Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Rārangi Take (Agenda)

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the next meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group will be held at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Office, Waiariki Room, Corner Fenton & Pukaki Street, Rotorua and via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting) on:

Friday 30 September 2022 COMMENCING AT 09:30 am

 

Bay of Plenty Regional Council,

Rotorua Lakes Council and

Te Arawa Lakes Trust.

Working as one to protect our lakes with funding

assistance from the Ministry for the Environment

 

Fiona McTavish

Chief Executive, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

22 September 2022

 


 

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Membership

Poū Tākiwaiora

(Independent Chairperson)

 

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.


Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group                                                             30 September 2022

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

Rārangi Take
Agenda

1.       Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Prayer

2.       Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

3.       Wāhanga Tūmatanui
Public Forum

4.       Ngā Take Tōmuri
Items not on the Agenda

5.       Raupapa o Ngā Take
Order of Business

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

7.       Ngā Take Tūmataiti Hei Whakapuaki Tūmatanui
Public Excluded Business to be Transferred into the Open

8.       Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

8.1      Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 10 June 2022      3

9.       Whakaaturanga
Presentations

9.1      Mihi - Dr Sir Toby Curtis

Te Arawa Lakes Trust to lead

9.2      Presentation: Dr Deniz Özcundacki – Toihuarewa Waimaori, Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair in Lake and Fresh Water Science

Presented by: Dr Deniz Özcundacki

10.     Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

10.1    Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update

To be circulated upon receipt.

10.2    Rotorua Lakes Council Update to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - 30 September 2022                                                                    3

10.3    Ministry for the Environment Update

Presented by: Ministry for the Environment Representatives: Lorena Stephen – Director of Sustainable Land Use Deliver

10.4    Programme Status Report, Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022, Change Request                                                                                                                   3

Attachment 1 - 30 September 2022 Strategy Group Dashboard                                   3

Attachment 2 - 19  August 2022 - Partnership Letter of Assurance to Minister re Sewerage Reticulation - Final - Signed                                                                              3

Attachment 3 - 2021-2022 Final Purongo a-tau                                                               3

Attachment 4 - 30.09.2022 CR 071 Lake Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation                      3

10.5    Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update                                  3

10.6    2022 Local Government Elections Update                                            3

10.7    Acknowledgement of Mayor Chadwick and Deputy Mayor Donaldson

Presented by: Geoff Rolleston - Interim Chairman, Te Arawa Lakes Trust

11.     Ngā Take Tōmuri Hei Whakaaroaro
Consideration of Items not on the Agenda

11.     Karakia Kati
Closing Prayer


 Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes

10 June 2022

 

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Ngā Meneti

Open Minutes

Commencing:             Friday 10 June 2022, 09:30 am

Venue:                         Council Chambers, Rotorua Lakes Council, 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua and via Zoom (Audio Visual Meeting)

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):

Nuki Nicholson, Arapeta Tahana

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

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

Observers from Ministry for the Environment (MfE):

Juscinta Grace - Manager – Funds; Caytion Wineera - Senior Analyst Fresh Water Investments

Te Hunga i Tae Ake

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

RLC: Stavros Michael – Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions

BOPRC Toi Moana: Cr Lyall Thurston; Fiona McTavish – Chief Executive (via Zoom); Helen Creagh – Rotorua Catchments Manager; Michelle Lee – Planner (Water Policy); James Dare – Environmental Scientist – Water Quality; Ashleigh Grant – Kaikarere (Communications Partner); Rosemary Cross - Senior Projects Manager – Rotorua; Reuben Gardiner – Senior Planner (Water Policy) (via Zoom); Merinda Pansegrouw – Committee Advisor

                                                      Other: Elva Conroy – Consultant Planner/Director - Conroy & Donald Consultants Limited (via Zoom); Phill Thomass –Rotorua Lakes Community Board Chair; Chris Sutton - Rerewhakaiitu Incorporated Society.

Ngā Hōnea

Apologies:                  Poū Tākiwaiora Sir Toby Curtis,  Lorena Stephen - Director of Sustainable Land Use Delivery(MfE) and Cr Te Taru White (early departure).

