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Report To:
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Komiti
Māori
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Meeting
Date:
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22 February
2022
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Report
Authoriser:
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Kataraina O’Brien
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Executive Summary
This report
provides a collective update on matters within Komiti Māori key focus
and general matters of interest across the regional Māori landscape, including:
1. Tangata
whenua presentations:
a. Dr
Kura Paul-Burke, Associate Professor Mātai Moana - Marine Research,
University of Waikato and Joe Burke (MUSA Environmental) speaking on
kaitiakitanga and Mātauranga Māori in practice.
b. Kia
Maia Ellis will provide an overview of a National Science Challenge project
focused around the Mātaitai reserve in Tauranga Moana. The project is
led and instigated by the Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust
(Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga) with
support from the Port of Tauranga and the University of Waikato.
c. Karen
Vercoe will be speaking about the National Three Waters Steering Group.
d. Eugene
Berryman-Kamp will be speaking on three topics:
i. The
implementation of Te Mana o Te Wai.
ii. Regional
Partnerships – MfE / Regional Councils / Iwi
iii. Regional
Iwi Māori Relationship Team
e. Te
Rangimarie Williams will give an update on Te Papa Ahurewa report.
2. An
update from our Summer Experience Programme around the opportunities they may
not have been exposed to outside of Council.
3. An
update from two past He Toka Tu Moana Scholarship recipients are speaking on
how the scholarship provided benefits and opportunities for them and how they
contributed back to the Taiao.
4. An update on a key action
that came out of Komiti Māori at the 14 December that has been followed
up by staff.
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5. An
update on Iwi Māori relationships and engagement
on Te Hononga from Ōkurei, Kōhī and Mauao.
6. A geothermal update around the System
Management Plan (SMP) and the Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan.
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Recommendations
That the Komiti
Māori:
1 Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.
1. Kaupapa Tuatahi: Kupu Whakataki
Introduction
We welcome our
Summer Experience Programme Students back to Komiti Māori to present their
experiences and knowledge gained while in Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional
Council. There is also an update from two past He Toku Tu Moana
Scholarship Students on how the scholarship provided benefits and opportunities
for them to contribute back to Te Taiao.
Staff have
organised regional update hui on iwi Māori relationship and
engagement. The purpose of the hui is to present the NPSFM 2020 and Te
Hononga, to get an understanding of how these roopu would like to be involved
with the implementation of the NPSFM 2020. Some of the invitees have already
engaged with Council on this kaupapa. The outcome of these hui would be to
better understand tangata whenua capacity and capability to be involved with
the implementation of the NPSFM 2020, how they would like to do this and what
help they need in order to achieve this.
Workshops were
undertaken last year to progress the development of the Rotorua System
Management Plan (SMP) and the Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan. This
included members of the Te Ahi Kaa Roa Roopu who presented the final report
Ngā Wai Ariki o Rotorua, He Kohikohinga to Komiti Māori and
staff. The immediate focus for 2022 is to re-engage with tangata whenua
via Te Ahi Kaa Roa Roopu, iwi entities, stakeholder groups and hui-a-iwi.
Discussions will include process of Te Ao Māori content, Mātauranga
Māori monitoring programmes and ongoing implementation of the SMP.
2. Kaupapa
Tuarua: Tangata Whenua Presentations
2.1 Mātauranga
Māori in Practice
Presenters:
Associate Professor Dr Kura Paul-Burke and Joe Burke (MUSA Environmental)
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti
Whakahemo - Marine Restoration
Tohu and Climate Change Research
Project 2022
2.1.1 Summary
This report
provides an overview of a National Science Challenge project focused in the
rohe moana ō Ngāti Whakahemo. The project is led by Te Rūnanga
ō Ngāti Whakahemo with support from the Pukehina Marae Committee. All
scientists involved in the project whakapapa to Ngāti Whakahemo and are
currently positioned at the following research organisations; University of
Waikato and Plant and Food Research. Further marine fieldwork expertise and
support is provided by MUSA Environmental.
