Agenda of Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Membership

Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson)	Sir Toby Curtis
Deputy Chairperson (appointed by Group)	Mayor Steve Chadwick (Rotorua Lakes Council)
Members
Two representative from each of the partner Councils one of whom must be the Chair/Mayor:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council	Chairman Doug Leeder Cr Kevin Winters Cr Te Taru White (Alternate)
Rotorua Lakes Council	Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson Vacant (Alternate)
Governance representatives from Te Arawa Lakes Trust	Nuki Nicholson Arapeta Tahana Rangitihi Pene (Alternate)
Observer from the Ministry for the Environment	Lorena Stephen (Director of Sustainable Land Use Delivery)
Quorum	One appointed member from each of the partner organisations
Meeting frequency	Quarterly

Purpose

To contribute to the promotion of the sustainable management of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and their catchments, for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations, while recognising and providing for the traditional relationship of Te Arawa with their ancestral lakes.

Role

· Provide leadership to the organisations and the community in relation to implementation of the Vision and Strategy for the Lakes of the Rotorua District originally adopted in 2000 and refreshed version adopted by the Strategy Group in 2013.

· Identify significant existing and emerging issues affecting the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes and respond appropriately.

· Approve, monitor, evaluate, and review agreements, policies and strategies and all other proposals to achieve integrated outcomes for the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes.

· Identify, monitor, and evaluate necessary actions by the partner organisations and other relevant organisations.

· Receive reports on activities being undertaken by the partner organisations and other relevant organisations.

· Participate in the preparation of statutory plans in relation to significant issues. Such plans include but are not limited to Iwi and hapū management plans, district and regional plans, reserve management plans and annual plans.

· Participate in applications for activities in relation to significant issues not addressed by existing policies of the partner organisations. Such activities include but are not limited to resource consents, designations, heritage orders, water conservation orders, restricting access to the lakes (during special events or in particular circumstances), and transferring and/or delegating of statutory authority.

Strategy Group Procedures

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group is a permanent joint committee established under the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act 2006 (Te Arawa Lakes Deed of Settlement - Cultural Redress: Lakes Management and Relationships, clauses 9.1 to 9.3 - December 2004) and is not disestablished as a consequence of a Local Government election.

The Group’s Terms of Reference are derived from the Rotorua Lakes Strategy Agreement included in Part 1 of the Relationship Schedule to the Deed of Settlement, December 2004.

Meanings:

“Organisations” means the Te Arawa Lakes Trust, the Rotorua Lakes Council, and the
Bay of Plenty Regional Council; sometimes referred to as “Partner Organisations”.

“Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes” means Lakes Rotorua, Rotoiti, Rotoehu, Rotomā, Ōkataina, Tikitapu, Ōkāreka, Tarawera, Rotomahana, Rerewhakaaitu, Ōkaro.

“Group” means the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group, formed as a Joint Committee under Clause 30 of Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002; sometimes referred to as the “Strategy Group”.

Membership

· The non-voting Poū Tākiwaiora (Independent Chairperson) is appointed by the members for a three year term in alignment with the Local Government triennium and is to be reviewed and confirmed at the first meeting of the Group following the Local Government elections.

· The Poū Tākiwaiora is not deemed to be a member of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group for the purposes of a quorum.

· The Poū Tākiwaiora shall assume the role and responsibilities as defined in the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Poū Tākiwaiora Guidelines.

· The Deputy Chairperson shall be appointed from the membership at the first meeting of the Group following the Local Government elections.

Quorum*

The special quorum for a meeting of the Group will be four members of the Group.

In the event that the ordinary quorum is not satisfied at three consecutive meetings of the Group in circumstances, where in the case of each such meeting:

· It was notified in accordance with the Standing Orders;

· Order papers were sent to each member of the Group in accordance with the Standing Orders; and

· The meeting had not been cancelled for any reason, then the members in attendance may declare the third meeting inquorate according to the Standing Orders and the special quorum will then be substituted.

At any subsequent meeting, the ordinary quorum will be restored.

No matters that were not on the order paper for the meeting at which the special quorum was established can be considered by a special quorum meeting.

Power to Act

To make all decisions necessary to fulfil the role of the Strategy Group subject to the limitations imposed.

Each Council participating in a joint initiative will fund its own proportion of that joint initiative as determined by the Joint Committee.

Power to Recommend

To the partner organisations on any matters within the Strategy Group’s delegated functions as it deems appropriate.

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group report directly to their respective organisations.

