Agenda of Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes

25 March 2022

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing: Friday 25 March 2022, 09:30 am

Venue: via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

Heamana

Chairperson: Cr Matemoana McDonald (Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana - BOPRC)

Heamana Tuarua

Deputy Chairperson: Charlie Tawhiao (Ngāi Te Rangi)

Ngā Kopounga

Members: Tauranga City Council (TCC): Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston, Commissioner Bill Wasley

Ngāti Pūkenga: Keepa Smallman

Ngāi Te Rangi: Pia Bennett

Ngāti Ranginui: Te Pio Kawe

Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC): Cr Mark Dean, Cr Grant Dally

BOPRC Toi Moana: Cr Paula Thompson, Cr Jane Nees

Observer – Department of Conservation: Jeff Milham - Pou Matarautaki/District Manager Te Papa

In Attendance: BOPRC Toi Moana: Cr Andrew von Dadelszen; Chris Ingle – General Manager, Integrated Catchments; Sarah Omundsen – General Manager - Regulatory Services; Pim De Monchy – Coastal Catchments Manager; Russell Knutson – Team Leader Western Catchments; Josie Crawshaw – Environmental Scientist; Reuben Gardiner - Senior Planner (Water Policy); Gemma Moleta - Senior Planner (Water Policy); Sharlene Pardy - Team Leader Policy (Environmental); Gina Mohi - Putaiao Mātauranga – Science; Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor

WBOPDC: Matthew Leighton – Senior Policy Analyst; Peter Watson - Reserves and Facilities Manager.

External: Paul Beverley - Partner Buddle Findlay

Ministry for the Environment Representatives: Juscinta Grace, Gina Williams and Patsie Karauria

Presenters: Kia Maia Ellis - Project Manager Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust and Dr Kura Paul-Burke - Associate Professor Matai Moana – Marine Research, University of Waikato.

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies: Cr Norm Bruning (BOPRC Toi Moana), Te Pio Kawe (lateness) and Cr Paula Thompson (lateness)

1. Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Prayer

A karakia was provided by Charlie Tawhiao.

2. Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Accepts the apology from Cr Norm Bruning and apologies for lateness from both Te Pio Kawe and Cr Paula Thompson tendered at the meeting.

McDonald/Nees

CARRIED

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

None advised

6. Whakaaturanga
Presentations

6.1

Whareroa Marae Update

A verbal update on progress with Whareroa Marae managed retreat was provided by Paul Beverley - Partner Buddle Findlay.

Key Points – Paul Beverley:

· Process was ongoing; was engaging closely with the Marae Committee in a facilitation role alongside Phil Mitchell from Mitchell Daysh Planning Consultancy

· Was critical to work collaboratively with the Whareroa Marae hau kainga in order to identify an appropriate way to address the issues

· Acknowledged the contribution by Pia Bennett; critical that the marae community needed to take the leading role on the way forward and identifying their next steps

· Workshops were held alongside other parallel work

· Needed to move at a pace at which the marae community felt comfortable with

· Acknowledged that the marae community had limited resources which impacted the pace of moving forward; they had to provide input on ongoing everyday resource management consent processes requiring immediate attention as well as handling the current Covid-19 community response amidst other work.

Key Points – Pia Bennett:

· Concurred that thorough engagement was a critical part of the process

· A lot of mahi was ongoing and happening behind the scenes

· Was currently looking at examples/lessons learnt by others/best practices/historical cases to guide and inform the next steps

· Internal processes - wānanga by whānau was ongoing.

7. Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

7.1

Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes - 10 December 2021

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Confirms the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group Minutes - 10 December 2021 as a true and correct record.

McDonald/Nees

CARRIED

9:54 am – Te Pio Kawe, Keepa Smallman and Councillor Paula Thompson entered the meeting.

8. Ngā Whakamārama a Ngā Rōpu
Update from Partners

8.1 Ngāi Te Rangi

Ngāi Te Rangi Representative Charlie Tawhiao provided a verbal update:

Key Points – Charlie Tawhiao:

· Since the update provided to Tauranga Moana Advisory Group (TMAG) in December 2021, the Crown had engaged in the Hauraki discussion process with the view of finding a negotiated solution. Ngāi Te Rangi had declined to participate in this on the grounds that it would be undermining the tikanga process that kaumātua had commenced earlier; following alternative processes could be deemed as disrespectful. Due to the current Covid-19 situation, no further progress had been made

· All Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi business units and staff had been redeployed into the Covid-19 support space. This meant that Te Ohu Kaupapa Taiao (Environment & Natural Resource Management Unit) at Ngāi Te Rangi Iwi was unable to undertake normal duties. The situation would be reassessed before normal duties would commence

