Agenda of Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum

Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum

Membership

Chairperson
Elected by the Forum at its first meeting each Triennium	Cr 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	Cr 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 Minutes

11 March 2021

Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Thursday 11 March 2021, 9.30 am

Venue: Kutarere Marae, 435 State Highway 2, Kutarere

Heamana

Chairperson: Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti (Bay of Plenty Regional Council)

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Mayor Lyn Riesterer (Ōpōtiki District Council)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Cr Bill Clark – Alternate, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Charlie Bluett - Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Trevor Ransfield - Te Upokorehe, Cr Debi Hocart – Alternate, Ōpōtiki District Council, Josie Mortensen - Whakatōhea Māori Trust Board

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: Presenters – as listed in the minutes, Pim de Monchy – Coastal Catchments Manager, Gina Mohi – Putaiao Mātauranga, Amanda Namana – Committee Advisor

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Tu O'Brien - Alternate, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles – Alternate, Whakatāne District Council

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Bruce Pukepuke.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Accepts the apologies from Tu O'Brien - Alternate, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles – Alternate, Whakatāne District Council and Josie Mortensen (for early departure) tendered at the meeting.

Clark/Bluett

CARRIED

3. Te Upokorehe Introduction and Updates

3.1

Pipi Monitoring

Presentation - Pipi Monitoring 2021: Objective ID A3758423

Tabled Document 1 - MPI Compliance Update and Statistics: Objective ID A3758395

Gaylene Kohunui and Ngaire Ngamoki presented this item.

Key Points:

· Outlined the rohe of the Pipi monitoring undertaken by Te Upokorehe as kaitiaki of Ōhiwa Harbour

· Whakatāne fisheries officers provided signage and pamphlets

· Upokorehe Resource Management team provided resources including Hi-Vis safety vests

· Monitoring commenced 21 December 2020, comprised of 20 participants including kaumātua, rangatahi and mokopuna who participated in the six week programme. Auckland Anniversary and Waitangi weekends were also monitored

· The kaupapa arose from local concerns of vehicles on the mud flats and excess take of pipi observed

· From the excessive amount of pipi being taken, it was discovered that the majority of people did not have permits. In this instance, they were educated about where to obtain one and asked to return the pipi to the harbour

· Other things observed during the monitoring were camping at Tokitoki Reserve and the boat ramp, consumption of alcohol at the boat ramp, multitudes of dogs in the pipi gathering area and many footprints around bird nesting areas

· Asian crabs and mangrove spread were also discovered and noted

· Networking provided an opportunity to engage with Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) about becoming honorary fisheries officers, which had a positive repercussive effect along the East Coast

· Education and information sharing was an important part of this voluntary project

· Whānau collected 150 pipi each morning to show people what the quantity looked like, which had proven helpful. Advised that the quota numbers counted but pipi size did not

· Signage currently in place could be improved as it was either too small or irrelevant to the area

· The current speed limits were a concerning hazard for residents carrying out the mahi

· The largest number of visitors detected was during the first week of monitoring when there were 421 people recorded during just one day

· Had encountered excessive pipi amounts being permitted e.g. 25kg for a mother and child.

Key Points - Members:

· The purpose for collecting pipi had developed from being only for kai

· Permit issuers and MPI had a responsibility to ensure that the reasons permits were issued and the quantity they were issued for were being adhered to

· If this problem continued without any action, there may be no pipi left

· Congratulated Te Upokorehe on this important and confronting mahi

· Suggested the pipi monitoring project and ‘lore versus law’ was a perfect science and conservation based learning topic for the Community of Learning (COL) to take to schools.

In Response to Questions

· Some people were using children of all ages to increase quota numbers. More education needed to occur and children needed to be gathering pipi to be counted for their own take.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Requested attendance from a Ministry of Fisheries representative to attend a future meeting and clarify the fishing rules around pipi take and size.

3.2

The Kiwi Project

Quintin Taitapanui presented this item.

Key Points:

· Had been involved with The Kiwi Project in the Waiotahi Scenic Reserve in Waiotahe Valley for four years, the last two of which had been funded by the Department of Conservation (DOC)

· Encouraged tangata whenua to assist with monitoring of the approximately 200 traps

· The terrain was steep and could be dangerous to navigate

· In the past two years of monitoring, 22 large stoats and 170 very large rats had been captured

· Two Kiwi listening programmes had been undertaken, identifying 120 kiwi calls over the past two years

· Promoting the mahi to tangata whenua was a great opportunity to upskill and be around like-minded people

· Described a symbiotic relationship between tangata whenua and the whenua. This correlation had been observed to create many health and wellbeing benefits for those involved in mahi around the ngahere.

