Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Accepts the apologies from Roana Bennett, Sir Toby Curtis and Chairman Doug Leeder tendered at the meeting.

Chadwick/Donaldson

CARRIED

5.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 27 October 2020

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Confirms the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 27 October 2020 as a true and correct record.

Winters/Nicholson

CARRIED

6.1

Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update Report

Presented by Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) Environment Manager Nicki Douglas.

Key Points - Members:

·       Congratulated TALT on the success with the Catfish Volunteer Programme and the subsequent nomination for the New Zealand Biosecurity Awards

·       Commended the initiative of training Biosecurity Officers

·       Praised the Enviroschools concept as an environmental action based programme where young people were empowered to design and lead sustainability projects in their schools, neighbourhoods and country.  Since this programme was not available in all schools yet, the prospects looked  very encouraging and should be further pursued along with the Ministry for the Environment (MfE).

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the report, Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update Report.

Donaldson/Nicholson

CARRIED

6.2

Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for the Tarawera Lakes System

Presentation - Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for Tarawera February 2021: Objective ID A3742248 ⇨

Tabled Document 1 - Tabled item 1 - Tarawera CIF Scoping Report Dec 2020: Objective ID A3733166 ⇨  

Presented by Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT) Environment Manager Nicki Douglas and Elva Conroy, Consultant - Conroy & Donald Consultants Limited.

Key Points of the Presentation:

·         Collective Impact Scoping

·         Feedback / Ideas /Guidance over 2020

·         Key Findings: Confirmed an interest in a collective impact/collective impact would be suitable

·         Focus for 2021:

o     To be based on whānaungatanga (kinship, relationship) and just ‘keeping it simple’

o     Building connectivity and relationships through communication and community outreach

o     Collating information and identifying gaps

o     Developing a shared agenda/vision for the Tarawera Lakes System and identifying how success would be measured

·         Requirements

o     Clearer communication/messages

o     Multiple methods of connecting – field trips, site visits, newsletters, videos

o     Planning and ‘doing’ at the same time

o     Resource requirements.

Key Points - Members:

·         Commended Elva Conroy for the scoping report prepared for Te Arawa Lakes Trust on “Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for the Tarawera Lakes System”

·         Noted that consideration would be given to the research work undertaken by Cornel de Ronde (GNS Science) on geothermal activity around the lakes

·         Progressing a Collective Impact for the Tarawera Lakes System would require a joint approach/common agenda/shared vision

·         Noted the pre-condition to have sufficient resources to support the planning process and collective impact infrastructure and the need for resourcing to assist with communication.  It would be of benefit if all Strategy Group Partners could be involved in the ongoing engagement and action

·         All possible funding sources should be pursued to advance the progressing of a collective impact for the Tarawera Lakes System. 

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the report, Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for the Tarawera Lakes System;

2          Endorses the recommendations and supports ongoing work between the partner organisations to progress;

3          Mandates staff to prepare an Expression of Interest to the Ministry for the Environment for suitable funding (possibly the Te Mana o te Wai Fund) as part of Progressing a Collective Impact Framework for the Tarawera Lakes System;

Chadwick/Winters

CARRIED

4          Receives the tabled report “Tarawera Collective Impact Framework Scoping Report Dec 2020”.

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

6.3

Wastewater Scheme Funding

Presentation Wastewater Funding: Objective ID A3742276 ⇨  

Presented by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager Helen Creagh and Rotorua Lakes Council General Manager Infrastructure Stavros Michael.

Key Points of the Presentation as background to the report:

·       On 6 August 2020 the Strategy Group resolved to instruct staff to reconfirm the Deed Funding in line with the final cost of the Rotoiti Reticulation Project

·       Recommendation to revert back to allocations to each Council under Original Deed (2005). No change to MfE funding total

·       Requested review of Deed contribution to sewerage reticulation for inflation in construction costs

·       Requested funding support from Ministry to reticulate Lake Rotoehu and Ngamotu (Lake Rotoma).

