the 2019/20 Annual Work Plan.

2.1 Deed Funded Interventions

Lake Rotorua

· The Lake Rotorua Gorse Conversion Project has concluded with all major gorse blocks in the catchment now managed.

· To date, the Incentives Scheme has secured 22.35 t nitrogen.

· 147 properties are registered with Advice and Support; 89 over 40 ha and 58 under 40 ha. 39 resource consents have been granted under Plan Change 10 for properties over 40 ha in the Catchment. Five properties have been assessed as being low-intensity permitted activities.

Lake Rotoiti

· The Rotoiti/Rotomā Wastewater Treatment Plant was officially opened on 12 August 2019. The reticulation network for Rotoiti is approximately 75 percent complete.

Lake Rotoehu

· For the fourth year running, weed harvesting was unable to be undertaken due to limited lake weed caused by high algae growth and lack of sunlight infiltration of the water column.

· Phosphorus locking was put on hold in June 2018 due ineffectiveness of the dosing. To enable effective dosing to commence, a dosing protocol adding in-lake dosing has been proposed in the new resource consent application which is being progressed.

Lake Ōkāreka

· The Lake Ōkāreka Landuse Change Project has concluded. A further 78 ha of landuse change from gorse and pasture to mānuka and native species has been secured, taking the total landuse retirement in Lake Ōkāreka catchment to just under 236 ha.

2.2 Non-Deed Funded Interventions

Lake Ōkāreka

· A new long term resource consent has been granted for the Lake Ōkāreka outlet that allows double the flow in Waitangi Stream (up to 500 L/s) during high lake levels. The first and second stages of stream protection works along the Waitangi Stream and mouth of the stream are complete which will enable the increased flow.

Lake Rotoiti

• Strengthening work to the Ohau Wall (installation of 400 steel walers) was ongoing during the year but delayed due to Covid-19. The work is due to be completed in the current financial year.

Lake Rotorua

· Catfish incursion management continued on Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti with 75,000 catfish netted, more than the previous four years netting combined. Te Arawa Lakes Trust Catfish Programme won the Community Pihanga Awards and Supreme award at the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards in November 2019.

· Rotorua Lakes Council’s application for the Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant Alternative Disposal Site has been put on hold. The three parties, Rotorua Lakes Council, Central North Island Iwi Holdings and Te Arawa Lakes Trust have agreed to work together towards a new long term solution.

· On 9 August 2019, the Environment Court released its (Stage 1) decision in favour of Council’s Rotorua Nutrient Management Plan Change 10 nitrogen allocation method. Appeal parties attended Court assisted mediation during November 2019 to work through the listed matters resulting in an agreement resolving a number of appeal matters. A consent Order was granted by the Court on 29 May 2020 on all but one outstanding issue. The Stage 2 Environment Court hearing, to consider the remaining issue relating to the provision of an allocation to Treaty Settlement Land, occurred 7-11 September 2020 and a decision is pending.

Lake Tarawera

· The Lake Tarawera Acacia control period ran for 15 weeks from June to September 2019, with a total of 24.1 ha controlled.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks identified with adopting this report.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

Climate change considerations will be factored in to the implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and Regional Natural Resources Plan. Ongoing adaptation by the Programmes is necessary to respond to the impacts of climate change.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Fourteen Lakes within the Rotorua/Te Arawa boundaries are subject to the Lakes Settlement Act 2006 (‘Settlement Act’).

Under this legislation, the traditional, historical, cultural/spiritual relationships and associations that Te Arawa hapū and iwi have with the Te Arawa Lakes is recognised by the vesting of these Lakebeds in the Lakes Trust. The health of the Te Arawa Lakes is paramount to the Lakes Trust.

Te Arawa Lakes Trust have also lodged their Environmental Management Plan - He Mahere Taiao mo ngā wai o Te Arawa. This document has been lodged with Regional Council and sets out clearly the interests that Te Arawa Hapū and Iwi have with their lakes and waterways and also sets out the protocols of engagements between council and Te Arawa Lakes Trust.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme is a partnership between Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council. This report outlines progress with programme deliverables that benefit the lakes and the lakeside communities.

The programme also includes tangata whenua involvement and support and acknowledges the Mātauranga Māori and hunga tiaki practices and principles of local Māori. A specific example of this is the nationally recognised award winning Catfish programme, which was the winner of last year’s biosecurity awards and the winner of the 2020 SOLGM winner of the Te Puni Kokiri award for bicultural leadership (and overall supreme award winner).

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

Engagement with the community is not required regarding adopting this progress report.

3.5 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications of adopting this report.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

The Programme will continue to implement the 2020/21 Annual Work Plan. The 2020/21 Six Month Report for the Programme will be brought to Strategy Group early in 2021.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - 2019-2020 Annual Report Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Draft ⇩



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	27 October 2020
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Greg Corbett, Biosecurity Manager and Hamish Lass, Senior Projects Officer (Marine & Freshwater)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	This report seeks Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group endorsement of the Rotorua Lakes Aquatic Plant Management Plans.

Rotorua Lakes Aquatic Plant Management Plans

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

While the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme is primarily focused on improving water quality of the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes, the spread of aquatic pest plants has also been an issue. Incursions of hornwort to Lakes Ōkataina and Ōkāreka and the impacts of weeds on aquatic biodiversity and taonga species have been raised by our communities through various council planning processes, including the Regional Council’s 2015 Long Term Plan and Regional Pest Management Plan. These concerns led to discussions amongst Regional Council, Land Information New Zealand, Te Arawa, interest groups and NIWA to develop aquatic plant management plans for our Lakes.

