Agenda of Rangitāiki River Forum - Friday, 3 September 2021

Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes

4 June 2021

Rangitāiki River Forum

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 4 June 2021, 10.30 am

Venue: Mataatua Room, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, 5 Quay Street, Whakatāne

Heamana

Chairperson: Maramena Vercoe - Te Runanga o Ngāti Manawa

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Cr Bill Clark, Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti, Cr Stacey Rose, Cr Kevin Winters

Hineuru Iwi Trust: Mei Winitana

Te Runanga o Ngāti Awa: Miro Araroa, Tuwhakairiora O'Brien - Alternate

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa: Karito Paul (Alternate)

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare: Bronco Carson, Jane Nicholas - Alternate

Ngāti Tuwharetoa (BOP) Settlement Trust: Clifford Te Riini

Tuhoe Te Uru Taumatua: Ngapera Rangiaho

Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa: Whakaeke Ritete (via Zoom)

Whakatāne District Council: Cr Alison Silcock

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Chairman Doug Leeder, Chris Ingle – General Manager Integrated Catchments, Charles Harley – Team Leader Eastern Catchments, Mieke Kapa – Land Management Officer, Kataraina O’Brien – Kotahitanga Strategic Engagement Manager, Shari Kameta – Committee Advisor

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa: Maxeen Newton – Pou Taiao

Whakatāne District Council: Terryl Lepper - Senior Project Planner

Taupō District Council: Sue Mavor - Senior Policy Advisor (via Zoom) External: Kelly Hughes, Charl Naude - ATS Environmental; Ryan Piddington, Environmental & Regulatory Services Manager, Lisa Mead, Senior Environmental Advisor, Abi Collins - Trustpower Limited; Craig Rowe, Regional Manager - Pioneer Energy

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Cr Kylie Leonard, Cr Anna Park – Alternate, Taupō District Council, Cr Wilson James – Alternate, Whakatāne District Council

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Miro Araroa.

Mihi Whakatau

Welcome to new Members

Miro Araroa provided a mihi to welcome new members Mei Winitana, Jane Nicholas and Bronco Carson and to acknowledge Councillors Alison Silcock and Wilson James for their support in the decision made by Whakatāne District Council to establish Māori wards at the next local body elections.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Accepts the apologies from Cr Wilson James, Cr Kylie Leonard and Cr Anna Park tendered at the meeting.

Silcock/Te Riini

CARRIED

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

None declared.

4. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

4.1

Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 9 April 2021

Matter arising

Minute item 9.1, ‘Continuation of Item 8.3 Rangitāiki Catchment Programme November 2020-January 2021 Dashboard Report’ – Discussion was sought under agenda item 10.3 in regard to CCTV cameras operating on the western side of the Thornton Domain.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Confirms the Rangitāiki River Forum Minutes - 9 April 2021 as a true and correct record, subject to the following amendments:

· Attendances (page 7) – insert ‘a’ for Jane Nicholas, Opening Karakia (page 8) amend ‘Honahona Haka’ to ‘Hakahaka Hona’, Minute item 6.3 (page 13) amend ‘Polly’ to ‘Holly’; Minute item 7.1: Presentation Update on Glass Eel Research (page 14) under 7^th bullet amend ‘100,000’ cumecs to ‘100’ cumecs.

Rose/Carson

CARRIED

5. Whakaaturanga
Presentations

5.1

Fish Barrier Remediation work in the Rangitāiki Catchment

Presentation - Rangitaiki Fish Passage 2021: Objective ID A3820051

Presented by: Kelly Hughes, ATS Environmental

The presentation provided an update on work being carried out in the Rangitāiki catchment to remediate barriers to native fish passage and migration in waterways.

Key Points:

· The project was leading the way nationally and was in its fifth year, beginning first along public roads and recently moving onto private land.

· Crossing points (i.e. structures, weirs and culverts) were identified via an initial desktop survey followed by field assessments prior to remediation.

· Approximately 12,000 potential structures had been identified within the Bay of Plenty region.

· Data collection recorded the current status and attributes of each structure.

· Outlined current statistics and a snapshot of barriers affecting a section of tributaries within the Rangitāiki catchment.

· Provided examples of the types of barriers and remediation treatments used for a variety of structures and environmental settings.

· Next steps: access and remediate unassessed structures, monitoring plan cycles, expand the project across the region and training personnel to build capacity.

