Council

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Accepts the apologies from Cr Thurston for early departure, Cr McDonald for late arrival tendered at the meeting.

Leeder/Winters

CARRIED

3.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme - Sewerage Scheme Funding

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme - Sewerage Scheme Funding and accepts it as an Item not on the Agenda. Notes the reason why this item was not on the Agenda is that the information has only just become available, and the reason why it cannot be delayed is that discussion cannot be delayed until the 5 May Council meeting.

Nees/Bruning

CARRIED

6.1

Regional Council Minutes - 17 February 2022

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

          Confirms the Regional Council Minutes - 17 February 2022 as a true and correct record.

Leeder/Nees

CARRIED

6.2

Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority Minutes - 19 November 2021

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

          Receives the Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority Minutes - 19 November 2021.

Nees/Leeder

CARRIED

6.3

Regional Transport Committee Minutes - 5 November 2021

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

          Receives the Regional Transport Committee Minutes - 5 November 2021.

Thurston/Love

CARRIED

6.4

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes - 10 December 2021

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

          Receives the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes - 10 December 2021.

Bruning/Nees

CARRIED

7.1

Chairperson's Report

Key Points - Members:

·    Suggested that confidential matters discussed with the Tauranga City Council Commissioners be included as a confidential attachment to the Chairman’s Report when appropriate.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

Leeder/Rose

CARRIED

7.2

2021/22 Arotake Report: July 2021 to December 2021 Performance

Presented by Mereana Toroa – Finance Support Team Lead, Zhivan Alach – Organisational Performance Manager, Tobias Fransson – Performance Analyst, Kumaren Perumal – Chief Financial Officer, Mark Le Comte – Principal Advisor Finance and Transport Operations, Karen Aspey - Director, People & Leadership, Mat Taylor – General Manager Corporate, Fiona McTavish – Chief Executive.

Key Points:

·    Noted the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on Council’s performance against agreed outcomes

·    Highlighted Health & Safety incidents, staff numbers and composition, and staff turnover (9.8%, which was consistent with the same period in 2021)

·    Council’s staff turnover rate was likely below that experienced by the local government sector as a whole

·    Staff were encouraged to use public transport or to carpool when travelling in Council vehicles

·    Higher levels of details regarding bus patronage was reported to the Public Transport Committee

·    Budgeted expenditure was lower than estimated, mainly due to postponement of larger projects, such as the Pāpāmoa Hills Regional Park upgrade

·    Council’s Treasury Strategy was reviewed on an annual basis

·    The Whakatāne land purchase referred to was where the Council building was located.

Key Points - Members:

·    Concerned regarding increased borrowings and complex financial arrangements at a time where the community was continuing to face increasing financial challenges

·    Noted that Council was responsible for setting the risk parameters with regards to Quayside’s investments.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Further discussions regarding the borrowing proposals to be included in the Annual Plan workshop on 27 April 2022.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, 2021/22 Arotake Report: July 2021 to December 2021 Performance.

2       Approve carry forward of $15.5 million of capital expenditure budget from 2021/22 to draft Annual Plan 2022/23.

3       Approve the Chief Executive to execute borrowing of up to $70.5 million in April 2022 comprised of:

(a)  Refinancing current borrowing of $40.5 million;

(b)  New borrowing up to $30 million, depending on timing of Quayside Holdings Limited requirements under the Rangiuru Facility agreement

(c)  Complete any funds transfers associated with the above and in the general course of business.

4       Confirms the public be excluded on the grounds set out in the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 from consideration of the following report attachments:

(a)  Bancorp Treasury Report Dec 2021 under Section 48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(b)(ii) as withholding the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely to unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information and that this attachment remain in Public Excluded.

(b)  Toi Moana Trust December 2021 under Section 48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(b)(ii) as withholding the information is necessary to protect information where the making available of the information would be likely to unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied or who is the subject of the information and that this attachment remain in Public Excluded.

Love/Crosby

CARRIED

7.3

Bay of Plenty Local Authority Shared Services (BOPLASS) - draft Statement of Intent and Half Yearly Report

Presented by: Mark Le Comte – Principal Advisor Finance and Fiona McTavish – Chief Executive.

Key Points:

·    Provided an outline of the report and noted the legal process relating to Statement of Intents

·    Ensuring workstreams were not duplicated across the region was a priority.

Key Points - Members:

·    Noted that the current asset value amount would be adjusted to reflect the accurate situation

·    Any substantial changes to the draft Statement of Intent should be clearly identified in the report.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, Bay of Plenty Local Authority Shared Services - draft Statement of Intent and Half Yearly report.

2       Agrees that no formal feedback is required on the draft BOPLASS Statement of Intent 2022-2025.

Love/White

CARRIED

7.4

Local Government Funding Agency (LGFA) Limited - draft Statement of Intent 2022-2025 and Half Yearly Report

Presented by Mark Le Comte – Principal Advisor Finance and Kumaren Perumal – Chief Financial Officer.

Key Points:

·    Provided an outline of the report and noted that Kumaren Perumal – Chief Financial Officer was Council’s shareholder representative on LGFA

·    Clarified the impact on LGFA borrowings if the Three Waters reforms progressed as intended.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, Local Government Funding Agency Limited - draft Statement of Intent 2022-2025 and Half Yearly report for the period ended 31 December 2021.

2       Agrees that no formal feedback is required on the Local Government Funding Agency Limited’s draft Statement of Intent 2022-2025.

Leeder/Rose

CARRIED

7.5

Order of Candidate Names on Voting Papers - 2022 Local Authority Triennial Elections

Presented by Yvonne Tatton – Governance Manager.

Key Points:

·    Provided an outline of the three options for the order of candidates’ names on the voting papers

·    The significant increase in costs compared to the 2019 local elections was due to there being no District Health Board election, nor Tauranga City Council elections, which meant costs would be carried more heavily by Regional Council

·    A budget for the additional costs would be considered the Annual Plan Workshop on 27 April 2022.

Key Points - Members:

·    Sought awareness that the Central Government decision to continue with Commissioners for Tauranga City Council until 2024 had a significant cost impact on the Regional Council.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, Order of Candidate Names on Voting Papers - 2022 Local Authority Triennial Elections.

2       Selects random for the order of candidate names on the 2022 local authority triennial elections and any subsequent by-elections.

Rose/Nees

CARRIED

Resolved

Resolution to exclude the public

1       Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting as set out below:

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

3       That Scott Hamilton, Sir Rob McLeod and Brett Hewlett – Quayside Holdings Ltd be permitted to stay in the public excluded section of the meeting due to their knowledge of the matter under discussion, being the Quayside Holdings Ltd Update.

4       That the Ministry for the Environment representatives (as listed in the Public Excluded minutes) be permitted to stay in the public excluded section of the meeting due to their knowledge of the matter under discussion, being the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme - Sewerage Scheme Funding (Item not on the agenda).

Leeder/Rose

CARRIED

9.1

Quayside Holdings Limited draft Statement of Intent 2022-2025 and Half Yearly Report

Presented by Mat Taylor – General Manager Corporate.

Key Points:

·    Noted that further discussion regarding the draft Statement of Intent would form part of the Annual Plan Workshop on 27 April 2022

Key Points - Members:

·    Further discussions to take place with regards to borrowing/on-lending via Quayside Holdings Ltd, including reviewing the complexity of the investments

·    Important that Elected Members had the opportunity to input into and actively participate in the draft Statement of Intent discussion.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, Quayside Holdings Limited draft Statement of Intent 2022-2025 and Half Yearly Report for the period ending 31 December 2021.

2       Receives and notes the presentation by Quayside Holdings Limited.

Leeder/Love

CARRIED

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Accepts the apologies from Cr Te Taru White – whole meeting, Cr Stacey Rose – Early departure, and Cr Bill Clark and Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti – both late arrival tendered at the meeting.

Leeder/von Dadelszen

CARRIED

Resolved

Resolution to exclude the public

1       Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting as set out below:

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

Leeder/von Dadelszen

CARRIED

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Accepts the apology from Cr McDonald tendered at the meeting.

Leeder/Winters

CARRIED

6.1

Hearing of Submissions on Statements of Proposal

Fiona McTavish – Chief Executive advised that all submitters would be responded to individually with the outcome of Council’s deliberations, which would take place tomorrow, Wednesday 18 May 2022.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, Hearing of submissions on Statements of Proposal.

Leeder/White

CARRIED

6.1

AP 2022/23 Deliberations: Overview of Annual Plan Deliberations Process

Presentation - Council Annual Plan 2022-23 pdf - 18 May 2022: Objective ID A4101572   

Zhivan Alach – Organisational Performance Manager provided an outline of the Annual Plan 2022/23 process to date.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, AP 2022/23 Deliberations: Overview of Annual Plan Deliberations Process.

Leeder/Love

CARRIED

6.2

Improving Safety and Security of Bus Services

Namouta Poutasi - General Manager Strategy & Science introduced the item and the speakers in attendance from various agencies, as set out below.

Key Points

·    Regional Council was here with partners to outline what was being done to improve the safety of bus users including:

o increasing security at Willow Street and Farm Street;

o working with partners to relocate the CBD interchange as quickly as possible;

o seeking Council direction as to whether to reduce the hours of operation for the fare free trial for children; and

o adding code of conduct notices to buses.

Key Points – Chairman Leeder:

·    Welcomed the representatives from NZ Police, Tauranga City Council, Waka Kotahi and NZBus.

·    Summarised the issues Council was required to consider and had the authority to address

·    Noted the need to consider both short-term intervention and long term solutions.

Key Points - Members:

·    Noted that Council’s policy currently stipulated free fares for all children 18 years and younger at all times, i.e. 24/7 in Tauranga.

NZ Police – Clifford Paxton

Key Points:

·    Recognised that he was there to speak with regards to free bus fares, however also acknowledged the increasing social/criminal issues at the bus stops

·    Introduction of free bus fares had seen an increase in antisocial behaviour, both at the Farm Street, Mt Maunganui and Willow Street, Tauranga CBD bus stops

·    Additional police resourcing in Willow Street had dispersed some of the issues there

·    Free bus fares made it possible to move freely between various locations across the city and to disperse more easily when having caused trouble

·    Considered that the free bus fares both encouraged and enabled antisocial behaviour

·    The free bus fares were being used by youth for different purposes than what was intended, which was free transport to and from school.

