Monitoring and Operations Committee Agenda

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the next meeting of the Monitoring and Operations Committee will be held in Council Chambers, Regional House, 1 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga and Via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting) on:

Wednesday 29 June 2022 COMMENCING AT 9:30 am

This meeting will be livestreamed and recorded.

The Public section of this meeting will be livestreamed and recorded and uploaded to Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s website.  Further details on this can be found after the Terms of Reference within the Agenda. Bay of Plenty Regional Council - YouTube

 

Fiona McTavish

Chief Executive, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana

20 June 2022

 


 

Monitoring and Operations Committee

Membership

Chairperson

Cr Kevin Winters

Deputy Chairperson

Cr Norm Bruning

Members

All Councillors

Quorum

Seven members, consisting of half the number of members

Meeting frequency

Quarterly

Purpose

·                Oversee and monitor the implementation of policies and strategies, promoting effective delivery and coordination between policy and implementation through recommendations to the Strategy and Policy Committee.

·                Monitor the implementation of Council’s activities, projects and services.

Role

Oversee and monitor:

·                Regulatory performance of permitted activities, resource consents and bylaw rules, including compliance and enforcement.

·                Delivery of biodiversity, catchment management and flood protection activities in the region.

·                Delivery of biosecurity activities, including implementation and monitoring of the Regional Pest Management Plan.

·                Effectiveness of navigation safety bylaw responses.

·                State of the Environment monitoring.

·                Implementation of specific programmes in place such as the Mount Maunganui Industrial Air Programme, and integrated catchment programmes (e.g. Rotorua Lakes and Tauranga Moana).

·                Receive information on environmental monitoring and performance monitoring trends and recommend to the Strategy and Policy Committee to inform policy review.

·                Monitor Council’s actions on Climate Change.

·                Operational activities that implement relevant national and regional plans and strategies, including:

§  science

§  flood protection

§  biosecurity

§  catchment management

§  rivers and drainage

§  compliance, monitoring and enforcement

§  resource consents

§  maritime

Power to Act

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

The Monitoring and Operations Committee is not delegated authority to:

·                Develop, adopt or review strategic policy and strategy.

·                Approve Council submissions on legislation, policy, regulations, standards, plans and other instruments prepared by Central Government, Local Government and other organisations.

·                Identify, monitor and evaluate necessary actions by the organisation and other relevant organisations under co-governance arrangements.

Power to Recommend

To the Strategy and Policy Committee on matters necessary for reviewing plans, strategies and policies.

To Council and/or any standing committee as it deems appropriate.


 

Recording of Meetings

Please note the Public section of this meeting is being recorded and streamed live on Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s website in accordance with Council's Live Streaming and Recording of Meetings Protocols which can be viewed on Council’s website. The recording will be archived and made publicly available on Council's website within two working days after the meeting on www.boprc.govt.nz for a period of three years (or as otherwise agreed to by Council).

All care is taken to maintain your privacy; however, as a visitor in the public gallery or as a participant at the meeting, your presence may be recorded. By remaining in the public gallery, it is understood your consent is given if your image is inadvertently broadcast.

Opinions expressed or statements made by individual persons during a meeting are not the opinions or statements of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Council accepts no liability for any opinions or statements made during a meeting.

 


Bay of Plenty Regional Council - Toi Moana

Governance Commitment

mō te taiao, mō ngā tāngata - our environment and our people go hand-in-hand.

 

 

We provide excellent governance when, individually and collectively, we:

·        Trust and respect each other

·        Stay strategic and focused

·        Are courageous and challenge the status quo in all we do

·        Listen to our stakeholders and value their input

·        Listen to each other to understand various perspectives

·        Act as a team who can challenge, change and add value

·        Continually evaluate what we do

 

 

TREAD LIGHTLY, THINK DEEPLY,
ACT WISELY, SPEAK KINDLY.


Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                            29 June 2022

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

Agenda

1.       Apologies

2.       Public Forum

3.       Deputations

3.1      Western Bay of Plenty District Council - Progress Update on Three Waters and Marae OSET Reticulation

Presented by: Coral-Lee Ertel, Asset and Capital Manager and Chris Nepia, Strategic Kaupapa Māori Manager (Western Bay of Plenty District Council)

4.       Items not on the Agenda

5.       Order of Business

6.       Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

7.       Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

7.1      Monitoring and Operations Committee Minutes - 8 March 2022         1

8.       Presentations

8.1      Coastal Catchments and Regional Parks Operations Update

Presented by: Pim de Monchy, Coastal Catchments Manager

The presentation will include an update on recent coastal catchments and regional park operations.

9.       Reports

9.1      Chairperson's Report                                                                               1

Attachment 1 - Water Shortage Adverse Event Situation Report FINAL 2021/21     1

Decisions Required

9.2      Building Future Sustainability and Resilience through Asset Management                                                                                             1

 

Information Only

9.3      Mount Maunganui Industrial Area update                                             1

Attachment 1 - Mount Maunganui Airshed PM10 exceedances at June 2022              1

Attachment 2 - Mount Maunganui Air Qulaity Working Party Meeting Minutes and Presentations - 17 May 2022                                                                                               1

9.4      Rotorua Catchments Activity Updates                                                  1

Attachment 1 - Mahere Mahi ā-tau                                                                                     1

Attachment 2 - Pūrongo ā-ono Marama 2021/22                                                            1

Attachment 3 - Response MFE 23 March Letter                                                               1

9.5      Dama Wallaby Annual Operational Plan 2022/23 and Programme update                                                                                                       1

Attachment 1 - Wallaby Annual Plan 2022-23 Draft                                                        1

9.6      River Scheme Advisory Group Liaison with River Co-Governance Forums                                                                                                      1

Attachment 1 - Kaituna Catchment Control Scheme Advisory Group Update - 20 May 2022                                                                                                                                        1

Attachment 2 - Rangitaiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group Update - 3 June 2022                                                                                                                                        1

10.     Consideration of Items not on the Agenda


Monitoring and Operations Committee Minutes

8 March 2022

 

Monitoring and Operations Committee

Open Minutes

Commencing:             Tuesday 8 March 2022, 9.30 am

Venue:                         Via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Chairperson:               Cr Kevin Winters

Deputy Chairperson:  Cr Norm Bruning

Members:                    Cr David Love

Cr Bill Clark

Cr Stuart Crosby

Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti

Chairman Doug Leeder

Cr Matemoana McDonald

Cr Jane Nees

Cr Stacey Rose

Cr Paula Thompson

Cr Lyall Thurston

Cr Andrew von Dadelszen

Cr Te Taru White

In Attendance:           Bay of Plenty Regional Council: Sarah Omundsen - General Manager Regulatory Services, Fiona McTavish - Chief Executive, Chris Ingle - General Manager Integrated Catchments, Tim Senior - Land Management Officer, Anna Dawson - Land Management Officer, Pim de Monchy - Coastal Catchments Manager, Rachael Burgess - Customer Contact Manager, Reece Irving - Senior Regulatory Project Officer, Helen Creagh - Rotorua Catchments Manager, Scott Kusabs - Land Management Team Leader, Laverne Mason - Integrated Catchments Programme Manager, Jon Jon Peters – Harbourmaster, Greg Corbett - Biosecurity Manager, Alex Miller - Compliance Manager (Land & Water), May Cheuyglintase - Senior Regulatory Project Officer, Santiago Bermeo - Senior Planner, Stephen Lamb - Environmental Strategy Manager, Prue Sisam – Senior Communications Partner, Amanda Namana - Committee Advisor, Shari Kameta - Committee Advisor

                                    External: Stuart Slade - Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group, Pam and Andrew Thorpe - Johnson Reserve Care Group, Brian Breen - Waioraka Care Group, Louise Saunders - Chief Executive Officer, Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust

Apologies:                  Cr Stacey Rose (late arrival), Cr Paula Thompson (early departure), Cr Andrew von Dadelszen (early departure)

 

Chairperson’s Opening Statement

 

The Chair welcomed those present and advised that the meeting was being livestreamed and recorded, and that the recording would be made available on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website following the meeting.

 

Recording link: Monitoring and Operations Committee Meeting - 8 March 2022 - YouTube

1.     Apologies

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Accepts the apologies from Cr Stacey Rose for late arrival, Cr Paula Thompson for early departure and Cr von Dadelszen for early departure tendered at the meeting.

Thurston/von Dadelszen

CARRIED

2.     Items not on the Agenda

The Chairman advised that a presentation on Forestry and Carbon Farming would be received under Item 14, Consideration of Items not on the Agenda.

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Accepts receipt of the presentation on Forestry and Carbon Farming.

Nees/Bruning

CARRIED

3.     Declaration of Conflicts of Interest

Agenda Item 9.1: Kaimai Mamaku Trust Presentation - Cr Bruning declared a conflict of interest for this item as the Kamai Mamaku Trust’s Chairman.

4.     Minutes

Minutes to be Confirmed

4.1

Monitoring and Operations Committee Minutes - 7 December 2021

Matters Arising

·      Minute Item 5.1, Chairperson’s Report, third bullet point – no update had been received on the High Court decision regarding mangrove/wetland management. Staff would circulate the Minister’s response to the local government sector’s letter once it was received. 

·      Minute Item 5.4, Mount Maunganui Industrial Airshed Update – regarding a query about dust issues in Tauriko arising from the transport and handling of bulk solid material, Sarah Omundsen, General Manager Regulatory Services advised that staff are looking at what industries are now operating in the area and will report back on this at the Committee’s next meeting.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Confirms the Monitoring and Operations Committee Minutes - 7 December 2021 as a true and correct record.

Bruning/Leeder

CARRIED

 

4.2

Public Excluded Monitoring and Operations Committee Minutes - 7 December 2021

As the only business conducted in Public Excluded minutes was to confirm the minutes, the Committee agreed that these minutes could be confirmed in the open.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Confirms the Public Excluded Monitoring and Operations Committee Minutes - 7 December 2021 as a true and correct record.

Love/Winters

CARRIED

 

9.37 am – Cr McDonald entered the meeting.

5.     Reports

Information Only

5.1

Summary of care group and environmental volunteer activity 2021

Presentation - Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group: Objective ID A4052576 

Presentation - Johnson and Waioraka Reserves' Care Groups: Objective ID A4056173   

Presented by: Tim Senior and Anna Dawson (Land Management Officers), Stuart Slade (Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group), Pam Thorpe (Johnson Reserve Care Group) and Brian Breen (Waioraka Care Group)

Key Points:

·    Outlined the substantial contribution and knowledge and growth of care groups over the past 20 years.

·    Acknowledged the additional funding provided through Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) to support larger projects and additional resource.

·    Care groups needed further support and funding, noting the benefits and cost value they provided.

·    Recognised the importance of catchment groups that provided improvements to farming practices and looked forward to additional funding sought in the next LTP to support these groups further.

·    Acknowledged landowners who were undertaking biodiversity and riparian work and improvements on their land.

9.51 am – Cr Stacey Rose and Cr Te Taru White entered the meeting.

·    Presentations were provided by Care Group representatives: Stuart Slade (Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group, Ōhiwa harbour), Andrew and Pam Thorpe (Johnson Reserve Care Group, Welcome Bay) and Brian Breen (Waioraka Care Group, Welcome Bay).

·    The presentations provided background and highlights of the care groups’ activities, and acknowledged the involvement and contribution of the Councils, local agencies and members of their communities.

·    Acknowledged the support of Land Management Officers, Tim Senior and Anna Dawson, alongside Dianne Paton, Parks and Reserves Coordinator, Tauranga City Council.

In Response to Questions:

·    Recognised the ageing population of the volunteer workforce and hoped to encourage succession by seeking the interest of neighbouring residents who backed onto the reserves and were new to the area.

Key Points - Members:

·    Congratulated and thanked the care group members for their work to support their communities and care for the environment.

·    Supported care groups in encouraging the involvement of neighbouring landowners.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Summary of care group and environmental volunteer activity 2021.

2        Agrees to further discussion at Council’s Annual Plan Workshop on 9 March 2022, further support for volunteer organisations in the forthcoming Annual Plan.

Thompson/Thurston

CARRIED

6.     Presentation

6.1

Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust

Presentation - Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust: Objective ID A4056174   

Presented by: Louise Saunders, Chief Executive Officer, Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust

 

Key Points:

·    Pim de Monchy, Coastal Catchments Manager introduced Louise Saunders, noting Council’s ongoing support and contribution since the formation of the Kaimai Forum in 2009.

·    Background on the whakapapa (origins), structure and formation of Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust (MKMT), Joint Agency Committee (JAC) and Ngā Iwi Tōpu Māori Caucus.

·    Formation of the JAC was to better integrate and coordinate pest control operations throughout the Kaimai Mamaku, which had led to substantial funding contributions from stakeholder partners and was a key driver for attaining significant Jobs for Nature funding of $19 million in 2020.

·    Mission, vision and strategy approach for restoration.

·    Outlined multiple long-term projects led by iwi/hapū with collaboration, integration and support from JAC partners.

·    Progress of groundwork completed over the last nine months included: project and monitoring implementation, re-launch of the Forum, establishing communication channels, setup of governance, operations and specialist contractors.

·    Jobs for Nature funding agreement would commence on 1 April 2022.

·    Next steps: further collaboration, GIS database and monitoring, increasing capacity, further knowledge sharing, increasing community engagement and awareness, and seeking long-term funding sources.

·    Community engagement would seek to address the issue of ageing volunteer numbers.

·    MKMT had a significant workload ahead and were grateful for the Regional Council’s support and contribution.

Key Points - Members:

·    Congratulated Louise, the Trust Co-Chair and team for their mahi.

·    Recognised the relationship that had been built with Iwi/hapū, which was an exemplar model for how engagement should be working.

·    Recognised Council’s $1.5 million funding contribution provided to the Trust which had led to the Jobs for Nature funding.

·    MKMT had received four applications for funding from younger people, which showed the reconnection of rangatahi and an upwelling from iwi/hapū and Māori community, which was gratifying to see.