10.42 am - Josie Mortensen withdrew from the meeting.

3.3

Te Upokorehe verbal update

Tabled Document 1 - Te Upokorehe Update letter to OHIF dated 11 March 2021: Objective ID A3758399

Trevor Ransfield provided a verbal update to the Forum on additional matters.

Key Points:

· Upokorehe had been committed to assisting with mangrove removal in Ōhiwa Harbour for ten years

· Outlined some local projects including new subdivisions and working with archaeologists at the sites, assisting Waka Kotahi with upcoming State Highway 2 work (due to commence 17^th March 2021)

· The build-up of silt at Te Kakaho stream entrance was restraining the flow of the water and becoming an increasing problem for the residents of Kutarere - the community requested assistance to rectify the situation.

In Response to Questions:

· BOPRC staff requested further information on the effects to individuals and properties of the restrained waterflow, and the community responded:

o The marae was in the process of raising all buildings on the property including the wharenui and the wharekai over a fifty year plan to mitigate the issues caused by the water flow, which had never been seen before. Also expressed concern over future access problems for manuhiri

o The stream used to be used for swimming but was now waist high in mud

o Previous requests for assistance from different councils following severe storms had gone unheeded

o There were also new tidal surges occurring

o Access to the wharves had been diminished due to the silt build up

o Suggested control gates be installed at the harbour heads as a potential solution

o Indirect impacts included lack of accessibility to funding for repairing many Upokorehe homes damaged by storm water flow, due to now being classified as high risk.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Noted that there were many complex issues to consider in the restrained water flow problem and BOPRC staff would investigate and consult with other councils before responding to Te Upokorehe with potential options. Some of these considerations included water use, run off, climate change, sea level rise, storm surges and flooding.

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

None declared.

5. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

5.1

Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum Minutes - 30 November 2020

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Confirms the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum Minutes - 30 November 2020 as a true and correct record.

Riesterer/Clark

CARRIED

6. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

6.1

Chairperson's Report

A verbal update was provided to the Forum by Chair Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti on the following matters:

· Updated members on Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s progress in the Long Term Plan (LTP) process and timeline

· Advised that the freshwater reform under the Resource Management Act (RMA) and the ramifications of this at a regional and local level were of particular focus at present.

7. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

7.1

Korehāhā Whakahau

Presentation - Korehāhā Whakahau: Objective ID A3758410

Merenia Sawrey and Eddie Sykes presented this item.

Key Points:

· The possum eradication project stretched over 4700 hectares of land

· This was the first Iwi-led Predator Free 2050 project

· Created local employment and upskilling, focusing on environmental, social and economic outcomes

· Was in the first six months of operational activity and had already achieved 10 possum kills and installed 200 zip possum traps

· The colour palette was collected from areas of significance and reflected in the brand identity. The pohutukawa symbol was gifted as a vision and direction for the project and symbolised protection of the pohutukawa forest

· Outlined the innovative technology used which communicated information digitally when a trap had been activated

· This was paired with a zip motor lure and trail camera acting as a detection system to provide further information about the activity of possums and other predators

· White card attached to trees was used as a visual lure which emanated the natural behaviour of possums and prevented capture of other animals and birds

· Part of the strategy was to be flexible in approach and open with learnings and methodologies

· Recognised the connection between eradicating this invasive species and some aspirations of the Forum - protecting habitats and species around the harbour which affected the harbour.

In Response to questions

· Data was being collected about wild cats and other species identified in the area. Although the project was focused on possums as the technology was available to target eradication, a wider vision may include other pest species as the technology developed

· There was opportunity for potential learnings through shared interests with The Kiwi Project and other projects around process, methodology and upskilling.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

Riesterer/Bluett

CARRIED

Trevor Ransfield voted against the motion.

11.10 am – The meeting adjourned.

11.10 am – Cr Clark withdrew from the meeting.

11.35 am – The meeting reconvened.

7.2

Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum submissions to council Long Term Plans

Presentation - Long Term Plan submissions: Objective ID A3758415

Tabled Document 1 - Submission on Whakatāne District Council Long Term Plan submission: Objective ID A3758387

Department of Conservation (DOC) Community Ranger Whitney Nelson presented this item, supported by Land Management Officer Tim Senior.