 

 

1.     Karakia Whakatuwhera
Opening Karakia

A karakia was provided by Arapeta Tahana.

2.     Ngā Hōnea
Apologies

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1        Accepts the apologies from Sir Toby Curtis for absence, Lorena Stephen for absence and Cr Te Taru White for early departure tendered at the meeting.

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

 

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

None declared.

4.     Ngā Meneti
Minutes

Kia Whakaūngia Ngā Meneti
Minutes to be Confirmed

4.1

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 20 April 2022

Matters Arising

·      In relation to Minute Item 3.1 - regarding the presentation by John Gifford, Chair, Lakes Water Quality Society (LWQS), members noted that the dates for the LWQS Symposium 2022 had been set for 10 - 11 November 2022 at the Millennium Hotel, Rotorua and online; Theme: “Get on the Boat - Lake Restoration”

·      In relation to Minute Item 8.4 - noted that as a staff action point, the LWQS would be consulted in the review of the Strategy Group and Lakes Programme Review.

 

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1.       Confirms the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group Minutes - 20 April 2022 as a true and correct record, subject to the following amendment:

·    Minute Item 8.4 “Rotorua Lakes Council Report: East Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation Scheme – Funding Balance” (Agenda Page 16, Resolution 5) – to include reference to “the inclusion of an independent/objective overview as part of the process”

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

5.     Whakaaturanga
Presentations

5.1

Presentation: Tarawera Collective Impact

Presentation Elva Conroy - Tarawera Collective - 10 June 2022 PDF: Objective ID A4123249   

Presented by: Elva Conroy - Consultant Planner/Director at Conroy & Donald Consultants Limited.

 

Key Points - Presentation:

·    In 2020 scoping was undertaken to determine the following:

o whether a collective impact would be feasible for the Tarawera Lakes System

o how the collective impact might work (in practice)

·    Outcome of the scoping study had confirmed that a collective impact framework was possible for the Tarawera Lakes System

·    As a next step, further work was undertaken to develop the concept into a work programme/identify sources for funding

·    Highlighted the principles applicable as:

o Long-term/collective/proactive/joined-up action for the health and wellbeing of the Tarawera Lakes System reflecting Te Arawa values/incorporating cultural monitoring, practices and mātauranga

·    Incorporated the following feedback received:

o Keeping it simple – fewer hui, more “dooey”

o Working bottom up, not top down – to connect the doers

o Since it was a social/people issue: to connect communities, agencies and projects to change mindsets, practices and actively supporting each other’s goals

·    Three basic project outcomes: connectivity/capacity/co-ordinated

·    Confirmed that funding had been obtained from the Ministry for the Environment’s Te Mana o Wai Fund (3 years).  Action would commence shortly, and recruitment of a team was currently underway

·    Focus for 2022/23 would be:

o Establishment of the Project team

o Building tāngata whenua capability in freshwater management

o Building tāngata whenua and community capability in conservation management planning.

Key Point - Members:

·    With reference to “fewer hui, more “dooey”, highlighted the importance of quality, not sacrificing simplicity for shortcuts and understanding networks was critical.

 

 

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1        Receives the presentation, Tarawera Collective Impact.

Tahana/Leeder

CARRIED

 

5.2

Presentation: Te Tūāpapa & Deed Fund Report

Presentation - Kia kotahi te wai o ngā roto moana o Te Arawa
MfE Deed Fund - Annual Report: Objective ID A4123258 
 

Presented by: Nicki Douglas, TALT Environment Manager and Mariana Te Rangi, TALT Biosecurity Co-ordinator.

 

Key Points:

·    Kia kotahi te wai o ngā roto moana o Te Arawa/MfE Deed Fund - Annual Report:

o Context and Rationale

o Purpose was to enable Te Arawa to deliver as a partner to the programme; $1,050,000 over 3 years

o Current status in Year 2

·    11 Goals of the Strategy

·    Te Arawa Lakes Trust Focus

o Embed Te Tūāpapa o ngā Wai o Te Arawa across the Lakes Programme

o Engage in programmes that drove implementation of the Strategy - He Mahere Taiao

·    Measures of success – developing a dashboard to narrate the story

·    Management Plan

·    Framework and activities

·    Update on progress with the development of the uwhi project - monitoring of Lakes Rotoiti, Tarawera and Rotomā – using uwhi for data collection/uwhi condition and species presence

·    Acknowledged the contributions by all partners contributing to the mahi/success of Te Tuapapa.