In Response to Questions:

· Materials used were robust, durable and cost effective.

· Was open to using Mātauranga Māori and sustainable alternatives that may be available and suitable.

· Monitoring targets to measure success was not defined by the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NES-FW) and National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM).

· Welcomed the support of tangata whenua monitors, however noted this would require resource, planning and support.

· Was open to collaborating with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi and existing community volunteer groups.

· Noted there was scope for discussion with Fish & Game, Ministry for the Environment and Department of Conservation in regard to weighting values for native and exotic fish species.

· Summarised work underway and completed in the Bay of Plenty region:

o Rangitāiki catchment - public road assessments and remediation completed; private roads were currently underway;

o Whakatāne and Kaituna catchment - assessments completed.

o Tauranga Moana rohe – some assessments and fixes within Katikati area were completed.

Key Points - Members:

· Supported the use of Mātauranga Māori and environmentally sustainable remediation treatments and local tangata whenua to assist with the work.

· Federated Farmers may be able to assist with access issues.

· Commended the remediation mahi happening in the Rangitaiki catchment.

Staff - Key Points

· Fish passage remediation would be a requirement of farm plans to implement the NPS-FM, which this work was an initial part of and the Land Management team was considering future resourcing to educate and work with farmers on.

5.2

Rangitāiki River Reconnection Proposal Update

Presentation - Rangitaiki River Reconnection Proposal: Objective ID A3821193

Presented by: Mieke Kapa, Senior Projects Officer

Key Points:

· Provided background on the proposal to reconnect a traditional cultural route between the Tarawera and Rangitāiki rivers that would provide additional ecological habitat.

· Investigations to date on current water levels identified a 20-25cm downward slope from the Rangitāiki to the Tarawera river.

· Hydrological modelling suggested there was potential to achieve a one-way flow to the Tarawera, however would still need to determine: volume needed, length of time for water flow through the channel, how to get water into the dry channel and if any ecological improvements would be achieved.

· Initial talks had occurred with affected landowners and iwi, and discussions held with BOPRC’s engineering team to repair the old river channel gates and Whakatāne District Council to improve the Smith Road crossing.

· A funding application to the Ministry for the Environment was declined.

· Next steps were: finish modelling, investigate local hydrology to determine channel connectivity with adjacent groundwater, investigate improvements to the Tarawera gates that could be made to enable upstream flow at high tides, and continue communication with affected landowners, stakeholders and interested parties.

In Response to Questions:

· Sampling would be undertaken to identify existing invertebrates and ecological health within the old river channel.

· Anecdotal advice from landowners noted the presence of tuna and other fish species at the Tarawera end of the channel.

· Water from the Tarawera would not flow into or impact the Rangitāiki.

· Cost benefit analysis would be done after the completion of modelling to determine a number of factors, including cost and ecological benefits.

· e-DNA water sampling had identified a number of species present in the channel, including large goldfish, but no presence of koi carp.

Key Points - Members:

· Salinity would be important to determine benefits for inanga habitat.

· Reconnection of the traditional route would be culturally significant to kaumātua of Ngāti Awa.

5.3

Co-Governance Digital Tool

Presented by: Mike Taitoko and Tasman Gillies - Takiwa Ltd (Via Zoom)

Mr Taitoko and Mr Gillies gave a demonstration of a digital tool they were developing for co-governance entities that was being funded by the Department of Internal Affairs - Te Tari Taiwhenua (DIA).

Key Points:

· The digital tool was to assist co-governance entities to gain access and visibility of resource management and environmental data within a co-governance boundary in a spatial format to inform decision-making.

· The tool used publicly available data held by councils, which included data from Land Air Water Aotearoa (LAWA) gathered by councils.

· Demonstrated the types of dataset overlays used from resource consents and environmental monitoring information.

· The tool could provide access to other/overlapping co-governance arrangements and had the potential to be public facing.

· Sought the Forum’s feedback regarding their interest to be involved in the project.

11:55 am – Jane Nicholas withdrew from the meeting.

In Response to Questions:

· Data overlays could be requested from councils to contextualise specific activities within a certain locality or sub-catchment.

· The project’s scope was to provide access to participants of co-governance arrangements however, separate arrangements could be made for iwi entities to utilise their own data, which could be made available to others or kept private.

· Takiwa Ltd were in discussion with DIA to determine appropriate funding to build and support capability of co-governance groups to utilise the tool.