Key Points - Members:

·    Access to reliable public transport was identified by youth as an important component in their ability to work; access to education etc.

·    Council had introduced free fares as a way to reduce traffic congestion; encourage alternative modes of transport and ease the financial pressure on families.

In Response to Questions:

·    Antisocial behaviour peaked before and after school, however there was an overall increase across the region outside these times, combined with an increase in the seriousness of the offending

·    Youth pre-arranged fights across the city and used the free fares to travel between hot spots

·    Recognised the multitude of factors in play, all contributing to the current issues e.g. Covid preventing school attendance meant children on the fringes had stopped attending school all together

·    12-14 year old children hanging out at the bus stops without supervision was a serious concern

·    Behaviour change took time and required supporting education; however the majority of people did comply once changes were introduced and notified

·    Duty of care with regards to safety was a shared responsibility between parents, police, councils etc.

·    Blue Light had a role in truancy in NZ, supported by a number of agencies, and addressing truancy was recognised as a nationwide priority.

NZBus – Jay Zmijewski

Key Points:

·    Provided an outline of his background within public transport in Australia

·    Had not experienced antisocial behaviour to the extent currently experienced in Tauranga

·    Recognised, from personal experience as a bus driver, the significant impact when encountering aggression and intimidation, and the flow-on effects afterwards

·    The current antisocial behaviour affected NZBus’ ability to recruit and retain staff

·    Vandalism on the buses was severe, and meant buses were out of circulation while being repaired

·    Acknowledged the ongoing support by councils in providing increased security and monitoring

·    Recognised the good intention behind the free fares, however considered limiting the free fares to before/after school would provide a short term solution towards addressing some of the issues currently occurring.

Key Points - Members:

·    Queried if additional security measures could be introduced similar to that done overseas, e.g. protective cages for drivers, additional security presence on key routes etc.

In Response to Questions:

·    Use of cages was not supported by drivers, however additional security wardens etc. could make a difference.

Tauranga City Council (TCC) – Nic Johansson and Paul Mason

Key Points:

·    Recognised that addressing the current safety issues went beyond infrastructure and security services

·    Noted that the bus stop was being moved temporarily from Willow Street to Durham Street and the ‘circuit breaker’ opportunity this might provide

·    Increased safety measures, such as lighting; CCTV cameras and breakout rooms for drivers were being provided

·    Recognised the close working relationship between the two councils and police

·    Plans were in place to provide additional training with the security guards in social engagement; introduction of youth/rangatahi workers etc.

·    Noted the ongoing investment and commitment by TCC towards safety and security in the public transport service.

Key Points - Members:

·    Concerned that it appeared TCC did not consider ongoing contribution towards security costs to be part of their responsibility

·    Recognised that ultimately, the Tauranga rate payer funded this service through the targeted public transport rates

In Response to Questions:

·    Provided an outline of the historical division of who funded which security services, i.e. TCC for the campus/BOPRC for the bus service

·    TCC considered that providing security was an operational component of the bus service and accordingly fell within BOPRC’s area of responsibility. However, until the matter of the free fares/related safety issues had been addressed, a cost-share arrangement between the two councils for additional security costs could be agreed to until a new solution had been implemented.

Waka Kotahi – Michelle Te Wharau

Key Points:

·    Noted the positive and committed working relation between the partners

·    Recognised Waka Kotahi’s role as a funding partner and that additional security measures, when required, formed part of this.

Key Points – Chairman Leeder:

·    Recognised the role of NZ Police as the lead agency in addressing antisocial/criminal behaviour related to the bus service

·    Encouraged Commander Paxton to approach Council if support was required in approaching central government for additional resourcing.

Key Points – Namouta Poutasi

·    Additional security measures, e.g. body cameras, would be discussed as part of Council’s contract with the security firm.

Key Points - Members:

·    Emphasized the need for the right fit of the security guards

·    Noted that funding towards further security costs also needed to focus on education of the guards.

11.21am – The meeting adjourned.

11.40 am – The meeting reconvened.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, Improving Safety and Security of Bus Services.

2       Approves the inclusion of additional Security Costs in the draft Annual Plan budget for 2022/23, to be funded through the Regional Fund Reserve;

3       Notes the additional cost of bus services in 2022/23 relating to the temporary Tauranga CBD interchange of $343,000, to be included in the Draft Annual Plan 2022/23 Budget;

Amended Resolution 4

4       Approves the change to the free fare trial to morning: 7.00am to 9.00am; and afternoon: 3.00pm to 5.00pm, noting that this is expected to be implemented on 4 June 2022.

Nees/Thompson

Amendment was CARRIED on a show of hand

Von Dadelszen/Crosby

The substantive motion was PUT and CARRIED

Additional Resolutions

That the Regional Council:

5       Reviews the impact of the reduction of free fares for youth within three months and reports back to Council so that the change to free fares can be reconsidered;

6       Directs staff to provide funded Bee Cards to schools to enable assistance to be provided to families experiencing financial hardship as a result of the reduction in free fares;

7       Directs staff to initiate discussions with other agencies to investigate the societal causes that have led to the current issues and long term solutions for the public safety issues being experienced in Tauranga, with terms of reference to be approved jointly by BOPRC and the other agencies;

8       Develops a communication strategy as a matter of urgency to communicate the rationale behind the reduction in free fares;

9       Formally requests that Tauranga City Council reconsiders its position not to co-fund the security contract in the CBD on an ongoing basis.

Nees/Thompson

CARRIED

6.3

AP 2022/23 Deliberations: Transport and Urban Planning Reprioritisation

Presented by Namouta Poutasi - General Manager Strategy & Science, James Llewellyn – Transport & Urban Planning Manager

In Response to Questions:

·    The Bay of Plenty Transport Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) funding allocation was in response to Central Government’s Emission Reduction Plan which created expectation and actions for local authorities

·    The TERP would be brought back to Council for consideration and approval

·    Noted that the free fare trial extensions in Rotorua and Whakatāne was for the 2022/23 financial year and that they would be monitored/reviewed through the Fare Review by the Public Transport Committee. Any changes would be presented to future Annual Plans/Long Term Plans for consideration.

Key Points - Members:

·    Noted that there was significant investment and innovation taking place in the hydro energy/bus space on a national level

·    Agreed that any CAPEX/OPEX funding in hydrogen buses as a local initiative was not appropriate for Council.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, AP 2022/23 Deliberations: Transport and Urban Planning reprioritisation.

2       Confirms the reprioritisation of funding for the following items, as set out in this paper:

(a)  Bay of Plenty Transport Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) – $250k OPEX;

(b)  Tauranga South On Demand Public Transport Trial – n/a;

3       Confirms Passenger Transport Fare Free Trial extensions – SuperGold Card, Fare Free School Children in Rotorua and Whakatāne.

Winters/Rose

CARRIED

Cr Bruning opposed the motion
and requested that this be recorded in the minutes.

6.4

AP 2022/23 Deliberations: Statements of Proposal

Presented by Mark Le Comte – Principal Advisor Finance.

Key Points:

·    Provided a summary of the report and the submissions received, which had been spoken to by submitters at yesterday’s Council meeting.

Key Points - Members:

·    Noted the submission made by Tauranga Business Chambers regarding social licencing expectations of the Port of Tauranga, and suggested Council pursue further discussion with Quayside Holdings Ltd regarding this.

In Response to Questions:

·    There was no conflict in areas of responsibilities between the Regional Shared Services (RSS) Council Controlled Organisation and the services currently being provided by BOPLASS

·    Confirmed that Council collecting its own rates would not negatively impact on ratepayers currently having rate remission arrangements with their local councils for the current and the next financial year.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, AP 2022/23 Deliberations: Statements of Proposal.

2       Directs staff to prepare the following for adoption:

(a)  Fees and Charges Policy with no changes from consultation;

(b)  Revenue and Financing Policy with no changes from consultation;

(c)  Rates Remission Policy with no changes from consultation.

3       Approves that the Regional Council becomes a shareholder of the Regional Shared Services (RSS) Council Controlled Organisation and delegates to the Chief Executive to take all appropriate steps required to join the CCO.

Winters/Love

CARRIED

6.5

AP 2022/23 Deliberations: Financial Overview and Implications

Presented by Kumaren Perumal – Chief Financial Officer, Mereana Toroa – Finance Support Team Lead, Mark Le Comte – Principal Advisor Finance.

Resolved

That the Regional Council:

1       Receives the report, AP 2022/23 Deliberations: Financial Overview and Implications.

2       Includes the proposed targeted rates for the minor river schemes in the draft Annual Plan 2022/23 budget for adoption on 23 June 2022.

Winters/Thurston

CARRIED

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Accepts the apologies from Roana Bennett and Sir Toby Curtis (for lateness) tendered at the meeting.

Donaldson/Winters

CARRIED

4.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 14 May 2021

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

          Confirms the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 14 May 2021 as a true and correct record.

Donaldson/Winters

CARRIED

Resolved

Resolution to exclude the public

Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting as set out below:

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

6.1

Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update Report

Presentation - TALT Update - Boat Ramp Inspections: Objective ID A3958748   

Presented by TALT Representative Nuki Nicolson and TALT Operations Manager – Biosecurity & Jobs for Nature, William Anaru.

Key Points:

·    Outlined activities of the Te Arawa Lakes Trust in the Rotorua/Te Arawa Lakes Programme

·    Imminent hearing regarding 17 Boatsheds at Kariri Point; through the cultural mapping report both Tuhourangi Tribal Authority and Te Arawa Lakes Trust wished for these selected structures to be removed.  The hearing date had been postponed in order for everyone to gather more information

·    As part of the 2019/20 Pilot Project, Te Arawa Iwi/Hapū members shadowed BOPRC Biosecurity Team to conduct Boat inspections

·    During September 2020, 12 Te Arawa Iwi/Hapū members trained and warranted under the Biosecurity Act/authorised by BOPRC - known as Te Arawa Biosecurity Officers

·    During period of 2020/2021, Boat Ramp inspections and self-certifying monitoring were carried out by Te Arawa Biosecurity Officers at various boat ramps - well received by the public and consistently told they were doing a great job

·    Contract for boat ramp inspections had been extended until 2024

·    From October 2020 to April 2021, 1191 boat ramp inspections had been carried out, with only 14 failing

·    1068 self-certification inspections carried out with 23% compliance

·    Key learnings: more communications/easier ways to self-certify (QR code)/multiple crews working to capture a large area

·    Looking ahead:

o 2021/2022 Season to see 6 more officers warranted

o Increased monitoring of self-certification

o Aquatic Weed Management Contract

o Harakeke mats – to investigate the potential for weed control in the lakes using this method

o To continue community engagement/education around catfish and other aquatic biosecurity threats

o Continue to develop the partnership with BOPRC.