Key Points - Members:

·    Highlighted the importance of the relationship/whakapapa between lakes plants similar to the whakapapa of trees in forests

·    TALT would lead discussion on sustainable solutions/future utilisation of alum dosing as part of their Mātauranga/Lakes Programme

·    Highlighted the possibility of alternative revenue streams following international interest which ultimately needed to be protected (branding/royalties)

·    Emphasised the importance of TALT staff liaising closely with BOPRC Toi Moana staff to incorporate the mahi undertaken by TALT in the Rotorua Lakes into the plan change for the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPSFM)

·    Suggested looking at the possibility of using the uwhi project as part of wetlands establishment

·    Due to the tight timelines for consultation on the plan change for the NPSFM, pointed out the value of a lead agency, representing iwi/hapū in  Rotorua Lakes rohe, contributing to the process; ideally Te Arawa as the predominate entity. TALT acknowledged the challenge of consultation across the board; concurred that TALT could potentially play a role, based on its relationships with iwi/hapū; this would however be dependent on the availability of suitable resources

·    Acknowledged that this mahi had provided the opportunity to apply/test Mātauranga Māori – congratulated staff on applying this with Te Tūāpapa.

 

Resolved

 

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1          Receives the presentation, Te Tūāpapa & Deed Fund Report.

Leeder/Winters

CARRIED

6.     Ngā Pūrongo
Reports

Hei Pānui Anake
Information Only

6.1

Te Arawa Lakes Trust Update

Tabled Document 1 - TALT Update to RTALSG June 2022: Objective ID A4117649   

 

 

Presented by: Nicki Douglas, TALT Environment Manager.

 

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    TALT to prepare a report to the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group hui scheduled for 30 September 2022 on the scope for the review of the strategy programme/strategy group (with the inclusion of an independent/objective overview as part of the process).

 

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

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

Winters/Donaldson

CARRIED

10:36 am - The meeting  adjourned.

10:50 am - The meeting  reconvened.

 

6.2

Ministry for the Environment Update

 

Presented by: Juscinta Grace, Ministry for the Environment (MfE) Manager – Funds, Sustainable Land Use Delivery.

Key Points:

·    Following the 20 April 2022 hui, had prepared a submission to the Minister for the Environment with a recommendation to support the resolutions by the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

·    Had secured funding to support the review of the Strategy Group

·    Update on the Te Mana o Te Wai (TMoTW) Fund – eight projects had been approved for the Bay of Plenty rohe; total value approximately $9 million

·    Main aim of the TMoTW Fund was to build capacity and capability that would enable Māori to be involved in and make decisions for freshwater management in their rohe, including implementing the Essential Freshwater reforms. Encouraged close liaison between councils and rōpu in this space

·    Waste Minimisation Fund was scheduled to open in October 2022

·    MfE had recently released further documentation on the National Objectives Framework

·    Climate Change programme progress

·    Resource Management Act Reform - submissions received by MfE would be available online shortly

·    MfE was currently seeking feedback on proposed drafting of amendments to the wetland regulations in the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management – consultation would be open until 10 July 2022.

 

6.3

Rotorua Lakes Council Update to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - 10 June 2022

Presented by: Stavros Michael Deputy Chief Executive Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions.

Key Points:

·    Highlighted Rotorua Lakes Council activities currently underway that impacted the Lakes Programme:

o Wastewater treatment and stormwater projects

o Planning Policy (Plan changes and consents)

Key Points - Members:

·    Sustainable Forest Alternative: expressed concern about the delay in the identification of potential sites where the proposed future discharge point of the effluent from the upgraded treatment plant could be located – flagged this as a potential risk

·    Ngongotahā flooding/review and actions – important for the public to be kept informed on progress/development relating to the showgrounds.