The project is
funded by the Deep South National Science Challenge, Climate Change. The
project is called Is the Kina still fat when Pōhutukawa bloom? The project
focuses on the impacts of changing climate conditions on marine taonga species
and mahinga kai at Motunau (Plate Island), commencing July 2022 –
December 2023.
2.1.2 Report
Is the kina still fat when Pōhutukawa bloom?
For
generations, Ngāti Whakahemo have used the whakataukī (proverb) of
the flowering Pōhutukawa as a tohu (environmental indicator) to inform the
ripening of kina and its readiness for harvesting at Motunau (Plate Is.) and
surrounding reefs in the Bay of Plenty region. The intergenerational
transmission of knowledge and associated practices have assisted
self-regulating management regimes for the mahinga kai (food harvesting areas);
and enriched the cultural connectivity of our moana and mokopuna for many
consecutive generations. Unfortunately, kaumātua and kaitiaki have begun
to observe the timing, percentage cover and duration of blooming pōhutukawa
in correlation with the ripening of kina, are no longer in sync. These changes
are attributed to changing climate and ocean temperatures and are considered a
prelude to deeper environmental issues.
In response,
this positive, proactive project brings together coastal kaitiaki, taiohi and
Māori scientists to co-develop a unique underwater mātauranga-led
kaupapa, that focusses on the blooming of pōhutukawa in relation to
in-water kina ‘fatness or ripeness’ at Motunau.
It is
understood that coastal-marine ecosystems such as Motuanu and surrounding reefs
are likely to be negatively affected by warming ocean temperatures, sea level
rise and ocean acidification. It is understood that changing traditional tohu
and mahinga kai will adversely impact Ngāti Whakahemo cultural identity,
practices and socio-cultural well-being. Climate-induced changes to mahinga kai
and natural environments around Aotearoa are expected to fundamentally alter
the way Ngāti Whakahemo and other hapū/iwi interact, understand and
transmit pertinent intergenerational environmental knowledge and practices to
following generations. The project aims to promote iwi-led research that
utilises innovative and meaningful mātauranga climate adaptation
strategies to foster new approaches to understanding and responding to
ecosystem utilisation, protection, and climate focussed management for the long
term.
It is
anticipated that the evidence-based findings of the project will assist
Ngāti Whakahemo and other coastal hapū/iwi to better understand,
adapt and respond to changing climate impacted tohu for our mahinga kai and
mokopuna of the future.
Figure 1: Images of (top) Motunau (Plate Island);
(bottom left) Ngāti Whakahemo taiohi diving for kina; (middle) kina or sea
urchin; and (bottom right) blooming pōhutukawa flowers.
2.2 Mātauranga
Māori in Practice
Presenter: Kia Maia Ellis
– Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust
Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary
Fisheries Trust
Enhancing the Sustainability of
Koura in a Changing Climate Research Project 2022
2.2.1 Summary
This report
provides an overview of a National Science Challenge project focused around the
Mātaitai reserve in Tauranga Moana. The project is led and instigated by
the Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust (Ngāi Te Rangi,
Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga) with support from the Port of
Tauranga and the University of Waikato.
The project is
funded by the Deep South National Science Challenge, Climate Change and
contributes to doctoral candidate research by Kia Māia Ellis. Our focus is
to grow our collective knowledge base in order for tāngata whenua to
participate in responding to the effects of climate change and the effects on a
taonga species of kōura. Commencing May 2022 – March 2024.
2.2.2 Report
Ka ngaro, ka ngaro, ka ea, ka ea.
Te Toka ā Tirikawa
We must be as resilient as the rock
Tirikawa and rise above adversity.
Anecdotal
evidence from tāngata whenua and scientific surveys, tell us that a taonga
species, the kōura (crayfish), Jasus edwardsii, population in Tauranga has
declined. Climate change has the potential to increase pressures on this
declining taonga species. The research becomes more critical as the impacts of
climate change intensify, temperature rises, ocean acidity increases and sea
levels rise.
