Agenda of Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum

Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum

Membership

Chairperson
Elected by the Forum at its first meeting each Triennium	Councillor Toi Kai Rākau Iti (Bay of Plenty Regional Council)
Deputy Chairperson	Mayor Lyn Riesterer (Ōpōtiki District Council)
Council Members
One representative each from:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council	Cr Bill Clark (Alternate)
Ōpōtiki District Council	Cr Debi Hocart (Alternate)
Whakatāne District Council	Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles Cr Nāndor Tanczos (Alternate)
Tangata Whenua Members
One Tangata Whenua appointee representative each from:
Whakatōhea	Josie Mortensen
Upokorehe	Trevor Ransfield Māui Manuel (Alternate)
Ngāti Awa	Charlie Bluett Tuwhakairiora O’Brien (Alternate)
Ngāi Tuhoe	Hori Hillman
Quorum	Four members, consisting of more than half the number of members
Meeting frequency	Six monthly

Purpose

Oversee and monitor the implementation of the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy.

Role

The Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

· Is the sponsor of the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy;

· Is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the actions in the Strategy;

· Has an overall monitoring role in terms of timeframes and deliverables;

· Maintains a general awareness of the issues surrounding the Ōhiwa Harbour Catchment; and

· Is responsible for reporting back to the strategic partners and to the community.

The Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum will:

· Receive reports (including those prepared by staff of the three Councils) of what has recently been achieved with regards to implementing the Strategy, and outlining what the next targets for implementation could be;

· Provide a sounding board for officers to test implementation ideas against;

· Provide recommendations that can be reported back to councils; and

· Promote links with the Ōhiwa Harbour Catchment community.

Forum Procedures

· The establishment and the need for and purpose of the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum is subject to review every three years following local authority elections.

· Subject to the Forum being re-appointed, member representatives are appointed by their respective appointing entities.

· The Forum may specifically invite attendance by organisations/groups which they believe will be interested (such as the Department of Conservation, Ministry of Fisheries, Nukuhou Salt Marsh Care Group).

· The meetings will also be publicly advertised so that members of the wider community can also attend.

· The Bay of Plenty Regional Council Standing Orders will apply, except as varied by these Terms of Reference or unless the members of the Forum unanimously agree to vary those standing orders as they apply to the Forum.

· The costs of meeting attendance lie where they fall. The exception to this is that a standard meeting fee will be provided for Tangata Whenua representation by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

· The actions to give effect to the strategy itself and costs associated with reporting to the Forum are funded from within the budgets of participating councils.

Power to Act

To make all decisions necessary to fulfil the role and scope of the Forum subject to the limitations imposed.

The Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum has no delegated authority for financial expenditure.

Power to Recommend

The Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum recommends and reports back to the respective organisations.

Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum 30 November 2020

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

Rārangi Take
Agenda

1. Whakatōhea Introduction and Update

2. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Prayer

3. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

4. Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

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 Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum Minutes - 22 June 2020 3

8. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

8.1 Chairperson's Report

Verbal update provided by Chair Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti

9. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

9.1 2020 Interim Report for the State of Environment Ōhiwa Harbour 3

Attachment 1 - FINAL - Ōhiwa Harbour and Catchment - Interim Report 2020-06 3

9.2 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regional and project update 3

9.3 Summary report for WDC contract 21-012 and WDC 21-019: Wainui Road safety improvements; packages 1 and 2 3

9.4 Update on the Ōhiwa Harbour mussel research - Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, Sustainable Seas National Science Challenge project, November 2020 3

9.5 Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy annual work programme report for the year ending June 2020 and an update to October 2020 3

Attachment 1 - Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy annual work programme end of year results to June 2020 3

Attachment 2 - Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy work programme results to October 2020 3

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

11. Karakia Kati
Closing Prayer



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	30 November 2020
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Lisa Bevan, Environmental Data Officer and Shay Dean, Environmental Scientist
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Sarah Omundsen, General Manager, Regulatory Services
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To update members on environmental health monitoring since 1 July 2019 in accordance to Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy Action 1.8.