10:51 am – the meeting adjourned.

10:51 am – Crs Stacey Rose and David Love left the meeting.

11:00am – the meeting reconvened.

7.     Reports Continued

7.1

Chairperson's Report

Presented by: Chair Cr Winters and Sarah Omundsen, General Manager Regulatory Services, Chris Ingle, General Manager Integrated Catchments

In Response to Questions:

·    Did not anticipate any overlapping issues with the new Motiti Protection Area (MPA) rules, and the Navigation Safety Bylaw (NSB) review. However, staff would be seeking feedback across the region on any emerging maritime and navigation safety issues as part of the NSB review.

·    The appeal made by Ngāi te Rangi Iwi Trust to the BOPRC global consent was in relation to matters within their submission, which the independent commissioners had not adopted, and they were in the process of seeking Court-assisted mediation for this.

11:07 am – Cr David Love entered the meeting.

·    Regarding water shortage issues, Tauranga City Council were working with Toi Moana and Western Bay of Plenty District Council on future drinking water supply, including long term requirements for the Waiari stream and wider community. This work had just commenced and terms of reference were being developed for the study, followed by baseline information on water availability and likely supply requirements. Further updates would be provided on the study’s progress.

 

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Provide an update to councillors on the implications of the High Court judgement of the Marine and Coastal Area application for Rangataua Bay to the Transpower consent.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

Winters/Thurston

CARRIED

 

7.2

Customer Service Performance

Presented by: Rachael Burgess, Customer Contact Manager

Key Points:

·    It had been a busy year for customer service with approximately 68,000 interactions across the six customer service channels.

·    Visits to the office were reducing and digital interactions increasing with close to 45,000 calls received through the call centre.

·    Good progress had been made on improving customer service, as illustrated in the satisfaction scores across core customer service areas.

·    Call measurements were providing good insights into call abandonment and resolution levels to identify where improvements could be made.

·    The rates customer experience workstream was preparing for the transition of rates collection and future impacts on customer service channels, and good progress made towards the change scheduled later in the year.

In Response to Questions:

·    The rates webpage was now live on Council’s website and provided information on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

·    February 2021 - January 2022 satisfaction results were collected over the past 12 months since using the new Zendesk system and would provide a baseline comparison for future results.

11:15 am – Cr Stacey Rose entered the meeting.

·    Land management, maritime and biosecurity enquiries were currently managed through the Zendesk and directed to those teams, however would be looking to manage enquiries directly moving into the next period.

·    Deeper dives into call abandonment results would guide where extra resource was needed.

·    Staff were only receiving a four percent response for pollution hotline satisfaction surveys and were looking at ways to improve response rates.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Customer Service Performance.

Nees/Crosby

CARRIED

 

 

7.3

Mount Maunganui Industrial area update

Presented by:  Reece Irving, Senior Regulatory Project Officer

In Response to Questions:

·    Regarding Council’s online odour pollution prevention tool ‘Report It’ that was currently being trialled in the Pāpāmoa area opposite Truman Lane:

o The online tool was available on Council’s website and was working well.

o Some pollution hotline customer service dissatisfaction results came from customers who wanted an immediate response or resolution, which the online tool provided some solution for, i.e. identifying recent complaints and where an odour assessment had been completed by a response officer.

o A wind direction overlay was being developed for the online tool.

o Two additional areas had been added to the online tool in the vicinity of the Alpine food factory in Judea and west of the industrial area in Te Puke. An information letter drop to residents in these areas was planned that would outline how to access and use the online tool.

o If community uptake of the tool was successful, it would be expanded to other locations affected by odour issues.

·    Odour issues were extremely difficult to detect using technology and was best detected and confirmed using the human nose.

·    Different options had been investigated to assist officers with odour complaints and enforcement and one provider engaged to support highly objectionable complaints.

·    Officers undertook to respond to all complaints that were received. For selected sites, such as Ziwi, two calls to the hotline in an hour would trigger a response.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Mount Maunganui Industrial area update.

Thurston/Rose

CARRIED

 

7.4

Maritime Summer Programme Report for 2021/22

Presented by: Jon Jon Peters, Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster/Manager

In Response to Questions:

·    The number of infringements in comparison to breaches could be attributed to a portion still being processed, taking positive attitudes into account and a focus on education in Whakatāne where patrols had just been introduced.

·    A future date was being sought to visit and engage with Matakana Island iwi/hapū to discuss compliance and navigation safety in Hunters Creek.

·    25 percent of the breaches identified as having no name on a vessel were applicable to powered vessels over four metres and had to follow guideline specifications.

Key Points - Members:

·    Congratulated the launch of the new boat Eke Ngaru in Rotorua.

·    The majority of people were conscious of those who breached the navigation safety bylaws and wanted more visibility of maritime patrols across the region.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Maritime Summer Programme Report for 2021/22.

White/Iti

CARRIED

 

7.5

Climate Change Programme Reporting

Presented by: Laverne Mason, Integrated Catchments Programme Manager and Jane Palmer, Senior Planner Climate Change

In Response to Questions:

·    Not enough was known about the pending national emissions budget guideline therefore responsive planning would be undertaken after its release.

·    Staff did not have details as yet of Tauranga City Council’s (TCC) Climate Action Plan and how it would address carbon reduction traffic transport emissions.

 

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Requested further detail be provided at the next SmartGrowth Leadership Group briefing on TCC’s transport emissions strategy and action plan.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Climate Change Programme Reporting.

Crosby/Rose

CARRIED

12.00 pm – Cr Rose withdrew from the meeting.

7.6

Lake Rotorua Sustainable Land Gains 2017 - 2022

Presentation - Lake Rotorua Catchment Update: Objective ID A4056179   

Presented by:  Helen Creagh, Rotorua Catchments Manager and Scott Kusabs, Land Management Team Leader

Key Points:

·    Paid tribute to the late Geoff Ewert and his significant contribution/work.

·    Provided a presentation on the progress made towards sustainable nutrient loads that involved strong working relationships with landowners, critical sources areas, management of phosphorus and environmental programmes to improve water quality.

·    Staff had in depth knowledge of farm-scale information, data management systems/processes and strong relationships with farmers, most of whom had good compliance, buy-in and solutions.

In Response to Questions:

·    Confirmed that the proposed legislation on carbon sequestration was driving land use change and the uptake of the incentive scheme.

·    Support for the use of Overseer had been ongoing in the Lake Rotorua catchment following its review and hoped to see this continue following the Government’s response.

·    Staff had reviewed the incentive scheme’s policy following the review of Overseer, with a focus on securing land use change.

·    Use of detainment bunds as an option for critical source area management and loss of phosphorus was being looked at as part of the regional plan review, and would require engineering design oversight in construction.

·    Staff were confident that other interventions would help drive land use change to achieve the sustainable nitrogen load by 2032.

Key Points - Members:

·    Acknowledged the passing of Geoff Ewert.

·    Further consideration was needed regarding the use of detainment bunds and potential opportunities to meet the economic benefit.

·    Referred to the Lakes Water Quality Society conference presentation by Ian McLean and the need to consider a review of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group terms of reference to take into account longer-term changing climate conditions.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Lake Rotorua Sustainable Land Gains 2017 - 2022.

White/Thurston

CARRIED

12.25 pm – Cr Thompson and Cr White withdrew from the meeting.

 

7.7

Biosecurity Activity Budget Trends 2016 - 2021

Presentation - Biosecurity Budget Trends: Objective ID A4056177   

Presented by: Greg Corbett, Biosecurity Manager

Key Points:

·    Provided key highlights and trends for the biosecurity activity on exclusion, eradication, progressive containment, sustained control, aquatic and marine pests, wallabies, wild kiwifruit and woolly nightshade.

·    Delivery and a desire from mana whenua to participate in wallaby control was being worked through with government agencies.

12:46 pm – Cr Love entered the meeting.

In Response to Questions:

·    Treasury had granted $6.9 million of ongoing funding for pest management across the country after the Jobs for Nature funding ended in June 2024.

Action Follow-up:

·    Provide councillors an estimation on the consumption of biomass from browsing pests in the region.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Biosecurity Activity Budget Trends 2016 - 2021.

Nees/Clark

CARRIED

 

 

7.8

Overview of WWTP Compliance in the Bay of Plenty Region - 2021/22

Presented by: Alex Miller, Compliance Manager – Land & Water, and May Cheuyglintase, Senior Regulatory Project Officer

Key Points:

·    Highlighted areas of challenge in regard to wastewater treatment plant and ongoing network overflows.

·    General compliance had shown slight improvement and encouraged with the good results in response to overflow issues.

·    The uptake of best practice guidance provided assurance that unforeseeable events were being well managed.

In Response to Questions:

·    Staff are satisfied with the best practice guidelines for managing overflows, which had been developed with Toi Te Ora and Territorial Local Authorities (TLA) and in consultation with tangata whenua.

·    The annual compliance reports are shared with TLA staff.

·    Staff were engaging with TLAs that have consents due for renewal in 2026.

Key Points - Staff:

·    Staff were available to present at relevant TLA meetings with councillors where requested.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Provide a category breakdown of overflow incidents to identify the reason of non-compliance in future reporting, i.e. infrastructure failure, human intervention, external contractor fault.

·    Encourage compliance reports to be shared with TLA elected members to ensure an appropriate level of awareness and understanding of the size of their TLA compliance issues.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Overview of WWTP Compliance in the Bay of Plenty Region - 2021/22.

McDonald/Crosby

CARRIED

8.     Consideration of Items not on the Agenda

8.1

Presentation on Carbon/Forestry Farming

Presentation - Forestry and Carbon Farming: Objective ID A4052563   

Presented by: Santiago Bermeo, Senior Planner

 

Key Points:

·    Provided an introduction on the issue of carbon sequestration of exotic pine vs native forest.

·    Two separate discussion papers had been released:

o Proposed changes to forestry settings under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) - by the Government (Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Ministry for the Environment (MfE)); and

o Green Paper Managing Forestry under Carbon Prices - by Yule Alexander Limited (commissioned by several district councils and Beef & Lamb New Zealand).

·    Outlined the potential issues with land conversion, proposed solutions and other considerations to the government’s proposal to ban permanent exotic forestry from the ETS.

·    Suggested next steps would include responding to the Yule report, making a submission to the MPI/MfE discussion document, contributing to the sector-wide position and keeping a watching brief on impacts for Council’s work.

·    Links to the discussion papers and additional information for further reading was provided in the presentation:

o ETS: reward native not pine forest | RNZ

o Managing exotic afforestation incentives (beehive.govt.nz)

o Green-Paper-Managing Forestry-Land-Use -Carbon.pdf (beeflambnz.com)

o He Waka Eke Noa Agricultural emissions pricing options – Exec Summary (hewakaekenoa.nz)

Key Points - Members:

·    The market had moved well ahead of regulatory and would have a substantial impact on the economy, landscape and biodiversity.

·    Considered that a workshop was needed to examine the implications and investment opportunities to assist Council with its responsibilities for climate change and nitrogen reduction in the Rotorua catchment.

·    Further understanding and consideration was needed in regard to the significant impacts on Iwi/Māori in respect of marginal land.

·    Highlighted this was a policy issue over the next 50-60 year horizon.

·    MPI would be running a special engagement process with Iwi from 14 March to the end of April 2022.

Key Points - Staff:

·    Would consider the discussion papers and investigate the implications and how to advance the issue.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Provide a copy of the discussion papers and information to councillors.

 

Resolved

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the presentation, Forestry and Carbon Farming.

Thurston/Bruning

CARRIED

1:09 pm – the meeting closed.

 

 

Confirmed                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                                   Cr Kevin Winters

Chairperson, Monitoring and Operations Committee


 

 

 

Report To:

Monitoring and Operations Committee

Meeting Date:

29 June 2022

Report Authoriser:

Sarah Omundsen, General Manager Regulatory Services

 

 

Chairperson's Report

 

Executive Summary

This report provides an update on key matters of interest for Monitoring and Operations Committee members including updates on the implementation of the Motiti Protection Areas as well as the allocation of volunteer and community funding through the Long Term Plan 2021-31.

 

Recommendations

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

1.        Purpose

This report provides an update on key matters of interest for Monitoring and Operations Committee members.

 

2.        Follow up information from previous Committee and Council meetings

2.1      Bulk solid materials in Tauriko

At the previous Committee meeting on 8 March 2022, staff were asked to follow up on whether or not bulk solid materials are being stored in Tauriko. Staff can confirm that stock feed is being trucked to and stored at an Agrifeeds bulk storage facility in Tauriko.

The movement and storage of bulk solid materials like stock feed can generate dust. A full audit on the site to assess dust risk has been undertaken and the site was assessed as being well managed. Staff have followed up with a reminder to keep dust management practices at top of mind, and a request to provide an estimate of daily truck movements into and out of the site.

It is unlikely the activity will trigger the need for an air discharge consent. To date we have received no complaints or calls in to the pollution hotline about the activity.

2.2      Wastewater Treatment Plant compliance

Following discussion on the 2020/21 Municipal Wastewater Compliance Report presented to the last Committee meeting, further information was requested regarding the causes of dry weather overflows, and an update on compliance issues for the recently commissioned Rotoiti-Rotomā Wastewater Scheme, which are provided below.

Causes of network overflows: A review of data provided by district councils since 1 July 2019 shows the majority of network overflows (75%) are caused by blockages from build of fats and oils, items which shouldn’t be flushed (eg. pads, wipes) and/or tree-roots. A further 17% of overflows were attributed to infrastructure failures, while 3.3% were caused as a result of human fault from third parties (contractors and a member of the public). The cause for the remaining 5% were unable to be determined.