· Ngāi Te Rangi Representative Pia Bennett was deemed representative and a leading voice in both operational and environmental matters for Tauranga iwi namely Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pūkenga. Introduced her to provide an update to TMAG on Te Mana o te Wai projects and in particular Ko WAI mātou – a Tauranga Moana Project that would benefit the Tauranga Moana:

Ko WAI mātou – an overview of Tauranga Moana Project

Ministry for the Environment (MfE) representatives Juscinta Grace, Gina Williams and Patsie Karauria, who had been assigned to review the Tauranga Moana Te Mana o Te Wai Funding application, attended the meeting to observe the update provided on Ko WAI mātou and to seek any clarification they needed from iwi members and the Advisory Group as part of MfE’s due diligence process.

Key Points – Pia Bennett:

· Provided a snapshot on work streams and progress with Ko WAI mātou:

o Vision/fundamentals/objectives/priorities and aspirations of the projects, which would inform all decisions

o Focus would be on building capability and capacity

o Values, objectives, attributes

§ Lead wānanga with mana whenua on values/objectives and attributes that gave effect to Te Mana o te Wai in Tauranga Moana

§ Establishment of a strategy/Tauranga Moana centric policy

o Structure/Tools and systems required

o Focus areas/structure for implementation of Te Manatū Mō Te Taiao Te Mana Te Wai

o Development of a Memorandum of Understanding alongside BOPRC was currently ongoing.

Key Points – Ministry for the Environment (MfE):

· Excited to hear more about Te Wai activities in Tauranga Moana

· Purpose of MfE’s participation was an opportunity to understand the kaupapa and aspirations Tauranga iwi had for the Ko WAI mātou. The Te Mana o Te Wai Fund was strongly focused on building capacity for whānau/hapū/iwi

· The strong relationship between all partners of the TMAG (iwi and Councils) offered a unique opportunity

· Would like to ensure that Pia Bennett had the appropriate support for the multi-year project.

8.2 Ngāti Ranginui

Ngāti Ranginui representative Te Pio Kawe provided the following verbal update:

Key Points:

· Endorsed the mahi and contribution of Pia Bennett towards the whole spectrum for whānau/iwi/hapū; she was a prominent voice speaking for Tauranga Moana and other iwi; expressed appreciation for her contribution and was proud of her skills and knowledge and her approach to building capacity amongst others through her engagements

· All the water sources that encompassed the area all fed into the harbour, which was a significant resource; the protection thereof was critical to provide better opportunity to all; accordingly supported the mahi by Pia Bennett

· Ngāti Ranginui had made the approach to Hauraki, of which the outcome was that a tikanga process needed to follow and they were currently working together to establish what this would look like.

8.3 Ngāti Pūkenga

Ngāti Pūkenga representative Keepa Smallman provided the following verbal update to the rūnanga:

Key Points:

· Acknowledged Pia Bennett’s mahi with Te Wai, relevant to Ngāti Pūkenga, particularly in the Kaiate Falls/Te Rerekawau Falls area; supported all avenues to enhance opportunities to build capability/capacity to enable kaitiaki/ kaitiakitanga.

8.4 Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Councillor Grant Dally provided a verbal update, highlighting the following:

Key Points:

· Wairoa River: Trust Bay had commenced consultation with Wairoa River recreational users regarding the renewal of the resource consent to release water for recreational use

· Waiau Estuary Crossing: proposed Waihi Beach to Athenree shared Pathway Connection and Crossing over the Waiau Estuary (a proposed section of the future Tauranga Moana Cycle Trail) was in the consenting phase; significant engagement on this project had taken place

· Katikati Wastewater – Desludging of ponds were underway

· Waipapa River Cycle Bridge construction underway – expected opening was mid-year 2022

· Progress on Crown Infrastructure Projects – Marae Waste Water Projects

· Development of a sub-regional plan for Bay of Plenty Water Sport/Recreational Facilities Plan – first stage of plan was still ongoing, working alongside Sport Bay of Plenty and Councils to understand the network/facilities/environments/all access points to water.