Key Points - Members:

· Utilising Taiao hubs at a co-governance level to assist with data capture and analysis was noted for consideration.

· Undertaking appropriate analysis would be important.

· Interest was raised in accessing water bores and other resource consent data.

Key Points - Staff:

· BOPRC had a live environmental data portal that could be accessed on Council’s website, for which a demonstration could be provided to the Forum.

· DIA’s digital tool used the same information that was available on BOPRC’s live environmental data portal.

· Training offered by the DIA project could be supported by Council staff.

Staff Follow-up Action

· Arrange a presentation on BOPRC’s environmental data portal at the Forum’s next meeting, prior to considering next steps.

12:15 pm – Whakaeke Ritete withdrew from the meeting.

6. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

6.1

Forum Members' Verbal Updates

Miro Araroa/Tu O’Brien – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa

· No update to report.

Alison Silcock – Whakatāne District Council

· WDC’s Long Term Plan Deliberations would be held on Tuesday
8 November 2021.

Cr Toi Iti – Bay of Plenty Regional Council

· No update to report.

Karito Paul – Te Rūnanga on Ngāti Manawa

· Acknowledged the opportunity to assist with the glass eel study on the Rangitāiki awa and commended the mahi being carried out by NIWA and local tangata whenua/volunteers.

Cliff Te Riini – Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust

· Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets’ geothermal discharge hearing was being held on 1 and 2 July 2021.

Bronco Carson – Te Rūnanga on Ngāti Whare

· No update to report.

Mei Winitana – Hineuru Iwi Trust

· Noted in relation to the co-governance digital tool presentation that Ngāti Hineuru had not been listed as one of the participating iwi.

· Discussions were being held between some Ngāti Hineuru and Ngāti Tūwharetoa tribal members in regard to freshwater koura within their rohe.

Cr Kevin Winters – Bay of Plenty Regional Council

· BOPRC’s Long Term Plan deliberations were completed in May. Congratulated the Chair on a successful submission to obtain new funding for secretariat support for the Forum.

· Noted BOPRC’s commitment to add value to co-governance forums and hoped that the support would bring new rigour to the Forum’s mahi.

Cr Bill Clark – Bay of Plenty Regional Council

· A Memorandum of Understanding was being formalised between the Rangitāiki Waka Ama Club and Edgecumbe Lions Club in a collaborative effort to support the clubs. Mr Hona had become a Lions Club board member and Cr Clark a Waka Ama Club member and the clubs were preparing a joint proposal to put forward to the Edgecumbe College to include waka ama within the school’s curriculum in 2022.

Ngapera Rangiaho – Tūhoe Te Uru Taumatua

· Noted social behavioural issues that were occurring at Lake Aniwaniwa.

· Community drop-in sessions were being held twice monthly at Waiohau Marae to keep the community informed of relevant issues that affect the Rangitāiki catchment and community. Noted that Craig Rowe, Pioneer Energy had presented at a session along with others.

· Kokopu Trust had invited Ngapera to become a trustee to support them with their mahi.

Cr Stacey Rose – Bay of Plenty Regional Council

· Involved in youth engagement work on BOPRC kaupapa.

· Wished to consider how co-governance forums can influence rangatahi and would be exploring this more in the near future.

Chair Maramena Vercoe – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa

· Trap and transfer season at Lake Aniwaniwa had been completed.

· Noted there had been a reduction in numbers of migrating tuna caught, which the timing of lake lowering had not helped, therefore would follow-up with Pioneer Energy on this matter.

· As the Forum Chair, had been approached and interviewed by a researcher on behalf of the Ministry for the Environment and Te Kahui Wai Māori on the Forum’s views and perspectives to freshwater and mana whakahaere. Three key messages conveyed were:

o Consideration of Māori rights and interests in water

o Appropriate consideration and understanding to be given to Te Ao Māori concepts such as Te Mana o te Wai, Te Mana Whakahaere and kaitiaki.

o Reform opportunities and contributing within partnership arrangements.

12:47 pm – Jane Nicholas entered the meeting.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Arrange a Forum visit to the source of the Rangitāiki awa.

6.2

Trustpower Limited Update

Presentation - Matahina Elver Passage Update - June 2021: Objective ID A3821194

Presentation - Wheao Resconsent Update - June 2021: Objective ID A3821195

Presented by: Ryan Piddington, Environmental and Regulatory Services Manager

Matahina Elver Passage Update

Key Points:

· Trap and transfer was still the current method of passage.