Update on compliance for Rotoiti-Rotomā Wastewater Scheme: As noted in the, the Rotoiti-Rotomā wastewater treatment plant has experienced a number of challenges since commissioning, resulting in non-compliance with treated wastewater limits for Total Nitrogen. Trility, who are contracted to operate and manage the scheme on behalf of Rotorua Lakes Council, conducted an in-depth investigation into the cause(s) of the issues, and identified a series of spikes in total nitrogen following commissioning, resulting in the breach. As a result of this, they have implemented a number of steps to address the causes of the spikes, and effluent quality has returned to acceptable levels.

A subsequent compliance inspection has confirmed that plant is now operating well and complying with consent requirements. Staff will continue to monitor compliance with discharge quality limits when Rotorua Lakes Council submit their Annual Monitoring Report in August 2022.

2.3      Te Teko Groundwater Monitoring Site – total costs

At the Regional Council meeting of 5th April 2022 staff requested approval for additional Covid related capital expenditure of $165,000 for the Te Teko Groundwater Monitoring Site.  Councillors approved the request and asked staff to follow up with information on the total costs of the monitoring site. These costs are given below.

          2019/20 capital cost -                    $576,151

          2020/21 capital cost -                    $181,673

          2021/22 capital cost -                    $728,218

          Staff time cost estimate -                $32,000

          Total cost -                                   $1,518,042

Details for the bores completed are given in the table below.  Staff will be available at this meeting to answer further questions.

 

 

Bore Number

BN19-0091

BN19-0092

BN19-0093

BN19-0094

Contract Number

2017-0099 05

2021-0104

Depth (m)

80

411

372

239

Casing Diameter (mm)

150

100

100

150

Screen Type

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Open Hole

Stainless Steel

Top of Screen (m)

66

404

353

222

Bottom of Screen (m)

78

410

372

237

Free Flowing Artesian?

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Aquifer

Q6-Q8 Non-Marine Sediments

Old Undifferentiated Volcanics

Matahina Ignimbrite

Non-Marine Sediments

Groundwater Allocation Zone

Awaiti Canal

Continuous Monitoring

Water quality and temperature

Water quality and temperature (equipment pending)

Quarterly Water Quality Monitoring

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

 

3.        Matters of potential interest

3.1      National Environmental Standards for Freshwater (NESF) and S360 Regulations: update

Since the last report staff have continued their involvement in national initiatives advancing the refinement and delivery of the NES-F alongside other regional and national partners. Some key highlights are summarised below.

In April 2022 Government amended the Intensive Winter Grazing (IWG) regulations in the NES-F to address implementation issues. To date no IWG consent enquiries have been received and it is likely most operators will change their approach to meet permitted activity conditions. MfE plans to provide some satellite technology to help detect IWG activity. Key IWG changes in the NES-F include:

·        Timing; the regulations will come into effect 1 November 2022 and will not impact the 2022 winter grazing season.

·        Slope; the slope is now defined as the maximum slope (replacing the previous definition of mean slope). Land with a maximum slope of less than 10 degrees may be used for IWG subject to satisfying other conditions. IWG on land with a slope of greater than 10 degrees will need a resource consent.

·        Pugging; default conditions around pugging have been replaced with a stand alone duty to take all reasonably practical steps to minimise the effects of pugging on freshwater.

·        Resowing; default conditions around resowing have been replaced with a stand alone duty to establish vegetation as soon as practical after grazing.

·        A new default condition has been added around critical source areas. Anyone undertaking IWG must protect critical source areas (left un-grazed and not cultivated).

Synthetic Nitrogen Fertiliser use data from dairy farms is due with Councils from 1 July 2022 and key messaging is being developed by Regional Councils, MfE, DairyNZ and milk companies. Regional Councils have worked collectively to develop a new online portal for submitting these nitrogen records, providing one consistent process for everyone. Ballance and Ravensdown fertiliser suppliers have also been involved in the development of the system and will likely aid their customers in providing the data given they already hold much of the information. Online forms will also be available on the data portal for those wishing to submit their own records.

Although the regulation requires data for the 21/22 season be submitted by 31 July, the national online data portal may not be operational by then. Staff will be contacting all BOP dairy farmers in June advising of this and encouraging them to make contact with their fertiliser suppliers to prepare for submitting their synthetic nitrogen records once the online system becomes live.

Freshwater Farm Plan (FFP) regulations development has continued to progress, albeit with some delays in the implementation timelines. The current timeline includes a Cabinet Paper and Regulatory Impact Statement to go up to parliament in June, followed by regulation drafting in July-September 2022, with an exposure draft of regulations potentially available in October 2022. Regulations could be enacted as early as 2023. Staff have provided input where possible to national working groups and will begin preparing for implementation over the next 6 months.

Staff are currently working through an exposure draft of changes proposed for the wetland regulations. This will likely result in the preparation of both Toi Moana and joint Council submissions. The review focusses on the definition of natural wetland, addressing implementation issues around the restoration and maintenance of wetlands, as well as creating a consenting pathway for some of the currently prohibited activities.

Stockholding areas (feedpads, standoff pads, etc) continue to be incorporated into dairy farm consents, generally as they come up for re-consenting. This requirement is also being discussed on farm as part of the routine dairy effluent compliance inspections.

A national data portal, hosted by NIWA, is being used to record data about new structures that fall under the requirements of the Passage of Fish regulations. Staff will further promote the use of the NIWA tool over coming months, including targeted communications with construction companies who specialise in installing, or upgrading, infrastructure such as culverts, weirs, dams etc.

3.2      Motiti Implementation

3.2.1    Compliance

Ten months into the operative Motiti Protection Area (MPA) rules and the Maritime and Compliance team continue to provide educational advice during patrols, and the Communications team continue to promote the new rules on targeted channels.

The online registration system for diving clubs is working well with dive clubs notifying council of planned visits to the reefs.  This includes adhering to a set of guidelines co-developed with local dive club for safe anchoring on the reefs, to minimise the risk that anchoring might trigger a breach of rules relating to damage of flora or fauna. This pre-notification assists the compliance team with knowing which clubs are out on the water prior to any field work.

To date, staff have completed ten patrols, with a total of 26 private vessels being located inside the MPA - nine vessels in Okarapu/Astrolabe, nine within Schooner and eight inside Motunau. Patrols have been limited by weather conditions. However, these same conditions, being swells in excess of 1m and/or strong winds, are similarly unfavourable for recreational fishing on the outer reefs.

Interactions with vessels located in the MPA have generally resulted in a very good response from every person spoken to, who appreciated the educational approach from the patrol crew, and willingly moved out of the MPA.

In addition to on-water patrols, staff recently trialled an aerial survey of the MPA, utilising a chartered flight. This proved to be worth further consideration for more frequent use. The photograph below shows a vessel found fishing within the MPA, near Motunau.

3.2.2    Information collection

Results from field work completed alongside Ngāti Whakahemo last May have been recently written up.  The report identified 27 different species identified in the footage from the waters of Motunau. The most observed species across the sites included two spot demoiselle, snapper, red pigfish, leatherjacket, red moki, and scarlet wrasse. This monitoring aims to identify the fish species and habitats in the shallow waters around Motunau Island. This will provide a point in time to which to assess changes in the fish populations due to the new marine protection area.

The marine science team have additional monitoring planned subject to weather. This includes scuba diving surveys, drone mapping of sea urchin barrens, bathymetric surveys of the Motiti Natural Environment Management Area, remote operated vehicle (ROV) video surveys, and crayfish potting surveys. 

3.2.3    Partnerships

Council has an open dialogue with Te Patuwai Tribal Committee and have hosted two recent face-to-face hui about how best to work together. Post the recent positive Waitangi Tribunal Decision for Te Patuwai Tribal Committee, the hapū are taking the opportunity to reorganise their portfolios and will be involved in maritime patrols, cultural monitoring, and establishing a science monitoring protocol. 

In May, we met with Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) science staff to share their current fisheries data.  This was a valuable science exchange and will led to further science collaboration. MPI, under the Fisheries Act, are progressing a project to identify habitats of significance to fisheries which may include fish nursery areas and breeding grounds and will be engaging with Regional Council on this project.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) continue to support the project through sharing marine protected area monitoring methodology and aligning field work when possible.  Of interest a recent DOC internal review of the reserve status of Motiti Protection Area against the DOC MPA Protection Standard, determined the Motiti Protection Area would be designated as a Type 2 Marine Protected Area.   

Todd Muller (MP) and NZ Sportfishing Council meet with us to provide an update on the Environment Committee’s process for considering his petition against the MPAs.  This was a useful opportunity to discuss the current provisions, to provide clarity, and to set out next steps.  Mr Muller encouraged Regional Council to continue to engage with leaders in the recreational and commercial sectors.

3.2.4    Next steps

The next stage of the implementation of the Marine Protected Areas is to bring a range of stakeholders to the table to re-establish the scientific and monitoring technical advisory group (SAM-TAG). This will include tangata whenua, recreational fishing leaders, commercial fishing industry, dive and tourism operators, landowners from Motiti Island, and the Motiti Rohe Moana Trust.  It is anticipated that several preparation meetings will aid in preparation to the meeting. We have asked Dr Chris Battershill from Waikato University to chair the SAM-TAG meetings. 

3.3      Water shortages

This is the final update to the committee for the 2021/22 Water Shortage Event. In summary most of the region has now received near normal rainfall figures, however base flows in the Rotorua Focus Zone (RFZ) had still not rebounded prior to the recent rain and therefore remains at Alert Level 1. The remainder of the region stays at Alert Level 0.

The final situation report published for this event is at Attachment 1.

3.3.1    Rainfall

Rainfall for the calendar year is largely near normal, as was the rainfall for the month of May. With the onset of the cooler Autumn/Winter months and near average rainfall, soil moisture levels are at or slightly above long term normal for this time of year across the region.

3.3.2    Rivers and Streams

Generally river flows are showing a similar pattern of being close to normal across much of the region, however the lack of baseflow is still evident in the rivers in the RFZ - see Figure 1 as an example. Reasonably significant rainfall at the end of May has lifted river flows across the region, but the long term of impact on those rivers in the RFZ are as yet unknown.

3.3.3    Groundwater

In general, groundwater levels across the Bay of Plenty show some recovery compared to last year, however they are yet to recover to levels seen five years ago, with many aquifers showing short term declining trends. Summer rainfall has resulted in some recharge occurring which is reflected in water levels not being quite as low as last year. The summer rainfall may have also reduced abstraction demand.

3.3.4    Forecast

La Niña conditions continue to be a key climate driver. With the exception of some cold snaps during the period, temperatures are very likely to be above average for the Bay of Plenty over winter. Coastal waters continue to be above average for this time of year.

Winter rainfall is most likely to be above normal in the north of the North Island. More frequent low-pressure systems in the Tasman Sea may direct plumes of sub-tropical moisture and humid air toward the country at times, causing heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Soil moisture levels and river flows are likely to be above normal in the Bay of Plenty.

Figure 1: Representative Rotorua Focus Zone site - Paraiti (Mangorewa) at Saunders

3.3.5    Rotorua Focus Zone – Alert Level 1 (Reducing Water Availability)

Although the early June rainfall has increased flows in the RFZ, the low base flows observed in several of the monitored waterways in the zone immediately preceding the recent rainfall, is of some concern. It may well be that winter rainfall within the zone will help increase base flows to above their Q5 levels, which would help reduce low flow concerns as we head into the upcoming spring/summer period.

However, given that low flows that were witnessed prior to the recent rain it has been decided to maintain the RFZ at Alert Level 1 through to the start of spring. This simply means that we will continue to monitor that zone more closely over the coming months.

3.4      Funding opportunities

3.4.1    Provincial Growth Fund

There are 275 projects now funded in the Bay of Plenty through the Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit – this includes the Provisional Growth Fund, COVID-19 recovery funding, the Sector Workforce Engagement Programme and the Regional Apprenticeships Initiative. The approved funding of these projects total $701M, with $447M paid already.

The full list and details of these projects can be found at:

https://www.growregions.govt.nz/established-funds/what-we-have-funded/

3.4.2    Jobs for Nature

In 2020 the Regional Council successfully won a Jobs for Nature funding bid from the Ministry for the Environment. This provides the Council with $3M over two years to accelerate our focus catchments work that strives to improve water quality in those catchments, principally through fencing and planting of stream margins.

Staff in the Integrated Catchments teams have continued to make steady progress delivering work with landowners as the project moves through to the end of its second year. Completed works as of May 2022 include:

·       57 BOPRC/MfE co-funded Environmental Programme Agreements signed with landowners across Focus Catchments

·       A total of 138.9 km of new fencing work has been installed, representing 79% of the MfE Deed of Funding project target of 174 km;

·       Over 325,608 native plants have been established, representing around 72% of the MfE Deed of Funding project target of 450,000

·       Contractor, landowner and project management time towards delivering the MfE project has surpassed 38,000 people hours

Although it was originally hoped the project would be 100% completed by June 2022, various delays have meant that around 20% of works will likely remain for completion in the upcoming 2022/23 financial year. MfE has recently granted approval for a full one-year extension to complete the project, with the new completion date now June 30th 2023. Staff from MfE are planning to visit some of the larger planting projects in the Waihī Estuary Focus Catchment later in June on a tour with Regional Council land management staff.   

3.4.3    Hill Country Erosion Fund Application

Staff are in the process of applying to the upcoming round of the MPI ‘Hill Country Erosion Fund’. A total of 1 million dollars over 4 years will be sought for co-funding works that protect and improve water quality and preserve soils across the region. Mitigations such as afforestation, pole planting, native planting, and stock exclusion fencing would be targeted in mostly hilly areas >20 degrees slope across Focus Catchments.

The proposal includes leveraging 40% co-funding from MPI ($250,000 per year for four years), matched by 40% contributions from BOPRCs Focus Catchment operations, and 20% landowner shares. If successful, the funding would come online in July 2023, with a decision expected before Christmas.  

3.5      Volunteer, Community Initiatives, Environmental Enhancement and Rescue Services Funding Streams

A summary of funding Council budgeted through the Long Term Plan 2021-31 (LTP) to support Volunteers, Community Initiatives and the Environmental Enhancement Fund is set out below.