Key Points:

· Following the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum workshop held on 11 February 2021, DOC collated the feedback received as an independent third party and compiled submissions on behalf of the Forum for approval.

Key Points – Staff:

· A new vacancy was currently open at Bay of Plenty Regional Council for one Full Time Employee (FTE) Land Management Officer to provide further land management assistance in the eastern part of the region.

Amendments to the Submissions:

· Emphasise that the Forum seeks councils provide adequate support for recreation provisions and protection as highlighted in Strategy Action 3.1

· Support councils make provisions in their budgets for the recommendations in the recreation strategy for Ōhiwa Harbour and would like to see more protection planned with increased population and visitor numbers. The existing recreation strategy was to be appended to submissions.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum submissions to council Long Term Plans

2 Approves the three appended submissions, with minor amendments as agreed at the meeting.

Bluett/Ransfield

CARRIED

7.3

Bringing the Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan to Life

Presentation - Bringing the Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan to life: Objective ID A3758416

Senior Planner (Coastal) Stacey Faire presented this item.

Key Points:

· Outlined the area the Bay of Plenty Regional Council covered in the Regional Coastal Environment Plan (the Plan)

· Coastal plans had a ten year lifecycle with the purpose of building up information and gathering evidence

· Compared the relationship between the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy and the Plan and identified integration, collaboration and natural heritage as some common objectives

· Suggested measuring outcomes around the work being done in the area and consider how to measure effectiveness over time.

Key Points - Members:

· Suggested planting the Ōhiwa Harbour in native plants to address the sediment issues

· After discussion, it was clarified that ‘Mātauranga Māori’ in this context was about trying to incorporate Māori knowledge into plans

· Applauded the effort to incorporate Mātauranga Māori but questioned how to recognise this in legislation

· Fitting two cultural structures together was challenging but Western science and Mātauranga Māori had worked together successfully in 2014 when pilot whales beached in Ōhiwa Harbour

· There needed to be a big step forward in organisations in order for Māori to see further inclusion in their systems, structures and plans.

Key Points - Staff:

· The Forum could consider requesting that annual State of the Environment reporting include explicit cultural health indicators

· The Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum was strong and had a rich history - there was potential to find cultural health indicators inside mahi already completed in the past to use as a case study and link into other plans in the future.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, Bringing the Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan to Life.

Riesterer/Bluett

CARRIED

7.4

Pātangaroa hua rau: the economic potential of collagen and bioactives from eleven-armed sea-star to manage over populations in Ōhiwa Harbour.

Presentation - Awhi Mai Awhi Atu update: Objective ID A3758417

Waikato University Associate Professor Dr Kura Paul-Burke, Cawthron Institute Dr Matt Miller and New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Dr Mat Cummings presented this item.

Key Points:

· K4 was the last remaining traditional mussel bed at the mouth of the harbour

· 12 sea stars were discovered in the K4 mussel bed which previously was sea star-free. They were found in poor condition and relocated within the harbour

· Juvenile snapper and other fish had been observed during the dive which was auspicious as these were previously not seen

· There was an average of 2000 mussels per spat line and the lines were 1-2 metres in length. Each mussel had an average of 128 individuals living on it, this was encouraging as building a mid-water biodiversity may assist in combating the degradation of the harbour

· Each line had a total of 256,000 individuals living on each line, all of which contributed to the complex biodiversity of the harbour food chain

· Work was aligned with the tangaroa phase of the maramataka which had proven successful

· The Awhi Mai Awhi Atu project was tracking ahead of time

· Pātangaroa hua rau was sponsored by National Science Challenges Sustainable Seas and the research was funded for two years. A circular economy was envisaged where any money earned would go back into the harbour

· The goal was to align with the values of the Forum and mana whenua, and to provide knowledge that could be used for economic opportunities

· Outlined the extraction protocol and the varied scientific and health benefits that may be gained from the bioactives extracted from starfish

· A concept product would be created using collagen as an example of what was possible if the project were to move forward.

In Response to Questions:

· Maintaining a balanced ecology system was important to the harbour and if the project was successful it would need to include sustainability monitoring

· For the proof of concept only 6 sea stars per season would be required and there were MPI permits in place for further takes related to scientific research.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, Pātangaroa hua rau: the economic potential of collagen and bioactives from eleven-armed sea-star to manage over populations in Ōhiwa Harbour.