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the report, Wastewater Scheme Funding;

Donaldson/Winters

2          Notes that the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group resolved on 5 August 2020 to “Instruct all officers to reconfirm the Deed-Funding contribution to the final actual cost of the project in line with precedent policy and provide an update report to the next meeting of the Strategy Group”;

Nicholson/Donaldson

3          Approves a reversion back to the total funding allocations for each Council as per the original 2005 Deed. That is, $32.5 million for Rotorua Lakes Council and $39.8 million for Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Note: A Deed Variation will be required;

Nicholson/Donaldson

4          Agrees to make a formal request to the Minister for reconsideration of the current Deed of Funding in respect of an adjustment on the basis of inflation of construction costs, acknowledging the 2005 cost estimates in the Deed do not reflect the 2021 actual costs to complete these works;

Nicholson/Donaldson

5          Agrees to make a formal request to the Minister for new funding support in relation to the wastewater reticulation of Lake Rotoehu.

Nicholson/Donaldson

CARRIED

Councillor Winters opposed Resolutions 3 and 5.

6.4

Ministry for the Environment Update

Presented by Ministry for the Environment Representatives Juscinta Grace and Courtney Clyne.

Key Points:

·       Highlighted two funds

o   The Freshwater Improvement Fund (supporting the management of New Zealand’s lakes, rivers, streams, groundwater and wetlands). The deadline for expressions of interest for this funding round was 10 February 2021.  More than a hundred expressions of interest had been received

o   Te Mana o te Wai Fund – next funding round to open early 2021 - $30 million would be available for projects from the Te Mana o te Wai Fund through the Jobs for Nature programme; MfE encouraged collective applications. The purpose of this fund would be to tautoko (support) marae, hapū and whānau to take action to improve the quality of the freshwater systems in their rohe and help restore the mauri of freshwater bodies of importance to them

·       Reform of the resource management system was currently underway – intended to repeal/replace the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) to support a more productive, sustainable and inclusive economy and be easier for New Zealanders to understand and engage with (intended to submit the Bill in 2021)

·       Current kaupapa included a focus on freshwater allocation, healthy waterways and the provision of guidance material to support farmers with emission reduction plans

·       A schedule of planned activities would be provided to members of the Strategy Group.

Key Points - Members:

·       The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (as “one-stop-shop”) offered a collective link to MfE to advance initiatives and facilitate liaison with the community

·       Noted that the Three Waters Reform 26 March 2021 Engagement Workshop, hosted by the Department of Internal Affairs would be hosted in Rotorua by Rotorua Lakes Council.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the verbal update from the Ministry for the Environment.

White/Winters

CARRIED

6.5

Rotorua Lakes Council Update Report

Presented by Rotorua Lakes Council General Manager Infrastructure Stavros Michael.

Key Points:

·       Highlighted the following Rotorua Lakes Council activities currently underway that impacted the Lakes Programme:

o   Wastewater treatment and stormwater projects

§  Rotomā / Rotoiti Sewerage Scheme

§  Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant

§  Tarawera Sewerage Scheme

§  Rotorua Urban Area Comprehensive Stormwater Resource Consent

§  Ngongotahā flooding/review and actions

o   Planning Policy and Strategy

§  Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Plan Change 10: Lake Rotorua Nutrient Management (PC10)

§  Rotorua Lakes Council – Plan Change 2:  Pukehangi Heights

§  Rotorua Lakes Council – Plan Change 3:  Significant Natural Areas

§  Rotorua Lakes Council – Eastside Wellness Plan.

Key Points - Members:

·       Ngongotahā Flooding - noted that BOPRC engineers had completed the modelling. Direct engagement would now commence with affected landowners.  Engagement would be led by BOPRC and supported by RLC

·       Acknowledged the $3.7m funding from the Provincial Growth Fund, as part of the Crown Infrastructure Partners' Infrastructure Reference Group's "shovel-ready" projects, which would be used for flood mitigation actions to reduce the risk of flooding to people and properties within the Ngongotahā community

·       Commended Tarawera Ratepayers Association for their proactive approach to liaise with major New Zealand Commercial Banks regarding funding schemes offering lower interest rates in relation to the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·       Tarawera Sewerage Scheme: a copy of the Rotorua Lakes Council letter sent to Tarawera Ratepayers within the service area summarising the sewerage scheme proposal and the corresponding cost to each ratepayer to be provided to Councillor Kevin Winters.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Council Update Report.