3.5.1    Volunteers - Allocated via Council LTP Deliberations: $285k per annum

Application Name

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

Status

Envirohub

$100,000

$100,000

$100,000

Contract signed

NZ Landcare Trust

$100,000

$100,000

$100,000

Contract signed

Bay Conservation Alliance

$85,000

$85,000

$85,000

Contract signed

Total

$285,000

$285,000

$285,000

 

3.5.2    Volunteers - Allocated during 2021/22 to Care Groups: $215k per annum

$215K was allocated to support existing and new care groups to advance their projects and target areas where they have requested additional support (beyond their current care group plans). Groups identified additional resources required at the start of the financial year and these are recorded and approved by the Land Management Managers. The table below shows the funding spent to date with the remainder scheduled to be spent before 30th June.

Group

Activities

2021/22

Coastal Catchment Care Groups

Funding and support for new care groups

77,000.00

Coast Care

To fund additional volunteer planting and contractor coordination support

50,000.00

Various

GIS app upgrade, ongoing maintenance, training and support for groups and staff

8,000.00

Landcare Okereka

Possum lures

653.29

Forest & Bird Tikitapu

Traps & lures

706.48

Waitete Stream Mouth Care Group

Pest plant control work

1,075.00

Tarawera Landcare Group

Abseiling contractors for weed control on Kariri point cliffs

3,000.00

Tarawera Landcare Group

GPS support for trap/bait station

5,000.00

Friends of the Blade

2x locator beacons

765.22

Paraiti Care Group

2 x trail cams

554.78

Manawahe Kokako Trust & Manawahe Eco Trust

Wallaby control trial - Manawahe corridor

5,000.00

Hurike CG, Pukeruru CG, Kutatarere CG, Nukuhou saltmarch CG, Ōhiwa Reserves CG, Hukutaia CG

Shared trail cam

324.76

Bryans Beach Care Group

Pest animal and Plant control on dunes and back dunes

6,000.00

Nukuhou Salt Marsh Care Group

Materials to extend the salt marsh board walk by 100m

7,000.00

Total

 

165,079.53

3.5.3    Community Initiatives Fund: $200k pa

Application Name

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

Status

Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital (TMBC)

$40,000

$40,000

$40,000

Contract signed

Tourism BOP Low Carbon Economy

$60,000

$60,000

$60,000

Contract signed

Priority One

$40,000

$40,000

$40,000

Signed partnership agreement. Sets process for P1 to access funding

Rotorua X Charitable Trust

$3,333

$3,333

$3,333

Contract signed

Sport Bay of Plenty (on behalf of Water Safety Bay of Plenty)

$25,000

$25,000

$25,000

Contract signed

Sustainable BOP Charitable Trust

$30,000

$30,000

$30,000

Contract signed

Total

$198,333

$198,333

$198,333

 

3.5.4    Environmental Enhancement Fund (EEF): $300k pa

The EEF is over allocated for 2021/22 with the additional funding managed via the EEF reserve. 

 

Organisation

Description

2021/22

Status

Preston Park

Revegetation and pest control whilst providing an educational component.

$25,000

Agreement signed

Te Ranga School

Creating a bush classroom, promoting sustainability and biodiversity. Weeding, planting, pest control and monitoring.

$12,494

Agreement signed

Halo Whakatane

Reduce pests and control weeds to be able to plant dunes with natives.

$23,361

Agreement signed

Te Rununga o Ngati Kearoa Ngati Tuara

To improve the biodiversity, water quality and whakapapa connection between Ngati Kea Ngati Tuara iwi and their whenua.

$12,657

Agreement signed

Waitao Kaiate Landcare Group

To increase ecological integrity by reducing key animal pests below impact thresholds, so that the forest is healthy and can support populations of indigenous birds.

$18,324

Agreement signed

Kawerau Trails Trust

To remove pest species and planting indigenous species that can create an ecological corridor and provide public access alongside the Tarawera River.

$24,240

Agreement signed

Waihi Beach Environment Society

Reduce the number of rodents and mustelids to encourage bird life.

$1,760

Agreement signed

Ohiwa Reserves Care Group

To encourage more wildlife to live and breed in the area while also enhancing biodiversity and the overall visual appeal to visitors.

$9,866

Agreement signed

Waihi Beach School

To restore forest vegetation whilst developing wetland planting in order to improve water quality.

$15,396

Agreement signed

Whakatane Kiwi Trust

To see kiwi and other indigenous species thrive in the Whakatāne District by trapping and monitoring pests.

$10,701

Agreement signed

Manawahe Kokako Trust

To monitor kokako nesting and breeding health in the Manawahe area.

$24,924

Agreement signed

Tauranga Sunrise Rotary

To install drain socks to highlight the quantity of waste in entering our coastal waters. To raise awareness and promote sustainable management.

$18,401

Agreement signed

Te Kohanga Reo o Patutataahi

To eradicate and control pest weeds at Te Kohanga Reo o Patutataahi

$22,500

Agreement signed

Te Takinga Marae

To plant natives and maara kai and the erection of education signposts. This is alongside a large boardwalk project along the Ohau Channel River.  

$25,000

Agreement signed

Waihi Beach Broadland Block

To remove exotic weeds as part of a revegetation plan.

$25,000

Agreement signed

Sullivan Lake Care Group

To improve the water quality of the lake by removing dead trees and invasive flora and planting additional natives.

$21,739

Agreement signed

Te Puke Highschool

To install solar panels and plant trees at the school to raise awareness around climate change.

$25,000

Agreement signed

Rangiuru School

To build a vegie garden and chicken coop to create a sustainable food source and educate the students.

$4,736

Agreement signed

Total

 

$321,097

 

3.5.5    Regional Search & Rescue Fund (RSRS): $400K per annum

Regional Council approved a staged approach for allocating the RSRS Fund. 2021/22 maintains existing levels of services, and 2022 – 2024 introduces a new funding process administered by the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group.

 

Organisation

Stage 1: Agreement in place

Stage 2: CDEM-JC funding allocation

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

Surf Lifesaving NZ

$292,000

$327,000

$333,000

Coastguard NZ

 

$20,000

$20,000

Rotorua Mountain Bike Club

 

$80,000

$80,000

Land Search and Rescue

 

$20,000

$20,000

Youth Search and Rescue

 

$4,000

$4,000

Total Funding allocated

$292,000

$451,000

$457,000

The Council Budget for RSRS set through the LTP 2021-2031 is $400,000 per annum. Funding allocations for 2022-2024 include the allocation of $108,000 in reserve funding that was unallocated in 2021/22.

3.6      Resource consents update

The number of applications received up until the end of May is about 15% down compared to the same time last year. The 2021-22 year was an exceptionally busy year and the number of applications received is consistent with numbers we have received over the previous five years (Figure 2).

Despite this we have continued to process 6% more applications than for the same time last year. We are tracking to process a similar number of applications as we did last year and are continuing to achieve our target of having 95% of applications completed within the statutory timeframes (Figure 3).

Figure 2: consent applications received during 2020-21 and 2021-22

Figure 3: consent applications received during 2020-21 and 2021-22

Figure 4: consent application types granted since 1 July 2021

37 people responded to our consents customer satisfaction survey between 1 January and 31 May 2022. 33 (89%) of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the service provided and the majority of comments received were positive:

·      Clear communication and sticking to timeframes has been excellent, thank you.

·      Marcia was very pragmatic - not something you get often with Council's these days.

·      Very smooth service

·      Yvette did a great job of keeping us informed as the review progressed. She was available for discussion and very responsive to our queries. Excellent customer service!

·      Aleisha is amazing to work with!

Dissatisfied respondents commented on the timeliness of decision making.

3.6.1    Matters of Interest

Te Puna Business Park: Applications have been made to both Regional Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council for resource consents associated with the development of the Te Puna Business Park, at 297 Te Puna Station Road. The site is currently largely undeveloped land which is proposed to be developed to create a near 12ha industrial complex.  We have received over 30 emails of concern from residents in the community, largely related to issues arising from the industrial development of the site. Many of the issues are consideration for Western Bay however concerns have been raised around, flooding, stormwater management, dust and impacts on wetlands which will be considered through the consenting process. The application has been accepted for processing, following a technical review a number of matters of further information have been requested from the applicant. Once we have received further information from the applicant it will be further reviewed by technical experts before a decision on notification is made.

Omanawa Falls: The falls are one of the top ten most visited sites in the Tauranga area but the informal tracks to the pool are very steep and unsafe in many areas. The area is currently closed and barricaded due to safety issues. The proposal is to address the safety issues by establishing a physically and culturally safe walking access to Omanawa Falls. The proposal is also to provide a car park and toilet facilities and to provide an ‘Omanawa Falls Experience’ tourist and recreation facility. Tauranga City Council, Ngāti Hangarau and Tourism Bay of Plenty have worked together on this project and have formed a governance group to oversee delivery of the project and the application was heard jointly with the Western Bay on 11-12 April 2022. Consents were granted by both Regional Council and Western Bay for the associated activities. The Western Bay decision has been appealed by one of the adjacent landowners, but not the Regional Council decision.

Ziwi Petfoods: A panel of two commissioners has granted resource consent to Ziwi to carry on discharging contaminants to air from the pet food manufacturing facility in Mount Maunganui for period of one year subject to additional proposed odour treatment measures. Ziwi are expected to move to a purpose-built facility in Napier later this year. 123 submissions were received on the application, 119 in opposition. Submissions in opposition were generally based on the experience of submitters of odour from the plant. Despite 25 submitters originally wishing to be heard only three submitters appeared at the hearing.

3.6.2    Appeals

There are a number of applications that are in the court system right now:

·       Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa appeal of our decision on the Creswell water bottling proposal was heard in the Court of Appeal on the 9 and 10 March. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.

·       Ngāti Tūwharetoa Geothermal Assets appeal of our decision on their discharge to the Tarawera River – mediation is ongoing.

·       Ngāi Te Rangi appeal of our decision to grant consent to Integrated Catchments to carry out work on non-scheme assets. The parties have met to discuss conditions and staff are hopeful that the appeal will be able to be resolved without the need for a court hearing.

·       Ngāti Kuku appeal of our decision to grant consent to the Tauranga Bridge Marina Mediation in relation to the Tauranga Bridge Marina appeal is ongoing. Staff consider it unlikely that agreement will be reached on duration of the consent, so it is likely that this will need to proceed to a court hearing.

·       Port of Tauranga Stella Passage development direct referral – evidence is being prepared with a possible hearing in July. All section 274 parties have joined the proceedings by consent of all parties.

3.6.3    Transpower Rangataua Bay

The Tauranga Environmental Protection Society appeal of our decision to grant consent to the realignment of transmission infrastructure over Rangataua Bay - leave to appeal to the Court of Appeal was recently refused, so it has been remitted by the High Court back to the Environment Court. As previously reported, the Court of Appeal declined Transpower’s application for leave to appeal the High Court decision. In light of the High Court’s binding findings of fact and law, Transpower’s assessment is that there is not a viable consenting pathway for the proposed realignment project. Therefore Transpower have surrendered the resource consents that were granted by both Regional Council and Tauranga City Council. 

Following Transpower’s surrender of resource consents associated with the proposed realignment of transmission lines over Rangataua Bay, they have confirmed that their intention is to maintain the existing infrastructure as it currently is. This means that an application to renew the resource consent for anchor blocks in Tauranga Harbour will need to be progressed. Transpower will carry out further engagement with iwi and hapū about the surrender, long term plans, and these anchor blocks before we can progress.

This decision also means that the High Court decision stands, which will have implications for future resource consent processes. In particular, the High Court found that:

·     When the view of tangata whenua is that a proposal would have an adverse impact on an area of cultural significance and on the Māori values of an outstanding natural feature/landscape, it is not open to resource consent authorities to decide that it would not;

·     There are cultural bottom lines in the Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan; and

·     Infrastructure development in and around Tauranga Harbour which might cause significant adverse environmental or cultural effects must not proceed if there is an alternative which is technically possible (although not necessarily financially feasible).

The precedent created by the recent High Court decision is being reflected in other decisions around Aotearoa. For example, the decision of Auckland Council to refuse consent to mine coastal sand near Pakiri (Council rejects 35-year Pakiri sand mining bid) carefully considers the High Court findings.

3.7      Regulatory compliance update

3.7.1    Pollution hotline and complaint response

·      2933 service requests have been received since 1 July 2021, which is 18.3% less than we received in the same period in 2021. 30% of service requests were received after-hours.

·      69% of service requests were related to air quality – odour (1022), smoke (630), agrichemical (63), and dust (165). This is consistent with longer term patterns.

·      681 (24%) of calls were substantiated (i.e. a breach of the RMA, Regional Plan, NES, or other regulation was confirmed), which is consistent with longer term patterns.

·      78% of calls received were actioned on the day of receipt. 97% of calls were actioned within 3 working days. All 54 urgent complaints were actioned within 12 hours of receipt of the initial call

Regional distribution of complaints received to the hotline are shown below:

3.7.2    Compliance monitoring

From 1 July 2021 – 31 June 2022, we completed 3352 compliance inspections, and received and reviewed 11620 performance monitoring returns from consent holders.

Compliance levels remain consistent with previous months, with 80% of site inspections identifying full compliance with consent requirements, and 83% of performance monitoring returns confirming that consent holders are meeting consented limits and/or reporting requirements. The majority of non-compliances observed are considered to be low risk with only 1.2% considered to be significantly non-compliant for site inspections.

3.7.3    Enforcement

Regional Council has issued 116 abatement notices and 50 infringement notices, totalling $31,500 in fines, in the reporting period in relation to breaches of Regional Plan rules and/or Resource Consent conditions.

We currently have 5 matters before the courts in relation to RMA Enforcement. Since 1 July 2021, we have received decisions from the courts in relation to five prosecutions.