 

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, Rotorua Lakes Council Update to Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group - 10 June 2022.

Donaldson/Tahana

CARRIED

 

11:00 am - Cr White withdrew from the meeting.

 

6.4

Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

Presentation Freshwater Update Rotorua Te Arawa: Objective ID A4123270   

Presented by: Michelle Lee, Planner (Water Policy) and James Dare, Environmental Scientist – Water Quality.

Key Points:

·    Update on progress with the Essential Freshwater Policy Programme (EFPP) work

·    Current focus was engagement with iwi/hapū

·    Expressed thanks for the feedback that had been shared by iwi members in April 2022 on incorporating perspectives of Mātauranga Māori

·    Online engagement has now been launched and was available here: Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes feedback | Essential Freshwater Visions and Outcomes | Participate BOPRC for people to express thoughts on freshwater values that would help inform long term visions alongside tangata whenua input

·    Feedback could be submitted online by 29 June and would be eligible to enter a draw for $200 gift vouchers

·    Demonstrated the interactive Water Ecology Tool (WET) which provided access to water quality information from regular monitoring of Bay of Plenty rivers, groundwater and lakes:

shiny.boprc.govt.nz/Water_Ecology_Tool/

·    Data could be refined by indicator, freshwater management unit or rohe to view baseline states, current states, and trends

·    Encouraged members to use the WET tool to provide feedback.

Key Points - Members:

·    Enquired about the possibility of training users/iwi practitioners to use and navigate the WET.  This would create further awareness of its functionalities/maximise opportunity

·    Enquired about the possibility/ability in future to incorporate iwi/hapū data onto the WET platform/alignment with an iwi application

·    Iwi/hapū would be keen on having access to live data relating to their own rohe

·    Expressed appreciation/support for the WET; concurred that there was huge potential for the tool.

Key Points - Staff:

·    Essential Freshwater community consultation to follow would incorporate training/guidance on using/navigating the WET.

 

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update.

Tahana/Donaldson

CARRIED

 

6.5

Programme Status Update

Presentation - Programme Status Update - Helen Creagh: Objective ID A4123274   

Presented by: BOPRC Toi Moana’s Rotorua Catchments Manager Helen Creagh:

Key Points:

·    Update on the recent Ngongotahā Flood Event - 31 May 2022 (5 year return storm event) and actions arising

·    Ngongotahā Community Reference Group Catch-up scheduled for Monday 13 June 2022 to inform public/provide update on status/progress/next steps

·    Community Reference Group Catch-up would be followed-up with a pānui/email to the wider community

·    Status update of recent and current activities within the Programme since 20 April 2022

·    In relation to the Low Nitrogen Land Use Fund, a Hazelnut Field Day had been scheduled for 11 June 2022

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

·    Overseer Redevelopment Update/timeline for the programme.

Key Points - Members:

·    Noted the Science Review, as required by the Lake Rotorua nutrient management provisions of the Regional Plan, was underway and expected to be completed by the end of 2022 – to be undertaken by Professor Warwick Vincent

·    Overseer was primarily a farm management tool; it was a dynamic model and the question remained whether it was fit for purpose as a regulatory/enforcement tool.

 

Item for Staff Follow Up:

·    Provide the proposed timelines for the Okere Gates Trial to Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson.

 

Resolved

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, Programme Status Update.

Winters/Nicholson

CARRIED

 

7.     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

7.1

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.

Winters/Nicholson

CARRIED

 

8.     Karakia Kati
Closing Karakia

A karakia was provided by Arapeta Tahana.

 

12:20 pm – the meeting closed.

 

 

Confirmed                                                                                                                                          

                                                                                                                         Mayor Steve Chadwick

Deputy Chairperson, Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group


Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group                                                 30 September 2022

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Pūrongo Ki:
Report To:

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Rā Hui:
Meeting Date:

30 September 2022

Kaituhi Pūrongo:
Report Writer:

Helen Creagh, Rotorua Catchments Manager

Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo:
Report Authoriser:

Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments

Kaupapa:
Purpose:

To provide Strategy Group with the Status Update for the Programme. Also the Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022 and a Change Request for approval.