8.5 Tauranga City Council

Commissioner Bill Wasley provided a verbal update, highlighting the following:

Key Points:

· Wastewater Management

o The wastewater programme business case was ongoing - an approach to considering investment in the network, plants and outfall. Aimed to take into account tightening environmental standards, better reflect cultural values in wastewater planning, provide investment objectives that aligned with growth patterns and increase resilience to natural hazards

o Desludging of the old sludge lagoon pond adjacent to Te Tāhuna o Rangataua - Council was near awarding a contract, with physical works to begin in July 2022

o Environmental Mitigation and Enhancement Fund: the committee was keen to open applications to this fund and was looking at the next steps required, which included the appointment of an independent panel to assess applications and make recommendations on funding

o Multiple upgrades to Te Maunga Wastewater Treatment Plant were in various stages of progress to cater for growth

· Waste Management

o Prior to kerbside collection service beginning in July 2021, the recycling centre at Te Maunga had been collecting Number 5 plastics sent there without actively encouraging it. This provided enough information that there were viable markets for the resource; accordingly Number 5’s had been included in the service

· Kopurererua Stream Realignment

o Realignment of further sections of the Kopurererua and the reinstating of wetlands will have a number of benefits for the valley including:

§ Restoring fish and wildlife habitats

§ Reducing the impacts of flooding and stabilising downstream flows during dry spells

§ Improving water quality by allowing sediment washed downstream to settle out prior to entering the estuary and removing nutrients

o Construction work on the southern stream alignment was underway and construction on the new southern wetland area was due to start at the end of March 2022

· Wairoa River Valley Strategy

o Developed jointly between WBOPDC, TCC, Tangata Whenua and the local community in 2005, the Wairoa River Valley Strategy aimed to protect the unique values and sense of place inherent to the Wairoa River Valley. The TCC/WBOPDC Joint Governance Committee was envisaged as the body responsible for monitoring implementation of the Strategy

o The Strategy actions were reviewed in 2013 to incorporate Hapū management plans. Since then progress had been made through delivery of some actions, but no comprehensive monitoring or review of the Strategy had been undertaken. This, together with plans to develop Tauriko West and national policy changes including freshwater management requirements, led to a Strategy review being programmed.

8.6 Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Toi Moana General Manager, Integrated Catchments Chris Ingle outlined BOPRC priorities as follows:

· 89 Environmental Programmes within the Tauranga Moana catchment area were being underway or already completed by the Land Management Team.

· Biosecurity:

o Marine surveillance: The BOPRC Dive team continued its Marine Biosecurity surveillance around Tauranga Harbour. Only one vessel was found with Mediterranean fanworm on the hull. This vessel was subsequently cleaned at the vessel works facility.

o Asian paddle crab: The Marine Biosecurity team have also been working with Manaaki te Awanui carrying out Asian paddle crab trapping in Tauranga and Ōhiwa Harbours over the last couple of months.

o Waiau Wetland: The first tide flowed into the Waiau wetland recently after new inanga ponds had been created and channels dug. This kaupapa brings tidal waters further into the wetland to support a more diverse habitat. The 5.3 hectares of restored wetland was part of the more than 60 hectares of Athenree Wildlife Refuge.

· Climate change adaptation planning:

o Through the Long-Term Plan, Council allocated funding to support communities who were ready to start their first steps in climate adaptation planning. This was in recognition that communities were deeply connected to place and to changes to that place. More details available here:

https://www.boprc.govt.nz/environment/climate-change/funds-available-for-community-adaptation-planning

o To date Council had funded 2 projects: The Maketū Iwi Collective was running a series of Wānanga with the local community and invited guests, to develop a shared understanding of how climate change could affect the Maketū community and to plan initial actions. Ngāi Tamawhariua will be exploring the potential impacts of climate change on Te Rereatukahia Marae and papakāinga through combining local Mātauranga and climate science, working with experts from Beca.

9. Ngā Whakamārama Te Papa Atawhai
Conservation Update

9.1 Department of Conservation

Presented by Jeff Milham, Pou Matarautaki/District Manager Te Papa.

Key Points:

· Mahi mō te Taiao/Jobs for Nature update

· Kauri protection progress in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park

· Ongoing pest-control initiatives

· Activities of the Aongatete Forest Restoration Trust

· Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust projects/kaupapa.

11:00am - The meeting adjourned.

11:10am - The meeting reconvened.

4. Whakahoutanga Kōrero
Verbal Updates

4.1

Kōura Restoration Mahi in Tauranga Moana

Presentation 1 Kia Maia Ellis - Tauranga Moana Advisory Group 25 March 2022: Objective ID A4070030

Presented by Kia Maia Ellis - Kairangahau PhD Student at the University of Waikato/ Project Manager Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust.