BOPRC v. CPB Ltd: On 16 July 2021, Council received the final decision from Judge Dwyer in relation to BOPRC v. CPB Contractors Pty Ltd. This case was in relation to a discharge of wastewater, which occurred after works associated with the Bayfair to Baypark Link project struck a sewer line. The wastewater discharged into the TCC stormwater network, and surface water, which ultimately drains to Tauranga Harbour. CPB plead guilty and were fined $63,000. In addition to the penalty issued by the courts, CPB engaged with tangata whenua to apologise for the incident and committed to an environmental restoration project downstream of the discharge.

BOPRC v. Rotorua District Council: On 19 November 2021, Council received a decision from Judge Smith in relation to BOPRC v. Rotorua District Council, which was a prosecution in relation to discharges of leachate contaminated stormwater from the Rotorua Landfill in 2017, which reached the Tureporepo Stream, a tributary of the Puareanga Stream, which drains to Laka Rotorua. This matter was subject to significant litigation and was originally set down for a trial by jury, before Rotorua District Council plead guilty in May 2021. Rotorua District Council were convicted, fined $60,000 (discounted from a starting point of $100,000), and ordered to pay $80,000 in reparations to a trust comprised of affected mana whenua.

BOPRC v CRS Ltd: On 8 February 2021, Council received a decision from Judge Dickey in relation to BOPRC v. CRS Ltd, which was a prosecution in relation to discharges of sediment contaminated stormwater from a container storage site in Mount Maunganui, which reached Tauranga Moana at Waipu Bay. This was the second time Council has prosecuted CRS for discharges of this nature. CRS plead guilty and engaged in a restorative justice process with Ngāi te Rangi and Ngāti Kuku; although parties were unable to reach agreement on appropriate reparations through mediation. CRS were convicted and fined $49,000 (discounted from a starting point of $70,000). In addition to the fine, CRS have lodged a formal undertaking with the court which commits them to $50,000 of environmental enhancement work at Whareroa, should Ngāi te Rangi and Ngāti kuku wish to accept it. As a result of the two prosecutions, and other enforcement undertaken by Council, CRS have now sealed their site, which will significantly reduce the risk of similar discharges occurring in the future.

BOPRC v. Kleadmak Farms Ltd: On 25 January 2022, Council received a decision from the Court for the matter of BOPRC v. Kleadmak Farms - a prosecution in relation to the grazing of pigs in the bed of the Umurua Stream, a tributary of the Ngongotahā catchment, which was identified through a complaint received in October 2020. Kleadmak farms plead guilty to the charges and agreed to an enforcement order in relation to stock exclusion and removal of the pigs from the property as part of the sentencing process. Judge Smith chose to convict and fine Kleadmak $27,000.

BOPRC v. Tio Faulkner: On 27 February 2021, Council received a decision from the court in relation to BOPRC v. Tio Faulkner, which was a prosecution in relation to illegal reclamation works in the coastal marine area on the Matapihi Peninsula, discharges of effluent from a pig farm sited on the illegal reclamation, and other associated charges. Following a week-long trial in July 2021, Mr Faulkner was found guilty of the offences, and has subsequently been sentenced to a prison term of three months and two weeks and ordered to pay a $5000 contribution Council for costs associated with the prosecution. We understand that Mr Faulkner has since lodged an appeal to the high court in relation to this matter.

3.8      Data services update

3.8.1    Community water supply support

The laboratory continues to see activity relating to the new testing requirements for community water supplies. Support has been provided to Raukokere and Tōrere schemes allowing for pick-up of collected samples as part of routine monitoring schedules. It is expected there will be additional support provided for other schemes as the requirements of new regulations are implemented in the future.

3.8.2    Environmental Data Portal

Statistics for use of the Environmental Data Portal continue to show a growth over time, Figure 5.

Figure 5: Number of times the Environmental Data Portal is being viewed over time

3.8.3    Water Metering Regulations preparations

The Resource Management (Measurement and Reporting of Water Takes) Amendment Regulations introduced in 2020 require those consent holders taking water over 5 l/s to measure their use over 15-minute periods and provide records to regional council of that use on a daily basis.

The regulations have a staged implementation of:

•   3 September 2022 for a water permit for 20 litres/second:

•   3 September 2024 for a water permit for 10 but <20 litres/second:

•   3 September 2026 for a water permit for 5 but <10 litres/second.

Both Data Services and Compliance have been actively working on preparing for the first stage of implementation on 3 September 2022 by readying systems that can be scaled for the full implementation in September 2026, when close to 1000 data files will be submitted and managed daily. The receipting systems are already operational in preparation for September 2022.

3.8.4    Heavy rain event of 30 May – 1 June 2022

On the 29th of May a deepening sub-tropical low made its way towards New Zealand, preceded by strong and moist northeasterlies. This system brought localised rainfall and flooding impacts to central and eastern parts of the region. The system was notable for bringing a relatively stationary north-south heavy rain band to the Kaimai’s, Mamaku plateau and catchments behind Rotorua.

Notable rainfalls occurred at Waikato Regional Councils Kaimai rain gauge which lies at the border of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions at the top of SH29 (Figure 6). This gauge had rainfall for 6-hour and 12-hour intensities that only have 2% chance of occurring in any one year (historically referred to as a 50yr annual return interval event).

Figure 6: Rapurapu at Kaimai intensity duration frequency (IDF) plot.

The intensity of rainfall that fell behind Rotorua in the Ngongotaha catchment (Figure 7) was not as extreme at that at the top of the Kaimai, however it did provide some concern for construction activities and residents in the area.  Rotorua Lakes Council asked residents to prepare to evacuate in case of flooding, however ultimately the resulting 4-metre rise in river levels was not at a level to initiate any evacuations.

A number of low-level river level alarms were issued for a number of other catchments within the region as the weather passed over the region.

Figure 7: Ngongotaha intensity duration frequency (IDF) plot.

 

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Water Shortage Adverse Event Situation Report FINAL 2021/21   


Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                 29 June 2022

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Report To:

Monitoring and Operations Committee

Meeting Date:

29 June 2022

Report Writer:

Kirsty Brown, Rivers and Drainage Assets Manager

Report Authoriser:

Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments

Purpose:

This report discusses how Toi Moana can further embed sustainability and resilience concepts into its asset management practice.

 

 

Building Future Sustainability and Resilience through Asset Management

 

Executive Summary

Toi Moana provides a range of services that are vital to our communities’ quality of life and wellbeing. These services rely on physical infrastructure assets for delivery.  

Sustainable service delivery meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.  This means making sure we are making the right decisions today that have a positive outcome in the long term. 

 

Asset management principles and practices are strongly aligned with sustainability and resilience concepts. Further aligning our practices will continue to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our service delivery and our commitment to developing a more sustainable and resilient society.

 

The development of the Sustainability Strategy is programmed for the coming year which will outline initiatives and targets to promote sustainability across the organisation. Formally linking the strategy into our asset management planning framework, particularly the Strategic and Asset Management Plans, will enable the reporting of performance targets and measurements for each of our asset activity areas.

 

 

Recommendations

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Building Future Sustainability and Resilience through Asset Management;

2        Approves the proposed approach to further implement sustainability and resilience into our asset management practice.

1.        Introduction

Toi Moana provides a range of services that are vital to our communities’ quality of life and wellbeing, like flood protection, parks and recreations services, and water quality and environmental improvements.  These services often rely on physical infrastructure assets for delivery.  

Sustainable service delivery is one that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.  This means making sure we are making the right decisions today that have a positive outcome in the long term. 

 

Asset management principles and practices are strongly aligned with sustainability concepts and enable Toi Moana to plan for sustainability by: 

·      Proactively managing our infrastructure assets throughout their lifecycle to deliver services sustainably now and in the future.

·      Prioritising infrastructure decisions that balance costs, risks and services.

·      Taking opportunities to formally embed initiatives to meet sustainability and resilience goals and targets through our asset management planning framework, predominantly our Strategic and Asset Management Plans. 

·      Being better prepared to deal with future challenges both foreseen and unforeseen.

The table below sets out the activity areas where Council uses infrastructure to deliver services to our communities.

Asset activity area

Service Provided

Asset replacement value

Rivers and Drainage

Flood protection and land drainage.

$400M

Regional Parks and Coastal Catchments

Recreational and open spaces, water quality.

$15M

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes

Rotorua lakes water quality improvements.

$19M

Maritime

24/7 Navigational safety and maritime oil spill response.

$2M

Property

Workspaces for staff and its customers.

$45M

Total

 

$481M

1.1      Alignment with Strategic Framework

 

Freshwater for Life

We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations.

Safe and Resilient Communities

We support community safety through flood protection and navigation safety.

A Vibrant Region

We invest appropriately in infrastructure to support sustainable development.

The Way We Work

We continually seek opportunities to innovate and improve.

1.2      Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

High - Positive

þ Cultural

High - Positive

þ Social

High - Positive

þ Economic

High - Positive

 

Toi Moana manages its infrastructure assets through a whole of lifecycle asset management approach which strongly aligns with sustainability (social, cultural, economic and environmental) and resilience concepts.  This approach is in line with national and international best practice.

 

2.        Building sustainability and resilience through asset management

2.1      Our asset management approach

Toi Moana manages its infrastructure assets through a whole-of-life asset management approach which involves a cycle of activities from planning through to disposal. Our asset management practice supports LTP service delivery and demonstrates good stewardship of public infrastructure to our communities. The below figure outlines the different asset lifecycle phases:

Figure 1: Asset lifecycle stages

To support the management of our assets, Toi Moana has a comprehensive framework in place that consists of documents and processes that address our asset management responsibilities. This approach strengthens how our assets are managed and ensures that the agreed service level is carried out cost-effectively and sustainably. The below figure outlines the key documents in the planning framework:

Figure 2: Asset Management Planning Framework

The two key documents in our framework that support and provide opportunities to continue improving and building our sustainability and resilience practice are:

1     Strategic Asset Management (SAMP) - details our asset management objectives and our approach to achieving them.

2     Asset Management Plans (AMPs) - the tactical plan for managing infrastructure to deliver an agreed level of service. They include improvement programmes and risk management.

Integration of asset management across Toi Moana is facilitated by the Asset Management Steering Group (AMSG) which aims to drive asset management best practice and continuous improvement.  A key focus is to continuous improvement across all asset activity areas e.g. quarterly AMP improvement programme and risk management reporting.

2.2      Building sustainability and resilience through asset management

In the past, the key focus of asset management was to achieve cost-effective service delivery. However, in recent times the role asset management can play in achieving sustainability has been recognised. This has seen a more holistic analysis considering long term social, economic and environmental objectives.

Toi Moana has robust asset management practices in place nevertheless, asset management is all about continuous improvement. There are opportunities to further embed sustainability and resilience concepts and initiatives into our asset management practices and process. 

2.2.1    Resilience

While sustainability looks at how we meet our current needs without compromising the needs of future generations, resilience considers a network’s ability to withstand or quickly recover from significant disruption and damage. 

Resilience is a key element of sustainable infrastructure.  Toi Moana uses its AMPs as its core tool to address the resilience of its infrastructure and to understand and mitigate/adapt to risks that are complex, uncertain, and changeable.  This approach   has enabled asset activity areas to be more organised and coordinated, and better prepared to deal with future challenges. 

It is important that Toi Moana continues to be agile in this space and respond as new information, tools and guidance becomes available.    

2.2.2    Opportunities

The foundation of any infrastructure asset activity is the comprehensive planning and analysis that goes into developing and reviewing its Asset Management Plans (AMPs).

Our asset management framework, including the AMPs (see figure 2 above) is reviewed every three years alongside the LTP. The next review commences June 2022/23, and this provides a unique opportunity to formally incorporate additional sustainability and resilience elements and targets for all stages of an asset's life cycle, as follows:

·           Developing level of service goals and targets that incorporate sustainability objectives that deliver tangible benefits and can be measured.

·           Forecasts for growth and demand include impacts on sustainability and identify offset opportunities.

·           Include resilience factors into asset risk analysis and management, e.g. potential for environmental damage and negative social impacts.

·           Incorporate sustainability and resilience improvement objectives particularly in relation to operation and maintenance.

·           Dedicate capital funding in all asset activity areas for sustainability and resilience driven projects, e.g. additional investment in more green infrastructure.

AMPs can also ensure that sustainability and resilience has an operation and maintenance focus e.g. identifying opportunities for energy efficiencies, environmentally friendly maintenance supplies and equipment.

A Sustainability Strategy is programmed for development through the Property team in 2022/23, outlining Toi Moana's commitment, initiatives, and targets to promote sustainability and resilience. Linking the strategy into our asset management planning framework, particularly the Strategic and Asset Management Plans (AMPs), will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of sustainable service delivery. It will also enable reporting measurements around current performance and preparedness to be consistent across each of our asset activity areas.

3.        Considerations

3.1      Risks and Mitigations

An important element within asset management is understanding and managing risks. Our infrastructure assets and service delivery are facing many pressures and challenges, most significantly the increasing impacts from climate change, quality of freshwater resources and rapidly changing population growth and decline. A lack of sustainability and resilience asset management focus could mean our infrastructure becomes more vulnerable, jeopardising public safety and well-being, along with the organisation’s reputation.

By understanding the risks and challenges facing our infrastructure, Toi Moana can continually plan solutions and coordinate actions to reduce vulnerability, lessen service disruptions, or asset failure. This means ensuring that risks are managed before they become problems, opportunities are identified, and the asset network is resilient to challenges and hazards. 

3.2      Climate Change

 

Mitigation

Adaptation

Reduce GHG emissions

Produce GHG emissions

Sequester carbon

Anticipate climate change impacts

Respond to climate change impacts

Climate change is the most significant challenge we are facing that is a major risk to our infrastructure and the service they provide. Adapting to our changing climate is a key priority for Toi Moana and it has changed the way we plan, design, procure, locate, construct and manage infrastructure.