The capacity to
develop and communicate through intergenerational knowledge sharing and
exploration of our moana to understand the potential effects on our taonga
species and in turn our mokopuna mō apopo (future generations) is a
priority for Tauranga Moana iwi. It is important that we engage our rangatahi -
our future leaders now on this topic.
Our primary aim
is to provide transdisciplinary research to support an enhancement programme
for kōura in a changing climate. Existing research on kōura is
primarily focussed on the commercial fishery governed by conventional science
and the scientific community. This project seeks to help restore the wild
kōura population enabling an iwi-led approach to research supported by
science.
The project
focuses on investigating and trialling innovative mātauranga methods of
kōura collection and indigenous knowledge of maramataka and kaitiakitanga.
We will be carrying out wānanga to workshop and brainstorm ideas and
knowledge with whānau. Semi-structured interviews with kaumatua and other
experts will be conducted to glean further understanding regarding
environmental tohu and climate changes over time.
Methods of
conventional science within a mātauranga-led approach provides objective
sets of quantifiable data and insight that can help to inform decision-makers
in the management of fisheries.
Figure 2:
Images of (top) Te Toka ā Tirikawa; (bottom left) Research team setting
pēpi kōura crevice collectors; (middle) prototype 1 crevice
collector; and (bottom right) found pēpi kōura crayfish puerulus.
2.3 National
Three Waters Steering Group
Presenter: Karen Vercoe MNZM
Karen is Ngāti Pikiao and Ngāti Mākino decent.
Karen’s experience extends across multiple sectors with a focus on
capability development and outcomes frameworks. Karen has held various
leadership roles and has a passion for business and governance.
She has previously served as an
elected member on the Sport Industry Training Organisation Māori Board and
the OSCAR Foundation.
Karen was the
recipient of the 2016 Dame Mira Szászy Māori Alumni Award.
Recipients are graduates of the University of Auckland Business School who have
achieved significant success in their careers and are involved in activities
relating to the advancement of Māori. Karen holds a Master of Management
degree from the University of Auckland (2007) and was a recipient of the
University of Auckland Kelly Research Scholarship (2006).
Karen is
currently the CEO of Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Chair of Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa,
Director CNI Iwi Holdings Ltd, Chair of Data Iwi Leaders Group. Director Sport
New Zealand.
Karen is one of
nine Iwi/Māori Representatives on the National Three Waters Steering Group
but in total there are 20 representatives. The group would be tasked with
recommending a stronger approach to representation, government and
accountability of the four new water entities as an alternative to the model
proposed under the government’s reforms.
· The terms of reference also give bottom lines required by ministers,
these include:
· The entities retain balance sheet separation, which would give then
the ability to borrow sufficient sums to meet infrastructure needs.
· Giving effect to the Crown’s Treaty of Waitangi obligations,
including enabling iwi Māori to have rights and mechanisms of influence.
· Ensuring good governance through roles and responsibilities, and
board selection processes based on merit and competence.
· Ensuring that each entity remains in public ownership.
2.4 Ministry
for the Environment Kaupapa Māori Update
Presenter:
Eugene Berryman-Kamp, Director Te Mana o Te Wai, Ministry for the Environment
Eugene will be presenting on three topics:
· The
Implementation of Te Mana o Te Wai
· Regional
Partnerships – MfE / Regional Councils / Iwi
· Regional Iwi
Māori Relationships Team
Te Arawa me Mātaatua ngā waka, Ngāti Kea Ngāti
Tuara, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Manawa ngā
Iwi.
Eugene was
raised in Rotorua by his koroua and kuia (grandparents) and graduated from
Waikato University with a Bachelor of Management Studies. He has worked
both locally and globally in multinational sales, marketing and market research
roles. Eugene has held senior management roles at Lakes District Health
Board, was CEO of Health Rotorua Primary Health Organisation and most recently
was CEO of Te Arawa River Iwi Trust. He is currently in a national role
as Director Te Mana o Te Wai at the Ministry for
Environment.