Key Points:

· Enhancing the sustainability of Kōura (Jasus edwardsii) in a changing climate

· Transdisciplinary Mātauranga Māori and Science Approach to Research

· Pēpi Kōura Enhancement Study:

o Tauranga Moana iwi/Science have observed the degradation of taonga marine species. The goal was to investigate enhancement of kōura to support sustainability of a taonga species

o Kaitaikitanga response to climate change

o Mātauranga and marine science to grow new knowledge as a local case study

· Research Questions

o What was the current state of the kōura population in Tauranga Moana

o Was there a correlation between the seasonal recruitment of kōura with maramataka

o Can we on-grow juvenile kōura to assist a kaitiakitanga approach to climate change

o How did transdisciplinary research inform enhancement and management of koura

· Role and responsibility of Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust

· Research Framework: Whakakotahi – Collaboration / Whakaoho – Awakening / Whakamaramatanga – Enlightenment / Whakamana – Empowerment

· Mātauranga ā iwi - developing Pou Tokomanawa iwi leadership

· Pēpi Kōura Puerulus Settlement Study - co-developing Mātauranga/ Science Objectives

· Koura Population Surveys

· “He aha te mea nui o te Ao” – expected tamariki, mokopuna to see that we have done everything in our power to leave this world in a better state than we found it. If we did not take meaningful action now to restore the balance in the environment our people would perish

· Climate change effects – needed a global collective shift in mindset to activate Kaitiakitanga - Ko te Ao.

4.2

Shellfish Restoration Research in Ōhiwa Harbour

Presentation 2 - Dr Kura Paul-Burke - Tauranga Moana Advisory Group 25 March 2022: Objective ID A4064594

Presented by Dr Kura Paul-Burke, Associate Professor Matai Moana – Marine Research, University of Waikato.

Key Points - Presentation:

· Over the years there had been increasing concern about the state of the harbour and the once abundant but now severely reduced shellfish populations, in particular the kuku/green lipped mussels

· Threats - Seastars in pipi beds, Ōhiwa Harbour

· Place-based intergenerational knowledge Mātauranga ā iwi

· Mussel Restoration Stations - Ōhiwa Harbour

o Can we grow our own mussels in our harbour, for our harbour, from our harbour

o Can mussel spat from the harbour be collected on lines

o Can we relocate mussels from the lines to the last remaining traditional bed in the harbour to help retain and/or grow it further

o Options for assisting shellfish recovery and replication on a large scale

· Micro-plastic pollution in our kaimoana, our moana and our mokopuna

· Taura kuku – biodegradable mussel spat lines

· Grow mid-water community Biodiversity on spat lines

· Successful recruitment events 2019 – 2021 Relocate to last traditional bed in the harbour

· Increased Mussel Distribution Ōhiwa Harbour, 2019 – 2021

· Retain biodiversity in the Harbour

o Mussels were ecosystem engineers, they alter the environment, provide hard structure for other species to attach to, hide, live, feed in a soft muddy bottom harbour

o Initial findings suggested the mussel lines may be a potential nursery habitat for range of species

o Increase abundance, reduce plastic pollution, retain biodiversity

· Pātangaroa project - Economic potential of bioactives and collagen products from seastars

· Build capability, create access to mātauranga Māori & marine science

· Awhi Mai Awhi Atu - finding ways for mātauranga ā iwi and western science to work together.

Key Points - Members:

· Expressed appreciation for the valuable mahi by both Kia Maia Ellis and Dr Kura Paul-Burke in the Tauranga Moana contributing to the health of the Moana, involving local people and connecting people with the Moana

· Noted that the local mahi could be replicated in other estuaries/moana/harbours.

Items for Staff Follow Up:

· Consider providing the following two presentations relating to the health of Tauranga Moana at a future hui of Te Maru O Kaituna River Authority as this would provide valuable information relating to possibilities for Little Waihī and Maketū estuaries:

o Kōura Restoration Mahi in Tauranga Moana to be presented by Kia Maia Ellis - Kairangahau PhD Student at the University of Waikato/ Project Manager Tauranga Moana Iwi Customary Fisheries Trust

o Shellfish Restoration Research in Ōhiwa Harbour to be presented by Dr Kura Paul-Burke, Associate Professor Matai Moana – Marine Research, University of Waikato.

5. Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

5.1

Membership change - Resignation: Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Representative

Presented by Chris Ingle – General Manager, Integrated Catchments.

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Receives the report, Membership change - Resignation: Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana Representative.

McDonald/Thompson

CARRIED

5.2

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022

Presentation 3 - Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022: Objective ID A4070039

Presented by BOPRC Toi Moana Senior Planner (Water Policy) Gemma Moleta.