The most at-risk infrastructure is our flood protection and control assets as part of our Rivers and Drainage activity. Our Infrastructure Strategy and the Rivers and Drainage Asset Management Plan address these impacts by making provision for the effects of our changing climate. For all capital works, provision is made in the design phase for the predicted climate change impact. Stopbank capacity reviews ensure service levels are maintained long term. In rehabilitation design work, provision is allowed for an increase in flood loading, over time.

Alongside the above, the Rivers Scheme Sustainability Project addresses the long-term flood mitigation issues using an integrated catchment wide approach. This approach investigates alternative engineering options, developing and maximising natural river processes, and the use of green infrastructure like wetlands and detainment bunds.

The use of green infrastructure assets have also become more important to deliver greater asset resilience, long term costs savings and contribute to valuable environmental outcomes. The ecosystem and habitat enhancements provided by green infrastructure can lead to outcomes that would otherwise need to be achieved by hard engineered infrastructure. Flood mitigation, erosion control and improved water quality are all services green infrastructure can provide. These approaches help us to minimise and buffer the impacts of climate change by improving our resilience and allowing infrastructure to adapt.

3.3      Implications for Māori

A key focus of Toi Moana is to develop capability and capacity to support effective partnerships. Building strong, effective, and meaningful partnerships with Māori helps ensure our infrastructure assets meet community needs. Bringing a Te Ao Māori perspective to our work and our service delivery aligns with the principles of sustainability and resilience. An example of this is the recent review of the Rivers Scheme Advisory Groups Terms of Reference where tangata whenua membership is being encouraged. This aligns directly with the Treaty of Waitangi principles – Partnership, Participation and Protection.

3.4      Community Engagement

 

Adobe Systems

INFORM

Whakamōhio

To provide affected communities with balanced and objective information to assist them in understanding the problems, alternatives and/or solutions.

 

3.5      Financial Implications

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

4.        Next Steps

·           Formally incorporate sustainability and resilience performance objectives and targets at our next LTP/AMP review.

·           Once developed and adopted, linking the Sustainability Strategy into the asset management planning framework, in particular the Strategic Asset Management Plan and each asset activity area’s Asset Management Plan.

·           Regular reporting on asset management practices like condition of assets, Asset Management Plan improvement programmes and risk management progress, to the Asset Management Steering Group.   


 

 

 

Report To:

Monitoring and Operations Committee

Meeting Date:

29 June 2022

Report Writer:

Reece Irving, Senior Regulatory Project Officer

Report Authoriser:

Sarah Omundsen, General Manager, Regulatory Services

Purpose:

To update the Monitoring and Operations Committee on activities underway to improve air quality and the overall environment in the Mount Maunganui Airshed.

 

 

Mount Maunganui Industrial Area update

 

Executive Summary

This report provides an update on activities undertaken to improve air quality and the wider environment in the Mount Maunganui industrial airshed. The report covers the period from early-March until early-June 2022.

During this period, three breaches of the PM10 National Environmental Standards for Air Quality (NES) were recorded at different locations on 21 April. Public notification of these occurred in May. The cause of these breaches continues to be investigated.

The total number of confirmed PM10 exceedances for this NES reporting year so far (1 September 2021 to 31 August 2022) is six. Only one exceedance per year is allowed under the NES.

 

Recommendations

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1.       Receives the report, Mount Maunganui Industrial Area update.

 

1.        Introduction

This update continues the regular reporting on activities and actions undertaken to mitigate the impacts of industrial discharges to air and the wider environment in the Mount Maunganui industrial area. Air quality in the area has been perceived as degrading over time as industrial activities and vehicle movements have increased significantly in recent years.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has an extensive work programme underway to improve air quality in this area. Measured breaches of National Environmental Standards (NES) for PM10 and SO2 have been reducing year on year, however the community remain concerned that airshed pollution is impacting human health. The objectives of the programme are:

Short term: meet our legislative requirements for air, land, and water quality

Long term: deliver on the community’s expectation to live in a healthy environment

The Mount Air Quality Working Party remains active in bringing together various central and local government agencies, iwi / hapū, community groups, councillors, commissioners, and industry representatives. This group is actively working towards better outcomes for all stakeholders in the Mount Maunganui air-shed and surrounding residential areas with several actions being worked through in 2022. The Mount Industrial Environment Network is also coming together again with a meeting planned for late-July this year.

1.1      Legislative Framework

The Mount Maunganui Airshed was gazetted as a polluted airshed under the NESAQ Regulations 2004, coming into effect in November 2019. The gazetting was based on breaches of the limits for fine particulate matter, PM10. As per the regulations, five continuous years with no NESAQ PM10 breaches must be recorded for the polluted status to be reviewed.

1.2      Alignment with Strategic Framework

 

A Healthy Environment

We develop and implement regional plans and policy to protect our natural environment.

Freshwater for Life

We collaborate with others to maintain and improve our water resource for future generations.

Safe and Resilient Communities

We work with our partners to develop plans and policies, and we lead and enable our communities to respond and recover from an emergency.

A Vibrant Region

We work with and connect the right people to create a prosperous region and economy.

The Way We Work

We look to partnerships for best outcomes.

1.2.1    Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

Medium - Positive

þ Cultural

High - Positive

þ Social

High - Positive

þ Economic

Medium - Negative

 

Local communities, including hapū connected with Whareroa Marae, residents of Mt Maunganui from Pilot Bay, Marine Parade to Ōmanu and users of sport and recreation facilities have expressed their desire to live and play unaffected by industrial activity and emissions. Overall, a reduction in industrial activity will have positive benefits on environmental, cultural, and social well-beings, however a converse impact on economic wellbeing will be felt if new industries do not develop or existing industries are forced to move away from the area.

 

 

2.        Updates – March to June 2022

2.1      Monitoring and exceedances in the current reporting period

The full list of PM10 exceedances since the monitoring network was established is included in Appendix 1. Investigations of PM10 exceedances continue to show a single pollution source is seldom the cause and the cumulative effect of emissions from multiple sources is generally responsible.

During this reporting period, three PM10 NES exceedances were recorded (Rata Street, Harbour Bridge Marina and Ballance Agri-nutrients boundary monitor at Whareroa boat ramp). Investigations as to what was occurring are ongoing – all exceedances were on 21 April. It is suspected natural elements were a contributor and compliance staff are working with Ballance to identify what was occurring on their site on this date. Filter tape which captures dust particles from the Regional Council monitors has been recovered for analysis.

The total number of confirmed PM10 exceedances for this NES reporting year (1 September to 31 August) is six (two in September, one in December 2021 and three in April 2022). Only one exceedance per year is allowed under the NES.

2.1.1    Reduced cost monitor trial in Mount Maunganui residential areas completed

A trial of low-cost air quality monitors has been completed within the residential area to the east of the Mount industrial area. This trial was run in partnership with NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) who purchased and provided the monitoring equipment on loan.

Ten instruments were installed around Mount Maunganui. Three were located adjacent to existing Regional Council monitoring infrastructure in the industrial area to assist with accuracy and calibration and seven were placed on streetlights in residential streets (Figure 1).

The monitors are provided on a ‘sensor-as-a-service’ model where pre-configured data collection equipment, communication, calibration, technical support, and data provision are bundled together and provided at a set price of approximately US$1000 – US$1500 per unit.

This type of monitor is designed to complement relatively expensive but highly accurate reference grade instruments, such as those currently used in the council network, with less robust monitoring results. This type of instrument is often used in situations where a wider area of interest is present and the feasibility of deploying many reference grade instruments is not realistic.

The trial has been considered useful in providing some insights into both the benefits and issues with operating this sort of equipment (outlined in table below).

A Clarity Node installed within a city for fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide monitoring.

Figure 1: Portable low-cost monitor attached to a power pole in Mount residential streets.

Benefits

Issues

·    Relatively low cost

·    Low impact (small, discrete)

·    Easy deployment

·    Reliable (as far as can be determined over a such a short trial)

·    Ease of ‘sensor-as-a-service’ model

·    Useful for trend and source identification when coupled with wind direction and speed data

·    Collected particulate data is enhanced with development of a calibration factor derived from pre-deployment co-location with reference grade instrumentation

·    Data utilisation can be enhanced with an associated representative, wind direction and speed dataset.

·    Should be used with caution for quantitative analysis as provides an indicator only

·    Technology is more appropriate for particulate matter of PM2.5 or less

·    Cannot easily time align recorded datasets as no control of the time or frequency of capture appears to be provided.

 

The trial usefully provided scope of application for this sort of instrumentation and future monitoring needs can incorporate the potential use of this type of instrumentation with a degree of confidence.

2.2      Mount Maunganui Air Quality Working Party

The Mount Air Quality Working Party held its second hui of 2022 on 17 May.

Consents and compliance teams from Regional Council and Tauranga City Council updated the Working Party on the current situation with industrial discharge consents and how area zoning allows the development of industrial sites. Dr Phil Shoemack (Medical Officer of Health) gave a presentation to the group on the future of Health NZ which will be in effect from 1 July.

A dedicated webpage for the Mount Maunganui Air Quality Working Party, where reports, meeting agendas and minutes will be stored for members has been developed. This can be viewed at: www.boprc.govt.nz/mount-industrial-air-quality-working-party

For a full record of the meeting and presentations, the meeting minutes are attached as Appendix 2.

2.3      Communications and Media

Newsletters were distributed to community and industrial stakeholder groups in April and May covering a range of air quality related updates including:

·      Completion of an air quality monitoring trial in Mount Maunganui residential areas

·      The Mount Maunganui Industrial area Pollution Prevention audit programme continues

·      ‘Report It’ Odour application trial has been completed and expanded to additional areas

·      Recent monitoring, PM10 exceedances and Pollution Hotline statistics,

·      BOPRC Policy matters – Plan Change 13 and Plan Change 18,

·      Fumigation Update - Methyl Bromide and Ethanedinitrile (EDN).

The community newsletter can be viewed at www.boprc.govt.nz/mountindustrial.

2.4      Pollution Hotline Complaints Response

From 1st March to 7th June, 72 calls were received through the Pollution Hotline relating to events within the Mount Industrial Airshed. Of these, 66 related to air quality with 54 of these relating to odour. Odour complaints remains the main cause of calls to the Pollution Hotline from across the region, making up 75% of all calls received.

All urgent calls were responded to within 12 hours and non-urgent calls responded to within three working days.

Bitumen-like odour complaints made up 14% of all calls in the Mount Industrial Airshed during this time (a total of 10 calls related to this specific odour) – see table below.

Pollution Hotline Complaint Categories 1 March to 7 June 2022 – Mount Industrial Area

Category

# calls

% calls

Water and Land

1

1

Coastal

5

7

Air

66

92

Total

72

100

Pollution Hotline Complaint Sub-Categories 1 March to 7 June 2022 – Mount Industrial Area

Sub-Category

# calls

% calls

Water & Land - Discharges to Water

1

1

Air - Dust

2

3

Air - Smoke

4

6

Coastal - Discharges

5

7

Air - Industrial

6

8

Air - Odour

54

75

Total

72

100

2.5      Report-It App

The Report-It application trial was held through January to May in the Pāpāmoa residential area to the east of Truman Lane. This trial has now concluded. We received over 200 notifications through the App since mid-January and initial feedback from customers is that it is saving them a lot of time.

Use of the App has now been rolled out for use by the communities in Te Puke, Judea, and other areas of Pāpāmoa. The team will be looking to extend the use of this on-line application into Mount Maunganui residential areas once it has proven to be an effective method of reporting pollution events in a larger population and geographical area.

2.6      Policy Matters

Since the last report there has been little change to the development of the high-level framework of provisions for Plan Change 18 – Mount Maunganui Airshed (PC 18). This is due to Plan Change 13 – Air Quality (PC 13) remaining before the Environment Court, and a series of developments involving central government legislation and external agencies, which are affecting its preparation.

To ensure consistency within the Regional Natural Resources Plan, PC 18’s progress will be limited until the resolution of the remaining PC 13 appeal. It also requires clarity in relation to the NES, which is in the process of being amended by the Ministry for the Environment. The NES amendments are themselves reliant on Ministry analysis of two other sources of information: an impending national air quality study, “Health and Air Pollution in New Zealand” (HAPINZ), which was due to be released in April, and the World Health Organization’s “Global Air Quality Guidelines”, released in late September 2021.

Council staff have been in regular contact with the Ministry to seek updates on the timing of the possible release of the NES amendments, and to request an additional amendment to Regulation 17 to assist with the management of industrial discharges. The Ministry website initially suggested that the NES would be released by mid-2021, but Council staff understand that there is now no definite timeline for their release.

In mid-October, a letter was sent to the Associate Minister for the Environment noting that the delays to the NES amendments are hindering Council introducing provisions to improve air quality within the Airshed and requesting that the NES be released as soon as possible.

In his reply of December 10, the Associate Minister referred to the NES Users’ Guide when specifically addressing our request to amend Regulation 17. In addition, he noted MfE’s undertaking to reform the RMA, and how national direction such as the NES will be incorporated into this work. He also confirmed that MfE are awaiting analysis of the Global Air Quality Guidelines and the HAPINZ study, to inform its reforms.

A further letter was sent to Minister Twyford in April, emphasising that the current wording of Regulation 17 is at odds with the NESAQ User Guide. Considering this, the letter clarified our request for the Regulation be amended to reflect its intent relating to formerly permitted activities operating in a polluted airshed that subsequently transition to resource consents (when required by a plan change).

Once the matters detailed above, which have delayed the development of PC 18, are resolved, the draft framework will be updated to reflect their requirements, and it will be discussed with key stakeholders in the Airshed, and their feedback sought.

2.7      Consents

There are currently eight businesses that have applied for discharge consents within the Mount Industrial air shed. There has been no change in the status of these applications since last reported on the 8 March to this committee, apart from the granting of a one-year consent to Ziwi Petfoods. All applications are awaiting further information to be provided and/or consultation regarding cultural effects which has been impacted by the Covid pandemic.