2020 Interim Report for the State of Environment Ōhiwa Harbour

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

Results from the past year’s monitoring show little change in the health of Ōhiwa Harbour and catchment since the last State of Environment report published in 2018. Over the last year, several water quality parameters of the Nukuhou River show a slightly degrading short term trend but less than what was reported in 2019.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, 2020 Interim Report for the State of Environment Ōhiwa Harbour.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

Fifty one indicators of the Ōhiwa Harbour and catchment health such as vegetation, bird populations, pest control, water quality and the estuary bed are monitored by various agencies. Some of this monitoring is annual and some less frequent. Information from all these monitoring programmes are collated every five years and forms the basis of this report. The previous ‘State of the environment for Ōhiwa Harbour and Catchment 2018’ (SOE 2018) report was published in 2018 and between these reports, annual concise interim reports on the previous year’s monitoring results are reported (for the full report, see Appendix 1).

The previous SOE 2018 report describes the state of the harbour water quality as good in comparison to similar estuaries around New Zealand and poses no risk to recreational activities. Ecosystem health metrics under the National Policy for Freshwater management class the Nukuhou River in the highest category. The estuary bed habitat was considered moderate to poor due to the amount of fine mud.

2. Key Findings 2019-20

2.1 Land

· The Land Cover Database was updated in 2018 (LCDB5) and provides a snapshot of land use in the Catchment. Comparison of the 2018 and 2012 versions of LCDB suggests some losses of indigenous vegetation (particularly for indigenous scrub) which require further investigation to verify if they are real losses or mapping error.

2.2 Terrestrial Biodiversity

· The highest numbers on record have been recorded for the royal spoonbill, South Island pied oystercatcher and variable oystercatcher within the Harbour in 2020.

· New Zealand dotterel numbers continue to increase. Breeding habitat for the New Zealand dotterel on Whangakopikopiko Island has been reduced by erosion and due to the reduced area the risk of predation from the nearby black-backed gulls has increased.

· The number of black swans in the harbour have been surveyed regularly over the last year. Their numbers were found to be highest in winter and lowest in spring when they are likely to go elsewhere to nest. Black swans pose a threat to the native sea grass within the harbour and are suspected of causing permanent damage to sea grass beds.

2.3 Water

· The latest short term trend (past 10 years) shows nitrogen, suspended solids and faecal contamination has not increased at both the Port Ōhope and Ruatuna Road monitoring sites in the harbour. This is a promising result as the SOE 2018 report showed faecal contamination and nitrogen on the eastern side of the harbour were increasing.

· Bathing water quality in the harbour has been good over the past summer.

· The latest short term trend (latest 10 years) for water quality in the Nukuhou catchment has declined slightly: dissolved oxygen (-0.59%), total nitrogen (+1.49%), total phosphorus (+1.99%) and dissolved reactive phosphorus (+2.46%). However the increase is less than that reported in the 2019 annual update. Faecal contamination has not increased.

2.4 Estuary

· The overall habitat quality of the estuary bed has not changed and remains in a moderate to poor state, primarily due to high levels of fine mud.

· Estuary water quality continues to be safe for shellfish consumption.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter/subject/project/initiative.

3.2 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.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Ōhiwa Harbour is recognised as a very significant place for Māori. Their relationship to it, particularly as a traditional māhinga mātaitai (food gathering place) is important. As Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy partners, tangata whenua are keen observers of the health of the harbour. Results, implications and mitigation are all regularly communicated and consulted with the tangata whenua partners.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

To obtain input or feedback from affected communities about our analysis, alternatives, and /or proposed decisions.

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

This report details monitoring in accordance with the actions of the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy.

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

It is important that the monitoring programme is maintained to provide regular updates on the ecological health of the harbour and catchment which can alert us to any negative changes that require urgent attention and to assess the effectiveness of mitigation.

Consideration needs to be given, if necessary, to the results of this report to determine what action is required to mitigate any adverse effects.