Item No.	Subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Grounds under Section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution	When the item can be released into the public
11.1	Public Excluded Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 20 April 2022	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	To remain in public excluded.

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes

20 April 2022

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Wednesday 20 April 2022, 09:30am

Venue: Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Waiariki Room, Corner Fenton & Pukaki Streets, Rotorua and via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting) (Rescheduled from 8 April 2022)

Heamana

Chairperson: Sir Toby Curtis (Poū Tākiwaiora)

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Mayor Steve Chadwick (Rotorua Lakes Council)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC):

Deputy Mayor David Donaldson

Te Arawa Lakes Trust (TALT):

Arapeta Tahana (Via Zoom); Rangitihi Pene (Alternate)

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana (BOPRC Toi Moana):

Chairman Doug Leeder; Cr Kevin Winters; Cr Te Taru White (Alternate)

Observer from Ministry for the Environment (MfE) (Via Zoom):

Lorena Stephen - Director of Sustainable Land Use Delivery

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

In Attendance: TALT: Geoff Rolleston – Interim Chairman; Karen Vercoe – Chief Executive; Nicki Douglas – Environmental Manager; Mariana Te Rangi – Biosecurity Co-ordinator

RLC: Geoff Williams – Chief Executive; Stavros Michael – Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions; Gina Rangi – Deputy Chief Executive Te Arawa Partnerships; Regan Fraser - Infrastructure Business Manager (Via Zoom)

BOPRC Toi Moana: Cr Lyall Thurston; Cr Jane Nees (Via Zoom); Fiona McTavish – Chief Executive; Helen Creagh – Rotorua Catchments Manager; Andy Bruere – Lakes Operations Manager; Matt Hunt – Communications Team Leader (via Zoom); Nick Swallow – Legal Counsel (via Zoom); Gemma Moleta – Senior Planner (Water Policy); Reuben Gardiner – Senior Planner (Water Policy) (via Zoom); Jill Owen – Planner (via Zoom); Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor

Observers from Ministry for the Environment (MfE) (Via Zoom):

Juscinta Grace - Manager – Funds, Sustainable Land Use Delivery; Caytion Wineera - Senior Analyst Fresh Water Investments, Sustainable Land Use Delivery

Other: John Gifford, Chair, Lakes Water Quality Society; Chris Sutton - Rerewhakaaitu Farmer/Lakes Water Quality Society; Representatives of Lake Tarawera Ratepayers Association

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Nuki Nicholson (TALT), Arapeta Tahana (Late arrival) (TALT)

With the unanimous agreement of members, the meeting was recorded and uploaded to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana website following the meeting:

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Meeting – 20 April 2022 - YouTube

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

Provided by Rangitihi Pene.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

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

3. Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

3.1 John Gifford, Chair, Lakes Water Quality Society

	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

4. Raupapa o Ngā Take
Order of Business

Item 10.1 “Appointment of New Representative for Te Arawa Lakes Trust on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group” was considered as the first item on the agenda, welcoming Arapeta Tahana as newly appointed member to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group.

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

None

6. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

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. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Ngā Whakatau e Hiahiatia Ana
Decisions Required

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. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

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

10:45am - The meeting adjourned.

11:00am - The meeting reconvened.

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. 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.

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

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

9. Wāhanga Tūmataiti
Public Excluded Section

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:

Item No.	Subject of each matter to be considered	Reason for passing this resolution in relation to each matter	Grounds under Section 48(1) for the passing of this resolution	When the item can be released into the public
9.1	Public Excluded Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 22 October 2021	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	As noted in the relevant Minutes.	To remain in public excluded.
9.2	Resource Management Reforms and Three Waters Implications for Te Arawa Lakes Settlement Act	Withholding the information is necessary to enable any local authority holding the information to carry on, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations); Withholding the information is necessary to enable the local authority to deliberate in private on its decision or recommendation in any proceedings to which this paragraph applies.	48(1)(a)(i) Section 7 (2)(i); 48(1)(d).	On the Chief Executive's approval.

Chadwick/Donaldson

CARRIED

10. Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

Provided by Rangitihi Pene.

1:15 pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Sir Toby Curtis

Chairperson, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	10 June 2022
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Gemma Moleta, Senior Planner (Water Policy)
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Namouta Poutasi, General Manager, Strategy & Science
Kaupapa: Purpose:	To update the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group on Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Implementation progress relevant to the Rotorua Lakes

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report provides the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group (RTALSG) with an update on Toi Moana’s Essential Freshwater Policy mahi relevant to the Rotorua Lakes, highlighting opportunities to be involved. This includes:

· Exploring water quality and ecology state and trends using the new online WET (Water Ecology Tool);

· Participating in online public engagement on long-term visions and outcomes for freshwater;

· Noting that summary information and draft policy options are developing, and Toi Moana staff intend to invite iwi to provide feedback this year, prior to public engagement in 2023.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update.