Key Point - Staff:

·    Expressed appreciation for the valuable work undertaken by William Anaru and his dedicated team of Te Arawa Biosecurity Officers; was privileged to have their skills sets on board.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

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

Nicolson/Donaldson

CARRIED

6.2

Rotorua Lakes Council Update Report

Presented by Stavros Michael, Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solution.

Key Points:

·    Highlighted activities currently underway impacting the Lakes Programme relating to wastewater treatment and stormwater projects:

o Rotomā/Rotoiti Sewerage Scheme (contractor had been mobilised and physical works were expected to commence end October)

o Rotorua Wastewater Treatment Plant

o Tarawera Sewerage Scheme

o Rotoehu proposed wastewater reticulation scheme

o Rotorua Urban Area Comprehensive Stormwater Resource Consent

o Ngongotahā flooding/review and actions

·    Planning Policy and Strategy Matters:

o Plan Change 10: Lake Rotorua Nutrient Management (PC10)

o Flooding Plan Change

o Utuhina Comprehensive Stormwater Consent

o Impacts of Plan Change to enable housing under National Policy Statement on Urban Development (NPS-UD)

o Eastside Community Wellness Implementation Plan.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    Update on Sustainable Forest Alternative to members at a future hui, providing more information on design matters.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Council Update Report .

Chadwick/Nicholson

CARRIED

6.3

Values and Environmental Outcomes - Engagement Opportunity

Presentation 2 - Visions, Values and Environmental Outcomes: Objective ID A3958753   

Presented by BOPRC Toi Moana Senior Planner (Water Policy), Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy), Reuben Gardiner and Kaikarere (Communications Partner) Ashleigh Grant.

Key Points:

·     In terms of the National Objectives Framework, currently at a phase of vision setting, values and environmental outcomes identification and engagement

·     Introduced current online engagement opportunities/tools for public to provide input into the mahi

·     ‘Mapping our treasured freshwater’ page available via the following link: https://www.participate.boprc.govt.nz/index.php?cID=501.

·     Public web map via the following link:

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

·     Values identified in iwi planning documents, settlement acts and from previous tangata whenua engagement had been incorporated into the existing value set (where this information was not confidential)

·     Values identified so far: ecosystem health, human contact, mahinga kai, natural form and character, drinking water supply, wai tapu, transport and tauranga waka, fishing, animal drinking water, irrigation, cultivation and production of food and beverage, commercial and industrial 

·     Encouraged Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group members to socialise this opportunity with their iwi, hapu, tangata whenua, Council organisations and members of the wider community who care about freshwater

·     Visions under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM):

o   Set in the Regional Policy Statement as an objective

o   Set at a catchment, freshwater management unit (FMU) or part of FMU level

o   Goals to be ambitious but reasonable

o   Set timeframes to achieve those goals

o   Informed by history and environmental pressures

o   Community and tangata whenua involvement

·     An invite only tangata whenua page where tangata whenua could privately share stories or map their cultural values had also been set-up.  Staff was asking for feedback from iwi, hapū and tangata whenua, through this dedicated password protected page - the information gathered would be confidential

·     Next steps:

o   Offer to discuss with/receive feedback from iwi and hapū

o   E-panui

o   Sub regional hui

o   Meet with RTALSG iwi members

o   Followed by online public engagement

Key Points - Members:

·     Suggested that the on-line tools be shared in reports to Rotorua Ratepayer meetings over the upcoming summer period

·     Recommended close liaison with the Lakes Water Quality Society as well as various trusts and Tamariki at schools/eco schools

·     Noted that Elva Conroy would be consulted to consider inclusion of relevant matters relating to the Tarawera Collective Impact.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    Arrange a hui with iwi members of the Strategy Group to discuss a vision for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Freshwater Management Unit.

11:57 am - Cr Leeder withdrew from the meeting.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

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

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

6.4

Te Arawa Lakes Programme Purongo ā-tau 2020-2021 & Quarter One Status Update

Presentation 3 - Te Arawa Lakes Programme Purongo a-tau Annual Report - 22 October 2021: Objective ID A3958756 

Tabled Document 1 - Tabled Item - Te Arawa Lakes Programme Puronga a-tau Annual Report: Objective ID A3958364    

Presented by BOPRC Toi Moana Rotorua Catchments Manager Helen Creagh and Lakes Operations Manager Andy Bruere.

Key Points:

·    Following feedback from the Strategy Group at its last hui, the structure, look and feel of the annual report had been refreshed in order to better reflect Te Ao Māori. Thanked Mariana Te Rangi of Te Arawa Lakes who had provided her expertise to enable this

·    Typographical errors on Page 52 of the Lake Statistics (water quality attributes) dashboard to be corrected:

o Target TLI for Rotoehu to be (3.9)

o Target TLI for Rotorua to be (4.2)

·    Wai Ora – Lake Water Quality Results Dashboard overview

·    Wai Rua – Deed Funded Interventions for Lakes Rotorua, Rotoehu and Rotoiti

·    Wai Rua – Non Deed Highlights

o Toihuarewa Waimāori – interviews completed – announcement to follow shortly

o Lake Ōkāreka outlet and pipeline upgrade complete

o Te Papa Ahurewa established

o Detainment Bunds and Tree Removal, Ngongotahā

·    Focus moving forward: Programme Review of remaining delivery pathway, funding and alignment to Te Tuapapa

12:30am – Nuki Nicholson withdrew from the meeting.

Key Points - Members:

·    Page 19 of the Purongo ā-tau – typographical error to be corrected in third row, 4^th column, to read “The algal bloom in October/November 2020”

·    Noted that at Ōkere Falls, as part of a resource consent agreement for Ōkere Gates, the implementation of a Cultural Management Plan was ongoing; accordingly a trial of lower lake levels would be undertaken, this was currently in the consultation process with the community.

12:40am – Nuki Nicholson returned to the meeting.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    The site visit for the 9^th December 2021 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group’s Field Trip to be changed from Lake Rotoehu to Lake Tarawera instead.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Receives the report, Te Arawa Lakes Programme Purongo ā-tau 2020-2021 & Quarter One Status Update.

2       Approves the 2020-2021 Purongo ā-tau (Annual Report) for the Programme for submission to the Minister for the Environment, in accordance with the requirements of the Deed of Funding.

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

Resolved

Resolution to exclude the public

Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting as set out below:

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1       Accepts the apologies from Cr Debi Hocart and Hori Hillman tendered at the meeting.

Riesterer/Iles

CARRIED

5.1

Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum Minutes - 11 March 2021

Matters Arising:

·    Outlined the minute action process whereby any action items from each meeting were captured, monitored and progressed by staff.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1       Confirms the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum Minutes - 11 March 2021 as a true and correct record, subject to the following amendments:

·     Remove ‘Alternate’ from Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles’ title as he is the Primary Member.

Bluett/Riesterer

CARRIED

10.1

Update from Whakatāne District Council

Presentation: Whakatāne District Council Update: Objective ID A3972243   

Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles provided an update on matters relevant to the Forum, as the meeting’s host.

Key Points:

·       Thanked Upokorehe for consultation with the roading team on safety improvements to State Highway 2 between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki as the route was now safer and more pleasant to travel

·       Ongoing concern over state highway network flooding highlighted the need for another bridge into Whakatāne

·       Expressions of interest had been sought from tourist operators and food/ beverage vendors for the Ōhope Wharf reserve

·       Ōhope Wharf was built in the 1950’s and was undergoing an upgrade including underneath structural work (already completed) and replacement of the deck

·       This was likely the last external meeting to be held in the current Whakatāne District Council Chambers, with the building undergoing significant upgrade.  The first meeting in the new ground floor Chambers was scheduled for March 2023

In Response to Questions:

·       Noted there was a temporary speed reduction over the holiday period for part of Wainui Road and the permanent speed limit was under review.,

5.2

Chairperson's Report – Verbal Update

Tabled Document 1 - Te Waimana Kaaku letter appointing alternate member: Objective ID A3981538   

Chair Cr Toi Kai Rākau Iti presented this item.

Resolved

·       Noted the elevation of whakaaro Māori for treaty partnerships within the Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms

·       A new Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff member, Melissa Saunders, had been appointed as a Land Management Officer to support Ōhiwa Harbour mahi

·       The Tino Rangatiratanga flag was now flying every day from each Bay of Plenty Regional Council office in Whakatāne, Tauranga and Rotorua

·       Welcomed Marewa Titoko to the Forum as the new alternate member for Te Waimana Kaaku

·       Outlined Regional Council’s Toi Tangata Plan.

Key Points - Members:

·       It was a positive change to see Mātauranga Māori and Māori input being sought - this needed to be championed and employed in both operational work and policy so that it became second nature

·       The utilisation of Mātauranga Māori, values and manaakitanga in everyday life was the seeking and finding of knowledge that Māori have which could assist in all aspects of mahi

·       Whakatāne District Council also had Mātauranga Māori workstreams in progress.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1     Receives the report, Chairperson’s Report – Verbal Update;

2     Confirms the appointment of Marewa Titoki as the alternate member for Te Waimana Kaaku to the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum.

Bluett/Ransfield

CARRIED

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       An update to be provided at a future meeting on the connection between Mātauranga Māori and State of the Environment reporting..

6.1

Engagement Opportunity - Values and Environmental Outcomes

Presentation: Engagement Opportunity - Values and Environmental Outcomes: Objective ID A3982074   

Senior Planner (Water Policy) Gemma Moleta and Planner Riki-Lee Ainsworth presented this item.