A chartered
member of the Institute of Directors, Eugene is the Chair of Korowai Aroha
Health Centre, deputy Chair of Te Arawa Whānau Ora, and Director of Te Rau
Ora Ltd (Māori Mental Health and Addictions workforce centre) and Pakihi
BK Ltd. He is the Chairperson of QE Health Ltd and co-Chair of PHARMAC
Māori Advisory Committee, and an elected member representing pan Te Arawa
entities on the Te Tatou o Te Arawa partnership board.
2.5 Te
Papa Ahurewa Report
Presenter: Te Rangimarie
Williams
Te Rangimarie Williams from Te Papa
Ahurewa will present to Komiti Māori the Part One report from Te Papa
Ahurewa, as required by the Funding Agreement Toi Moana has with Te Arawa Lakes
Trust to support the establishment of Te Papa Ahurewa. A separate
report is provided in the agenda for this item.
3. Kaupapa
Tuatoru: Students – “The Next Generation”
3.1 Summer
Experience Programme Update
The Kotahitanga Summer Experience
Students presented to Komiti Māori in December. They will be
presenting on their experiences and knowledge within Toi Moana and the
opportunities they have gained in the organisation that they would not be
exposed to outside of the organisation.
Here is a snapshot of each of our
students within Kotahitanga.
Summer Bell
Working as a summer assistant in the community engagement team has
allowed many opportunities for me to apply and develop my skills and also
reignite my passion of improving the experiences of young people in our rohe. The chance to learn from the experiences and perspectives of local
young people has been invaluable in understanding what effects are most
important and also quite eye-opening to the disconnection of some communities.
I am excited to say that the 13 Youth Involvement Project (YIP) change-makers
working behind the scenes to achieve youth whakaaro into Toi Moana are an
incredible and inspiring group of rangatahi that give hope to the
revitalisation of te taiao, even as young people themselves the group are very
much focused on improving outcomes for future generations.
Highlights of
my time at Toi Moana are first and foremost the manaakitanga and
whānaungatanga shown across the entire organisation, it has made the
transition from student to professional feel safe and supported. I have
learnt to trust in my knowledge of effective engagement, by applying key
principles of mana-enhancing youth development practise while facilitating the
youth advisory group. I have always felt supported to incorporate Te Ao
Māori into my thoughts and actions, allowing the foundation for our
engagement strategy and tools to be suited to our region and people.
Networking and creating connections among the various knowledgeable
practitioners of all industries has been an absolute blessing and I will be
forever thankful to the people I have learnt from during this journey.
Incorporating
youth whakaaro into Toi Moana is just the beginning, I am here to actively
revitalise the mauri in our rohe through embraced partnership of Te Ao Pākehā
and Te Ao Māori – “for our people, for our environment, for
our future.”
He iti te mokoroa, nāna i kati te kahikatea
Anaru Palmer
I am very privileged to have been working alongside
Te Amorangi and the wider Toi Moana team. The support I have received from my
colleagues, who I consider to be newfound friends, such support has been
invaluable and influential to say the least. Being under the wing of Te
Amorangi, I have had the unique opportunity to contribute towards projects on
matters within my hapū, Ngāi Tamawhariua, based out the Katikati
district. If there is one thing that I had been reminded of during my time in
this space, that it is more than okay to ask questions. For quite some time I
had been working solo with projects to the point where I have been reluctant to
reach out for help. Being alongside Toi Moana these past few weeks allowed me
to break this barrier, and thus open my mind more. For that, I acknowledge and
immensely appreciate everyone at Toi Moana for empowering me with this tool.