The purpose of these management plans is to provide a framework to assist in working towards a long term vision of: “The eradication of invasive aquatic pest plants and restoration of native plant communities.”

A specific management plan has been developed for each of the 12 Rotorua Te Arawa lakes, which caters for the specific issues and desired outcomes for that lake. Each plan will be updated as work progresses and new methods and technologies are developed.

The management plans will guide the delivery of aquatic pest plant programmes in our lakes, in partnership with Te Arawa Iwi and community groups.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Aquatic Plant Management Plans.

2 Endorses the Te Arawa Rotorua Lakes Aquatic Plant Management Plans.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

Management of aquatic pest plants within the Rotorua lakes dates back to the 1950s when lagarosiphon first became problematic in Lake Rotorua. Since that time, other weeds, such as egeria, elodea and hornwort, have also invaded and spread within and between lakes. Currently, each of the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes contains at least one invasive aquatic pest plant species, with most lakes containing multiple species. However, the distribution and coverage of invasive plant species differs between each lake.

Many methods and options were trialled to control aquatic weeds in the early years, with the herbicide ‘diquat’ being the most effective (Clayton & Wells, 1989). In recent times weed cordons, harvesters and the herbicide ‘endothall’ have also been used along with diquat to minimise the risk of further spread, remove nutrients and reduce the impact of weed at sites of high amenity value. Managing biosecurity risks (preventing further spread) has been the key driver for most weed management programmes to date.

The roles and responsibilities for managing aquatic weeds is complex with multiple agencies involved. The primary agencies are Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) and Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). BOPRC manage the most problematic weeds through the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan, which is focused on prevent further spread and managing new incursions. LINZ, on behalf of the Crown, are responsible for controlling established weeds in the Rotorua Lakes. Te Arawa are not responsible for weed management under their Settlement Act.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme aims to improve water quality across the lakes. With water quality improvement and climate change aquatic pest plant distribution and density are likely to increase, with plants growing in areas where light penetration was previously not sufficient to support their growth.

2. Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Aquatic Plant Management Plans

In response to various submissions made to BOPRC’s 2015-2025 Long Term Plan, LINZ and BOPRC committed to work with Te Arawa and interested community groups to develop lake weed management plans for the lakes. This has been an iterative process and it has taken a considerable period of time for parties to reach agreement on the vision and individual lake objectives. The efforts of Boffa Miskell Ltd, who were contracted to guide this process and draft the final Plan are also acknowledged.

The Plan provides an overview of aquatic pest plant management in NZ, with individual chapters focusing on the specific management of each lake. The overarching vision for the Plan is: The eradication of invasive aquatic pest plants and restoration of native plant communities. Each lake has its own objectives and proposed management activities that will be required to reach those objectives. It is proposed to use LakeSPI as a tool to set targets and measure progress of the plans. The individual lake targets and management activities were developed in collaboration with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

The Plan has not been developed for any one agency to deliver, rather it provides a roadmap for all agencies, Te Arawa and our communities as a whole, to collectively work together towards a common goal.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are several risks associated with implementation of the Aquatic Plant Management Plan. These are summarised in the table below.

Risk	Mitigation
Funding – insufficient or loss of funding would impact on progressing the plan.	The Government’s has increased funding for LINZ’s biosecurity programme and BOPRC has also increased funding to support aquatic pest work. Staff will also work with Lakes Water Quality Society to apply for funding to support specific projects.
Maintaining Stakeholder satisfaction – Our lake communities are increasingly engaged in environmental issues that negatively affect our lakes. Further degradation by aquatic weeds may lead to lack of confidence in agencies with roles in improving our lakes.	This Plan has been developed with input from our communities and provides a cohesive framework for agencies and community groups to work together on reducing the impact of aquatic pest plants on lakes.
Environmental conditions – seasonal variation in weather may promote exceptional growing conditions for lakeweed and storm events can lead to problematic weed strandings.	Monitoring of conditions and weed beds can help predict adverse events.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

Mitigation			Adaptation
Reduce GHG emissions	Produce GHG emissions	Sequester carbon	Anticipate climate change impacts	Respond to climate change impacts
☐	☐	☐	☐	☒

It is generally acknowledged that climate change, along with improvements in lake water quality, will result in increased weed growth issues. The Lake Management Plans aim to eliminate or reduce the impact of these weeds.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Te Arawa were consulted through a series of hui to get an understanding of their views on lake weeds as part of the development of this Plan. Te Arawa Lakes Trust also provided significant input into setting the objectives for each lake and describing management actions. The Plan aims to improve Te Arawa connections with the lakes by improving access to mahinga kai and cultural materials and increase their direct involvement in aquatic pest management. They will also conduct cultural monitoring to help inform the success or otherwise of weed management.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

INVOLVE

Whakaura

To work directly with affected communities throughout the process to ensure that their issues and concerns are consistently understood and fully considered in Council’s decision making.

3.5 Te Hāngai ki te Pou Tarāwaho Rautaki
Alignment with Strategic Framework

Development of the Plans vision and objectives for each lake was guided by the:

· Strategy for the lakes of the Rotorua district

· Te Tuapapa o ngā wai o Te Arawa / Te Arawa Cultural Values Framework

· Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan

· Purpose of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

3.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Assuming the Plan is endorsed, it will be used to guide aquatic pest plant operation planning in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes. The plan will also provide the basis for Community Groups to apply for third party funding to support specific aquatic pest plant projects that they have an interest in.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Supporting Document 1 - Rotorua Lakes Aquatic Plant Management Plans_July2020_FINAL_PDF ⇩