Key Points:

·       The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) had provisions that required greater tangata whenua participation and engagement with treaty partners.  This included Te Mana o Te Wai being written into the NPS-FM; compulsory mahinga kai values and the opportunity for Mātauranga Māori to be used for measuring cultural values

·       A key feature of the Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) was that there would be a vision in the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) which would be specific to the Ōhiwa Harbour FMU, noting that the harbour was the receiving environment for fresh water

·       The group of attributes which needed to be measured included nitrogen, e-coli and sediment

·       Ambitious, but reasonable goals with timeframes would be set, informed by history and environmental pressures

·       Mahinga kai and wāhi tapu sites were only displayed on the public site if there were no sensitivity or confidentiality issues

·       There was much known about Ōhiwa Harbour, but less about the freshwater catchment and the values associated with this

·       There was opportunity to provide feedback on what was valued about specific freshwater sites and what needed changing, e.g. riparian planting or required weed control\

·       Noted that all information provided on the Participate website page was public, whereas none of the information from the tangata whenua page was shared publicly

·       There were two ways for Māori to engage under Te Honongo (the Regional Māori Engagement Plan for Implementing the NPS-FM), and multiple ways under the NPS-FM engagement process.  Kanohi ki kanohi, had been the preferred method so far, potentially due to the desire to keep particular Mātauranga information secure.

Key Points - Members:

·       Suggested community groups or a science project through schools would create opportunities to reach people and obtain the input required

·       Whakatōhea was heavily involved with freshwater as it influenced the health of the mussel farms and processing factory, including the study of water out of the rivers.  Mātauranga involved Rongoa and taiao and affected all operations, not just those pertaining to the harbour – this was about recapturing the health of the water

·       Kutarere school had science programmes underway carrying out water testing and monitoring, which included estuaries, the awa at Waiotahe and the Ōhiwa Harbour

·       Farmers’ practices around the tributaries feeding into Ōhiwa had downstream effects and the rules dictated how people utilised the land around Ōhiwa

·       Recognition of historical tuna supply and where they had gone

·       Acknowledged the continuous work of Care Groups around the waterways with fencing, riparian planting and working together for freshwater health.

In Response to Questions:

·       There were other meetings underway with community and co-governance groups, notification in the Freshwater Flash, local newspapers, Facebook and Instagram, along with a number of other types of engagement

·       Intensive community engagement was scheduled for 2023, when a clearer idea of implications was expected

·       There was a separate process for tangata whenua engagement

·       This stage of engagement was open until at least Christmas 2021, with opportunity for tangata whenua engagement to be further extended.  It was anticipated that an NPS-FM draft document would be available in 2023, with an issues and options paper for community discussion

·       Drinking water supply was one of the compulsory values under the NPS-FM which may be captured under the Three Water Reform. Improving ecosystem health would have implications on where the limits were set for stormwater and wastewater.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       The Forum to be informed if gaps were identified in the cultural values information required as Regional Council had further resources to facilitate cross cultural conversations

·       Requested a more detailed report on declining trends within the harbour and what actions were being taken to combat this

·       Arrange an opportunity for further discussion and highlighting the use of the engagement tool.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

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

Iti/Riesterer

CARRIED

6.2

Upokorehe pipi kaitiaki update

Presentation: Upokorehe iwi Kaitiaki update: Objective ID A3983625   

Gaylene Kohunui and Ngaire Ngamoki presented this item.

Key Points:

·       Pipi monitoring had occurred continuously from July-October 2021 during the holiday periods, with random monitoring undertaken in recent weeks

·       Over a 25 day period, there had been more than 2000 people observed collecting pipi, which could equate to 300,000 pipi taken within that timeframe

·       Was considering how to more accurately capture qualitative data

·       Critical that information on customary permit application forms was filled in correctly

·       During follow up, it was discovered that pipi was not always making it to places stated on permit applications

·       Several people being able to fill out a permit for customary takes was concerning – Fisheries New Zealand had been approached about this  and a hui would be called with permit holders to learn how to fill out permit applications correctly

·       Positive feedback had been received for the explanatory brochure on pipi harvesting in Ōhiwa Harbour

·       Decline had been noted in the pipi bed – with likely reasons being the way in which they were harvested (over-harvesting and the number of pipi wasted

·       There had been increasing disruption at the bird sanctuary from visitors and suggested improved signage

·       Provided an update on Upokorehe kaitiaki resourcing – 12 applications had been made for honorary fishery officers – 6 of which went through to final assessment with full training occurring in 2022.  This was important for kaitiaki succession planning

·       Another ongoing issue was Upokorehe whānau having to pay for their own printing, kai, travel, equipment, time and reporting, in order to be able to carry out this mahi.  They welcomed support from Bay of Plenty Regional Council and from Ōpōtiki District Council

·       With the pipi monitoring volunteers providing education and increased understanding a decline in breaches had been observed

·       Vehicles on Tokitoki Reserve continued to be an issue, however fixing bollards and erecting a chain to limit access could be considered

·       The Management Plan identified returning the pohutukawa taonga that used to be situated on Tokitoki Reserve, which had a lot of history and was currently sitting below the reserve.

Key Points - Members:

·       Abuse of customary permits was of serious concern - purpose was primarily for tangi and permit issuers would welcome feedback around breaches in this context

·       Commended the ongoing work and acknowledged the need for assistance

·       Ōpōtiki District Council would consider how to assist in the return of the pohutukawa taonga to Tokitoki Reserve, in co-operation with the Department of Conservation (DOC)

·       Noted that permit authorities anywhere had the right to write a permit and this needed to change.

Key Points - External:

·       DOC advised that they were currently working on the resource consent renewal required for Tokitoki Reserve and would follow up with Gaylene to ensure relevant concerns were being addressed.

In Response to Questions

·       To date, 500 brochures had been printed, with more than 200 distributed to people at the pipi beds, and the remainder given to organisations to hand out.  Once more were printed, costs permitting, they would be given to campgrounds etc in the area.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1       Receives the report, Upokorehe pipi kaitiaki update.

Iles/Riesterer

CARRIED

6.3

Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Update

Presentation: Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Update: Objective ID A3983579   

Land Management Officer Tim Senior presented this item on behalf of Dr Kura Paul-Burke – University of Waikato.

Key Points of Presentation:

·       $3k of funding had been awarded from the Association of Sciences, Limnology and Oceanology (ASLO) to run sedimentation and water quality workshops in Ōhiwa Harbour

·       Seastar bait trapping trials had begun in the harbour, with the purpose of identifying practical seastar management methods

·       The third generation natural spat lines had been deployed during the Tangaroa phase of the maramataka

·       Patangaroa project was progressing, preliminary results for collagen testing hoped to be available by early 2022.  An article on this project would feature in NZ Seafood magazine in December 2021

·       Mapping of the pipi and tuangi beds on the Western side of the harbour had commenced with purpose of compiling the first ever combined underwater and inter-tidal mapping of pipi and tuangi beds.

In Response to Questions:

·       Suggested collaborating with the AgriSea Company in relation to extracting collagen from starfish for the purposes of cosmetics etc.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1       Receives the report, Awhi Mai Awhi Atu Update.

Iles/Riesterer

CARRIED

6.4

Baseline investigation of microplastic pollution in sediment and bivalves in the Bay of Plenty

Presentation: Microplastics investigation in the Bay of Plenty: Objective ID A3979557   

Anita Lewis, University of Waikato presented this item.

Key Points of Presentation:

·       Microplastics were plastic particles smaller than 5mm in diameter

·       Entered marine environments through urban wastewater and drainage systems – wastewater treatment plants only caught macro plastics

·       Microplastics bioaccumulated in the food web, with impacts on wildlife, marine life and humans

·       Research showed this could affect reproductive qualities and growth of fish and shellfish

·       There was potential for economic impact on the aquaculture export industry

·       Sediment sampling had been carried out in locations from Waihi Beach to Ōpōtiki, including Ōhiwa Harbour

·       75% of Microplastics detected were microfibres from clothing, with 23% fragments and 2% film

·       There were microparticles found in tuatua at each sampling location

·       There was scope for future research and it was currently uncertain if the shellfish were mistaking microplastics for a food source.

Key Points - Members:

·       Acknowledged the serious nature of the information and the importance of this research to start understanding the scale of the problem.

In Response to Questions:

·       Microplastics were endocrine blockers and carcinogenic, with  no safe level - the more ingested, the more potential for health issues

·       Thresholds had not yet been established due to the early nature of this research

·       Further research was being undertaken to look at Microplastic content in both the gut and the tissue of fish.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1       Receives the report, Baseline investigation of microplastic pollution in sediment and bivalves in the Bay of Plenty.

Ransfield/Titoki

CARRIED

6.5

Ōhiwa Harbour Marshbird Survey 2020

Presentation: 2020 Marshbirds Survey: Objective ID A3983408   

Environmental Data Officer Lisa Bevan presented this item.

Key Points of Presentation:

·       Regular surveys had been conducted since 2010 after the Ōhiwa Harbour Strategy was established

·       The survey focused on five birds: banded rail, marsh crake, spotless crake, bittern and fernbird

·       Bittern was classified as nationally critical (the same as kakapo), with the other four species classified as at risk/declining

·       Outlined where each bird was found within the harbour

·       Due to nesting habits, they were vulnerable to predation or any changes/degradation to their habitat

·       First marsh crake ever recorded in the survey and although little was known about them, it was a positive addition to the list of rare birds in Ōhiwa Harbour

·       The most common threats to habitat included human activity, grazing and pests.  Staff would follow up with landowners at the four sites where grazing had been identified as a threat

·       Data from Nukuhou Saltmarsh Care Group highlighted how successful pest control could be for these species. The group recorded 10 fernbirds in their 2003 survey, compared to 93 in 2020.

In Response to Questions:

·       Mangrove control was not contrary to bird habitat as it had a focus on seedlings and it was the larger mangroves that the banded rail used for cover.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1       Receives the report, Ōhiwa Harbour Marshbird Survey 2020.

Mortensen/Ransfield

CARRIED

6.6

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

Presentation: State of the Environment Interim Report for Ōhiwa Harbour and catchment 2021: Objective ID A3983407   

Environmental Data Officer Lisa Bevan presented this item, supported by Coastal Catchments Manager Pim de Monchy and Land Management Officer Tim Senior.