As I draw
closer to the end of my internship, I feel more grounded as an individual, and
more aware of where I want to be and who I wish to become. There is an unreal
fusion of challenge and love that exists within the Toi Moana sphere. I say
such deliberately because my peers have challenged me day in and day out, as a
means of not only upskilling and developing myself, but also because I truly
feel that they care about the potential of everyone who enters that, and thus
have a genuine desire to nurture this. I have felt such undoubtedly during my
time as an intern. Post-internship I aim to stay connected with my newfound
colleagues, as we stay connected as a collective in our mutual desire to have
an impact, and make a difference, in the world that surrounds us.
Takitahi tū, takitahi ora. He mihi mutunga kore ki
tēnā
ki tēnā o tātou te ope Toi Moana. Tihei mauri ora.
Akira McTavish-Huriwai
Upon reflecting on my experience over the last three months it is
evident to me that my knowledge gained from the Toi Moana experience is vast
and immense. These last 12 weeks have flown by, and I have loved every moment
of it. Most of my time at Toi Moana has been spent alongside the BOP
Regional Leadership Group supporting their Covid response efforts. This entails
me working closely with the Waiariki and Mātaatua leadership groups to try
and coordinate their meetings, their communications for the roopu as a whole. I
feel very honoured to have been able to work with iwi leaders of our region and
several Government agencies such as Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of
Health and the District Health Board
The cherry on top is that the work we
are doing is immediately reflected in the community and serves to support the
Bay of Plenty region in the turmoil that is Covid. As a member of the
community, I am thankful that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council supports
kaupapa such as the Regional Leadership Group to in turn support us with
welfare needs. This position has taught me so much and helped me grow and
develop a professional network and skills.
Any spare time
I have is spent on a variety of activities. This ranges from organising career
development events for the Summer Assistants and being able to do a water take
consent alongside another Summer Assistant in a mentoring way. The water take
consent offers an insightful glimpse into the time-pressured work that the
council does and the role they play in trying to balance social, cultural,
economic and environmental effects which has been interesting to work through
and something I have learnt a lot from. Overall, it has been another amazing
summer with Toi Moana and one that has contributed significantly to my future
career aspirations and my personal development.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa
Te Rua Wallace
Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te
Aihaunui-a-Pāpārangi.
Born and raised
in Rotorua with her Nan and Koro, and attended Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o
Ruamata. Te Rua is in her 4th year at University of Waikato
studying Bachelor of Environmental Planning.
I am confident
in my ability to adapt in different environments and deliver the work that is
asked of me. Has a diploma in Arts and Design and a New Zealand Certificate in
Small Business Management. A co-President and Founding Member of Te Tini o Hakuturi – Ropu Māori for Environmental Planning and Geography.
I have been
given the opportunity to expand my knowledge on Iwi Environmental Plans and
work alongside Ngāti Tarāwhai in the creation of their own, and one
of my key take-a-way this summer is to be impeccable with your word.
Te Waikamihi Lambert
My second-year experience at Toi Moana has been one of great honour
and many blessings. My student role in mātauranga Māori pūtaiao
under the guidance of Gina Mohi has been so on par with my studies that I feel
like I’ve just had a taste of my future career. I’ve enjoyed
networking with different members of council and watching as they excel in
their own area of expertise with skill and courage. The variety of people and
subject knowledge that’s welcomed into council makes for a striving work
environment where you can learn something from each person you walk past.
I’m very
grateful that through the summer internship I was able to give back to those
who’ve helped me get to where I am today, including Joe Burke and Kura
Paul-Burke, who was also a student at Toi Moana in the past. Our mission is
always kaitiakitanga of the environment and to be good tīpuna for our
future generations. Gina has taught me how to hold space for mātauranga
Māori appropriately in a Western world. She’s been an excellent
supervisor and mentor to me and one of the many people I’ve met through
council that have inspired me to keep working towards higher education. I feel
like my ideas are consistently supported within council and I am proud of the
work I’ve done and the growth I’ve made over the few months. I had
the opportunity to interview Professor Taiarahia Black who helped me develop a
framework for mātauranga Māori driven environmental monitoring tool.