Nicholson/Donaldson

CARRIED

6.6

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Status Update and 2020/21 Six Month Report

Presentation Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Status Update 2020/21 Six Month Report: Objective ID A3742274

Tabled Document 2 - Tabled item - Q2 Draft Six Month Report for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group: Objective ID A3731687

Presented by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager Helen Creagh.

Key Points:

·       Lake Ōkāreka

o   Successful site visit to outlet and associated erosion protection works on 11 December 2020 by the Strategy Group

o   The outlet pipeline replacement was due during 2021

o   Currently very low flows at Ōkāreka – was being managed to comply with consent requirements

·       Lakes Rotoehu and Rotoiti

o   Alum dosing at Waitangi Stream had been recommenced and a consent application was progressing to renew expired consents

o   Harvesting to be undertaken this season

o   Installation and strengthening of whalers continued on the Ohau Wall

o   Consideration of trial lake lowering consent application underway for Rotoiti (Okere Gates)

·       Lake Tarawera Catchments

o   Successful TALT Workshop October 2020 regarding the Collective Impact

o   Tiaki (Fonterra) farm plans to be updated for dairy farmers, supporting implementation of actions with funding

o   Modelling completed – supported nutrient budget in Restoration Plan

o   Community support for recirculation being sought

·       Lake Rotorua

o   PC10 Environment Court Decision issued December 2020

o   PC10 consents being monitored, compliance action underway on two properties

o   Alum dosing underway on both streams

o   Constructed wetland opportunities draft report issued (50 tonne)

o   Incentives Scheme momentum (~30 tonne secured or close to)

o   Further joint letter to be issued in relation to outstanding sewer connections Rotokawa/Brunswick

o   Hedged Manuka Trial to be funded by Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund (LNLUF)

o   Significant detainment bund construction underway in Ngongotahā Catchment

·       Photo Competition #loveourlakes

o   Public to be invited to take a photo at one of our beautiful Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes, upload the image and tell in up to 50 words why they loved the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes. Ten finalists would be chosen by an in-house panel. The top 10 entries would be put on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Facebook Page, website and displayed at the Rotorua Lakefront for two weeks.  The winner would be chosen by the public.

Key Points - Members:

·       Noted that staff were currently working with landowners in the Inner and Outer Catchments of Tarawera to implement the actions in the Farm Environment Plans.  Three farms still needed to implement Farm Environment Plans

·       Noted that implementation of the 22 sewerage connections under the Brunswick-Rotokawa Sewerage Reticulation Project was June 2021 – and that staff continued to work with property owners that still required connections

·       Suggested that a future follow-up site-visit for the Strategy Group to Ōkāreka outlet and Waitangi Stream be arranged to view the progress made with the protection work/after installation of the outlet pipeline

·       Before and after photos of the Ōkāreka outlet and Waitangi Stream would be useful.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       Staff to provide members of the Strategy Group with a copy of a report on risk assessment relating to potential impact of failure of the natural barrier at Rotomahana

·       A future follow-up site visit to be arranged for the Strategy Group to the Ōkāreka outlet and Waitangi Stream.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the report, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Status Update and 2020/21 Six Month Report;

Winters/White

2          Approves the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme 2020/21 Six Month Report for submission to the Minister for the Environment.

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

7.1

Future presentation by GNS Science, Te Pū Ao

Deputy Chair Mayor Steve Chadwick requested that Cornel de Ronde, Research Geologist GNS Science, Te Pū Ao be invited to a future meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group to present on research findings relating to “Geothermal Activity under the Lakes Water”.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·       To arrange a future presentation by Cornel de Ronde, Research Geologist GNS Science, Te Pū Ao at a future meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group on research findings relating to “Geothermal Activity under the Lakes Water”.

7.2

Terms of Reference- Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Deputy Chair Mayor Steve Chadwick suggested that consideration be given to review the Terms of Reference of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group particularly in the context of the changing environment and future requirements relating to Te Mana o te Wai and Three Waters.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       A future agenda item to be included on the review of the Terms of Reference of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group particularly in the context of the changing environment and future requirements relating to Te Mana o te Wai and Three Waters

·       An update on MfE Funding Applications to be provide to the Strategy Group.