Key Points of Presentation:

·       Advised that this was an annual interim report, with a comprehensive analysis provided in a State of the Environment report (SOE) every five years

·       The biggest issue identified for Ōhiwa Harbour in the 2018 SOE was the estuary bed habitat health being moderate to poor due to the amount of fine mud.  Monitoring over the summer period showed no change in the health of the estuary bed

·       Five water quality parameters showed a worsening short term trend in the Nukuhou River

·       The water quality monitoring for swimming and shellfish showed no exceedances, therefore swimming and shellfish consumption remained safe

·       Short term trends in graphs were also impacted by short term climate changes that may affect water quality

·       Nukuhou suitable whitebait habitat had been given a moderate score

·       A collaborative new programme monitoring bittern across the Bay of Plenty used acoustic recorders, including five in Ōhiwa, for which there would be an update provided next year

Key Points - Members:

·       Highlighted the importance of Pataua Island to Upokorehe

·       Black swans in the harbour were an ongoing issue, they impacted the harbour by eating seagrass that was kai for fish species, including snapper.

In Response to Questions:

·       Finding the right people at the right time for culling black swans had been a major challenge, combined with pressure from Fish and Game New Zealand who held a different opinion to the Forum around tolerable density when it came to black swans

·       The current impact of black swans on the sea grass, and the wider impacts on other species in the harbour, were visible though not yet deemed significant

·       Black swans were classified by Fish and Game New Zealand as a game bird and there was a special swan season weekend in February each year allowed through the Eastern Bay of Plenty Fish and Game Council that should be taken advantage of, noting permission from relevant landowners was required if private land was involved.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       Report back to the Forum on the monitoring outcomes of the Nukuhou farm new effluent system and related downstream effects at Kutarere.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

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

2       Requests a report on the impact of the black swans on the Ōhiwa Harbour sea grass and food chain;

3       Writes a letter to the Fish and Game Council requesting an extension to the hunting season for black swans under the Wildlife Act 1953 for Ōhiwa Harbour;

4       Requests that the Regional Council carries out black swan control during any black swan hunting seasons to reduce the impact on seagrass.

Ransfield/Mortensen

CARRIED

6.7

Responses to Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum submissions on Council Long Term Plans

Department of Conservation (DOC) Community Ranger Whitney Nelson responded to questions.

Key Points:

·       Waste Minimisation Plan had to be submitted once publicly notified so that it could be correctly captured.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       Staff to monitor progress on the actions and report back to the Forum at a future meeting.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

1     Receives the report, Responses to Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum submissions on Council Long Term Plans.

Iles/Bluett

CARRIED

6.8

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

Presentation: Ōhiwa Work Programme Report 2021: Objective ID A3979607

Land Management Officer Tim Senior presented this item.

Key Points:

·       Over the past year, staff had worked with farmers to fence off almost 35km of streams

·       A demonstration was given of a new dashboard system that captured work undertaken, and could be filtered in a variety of ways, including by catchment.

Key Points - Members:

·       It was important to understand why any actions were highlighted red in in the work programme progress column (i.e. not completed), and requested accompanying reason/s in future reports to identifying what was not working and why

·       Raised the issue of silt and mangroves causing flooding at Kutarere – the awa was narrower due to being blocked.

In Response to Questions:

·       Noted that some improvements had been made at Kutarere, however the expertise required to unblock the stream was complex and involved an engineering assessment, which would be undertaken, although outside the scope of the Forum.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·       Follow up with the Rivers and Drainage team and liaise with Upokorehe regarding the flooding situation at Kutarere and options to identify a way forward for this significant problem.

Resolved

That the Ōhiwa Harbour Implementation Forum:

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

Iles/Riesterer

CARRIED

Resolved

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1       Accepts the apologies from Mayor Judy Turner, Mayor Garry Webber, Mayor Malcolm Campbell, Mayor Lyn Riesterer, Deputy Mayor Faylene Tunui, David Speirs and Helen Rogers tendered at the meeting.

Thurston/Chadwick

CARRIED

2.1

Mike Faulkner (resident of Redwood Lane and owner of industrial property within the Tauriko Business Estate) and Bryce Donne (director of Element IMF -  primary developer of Tauriko Business Estate)

Presentation: Tauriko Business Estate bypass options: Objective ID A4057117 

Presentation: Tauriko Business Estate Stage 3A and 4: Objective ID A4057119

Key Points of Presentation:

·    Had been involved in facilitating a Tauriko bypass since 2004 and although a State Highway 29 upgrade was near selection, considered there was still an opportunity to secure a route similar to the original bypass 

·    Displayed the proposed bypass route and future link road on a map

·    Outlined benefits including multi-modal outcomes and addressing current congestion issues

·    This option also included Ōmanawa traffic, which was not addressed in the current option and was an important future consideration.  The route passed through rural areas, and did not agree that this was a more expensive option than the proposed route

·    The trade route to the Port of Tauranga was a key consideration which needed to be protected and remain resilient.

Key Points - Members:

·    Tauranga City Council supported the State Highway 29 upgrade being completed within ten years and expressed concern over the time it may take to reconsider a new proposal

·    A detailed business case for the long term solution would be presented to the Waka Kotahi Board in August 2022 and there was landowner consultation underway in March, with public engagement in May on the details of the proposal.  This option had been under consideration previously and was found to be more expensive and not perform better than the preferred option

·    Waka Kotahi provided a link to further information on assessments and work undertaken on the southern bypass: Tauriko Network Plan | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (nzta.govt.nz)

In Response to Questions:

·    A business case for the interim upgrades, separate to the long term upgrades, had recently been completed and would be considered by the Waka Kotahi Board in April 2022

·    An arterial route for public transport access was focused on The Crossing shopping centre and residential growth areas.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Waka Kotahi to clarify for members the price difference of approximately 40% of the three options that went out for public consultation and if each of those were less expensive than this proposal.

4.1

Regional Transport Committee Minutes - 5 November 2021

Matters Arising

In relation to Minute Item 7.2 and Resolution 2 that a working party be established to provide best practice process for the Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) review, Members raised the following:

·    Expressed concern that the judicial review of the process used for the National Land Transport Plan (NLTP) development provided some uncertainty and risk for the RLTP  – Waka Kotahi responded that as there was  significant work ahead  and litigation would be slow, the best course of action at present was to continue as per standard practice.

Resolved

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1       Confirms the Regional Transport Committee Minutes - 5 November 2021 as a true and correct record.

Nees/Chadwick

CARRIED

5.1

Chairperson's Report

Presentation: Eastern Bay of Plenty Road Safety Operational Group: Objective ID A4057120   

Chair Cr Thurston, General Manager Strategy and Science Namouta Poutasi and Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn presented this item.

Key Points - Members:

·    Noted that running low patronage or empty buses actually increased emissions and highlighted a critical need to increase patronage, routes and volumes of people using buses to make a significant impact on carbon reduction.

In Response to Questions:

·    Travel demand management and behaviour change work was primarily focused on personal travel e.g. education, work and social reasons.  Staff were interested to understand potential opportunities to increase the scope to cover freight/ freight generating movements

·    The review of the Road User Charges (RUC) system was a broad piece of work that would not include dynamic variable road user pricing, although these factors were considered within other pieces of work

·    There was a strong desire to accelerate the provision of the Tauranga City Centre public transport facility as it was central to the CBD development, this still had to follow due process for the business case and evaluation. 

Eastern Bay of Plenty Operational Road Safety Group update

Presented by: Cr Gavin Dennis – Whakatāne District Council and Lorreen Hartley - Community Development Advisor, Whakatāne District Council

Key Points of Presentation:

·    Highlighted the continuing focus on key issues in relation to serious crashes and fatalities – alcohol, speed and driving too fast for the conditions

·    Outlined some of the promotions underway to combat these issues

·    Promotions were also undertaken on safety around driveways for children returning to school as community feedback highlighted concern in this area

·    Detailed concerns the Road Safety Group held around five Waka Kotahi reviews in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and requested cohesive communication and collaboration around these reviews to achieve common goals.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Raised the issue of how the Operational Road Safety Groups report/ present to the Committee on more significant issues and requested information on how to form better collaboration in the future

·    Noted that for the work programme updates on page 24-25 of the agenda, work was in progress on items 6-10, therefore requested staff work together with Tauranga City Council to update this information in future reports.

Resolved

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Chairperson's Report.

Thurston/Chadwick

CARRIED

5.2

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Quarterly Update

Presentation: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Quarterly Update: Objective ID A4057121   

Regional Manager System Design (Waikato Bay of Plenty) Jessica Andrew and Principal Planning Advisor Nick Reid presented this item.

Key Points of Presentation:

·    Outlined the 30-Year Plan: Baseline Network Version which was a digital tool released on 14 March 2022, with the next version expected to be released later in the year

·    The challenges with the last NLTP highlighted the inadequacies of the current system and a land transport revenue review was underway

·    A new regulatory funding model had been developed to improve compliance and safety outcomes

·    The speed management framework was being updated to implement changes and make it more fit for purpose

·    Waka Kotahi would be taking over responsibility for safety cameras from NZ Police around mid-2023 and was considering a new approach

·    Outlined the results from a survey undertaken on public attitudes to road safety

·    Provided an update on the speed and infrastructure programme and on Bay of Plenty projects and maintenance programmes.

Key Points - Members:

·    Supported being involved in a demonstration of the Baseline Network tool

·    Reviewing the process and the alignment of the RLTP and the NLTP would become an increasingly complex issue to align with Council’s Long Term Plans, the development of the Government Policy Statement (GPS) and any central government changes.  This would be further complicated by the new regional spatial strategies and the national and regional reductions plans and budgets.

In Response to Questions:

·    The development of the 30-Year Plan came out of the existing Arataki 10-year view and was extended out with a longer term direction, whilst also providing a moving 10 year slice

·    Currently the 30-Year Plan only detailed projects that were already committed to and may be integrated with investment planning

·    How to bring future opportunities into the tool was being considered as it could be a shared place where key priorities were known

·    The Resource Management Act (RMA) reform that was bringing in the spatial planning strategies was the overarching piece of work which would address alignment of all the priorities, with the land transport revenue review being a smaller component

·    Western Bay of Plenty District Council had submitted an application to the Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) for the Ōmokoroa interchange, with  decisions expected late April 2022.

Resolved

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Quarterly Update.