· The Kokopu Trust had transferred 1.3 tonnes of tuna upstream of the dam in 2020, which was good in comparison to other years.

· Development of the elver elevator system:

o Project goal was to provide unimpeded tuna passage into Lake Matahina

o Phase 1 (2020) - proof of concept had been completed

o Phase 2 (2021) – build design concept of a scoop, culvert and elevator into a holding tank at Trustpower’s carpark for transportation to the lake. Phase 2 still required trap and transfer, but allowed data to be collected. A mechanical engineer had been engaged to finalise the design, which would likely require resource consents.

o Phase 3 - design an elevator to transport tuna to the rear of the station

o Phase 4 - design an elevator up and over the dam.

o Phase 3 & 4 would allow for any new technologies to be considered.

· Phase 2 timeline:

o June-September 2021 - finalise design and obtain consents;

o September-November 2021 – instream work (outside migration season)

o November-February 2022: trial planning and execution.

· Noted interest in Kelly Hughes’ work (ATS Environmental), which may provide some ideas and methods to assist with the project.

· Offered to provide funding to re-establish the tuna steering group.

In Response to Questions:

· The design did not provide for downstream migration.

· Work to date had led to the current design proposal due to the size of the dam structure, elevation height and to accommodate other fish species.

· Success measures for the current trap and transfer operation was based on comparison of numbers transferred annually and mortality rates.

· Welcomed feedback on other measures of success that could be used.

· Was unaware of any tuna fatalities from maintenance clean outs, but would make enquiries.

· Work had been completed to ascertain and adjust turbine velocity levels at the screen gates to reduce any impingement on tuna migration.

Key Points - Members:

· The hiatus of the tuna steering group and tuna forum was largely due to staff resourcing changes and a lack of engagement of stakeholder agencies.

Wheao Reconsenting Update

Key Points:

· Provided an overview of the Wheao hydro scheme, for which resource consents were due to expire in 2026.

· The reconsenting process would not be seeking any enhancements.

· Outlined Trustpower’s reconsenting strategy approach to:

o Collaborate and work closely with mana whenua at every stage

o Bring other stakeholders along on the journey

o Environmental assessments to involve and engage with tangata whenua and seek the inclusion of cultural monitoring/Mātauranga Māori

· Provided ‘draft’ drone footage and graphics that were under development to provide a high level story of the scheme and catchment which would be updated with new information that came to hand and made publicly available once finalised.

· Sought advice on how the Forum wished to be involved.

Key Points - Members:

· Ngāti Manawa held significant mamae as a result of the impact the hydro scheme had had on their tupuna awa, which needed consideration.

· Feedback from the Forum needed to align with its purpose and objectives.

In Response to Questions:

· The Wheao hydro scheme was established pre-RMA. It was given a 35-year term and had not yet been through a RMA consent process.

· Trustpower’s preference was to be given a further 35-year consent term, which is what the RMA currently provided for (as a maximum).

· Lodgement of the consent application was anticipated in the next couple of years. Due to its complexity, BOPRC had encouraged Trustpower to lodge their application early.

· Acknowledged the mamae of mana whenua which had been caused by the hydro schemes and wished to work closely with tangata whenua on how to reconcile the impacts on the wai and surrounding taiao.

Extension of Time

The Chair advised at 1:45pm that the meeting had gone over three hours and that under the Forum’s standing orders a resolution would need to be passed to extend the meeting duration.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Extends the duration of the meeting for an additional half hour.

Rose/Te Riini

CARRIED

7. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

7.1

Change in Membership and Appointment of a Deputy Chairperson

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Change in Membership and Appointment of a Deputy Chairperson.

2 Confirms the following appointments onto the Rangitāiki River Forum:

· Mei Winitana as the appointed member for Hineuru Iwi Trust; and

· Bronco Carson as the appointed member and Jane Nicholas, replacing Jose Miki as the alternate member for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare.

Araroa/Rangiaho

CARRIED

3 Selects System B as the voting system for the election of a Deputy Chairperson.

Rangiaho/Vercoe

CARRIED

4 Elects Bronco Carson as the Deputy Chairperson of the Rangitāiki River Forum.

Te Riini/Rangiaho

CARRIED

Cr Silcock abstained from voting.