Bluett/Ransfield

CARRIED

7.5

Ōhiwa Harbour annual work programme update to February 2021 and proposed work programme for 2021/22

Land Management Officer Tim Senior presented this item.

Key Points:

· 32 hectares of land had been covered during November/December 2020 mangrove management operations

· Outlined options for 2022 Work Programme and received direction from the Forum:

o Most of the actions did not cost much money but involved a lot of time, with the exception of ‘Assess fish and tuna populations and remediate barriers to migration’

o Suggested removing ‘Report on bylaws and other rules and policies to identify gaps’ for the next opportunity to do so but consider if there were components that could be changed for next time around

o Agreed that the list would be taken to Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy Group (OHSG) to help prioritise the list and indicate where best the responsibility lay for getting assistance with each item

o The Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy and implementation were equally as important as the internal development of the Forum and having a dispute resolution process may help grow the Forum and assist its sustainability into the future.

o Clarified that the Forum had a very specific role and focused lens on the Ōhiwa Harbour and would not be involved in any mana whenua disputes, therefore a disputes resolution process would have to have very clear parameters.

In Response to Questions:

· Fish and tuna populations referred specifically to freshwater tributaries.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, Ōhiwa Harbour annual work programme update to February 2021 and proposed work programme for 2021/22.

Riesterer/Bluett

CARRIED

8. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Trevor Ransfield.

1.12 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti

Chairperson, Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	12 November 2021
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To provide an update on the implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM) and the opportunities currently available to input into the mahi.

Engagement Opportunity - Values and Environmental Outcomes

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The purpose of this report is to give the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum an update on the implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM) and inform the forum about the opportunities currently available to input into the mahi. This report will briefly cover freshwater management units, visions, values and environmental outcomes and engagement opportunities.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, Engagement Opportunity - Values and Environmental Outcomes.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM) provides Council with updated direction on how freshwater should be managed. Council’s work programme to implement the requirements of the NPSFM is primarily via changes to the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) and Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP). These changes will be notified in 2024.

This paper focuses on Subpart 2 of the NPSFM, the National Objectives Framework (NOF) and visions. The NOF sets out the steps Council must undertake to manage freshwater. In summary Council’s must:

· identify freshwater management units (FMUs),

· identify values within those FMUs,

· set environmental outcomes for each value,

· identify attributes for each value and set baseline states,

· set target attribute states for those attributes, environmental flows and levels and,

· set rules and prepare action plans to achieve environmental outcomes.

2. Freshwater Management Units (FMUs)

Due to the timeframes set under the Resource Management Act 1991 to notify a plan change, staff have moved from the previous focus on nine draft water management areas to 13 draft freshwater management units that will be included in one regional plan change. This change means that the Waiōtahe catchment and Ōhiwa Harbour catchments are now two freshwater management units rather than one water management area. The map below shows the draft FMUs – reflecting catchments of sensitive receiving environments and large rivers.

2.1 Visions

The freshwater management unit is likely to be the level at which a long-term vision for freshwater will be set. Long term visions must set ambitious but reasonable goals, and timeframes to achieve those goals. Through engagement we need to establish community and tangata whenua aspirations for the future of the water bodies. A research project of already published material found key concepts for an Ōhiwa Harbour vision may include:

· Restoring the harbour; reducing sediment loads

· Enhancing the ability to gather mahinga kai

· Supporting restorative projects that currently demonstrate a success of integrating western and Maori knowledge

The values and environmental outcomes work discussed below will also feed into visions. Engagement on visions is currently scheduled for late 2021/early 2022.

2.2 Engagement Opportunity - Freshwater Values and Environmental Outcomes

On 3 March the staff presented to members Te Hononga: The Regional Māori Engagement Plan to implement the NPSFM2020. Staff spoke to the options for tangata whenua participation and sought discussion on those options and to consider how the Forum would like to be involved.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has launched early freshwater online engagement on values and environmental outcomes. We are currently asking the public for feedback on which rivers, wetlands and lakes in our region are important to you and how happy you are with the current state. We encourage Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum members to socialise this opportunity with their iwi, hapu, tangata whenua, Council organisations and members of the wider community who care about freshwater.