Thurston/Scrimgeour

CARRIED

Chairperson's Report (Continued)

NZ Police Road Safety update

Presented By: Inspector Brent Crowe – Bay of Plenty Road Policing Manager

Key Points:

·    There were no fatalities or serious injuries recorded in January/February 2022 in the Western Bay of Plenty

·    There was one serious injury in Murupara which involved loss of control caused by excessive speed

·    Mt Maunganui had one fatality in March 2022 to date, initial investigation showed that this again was due to excessive speed (well in excess of the posted speed limit) and impairment

·    Two fatalities for February/March 2022 in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, likely causes being distraction and restraints, and one serious injury caused by inappropriate speed.  An additional motorcycle fatality appeared to be due to poor judgement or potential lack of experience

·    Rural and state highway locations were still a strong focus, as were impairment due to drugs, alcohol and fatigue

·    Increasing deliberate and aggressive acts were being observed by drivers

·    Extremely High speeds were being observed, particularly on rural roads (30-100km/hour over posted speed limits).  This presented enforcement challenges to the police in being able to apprehend suspects

·    An emerging trend was off-road motorcycle use increasing in urban areas, which included unregistered/ unwarranted trail bikes driven by unlicensed drivers not wearing helmets

·    Supported being part of the process for motorists travelling at safe speeds through roadworks, noted the importance of signage being appropriate and correct for timing of works on each stretch of road

·    Appreciated collaboration with Waka Kotahi and looked forward to regular meetings and updates.

Key Points - Members:

·    Rotorua Lakes Council commended police for their co-operation on a community safety strategy and the collaborative sharing of information.

5.3

Regional Land Transport Plan variation

Senior Transport Planner Andrew Williams presented this item.

Resolved

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Regional Land Transport Plan variation;

2       Approves the proposed variation to the Bay of Plenty Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-31 to update a funding category to ensure the Activity Management Plans for Tauranga City Council, Rotorua Lakes Council and Whakatane District Council are adequately funded, as intended, through the National Land Transport Programme;

3       Notes that the proposed variation to the Bay of Plenty Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-31 to update a funding category to ensure the Activity Management Plans for Tauranga City Council, Rotorua Lakes Council and Whakatane District Council are adequately funded, as intended, through the National Land Transport Programme is not significant for the purposes of public consultation.

Chadwick/Thurston

CARRIED

5.4

Regional Land Transport Plan - Annual Monitoring and Dashboard

Presentation: KPI reporting on the Regional Land Transport plan: Objective ID A4057173   

Senior Transport Planner Andrew Williams presented this item.

Key Points:

·    Previous KPI reporting had been presented via the Annual Report Card.  The RLTP interactive dashboard was in a transitional phase, with further data to be updated before it was publicly available

·    Although there were a number of KPI’s showing insufficient data inputs, almost half were due to a survey delayed through Covid-19 and staff were working with Waka Kotahi and the Ministry of Transport to fill the other data gaps

·    Displayed the 2020/2021 year and demonstrated how to use the dashboard including how to view data from previous years

·    There was currently no transport emissions data available in the dashboard and staff were working with Waka Kotahi and the Ministry of Transport to rectify this, central government releasing the national Transport Emissions Reduction Plan (TERP) in late May 2022 may provide a source to do this and could link to work underway with transport emissions work at a regional level

·    The next phase of the project would add another tab with graphs and tables which could be used to understand the trends of KPI’s across time, the baseline and historical data.

Key Points - Members:

·    Commended the tool as a positive step forward in the ability to recognise trends.

In Response to Questions:

·    The tool had potential to develop further, however this was contingent on resourcing and costs.  More comprehensive KPI’s and data sets could be considered within the next RLTP.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Confirm what network reliability measures were used and how this was calculated in order to better understand the data.

Resolved

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, Regional Land Transport Plan - Annual Monitoring and Dashboard.

Thurston/Nees

CARRIED

5.5

The Development of a Transport Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) for the Bay of Plenty

Transport and Urban Planning Manager James Llewellyn and Transport Planner Katri Harmoinen presented this item.

Key Points:

·    The TERP was a timely piece of work and a first step in understanding how the transport system would be decarbonised over time

·    Getting better data to understand the scope of the problem and how to target the most promising initiatives to achieve carbon reduction was critical

·    Noted that central government had announced three months of half price public transport fares on council provided services from 1 April 2022 – 1 June 2022

·    The largest impact on greenhouse gas emission reduction, particularly in the short term was likely to be through mode shift.

Key Points - Members:

·    Tauranga City Council had commissioned BECA to develop a carbon emissions model for Tauranga City, which would be a key input into the TERP and for future thinking in the Tauranga Spatial Plan (TSP).

In Response to Members:

·    It was important in service planning concepts to ensure that buses were able to cope with peak demand travel, and there needed to be a balance between understanding peak and off-peak demand for services.

Resolved

That the Regional Transport Committee:

1       Receives the report, The development of a Transport Emission Reduction Plan (TERP) for the Bay of Plenty.

Thurston/Scrimgeour

CARRIED

6

Verbal Update Opportunity from Committee Members and Advisors

Mayor Steve Chadwick – Rotorua Lakes Council:

·    Was undertaking a transport study of how people travelled in and out of the CBD, to help inform future planning.

Deputy Mayor Andrew Iles – Whakatāne District Council:

·    Commended David Speirs – Waka Kotahi for meeting with councillors and roading staff and providing information around issues specific to State Highway 30, State Highway 2 and the vulnerability of Pekatahi Bridge

·    Requested continuity of speed reforms across the entire state highway network.

Angus Hodgson – KiwiRail:

·    Acknowledged the benefit of having a connection point through becoming a member of the Regional Transport Committee

·    Confirmed that  KiwiRail would report to the Committee annually, beginning in August 2022

·    KiwiRail would be making a submission to the RUC review and aimed to ensure any changes made in the system were sensible for the overall transport system.

Glen Crowther – Environmental Sustainability Advisor:

·    Noted the biggest increase of CO2 emissions in history over the past year, mainly from coal and gas at a global level, and stressed the importance of accelerating local action as transport emissions began to rise again.

John Galbraith – Freight Advisor

·    The discussion document, Driving Change: reviewing the RUC system was of particular interest to the freight industry and noted that submissions were closing in April 2022.

Dan Kneebone – Port of Tauranga Advisor

·    Reinforced that the Port was continuing to experience congestion issues and was motivated to see progress on investment in the local road networks to address this, particularly for Hewletts Road and Totara Street.

Resolved

That Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority:

1       Accepts the apologies from Nick Chater, Geoff Rice, Piki Thomas and John Scrimgeour for absence, and from Erin Thompson and Nicki Douglas for lateness, tendered at the meeting.

Flavell/Dally

CARRIED

2.1

Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority Minutes - 19 November 2021

Resolved

That Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority:

          Confirms the Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority Minutes - 19 November 2021 as a true and correct record.

Nees/Flavell

CARRIED

3.1

Chairperson's Verbal Update

Presented by:   Dean Flavell - Tapuika Iwi Authority, and Cr Grant Dally – Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Mr Dean Flavell provided updates on the following:

Secretariat Update

Key Points

·       An appointment to the Secretariat position for the Rangitāiki River Forum and Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority (TMoK) had been made.

·       The Chairs of both Forums would work together to identify the key items to be addressed by the Secretariat position in the first year.

AFFCO consent pre-hearing meeting

Key Points

·       TMoK had submitted to the AFFCO consent.  A pre-hearing meeting had been held last week that was well attended by iwi.

·       A site visit of the Rangiuru AFFCO site was undertaken immediately following the pre-hearing meeting.

·       Ongoing discussions were required to ensure alignment and agreement between all interested parties.

Freshwater Vision letter

Key Points

·       As Chairperson of Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority Mr Flavell confirmed that he had received a letter from Sue Simpson, Planning Coordinator (Freshwater) on behalf of Reuben Gardiner, Senior Planner (Water Policy),  but had not yet responded as he would like to hear comments from the Forum first.  This would be discussed further as part of the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022 item scheduled for later in the meeting.

Navigation Safety Bylaw Review

Key Points

·       Consultation on the Navigation Safety Bylaw review had not yet occurred.

·       A panel would be appointed to hear submissions.  The panel would be made up of four Regional Council representatives and four iwi representatives, one of each for the four areas - Eastern Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Western Bay of Plenty, and Tauranga.

·       Nominations for the four iwi representatives would be sought from the co-governance entities of each of the four areas.

·       There was still a lot of bylaw development work to be done before the bylaw would be ready to go out for submissions.

In Response to Questions

·       The proposed four Regional Council representatives were Cr von Dadelszen (Tauranga), Cr Nees (Western Bay of Plenty), Cr Winters (Rotorua) and Cr Iti (Eastern Bay of Plenty).

Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority – Tapuika/Waitaha vacancy

Key Points

·       Mokoera Te Amo had been suggested as a possible iwi representative to fill the Tapuika/Waitaha vacancy for this forum.

·       The appointment had yet to be confirmed.

Cr Grant Dally provided the following update:

Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC)

Key Points

·       WBOPDC continued to work with marae in the district regarding wastewater reticulation and on site treatment options, with On-Site Effluent Testing (OSET) upgrades scheduled to occur over the next few months.

·       Design and modelling work continued for the Te Puke Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade.

·       WBOPDC would meet with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) next Monday for a one-on-one discussion on the future for local government.

4.1

Kaituna Catchment Operations Update

Presented by:   Pim de Monchy, Coastal Catchments Manager

Key Points

·      The report provided updates on maritime safety around the Kaituna and the Kaituna Mole upgrade.

In Response to Questions

·       A poutama design had been incorporated into the resurfacing of the mole.

Resolved

That Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority:

1       Receives the report, Kaituna Catchment Operations Update.

Flavell/White

CARRIED

4.2

Te Maru o Kaituna Action Plan Status Report December 2021-February 2022

Presented by:   Pim de Monchy, Coastal Catchments Manager

Key Points

·       The Te Maru o Kaituna Action Plan Status Report was presented in a new format following feedback received at the 19 November 2021 meeting.

·       Further feedback on the new format and content was welcomed.

·       Updates were provided for each project.

In Response to Questions

·       Whilst the Kaituna Road drain plantings were growing nicely, water quality results could not be correlated with the work because only parts of the drain had been changed.  An example of best practice drain implementation where water quality could be monitored was the Te Arawa Management Ltd dairy farm at Maketū.

·       It was important that the most appropriate plants were planted and conversations between staff and tangata whenua were ongoing to ensure this happened.