7.2

Information and Acknowledgement Display Panels at Aniwhenua Reserve Playground (Holly's Playground)

Presented by: Chris Ingle, General Manager Integrated Catchments and Cr Alison Silcock

Key Points:

· Installation of information and acknowledgment panels had arisen from a public request made to Holly’s Playground Committee to recognise the work of the late Bill Kerrison, founder of the Kokopu Trust.

· Holly’s Playground Committee had considered it was more appropriate for the request to be referred to the Forum.

· Cr Silcock had spoken to Mrs Ruby Kerrison who was delighted with the request.

· It was recommended that Holly’s Playground Committee apply to the Regional Council’s Environment Enhancement Fund (EEF), as the proposal aligned with EEF funding criteria.

Key Points - Members:

· Karito Paul offered to assist Holly’s Playground Committee with the EEF application and suggested incorporating on the information panels information and stories about the surrounding whenua and Ngāti Manawa who occupied the whenua, which was supported by Forum.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Information and Acknowledgement Display Panels at Aniwhenua Reserve Playground (Holly's Playground);

2 Endorses an application to Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Environmental Enhancement Fund to support the production and installation of tuna interpretation panels and an acknowledgement board at Holly’s Playground at Aniwhenua Reserve to honour the late Bill Kerrison (Founder of the Kokopu Trust);

3 Seeks collaboration and support of the respective Forum partners to assist with this mahi and its ongoing maintenance (WDC).

Silcock/Rangiaho

CARRIED

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

7.3

Rangitaiki Catchment Programme Dashboard February - April 2021

Presented by: Charles Harley, Team Leader Eastern Catchments

Key Points:

· Due to the Councils’ Long Term Plan processes, the end of year report and 2021-2022 work plan would be reported to the Forum in September.

Key Points - Members:

· Sought assurance that aquatic weed control scheduled at Lake Aniwaniwa in early November 2021 would not be delayed to December.

In Response to Questions:

· Aquatic weed control relied on a number of factors to achieve the best outcome (i.e. water temperature, lack of sediment layer on the weed, and low-moderate wind). If conditions were favourable, spraying would be undertaken in November as scheduled.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Regarding CCTV installation options for reserves, a concern was raised regarding potential monitoring of customary fishing access and practices at Thornton Domain and it was requested that Whakatāne District Council consult with relevant Forum and Ngāti Awa representatives on this matter.

Resolved

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Rangitaiki Catchment Programme Dashboard February - April 2021.

Carson/Te Riini

CARRIED

8. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Miro Araroa.

2:10 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Maramena Vercoe

Chairperson, Rangitāiki River Forum

Rangitāiki River Forum 3 September 2021



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	3 September 2021
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Anaru Vercoe, Pou Whainga - Principal Advisor
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To seek a decision on how the Rangitāiki River Forum would participate in the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme.

Participation of the RRF in the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report seeks a decision on how the Rangitāiki River Forum (RRF) would like to participate in the implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM 2020). Members of the Forum are asked to consider several options for participation presented in this paper, and any others the RRF deem appropriate.

The Forum was presented a number of options to consider at its 2nd August Workshop. The background material relating to the engagement process under Te Hononga, the progress to date, and the key provisions under the NPSFM relating to Māori were also presented at the Workshop.

Timeframes for notification of a plan change are July 2024. It is therefore crucial that RRF resolve now how best to be involved with the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP).

Staff are considering how Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki, Change 3 to the Regional Policy Statement (for Rangitāiki River Catchment), and Rangitāiki Freshwater Futures Community Group advice to date can inform the setting of a vision and outcomes for the Rangitāiki River catchment as required by the NPSFM 2020. This will be reported to the next RRF meeting, and ideally would be discussed at an informal workshop prior to this.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Participation of the RRF in the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme.

2 Decide on which or a combination of the participation options presented in this report is best suited for the role and function of the Forum.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

Given the changes made to the NPSFM 2020 relating specifically to tangata whenua involvement, it is timely to confirm how the Forum would like to be involved in the ongoing NPSFM 2020 implementation.

In November last year, staff prepared a questionnaire asking how the Forum would like to participate in the implementation of the NPSFM 2020. Members were asked:

1. What role do you see yourselves playing in the NPSFM implementation (this may include the identification of cultural values, helping to define Te Mana o Te Wai in the region and the associated policy and plan reviews)?