Consents currently in process are:

Renewals:

·      Waste Management

·      Lawter

·      Allied Asphalt

·      Higgins

 

New applications:

·      HR Cement

·      TPT Forests Ltd

·      Matariki Forests

·      Timberlands Ltd

2.8      Fumigation

Due to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) decision of August 2021 on methyl bromide there has been a large reduction in its use at the Port of Tauranga (PoT) – see Figure 2 below

Instead, many more logs are being debarked as an alternative to fumigation although not all markets will accept this. Container fumigation has largely been able to continue as before.

If the fumigator is successful in their attempts to recapture methyl bromide to a very high level (90%+, using activated carbon) then log fumigation on the PoT may be able to resume.

In April 2022 the EPA approved an application to import or manufacture EDN for use on timber and logs. EDN is an alternative fumigant to methyl bromide. It offers the advantages of rapidly breaking down after use and does not harm the ozone layer. Trading partners’ acceptance of EDN as an alternative to meet their import biosecurity requirements is still required. Any future use of EDN at the PoT would also still require a resource consent.

Figure 2: Methyl bromide use in total and log rows since Januay 2021

2.9      Industrial Activity update

2.9.1    Activities at Lawter (NZ) Limited

Lawter (NZ) Limited are required by Fire and Emergency NZ along with WorkSafe to upgrade their fire-fighting tank system located at 211 Totara Street, Mount Maunganui. The main component of these upgrades is the construction of a new fire tank and associated tank foundations.  In September 2021 Lawter were granted a resource consent to disturb contaminated land associated with the earthworks required to build the new infrastructure.

In April a compliance inspection was undertaken onsite by Council staff prior to works commencing to discuss the staging of the works and controls that are being used to mitigate any discharge of contaminants from the site. Photographs from the beginning of works are included below.

              

Figure 3: Excavating the foundation footprint and progressively stabilising with metal.

Figure 4: Stockpiled topsoil covered with polythene to minimise any potential erosion.

No more than 100 square meters of soil is allowed to be exposed at any one time. Works are progressing well, and the project is expected to be completed by August 2022. 

2.9.2    Port of Tauranga

Port of Tauranga frequently analyses the air quality data from Regional Council PM10 monitors to assess the performance of air quality mitigation actions employed at the Port.  The Railyard South monitor is often used for this purpose due to its proximity to the Port boundary.  This reduces the number of additional PM10 sources (sources from areas outside of the Port) which could impact the monitor; examples of these may include Totara Street traffic and unsealed yards.

By measuring PM10 downwind of the Port during dry spring and summer periods (1 September to 31 March), potential air quality trends can be identified over time.

Figure 5: Mean PM10 concentrations (2019-2022) recorded at the Railyard South monitor during dry weather conditions in spring-summer periods when the Port is up-wind.

The average (mean) PM10 concentrations have reduced year on year in conditions when the Port was upwind (i.e., wind predominately from a westerly direction).  The mean PM10 for the 2021-22 period was 26.1 micrograms per cubic metre, a 23% reduction since the 2019-2020 period.  This indicates mitigation efforts to date are successful. 

Figure 6. Percentage of time that PM10 was elevated at the monitor during dry weather conditions in spring-summer periods when the Port was upwind.

The percentage of time that PM10 was elevated[1] in the spring-summer has continued to reduce over time.  The percentage of time that PM10 was elevated in the spring-summer of 2021-22 was 4.4%, a 74.3% reduction since the 2019-2020 period.  This also indicates that mitigation efforts to date are successful. 

Further mitigation actions are planned moving forward.

In addition to this, there was no NESAQ PM10 exceedances at the Railyard South monitor during the 2021/22 spring-summer period, this is the first spring-summer period that this has occurred since monitoring began in late 2018.

Summary

Air quality impacts associated to Port activities continues to demonstrate improvement due to decreases in the quantum of PM10 being measured downwind of the Port.  These achievements have been made despite increases in the volume of bulk cargos (namely logs and bulk solid materials) being imported and exported from the Port.  Observations suggest that the improvements may be in response to mitigation actions introduced at the Port over recent years. 

3.        Considerations

3.1      Climate Change

Improving air quality in the Mount Maunganui Industrial Area will not in and of itself impact on climate change. However, cleaner air will certainly ensure potential effects from contaminant discharges will be mitigated. Methyl bromide is an ozone depleting substance and having strict controls on its use as guided by the EPA is important and we can see the impact of these on the reduction in MeBr application at the Port so far in 2022.

3.2      Implications for Māori

Ngāi Tukairangi and Ngāti Kuku ki Whareroa are the Ngāi Te Rangi hapū affiliated with Whareroa Marae and with whom Regional Council staff have been endeavouring to foster closer relationships to ensure council actions will have direct and positive impacts on the Taiaho Place and papakainga communities. Staff have also been working hard to ensure the communities are connected with agencies such as Ministry for the Environment and Toi te Ora and surrounding business and industry.

The establishment of the Air Quality Working Party has provided another platform for engagement with iwi and hapū and for their concerns to be heard around a wider table. This is a space of ongoing commitment from all parties involved as there is clearly still a degree of distrust of government agencies and actions held by the Whareroa community.

3.3      Community Engagement

 

Adobe Systems

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

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

 

3.4      Financial Implications

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

4.        Next Steps

Staff will continue to update this Committee on all work underway to improve air quality in the Mount Maunganui Industrial Area. There is a wider focus on all environmental discharges and ensuring the minimal impact on human health resulting from industrial activity. The six monthly updates on these works requested by the Minister for the Environment from Bay of Plenty Regional Council on this work continues to be provided with the next due shortly.

 

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Mount Maunganui Airshed PM10 exceedances at June 2022

Attachment 2 - Mount Maunganui Air Qulaity Working Party Meeting Minutes and Presentations - 17 May 2022  

 


Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                 29 June 2022

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Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                 29 June 2022

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Report To:

Monitoring and Operations Committee

Meeting Date:

29 June 2022

Report Writer:

Helen Creagh, Rotorua Catchments Manager

Report Authoriser:

Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments

Purpose:

To provide updates from recent Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group hui: the Programme’s Pūrongo ā-ono Marama 2021/22 and Mahere Mahi ā-Tau 2022/23, and on sewerage reticulation funding and progress.

 

 

Rotorua Catchments Activity Updates

 

Executive Summary

A significant part of the Toi Moana’s Rotorua Catchments Activity is the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme. The Programme work is overseen by the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group, which includes governance representatives from all three partners to the Programme: Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Toi Moana and Rotorua Lakes Council. The work of the Programme receives funding from the Crown under the Deed of Funding for the Programme, funding interventions undertaken by both Councils.

In April 2022 the Strategy Group adopted the Programme’s Pūrongo ā-ono Marama 2021/22 and Mahere Mahi ā-tau 2022/23 which were submitted to the Minister for the Environment, in accordance with the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Programme. The Group has also recently made resolutions regarding funding of sewerage reticulation in the lakes catchments and resulting requests to the Minister.

 

Recommendations

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Rotorua Catchments Activity Updates.

 

1.        Introduction

This report summarises some recent decisions (April and June 2022) of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group. It provides copies of recent reports approved in accordance with the Deed of Funding for the Programme and an update on funding and progress with lakeside sewerage schemes at Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotoehu and Lake Tarawera.

1.1      Legislative Framework

The Strategy Group and the Programme were established under the Deed of Settlement of the Crown with Te Arawa under the Treaty of Waitangi in 2005. The Programme also works under the Deed of Funding with the Crown for the Programme, the Long-Term Plans of the Council Partners and the Resource Management Act. 

1.2      Alignment with Strategic Framework

 

A Healthy Environment

We work cohesively with volunteers and others, to sustainably manage and improve our natural resources.

Freshwater for Life

We deliver solutions to local problems to improve water quality and manage quantity.

The Way We Work

We look to partnerships for best outcomes.

1.3      Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

 

þ Cultural

 

þ Social

 

þ Economic

 

The Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua District, which the Te Arawa Lakes Programme aims to achieve, includes goals which cover all facets of the dominant well-beings identified above.

2.        Recent Strategy Group Decisions

2.1      Programme Reports

The Deed of Funding for the Te Arawa Lakes Programme requires that an Annual Work Programme (Mahere Mahi ā-tau) is prepared and approved by Strategy Group, and the Minister each financial year for Deed Funded activities. Following that it requires that a Six Month report (Pūrongo ā-ono Marama) and Annual Report (Pūrongo ā-Tau) are submitted, demonstrating progress against that plan.

The Pūrongo ā-ono Marama 2021/22 and the Mahere Mahi ā-tau 2022/23 for the Programme (as adopted by Strategy Group), are included in Appendix One and Two of this report for the information of this Committee.

2.2      Lakeside Sewerage Reticulation

2.2.1    Recent resolutions of Strategy Group

Councillors are aware of a shortfall of funding to complete the reticulation at Lake Rotoiti (a Rotorua Lakes Council project) and an associated letter from the Ministry for the Environment on 23 March this year, responding to requests from Strategy Group for additional funding to cover the shortfall.

That letter, amongst other things, outlined the Minister’s decision to: rescind Crown funding allocated to the lakeside sewerage reticulation at Lake Tarawera and redirect some funding allocated to the Regional Council in Schedule 2 of the current Deed of Funding, to cover the shortfall in funding required to complete the reticulation project at Lake Rotoiti.

Rescinding the funding for Tarawera reticulation was unacceptable to all Partners in the Programme, there is consensus that project must proceed. As a result, at the 20 April meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group, resolutions were made as follows:

1.    Recognise the importance of the Lakes to our people and communities;                                                                                      

2.    Recognise the importance of the Lakes Programme moving forward;

3.    Seeking the Minister to agree to $10m of deed funding be reallocated from the Incentives Fund to the Rotoiti/Rotomā sewerage scheme funding shortfall on the basis that the RLC commits to being part of the funding solution for the ongoing Lakes Water Quality Programme through the investigation and consultation of a new Rotorua Lakes Council targeted rate with proposed implementation for July 2023 (including for the purpose of reimbursement of the land use incentives scheme);

4.    Noting the need for a Strategy Group review and agreeing to a future review of the work programme; TALT to lead the strategy programme and strategy group review with funding support from council partners and MfE. Scope to be provided to the next meeting of the RTALSG;

5.    Seeking the Minister to rescind his decision and retain $6.5m for Lake Tarawera for Freshwater Improvement Funds;

6.    Agreeing to improved project oversight with all partners involved.

Ministry for the Environment representatives participated in that 20 April hui and have subsequently been provided with the above resolutions in a letter dated 5 May 2022 (attached in Appendix 3 to this report). This letter includes the request for the Minister to rescind his decision on the reallocation of Freshwater Improvement Fund monies from the Tarawera Scheme to the Rotoiti Scheme, instead reallocating funding within the Deed of Funding for the Te Arawa Lakes Programme (currently allocated to the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme). This request is on the basis that there is an alternative long-term commitment to recovering funds to the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme, with Rotorua Lakes Council committing to the investigation and consultation of a targeted lakes restoration rate.

While the Minister has not yet responded to the 5 May letter outlining the resolutions and requests of Strategy Group, Ministry for the Environment Officials have recommended the Minister support the resolutions of Strategy Group on 20 April.

2.2.2    Update on lakeside reticulation projects

As reported to Strategy Group by Rotorua Lakes Council on 10 June this year, work on the reticulation of Lake Tarawera and completion of reticulation at Lake Rotoiti continues.

Installation of the onsite systems and connection to the completed main trunk for remaining properties at Lake Rotoiti is ongoing. In respect of the Tarawera Scheme, the detailed design of the Scheme is substantially complete and a preliminary cost offer has been provided by Council’s contractor Trility and its partners. The offer is in two stages, Stage One being the 24 kilometres of mains and 5 pump stations. Stage two is the on-property installations, including low-pressure grinder pumps which will connect to the main trunk.

Proceeding with Stage One works will be considered by Rotorua Lakes Council in early July. However, the Stage Two price offer is significantly higher than estimates and more effective pricing will be explored in the coming financial year.

A mains trunk has also been installed at Lake Rotoehu now, connecting back to the new Rotoiti/Rotomā treatment plant and consented as part of that scheme. This work was paid for by Rotorua Lakes Council’s Three Waters reform funding allocation ($2 million).

Strategy Group had asked the Minister for further funding to complete the reticulation at Rotoehu. That request for funding was declined so Rotorua Lakes Council have reported to Strategy Group that the remaining parts of the reticulation project at Rotoehu (installation of onsite systems and connection to main trunk), will be put on hold until funding is secured. Toi Moana can expect a request for funding support for this scheme.Considerations

2.3      Risks and Mitigations

The resolutions of Strategy Group on 20 April 2022, as outlined above, do potentially leave a shortfall for the Lake Rotorua Incentives Scheme. However, to mitigate this Rotorua Lakes Council have agreed to investigate and consult on a new Rotorua Lakes Council targeted rate for water quality initiatives (including the reimbursement of the Incentives Scheme).

This decision also ensures that Crown funding for sewerage reticulation at Tarawera, allocated from the Freshwater Improvement Fund, is retained with that scheme and that the reticulation of Rotoiti continues as planned.

2.4      Climate Change

Ongoing adaption by the Te Arawa Lakes Programme is necessary to respond to the impacts of climate change. The work undertaken by the Programme, particularly in terms of land use change is aimed at better positioning our community to adapt to and mitigate against the effects of climate change, and the impact of land use on the lakes.

2.5      Implications for Māori

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group is a post-settlement authority that helps maintain and improve the Te Arawa Lakes and is also a permanent joint committee of the two councils. Te Arawa Lakes Trust representatives sit around the table (as well at Te Arawa Lakes Trust staff) and provide regular feedback on the implications for Māori of the programmes of work.

2.6      Financial Implications

The Mahere Mahi ā-tau (2022/23) and the Pūrongo ā-ono Marama (2021/22) for the Programme are within the budgets of the Long Term and Annual Plan of Council. As above, there is a way forward for addressing potential shortfalls of funding for the Incentives Scheme as outlined above.