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) is Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s (Toi Moana) work programme to implement the requirements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPSFM) and also review the Regional Natural Resources Plan (RNRP). Overall, the EFPP continues to be implemented according to Toi Moana’s agreed programme plan, although there are some parts which are behind schedule. Tight timeframes are necessary to achieve notification of changes to the RPS & RNRP by 2024 as required by the legislation. This report provides an update on implementation progress most relevant to the Rotorua Lakes.

2. Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

2.1 Tangata whenua engagement

At the last meeting staff noted that an informal hui was held on 8 April 2022 with iwi representatives to discuss vision setting for the Lakes. The meeting covered a wide range of matters such as draft FMU boundaries, working together with Waikato Regional Council, mauri monitoring, Te Papa Ahurewa. Feedback on the example vision included:

· Opening statement should say restored (not protected) given some of the lakes are quite degraded.

· Opening statement needs to be clearer that it applies to all wai not just the lakes.

· Include the goal from Te Tūāpapa o ngā wai o Te Arawa “the quality of the water is such that you can see the footsteps of the koura”.

· Support for the inclusion of ecosystem health and mauri goals.

· Acknowledge that aspirations don’t stop at the FMU boundary, Te Arawa extends from Tongariro to Maketū.

2.2 Community engagement

Throughout this year, Toi Moana staff will provide information for the public, provide opportunity for involvement via online engagement on vision and outcomes, and aim to develop community interest and readiness to engage on policy options relevant to them in 2023.

Online engagement has now been launched and is available here. It invites everyone to have their say about:

• The freshwater values important to them and whether they need to be maintained or improved;

• Their long-term (10 - 50 year) goals/visions/environmental outcomes are for areas they most relate to.

A brief demonstration will be provided to the RTALSG. This builds on the earlier online kōrero about what freshwater spots people value and why and will help inform the long-term vision and environmental outcomes for a freshwater management unit. The long-term vision and environmental outcomes will guide what targets and rules we set in the plan, how ambitious these should be and how long they might take to achieve.

2.3 Water Ecology Tool - WET

The WET (water quality reporting tool) has now been launched, via the Freshwater Flash newsletter that was released in March.

You can now find water quality current state, baseline state (2017) and trends from over 270 long-term monitoring sites across the region on the new interactive Water Ecology Tool – WET. WET is Toi Moana’s new interactive tool that allows users to view water quality data without needing to trawl through technical reports.

In WET, data can be refined by indicator, freshwater management unit or rohe to view baseline states, current states, and trends. WET, state of the environment reports and science snapshots can also be found here. A technical report that partners with the WET tool will be published soon. A demonstration of WET will be provided at the RTALSG meeting.

2.4 Draft policy change options

Toi Moana staff are working at pace to draft policy change options that would be the subject of community engagement throughout 2023. It is intended that they will be reported to upcoming Strategy and Policy Committee workshops and meetings, although there will be gaps that still need to be advanced. For clarity, no decisions on options will be sought, only confirmation that the topics need to be discussed with the community.

2.5 Changes to national resource management and freshwater regulations

There continues to be multiple upcoming legislative, regulatory and policy changes relevant to resource management, including those specifically relating to freshwater management affecting the EFPP. Further detail is available here within the Strategy and Policy agenda 4 May 2020 – Operating Environment and Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update papers.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this update report.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and there is no need to consider climate change impacts. Climate change impacts will be considered as part of implementing the NPSFM and reviewing the RNRP.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The NPSFM sets out requirements to involve tangata whenua in the management of freshwater and Council is progressing this in accordance with Te Hononga, Toi Moana’s Māori engagement approach for implementing the NPSFM and review of the regional plan.

Te Mana o Te Wai in the NPSFM 2020 represents a significant shift by central government to recognise the importance of tangata whenua involvement in the management of freshwater. Importantly, it signals inclusion of Mātauranga Māori in shaping up the policies that will be included in the notified plan changes.

3.4 Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

CONSULT

Whakauiuia

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

Community engagement on freshwater visions, values and outcomes will be primarily online in 2022. See the section on community engagement within the report. In 2023, Toi Moana will engage across the region on policy options and implications.