2. How can council best support your role and involvement?

3. What role do you think your co-governance group can play to support your constituent iwi to participate and be involved in NPSFM 2020 implementation?

At the Workshop on 2 August 2021, staff presented an update on possible options that the Forum may consider. There was some discussion relating to forming a collective with Te Maru o Kaituna, the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum and the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group. The Chair also requested that members notify her by way of email what options they preferred.

2. Options for Participation

The following options for participation do not exclude other ways the RRF could be involved, rather they have been presented to offer a wide range of approaches the forum may take into account. The Rangitāiki River Document: Te Ara Whānui o Rangitaiki is central to the preparation of a Mana o Te Wai Vision statement for any Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) established within the co-governance framework area of the forum. It is in this regard that the forum should consider itself a key advisor for the implementation process. The following options are:

a. Participation/facilitation in/of sub-regional hui;

b. Establish and run workshops with tangata whenua on Te Mana o Te Wai and Mahinga Kai;

c. Providing support and or technical advice and recommendations on how policy work may proceed;

d. Participation in the selection of hearing commissioner nominations (tangata whenua representative);

e. Advising and making recommendations on the policy that relates to the vision, objectives and desired outcomes in the river document;

f. Scheduled reporting on the progress of Māori involvement.

g. Establish a co-joint group with Te Maru o Kaituna to consider matters that commonly affect each entity. A meeting between chairs should be organised as soon as possible.

h. A combination of the above.

i. Any other options the forum deem appropriate.

Note, members may suggest a combination of the approaches above or suggest others that align with the Forum’s role and function. Members should also note that administrative support for the Forum was addressed through the LTP 2021 to 2031 deliberations. Given the approval of budget to support co-governance entities the Forum may include the matters raised in this paper as part of its Te Mana o Te Wai work programme.

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

To provide the Forum with further context, engagement with Māori will shortly be moving into its second phase. The following table sets out the proposed broad timeframes for community involvement from 2020 through to 2024, including tangata whenua.

However Tangata Whenua involvement is more specific than this: Council seeks to involve tangata whenua in early and ongoing discussions concerning mahinga kai, other Te Ao Māori values, vision and outcomes sought for freshwater bodies, and options for achieving this. The actions listed may alter or may be amended as the work programme moves through the more substantive and specific tasks for policy implementation.

Timing	Objective
By the end of 2020	Tangata whenua, land and water users, the community and stakeholders in the region are alerted to, and have ready access to information about: · the new Government freshwater policies and regulations, what they mean, and what they require Council to do; · Council’s programme to review the RNRP and implement the NPSFM and NESF requirements; and · when and how they can be involved.
From 2021 to the end of 2022	Tangata whenua, land and water users, the community and stakeholders in the region are provided with online opportunities to provide feedback about key information and policy options as they are developed. Information updates, key messages and discussion can also be provided/held at relevant community events Council staff normally attend (e.g. focus catchment group meetings). For example, this may include maps and explanation of FMUs, the state and trends of freshwater bodies, options for draft visions for FMUs, values in FMUs, draft environmental outcomes for FMUs. Note that tangata whenua will be involved early in the development of these.
In early 2023	Tangata whenua, land and water users, the community and other stakeholders in the region are provided with fit for purpose information about freshwater issues and policy options, advised on when, where and how they can provide meaningful feedback/advice in a manner appropriate to the preferences.
By September 2023	Tangata whenua, land and water users, the community and other stakeholders in the region are provided with active engagement and feedback opportunities, so that they can meaningfully contribute advice about the policy shifts and draft content for RPS and RNRP change. Their views are authentically heard and considered.
By July 2024	Tangata whenua, land and water users, the community and other stakeholders in the region are informed about: (a) how their feedback was considered and how it influenced decisions; (b) how the proposed plan changes will affect them, what they must do and where to get help; and (c) when and how they can make a submission on the proposed plan change.

There are matters relating to capacity and capability of tangata whenua groups in terms of their readiness to respond. Staff are working on a process to identify which groups will require more support than others. The key message for members is that Māori engagement is a continuous process for the policy programme through to 2024. A process for involvement confirmed by the forum should take this into account.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

CO-OPERATE

Mahi Ngātahi

To work closely with affected communities to develop alternatives and recommend a preferred solution.