This framework was developed at a whānau level to use within my household
with the desired outcome that my wider family can eventually use as a tool for
kaitiakitanga and sustainable kai gathering/mahinga kai. It assesses the mauri
of the environment and encompasses atua domains, maramataka, observations,
karakia and tikanga.
I’m now
more excited than ever to pursue my degree in Marine Biology and Māori
studies in Wellington and eventually a master’s degree at Waikato where I
can be closer to my whenua and to the people who matter most to me. Many
valuable relationships have been built and enhanced during my time at Toi Moana
and I’d especially like to thank our councillors for making the Toi Moana
Summer Experience Programme possible for our many amazing students.
“Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū
te whenua”
“As man disappears from sight, the land will still remain”
3.2 He
Toka Tu Moana Scholarships Update
Since its establishment in 2017,
Council has provided financial support to 23 students either living or from the
Bay of Plenty for education, activities and projects that benefit or contribute
to the Taiao.
Students who apply, undertake
projects as part of their studies to understand the state of Te Taiao in the
region. This is achieved through working with council staff who offer
their experience and expertise. Megan Ranapia and Haukapuanui Vercoe are
two of these students, both having strong whakapapa to the region and are
considered exceptional within their chosen field.
He Toka Tu Moana Scholarships are
open for applications in March 2022.
Megan Ranapia
Ko Pūtauaki te maunga
Ko
Whakatane te awa
Ko
Ōhiwa te moana
Ko
Moutohorā, Whakaari, me Motiti ngā moutere
Ko
Ngāti Awa te Iwi
Ko Te
Patuwai te hapū
Ko Toroa
te marae
Megan Ranapia is a recipient of the He
Toka Tu Moana scholarship from 2020. Upon receiving the scholarship Megan was
undertaking studies for a Bachelor of Science with Honours through the
University of Waikato. Megan was completing a dissertation which focuses on how
local coastal processes affect food supply to the traditional green lipped
mussel bed in the Ōhiwa harbour. This is part of a 5 year harbour wide
research campaign led by Te Upokorehe, Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa and Te
Whakatōhea. Some of the initial field work Megan took part in included a
hydrological survey to collect subtidal bathymetry data and in-situ instrument
deployments.
Megan is now completing her PhD and
researching the outbreak of the 11-armed starfish in the Ōhiwa harbour
which is hindering recovery of the mussel beds alongside Dr Kura Paul-Burke and
husband Joe Burke. The research focuses on different sea star management
approaches to compliment the mussel restoration work.
Haukapuanui
Vercoe
Haukapuanui Vercoe is a recipient of the He Toka Tu Moana
scholarship from 2021. At the time Haukapuanui was in his final year
studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours. His specialisation is
in Civil and Environmental Engineering. A Rotorua local, Haukapuanui grew up
immersed in Te Ao Māori and this has given him a diverse outlook into what
engineering is and what it means for Te Ao Māori. As kaitiaki of the land,
the taiao is of paramount importance to Māori. The engineering field is
where Māori are especially under – represented and Haukapuanui believes
that the Māori perspective is innate and highly valuable within civil and
environmental engineering space.
Haukapuanui
completed his Bachelors as an A grade student and provided Toi Moana with an
update on some of his mahi in the Taiao space, particularly his honours
research project which looks into the resilience of Te Arawa marae in natural
hazard events. This was recognised by the Ministry for the Environment and EQC
Indigenous Disaster Risk Reduction Research centre.
4. Kaupapa Tuawha: Operating Environment Updates
4.1 Ture Update
4.1.1 Key Actions and Updates from 14 December 2021 Komiti Māori Hui
Erosion
Control
Risk assessment
work is underway for Waikirikiri to consider existing and future risks for the
Waikirikiri Marae. The work includes the capture and analysis of up-to-date
drone footage of the upper Whakatāne River. This assessment work will
inform options for river management, erosion control and erosion protection.