Next year a similar annual report will be delivered and apart from the usual annual monitoring, the results from the full ten year survey of marshbirds and five yearly saltmarsh condition survey will be included.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - FINAL - Ōhiwa Harbour and Catchment - Interim Report 2020-06 ⇩



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	30 November 2020
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Tim Senior, Land Management Officer (Eastern)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To update the members on the work undertaken to give effect to the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy actions since 1 July 2019.

Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy annual work programme report for the year ending June 2020 and an update to October 2020

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report provides a summary of the work carried out under the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy Annual Work programme over the 2019-20 financial year. Out of the 47 deliverables in the work programme, 31 were completed, eight are in progress and eight were not completed. Much of the work is on-going in nature and contributes to a long term vision for the harbour and significant progress has been made over the last year in the areas of recreation, mangrove management, mussel restoration and water quality. The report also includes an update on work undertaken from July to October 2020.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy annual work programme report for the year ending June 2020 and an update to October 2020.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy (the Strategy) covers the Ōhiwa Harbour and its land catchment area. It is a non-statutory document that was prepared by the Strategy partners: Whakatāne District Council (WDC), Ōpōtiki District Council (ODC), Ngati Awa, Te Upokorehe, Whakatōhea, Te Waimana Kaaku, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The Strategy was adopted in 2008 and was refreshed in 2016.

Planning and coordination of the operational work of the Strategy is overseen by the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy Coordination Group (OHSCG) at which all partners are represented.

The work programme for the coming year is presented to the Forum every March for endorsement prior to the beginning of the financial year and results for the previous year are reported every September. This full report is also presented to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC).

Funding for the delivery of this work comes from the existing budgets of the strategy partners. An extra contribution from BOPRC covers the deliverables that are not the direct responsibility of any of the other 6 partners. It’s also important to note that landowners and community groups make a substantial contribution, either in cash or in kind, to many of the actions.

The deliverables of each annual work programme are based on the higher level actions contained in the Strategy. Most of these actions are of an ongoing nature.

2. Key achievements 2019-20

Key achievements for the last financial year to 30 June are highlighted below. The full annual work programme with its deliverables and results for the year can be found in Appendix 1. Further progress made to the end of October 2020 is also included here and full details of this can be found in Appendix 2.

Of the 47 deliverables planned for last year, 31 were completed, eight are in progress and eight were not completed. The focus of work has been around the heritage trail, mussel restoration, water quality and mangrove management.

Delays and cancellations due to the Covid 19 lockdown resulted in delays to several projects.

2.1 Actions 1.1 and 1.2, water quality

Last year a further 9.2km of riparian fencing completed and a further 10km are expected to be completed this year. There are now 10 farm environment plans in place on dairy farms in the catchment (there are 18 dairy farms in the catchment).

An action plan for the Ōhiwa catchment has been completed. This sets out priorities for work for both BOPRC and landowners to mitigate sediment and nutrient discharge from land into streams and thence into the harbour.

Progress has been made in expanding the water quality monitoring regime with water quality now being monitored in a further five main tributaries in addition to the existing monitoring of the Nukuhou River. A hydrological survey of the harbour itself will begin this summer.

An investigation into how to better manage the erosion prone banks of the Nukuhou River is underway.

2.2 Action 1.5, mangrove management

A plan is now in place which will guide the work from December 2020 onwards, following the expiry of the current consent. 11 working bees were held last summer, with the focus of work around the margins of some of the islands. Most of the volunteers were from Upokorehe. Working bees have just begun again and will continue over the next few months.

2.3 Action 1.8, harbour and catchment monitoring

The planned five yearly saltmarsh re-survey was postponed last year because of the Covid 19 lockdown but will be carried out this year instead. The five yearly marshbird monitoring planned for this year is currently underway. The annual monitoring report has been completed and is the subject of a further report in this meeting’s agenda.