Key Points:

· National Objectives Framework:

o Provided an update on progress with the programme and invited discussion on an example vision provided to iwi in January 2022

o Collated values across the region; 64 new contributions from the community within the Tauranga Moana Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) on the Participate site had been received

o Of the 64 entries people were unhappy with the current state of 12 entries including Kaiate Falls, Uretara River and lower Wairoa

o Currently focussing on environmental outcomes across the region for those values: direction from iwi management plans, community groups and catchment strategies, online feedback and the National Policy Statement (NPS) bottom lines would be the starting point. Planned engagement with the community online late April-June 2022 on environmental outcomes and goals for visions

o Changes to the National Environmental Standard for Drinking Water (NESDW) would be included in the essential freshwater process

· BOPRC Toi Moana’s Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Timeline

o Key 2022 tasks / developing draft measurable targets, limits and policy options to achieve them

o Working with iwi and hapū where they would like to be involved in the NPSFM process and supporting mātauranga Māori input

o Early “without prejudice” discussions with key stakeholders, and technical experts as Toi Moana staff develop policy options, some initial communication and engagement with the public

o Water quality reporting tool had been developed and would be publicised shortly via Freshwater Flash

o Council elections scheduled for October 2022 to be incorporated into the planning process

· The process for visions

o Acknowledged Pia Bennett’s work on Ko WAI matou

o Since the last meeting, the example vision and a letter to iwi to initiate discussion on visions had been sent

· Visions under the NPSFM

· Provided an example: Draft Tauranga Moana FMU long-term vision.

Key Points - Members:

· Information previously shared with Council on Tauranga Moana visions/aspirations to be included in the draft response

· Comments raised at TMAG’s 10 December 2021 hui to be considered for incorporation into the response

· Suggested close liaison with Ko WAI matou process by Pia Bennett to ensure a collaborative process/eliminating confusion for whānau/hapū/iwi during the ongoing engagement

· Would appreciate further updates on progress with the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme at future hui.

Resolved

That the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group:

1 Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme 2022.

McDonald/Tawhiao

CARRIED

6. Rā Hui Whai Ake
Next Meeting Date

Friday 17 June 2022 at 09:30 am

	Item for staff follow-up
	· Consider options for future live-streaming/recording and uploading of Tauranga Moana Advisory Group hui to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council YouTube channel to enable the sharing of valuable kōrero and success stories/mahi shared at TMAG hui with the wider community.

7. Karakia Kati
Closing Prayer

A karakia was provided by Keepa Smallman.

12:20pm – the meeting closed.

Confirmed

Cr Matemoana McDonald

Chairperson, Tauranga Moana Advisory Group



Pūrongo Ki: Report To:	Tauranga Moana Advisory Group
Rā Hui: Meeting Date:	17 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 Tauranga Moana Advisory Group on Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Implementation progress relevant to the Tauranga Moana.

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report provides the Tauranga Moana Advisory Group (TMAG) with an update on Toi Moana’s Essential Freshwater Policy mahi relevant to the draft Tauranga Moana freshwater management unit (FMU), 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 Tauranga Moana Advisory 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.

2. Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

2.1 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 TMAG. 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.

2.2 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 TMAG meeting.

2.3 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. Following their reporting to the Strategy and Policy Committee staff intend making these draft documents available to tangata whenua in the first instance, before releasing them to selected interest groups later. This is in addition to more individualised feedback we are keen to progress with interested tangata whenua parties.

2.4 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 is a core Toi Moana function. This update paper assists TMAG in their roles as members on the advisory group.

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 Tauranga Moana.

5. Share summary information and draft policy option material relevant to Tauranga Moana with TMAG and iwi. Invite iwi to provide feedback this year, prior to public engagement in 2023.

Chairperson (Appointed by the Group)	Cr Matemoana McDonald (Bay of Plenty Regional Council)
Deputy Chairperson (Appointed by the Group)	Charlie Tawhiao (Ngāi Te Rangi)
Tangata Whenua Members
Two appointed representative each:
Ngāti Ranginui	Te Pio Kawe Vacant
Ngāti Pūkenga	Rehua Smallman Keepa Smallman
Ngāi Te Rangi	Pia Bennett
Council Members
Four appointed representatives from:
Bay of Plenty Regional Council	Cr Norm Bruning Cr Paula Thompson Cr Jane Nees
Two appointed representatives each:
Tauranga City Council	Commissioner Shadrach Rolleston Commissioner Bill Wasley
Western Bay of Plenty District Council	Cr Grant Dally Cr Mark Dean
Observer – Department of Conservation	Jeff Milham
Quorum	The Advisory Group is not required to follow Standing Orders
Meeting frequency	Quarterly