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

This report aligns with the vision, objectives and desired outcomes set out in Te Ara Whānui ō Rangitaiki, The Rangitāiki River Document.

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

Once the Forum has provided direction on how it wishes to be involved in the implementation of the NPSFM 2020, staff will meet with the Chair (and any other members) and Champion to discuss how best to implement the Forum’s participation.

Staff are considering how Te Ara Whanui o Rangitāiki, Change 3 to the Regional Policy Statement (for Rangitāiki River Catchment), and Rangitāiki Freshwater Futures Community Group advice to date could inform the setting of a vision and outcomes for Rangitāiki River catchment as per the provisions in the NPSFM 2020. The vision, objectives and desired outcomes in Te Ara Whanui o Rangitaiki will feature prominently in this process as per section 119 (1 – 2).[2]. Ideally staff would like to discuss this with the Forum at an informal workshop in September / October, prior to reporting to the December meeting.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	3 September 2021
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To inform the Forum of the Whakatane District 2021 Representation Review and seek consideration on whether the Forum wishes to make a submission on the initial proposal.

Whakatāne District 2021 Representation Review

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The Whakatāne District Council has initiated a representation review that includes the introduction of Māori wards. Manager Governance Services, Cindy Butt has agreed to present the proposal to the Forum and the recommendation is to support the changes proposed.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1 Receives the report, Whakatāne District 2021 Representation Review.

2 Makes a submission to the Whakatāne District 2021 Representation Review.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

In March 2021 the Local Electoral (Maori Wards and Maori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2021 came into force and enabled councils around Aotearoa New Zealand to reconsider Maori wards to be included as part of their representation reviews in time for the 2022 local body elections.

Whakatāne District Council (WDC) voted unanimously on 20 May 2021 to establish Maori wards as part of its representation review. Since its decision WDC has completed work on its preferred options for general and Maori wards, and on 17 August 2021 resolved its initial proposal for commencing public consultation. The submission period is 30 August to 6 October 2021.

This report has been prepared in response to a request from Forum member Cr Bill Clark that this matter be brought to the Forum to seek consideration of whether the Forum wishes to take a position and make a submission on the new WDC representation arrangements, in the interest of the Rangitaiki River and catchment.

A presentation on the representation review process will be provided at the meeting by Cindy Butt, Whakatāne District Council Manager Governance Services | Tumu Mana Whakahaere.

Below are the timeframes for formal review process and attached to this report are the presentation slides that will be given and which outline the representation review process and WDC’s preferred option.

Representation review formal process timeframes

Tuesday, 17 August 2021	Council meeting - decide its initial proposal for public consultation (commences the formal review process with a submissions/hearing process) (Decision legally required by 31 August 2021)
Friday, 27 August 2021	Public notice of initial proposal and invite submissions (allow 5 week submission period) (submission period to be not less than one month after the public notice)
Wednesday, 6 October 2021	Submissions period closes
Thursday, 14 October and Friday, 15 October 2021	Hearing and deliberations on submissions
Thursday, 28 October	Council workshop (if required) to consider submissions and final proposal
Thursday, 11 November 2021	Council meeting to resolve the final proposal
Wednesday, 17 November 2021	Public notice of final proposal (Required by 19 November 2021)
Wednesday, 17 November to Friday, 17 December 2021	Appeal/objection period (one-month) (20 December at latest)

2. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

2.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter.

2.2 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.

2.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

This kaupapa is significant for Māori as it provides new representation for Māori at the governance level at the Whakatāne District Council.

2.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

Whakatāne District Council are responsible for managing this decision and are engaging with the community before they do so. In this context the Rangitāiki River Forum do not need to engage the community, because it is them being engaged with.

2.5 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

3. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

No follow up is needed on this matter, beyond lodging the submission of support and potentially attending the hearings in October 2021.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Whakatane District 2021 Representation Review Presentation Slides July-August 2021 ⇩



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rangitāiki River Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	3 September 2021
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Charles Harley, Team Leader Eastern Catchments and Fiona Wood, Programme Coordinator Integrated Catchments
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To inform the Rangitāiki River Forum of the Rangitāiki Catchment Programme Report for 2020-2021 and 2021/2022.

Rangitaiki Catchment Programme Reporting

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme coordinates 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 catchment.

The annual report describes the Programme results for projects and deliverables for the 2020/2021 financial year. The annual work plan describes the Programme projects, budgets and deliverables for the 2021/2022 financial year.