Te Hononga also provides for the use of technology to increase engagement reach. In this regard, staff are also asking for feedback from iwi, hapū and tangata whenua, through a dedicated page (as opposed to public). This page has been set up for tangata whenua to allow opportunities to contribute to cultural values and environmental outcomes relating to their experiences and knowledge by identifying and mapping their values for Ngā Taonga Wai Māori. Here Māori are be able to share stories and/or photos of areas significant to them, identify areas where they gather kai, share ngā kōrero o neherā and describe how they fish from ngā taonga wai Māori. This could also include areas of importance for tohi (ceremonial practices) or areas where they may gather rongoā or harakeke.

You will have the opportunity to lodge your freshwater values through our two participate pages at this meeting. To view mapping our treasured freshwater page prior to the meeting please see the following link https://www.participate.boprc.govt.nz/index.php?cID=501.

A public web map is now available through the Council website to view the values already identified throughout the region. Values identified in iwi planning documents, settlement acts and from previous tangata whenua engagement have been incorporated into the existing value set (where this information was not confidential). Ecosystem health, drinking water supply, animal drinking water, irrigation, cultivation and production of food and beverages, commercial and industrial use, significant indigenous species and habitat and threatened species values have been identified in the Ōhiwa Harbour freshwater management unit. To view the public webmap see the following link

https://boprc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=d6bf40fcbf9046d2bb0fc421cd52da34

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

The NPSFM sets out clear requirements to involve tangata whenua in the management of freshwater. Engagement with tangata whenua is progressing in accordance with Te Hononga, Council’s Māori engagement plan for implementing the NPSFM.

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.

As mentioned in section 2.2 the Forum was asked at the 3 March meeting on how they would like to be involved in the NPSFM process.

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

The NPSFM 2020 requires the interconnectedness of the whole environment to be recognised and freshwater, land use and development to be managed in a way that maintains or improves the receiving environment. The NPSFM implementation process will assist with Objectives 1 (the health of Ōhiwa Harbour and its tributaries), 5 (tikanga and kawa for Ōhiwa Harbour) and 7 (ecological values) 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

Tangata whenua and the community input into the Participate pages will be incorporated into our current value set and contribute to the setting of environmental outcomes for those values. Whether an environmental outcome is set as maintain or improve will affect the attributes, states and limits set to achieve that outcome.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	12 November 2021
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Lisa Bevan, Environmental Data Officer
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Sarah Omundsen, General Manager, Regulatory Services
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To update the members on the marshbird survey undertaken in 2020 as part of the monitoring programme in accordance with the Ōhiwa Harbour Action 1.8.

Ōhiwa Harbour Marshbird Survey 2020

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

Marshbird monitoring is a part of the comprehensive monitoring programme developed for Action 1.8 in the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy. Threatened and at risk marshbirds as well as the estuarine margin habitat for marshbirds were assessed in 2020.

This survey suggests that the distribution of marshbirds and the quality of their habitat remains in a good state.

It is recommended, amongst other things, to reduce threats by educating those who frequent the wetlands, excluding stock, continue supporting care group works. It is also recommended that the relative abundance of birds be monitored to provide a more detailed picture of the populations and a one-off dusk survey for marsh crake at a selection of sites to provide more information on this species that has only been detected for the first time during the 2020 survey.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, Ōhiwa Harbour Marshbird Survey 2020.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy contains an action (Action 1.8) ‘Monitor and assess the health of Ōhiwa Harbour and its catchment.’ A comprehensive monitoring programme is in place to address this action and includes five yearly monitoring of marshbirds around the Harbour. Previous surveys occurred in 1990, 2010 and 2015.

Five marshbirds, that rely heavily on the marshlands and are either threatened or at risk, are targeted for the survey which occurred during October and November 2020. These target marshbird species include Australasian bittern/matuku, banded rail/moho-pererū, spotless crake/pūweto, marshcrake/koitareke, and North Island fernbird/mātātā. The results of this survey will provide a better understanding of the changes in marshbird distribution as well as the overall health of the estuarine margin habitat.

The full survey report can be found in the supporting documents.

2. Key Findings

The results from this survey confirm Ōhiwa Harbour continues to provide important habitat for marshbird species, with strong populations of several different species. All marshbird species were detected at a similar number of sites in 2020 compared to 1990, suggesting there hasn’t been any drastic reduction in the populations of these species over the past 30 years.

During the 2020 survey the Australasian bittern/matuku were detected at three sites, banded rail/moho-pererū were detected at 33 sites, spotless crake/pūweto were detected at four sites, marshcrake/koitareke were detected at one site and North Island fernbird/mātātā were detected at 24 sites.