·       Cultural impact assessments (CIA) for the Ford Road Pump Station had not yet been commissioned.  Tapuika Iwi Authority had expressed a wish to provide a CIA.  Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whakaue ki Maketū had yet to confirm whether they wished to provide a CIA. 

·       Trials on floating wetlands using drains as water filters were still ongoing but current results had indicated that whilst the process worked, it was not cost effective, with costs exceeding the benefits.

·       Regional Council recognised that the status quo did not meet some ecological and cultural values in the receiving environment of the Kaituna River.  The River Document and Action Plan went a long way to identifying what actions were required for the receiving environment to be restored to moderate health.

·       Compliance monitoring for OSET ranged from domestic to large pack houses, and also included the Papamoa Hills Regional Park.

·       Low risk compliance signalled a technical non-compliance, whereas moderate or significant non-compliance signalled an adverse environmental effect or a significant adverse environmental effect.

·       13 of the 14 significant non-compliances for consented takes and discharges were technical in nature.  One was related to the discharge from a Waste Water Treatment Plant at Maketū which had caused ponding issues in the disposal area.  This was currently under investigation.

10.38 am - Erin Thompson entered the meeting.

·       Takes and discharges consents across the catchment were tracked and checked for compliance.

·       Significant non-compliance issues for consented takes and discharges would be reported in more detail in the status report going forward.

·       How projects were prioritised was dependent on the entity identified as the lead for each project.

·       The Coastal Park Network project was identified in the status report but had not yet started.

Key Points - Members

·      General support for the report’s new format was indicated.

·      Keeping in touch with iwi across this space would continue to be important.

·      With the recent Secretariat appointment, Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority now had a dedicated resource to help progress the projects that they were the lead for.

·      Timeframes for the Pataka Kai project had been amended to better align with Matariki and the lunar calendar.

·      There was commonality between projects nine, thirteen and sixteen and how these might be merged was under consideration.

Resolved

That Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority:

1       Receives the report, Te Maru o Kaituna Action Plan Status Report December 2021-February 2022.

White/Pene

CARRIED

4.3

Te Puke/Maketu Reserve Management Plan Review

Presented by:   Matt Leighton, Senior Policy Analyst, Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Key Points

·       Submissions to the Te Puke/Maketū Reserve Management Plan Review were encouraged.  Submissions closed on 24 April 2022.

Items for Staff Follow Up (WBOPDC)

·       Staff to provide a presentation on this topic at the next meeting.

·       Staff to follow up with Manu Pene regarding his request that this item be presented to Ngāti Whakaue at Maketū.

Resolved

That Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority:

1       Receives the report, Te Puke/Maketu Reserve Management Plan Review.

Flavell/Thompson

CARRIED

4.4

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022

Presented by:   Jo Watts, Senior Planner (Water Policy)

Presentation:   Freshwater Vision: Objective ID A4048219   

Key Points

·       A three person panel for Regional Policy Statement (RPS) Proposed Change 5 - Kaituna River Hearing, had been confirmed by the Freshwater Commissioner, and included Antoine Coffin as Chair of the panel, Rawiri Faulkner as the iwi nominee, and Councillor Andrew von Dadelszen as the Regional Council nominee.

·       The main focus of the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) for 2022 would be setting the vision and the development of outcomes, targets and limits.

·       The current key task was to try and progress the example long-term vision.

·       Direction was being sought on whether TMoK were comfortable to endorse the example Kaituna vision for iwi and community engagement, and whether TMoK wished to provide any specific feedback to Toi Moana in response to the Freshwater Vision letter (Attachment 2).

In Response to Questions

·       The letter referred to a vision for freshwater for the whole region.  It did not take away from the visions for the Kaituna and Rangitāiki.

·       There were common synergies and good alignment between the existing documents that the example vision was based on.

Key Points - Members

·       It was suggested that a (Zoom) hui be held with staff and the Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the co-governance groups to discuss how gaining an across region approval for a vision could be achieved.

·       It was important that the vision work already undertaken in iwi management plans was also included in any freshwater vision discussions.

·       Low water flows and levels across the region would require other options for water harvesting to be considered.

Resolved

That Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority:

1       Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022.

Nees/White

CARRIED

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Accepts the apologies from Nuki Nicholson and Arapeta Tahana (for late arrival) tendered at the meeting.

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

Tabled Document 1 - Lakes Water Quality Society Memo - Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - 220420: Objective ID A4082355   

Presented by: Chair of the Lakes Water Quality Society John Gifford.

Key Points: Lakes Water Quality Society (LWQS)

·    Feedback from the LWQS Annual General meeting (AGM) held in March 2022: there was concern that restoration of the Rotorua Lakes was stalling and that ongoing progress in improving water quality, effective management of aquatic pest weeds, management of pest incursions and ongoing catchment management needed to be reviewed and refreshed for all Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes

·    Highlighted indicators of restoration activities that may not be on course to achieve the outcomes expected

·    Listed recent changes to freshwater management which also needed to be considered as part of the long-term restoration efforts for the Rotorua Lakes

·    To address these issues, two recommendations were presented at the recent LWQS AGM relating to the ongoing activities of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group; LWQS recommended that the Strategy Group actioned the following two recommendations:

·    “1. The Terms of Reference of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group are formally reviewed to consider regulation changes (such as Three Waters, the implementation of Te Mana o te Wai, and revisions to the Land and Water plan due to the National Policy Statement-Freshwater). In addition, there are significant changes in public awareness of freshwater values and how these are affecting and influencing attitudes. Such changes need to be considered for implementing future management options for the long-term sustainable management, use and enjoyment of the Rotorua Lakes for present and future generations.

·    2. A technical and scientific review is undertaken for the whole Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes programme and to consider the pathway ahead for the next 10 years for all the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes (accepting that some changes such as groundwater inputs will be long term, particularly for Lake Rotorua). The need for this review is driven by events that are occurring in the Lakes that are unexpected such as the recent reoccurrence of algae blooms in Lake Rotorua and Rotoiti, and TLIs not reducing (i.e., improving) as fast as was originally considered possible or likely. This situation most likely reflects that we do not know quite what is happening in the Lakes. In addition to these changes, we are seeing increasing influences from climate change, greater pressures raising from urban development, and other land use changes all of which now need to be more formally recognised in the context of the technical and scientific programme for the lakes. The focus of this review needs to address if there are additional pragmatic measures that can be undertaken in the short to medium term to support the overall objective of sustainable management of the Lakes.”

Key Points - Members:

·    The proposed technical/scientific review of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme could potentially be addressed alongside other processes; it did raise questions relating to funding implications which needed further consideration

·    TALT welcomed the LWQS and all other parties interested in contributing to the mahi required for the sustainable management of the Lakes. TALT would be happy to meet with LWQS to discuss opportunities.

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    Staff of all partners to consider the two recommendations presented by the Lakes Water Quality Society and provide feedback to the Strategy Group at a future hui.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Receives the memorandum dated 20 April 2022 tabled by Public Forum Speaker John Gifford, Chairman of the Lakes Water Quality Society.

Winters/Chadwick

CARRIED

6.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 22 October 2021

Matters Arising

Noted that in relation to Minute Item 6.2 on Page 14, an update on “Sustainable Forest Alternatives” had been included in the Rotorua Lakes Council Quarterly Update Report under item 9.6 of the agenda.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Confirms the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 22 October 2021 as a true and correct record.

Winters/Chadwick

CARRIED

7.1

Appointment of New Representative for Te Arawa Lakes Trust on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Members welcomed the newly appointed representative for TALT on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group, Arapeta Tahana.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Receives the report, Appointment of New Representative for Te Arawa Lakes Trust on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group.

Winters/Chadwick

CARRIED

7.2

Te Arawa Lakes Trust Report for Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - April 2022

Presented by: TALT Environment Manager Nicki Douglas.

Key Points:

·    Acknowledged BOPRC Toi Moana and the University of Waikato’s recent appointment of Dr Deniz Özkundakci to the position of Toihuarewa – Waimāori Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair in Lake and Fresh Water Science

·    TALT had recently hosted Dr Deniz Özkundakci at a meeting of Komiti Taiao. Was looking forward to working with him to expand the current research programme and consider the long-term health and wellbeing of the Lakes

·    TALT had been engaged in the Resource Management Reform programme and the Three Waters Entity B discussions as well as supporting the participation of Chief Executive Karen Vercoe in the Three Waters Working Group.  TALT’s position and the impact of these initiatives on the settlement would be detailed under item 10.2

·    Ministry for the Environment Te Mana o Te Wai Funding for the Tarawera Collective Impact Project had been approved; commencement date would now be 1 May 2022.

Key Points - Members:

·    Acknowledged the successful outcome of the Uwhi Trial (harakeke weed mats) laid in Lake Rotoiti and Lake Tarawera in December 2021 as part of a collaborative trial led by TALT with support from Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand through its Jobs for Nature programme

·    Highlighted the value of the Rotorua Lake front as an ecological active science learning “classroom” space for kids – suggested that using harakeke weed mats at the Rotorua Lake Front could be an excellent learning opportunity for children

·    Noted the Mātauranga - Science and Design Fair 2022, to be hosted by TALT and BOPRC Toi Moana and scheduled to be held from June 30 to July 2nd at Motion Entertainment, Rotorua. Categories included Mātauranga Māori, Biodiversity, Water Quality and Sustainability (design), with 45 kura currently registered.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1.   Receives the report, Te Arawa Lakes Trust Report for Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - April 2022.

Winters/Chadwick

CARRIED

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    Staff to facilitate a letter of appreciation/recognition and certificates to be sent to Lynmore Primary School on behalf of the Strategy Group congratulating them as National Kura Award Winner in the 2021 Biosecurity Award for their mahi in the Catfish Volunteer Programme.

8.1

Ministry for the Environment Verbal Update

Lorena Stephen – Director of Sustainable Land Use Delivery, MfE, advised that a detailed operational update would be provided at the next meeting of the Strategy Group, highlighting progress on reform work underway as well as progress on resource management, climate change and biodiversity.

8.2

Letter from Ministry for the Environment - 23 March 2022 - Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme

Presented by: Lorena Stephen, Director of Sustainable Land Use Delivery - MfE.