 

 

Programme Status Report, Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022, Change Request

 

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

This report is prepared to meet the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Te Arawa Lakes Programme and the Programme Management Plan for the Programme. This report provides the following to meet these requirements:

·      A Status Update for the Programme as at September 2022, in Dashboard format.

·      The Purongo ā-tau (Annual Report) for the Programme for the 2021/2022 financial year, for approval.

·      Change Request 71 for approval. This relates to the Lake Rotoiti sewerage reticulation project and seeks to implement the recent decisions of Strategy Group and the Minister in allocating further Deed Funding to this project.

 

 

 

 

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, Programme Status Report, Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022, Change Request.

2        Approves the Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022 and Change Request 71 as attached for submission to the Ministry for the Environment, as per the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Programme.

 

1.       He Whakamārama
Background

This meeting will be the last meeting of the current triennium, with Local Government elections now underway.

The Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022 and the Dashboard Status Update provided with this report provide a comprehensive update on the status of the Programme at the end of this triennium and will be the last until the Strategy Group reconvenes in 2023. Both are provided in the Appendices of this report and staff will be available in person at this hui to answer any questions.

 

2.       Status Update

A Dashboard Status Update is provided in Appendix One of this report.

A key update for Strategy Group since their meeting in June, is that in August this year the Minister approved the transfer of Crown funding within the Deed of Funding for the Programme to Rotorua Lakes Council to enable the completion of reticulation at Lake Rotoiti, and also the reinstatement of Freshwater Improvement Funding to the Tarawera Scheme.

This decision of the Minister is in accordance with the requests of Strategy Group as per earlier meetings this year and has enabled Rotorua Lakes Council to make a recent decision to proceed with the Tarawera Scheme, with implementation of Stage One scheduled to commence in 2022.

This decision of the Minister was assisted by a letter of assurance from all three partners to the Programme on August 19. This letter is included in Appendix Two to this report, for the information of the Strategy Group.

3.       Purongo ā-tau

As per the requirements of the Deed of Funding for the Programme, attached in Appendix Three to this report is the Purongo ā-tau 2021/2022 (Annual Report) for the Programme.

This report is comprehensive and prepared with input from all partners. It includes summary tables and updates on projects within the scope of the Programme and worked on by the partners over the year – including both Deed funded and non-Deed funded work. 

4.       Change Request 71

Through recent discussion at the Chief Financial Officers Forum and the Programme Steering Group, Ministry Officials have advised that the additional Crown funds recently allocated to the completion of sewerage reticulation at Lake Rotoiti (as per requests of Strategy Group), can be drawn down starting in the current financial year (2022-2023).

Ministry officials have confirmed the appropriate process for drawing down funds currently owing to Rotorua Lakes Council for expenditure in the 2021/2022 financial year is to seek a Change Request approval from Strategy Group, i.e. to the 2022/2023 Annual Work Programme previously approved by Strategy Group, as detailed in the attached Change Request.

5.       Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

5.1      Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

No significant risks have been identified to consider in making the decisions recommended by this report.

5.2      Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

Ongoing adaption 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 our lakes. Certainly, the very long, hot dry summers and very wet winters we have been experiencing are providing a challenge to water quality management. 

The Programme’s Water Quality Technical Advisory Group and our Toihuarewa Waimaori, Dr Deniz Özkundakci, have a key role in guiding the Programme in its work to adapt our approach in response to climate change. Dr Özkundakci will be presenting to Strategy Group at this hui.

5.3      Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group is a post-settlement entity authority that helps to maintain and improve the Te Arawa lakes and is also a permanent joint committee of the two councils. Te Arawa Lakes Trust representatives sit around the table (as well as 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.

 

 

5.4      Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

The Purongo ā-tau will be shared publicly on the Programme’s Facebook Page and website. Members are encouraged to follow the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme Facebook page which has regular posts and updates of mahi around the Te Arawa Lakes. Another Programme photo competition is planned this summer to raise awareness about our work and the value of our taonga lakes.