The quality of the estuarine margin habitat for marshbirds was assessed. While human tracking, stock grazing, and introduced mammals pose a threat to marshbirds at some sites (currently being addressed), the number of sites with high quality habitat has increased and number of sites with pest control (rats and mustelids) now stands at 15 (out of 44). One site remains as having outstanding habitat.

3. Conclusions and recommendations for future surveys

Overall, this survey suggests that the distribution of marshbirds and the quality of their habitat remains in a good state. Without any management intervention, a steady decline may have been expected. Marshbird populations and their habitat can be seen as indicators of overall estuarine health, so we can also infer from this survey that, in this respect, the general health of the harbour is also being maintained. A further survey of marshbirds is planned for 2025.

4. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

4.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

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

4.2 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.

4.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

Ōhiwa Harbour is recognised as a very significant place for tangata whenua as well as the marshbirds that live in the wetlands. As always the tangata whenua partners, as well as the other partners, of the Strategy are welcome to be a part of the survey.

4.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

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

4.5 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.

4.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

5. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

It is important that the marshbird survey continues as the survey provides valuable information on the state of the marshbird populations and the overall health of the estuarine margin habitat to support marshbirds. The Forum are informed of any threats and impacts to the marshbird populations and possible mitigation methods.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Supporting Document 1 - Ōhiwa Harbour Marshbird Survey 2020 Report ⇩



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	12 November 2021
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Lisa Bevan, Environmental Data Officer
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Sarah Omundsen, General Manager, Regulatory Services
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To update the partners on the environmental health of Ōhiwa Harbour and Catchment since July 2020 in accordance with Action 1.8.

State of Environment for Ōhiwa Harbour and Catchment - 2021 Interim report

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

Results from the past year 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, a new regional bittern monitoring programme was established, the marshbird survey showed no drastic reductions and black swans appear to be increasing. The Ōhiwa Harbour water quality remains safe for recreation and consumption of shellfish. Five water quality parameters are showing a worsening short term trend in the Nukuhou River. A catchment model is in development to determine the origins of sediment and to focus land management mitigation. A recent report of whitebait/inanga assessed the Nukuhou River as having moderate inanga habitat.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, State of Environment for Ōhiwa Harbour and Catchment - 2021 Interim report.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

Fifty one indicators of the Ōhiwa Harbour (‘the 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 for this report. The previous ‘State of the environment for Ōhiwa Harbour and Catchment’ (SOE 2018) report was published in 2018 and between these reports, annual concise interim reports displaying the previous year’s monitoring results or latest short term trends are reported (for the full interim 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 (nitrate and ammonia toxicity) under the National Policy for Freshwater management class the Nukuhou River in the highest (A band) category. The estuary bed habitat was considered moderate to poor due to the amount of fine mud and is the main stressor for benthic organisms.

2. Key Findings

2.1 Terrestrial biodiversity

2.1.1 Fauna

(a) Australasian bittern/ Matuku

A programme to monitor Australasian bittern, which has a threat status of Nationally Critical, in the Bay of Plenty has been developed jointly between Department of Conservation and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. As part of this programme acoustic recording devices (ARDs) are placed at locations of interest around Bay of Plenty which includes five placed in estuarine wetlands in Ōhiwa Harbour. During the pilot phase in December 2020 to January 2021 no male bittern calls were captured in Ōhiwa Harbour. However, the ARDs were placed outside of the peak calling period. Monitoring will again start in October 2021.

(b) Marshbirds survey

The five yearly marshbird survey undertaken in Oct/Nov 2020 resulted in detections of Australasian bittern at three sites, banded rail at 33 sites, spotless crake at four sites, marsh crake at one site (first time for marsh crake to be detected during these surveys) and North Island fernbird at 24 sites. The Australasian bittern has a threat status of Nationally Critical while the other four target marshbirds have a threat status of ‘At Risk – Declining.’ There has not been any drastic reduction in detections over time since monitoring started in 1990. The presence of these threatened or at risk marshbirds infers Ōhiwa Harbour continues to provide important habitat for marshbird species, with strong populations of several different species. Threats to marshbirds at several sites were identified and included human tracking, grazing and introduced mammals.