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

NPSFM implementation and supporting RTALSG are both core Toi Moana functions.

3.6 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

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

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Toi Moana staff will:

1. Promote public participation in online engagement on long term visions and environmental outcomes for freshwater.

2. Continue to invite and encourage iwi involvement in co-drafting of long-term visions and environmental outcomes for freshwater.

3. Continue to support various iwi led projects to advance their input and advice into this work programme.

4. Continue to progress key policy workstreams at pace, including surface water quantity, groundwater quantity, water quality and ecosystem health in Freshwater Management Units, such as the Rotorua Lakes.

5. Share summary information and draft policy option material relevant to the Rotorua Lakes with RTALSG and iwi. Invite iwi to provide feedback this year, prior to public engagement in 2023.



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	10 June 2022
Kaituhi Pūrongo: Report Writer:	Helen Creagh, Rotorua Catchments Manager
Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo: Report Authoriser:	Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments
Kaupapa: Purpose:	Update on activities within the Programme since the last meeting of the Group on 20 April 2022.

Programme Status Update

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report is prepared to meet the requirements of the Deed of Funding and Programme Management Plan and provide an overview of recent and current activities within the Programme, which may be of interest to the Group. The last similar update to the Group was provided on 20 April 2022, due to the March hui being postponed.

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1 Receives the report, Programme Status Update .

1. He Whakamārama
Background

The last meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group was 20 April 2022. There is only a very short timeframe between Strategy Group hui this time given that the original March meeting was postponed, so this update is shorter than usual and summarised in the Dashboard attached in Appendix One.

2. Key Updates

Following the April 2022 Strategy Group meeting the letter attached in Appendix Two to this report was provided to the Ministry for the Environment. This letter was in response to their 23 March letter regarding funding for lakeside sewerage reticulation at Lakes Rotoiti and Tarawera, which was the main topic of discussion at the Strategy Group hui on 20 April this year. The letter in Appendix Two outlines the resolutions of Strategy Group at that April meeting and also covers off the additional information sought by the Ministry in their letter of 23 March.

Programme progress, by priority lake catchment is provided in the Dashboard provided in Appendix 1 of this report. Some key points to note are:

· Alum dosing of Lake Ōkaro was completed in April and dosing at Rotoehu is on hold while tank re-certification following maintenance occurs.

· In relation to the Okere Gates, a consent hearing is coming up to implement the recommendations of the Cultural Management Plan required by the consent, i.e. a trial lowering of lake levels.

· In relation to the Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund, a Hazelnut Field day will be held in June and also the first harvest of the mānuka trial plots is planned for spring this year.

· Staff are working to secure an alternative trial site for the rural drain wetland pilot project.

· The Science Review, as required by the Lake Rotorua nutrient management provisions of the Regional Plan, is underway and expected to be completed by the end of this year.

· Installation of the main trunk line for sewerage at Rotoehu is underway and detailed design and cost estimates for the Tarawera Scheme are expected to be available very soon.

· Significant weed harvesting was completed over April on Lake Rotoehu, as part of the Programme’s annual activity there. Almost 365 tonnes of weed was removed (semi de-watered for two days), with an estimated 100kg of Phosphorous and 600kg of Nitrogen removed as a result.

· Nitrogen trading commences for the Lake Rotorua catchment on 1 July, as provided for in the Regional Plan. Resources have been developed to assist people to navigate this process and Land Use Advisors have been briefed. Staff are not expecting significant trading activity at this early stage.

3. Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1 Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks in making the decision recommended by this report.

3.2 Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

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

The Programme’s Water Quality Technical Advisory Group and our Toihuarewa Waimaori also provide guidance in respect of mitigation and adaption and ensuring the Programme is adapting its work in accordance with new science. Climate Change is a key focus for the work of the Toihuarewa Waimaori.

3.3 Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

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

Involvement of tangata whenua in the development and delivery of these programmes continues to grow and develop over time.

3.4 Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

The decisions in this report are within the current and future budgets of each Council as per their respective 2022-2032 Long Term Plans.

4. Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

The Pūrongo a-tau for the 2021-2022 financial year will now be prepared in accordance with the new format which better reflects Te Ao Māori and was adopted last year. This report will cover a comprehensive review of the work of the Programme during the year, both deed and non-deed funded and be presented at the next meeting of the Strategy Group.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - 10 June 2022 Strategy Group Dashboard ⇩

Attachment 2 - 5 May 2022 Letter - Response to MFE Letter ⇩