 

5.5      Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

The decisions recommended by this report are within the requirements of the Deed of funding for the Programme and previous decisions made by Strategy Group and the Minister.

6.       Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Changes to Schedule 2 of the Deed are now required to implement recent decisions of the Minister (since May 2021), as a result of the requests of Strategy Group. This includes the reallocation of funding under the Deed to Rotorua Lakes Council and to push out the expenditure of funding allocated to the Regional Council - to enable the Incentives Scheme and constructed wetland work to continue.

These adjustments to Schedule Two of the Deed will be worked on by staff now. In addition, the Purongo ā-ono Marama 2022/2023 (Six Month Report) for the Programme will be ready for the first meeting of the newly formed Strategy Group in 2023.

Tuhinga Tautoko
Attachments

Attachment 1 - 30 September 2022 Strategy Group Dashboard

Attachment 2 - 19  August 2022 - Partnership Letter of Assurance to Minister re Sewerage Reticulation - Final - Signed

Attachment 3 - 2021-2022 FINAL Purongo a-tau

Attachment 4 - 30.09.2022 CR 071 Lake Rotoiti Sewerage Reticulation  

 


Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group                                                                  30 September 2022

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Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group                                                 30 September 2022

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Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group                                                                  30 September 2022

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Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group                                                 30 September 2022

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Pūrongo Ki:
Report To:

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Rā Hui:
Meeting Date:

30 September 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 group on Essential Freshwater Policy Programme implementation progress relevant to the Rotorua Te Arawa 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 draft Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Freshwater Management Unit (FMU) This includes:

·           Encouraging iwi involvement in the freshwater kaupapa now, prior to public engagement in 2023.

·           An update on the online engagement on visions and environmental outcomes.

·           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.

The tight timeframes are driven by the statutory requirement to notify by 2024. This year, the focus is primarily on developing draft policy options, and continuing to involve tangata whenua. An extensive public engagement period will occur in 2023.

 

2.       Essential Freshwater Policy Programme Update

2.1      Draft policy options

Toi Moana staff are now progressing tangata whenua and some targeted stakeholder engagement on working draft policy options for region-wide freshwater related chapters of the RPS and RNRP that have been reviewed. These include:

•    RPS Water Quality and Land Use, and Water Quantity chapters.

•    RNRP Integrated Management, Beds of Water Bodies, Wetlands, Discharges to Water and Land, and Land Management chapters.

The RNRP Kaitiakitanga chapter review is progressing and will be made available for tangata whenua engagement in September 2022. The RNRP Kaitiakitanga chapter review is currently under internal review and has been provided to Ngā Kaitohutohu (kaupapa Māori technical advisory group) on 2 August for comment (a follow up workshop is pending). It has also been provided to two external resource management consultants with comprehensive iwi and Māori resource management experience.

Work is also underway on other policy review and development topics including:

•    Early draft long-term vision and outcomes for draft Freshwater Management Units (FMU), there will be an opportunity to discuss these at the meeting.

•    Water quality targets, limits and options to achieve them in FMUs. The aim is to have some draft science summaries later this year. Tangata whenua involvement in the preparation of attributes/indicators for mahinga kai will be a critical part of this work.

•    Groundwater and surface water quantity limits and management options.

The aim is to have draft policy options ready for public engagement in 2023. There are likely to be some gaps. For clarity, no decisions on policy options will be sought from Toi Moana Councillors until late next year.

This is the last RTALSG meeting for the year (due to local body elections in October 2022). Letters inviting consideration of further draft policy review and development topics will be sent out to tangata whenua, including RTALSG iwi organisation members as they come to hand.  An EFPP briefing can be provided for any new RTALSG members either ahead of or at the first RTALSG hui in 2023.

2.2      Tangata whenua engagement

Freshwater is a taonga and integral to the whakapapa of tangata whenua. The NPSFM clearly sets out increased expectation of active involvement of tāngata whenua in freshwater management, including recognition and provision of mātauranga Māori and identifying attributes or indicators relating to the compulsory mahinga kai value and any other values identified by tangata whenua and council. These are critical with respect to setting limits for Freshwater Management Units (FMUs), informing environmental outcomes, and the recognition of mātauranga Māori monitoring methodologies.