2.1.2 Pests

(c) Blackswans

Blackswans grazing on native seagrass in the Harbour, which is in decline, and have been regularly counted since February 2019. Numbers have appeared to increase since counting began to a high of 157 in December 2020 and there is a seasonal decline over late winter to summer during the breeding season. This seasonal decline shows a number of swans are breeding elsewhere.

2.2 Water

The short term (past 10 years) water quality trends reported in the interim report should be treated with caution as a number of factors can influence short term trends and are a vague indicator of trends until the full analysis is next done in the 2023 SOE report.

2.2.1 Harbour

Over the past 10 years, nitrogen levels have remained stable and dissolved reactive phosphorus shows an improvement at both monitoring sites in the Harbour. Whereas suspended solids show an improving trend at the Port of Ohope site and a worsening trend at the Ruatuna Road site.

Faecal contamination has shown a worsening trend over the past 10 years at both sampling sites in the Harbour as faecal coliforms increase.

Ōhiwa Harbour remained safe for swimming over the past 2020/21 swimming season with 100% of enterococci bacteria samples below the Ministry for the Environment’s thresholds. There has been no bathing exceedances over the past four years.

2.2.2 Nukuhou catchment

The Nukuhou catchment is the significant contributor to the Harbour. At the long-term monitoring site (Nukuhou at Glenholme Rd), five routine water quality parameters are showing a degrading trend over the past 10 years. These include total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, nitrate-nitrite nitrogen, total nitrogen and total phosphorus.

As sediment is the main stressor for the Harbour, the development of a catchment model is underway to better understand the origins of the sediment and to focus land management mitigation. Additional water quality sampling to obtain data for the model showed the main Ōhiwa Harbour catchments react differently to storm events and the Nukuhou River is a significant contributor of sediment to the Harbour. The additional sampling also showed elevated levels of ammonical-N levels in the Wainui and Kutarere streams as well as elevated levels of bacteria at Kutarere stream. Potential sources of bacteria in the Kutarere catchment include dairy farms and septic tanks.

2.2.3 Whitebait/ Inanga

A recent report on possible inanga spawning zones across Bay of Plenty showed 12 possible inanga spawning waterways in the Ōhiwa catchment. The Nukuhou River was surveyed to locate the saltwedge and to score the habitat suitability. The Nukuhou was scored as having moderate spawning habitat. The Nukuhou River scored poorly in bank angle, tree cover and vegetation height. Potential mitigation methods, amongst other, for the Nukuhou River include protecting spawning sites, allow bank vegetation to grow from December to June, planting trees and creating specific inanga spawning ponds.

2.3 Estuary

2.3.1 Marine pests

The Asian paddle crab is an aggressive marine pest and trapping in February 2021 saw nine Asian paddle crabs caught from 178 traps.

2.3.2 Shellfish

Water sampling over the 2020/21 summer for safe shellfish consumption showed that one out of two Ministry of Health guidelines was exceeded (22.7% of samples exceeded the 43 cfu/100mL of faecal coliform threshold). However, as only one of the two criteria have been exceeded, Ōhiwa Harbour remained safe for shellfish consumption over the 2020/21 season and has been safe for at least the past five years.

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 Stategy.

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 five yearly saltmarsh condition survey and estuarine wetland monitoring will be included.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - Ōhiwa Harbour and Catchment - SOE Interim Report 2021 ⇩



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	12 November 2021
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Tim Senior, Land Management Officer
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To update the Forum on the work undertaken to give effect to the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy actions since 1 July 2020

Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy annual work programme report for the year ending 30 June 2021

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 51 deliverables in the work programme, 38 were completed, eight are in progress and five 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, mussel restoration, kai moana in general and water quality.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1 Receives the report, Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy annual work programme report for the year ending 30 June 2021.

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 2020-21

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.

Of the 51 deliverables planned for last year, 38 were completed, eight are in progress and five were not completed. The focus of work has been around the heritage trail, mussel restoration, kai moana in general, water quality and mangrove management.

2.1 Actions 1.1 and 1.2, water quality

New environmental programmes have been drawn up between BOPRC and landowners for 12 farms to address issues identified in farm environment plans. These have resulted in almost 35km of stream and drain bank being fenced. 13,570 native plants have been planted along stream margins.

The water quality monitoring regime has been expanded to collect data on a further 4 Ōhiwa tributaries to add to the existing data collected from the Nukuhou River. Monitoring during a major rain event in January found about 225 tonnes of sediment per hour flowing down the Nukuhou River.