Once completed the assessment will be considered by the Whakatāne-Tauranga
Rivers Scheme Advisory Group
5. Kaupapa Tuarima: Iwi Māori Relationship and Engagement
5.1 Te Hononga Update
Update from Ōkurei
· Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) is hosting a Sub-Regional hui
on
the
11 February 2022 for the Ōkurei / Te Arawa Iwi and Hapū. The
invitations for this were sent out to the Chairs of Iwi and hapū within
the area as well as large land entities. The purpose of this hui is to present
the NPSFM 2020 and Te Hononga, to get an understanding of how these roopu would
like to be involved with the implementation of the NPSFM 2020. Some of the
invitees have already engaged with council on this kaupapa. The outcome of this
hui would be to better understand tangata whenua capacity and capability to be
involved with the implementation of the NPSFM 2020, how they would like to do
this and what help they need in order to appropriately participate. Following
the hui staff will engage with specific groups to ensure they are involved in
the process and identify solutions regarding capacity and
capability.
· Te Arawa Arataua (Te Arawa Primary Sector (TAPS)) have been engaging
with council staff to ascertain how it and its members may contribute to
informing the implementation of the NPSFM 2020. Te Arawa Arataua have submitted
a proposal on it may participate. As an example, the roopu propose to
establish an interim steering group that would include TAPS members, BOPRC
staff and a consultant planner to develop a work programme that would be
overseen by an Advisory Group to Council. It is also anticipated that the
advisory group would submit a representative to join Ngā Kaitohutohu
(Māori Technical Advisory Group: NPSFM 2020). The proposal is currently
being reviewed by staff.
· Te Papa Ahurewa have had 4 Hapū seeking to engage with them on
the NPSFM 2020. The hapū include Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Kea
Ngāti Tuara Trust, Ngāti Rongamai, Ngati Rangitihi and
Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao, who are proposing to form a focus group
on the NPSFM 2020. Te Papa Ahurewa will also be presenting at the Sub-Regional
hui in February.
· Ngāti Tarāwhai are looking to prepare an Iwi Management
Plan that will advance the practice of their kaitiakitanga. The iwi note
that the NPSFM 2020 will provide more clarity on the role they will have in the
management of their taonga wai and the relationship they will have with
council. Additional discussions with them will proceed shortly.
Update from Kohi
· Kaupapa Maori Engagement
Staff have been working one day a week at Te Runanga o Ngati Awa office
providing capacity support to the Environmental Unit team undertaking various
tasks assigned to them by the Unit Manager. Tasks have included Cultural Impact
Assessment information support; funding application support to Ministry for the
Environment; Mātauranga monitoring planning and support.
· Ngāti
Manawa: Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) Lab and Services Team
completed water monitoring training with Ngāti Manawa Jobs4nature team;
on-going discussions to ensure Iwi access to Council data continue to be
defined; Council staff will continue to support water testing analysis and
sampling carried out by Ngāti Manawa Jobs4nature team. Approved Long-term
Plan funding for water monitoring resources, data storage and workshops
on-going.
· The approach
to Ngāti Whakahemo to engage in NPSFM discussions with Council has been
made. At this stage a new generation iwi management plan is proposed that
will have a particular focus on kaitiakitanga that will include freshwater
management attributes. It is expected that this type of plan will set out
specific policy with a complementary action plan that provides clear outcomes
on relationships with council and the role of Ngāti Whakahemo.
· Ngāti Ira
have been working closely with the Rivers and Drainage team on a gravel
consent. Part of the discussions have now included the hapū’s
participation in the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme. Options
relating to monitoring and the practice of kaitiakitanga are the preferred
approach for participation. Staff and hapū representatives are
looking to confirm the best approach for the hapū.
· Ngāti
Pūkeko/Ngāti Rangataua: a hui between Kaupapa Maori Engagement staff
and the hapū representative towards the development and delivery of NPSFM
Te Mana o Te Wai Wānanga is on-going, looking to develop budget, funding
and project deliverables. We are looking at a procurement service process
for a preferred hapū Wānanga facilitator which is currently underway.