The Dashboard Report outlines the status of works undertaken during May and June 2021.

Kendall Smith, Land Management Officer will provide a presentation to update Forum members on the recent sustainable land use work carried out in the Upper Rangitāiki catchment by the landowners. This is reported within the Dashboard and end of year reporting and supports the actions of Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rangitāiki River Forum:

1. Receives the report, Rangitaiki Catchment Programme Reporting.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme was established in 2014/15 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 the work undertaken by the three councils related to the river catchment. As the 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.

2. Rangitāiki Catchment Programme Reporting

2.1 Rangitāiki Catchment Programme May-June 2021 Dashboard Report

The May-June 2021 dashboard report is a summary view of the projects and works within the 2020-2021 Annual Work Plan for that period.

2.2 2020/2021 Annual Report Results

The Rangitāiki Integrated Catchment Programme: Annual Report 2020/2021 is attached to this report.

There were 40 projects in the annual work plan for 2020-2021. Of these 28 have been achieved, 8 are taking place and have been approved to continue into 2021/2022, 4 projects have a red status, and an explanation for these is provided within the annual report.

The following are just some of the highlights from 2020-2021:

· Thirty five fish passage structures were installed.

· As part of the implementation of the NPSFM, a surface water accounting tool and an online engagement platform (for freshwater values and visions) have been developed, and will be publically accessible later in 2021. Two out of three regional forums (Rural and Environmental Sector Organisation Forum, Territorial Local Authority Forum) have been established and are now up and running.

· An additional 19km of waterway margin in the catchment has been fenced and protected from stock access. This resulted in 15.6 hectares of land retired from pastoral use in the catchment.

· 20,316 plants were planted within the Hinengawari and Rangipo wetlands; spotless crake were identified at all sites of the Wetland Restoration Project.

· Whakatāne District Council’s Murupara water network renewal is nearly complete and was undertaken within time and budget.

· Whakatāne District Council have undertaken upgrades and installed a flying fox at the reserve at Lake Aniwaniwa.

· Taupō District Council – remedial works were completed on the washed out gully on Matea Road.

2.3 2021/2022 Annual Work Plan

The Rangitāiki Catchment Programme: Annual Work Plan 2021/2022 is attached to this report. 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.

· Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Progressing the Rangitāiki Floodway Project and the Rangitāiki River Floodwall remedial work, progressing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management work; continue to improve fish passage in culverts, continue implementing the Rangitaiki Wetlands Restoration Project, work with landowners to protect water quality particularly for the Focus Catchment area of the upper Rangitāiki/Otangimoana, control of dama wallabies, alligator weed and wilding conifer sites with the Rangitaiki Catchment.

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 therefore no climate change impacts. The ecological restoration and engineering works reported will have positive impacts on climate change.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Keeping the Rangitaiki River Forum updated on the operations and plans within the Rangitāiki Catchment for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Whakatāne District Council and Taupō District Council is a priority, alongside our work with iwi and hapū.

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

These documents promote the Rangitāiki River, vulnerable ecosystems and healthy rivers which all align with key performance indicators of the Regional Council and Te Ara Whānui o Rangitāiki.

3.5 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

The Rangitāiki Catchment Programme will provide updates for reporting requirements throughout 2021/2022.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - May - June 2021 Rangitaiki Catchment Programme Dashboard ⇩

Attachment 2 - Rangitaiki Catchment Programme Annual Report 2020-2021 ⇩

Attachment 3 - Rangitaiki Catchment Programme Annual Work Plan 2021-2022 ⇩

[1] s108 Ngāti Manawa Claims Settlement Act 2012, s112 Ngāti Whare Claims Settlement Act 2012

[2] In particular s.119 (2) – The Bay of Plenty Regional Council must comply with subsection (1) each time it prepares or changes the Bay of Plenty regional policy statement.

Chairperson	Maramena Vercoe (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa)
Deputy Chairperson	Bronco Carson (Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare)
Tangata Whenua Members
One appointed representative each:
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa	Karito Paul (Alternate)
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whare	Jane Nicholas (Alternate)
Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Bay of Plenty) Settlement Trust	Clifford Te Riini Reverend Paora Hunia (Alternate)
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa	Miro Araroa Tuwhakairiora O'Brien (Alternate)
Hineuru Iwi Trust	Mei Winitana
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