Toi Moana staff continue to invite and support iwi and hapū involvement via the Māori engagement process under Te Hononga to the extent they want to or have the capacity to be involved. Several iwi are now participating in the freshwater policy mahi whether that be through considering draft policy options or via other projects and engagements.

Te Papa Ahurewa have been contracted to work with Te Arawa iwi on specific tasks relating to the implementation of the NPSFM 2020. Some groups have elected to work with council via other approaches including the preparation of iwi management plans with specific references to the management of freshwater. Ngāti Tarāwhai for example have recently received funding to prepare their plan and will articulate their position on Te Mana o Te Wai, their values in relation to freshwater and the approach they would like to take with Council with respect to freshwater. Tūhourangi have organised Wānanga to discuss Te Mana o Te Wai and other freshwater related issues. Ngāti Pikiao are undertaking a review of their systems and structures in relation to identifying iwi priorities as well as how they would like to work with Council on the wider regulatory reforms including the NPSFM 2020. Te Arawa Primary Sector are in the process of signing off a funding arrangement to establishment an Advisory Group to prepare a programme of work relating to the NPSFM and more specifically the preparation and implementation of Farm Management Plans.

2.2.1    Involvement in early working draft policy reports

As outlined under section 2.1, tangata whenua, via iwi organisations and co-governance groups have been invited to consider draft region wide policy options, to hold workshops with Toi Moana on these, and to provide feedback. The letter received by RTALSG has been forwarded to members and can be discussed at the hui.

RTALSG may consider requesting a combined hui for tangata whenua with associations to the draft Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU or may wish to wait until more Rotorua Lakes and/or tangata whenua specific draft policy material is available.

2.3      Community engagement

Throughout the remainder of this year, Toi Moana staff will provide information for the public and aim to develop community interest and readiness to engage on policy options relevant to them in 2023.

Online engagement (through Participate BOP) on long-term visions for freshwater and environmental outcomes for freshwater values closed on 1 August. 19 contributions were provided for the draft Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes FMU which covered values such as recreation, natural character, mahinga kai, fishing, drinking water supply, ecosystem health, economic uses and cultural values. On average some improvement was sought for all values identified.

A number of entries were lake specific with contributors happy with the recreational value of Lake Rotoiti and Lake Tarawera, the current state of Lake Rerewhakaaitu, and the enhancement of native flora and fauna around the lake edge at Lake Ōkāreka.

The entries sought: improvements to water quality and clarity, safe swimming, more native species, reduced sediment, weed control, E.coli 95% below 540 for all lakes and tributaries, nitrate levels below 1.2 in tributaries not geothermally influenced, a commuter passageway, native planting and pest control around the Rotorua lake edge, improved water quality and less algal blooms in Lake Rotorua, biodiversity enhancement around Hamurana, continuous improvement and realistic goals that consider the implications on all uses and users.  

Concerns were raised over: urbanisation close to our water bodies, the use of diquat to control oxygen and hornwort weed and the impact it has on trout fishing, koura, bully and dragonfly numbers, water quality, algal blooms, wastewater treatment plant overflows during heavy rain, illegal waste traps and stormwater connections and rubbish in and around the lakes.

The use of uwhi mats for exotic weed control was supported and it was noted that freshwater farm plans should result in improvements. Other suggested measures included having some ‘no trout lakes’ to allow native species to thrive and Council support for dams and off stream structures.

The majority sought improvements to the lakes and tributaries within 10 years, but there was some support for a 30- and 50-year timeline.

A number of entries also identified geothermal warm water values however Rotorua’s geothermal resource will be dealt with under a separate plan change and their comments have been passed on to the Geothermal team.

 

3.       Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1      Ngā Mōrea me Ngā Whakangāwaritanga
Risks and Mitigations

There are no significant risks associated with this matter/subject/project/initiative.