· Ōhiwa
Harbour Forum: a request for Mātauranga based State of the Environment
report has been made to Council. The opportunity to link to the NPSFM will be
developed by Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the mandated Iwi representatives.
Update from Mauao
Staff continue to engage with iwi
across Tauranga Moana. At present, we are assisting Ngāi Te Rangi to
prepare their application for the Te Mana o Te Wai (TMoTW) Fund, so that we are
better able to coordinate the iwi wider project with the scope of outcomes
being sought through the Long Term Plan funding assistance previously secured
by the iwi.
Ngā Pōtiki have appointed
an advisory trustee of the Ngā Pōtiki a Tamapahore Trust to act in an
interim capacity RM representative. Staff have met with the iwi and are
preparing a range of options to consider in support of their involvement while
being cognisant that the iwi has several paid kaitiaki positions they have been
unable to fill.
Staff have met with representatives
from the northern hapū of Tauranga Moana to work towards a project to
support the development of freshwater values and cultural expectations to
inform a monitoring project they are currently developing. This
monitoring project is in the final stages of the TMoTW application
process. While separate from the project seeking TMoTW funding, the
potential cultural values project being discussed with the hapū may
provide the critical indicators for which the monitoring project can be
structured around while providing the narrow scope of cultural information we
require for the National Policy Statement implementation.
Update on Ngā Kaitohutohu
Ngā
Kaitohutohu (Māori Technical Advisory Group) will hold their first meeting
of the year on 22 February to advance discussions on Freshwater Management
Units coupled with the implementation of Te Mana o te Wai. The group have
emphasised the importance of engaging with tangata whenua particularly
regarding their associations with the waterbodies within their rohe.
5.2 Geothermal
Update – System Management Plan (SMP)
A number of workshops (Komiti
Māori and Strategy and Policy) were carried out between August and
December 2021 to progress the development of the Rotorua System Management Plan
(SMP) and Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan. This included Ms Elva Conroy and
members of Te Ahi Kaa Roa Roopu’s presentation of the final report,
Ngā Wai Ariki o Rotorua: He Kohikohinga to Komiti Māori and staff
presentations to the Strategy and Policy committee on progression of the SMP.
The immediate focus for the beginning
of 2022 is to re-engage with tangata whenua, via Te Ahi Kaa Roa, iwi entities,
stakeholder groups and hui-a-iwi. Discussions will centre on development and
process for inclusion of Te Ao Māori content, Mātauranga Māori
monitoring programmes and ongoing implementation of the SMP. Requests for hui
have been made and it is hoped these will be undertaken in February. With the
uncertainty of COVID still a factor at this time these hui will be held in a
virtual forum.
Following
engagement, a report providing feedback on discussions held and an update on
progress towards Te Ao Māori content and Mātauranga Māori
monitoring will be prepared.
6. Ngā
Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori
The items
presented in this report cover a range of initiatives, which have a positive
impact on Māori. The co-design of strategies with tangata whenua groups to align
processes and planning with mātauranga have provided impetus on co-partnering and building
relationships with tangata whenua and further promoting Te Mana o te Taiao.
Internal
efforts by Council to enable tangata whenua to lead in spaces such as the
National Policy Statement for Freshwater particularly on Iwi Māori
relationships and engagement, this is a reflection and acknowledgement of the
high capacity and capability of Māori to respond.
The
implications for Māori can only be positive where Council recognises opportunities
to enhance Māori capability through co-design of strategy and Iwi led
planning that can enhance and build partnerships. These
partnerships have benefits to Māori and the wider community.
7. Ngā
Pānga a-Pūtea
Financial Implications
There are no materials unbudgeted
financial implications and this fits within the allocated budget.
8. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps
As an omnibus
report of independent matters and other kaupapa led through respective areas of
Council operations, no specific action is recommended via this report.