The development of a hydrodynamic and sediment transport computer model of the harbour is currently underway and should be completed during the coming year.

2.2 Action 1.5, mangrove management

Eight mangrove working bees have been held this last year. Seedlings were removed from several parts of the harbour including Ohakana Island. Management covered an area of 20.6ha in total.

2.3 Action 1.8, monitoring

The ten yearly comprehensive marshbird survey has been completed by BOPRC and DOC staff with the help of care group volunteers. The five yearly saltmarsh survey has also been carried out by BOPRC staff. Wetland and saltmarsh vegetation surveys have been completed at a number of locations around the harbour as part of the NERMN programme by Landcare Research. Reports for the latter two items have not yet been completed.

2.4 Action 1.9, habitat and species protection

The nine care groups around the harbour are continuing their pest and weed control. The group at the Ōhope Spit has successfully applied to the BOPRC Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF) for three year’s funding. This will cover the costs of extensive weed control, particularly lupins, rabbit and rat control and some revegetation planting. The group however is more than likely to continue the work after the EEF project is completed. The project is being supported by the Top Ten Holiday Park, the Ōhope golf club, WDC, DOC and BOPRC. Work is already underway with up to 30 volunteers involved. The application was put together by Whakatāne Halo, who are also managing the project.

2.5 Action 1.12, planning

Submissions were made on behalf of OHIF to BOPRC, WDC and ODC Long Term Planning processes and responses have since been received.

2.6 Action 2.1, shellfish

The Awhi Mai Awhi Atu research project continues. A new set of spat lines of natural materials has been deployed. Spat and growing mussels are present on the lines in large numbers. Genetic testing of the mussels is planned. Research is underway to investigate marketable starfish bioactives and into starfish management. Surveying of shellfish beds and starfish densities is underway with new mussel beds being found.

Upokorehe kaitiaki regularly checked the Ōhiwa pipi bed during the busy summer period and made a number of recommendations for action to improve visitor behaviour at the bed. Some progress has been made in terms of Fisheries NZ training, signage and a pamphlet. The kaitiaki were out monitoring again during the autumn school holidays.

2.7 Action 3.1, recreation

A new set of bi-lingual interpretation panels was unveiled at Tauwhare pā in December.

The installation of the five new Heritage Trail stage 2 panels describing some of the history of Ōhiwa also took place in December. Three maps were also installed and two damaged stage 1 panels were replaced. One of the panels, installed at the Ōhiwa boat ramp was quickly removed on request from Upokorehe. No further guidance has been forthcoming from Upokorehe.

2.8 Action 3.8, beach bylaws

The revised Ōpōtiki district beach bylaw prohibits vehicles from the Ōhiwa spit, beach and mudflats. ODC have installed signage, and over the summer period mobile CCTV camera, at the Ōhope Spit to assist with the enforcement. The outcome has been increased communication with the public and council will continue an educational approach to the bylaw at this stage. There is still an issue with people driving onto the mudflats at the pipi bed.

2.9 Action 3.13, safety

The safety improvements on Wainui Rd have almost been completed with no apparent effect on the harbour environment itself.

A report has been completed by BOPRC staff into the Kutarere flooding issue that was raised with the Forum in March. This identified a number of concerns with the Kakaho Stream, roadside drains and the stopbank, Since then, further work has been carried out on the Kakaho Stream to remove problem trees. Higgins contractors have begun the remediation the problem areas identified on the state highway and ODC have undertaken to clear the Wharf Road drain. The tide gate on the stopbank has been repaired but projected sea level rise remains a concern for the low lying properties along Wharf Road.

3. Progress since 30 June

Many of the projects referred to above continue,

A major project for the current year is to carry out further investigation into freshwater fish and tuna populations in the Ōhiwa catchment and to identify (and remediate as funds allow) the barriers to fish and tuna passage on the catchment’s streams. This work is already well underway with the support of a BOPRC scientist. It’s hoped that a summer student will be able to carry out some eDNA testing to identify the species of fish present and ground truth the potential barriers identified in a desktop search.

A kiwi survey, undertaken by local volunteers led by DOC staff in July, recorded three male and two female kiwi on the eastern side of the harbour. This survey was carried out in response to residents reporting kiwi calls for some years.

4. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

4.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

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

4.2 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.

4.3 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.

4.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

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

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

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

4.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

5. 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 results to June 2021 ⇩