2.4 Action 1.9, habitat and species protection

The establishment of the Harrison Rd care group last year brings the number of active care groups around the harbour to nine. Pest control is the main focus of most of the groups and the number of traps and bait stations in place continues to rise. The Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group continue to battle incursions of rats on Uretara Island in an effort to keep it pest free.

Between them, the groups planted about 1500 native plants at several locations around the harbour. Kiwi have been heard at several locations on the eastern side of the harbour including a male and a female. The annual event to celebrate their work was held last month.

2.5 Actions 2.1 and 2.2, kaimoana and fisheries

Kura Paul Burke’s mussel restoration project continues with the deployment of further spat lines made of natural materials. Further monitoring of the mussels and maintenance of equipment is underway. A PhD student has been identified to undertake a cockle and pipi research project. Kura has provided more detail in a report elsewhere in this meeting’s agenda.

MPI report fewer shellfish gathering offences recently but there have been several breaches of flatfish netting offences. They are in the process of upgrading their signage around the harbour.

The BOPRC marine biosecurity team have signage regarding Asian paddle crabs and other marine pests in development. These will be installed at both boatramps.

2.6 Action 3.1, recreation

The planned Mōtū Trails cycle trail has been put on hold for now. In the meantime the PGF is funding ODC to construct the first stage of the trail from Ōpōtiki to the Waiōtahe River mouth, Te Ahiaua.

2.7 Action 3.2, cultural heritage

New interpretation panels are being installed at Tauwhare Pā and these will be unveiled On 4 December.

2.8 Action 3.4, Onekawa Te Mawhai Regional Park

A new 3km loop walking track is under construction in the park and will be completed by the end of November with a blessing and opening on the 25^th. It has been funded by the PGF through the Whakatāne Kia Kaha project. All the old fencing in the farmed part of the park has now been replaced.

2.9 Action 3.5, information and signage

The installation of stage two of the Ngā Tapuwae o Tairongo, the Ōhiwa Heritage Trail, was planned for the end of last financial year but delayed by Covid 19. Installation is now planned before Christmas. There are six new panels describing some of the history of the harbour, 3 large maps showing the trail and other points of interest and the second of the two marine mammal signs to be installed.

2.10 Action 3.8, bylaws

Ōpōtiki District Council (ODC) now has a new consolidated bylaw in place. The beaches section of the bylaw now prohibits vehicles from the whole of the Ōhiwa spit as well as the mudflats. Motorbikes are also prohibited from all beaches. Rigorous compliance is planned for the Ōhiwa spit over the summer.

Whakatāne District Council (WDC) have installed new bollards and signage around the Ōhope spit which has dramatically reduced the number of vehicles on the dunes and the beach.

2.11 Action 3.11, landowner and community group support

Apart from the work detailed in 2.1 and 2.4 above, signage has been erected detailing the operational area and work carried out by each care group around the harbour.

2.12 Action 3.13, safety

WDC have begun safety improvements along Wainui Rd, involving some road widening, corner realignment, the provision of right turning bays at intersections. Hazardous trees and pest plants have also been removed. The New Zealand Transport Agency will begin work on SH2 improvements early next year. These improvements are the subject of reports later in the meeting agenda.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter/subject/project/initiative.

3.2 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.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

As committed kaitiaki of the harbour and partners to the strategy, the four tangata whenua partners were fully engaged in both the development of the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy, its refresh in 2016 and its continued implementation. Their mana whenua and mana moana is a cornerstone of the strategy and is the basis of many of the strategy actions. Individual tangata whenua representatives are regularly consulted with regarding many aspects of the work and staff from the councils often attend iwi and hapū hui. In particular, during the last year, the tangata whenua partners have provided support for the mussel restoration project and engaged in the management of mangroves and the development of the heritage trail.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

To obtain input or feedback from affected communities about our analysis, alternatives, and /or proposed decisions.

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

This report details work towards implementing the actions of the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy.

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

The work programme will continue to implement the actions of the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy annual work programme end of year results to June 2020 ⇩

Attachment 2 - Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy work programme results to October 2020 ⇩