3.2      Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature and 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 tāngata 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 to be included in the notified plan change. In particular, the NPSFM makes mahinga kai a compulsory value in Te Anga Whāinga ā-Motu (National Objective Framework, NOF) that needs to be provided for in the setting of objectives, water quality and quantity targets and limits on resource use for freshwater bodies. Toi Moana staff acknowledge iwi and hapū organisations have a heavy workload crossing a wide range of matters, as well as freshwater, and yet still we seek to support and encourage tangata whenua to express their values (such as mahinga kai) and their tohu (that indicate whether a value is provided for in freshwater bodies).

3.4      Whakawhitiwhiti ā-Hapori
Community Engagement

 

Adobe Systems

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 has been online via Participate BOP over the last year. 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.       Continue to invite and support involvement of tangata whenua in draft policy options for region-wide chapters, and in the preparation of draft long-term vision for freshwater and environmental outcomes. 

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

3.       Continue to progress key policy workstreams at pace, including surface water quantity, groundwater quantity, water quality and ecosystem health in Freshwater Management Units.

4.       Share summary information and draft policy option material relevant to the draft Tauranga Moana FMU with TMAG and iwi and hapū organisations. Invite tangata whenua to provide feedback prior to public engagement in 2023.

5.       Continue to develop the Communications and Engagement Plan for 2023.  


 

 

 

Pūrongo Ki:
Report To:

Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group

Rā Hui:
Meeting Date:

30 September 2022

Kaituhi Pūrongo:
Report Writer:

Merinda Pansegrouw, Committee Advisor

Kaiwhakamana Pūrongo:
Report Authoriser:

Chris Ingle, General Manager, Integrated Catchments

Kaupapa:
Purpose:

To provide key information regarding the upcoming local government elections.

 

 

2022 Local Government Elections Update

 

Whakarāpopototanga
Executive Summary

The Local Government elections are being held on 8 October 2022 which effectively ends the 2019-2022 Council triennium and its associated committee structure and Councillor representative appointments on various co-governance forums.  

This report provides key information regarding the upcoming local government elections, the process required to establish the new council for the 2022-2025 triennium and how this affects the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group’s meeting schedule.

 

Ngā tūtohutanga
Recommendations

That the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group:

1        Receives the report, 2022 Local Government Elections Update .

 

 

1.       He Whakamārama
Background

Elections of members to all local government councils are held once every three years with the close of polling day for the 2022-2025 triennium being Saturday 8 October 2022.  Elections for local government are conducted by way of postal voting. 

 

2.       Establishing a new council 

Following the elections, the 2019-2022 Council triennium will end, and all the Councils’ committees established under the Local Government Act are disestablished. This does not affect any co-governance forums which are established under separate legislation. However, the term for the Councils’ elected representatives on the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group will end. 

 

After the official election results have been declared sometime between 13-19 October, the new Council will be established over the October – December period. This involves swearing the Councillors into office, electing the Regional Council’s Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, undertaking the Councillors’ induction programme, adopting a new governance committee structure and associated appointments of committee chairpersons and deputies, membership appointments to the various committees and co-governance forums, and establishing the 2023 Council and committee meeting schedule. Due to the amount of procedural requirements it is anticipated that Council’s representative appointments won’t be in place until late November therefore is anticipated that the next meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group will be held in early 2023. 

 

In developing the 2023 Meeting Schedule, staff anticipate keeping Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group meetings to the current quarterly meeting cycle and day of the week. 

3.       Ngā Whakaarohanga
Considerations

3.1      Huringa Āhuarangi
Climate Change

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature only.

Ngā Pānga ki te Māori
Implications for Māori

The matters addressed in this report are of a procedural nature only.

3.2      Ngā Pānga ā-Pūtea
Financial Implications

There are no material unbudgeted financial implications.

4.       Ngā Mahi Whai Ake
Next Steps

Informal notice will be provided of the new Councils’ membership appointments and 2023 meeting dates once they have been confirmed as well as being reported to the next meeting of the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Strategy Group for confirmation.

The 2023 meeting cycle will be modelled on the 2022 meeting cycle. Members will receive notice of the 2023 meeting calendar and meeting invites once the meeting schedule has been confirmed.