3.        Next Steps

The Pūrongo a-Tau for the 2021-2022 financial year will now be prepared in accordance with the new format which better reflects Te Ao Māori, this is due to be provided to Strategy Group in their last meeting of this triennium, September 2022.

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Mahere Mahi ā-tau

Attachment 2 - Pūrongo ā-ono Marama 2021/22

Attachment 3 - Response MFE 23 March Letter  

 


Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                                  29 June 2022

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Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                                  29 June 2022

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Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                 29 June 2022

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Report To:

Monitoring and Operations Committee

Meeting Date:

29 June 2022

Report Writer:

Greg Corbett, Biosecurity Manager

Report Authoriser:

Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments

Purpose:

To present the annual 2022/23 Operational Plan for the central North Island Wallaby programme and provide an update on the programme.

 

 

Dama Wallaby Annual Operational Plan 2022/23 and Programme update

 

Executive Summary

The National Wallaby Programme Governance Group has recently approved wallaby operations for 2022/23. This report provides an overview of the approved programme. The paper also signals that staff will be coming to Council (11 August 2022 meeting) seeking approval to procure services for the construction of a wallaby containment fence along the western boundary of Whakarewarewa Forest.

A brief summary of work to date is also provided, but given several operations are still in progress a more comprehensive report will be provided in the Regional Pest Management Plan Annual Report, which will be reported to this Committee later this year.

 

Recommendations

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, Dama Wallaby Annual Operational Plan 2022/23 and Programme update.

 

1.        Introduction

Dama wallabies have been managed in partnership by Bay of Plenty and Waikato regional councils and Department of Conservation (DOC) since 2006, however, initially, limited budgets prevented significant progress.

During the late 2010’s the four Councils with wallabies (Waikato, Canterbury, Otago and Bay of Plenty) worked with Biosecurity New Zealand (Ministry of Primary Industries) to develop a case for Crown funding to support a National Wallaby Programme. While the initial budget bid was unsuccessful, the Government did provide $27m over four years in its 2020 ‘Jobs for Nature’ budget. MPI has since secured baseline funding for the programme beyond 2024.

Of note, both the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regional councils have also significantly increased regional funding for wallaby management in recent years.

The National Wallaby Programme has lately developed the Aotearoa New Zealand Wallaby Strategy (ANZWS) that will be launched in July 2022. The ANZWS aims to initially contain wallabies to their designated containment areas, (i.e., eradicate all wallabies outside of the Containment Area) and prevent further dispersal from the core population, and then shrink the size of the Containment Area over time. 

The Strategy vision is to eventually remove all wild wallaby populations from New Zealand.

The ANZWS objectives have guided operational planning for 2022/23. A proposed Operational Plan was prepared by Waikato and Bay of Plenty staff with input and feedback from the Dama Wallaby Coordination Group (comprising of interested representatives from Iwi and stakeholders). Proposed plans from the central North Island and Canterbury and Otago regions were then reviewed and prioritised by the National Wallaby Operational Advisory Group. The revised Plans were then submitted to the National Wallaby Programme Governance Group for approval.

1.1      Legislative Framework

The National Wallaby Programme is guided by a recently approved non-statutory strategy, the ANZWS. The Strategy is scheduled to be formally launched by Ministry for Primary Industries in July 2022.

The ANZWS has been developed following consultation with interested Iwi and stakeholders. It is closely aligned to our RPMP objectives and Council’s long-term goal of eradicating wallabies from the Bay of Plenty.

1.2      Alignment with Strategic Framework

 

A Healthy Environment

We develop and implement regional plans and policy to protect our natural environment.

A Vibrant Region

We work with and connect the right people to create a prosperous region and economy.

The Way We Work

We look to partnerships for best outcomes.

1.2.1    Community Well-beings Assessment

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

þ Environmental

High - Positive

þ Cultural

Medium - Positive

þ Social

Medium - Positive

þ Economic

Medium - Positive

Wallabies browse a wide range native vegetation preventing regeneration within natural ecosystems. This constant browse will change the structure of our native forests over time and reduce their ability to support indigenous fauna.

Wallabies will preferentially eat pasture grasses and crops where they can compete directly with livestock with about 10 wallabies eating as much as one ‘stock unit’. They will also browse commercial forest seedlings increasing forestry establishment costs.

 

 

2.        National Wallaby Programme for the central North Island

2.1      Operational Plan for 2022 – 2023

A copy of the draft Operational Plan for the National Wallaby Programme - central North Island is attached to this paper for your information. Please note, while the Governance Group has approved the programme of work for 2022/23, the format and content of the Operational Plan document is still draft.

72 wallaby management operations, with a budget of $3.387m, have been approved across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions for 2022/23 as part of the National Wallaby Programme. The two regions are contributing $0.9m ($0.4 BOPRC, $0.5 WRC) towards the costs of implementing the programme, with the remainder of funding being provided by the Crown. Te Papa Atawhai will provide in-kind contributions by supporting operational planning, consultation and implementation.

Funding is focused on operations that deliver the following objectives, in order of priority:

1.   Control of known wallaby populations outside of the Containment Area i.e., the RPMP eradication programme area.

2.   Identify additional wallaby populations outside the Containment Areas.

3.   Prevent outward dispersal of wallabies from the Containment Area

4.   Minimise risk of wallabies invading areas within the Containment Area that are currently wallaby-free.

Controlling populations of wallabies detected outside the Containment Area in recent years is a clear priority with 24 operations planned – these include night-shooting, ground and aerial poisoning. Funding is also budgeted for preliminary consultation to support control operations planned for 2023/24 as lessons learnt to date suggest considerable lead-in periods are needed to understand Mana Whenua and landowner views and gain their support.

Surveillance for new wallaby populations outside of the Containment Area and monitoring of control work remains a significant component of the work programme. While large areas at risk of wallaby incursions have now been surveyed, there are still gaps that need checking. Surveillance areas will need to be checked multiple times to ensure they are free of wallabies.

The biggest single operational expense for 2022/23 is the proposed construction of a wallaby containment fence along the Whakarewarewa Forest/State Highway 5 boundary. The fence will run from Waipa to Lake Rotokakahi. This work is budgeted at $1.3m and preliminary work has already commenced on preparing for the fence construction. However, fencing services are currently outside the scope of the Wallaby Procurement Plan approved by Council on 6 August 2020. This means Council’s approval to engage a supplier to deliver the project will be required, given the cost.  Staff intend to seek Council approval to procure a supplier at its meeting scheduled for 11 August 2020.

2.2      National Programme progress update

Since the commencement of the National Programme 18 months ago significant progress has been made with surveillance to detect any wallabies that have dispersed from the Containment Area. Most of this work has been completed with dog teams and has resulted in 270 detections (note, in some cases a single animal is likely to have been detected multiple times). Of most concern are three sites in the Taupō vicinity and one on the Coromandel Peninsula. It is highly probably that these are the result of deliberate releases. The location of wallaby detections is shown on the map below: the blue dots being the detected wallabies and the orange lines being the surveyed locations.

Two aerial 1080 operations have been undertaken (both in the Waikato region) targeting scattered wallabies in the Horohoro and Mamaku areas. While these operations have reduced wallabies to undetectable levels, post-operational surveillance has revealed a small number of animals along bush/pasture margins adjoining the southern part of the Horohoro operation area.

A third aerial 1080 operation had been planned for 2021/22 in Kāingaroa Forest to the south of Maunga Kakaramea. This operation has been delayed to allow for appropriate levels of consultation with Mana Whenua. The operation has now been approved in principle and operational planning is in progress. It is hoped this operation will be delivered in the coming financial year.

One ground control operation is currently underway to the west of Okere, Lake Rotorua, which aims to remove an established satellite population. This operation will initially involve the use of Feratox (encapsulated cyanide) delivered from bait stations. Four other operations were planned for 2021/22 but have been delayed as Council and Mana Whenua explore options for their participation in delivering the work. Two of these operations are now close to being agreed with Mana Whenua crews and hopefully will be implemented in 2022/23 year.  

A number of night shooting operations have been implemented to follow-up on wallaby reports and detections outside the Containment Area and to reduce population levels within the Containment Buffer. Further shooting operations are currently underway along the northern and southern boundaries of the wallaby range within the Containment Area. These operations are aiming to reduce the risk of wallabies establishing in areas that are currently wallaby-free. To date 1,330 wallabies have been shot; the map below shows the locations of kills.

One fencing project has been completed at Okere. The fence aims to minimise the risk of wallabies crossing the Kaituna bridge to the west. The project fenced both sides of the road on the eastern side of the Kaituna River with a purpose-built Waratah wallaby fence system. See the photo below.

 

Given operations are still progressing, a more detailed report on the wallaby programme will be included in the RPMP Annual Report that will be reported to this Committee at its September meeting.

3.        Considerations

3.1      Risks and Mitigations

The Operational Plan has a number of risks – please see the Programme Risks section in the Plan attached.

3.2      Climate Change

Wallabies will browse a wide range native vegetation, thereby preventing regeneration within natural ecosystems. Unless wallabies are controlled their constant browse will change the structure of native forests over time, reducing the forest’s natural resilience to climate change and impacting on carbon sequestration potential.

3.3      Implications for Māori

Māori participate at multiple levels in the delivery of the National Wallaby Programme. Mana whenua views are considered in operational design and they are, increasingly, involved in delivery of wallaby operations. Māori also own significant lands within the area of wallaby operations where they hold a landowner role. Iwi deliver their kaitiaki role across their rohe and have a strong interest in preventing wallaby impacts on taonga species and cultural monitoring of the impacts of wallabies and the methods used to control them. Interested Iwi/hapū representatives also have the opportunity to be involved in the regional programmes through the Regional Coordination Group.

3.4      Community Engagement

The Dama Wallaby Regional Coordination Group provides iwi and stakeholder input into the operational planning and implementation of wallaby management operations for the BOP and Waikato regions. They also assist with communicating programme progress with local communities and stakeholders.

3.5      Financial Implications

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

4.        Next Steps

Bay of Plenty and Waikato biosecurity teams will commence implementation of the Annual Operational Plan from 1 July 2022.

 

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Wallaby Annual Plan 2022-23 Draft  

 


Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                 29 June 2022

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Report To:

Monitoring and Operations Committee

Meeting Date:

29 June 2022

Report Writer:

Hemi Barsdell, Asset Management Specialist

Report Authoriser:

Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments

Purpose:

To inform the Committee on river scheme advisory group liaison with relevant river co-governance forums

 

 

River Scheme Advisory Group Liaison with River Co-Governance Forums

 

Executive Summary

Rivers and Drainage staff recently provided written updates to Te Maru o Kaituna and the Rangitāiki River Forums, respectively, from the Kaituna Catchment Control Scheme and the Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Groups.

The purpose of the updates is to facilitate better communication between the respective advisory groups and river co-governance forums. It is anticipated that this type of liaison will continue following the next round of advisory group meetings in September 2022.

This liaison initiative was identified through the Terms of Reference review process of river scheme advisory groups.

 

Recommendations

That the Monitoring and Operations Committee:

1        Receives the report, River Scheme Advisory Group Liaison with River Co-Governance Forums.

 

1.        Introduction

The primary purpose of the river scheme advisory groups is to provide for scheme ratepayer input into decisions around annual maintenance operations, scheme rating, capital programme delivery, and management of scheme assets.

At its meeting held 30 September 2021, Council endorsed commencing a review of the 2016 Terms of Reference for the four river scheme advisory groups. A working group consisting of Councillors Nees, Bruning, MacDonald, Clark, and Iti was established to support the review.

The review is still underway, however early in the review process it was identified that more transparent reporting would be beneficial. The attached reports communicate the key activities being delivered under the oversight of the River Scheme Advisory groups, to the respective river co-governance forum. This initiative is expected to facilitate better communication flow and general awareness within the catchment community, of Council’s work.

Reporting commenced in May 2022 which is further described below.

1.1      Alignment with Strategic Framework

 

Safe and Resilient Communities

We support community safety through flood protection and navigation safety.

A Vibrant Region

We work with and connect the right people to create a prosperous region and economy.

 

 

2.        Reporting from river scheme advisory groups to river co-governance forums

2.1      Kaituna Catchment Control Scheme Advisory Group

Reporting to Te Maru o Kaituna Meeting 20 May 2022

Rivers and Drainage staff provided an overview report (attached) to Te Maru o Kaituna of the key topics discussed at the advisory group meeting held in April. Discussion at the Te Maru o Kaituna meeting included a range of topics, including:

-   Riparian planting and drain maintenance

-   Te Puke Storm Water Project

-   Ford Road Pump Station project

-   Rangiuru Industrial Park

2.2      Rangitāiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group

Reporting to the Rangitāiki River Forum Meeting 3 June 2022

Rivers and Drainage staff provided an overview report (attached) to the Rangitāiki River Forum of the key topics discussed at the advisory group meeting held in May. The report was received, and no questions were raised.

3.        Considerations

3.1      Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks and mitigations associated with this increased communication flow initiative.

3.2      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      Implications for Māori

Increased communication flow between the advisory groups and the respective river co-governance forums is expected to support tangata whenua input into scheme management, where that is desired. The river co-governance forums are an appropriate avenue to provide for this in an efficient and effective way.

In river scheme areas where no co-governance forum exists, alternative approaches to ensuring tangata whenua involvement are being discussed.  

3.4      Financial Implications

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

4.        Next Steps

The next round of River Scheme Advisory Group meetings is scheduled for September 2022. Similar communication from the advisory groups is planned as soon as possible following the September meetings with the respective river co-governance forum.

 

Attachments

Attachment 1 - Kaituna Catchment Control Scheme Advisory Group Update - 20 May 2022

Attachment 2 - Rangitaiki-Tarawera Rivers Scheme Advisory Group Update - 3 June 2022   


Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                 29 June 2022

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Monitoring and Operations Committee                                                                 29 June 2022

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[1] PM10 is considered elevated if a ten-minute concertation average is greater than 50 micrograms per cubic meter.