Key Points:

·    MfE Jobs for Nature Funding, Te Mana O Te Wai Programme of $30 million was almost fully allocated; 32 proposals were currently being assessed

·    In conjunction with the Te Mana O Te Wai Fund, was also working through the allocation of the Essential Freshwater Fund ($175 million targeted towards building capability/capacity to help implement the essential freshwater reforms and supporting tangata whenua in terms of catchment communities)

·    Ongoing discussion with staff of Strategy Group Partners had taken place following Minister David Parker’s decision to rescind the Freshwater Improvement Fund allocation for Lake Tarawera.  Subsequent feedback received from staff had been conveyed to the Minister, advising him of a likely request to follow, which would seek a decision to reverse his decision.  He had confirmed that he was comfortable with this happening, but would require assurances around satisfactory governance oversight being put in place alongside a detailed workplan and signed deed

·    Regarding the East Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation Scheme, the Minister had indicated that Jobs for Nature Funding was not available for support in this area and that no further money was available for this scheme

·    As the next step, feedback on direction going forward was required which would be provided to the Minister once received from the Strategy Group.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Receives the report, Letter from Ministry for the Environment dated 23 March 2022 - Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme .

Donaldson/Winters

CARRIED

8.3

Rotorua Lakes Council - Update Report to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group 8 April 2022

Presented by: Stavros Michael, Deputy Chief Executive Infrastructure & Environment, RLC.

10:26pm - Arapeta Tahana joined the meeting.

Key Points:

·    Highlighted RLC activities currently underway impacting the Lakes Programme including wastewater treatment, stormwater projects and planning policy.

Key Points - Members:

·    Clarified that the assessment work in terms of connections to the Lake Tarawera Sewerage Scheme had been completed; noted that each individual property had been visited as each property required a detailed design to be developed

·    Noted that should the Minister’s indicative decision to withdraw from the funding decision for the proposed Tarawera Sewerage Scheme proceed, planning/consultation would possibly have to commence afresh

·    Acknowledged that RLC had allocated $2.5 million for detailed design work/appointment of a Project Manager for the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme.  This decision by RLC was taken in good faith at a time when the $6.5 million subsidy was not under threat.  Highlighted that the project had been well managed and that public consultation had been ongoing.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Council - Update Report to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group 8 April 2022.

Leeder/Pene

CARRIED

8.4

Rotorua Lakes Council Report: East Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation Scheme – Funding Balance

Tabled Document 2 - Memorandum to Strategy Group - Agreed Updated Resolutions re Rotoiti Scheme Funding: Objective ID A4078896   

Presented by: Stavros Michael, Deputy Chief Executive Infrastructure & Environment, RLC.

Key Points:

·    The tabled document with updated recommendations had replaced the recommendations in the original report as contained in the agenda under item 9.5 “East Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation Scheme – Funding Balance”

·    Since the preparation of the report, the partners of the Programme had  met and agreed the joint recommendations to this hui to meet the requirements of the Ministry for the Environment’s letter in terms of seeking further Ministerial consideration of the decision outlined in the letter (refer item 9.2 of the agenda)

·    Updated recommendations to the Strategy Group were agreed by all partners at a hui held on 13 April 2022

·    Provided further background on the process to date

·    The key points for consideration by the Strategy Group were (1) the Rotoiti/Rotomā sewerage scheme funding shortfall and (2) the Tarawera Sewerage Scheme Funding; although separate, they were interlinked.

Key Points - Members:

·    Acknowledged that further detailed discussion on the funding arrangements would be required (i.e. how to fund the $10 million shortfall; the reimbursement thereof, both for the short and medium term)

·    Reminded of the requirements/implications of Plan Change 10

·    Noted that the Minister for the Environment would require additional detail on the delivery/management of the objectives of the programme/further details relating to the process to follow, given the time constraints and with the impending Local Government elections in October 2022

·    Noted that MfE did not fund activities retrospectively; accordingly, the work programme would need to be revisited to remove activities that had already occurred

·    It was important for all partners of the Strategy Group to provide input on   the scope for the review of the Strategy Group and Work Programme; strongly suggested the inclusion of an independent/objective overview as part of the process

·    Concurred that it was critical to commence with the scoping (with independent input) of the review of the Strategy Group and Programme as a matter of priority. Noted that MfE, from a central government perspective, had offered to provide assistance in this regard to get the process on its way soonest (prior to the October 2022 Local Government Election).

Key Points - Staff:

·    Reminded members of direction given by the Strategy Group at a Workshop held in August 2021 regarding a review of the Strategy Group following the audit by Independent Quality Assurance NZ (IQANZ).  This  would be superseded by the direction given by the Strategy Group today on the proposed review of the Strategy Group and Programme.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Council Report: East Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation Scheme – Funding Balance and tabled document “Under separate Cover Item”;

2       Recognises the importance of the Lakes to our people and communities;

3       Recognises the importance of the Lakes Programme moving forward;

4       Seeks the Minister to agree to $10m of deed funding to be reallocated from the incentives Fund to the Rotoiti/Rotomā sewerage scheme funding shortfall on the basis that the Rotorua Lakes Council 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);

5       Notes the need for a strategy group review and agrees to a future review of the work programme; Te Arawa Lakes Trust to lead the strategy programme and strategy group review with funding support from council partners and the Ministry for the Environment (with the inclusion of an independent/objective overview as part of the process). The scope to be provided to a future meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group;

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

7       Agreeing to improved project oversight with all partners involved.

Chadwick/Winters

CARRIED

Items for Staff Follow Up:

·    Urgent follow-up meeting with the Minister for the Environment to be arranged as soon as possible

·    Correspondence from all partners to MfE regarding East Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation Scheme – Funding to be shared with all the members of the Strategy Group

·    Lakes Water Quality Society to be consulted in the review of the Strategy Group and Lakes Programme Review.

8.5

Programme Status Report, Mahere Mahi ā-tau 2022-2023 and 2021-2022 Pūrongo ā-ono Marama

Presentation 1 - Programme Status Report: Objective ID A4090512   

Presented by: Helen Creagh Rotorua Catchments Manager, BOPRC Toi Moana.

Key Points:

·    Highlighted items for approval

·    Provided an overview of the dashboard

·    Noted that the change requests required were adaptations which needed to be made to the approved annual work plans for the financial year (i.e. underspend on alum dosing to weed harvesting – Lake Rotoehu – to take weed harvesting budget to $200,000)

·    Purongo ā-ono Marama

·    Mahere Mahi ā-tau

·    Sustainable Land Gains 2017-2022

·    Paid tribute to the late Geoff Ewert and his significant contribution/work to the Programme, particularly with regard to Lake Rotorua sustainable land gains.

Key Points – In response to Questions:

·    With the higher lake level following the recent cyclone, it would be easier for a harvester to get closer to any washed up weed; however since a digger would be more effective in removing weed at low lake levels staff were currently investigating obtaining consent to operate a digger in future weed wash ups

·    Regarding investigation into algae bloom patterns/possible causes, staff were currently investigating long term trends

·    In terms of water quality for swimmability, acknowledged that further qualification/definition was required in the Dashboard to enable a better understanding of the measures used.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Receives the report, Programme Status Report, Mahere Mahi ā-tau 2022-2023 and 2021-2022 Pūrongo ā-ono Marama;

2       Approves, for submission to the Ministry for the Environment, the Mahere Mahi ā-tau 2022-2023;

3       Approves, for submission to the Ministry for the Environment, the 2021-2022 Purongo ā-ono Marama; and

4       Approves Change Request 70 to move funds between phosphorous locking and weed harvesting interventions on Lake Rotoehu, for the current financial year.

Winters/Leeder

CARRIED

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    An internal Lessons Learnt review regarding the Rural Wetland Pilot Project be undertaken by staff.

8.6

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update 2022

Presentation 2 - Visions and Environmental Outcomes PDF: Objective ID A4090516   

Presented by: BOPRC Toi Moana Senior Planner (Water Policy) Gemma Moleta supported by Senior Planner (Water Policy) Reuben Gardiner.

Key Points:

·    Provided an update on progress to date; collated values across the region and received feedback online

·    Staff were working on environmental outcomes for the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) values and using iwi management plans, community groups and catchment strategies, online feedback and NPS bottom lines as a starting point

·    Online engagement with communities was ongoing until late April-June on environmental outcomes and goals for visions

·    Outlined the timeline for the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) and early ‘without prejudice’ feedback that was being sought prior to preparing draft policy

·    Key tasks for 2022 would be the development of draft measurable targets, limits and policy options to achieve them

·    Online Engagement “Participate” to be launched in late April 2022 - seeking to engage with the community on long term visions and outcomes

·    Essential Freshwater Visions and Outcomes | Participate BOPRC (Members were welcome to share link with wider networks)

·    Council has also released a water quality and ecology reporting tool demonstrating the current state and trends for the attributes to be used under the NPSFM:

WET - Bay of Plenty Regional Council (shinyapps.io) –

(Click on Map on the left hand side to zoom into the lakes area and pick the information you were interested in.  Need to select a dataset (e.g. lakes water quality), select an indicator and select a state (baseline state overall band, current state overall band and trend were most relevant at the moment) before it will give you the information you want)

·    Informal hui held on 8 April 2022 with Iwi members and wider Iwi representatives to discuss vision setting for the Lakes.

Key Points - Members:

·    Measuring the recreational use/access to the Lakes a possible matter for future consideration.

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1       Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update 2022.

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

Resolved

Resolution to exclude the public

1       Excludes the public from the following parts of the proceedings of this meeting as set out below:

The general subject of each matter to be considered while the public is excluded, the reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter, and the specific grounds under section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987 for the passing of this resolution are as follows:

Chadwick/Donaldson

CARRIED

Report To:

Regional Council

Meeting Date:

23 June 2022

Report Authoriser:

Doug Leeder

Report To:

Regional Council

Meeting Date:

23 June 2022

Report Writer:

Danni Manderson, Community Engagement Advisor and Stephanie Macdonald, Community Engagement Team Leader

Report Authoriser:

Kataraina O'Brien, Director, Strategic Engagement

Purpose:

Recommending a Youth Engagement Plan for adoption by Council and providing an update on youth engagement activities. 

A Healthy Environment

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

Freshwater for Life

We listen to our communities and consider their values and priorities in our regional plans.

Safe and Resilient Communities

We work with communities and others to consider long term views of natural hazard risks through our regional plans and policies.

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.

Dominant Well-Beings Affected

¨ Environmental

¨ Cultural

þ Social

¨ Economic